President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, who is on a working visit to the UAE lasting several days.
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Spell It: People used to own gold toothpicks, and other dental hygiene history facts
Electric toothbrushes, floss, toothpicks and more – we have an arsenal of dental care items to keep our teeth healthy in the modern age. But how did our ancient ancestors manage to keep them in good shape?
Click start to play today’s Spell It, where we learn about the ‘array’ of tools available for oral hygiene in years past.
Let’s face it – for as long has people have had teeth, keeping them healthy has been a challenge. According to History.com, the practice of dentistry dates back to at least 7,000BC. But it’s not the clear-cut, precise science we’re used to. In the 19th century, barbers often doubled as dental surgeons, and would yank teeth as well as cut hair.
For a long time, dental care was a do-it-yourself project. But here are the tools our ancestors used – you may find they look similar to the ones we use today:
1. Toothbrush
In the past, most people believed elusive ‘tooth worms’ were the reason behind tooth decay. So, they would chew sticks or twigs until one end frayed, creating a form of toothbrush. One of the first such chew sticks was the ‘miswak’, which was used by ancient empires – from Babylonians to Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. While in Arabia, it was extracted from the arak, palm and olive trees, it could technically be pulled off any tree that was not poisonous. The toothbrush as we know it, was invented by the Chinese, during the Tang Dynasty. The earliest models had bamboo or bone handles, and bristles made with boar hair.
2. Toothpaste
Surprisingly, the toothpaste pre-dates the toothbrush. Ancient Egyptians first developed a dental cream in between 3,000BC and 5,000BC, according to History.com. The cream contained powdered ashes from oxen hooves, myrrh, egg shells and pumice. Even after the commercialisation of toothpaste, centuries later, people still continued to concoct their own versions. An 1860 book called The Practical Housewife, for instance, advised using a mixture of powdered orris root, powdered charcoal, powdered Peruvian bark, prepared chalk, and oil of bergamot or lavender.
3. Toothpicks
Perhaps the oldest dental implement, the humble toothpick dates back to prehistoric times, according to anthropologists. The earliest toothpicks were made from slivers of wood, and then evolved into bone, ivory and other materials. Even quills from geese and crows were used as toothpicks. In the Victorian era, precious metals like gold and silver became the popular choice for toothpicks – at least for those who could afford them. English author Charles Dickens, for instance, possessed an ivory and gold toothpick engraved with his initials – it sold at an auction in 2009 for $9,150 (Dh33,607).
What do you think of the evolution of dental care? Play today’s Spell It and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
Watch: ‘Rebel Moon: Part I’ trailer packed with intergalactic action
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The new trailer of director Zack Snyder‘s ‘Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire’ has been released and it follows the story of struggle and the fight for the protection of the galaxy.
The film, which is set for a limited one-week theatrical release on Dec. 15 and a wide streaming release on Netflix on Dec. 22, stars Sofia Boutella, Ed Skrein, Cleopatra Coleman and Cary Elwes, reports Variety.
The story centres on a young woman living on the outskirts of a galaxy who must find a group of warriors to save the galaxy from an invasion by a tyrant. Snyder revealed to Total Film that ‘Rebel Moon’ takes place in the same universe as another Netflix film of his, ‘Army of the Dead’. though one is set in outer space and the other in apocalyptic Las Vegas.
“‘Army of the Dead’ has a pretty vast mythology that never made it into the movie,” he told Total Film, quoted by Variety. “There’s actually a character from ‘Rebel Moon’ in the ‘Army of the Dead’ animated series that we never did.”
Snyder originally wrote a 172-page script for ‘Rebel Moon’, which he figured would translate into a three-hour plus movie. Netflix and Snyder agreed to cut the film into two parts as a result.
As per Variety, Snyder has also shared that each part of ‘Rebel Moon’ will have a director’s cut available, intended for adults only. “I think for fans of mine and people who are ready to take a deeper, harder dive, that’ll be fun for them,” Snyder said to Vanity Fair.
