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UNSOM Quarterly Newsletter ISSUE #21 | December 2021

Humanitarian partners release response plan for Somalia’s needs in 2022

• Somalia’s international partners urge restraint and dialogue and renewed focus on elections

• World body’s officials highlight support and challenges, and reaffirm commitment on UN Day

• International partners welcome conclusion of Somalia’s upper house elections

• FEATURE: Hassan Mowlid Yasin raises awareness on the need to protect Somalia’s environment

• UN Special Representative briefs Security Council on situation in Somalia

• UN calls for increased recognition of persons with disabilities

• UN Special Representative highlights importance of robust and accountable institutions

• International partners welcome local elections in Puntland

Source: United Nation

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Education Minister congratulates employees on post-graduate degrees

Manama, Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi received ministry employees who have obtained post-graduate degrees.

They presented copies of their theses and highlighted their conclusions and recommendations.

Al Nuaimi congratulated the employees on their success and hailed their efforts in pursuing post-graduate studies.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Al Ain Cultural sites listed on UNESCO’s list added to national educational curriculum

Abu Dhabi, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Ministry of Education have launched an educational resource entitled Al Ain Cultural Sites Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as part of the national educational curriculum.

The publication falls within the framework of a new education strategy aimed at students and teachers at public and private schools across the United Arab Emirates, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The Educator Resource is a qualitative addition to the national education and social studies curricula for eleventh-grade students that is now being used in all public schools that follow the curriculum of the Ministry of Education.

Al Ain Cultural Sites Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List is published in both Arabic and English and promotes the Cultural Sites of Al Ain, particularly those that have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It enhances students’ awareness of the importance of the Al Ain sites as part of a common global and human heritage, as well as the role these students, and all members of society, must play in preserving them for the future.

The Educator Resource was put together by DCT Abu Dhabi under the supervision of leading experts and specialists in the fields of education, culture, and history. DCT Abu Dhabi’s education initiatives are based on an integrative approach with multidisciplinary interactive media and strategies for individual and group learning, to achieve educational goals in cognitive, practical, and behavioral fields related to cultural education.

“This publication, issued by the DCT Abu Dhabi, constitutes an important educational and historical resource that sheds light on Al Ain Cultural Sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, some of which date back thousands of years. It offers a wealth of information about the cultural history of these sites, particularly those from the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, such as the Jebel Hafit tombs, the Hili settlements, the Bida bint Saud tombs, the falaj irrigation systems, and the historical oases” Minister of Education Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi said.

“The content of this book is in line with the Ministry’s vision and philosophy and meets the criteria for subjects like social studies and national education by providing students with new knowledge, experiences, and skills. It also helps in enhancing their national identity and building their Emirati character by studying the past and drawing knowledge and lessons to help them in building the present and the future” He added.

“Educating future generations about our country’s rich cultural heritage and historic environment is one of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s core mandates and greatest responsibilities.

Education is a vital pillar in preserving our history and heritage, inspiring students and embedding the values of good citizenship as they learn about safekeeping our past, which is the true wealth of the nation” Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said.

“This resource employs a simplified teaching methodology at the highest standards of global education and development. This publication is another milestone in our significant efforts to integrate cultural heritage into the curriculum of government schools through innovative modern educational tools. A curriculum featuring the Educator Resource will ensure that students are not only aware of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain, but will fully realise their importance to our society and learn how they can play an active role in the safeguarding of these sites for future generations” He added.

Al Ain Cultural Sites Inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List supports the Ministry of Education’s plans to develop and update educational curricula in line with current sector developments.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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US home prices surge 18.4% in October

Washington, U.S. home prices surged again in October as the housing market continues to boom in the wake of last year’s coronavirus recession.

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city home price index, out Tuesday, climbed 18.4% in October from a year earlier. The gain marked a slight deceleration from a 19.1% year-over-year increase in September but was about in line with what economists had been expecting, The Associated Press (AP) reported.

All 20 cities posted double-digit annual gains. The hottest markets were Phoenix (up 32.3%), Tampa (28.1%) and Miami (25.7%). Minneapolis and Chicago posted the smallest increases, 11.5% each.

The housing market has been strong thanks to rock-bottom mortgage rates, a limited supply of homes on the market, and pent-up demand from consumers locked in last year by the pandemic. Many Americans, tired of being cooped up at home during the pandemic, are looking to trade up from apartments to homes or to bigger houses.

