Latest news with #HindHassan
Al Jazeera
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Jazeera
The trillion-dollar war machine
Hind Hassan explores the US weapons industry and its effects on democracy, domestically and beyond. When it comes to selling weapons, the United States is in a league of its own: more than 40 percent of all arms sold worldwide come from US companies. Five corporations, known as the 'big five', dominate that trade – and since the start of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, their revenues have soared. But selling weapons overseas is only part of their business. At home, they enjoy an almost guaranteed windfall every year, from a US military budget worth roughly a trillion dollars. Hind Hassan travels to Washington to learn how these firms use their riches to buy influence – confronting the senators who receive hefty campaign donations from the industry, and hearing the tricks of the lobbying game from a former insider.
Khaleej Times
07-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How to turn your Eid Al Adha public holiday into mini vacation
Less than a week ago, residents wrapped up the Eid Al Fitr holidays with celebrations, feasts, reunions, and quick getaways. Now that everyone is back at work, you can guess what the trending topic is: When is the next public holiday in the UAE? UAE residents will not need to wait too long to get their long weekend, thanks to the Eid Al Adha break in June. Even better, many are already charting out how to make the most of the upcoming downtime. Here's how you can get more out of your June public holidays just like these UAE residents. "I had planned to travel to a country in June that's a 14-hour flight from the UAE. Given the long journey, a short break wouldn't be practical," said Hind Hassan, 22. "Since Eid Al Adha falls in June, I thought it would be a good opportunity to combine the Eid holidays with my annual leave to extend my time off for the trip and get more out of it." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. With some smart planning, Safoora Jalali is also extending her Eid holidays by combining them with her annual leave. The Abu Dhabi resident said, 'We celebrated Eid Al Fitr here in the UAE, but we plan to travel to Kashmir for the next Eid. We will fly out on June 4, celebrate Eid, and then stay on for my sister's wedding. Although my son will miss a couple of school days, it won't be too disruptive due to the public holidays in between.' The 36-year-old expat said that she would take an additional five days of leave and return to the the UAE on June 15. Haya Bassam is travelling to Saudi Arabia with her husband for Haj. The 43-year-old will fly to Jordan on May 24, then head to Saudi Arabia for Haj on May 29. She plans to return to Jordan on June 13 and return to the UAE on June 17. "Our two children will stay in the UAE, as we don't want them to miss school — although there will be an Eid break in between,' Haya said. 'We are extending the break by combining it with some annual leave." Plan out your dates Considered the holiest day in Islam, Arafah Day — which falls on Dhul Hijjah 9 — will be a holiday in UAE. This will be followed by a three-day break for the Islamic festival Eid Al Adha (Dhul Hijjah 10-12). The two holidays combined will translate into a 4-day break. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle. According to astronomical calculations, Arafah Day is expected to fall on Thursday, June 5. The Eid Al Adha break will then run from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8. However, official dates are subject to sighting of the Moon. If you are feeling adventurous and can take an additional 3 days off, apply for annual leave from Monday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 4 — and you can enjoy a 9-day break before returning to work on Monday, June 9. If a 9-day break isn't enough, you can turn it into a 16-day mini vacation by taking additional leave from June 2 to 4 and June 9 to 13. When combined with weekends and festive holidays, it adds up to a 16-day getaway.
Middle East Eye
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Under Fire: Israel's War On Medics
Amid Israel's ongoing wars in the Middle East, emergency workers and paramedics have faced unprecedented dangers. Last year in Lebanon, war left more than 4,000 Lebanese dead, as well as at least 125 Israelis. Among those killed were an estimated 200 Lebanese emergency workers. In Under Fire: Israel's War on Medics, Middle East Eye reports on the work of paramedics on the frontline, capturing their harrowing experience as they risk their lives to save others Hind Hassan reports from across Lebanon's frontline, amid allegations that Israel has committed a war crime by targeting rescue and health services. UN data suggests that almost half of the attacks on paramedic staff in Lebanon resulted in a fatality. Were these teams, who are meant to be protected under international law, deliberately attacked by Israel? Did Israeli forces use similar tactics in Lebanon to those seen in Gaza, which have also drawn accusations of war crimes? With powerful footage, expert insight, firsthand testimony and investigative reporting, the film-makers reveal the devastating toll of the attacks on emergency services. Lebanese emergency worker Hussein Jaber recalls how his colleague was killed as they attended an earlier attack. 'He was bleeding a lot. We took him to the hospital. We were on our way, and we were attacked by a bomb. The ambulance, it's a strange picture, there was lots of shrapnel and rocks.' Lebanon health minister Firass Abiad: 'When Israel boasts about its intelligence, that it really knows what's happening, not only in streets, but even in apartments, it's very difficult not to see in this a targeted attack.' Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here .
