Latest from Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
13 minutes ago
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
From drought to floods, water extremes drive displacement in Afghanistan
Next to small bundles of belongings, Maruf waited for a car to take him and his family away from their village in northern Afghanistan, where drought-ridden land had yielded nothing for years. "When you have children and are responsible for their needs, then tell me, what are you still doing in this ruin?" said the 50-year-old. Many of the mud homes around him are already empty, he said, his neighbours having abandoned the village, fleeing "thirst, hunger and a life with no future". Successive wars displaced Afghans over 40 years, but peace has not brought reprieve, as climate change-fuelled shocks drive people from their homes and strain livelihoods. Since the war ended between the now-ruling Taliban and US-led forces in 2021, floods, droughts and other climate change-driven environmental hazards have become the main cause of displacement in the country, according to the UN's International Organisation for Migration (IOM). In early 2025, nearly five million people across the country were impacted and nearly 400,000 people were displaced, the IOM said in July, citing its Climate Vulnerability Assessment. The majority of Afghans live in mud homes and depend heavily on agriculture and livestock, making them particularly exposed to environmental changes. The water cycle has been sharply impacted, with Afghanistan again in the grip of drought for the fourth time in five years and flash floods devastating land, homes and livelihoods. "Crop failure, dry pastures and vanishing water sources are pushing rural communities to the edge," the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said in July. "It's getting harder for families to grow food, earn income or stay where they are." Experts and Taliban officials have repeatedly warned of escalating climate risks as temperatures rise, extreme weather events intensify and precipitation patterns shift. The country's limited infrastructure, endemic poverty and international isolation leave Afghans with few resources to adapt and recover — while already facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises worsened by severe aid cuts. Too little Abdul Jalil Rasooli's village in the drought-hit north has watched their way of life wither with their crops. Drought already drove many from his village to Pakistan and Iran a decade ago. Now they've returned, forced back over the border along with more than four million others from the two neighbouring countries since late 2023 -- but to work odd jobs, not the land. "Everything comes down to water," said the 64-year-old, retreating from the day's heat in the only home in the village still shaded by leafy trees. "Water scarcity ruins everything, it destroys farming, the trees are drying up, and there's no planting anymore," he told AFP. Rasooli holds out hope that the nearby Qosh Tepa canal will bring irrigation from the Amu Darya river. Diggers are carving out the last section of the waterway, but its completion is more than a year away, officials told AFP. It's one of the water infrastructure projects the Taliban authorities have undertaken since ousting the foreign-backed government four years ago. But the theocratic government, largely isolated on the global stage over its restrictions on women, has limited resources to address a crisis long exacerbated by poor environmental, infrastructure and resource management during 40 years of conflict. "The measures we have taken so far are not enough," Energy and Water Minister Abdul Latif Mansoor told journalists in July, rattling off a list of dam and canal projects in the pipeline. "There are a lot of droughts... this is Allah's will, first we must turn to Allah." Hamayoun Amiri left for Iran when he was a young man and drought struck his father's small plot of land in western Herat province. Forced to return in a June deportation campaign, he found himself back where he started 14 years ago — with nothing to farm and his father's well water "getting lower and lower every day". The Harirud River was a dry bed in July as it neared the border with downstream Iran, following a road lined with empty mud buildings pummelled back to dust by the province's summer gales. Too much Taliban authorities often hold prayers for rain, but while the lack of water has parched the land in some parts of the country, changes in precipitation patterns mean rains can be more of a threat than a blessing. This year, rains have come earlier and heavier amid above-average temperatures, increasing flood risks, the UN said. A warmer atmosphere holds more water, so rain often comes in massive, destructive quantities. "The weather has changed," said Mohammad Qasim, a community leader of several villages in central Maidan Wardak battered by flash floods in June. "I'm around 54 years old, and we have never experienced problems like this before," he told AFP in the riverbed full of boulders and cracked mud. Eighteen-year-old Wahidullah's family was displaced after their home was damaged beyond repair and all their livestock were drowned. The family of 11 slept in or near a rudimentary tent on high ground, with no plans or means to rebuild. "We're worried that if another flood comes, then there will be nothing left and nowhere to go."