Dubai community: A look inside Jumeirah Village Triangle
It’s all about flexibility, And it’s the one thing that drives homeowners to the Jumeirah Village Triangle (JVT). Added to the sprawling plot sizes, spacious garden areas and a family-friendly atmosphere attract homeowners and tenants alike to the villa lifestyle here.
Israel may win the battle in Gaza but likely to lose the war
Since Hamas’s surprise and ominous attack on 7 October, Israel’s military operation has already killed almost 12,000 people in Gaza and more than two-thirds of them are children and women.
Israel has been not only bombing Gaza for more than five weeks, but it has also engaged in a large-scale ground operation and fast-moving to reoccupy the small stretch of land that houses more than 2. 3 million Palestinians.
Any military operation of this nature must have a clear and achievable aim and also an exit strategy. The big question here is this: Is Israel’s war aim in Gaza clearly defined and achievable on the ground? Tel Aviv says it will not stop its military operation till it eliminates Hamas completely. This aim sounds grand but is almost impossible to achieve. Let me clarify why.
A clear aim is fundamental to the planning, execution, and assessment of military operations. It provides a strategic direction, ensures efficient resource allocation, helps manage risks, and facilitates communication and accountability, all of which contribute to the success and legitimacy of military actions. Unfortunately, Israel lacks that clear aim.
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Extremism to gain inroads
Israel’s unrelenting military operations from the sky and on the ground may eliminate a large number of Hamas militants and its operational infrastructure but that is not going to make Hamas disappear.
The short-term setbacks might help the group to gain more strength in the near future. The mass deaths and devastations may most likely lead to more radicalism.
While Israel is using all its power to destroy Hamas in Gaza, its ongoing provocative military operations and the physical violence and humiliation against Palestinians by the illegal settlers, may help extremism to gain inroads to the West Bank.
The Palestinian Authority, in charge of governing the West Bank, has lost almost all of its legitimacy and has become ineffective as a provider of any form of security to the people. The approval rate of Palestinian Authority’s President Mahmoud Abbas is hardly even in double digits.
No clear exit strategy
Israel, by using highly disproportionate violence and creating a terrible humanitarian disaster missed a big opportunity to delegitimise the Palestinian struggle in the eyes of the world. The large pro-Palestine demonstrations around the world show that Gaza has won the public perception battle in a much bigger way vis-a-vis Israel.
As any rational assessment can see Israel’s stated aim of ‘total’ elimination of Hamas in this ongoing war is unlikely. When the aim sounds grandiose but unlikely to be achieved, it is important for Israel to have a well-thought-out exit strategy.
An exit strategy is crucial for ensuring that a military occupation remains somewhat consistent with international law and strategic objectives. It helps manage resources, maintain political and public support, and facilitates the eventual transition to a more stable and peaceful situation.
Without a clear exit strategy, military occupations can become protracted, costly, and politically unsustainable. The longer the military occupation continues without a clear exit strategy, the more likely Israel is to face resistance from both the occupied Palestinian population and the international community.
Israel cannot occupy Gaza and keep it within the control of its security forces for long. Tel Aviv had not been able to do that in the past and it is in no way going to succeed now.
In August 2005, Israel was forced to implement the Gaza Disengagement Plan after several years of occupation. While doing that Israel had to evacuate all Israeli settlers from the Gaza Strip and withdraw the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the area.
The evacuation of Israeli settlers from Gaza settlements was a highly contentious and difficult process. If Israel does not want to learn from its own mistakes of the past, it should see how a superpower like the US failed miserably in its occupation of Afghanistan for 20 years.
Breaking the shackles
Like Israel, the US invaded Afghanistan with an inflated aim to completely destroy the Taliban and without a calculated exit strategy. The US lost the war and was forced to face a humiliating withdrawal while the Taliban did not vanish. The group simply recaptured Afghanistan with more power than ever before.