“Home price growth will slow further in the year ahead, but continue to go up,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “As housing costs eat up a larger share of home purchaser’s paychecks, buyers will get creative. Many will take advantage of ongoing workplace flexibility to move to the suburbs where despite home price gains, many can still find a lower price per square foot than nearby cities.”

It remains unclear if that shift is permanent or an aberration, said Craig Lazzara, managing director at S&P Dow Jones Indices.

“We have previously suggested that the strength in the U.S. housing market is being driven in part by a change in locational preferences as households react to the COVID pandemic,” Lazzara said. “More data will be required to understand whether this demand surge represents an acceleration of purchases that would have occurred over the next several years, or reflects a more permanent secular change.”

Last week, mortgage rates fell — to 3.05% for the benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate and 2.66% for the 15-year fixed-rate home loan. The persistently low rates signal that credit markets appear more concerned about the omicron variant depressing economic growth than about the highest inflation rates in nearly 40 years.

The National Association of Realtors reported last week that sales of previously occupied homes rose for the third straight month in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.46 million.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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JETEX TRIUMPHS AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jetex has received three prestigious recognitions at the World Travel Awards Grand Final:

• World’s Leading Private Jet Experience;

• World’s Leading FBO Brand; and

• World’s Leading Private Jet Terminal for Jetex Paris.

Jetex, an award-winning global leader in executive aviation, triumphed at the 28th annual World Travel Awards. Established in 1993, World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, they are recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The voting process is online and engages qualified executives working within travel and tourism and the consumer travel buyer.

Jetex private terminals were voted the world’s number one, which isn’t the first time they won the top accolade since the first Jetex FBO opened in 2009. Paris Le Bourget is the busiest private jet airport in Europe and Jetex Paris has set a gold standard for the highest levels of comfort and efficiency both for passengers and crews. In August, it enjoyed global media limelight when hundreds of football fans cheered the arrival of Lionel Messi at Jetex Paris to join Paris Saint-Germain. Today, it has been voted the World’s Leading Private Jet Terminal.

In 2021, Jetex has further improved the entire travel journey to let travelers enjoy a safer and more seamless experience across all 34 international locations. It all contributed to Jetex being recognized for having implemented the World’s Leading Private Jet Experience, from departure to arrival. From the superior comfort of luxurious lounges and exceptional hospitality to the highest levels of aircraft handing expertise and on-time performance, Jetex FBOs around the globe continue leading the industry.

“At Jetex, we strive to enhance our products and guest experience to ensure we are delivering the industry’s highest standards and leading the way when it comes to innovation. We are honored that these awards have been voted for by travel and tourism professionals and consumers worldwide, and on behalf of the entire Jetex family, we extend our sincerest thanks to our partners and passengers worldwide,” said Adel Mardini, Founder and CEO of Jetex.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, commented: “Jetex represents the very best of the private aviation universe and I congratulate them on these achievements. It plays a leading role in spearheading the executive aviation sector, facilitating seamless cross-border travel during the most trying times.”

Best known for the dramatic transformation of the FBO model, Jetex works closely with leading designers to create bright and airy terminals with luxury amenities ranging from entertainment lounges to lush outdoor gardens and state-of-the-art flight support centers. The company witnessed a substantial increase in private jet movements this year across its entire network and continued to benefit from the momentum to reinforce its brand recognition and awareness, which has now been cemented as the World’s Leading FBO Brand.

About Jetex:

An award-winning global leader in executive aviation, Jetex is recognized for delivering flexible, best-in-class trip support solutions to customers worldwide. Jetex provides exceptional private terminals (FBOs), aircraft fueling, ground handling and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial and personal air travel. To find out more about Jetex, visit www.jetex.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Attachments

Oleg Kafarov - Director of Portfolio Development & Corporate Communications
Jetex
+971 4 212 4900
teamorange@jetex.com
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JETEX CHRISTMAS IN THE SKY

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the wealthiest of the wealthy, only the most extravagant and expensive gifts are acceptable during the holiday giving season. This inspired Jetex to design the ultimate ‘Christmas in the Sky’ private jet experience, priced USD 27,000 for up to 10 passengers.

