Middle East Experience

Iranian dissident journalist Ruhollah Zam, who Iran convicted of fomenting violence during the 2017 anti-government protests, was executed on Saturday, Iran's semi-official Nour news agency reported.Zam was a journalist who ran the Amadnews feed on popular messaging app Telegram, which had more than one million followers.State broadcaster Seda va Sima said on Saturday Zam, "director of the counter-revolutionary Amadnews network, was hanged this morning."For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Iran’s Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the death sentence of Zam, who was captured in 2019 after years in exile. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have arrested Zam in Iraq in a “sophisticated and professional operation,” but Iraqi government sources later challenged this narrative.In June, a court sentenced Zam to death, saying he had been convicted of “corruption on Earth,” a charge often used in cases involving espionage or attempts to overthrow Iran’s government.Zam’s website and Telegram feed had spread the timings of the protests and embarrassing information about officials that directly challenged the authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Those demonstrations, which began at the end of 2017, represented the biggest challenge to Tehran since the 2009 Green Movement protests and set the stage for similar mass unrest in November of last year.ReactionReporters Without Borders (RSF) voiced “outrage” at the execution on Saturday.“RSF is outraged at this new crime of Iranian justice,” the media watchdog tweeted, adding that it saw Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the “mastermind of this execution.”Zam’s execution also sparked calls for Iran to abolish the death penalty, with commentators highlighting Tehran's use of repression against protesters.“Another despicable execution in #Iran, punishing Rohollah Zam for exercising his right to freely express himself. Abolish the death penalty, in Iran and around the world,” wrote International Commission of Jurists Secretary-General Sam Zarifi on Twitter.“I’m deeply shocked & saddened that Islamic Republic executed Iranian dissident journalist #RuhollahZam, who was a source of anti regime news, especially during #IranProtests. Zam was lured to Iraq from Paris & kidnapped by the IRGC. This could happen to all of us. IRI=ISIS,” tweeted Iranian activist Masih Alinejad.Iran recently attracted international criticism for executing Navid Afkari, a wrestler who was arrested during the 2018 anti-government protests.“Iran’s continued jailing, torture, and execution of individuals on manufactured charges related to past protests shows just how afraid of those movements the Islamic Republic actually is,” Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), told Al Arabiya English at the time.With Reuters.Read more:Reporters Without Borders condemns Iran’s execution of journalist Ruhollah ZamIran Supreme Court upholds death sentence against journalist Ruhollah ZamIran journalist who inspired 2017 rallies sentenced to deathIran cuts off internet access in several cities as mass protests continue
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Iran executes dissident journalist Ruhollah Zam: Iranian media

The United Arab Emirates released a list on Friday of all the locations where residents and nationals can receive the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.Residents across the UAE will now be able to volunteer to be vaccinated, after Abu Dhabi’s voluntary vaccination campaign was extended to include Dubai and the UAE’s five other emirates this week.The vaccine, which was developed by China’s state-owned Sinopharm, was approved after it showed 86 percent efficacy in trials, according to regulators.“The Sinopharm vaccine had underwent clinical trials on a large scale in the UAE in summer campaign participated by 31,000 people,” according to Weqaya, a government website launched earlier this year to raise public health awareness about coronavirus and the guidelines put in place to slow its spread.In July, the Gulf country started Phase III clinical trials of the vaccine, developed by Beijing Institute of Biological Product, a unit of Sinopharm’s China National Biotec Group (CNBG), according to Reuters.In September, it authorized emergency use of the vaccine for front line workers, the first such international clearance for a vaccine developed in China.Following the vaccine’s approval for general use, residents can now visit the below clinics and health centers to get vaccinated.Weqaya did not provide information about the cost of vaccination. According to local media outlet, an Emirates ID and a valid insurance card are required.Dubai:Dubai Parks and Resorts field hospital near Jebel AliSharjah:Wasit Medical Center in SharjahAjman:Al Humaidiya Center in AjmanUmm Al Quwain:Al Bait Metwahid center in Umm Al QuwainFujairah:Murashied Medical Center in FujairahAbu Dhabi:In Abu Dhabi, at hospitals run by VPS HealthcareSEHA's Al Zafarana Center for Diagnosis and Comprehensive ExaminationAl Bateen Health CenterAl Maqtaa Health CenterMohamed bin Zayed City Health CenterBaniyas Health CenterKhalifa City Health CenterAl Falah Health CenterAl Bahia Health CenterOud Al Tawbah Center for Diagnosis and Comprehensive ExaminationHili Health CenterAl Yahar Health CenterAl Muwaiji Health CenterMezyad Health CenterNeama Health CenterAl Quoa Health CenterAl Hayer Health CenterSweihan Health CenterAl Dhafra Clinic in Madinat ZayedMadinat Zayed HospitalGhayathi HospitalAl Mirfa HospitalDelma HospitalAl Sila HospitalLiwa HospitalIndividuals can also be vaccinated at neighborhood councils or majlis listed below from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:Al Bateen CouncilSupervisor BoardFalaj Hazaa Council (Al Ain)Zayed City Council (Al Dhafra)Read more:UAE approves Sinopharm vaccine for use after trials show 86 pct efficacyUAE approves COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use for front line workersUAE launches Weqaya website with COVID-19 information, FAQs
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Where to get the COVID-19 Sinopharm vaccine in the UAE

