The trend of young South Koreans keeping “pet rocks” has resurged as a way to cope with rising loneliness and burnout, but experts say genuine human interaction is needed for mental well-being over such substitutes
isolation
Latest in isolation
Athlete
Video: How is Moroccan surfer Ramzi Boukhiam training during quarantine?
Set to represent in Morocco in the first ever surfing competition in the Olympic Games, Ramzi Boukhiam is now dealing with the Tokyo 2020 Games’ postponement to 2021.
coronavirus
In pictures: Dubai’s paramedics use EpiShuttle single-patient isolation pods
To ensure maximum protection for its paramedic staff, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services uses EpiShuttles single-patient isolation unit to transport patients suffering from Covid-19 in Dubai are being transferred to hospital in specialised pressured tubes in order to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus.
#BeAloneTogether
In picture: Landmarks across the UAE #LightItBlue to honour frontliners
Healthcare professional and frontliners across the UAE, are working very hard to keep the community safe. Landmarks across the UAE on 16th April, as part of the global #LightItBlue initiative, to shine a light on those who are working tirelessly every day.
#stayhome
Video: How coronavirus quarantines lead to a drop in air pollution
As coronavirus quickly spreads around the world, the virus is forcing people to stay put. People aren’t driving or flying, leading to a massive reduction in air pollution, most notably in China, but also in Italy, the US and other hard-hit areas that have implemented directives to stay home.
Al Jazeera
Quartet blasts ‘misleading’ UN Qatar report
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt believe that Qatar is attempting to mislead the international community about the causes of the ongoing crisis and boycott
Funds terrorism
Anti-terror quartet adds Qatar-backed militant suspects to blacklist
The four countries in the anti-terrorist alliance allege that Qatari officials have funded and facilitated acts of terrorism
GCC membership
Bahrain minister calls for Qatar’s GCC membership to be frozen
Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa says Bahrain will not attend upcoming GCC summit if Qatar takes part
Funds terrorism
Former Trump strategist backs isolation of Qatar, comparing threat to North Korea
Steve Bannon described Qatar situation as “the single most important thing that’s happening in the world”
blockade
Talks with Qatar hinge on change in policies, says Gargash
UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said there should be a “review of actions”
counterterrorism
US, UK are said to propose road map to end Qatar crisis
Proposals include laying the grounds for direct negotiations, as well as counterterrorism measures
Abdallah Al Mouallimi
Gulf allies said to drop list of 13 demands to Qatar
Saudi-led bloc is reportedly now committed to six principles to combat extremism
Al Jazeera
Saudi-led bloc seeks solution ‘that will stick’
UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said the four nations want “a neighbour that we can trust”
Abu Dhabi
French foreign minister urges ‘de-escalation’ in Gulf crisis
French foreign minister held also talks in Kuwait City with senior officials in a bid to bolster the emirate’s attempts to mediate in the Gulf crisis
blockade
France aims to be ‘facilitator’ in Gulf crisis talks
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Saturday that Paris wants to assist Kuwait-led mediation on the crisis between Qatar and four other Arab states after holding talks in Doha and Jeddah.
Le Drian stopped in Qatar at the start of a Gulf tour aimed at helping defuse the crisis pitting Qatar against Saudi Arabia, […]
Al Jazeera
Saudi-UAE bloc says US-Qatar anti-terror pact “isn’t enough”
Four Arab nations pledged to maintain measures against Doha until their demands are met
Al Jazeera
Tillerson in Qatar as leaks spark fresh GCC tension
“I’m hopeful we can make some progress to bring this to a point of resolution”