It is important for Israel to realise that force cannot buy its security in the long run. It can’t win the war having such an unachievable aim and the end result will be much worse than before due lack of a strategically planned exit strategy. Self-determination struggles are best managed through negotiation and accommodation.
Military power can help to keep a territory under control but not the people living in it. Palestinians will always find ways to break the shackles.
Israel needs to realise this dangerous loop. Instead of making it worse, Netanyahu needs to immediately agree on a ceasefire and sincerely start a political process with an aim to achieve a lasting two-state solution.
Ashok Swain
@ashoswai
Ashok Swain is a professor of peace and conflict research at Uppsala University, Sweden
Epricx presents the second edition of International Fashion Idol of UAE
The second edition of Epricx presents International Fashion Idol of UAE, held on September 23 at the exquisite Ramada Suites Ajman, was a resounding success. The event, organized by Simra Abdia, Nitin Nagesh Naik & supporting organizer Piyush Biyani showcased an array of extraordinary talent from kids, teens, and adults in a dazzling beauty pageant. With the introduction of 50 new kids and 40 adult models in Season 2, this year’s event was even more vibrant and diverse.
The show, directed by the talented Ajay Ashok, was a visual feast for fashion enthusiasts, featuring a stellar lineup of designers and photography partners. Biyani Jewels, the official jewellery partner, added a touch of opulence to the event, with their exquisite pieces adorning the models and adding a touch of sparkle to the runway.
Designers includeOld story trading, D daneila, Diyanka fashions, Syeda fashions, lua, Daddy Angel, Baby qlo , jules couture, has showcased the extradinory Collections in the event
Distinguished guests from Sheikh Majid Rashid Al Mullah’s office graced the occasion, adding an aura of prestige to the event. The esteemed jury panel comprising Seema Devnani, Muhammad Yusuf, Hina Sufiyan, Sandeep Kumar, RJ Sarah, Meenakshi Bhandari, Moon Mukerjee, Suwarna Wairagade, Sanju Hingorani, and well-known influencers from the successful Season 1, had the challenging task of evaluating the exceptional contestants. Their presence added an extra layer of glamour and expertise to the event.
In addition to the dazzling fashion show, the event recognized outstanding achievers in various categories with the prestigious UAE Achievers of 2023 awards. Notable recipients included Priyanka Dhamankar and Silpa Rani, honoured for their excellence in wellness coaching and NLP practices. Sushil Chetteri was lauded as the Business Entrepreneur of the Year, while Zerco Consulting was recognized as the Best Interior Design Agency in UAE 2023.
Alia Sahil received the award for Best Digital Creator, showcasing her exceptional talent in the digital realm. The youngest talent achiever, Tamanna Mishra was celebrated for her remarkable achievements. Shumaila was acknowledged as the Best Wellness Coach & Nutritionist, while Simona Darrel Varghese stood out as the Best Physiotherapist in Health & Wellness in UAE.
Shahin Ismail Khatri’s dedication and expertise earned her the title of Best Health & Wellness Trainer. Shumaila Imtiyaz was awarded for her outstanding achievements as an Adventure Architect. Sumeet Khurana’s entrepreneurial prowess was recognized, and Maha Lekshmi Anand was applauded as a Young Achiever. Sustainable products young business entrepreneur by subba Lakshmi, Juliet nelson Awarded for the Motivational personality. Anthony’s exceptional photography skills earned him the title of Best Photography, with valuable support from photography partners Max, Dtrack, Maqsood, Mr. Portrait, and The Frozen Frame.
The event also crowned ambassadors for Fashion Idol in Kids and Teens categories, including Keesha Khurana, Myra Singh, Tvisha, Adil, Manha, and Azhaa, who will represent the essence of style and grace in the upcoming year.
The competition was fierce, and after much deliberation, the winners for Teens Fashion Idol were announced. Tamanna claimed the top spot, followed by Johan in second place, and Keesha Khurana in third.