Jetex, an award-winning global leader in executive aviation, invites the lucky few to celebrate style, taste and disposable income with one brilliant idea: a glamorous Christmas onboard a private jet soaring high in the festive skies.

The magical journey will commence with the passengers picked-up by a chauffeur limousine from their residence or hotel and driven in style to Dubai’s iconic Jetex VIP Terminal. Upon arrival, they will be welcomed by not one, but 28 spectacular Christmas trees lined up in front of the terminal dressed in more than 15,000 lights as well as Jetex ambassadors who will take care of seamless departure formalities.

This season, the flagship Jetex terminal is a festive wonderland in its own right: from exquisite decorations and live musicians to carefully selected Dom Pérignon vintages paired with caviar and gourmet refreshments to delight the senses. Kids will be welcomed by Santa Klaus who will look after them and let them discover the magnificently decorated Christmas trees and Insta-worthy entertainment facilities of the world’s most luxurious private jet terminal. As soon as the passengers are in the mood to board, they will be driven to their private aircraft in timeless elegance in one of the Jetex Rolls-Royces.

The special flight will take two hours and the crew will select the most optimal altitude and cruising speed to ensure passengers enjoy sensational window views, including Dubai’s world-famous skyline, iconic landmarks, Arabian Gulf and the rolling dunes of the desert.

To take experience personalization further, a Jetex in-flight culinary expert will contact passengers in advance to discuss their dining preferences and design a bespoke menu which will complement many delectable festive treats offered onboard.

Once back on the ground, passengers will be invited to enjoy the rest of the evening in one of the lounges with elegant service and amenities at their leisure, as well as receive signature Jetex Christmas presents.

Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex, commented: “Once again, Jetex redefines private jet travel experience as we celebrate the season of togetherness. ‘Christmas in the Sky’ is the epitome of luxury and festive celebrations above the clouds. Dubai is a city of superlatives and this extraordinary package is taking it to new heights. It is a perfect gift, an excellent way to discover the world of private aviation, and to create a treasured memory to cherish for years to come.”

By inviting passengers to share a delightful holiday-themed pursuit among friends and family, Jetex provides a safe, relaxed, and joyful haven of kinship and good cheer.

“Christmas in the Sky” private jet package is priced from USD 27,000 (AED 100,000) for up to 10 passengers and will be available between 24 December 2021 and 7 January 2022.

For reservations, please contact Jetex Premier Experience at experience@jetex.com.

– END –

About Jetex:

An award-winning global leader in executive aviation, Jetex is recognized for delivering flexible, best-in-class trip support solutions to customers worldwide. Jetex provides exceptional private terminals (FBOs), aircraft fueling, ground handling and global trip planning. The company caters to both owners and operators of business jets for corporate, commercial and personal air travel. To find out more about Jetex, visit www.jetex.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Attachment

Oleg Kafarov - Director of Portfolio Development & Corporate Communications
Jetex
+971 4 212 4900
teamorange@jetex.com
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Liverpool miss chance to close gap at top; Spurs held by Saints

Leicester, Wasteful Liverpool missed the chance to close the gap to leaders Manchester City after slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Leicester City in the Premier League.

Liverpool had a host of chances, including a Mohamed Salah penalty, but failed to score in the Premier League for the first time in 29 games as Ademola Lookman’s second-half goal was enough for Leicester to snatch victory, Reuters reports.

Tottenham Hotspur also endured a frustrating afternoon after they were held to a 1-1 draw at 10-man Southampton while West Ham United moved above them into fifth place after an impressive 4-1 victory at Watford.

Elsewhere, bottom club Norwich City’s troubles continued with a 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace.

Liverpool came into Tuesday’s contest trailing leaders City by six points after the champions beat Leicester 6-3 on Boxing Day.

With an additional few days break after their own Boxing Day clash against Leeds United was called off due to rising COVID-19 cases at the Yorkshire club, Liverpool looked much fresher than an injury-hit Leicester from the off at the King Power Stadium.

After dominating the early stages, Salah won a penalty but, for the first time in 16 Premier League attempts, failed to find the net, as Kasper Schmeichel made a fine save.

The chances kept coming, but the title-chasers’ wastefulness proved costly as Lookman hammered home what proved to be the winner in the 59th minute, moving Leicester up to ninth in the standings.

“Definitely, it was well deserved (for Leicester),” Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp told Amazon Prime. “It was a very strange game. We were just not good enough.

