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Riyadh conference slams IS, Israeli terror

September 17, 2014

Riyadh, Sep 17: Delegates at a conference here have slammed the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group for its violent actions in the Middle East, and lambasted Israel for continuing to oppress the Palestinians.

Israeli terrorPrince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah, deputy foreign minister, opened the two-day conference on “Arabian Gulf and Regional Challenges” in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Prince Abdulaziz denounced IS terrorism in Iraq and Israeli extremism in Gaza. Addressing the inaugural session, he asked the international media to refrain from relating IS with Islam or calling it Islamic State.

Referring to the organization by its previous name, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), he said: “ISIS does not represent Islam. There is no place for violence in Islam, a religion of peace spread the world over by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.”

In his welcome address on behalf of Prince Saud Al-Faisal, minister of foreign affairs, Prince Abdulaziz said that “our region is witnessing unprecedented disturbances.”

He accused the Israeli government of committing crimes against humanity in Gaza. He said that events in Syria, Iraq and Yemen have negatively affected the region.

Prince Abdulaziz said the Kingdom has donated $500 million for victims of violence in Iraq and help displaced people get access to electricity, water and sanitation. In addition, the Kingdom has also given a grant of $114 million for development projects in Yemen.

He said that international efforts must continue to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which is essential for a peaceful Middle East.

Addressing the brainstorming session on regional changes, Anwar M. Gargash, minister of state for foreign affairs, United Arab Emirates, echoed the sentiments expressed by Prince Abdulaziz.

“We Gulf Cooperation Council representatives are here today to highlight our resolve and commitment to stability and security in the region, and readiness to support moderation and tolerance.”

Speaking at the first session, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the GCC secretary general, highlighted peace, prosperity and security issues. Referring to displaced people in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, he said a comprehensive plan is required to end their suffering.

Addressing the second session on Gulf security, Jamal Al-Salal, Yemeni minister of foreign affairs, said: “The crisis in Yemen has been complicated by the involvement of Al-Qaeda and Ansarullah, and the country faces severe security challenges.”

Saeb Erekat, chief negotiator for Palestine, lambasted America and other Western countries for supporting Israel’s violence in occupied territory. Erekat also accused the media of anti-Islam bias. He said that when Jewish people kill innocents in Hebron, they do not term it “Jewish terror,” or US soldiers recently killing 29 people as “Christian terror.”

He also criticized US President Barack Obama for refusing to consider Israeli action in Gaza as war crimes.

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Agencies
June 5,2020

Expatriate workers who fail to abide by the coronavirus protocols in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may face deportation, according to media reports.

“Individuals who fail to abide by preventive measures, including wearing medical or cloth face masks, failing to observe social distancing and refusing to have their temperatures taken, will be fined SR1,000. The fine will be doubled if the violation is repeated. Residents will be deported after paying the fines,” Okaz newspaper said.

Authorities called on people to report offenders by dialling the toll free number 999, except for the holy city of Makka, where the toll free number is 911.

As per the newly-revised Saudi protocols, social gatherings such as mourning or celebration events that take place inside homes, rest houses or farms, are allowed, but attendants should not exceed 50 persons.

The private sector is also required to adhere to precautionary measures: providing their staff with disinfectants and sanitisers, taking the temperatures of both staff and customers at the entrances of shopping malls.

Other measures include sterilising shopping trolleys and baskets after each use, sanitising facilities and surfaces, closing children’s play areas and fitting rooms in shopping malls and ready-wear outlets.

Authorities highlighted the need for all individuals and entities to abide by health safety rules, social-distancing protocol and the new guidelines set for social gatherings.

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News Network
March 5,2020

Dubai, Mar 5: A 16-year-old Indian girl here has tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed infection cases in the UAE to 28, according to media reports.

Health officials here confirmed on Wednesday that a new coronavirus case was detected in the girl who attended an Indian school in Dubai, Al-Arabiya website reported.

The girl tested positive for the COVID-19 after she contracted the infection from her father who travelled overseas, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was quoted as saying by the report.

The Indian High School in Dubai will be closed from Thursday as a precautionary measure, the Gulf News reported.

"As a precautionary measure, Indian High School Group of schools is closed from Thursday, March 5. Detailed circular about exams will be mailed. Your well-being is important. Take care," the report said.

The father developed symptoms of the virus five days after returning to Dubai. Both the student and family members have been quarantined in hospital and are stable and recovering well. All other family members have also been quarantined, the Khaleej Times reported.

"Within the framework of comprehensive preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus, the DHA is conducting tests and monitoring the students, staff and workers of the school that may have interacted with the coronavirus patient," the DHA was quoted as saying by the Gulf News.

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Agencies
July 28,2020

Dubai, Jul 28: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) (ADCB.AD) is letting go hundreds of employees, sources said, the latest in a round of lay-offs by regional banks as pressure mounts to cut costs amid lower oil prices and the coronavirus crisis.

The UAE’s third-biggest lender is laying off 400 employees, two sources familiar with the matter said, after it had committed to not cutting staff because of the crisis.

In a statement, a spokesman said ADCB had pursued efficiency over the last decade by managing out its lowest underachievers after regular reviews, while ensuring talent was deployed in high-growth areas, such as digital banking.

“A certain number of redundancies are therefore expected every year in the normal course of business,” the bank spokesman added.

The sources said the cuts would involve ADCB’s consumer business and several in top management were among those being let go. One source said the bank was looking to close 20 branches.

In March, ADCB had declared, “No employee will be made redundant during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

UAE banks have been hit by government measures to rein in the spread of the virus, forcing many businesses to shut temporarily.

Last week, Dubai’s largest bank, Emirates NBD, reported a slump of 58% in profits. In June, sources told Reuters the bank started a new round of hundreds of lay-offs.

In May, ADCB reported a fall of 84% in first-quarter net profit as it took impairments of $292 million on debt exposure to troubled hospital operator NMC Health and payments group Finablr.

It was a major lender, with an exposure of about $981 million, to NMC Health, which went into administration this year after months of turmoil following questions over financial reporting.

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