In the Kids Fashion Idol category, Ishaan Anto emerged as the winner, with Mahalaxmi and Myra Singh securing second and third places respectively. The Kids Junior Fashion Idol category saw Nivaan take the top spot, followed by Prisha Das and Shourit in second and third places.
The pageant winners in the Mrs. category was also celebrated. In the Platinum category, Malini clinched the first position, with Manu Mathew and Arya Nair following closely in second and third places. In the Gold category, Vineeths Sunil, Priya, and Mounika Biyani emerged as the top three winners, with fantastic photography support from Max, Dtrack, Maqsood, Mr. Portrait, and The Frozen Frame.
In the Silver category, Lipika claimed the coveted first place, with Ramya Nagaraj and Amritha securing the second and third positions. The Miss category witnessed fierce competition, ultimately won by the radiant Sherol, who stood out among the outstanding contestants.
The Mr. category was equally competitive, with Cibin emerging as the winner, followed by Shiva in second place, and Zamee in third.
Sanam Cars Dubai: Pioneering luxury car dealer celebrates a decade of excellence
Sanam Cars, the most trusted name in luxury used and new car sales, is proud to announce over a decade of setting the standard in the UAE’s luxury automotive market. With 20 years of industry expertise under the visionary leadership of Founder Mohsin Sanam, Sanam Cars has consistently delivered unparalleled quality and service.
Established as the premier destination for luxury automobiles, Sanam Cars boasts an impressive inventory featuring iconic brands such as Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche amongst others. Whether buying, selling, or trading, Sanam Cars has redefined the luxury car dealership experience, consistently exceeding customer expectations.
Founder Mohsin Sanam expresseshis gratitude, saying, “At Sanam Cars, we’ve built our reputation on trust, integrity, and a passion for luxury automobiles. Our journey of over a decade has been immensely rewarding, and we look forward to many more years of delivering excellence in the luxury car market.”
Sanam Cars Dubai invites enthusiasts, collectors, and discerning buyers to experience the pinnacle of luxury automobiles. Visit Sanam Cars’ showroom today and discover a world where luxury meets legacy.
For more information, visit www.sanamcars.com or contact contact@sanamcars.com
Crescent Petroleum CEO spotlights vital role of natural gas in developing nations' energy shift
Natural gas is central to the energy transition in the developing world, but developing countries require better avenues for financing gas projects to begin the transition, Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, told attendees at the World Energy Capital Assembly in London on Monday.
Delivering the keynote speech at the opening of the assembly, Jafar highlighted the important role gas will play in enabling the transition, while announcing several important sustainability milestones for Crescent Petroleum.
“The question of how to achieve the Energy Trilemma – affordability, availability, and sustainability of energy, has become the central global challenge for humanity around the world and requires close collaboration and alignment between policymakers, investors, and the energy sector,” Jafar told the audience of more than 500 energy executives and financiers at the opening of the assembly. “The urgency of this mission is underlined by the fact that by mid-century global energy demand will surge by 50% as the world’s population grows from 8 billion to an estimated 10 billion.”
The World Energy Capital Assembly is the flagship event of the Energy Council, the world’s leading network of more than 100,000 senior energy executives and professionals from around the globe with the primary mission of connecting energy executives to the finance and investment communities needed to finance the global energy industry.
Natural gas as a central sustainability pathway
In his comments, Majid Jafar highlighted that developing nations must be enabled to progress towards a lower emission pathway to development, but that policy makers must disabuse themselves of the idea that progress can be accomplished by reducing access to energy supply or simply by cutting consumption. Adoption of natural gas with renewables by the developing world is the most effective means of cutting carbon emissions quickly and affordably.
“Sustained and significant investment is critical to maintaining production levels that will enable the developing world to move out of energy poverty and towards a lower emission pathway to development,” he said. Just by switching the world’s coal fired power to natural gas would cut global carbon emissions by 15% for a $2 trillion investment, he added.
