A Lebanese civil defence worker co-ordinates rescue and recovery mission at the strike site in Janah, Beirut, which killed at least 18 people last October. Matt Kynaston for The National
A Lebanese civil defence worker co-ordinates rescue and recovery mission at the strike site in Janah, Beirut, which killed at least 18 people last October. Matt Kynaston for The National
A Lebanese civil defence worker co-ordinates rescue and recovery mission at the strike site in Janah, Beirut, which killed at least 18 people last October. Matt Kynaston for The National
A Lebanese civil defence worker co-ordinates rescue and recovery mission at the strike site in Janah, Beirut, which killed at least 18 people last October. Matt Kynaston for The National


What Lebanese want from Israel: accountability


The National
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March 28, 2025

Lebanon-Israel: accountability before normalisation

About the report No-one in Lebanon wants normal ties with Israel, PM Nawaf Salam says (March 26): We Lebanese might be struggling and suffering, but not because we need Israel. It is because we need Israel to be accountable for its crimes so our people can find long overdue peace and justice and start building our homes again with dignity.

Rania Samir, Amman, Jordan

Vigilance is advisable no matter where

Regarding the report UAE, Qatar and Oman ranked among world’s safest places as UK and US languish (March 26): This is good to know. But it shouldn't make people reckless and drop their guard. Precautious must be taken anywhere in the world, no matter how safe the place.

Anna M, Ras Al Khaimah

A few more years with beloved dogs

With reference to Nick Webster's article A dog longevity pill is in the pipeline, but at what cost? (March 27): An unusual and interesting piece. For dog owners everywhere this new innovation of a longevity pill for pets is a welcome development. People are usually greatly attached to them, for their love and loyalty, traits cherished by every pet owner.

Despite cost concerns, the longevity pill is likely to have a broad and lucrative market, given the growing interest in enhancing the well-being of domesticated animals. This advancement is certainly a positive step forward in the care of our beloved creatures.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

An Eid wish: hoping the world becomes a better place

Regarding the article Worshippers gather at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as end of Ramadan draws near (March 27): The final days of Ramadan are an auspicious time that bears reflection of the important aspects of life. However bleak our conflict-ridden world looks today, we should hope for an era, where reason, kindness and poetry have abundant space. A world, where political and land boundaries are not obstacles. We should anticipate a world where religion does not divide us but provide a rationale for respecting all human beings. A world, where the strong are just and the frail are cared for. We should be able to optimistically hope for a world where ships do not carry warheads, but food for the needy, a world free of nuclear weapons and unified by art, music and literature from different cultures.

We can have a world of gourmet and Michelin-star restaurants, but we must also build a world without hunger. We can have high-fashion and branded jackets that sell for $10,000. But we should also ensure a simple sweater for everyone in winter.

Above all, we need to build a world, where we use dialogue. not guns, to solve conflicts. These hopes may be idealistic. However, as Eid nears, there is no harm, at least in hoping for a world without wars, egos, tariffs and hunger.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi

“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”

Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
  1. Join parent networks
  2. Look beyond school fees
  3. Keep an open mind
The specs

Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder

Power: 220 and 280 horsepower

Torque: 350 and 360Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT 

On sale: now

The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450

Price, base / as tested Dh525,000 / Dh559,000

Engine: 3.0L V6 biturbo

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Power: 369hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.0L / 100km

Sting & Shaggy

44/876

(Interscope)

'The Lost Daughter'

Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal

Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson

Rating: 4/5

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dooda%20Solutions%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lebanon%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENada%20Ghanem%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AgriTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24300%2C000%20in%20equity-free%20funding%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

The Disaster Artist

Director: James Franco

Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogan

Four stars

The Africa Institute 101

Housed on the same site as the original Africa Hall, which first hosted an Arab-African Symposium in 1976, the newly renovated building will be home to a think tank and postgraduate studies hub (it will offer master’s and PhD programmes). The centre will focus on both the historical and contemporary links between Africa and the Gulf, and will serve as a meeting place for conferences, symposia, lectures, film screenings, plays, musical performances and more. In fact, today it is hosting a symposium – 5-plus-1: Rethinking Abstraction that will look at the six decades of Frank Bowling’s career, as well as those of his contemporaries that invested social, cultural and personal meaning into abstraction. 

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The specs

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm

Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto

Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km

Price: From Dh796,600

On sale: now

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick

Hometown: Cologne, Germany

Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)

Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes

Favourite hobby: Football

Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Results

6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) US$100,000 (Dirt) 2,000m, Winner Bandar, Fernando Jara (jockey), Majed Al Jahouri (trainer).

7.05pm Meydan Classic Listed (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,600m, ​​​​​​​Winner Well Of Wisdom, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

7.40pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, ​​​​​​​Winner Star Safari, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.

8.15pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner Moqarrar, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.

8.50pm Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 2 (TB) $300,000 (T) 2,810m, Winner Secret Advisor, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

9.25pm Curlin Stakes Listed (TB) $175,000 (D) 2,000m, ​​​​​​​Winner Parsimony, William Buick, Doug O’Neill.

10pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, Winner Simsir, Ronan Whelan, Michael Halford.

10.35pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m, ​​​​​​​Winner Velorum, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.

Updated: March 28, 2025, 3:00 AM`