“We still had enough chances. What we did with the balls was just not right. We played a really bad game, so it was well deserved.”

CONTE’S LATEST RECORD

Antonio Conte became the first manager to go unbeaten in his first seven league games in charge of Spurs but he was left disappointed with a solitary point.

James Ward-Prowse gave the Saints a deserved lead midway through the first half, but the home side found themselves down a man after Mohammed Salisu tripped Heung-min Son to concede a penalty and pick up a second yellow before the break.

Harry Kane converted the spot kick, and the England captain had a superbly taken second ruled out for a narrow offside in the second half.

“We have to be disappointed because you have to exploit the situation against 10 men,” said Conte.

“To play after 44 hours is not easy because you need to recover from the last game. Maybe the fatigue caused bad decisions especially when we arrived in their box,” he added.

West Ham hadn’t won in three league games and Watford went into the clash after seeing their last two games postponed due to COVID-19 cases.

The Hornets got off to the perfect start when Emmanuel Dennis fired them into a fourth minute lead with a fine left-foot effort from the edge of the box.

But West Ham responded superbly and drew level in the 27th minute with a first-time drive from Tomas Soucek who connected with a fine pass from Jarrod Bowen.

Two minutes later, Said Benrahma put the visitors ahead, drilling home after Michail Antonio had cut in from the left and slipped the ball into the Algerian’s path.

The impressive Bowen had an effort ruled out by VAR but the Hammers did double their advantage through a Mark Noble penalty and substitute Nikola Vlasic completed the rout, slotting home after more good work from Bowen.

Frenchman Odsonne Edouard scored one and created two for Palace as they easily dealt with Dean Smith’s Norwich at Selhurst Park.

The former Celtic forward opened the scoring with a sixth minute penalty and then set up Jean-Philippe Mateta for the second.

It was 3-0 shortly before the break when Edouard danced into the box through a crowd before the ball fell to Jeffrey Schlupp, who smashed home.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

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Unemployment Rate In Hamas-Ruled Gaza Exceeds 50 Percent: Palestinian Official

GAZA, A Palestinian official announced yesterday that, the unemployment rate in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip has exceeded 50 percent in 2021, with more than 250,000 Palestinians unemployed.

Maher al-Taba’a, director of the Chamber of Commerce in Gaza, said in a statement that, an earlier World Bank report showed that the Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, has the world’s highest unemployment rate.

The unemployment rate has soared to even 78 percent among graduates aged between 20 and 29, who have a certificate with an intermediate diploma or a bachelor’s degree, al-Taba’a added.

Meanwhile, the poverty rate in the Gaza Strip has grown to 64 percent, amid the Israeli blockade and an internal division between Hamas and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah Party, he noted.

The rate of food instability among the Gaza Strip households has reached 69 percent, according to the Palestinian official.

The Gaza Strip, home to more than two million Palestinians, has been under an Israeli blockade since Hamas seized control of the coastal enclave in 2007.

Source: Nam News Network

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Gambia’s Supreme Court Dismisses Election Result Challenge

BANJUL — Gambia’s Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge to President Adama Barrow’s recent election victory on Tuesday, ruling that the petition had not followed proper procedure, court documents showed.

Barrow won the Dec. 4 poll with 53% of the vote. Runner-up Ousainou Darboe, who got about 28%, and two other candidates refused to accept the results, citing alleged problems at polling stations without providing evidence.

Darboe’s United Democratic Party (UDP) petitioned the Supreme Court to nullify the results the following week despite election observers having said the poll was conducted fairly.

The court dismissed the petition on the grounds that Darboe’s party had failed to serve Barrow within five days of filing it, which violated the Gambia’s fair trial procedures, judicial sources said.

“The UDP failed to comply with the requirement of Rule 11 of the Election Petition Rule, which required that you file a motion of petition and security,” Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow wrote in the judgment.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Darboe said that he did not consider the court’s decision a personal loss, since the petition was dismissed on a procedural technicality rather than on the merit of its claims.

“We have not lost anything because the petition was not dismissed based on merit but a mere technicality,” Darboe said. “We should be Proud of ourselves for what we have done and will continue to do for Country.”

Supreme Court decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Darboe did not indicate whether he or his party would continue to challenge the election results.

Source: Voice of America