Khaleej Times
43 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Coldplay's Chris Martin to retain kiss cam at concerts despite Astronomer scandal
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin seems to have no plans to give up the famous "kiss cam" at the band's shows, even after it led to a viral scandal involving former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company's ex-human resources head, Kristin Cabot. According to Page Six, Martin, during Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour stop in Hull, England, addressed the crowd about the incident that unfolded last month in Massachusetts. "We've been doing [the Jumbotron] for a long time, and it is only recently that it became a... yeah," Martin told the crowd, hinting at the viral incident. "Life throws you lemons, and you've got to make lemonade. So, we are going to keep doing it because we are going to meet some of you," he added. The singer also interacted with fans, reading out signs from the crowd. Spotting one fan who had attended multiple shows, Martin thanked him for attending the show "three times in three months." "You were at that Boston gig," the Fix You singer said. "Well, OK, thank you for coming again after that debacle," he added, referring to the moment when Byron and Cabot were spotted canoodling on the "kiss cam" during the band's tour stop at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts last month. The drama began on July 16 when Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot appeared on the "kiss cam" during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium. Byron was seen putting his arms around Kristin, and both appeared to quickly hide their faces after realising they were being shown on the big screen. The woman was seen briskly covering her face, while Byron ducked out of sight. Their awkward reaction, as they tried to dodge the camera after Martin joked from the stage, "Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy." The clip exploded on social media, forcing Astronomer to place Byron and Cabot on leave. Within a day, Byron resigned as CEO.
Khaleej Times
43 minutes ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: GEMS Education hires 1,700 school teachers ahead of new academic year
GEMS, one of the largest school groups in the UAE, welcomed more than 1,700 new teachers from a diverse range of countries in the new academic year. Schools across the country are set to reopen on Monday, August 25. With more than 600,000 applications received annually for approximately 2,000 vacancies, the UAE-based school group remains one of the world's most sought-after education employers. At its annual GEMS Awareness Day, held at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, Chairman and Founder of the group, Sunny Varkey said, "We are not just growing. We are not just improving. We are not just leading. We are re-imagining education for a new generation." He reiterated that while technology and artificial intelligence will transform how children learn, the human connection between teacher and student remains irreplaceable. 'No machine is programmed to give our children the values and mindset to succeed and be a good person. No line of code can replace warmth and encouragement. And no artificial intelligence, no matter how advanced, will believe in you the way a teacher can. This is the power of human connection.' Teachers are the backbone At the annual induction programme, Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer, said, 'Teachers have always been and will always be the backbone of GEMS Education. Every year, we go to extraordinary lengths to recruit only the very best educators — those who share our vision for excellence, creativity, and student success. GEMS Awareness Day is a celebration of this culture, attracting top educators, fostering belonging, and reinforcing excellence across our network.' Meanwhile, Sunny Varkey reaffirmed his conviction that family must always come first in education, highlighting GEMS' BEYOND100, Determined Genius, Family First Café, and Parent 360 programmes as examples of initiatives that help nurture character, wellbeing, and lifelong habits for success. 'Our work is more than a job, more than a mission, more than a calling. It is a simple promise we must keep — to always put children first. No ifs and no buts,' Varkey added. Notably, in 2025, 250 students have been accepted into a Global Top 50 institution and 353 into Russell Group universities. Seven GEMS students have also been accepted into Ivy Leagues universities this year. Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer, concluded by emphasising the role of teachers in turning vision into reality: "I am delighted to welcome this year's new intake of talented teachers to our GEMS family. The calibre, experience, and passion of our teachers make the real difference in our classrooms every day. With innovation at the heart of our work, I am confident we will continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for every child, in every GEMS school.'
Khaleej Times
43 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Is actor Angelina Jolie done with Hollywood for good?
Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie is reportedly planning to sell her house in the US and relocate abroad with her children. According to People magazine, the actor is preparing to put her Los Angeles home on the market ahead of the move. "Jolie never wanted to live in LA full-time. She didn't have a choice because of the custody arrangement with her ex-husband Brad Pitt," the source was quoted as saying by the outlet. The report added that Jolie may relocate as soon as her youngest children, twins Knox and Vivienne, turn 18 next year. "She's eyeing several locations abroad. She'll be very happy when she's able to leave Los Angeles," the source added. In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie briefly touched upon her personal life, involving her children and divorce from Pitt. Even though she grew up in Los Angeles, the actress remains in the city because of the legalities surrounding her divorce. "When you have a big family, you want them to have privacy, peace, safety. I have a house now to raise my children, but sometimes this place can be... that humanity that I found across the world is not what I grew up with here," she said. Jolie and Brad Pitt finalised their divorce in December last year, citing "irreconcilable differences". "More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family," her lawyers told People at the time. The former couple share six children, including Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne. Jolie will reunite with her Mr and Mrs Smith director Doug Liman for the upcoming spy thriller, The Initiative, reported Variety.
Khaleej Times
43 minutes ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Public holidays in UAE: Can dates be changed to give residents longer weekends?
A new Cabinet resolution that came into effect on January 1, 2025, allows certain public holidays in the UAE to be shifted to the beginning or end of the week if they fall on a weekday. The rule, however, does not apply to Eid holidays; additionally, it can only be activated if the Cabinet issues a decision to this effect. Here is what the law says and what it means for residents and employers. Which UAE holidays can be transferred if they fall on a weekday? According to Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024, the following holidays may be transferred to the start or end of the week if they fall on a weekday: Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Gregorian New Year (January 1) Hijri New Year (1 Muharram) Prophet's Birthday (12 Rabi' Al Awwal) Arafat Day (9 Dhu al-Hijjah) UAE National Day (December 2–3) How does the transferable holiday rule work? The law does not move holidays automatically. Instead, the Cabinet must issue a specific decision for each year, confirming which holidays (if any) will be shifted to create longer weekends. Example: Prophet's Birthday in 2025 The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday is marked on the 12th of Rabi' Al Awwal. If the Islamic month begins on August 24, the holiday would fall on Thursday, September 4. If the month begins on August 25, it would fall on Friday, September 5. Residents will receive one day off as declared by the Cabinet. If the holiday falls on Friday, September 5, many employees would enjoy a three-day weekend, including Saturday and Sunday. If it falls on Thursday, September 4, the Cabinet could decide to move it to the weekend, but this is not automatic; it depends on a Cabinet decision. Example: National Day in 2025 The UAE National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, celebrates the unification of the Emirates. In 2025, the 54th National Day will be marked on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. By default, this creates a two-day break in the middle of the week. However, under the Cabinet resolution, these holidays could be shifted to create a longer weekend, but again, this requires an official decision. Which holidays are not transferable in the UAE? Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha cannot be shifted, even if they overlap with weekends. This is because the dates of both holidays are tied directly to Islamic rituals and observances that cannot be altered. Can holidays be transferred if they overlap with another public holiday? No. The resolution states that a holiday cannot be transferred if it coincides with another public holiday or falls directly on the weekend. When did this law take effect? The resolution came into force on January 1, 2025. It replaces Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2019. How can residents plan long weekends with this rule? Residents can expect the possibility of extended weekends when holidays like New Year's, National Day, or the Prophet's Birthday fall close to a Friday or Sunday. The actual confirmation will depend on the Cabinet's annual announcement. Should employers automatically apply transferable holidays? No. Employers must wait for the official annual holiday schedule, which clarifies whether a holiday will be shifted. What do employees need to check with HR regarding this law? Employees should confirm with HR or management whether a specific holiday has been officially transferred before booking travel or leave. What is Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024? It is the federal resolution that sets out the official list of public holidays in the UAE for both public and private sectors, effective from January 1, 2025. It also outlines the conditions under which certain holidays may be transferred.