Unlike oil which is more dominated by national oil companies, natural gas is highly dependent on private sector producers who serve local markets. These projects are heavily reliant on private sector investment, sourced from Western capital, Jafar said.
He added, “Lasting change requires genuine efforts from the West to respect and address the needs of developing nations by fulfilling climate funding commitments and providing finance as well as technical support and assistance.”
Sustainability milestones
Jafar highlighted that responsible oil and gas producers have worked to reduce their emissions and produce energy more cleanly. He highlighted Crescent Petroleum’s successes and efforts to be a sustainability leader among its peers.
He announced several major sustainability milestones for Crescent Petroleum, which has reduced its carbon intensity to 6.0 kgCO2e/boe, the lowest in the MENA and less than half the industry average, while offsetting the remaining emissions to maintain the company’s carbon neutrality for a third year since 2021. Crescent Petroleum cut total flared and leakages of methane 31 per centcompared to 2021, amounting to just 0.12 per centof total production, while cutting hazardous waste 90 per cent.
“Our commitment to the Zero Methane Emissions Initiative builds on our long-running efforts to reduce emissions, cut methane leaks, and reach carbon neutrality. Sustainability has been a pillar of our business since our founding in 1971. As we pioneered the development of the Middle East’s vast natural gas resources, we have long believed that reducing fugitive emissions is not just good citizenship but good business,” said Jafar.
Separately, Jafar announced that Crescent Petroleum has become a signatory to the “Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions” initiative of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), committing to achieving zero methane emissions from its operations by 2030. The pledge reinforces Crescent Petroleum’s long-running efforts to cut methane emissions from its operations and reduce overall carbon intensity to be one of the first oil and gas companies to reach carbon neutrality.
The OGCI “Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative” seeks to eliminate the oil and gas industry’s methane footprint by 2030. Methane emissions are responsible for 30 per centof greenhouse gas emissions but methane has more than 25 times the impact on climate change than carbon dioxide. Cuts in methane emissions therefor can have an outsize impact on reducing the emissions that cause global warming.
Crescent Petroleum began a fugitive emissions campaign in 2021 at its Khor Mor gas plant using Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) technology to accurately identify and fix leaks across the operation. The program reduced fugitive methane fugitive emissions by 42 per centand is progressing toward zero methane emissions within years.
COP28 in the UAE
Jafar also underscored that the UAE will be an important bridge between the developing and developed world and is an ideal place to host COP28 later this month.
“Climate policies must be revised to reflect the needs and views of the developing nations as well as those of the West. That is why we can all look forward to real and lasting action at COP-28 in Dubai this year. It is the duty of the private sector working to identify the commercial pathways that can deliver the energy trilemma so advancing the mission that matters so much for our planet.”
Burjeel Holdings, London’s St. Christopher’s Hospice join hands to advance palliative care in the UAE
Burjeel Holdings, one of the leading healthcare providers in the MENA region, and St. Christopher’s Hospice, recognised as the first modern hospice and one of the global pioneers in palliative care, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a compassionate community in the UAE, with a hospice at the focal point for the initiative. The partnership between both entities also marks the establishment of a comprehensive hospice in the country at Burjeel Holdings’ flagship Burjeel Medical City.
The signing of the MoU represents a pivotal moment in the UAE’s healthcare landscape as the initiative is set to transform how end-of-life care is delivered, offering extensive support and comfort to patients and their families. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
“This agreement represents an opportunity to make a positive, lasting change in the field of healthcare. I am confident this partnership will not only benefit the two institutions but will also contribute to serving the community. Through such collaborations, we can face challenges, seize opportunities, and create a better tomorrow,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
The MoU was signed on behalf of Burjeel Holdings by Omran Al Khoori, Member, Board of Directors, and President, Business Development, and on behalf of St. Christopher’s Hospice by Dr Heather Richardson, Director of Education, Research, and End-of-Life Policy.
