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
  • English
  • Arabic

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

How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

While you're here
Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

The biog

Mission to Seafarers is one of the largest port-based welfare operators in the world.

It provided services to around 200 ports across 50 countries.

They also provide port chaplains to help them deliver professional welfare services.

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

 

 

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Emirates exiles

Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.

Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.

Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.

Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday Celta Vigo v Villarreal (midnight kick-off UAE)

Saturday Sevilla v Real Sociedad (4pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (7.15pm), Granada v Barcelona (9.30pm), Osasuna v Real Madrid (midnight)

Sunday Levante v Eibar (4pm), Cadiz v Alaves (7.15pm), Elche v Getafe (9.30pm), Real Valladolid v Valencia (midnight)

Monday Huesca v Real Betis (midnight)

Results

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)

2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly

4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m

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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

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