The compassionate community established through this partnership will focus on delivering palliative care services that address the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients with life-limiting illnesses. It will offer pain management, psychological support, counseling services, and a range of complementary therapies to ensure patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs. The aim is to engage with the wider community to raise awareness of the issues faced by patients and their families dealing with a life-limiting illness.
John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, commented on the significance of this partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join hands with St. Christopher’s Hospice, a globally recognised institution in the field of palliative care. This collaboration signifies our commitment to enhancing palliative care services in the UAE and underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality healthcare services to our community.”
St. Christopher’s Hospice, founded in 1967 by Dame Cicely Saunders, is renowned for its work in palliative and end-of-life care. The hospice is internationally recognized for its compassionate and holistic approach to patient care, making it an ideal partner for Burjeel Holdings in this ambitious undertaking.
“We are proud to partner with Burjeel Holdings. The collaboration between our two entities will have a lasting impact on individuals and their families facing life-limiting illnesses in the UAE. It will also shed light on the importance of compassionate end-of-life care and its positive effect on patients’ quality of life and the well-being of their loved ones,” Dr Heather said.
The scope of the partnership also includes joint research and educational endeavors and the establishment of a palliative care research base in the UAE. The MoU also seeks to create specialised training pathways for nurses and doctors across the UAE, ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to provide high-quality palliative care. As part of the collaborative efforts, the entities will explore further the development of palliative care services throughout the UAE.
Additionally, establishing the first hospice in the UAE is a significant milestone. This hospice will serve as a centreof excellence in palliative care, providing a supportive and tranquil environment for patients and their families. The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals with expertise in palliative care.
“It’s evident from our conversations with patients under our care that there exist prevalent misconceptions about end-of-life issues and a significant lack of public awareness regarding the benefits of palliative care. Our understanding underscores a pressing need within the community — there are individuals who require assistance, and others are willing to offer support but might not be sure how to do so. Our compassionate community initiative aims to leverage the social capital inherent in our community. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap by connecting those in need with those who can provide meaningful assistance,” said Dr Neil Arun Nijhawan, Consultant Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Director of Palliative & Supportive Care, Burjeel Cancer Institute.
The event was attended by members of the senior leadership, including Prof. Abdel Rahman Ahmed Omer, Group Medical Director, Burjeel Holdings, Dr. Aysha Al Mahri, Deputy CEO of Burjeel Medical City, and Mr. Naser Al Riyami, COO – Projects, Burjeel Holdings.
Dubai Airshow Day 2: Expectations soar with huge deals
Dubai carriers challenged regional rivals with more than $60 billion of Boeing jet orders on Monday, day one of the Dubai Airshow. It was a bonanza for Boeing as major orders flooded in from across the region, totalling nearly $100 billion.
Dubai Airshow Day 2: What to expect?
Day 2 will kickstart with a customer announcement from French OEM Airbus, possibly a mega order deal from Turkish Airlines. Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad will be talking about its 20- years in the business, India’s budget carrier Air India Express will reveal some new offerings, and there’s a lot more coming from future tech and sustainable transport sectors.Follow us live as we cover the event from the ground.
10:22AM
Egypt Air places order for 10 A350-900s with Airbus
The announcement for the wide-body A350s comes a day after the airline announced its intent to lease 18 of Boeing’s B737-8s from Air Lease Corporation (ALC), deliveries of which will run from 2025 into 2026.
The airline wants to grow its fleet to 125 aircraft, from its existing 91, by 202, said Yehia Zakaria, EgyptAir Holding’s Chairman.
Deliveries for the new aircraft will commence as early as 2025.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM DUBAI AIRSHOW DAY 1
Dubai Airshow 2023 takes off: Highlights from Day 1 at one of world’s biggest airshows Video: Highlights from Day 1 of the Dubai Airshow 2023 Video: Planes on display at the Dubai Airshow 2023 Photos: UAE leaders and officials visit Dubai Airshow 2023