China has advised flight attendants to wear disposable diapers to avoid using restrooms on flights amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to media reports, citing documents from the republic’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC).Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.Aviation has been one of the worst hit sectors by coronavirus, with many employees losing their jobs as airliners struggled to cope with the suspension of flights during the height of the outbreak and the subsequent drop in demand for travel.While China resumed most of its flights in August, this latest advice suggests far-from-ideal conditions for the cabin crew on board.“The recommendation to use diapers and avoid in-flight bathrooms altogether applies on flights to and from countries with infection rates exceeding 500 cases per million people,” the Washington Post reported.It was also reportedly recommended that flight crew on “lower-risk” flights have access to a designated private bathroom, which should be sanitized before and after each use.The CAAC released the document that entails guidelines on preventing the spread of the virus on planes, with the diaper recommendation listed under the “personal protective equipment” section.“Personal protective equipment for cabin crew: surgical masks, double-layer disposable gloves, goggles, disposable nonwoven hat, disposable gown, disposable shoe covers. Flight attendants are advised to wear diapers,” the CAAC advised, according to the Washington Post.Despite plane cabins ranking as “lower-risk” environments, doctors have reportedly “signaled that lavatories on long-haul flights are at a substantial risk of being contaminated with the coronavirus.”Read more:Germany could face tighter COVID-19 restrictions as cases riseWhere to get the COVID-19 Sinopharm vaccine in the UAEGenetic variants linked to severe COVID-19: Study
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: China advises cabin crew to wear diapers to avoid toilets on flights

VPS Healthcare, one of the biggest healthcare providers in the UAE, has announced it will give 5,000 residents and nationals the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine every day across the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The announcement comes shortly after the United Arab Emirates approved a coronavirus vaccine developed by China’s state-owned Sinopharm, after regulators said it showed 86 percent efficacy in trials.Just days after the vaccine was given approval, VPS Healthcare is facilitating a mass vaccination drive through its 18 facilities in Abu Dhabi, Musafah, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.“All 18 of VPS’ hospitals and clinics will be ready to welcome residents wishing to take the vaccine, said Dr Nabil Debouni, group medical director VPS Healthcare, in a statement. “We have and continue to development a robust infrastructure that will deliver 5,000 vaccinations per day and we will continue to invest and develop that capacity.”VPS has set up a helpline number (8005546) to book an appointment for vaccination which was activated this weekend. People can also book their appointment through WhatsApp at 0565380055, and through the website www.covidvaccineuae.com.Residents or nationals will be asked to provide their name, gender, age, nationality, employer name, email, phone number, passport or Emirates ID and their preferred location.The group has already received more than 300 calls and slots have been allotted for Saturday, the first day of vaccination in its hospitals.The hospital group aims to vaccinate up to 5,000 people daily.The vaccination process takes 15 minutes per person and the person taking the jab will have to be in observation for 30 minutes following the jab.All VPS hospitals and medical centers will set up a dedicated space for vaccination.Burjeel, Medeor, Lifecare and LLH hospitals in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Musaffah are setting up special vaccination areas outside hospitals. In other hospitals and medical centers, the designated area will be set up inside the facility.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Who can get the vaccine in Abu Dhabi?The vaccine being distributed by VPS is intended for anyone 18 years and older. Children aged 15 to 17 will have to undergo a thorough medical evaluation by a physician to be able to recieve it. The vaccine is not for those under the age of 15.People with medical conditions may also be prevented from taking the vaccine. This includes anyone who has a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccination, a recent history of convulsion, epilepsy, encephalopathy or mental illness, or a history of blood clotting. Women who present a positive urine pregnancy test result on the day of vaccination will also be excluded.Those who have had coronavirus in the last month or another vaccine in the past 14 days will also be excluded from the program.The list of the facilities where public can avail vaccination are listed below:Abu DhabiBurjeel Hospital, Al Najdah Street - Abu DhabiBurjeel Medical City, 28th St - Mohamed Bin Zayed CityMedeor 24x7 Hospital, Al Falah St - Zone 1 - Abu DhabiLLH Hospital, Muroor Road Zone 1E3-02 - Abu DhabiBurjeel Medical Center, Makani Mall, Al ShamkhaBurjeel Medical Center, Deerfields Mall, ShahamaBurjeel Medical Center, Precinct B-01 Al ZeinaBurjeel Medical Center, Yas MallBurjeel Medical Center MHPCBurjeel Day Surgery Center, Al Reem IslandBurjeel Oasis Medical Center, Beda ZayedTajmeel Kids Park, Shahama. 12 Street, Emirates Park Zoo and Resorts, Shahama.MusaffahLifecare Hospital, M-24, Musaffah, Near Village MallLLH Hospital, M 7, Al MussafahOccumed Clinic, Musaffah Industrial, MusaffahAl AinMedeor International Hospital, ‘AsharijBida Bin AmmarBurjeel Royal Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed - RoadBurjeel Medical Centre Barari Mall, Al Ain Read More: Coronavirus: UAE approves Sinopharm vaccine for use after trials show 86 pct efficancyExplainer: Everything you need to know about Sinopharm's vaccine after UAE approvalCoronavirus: Where to get the COVID-19 Sinopharm vaccine in the UAE
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: 5,000 people a day to receive free Sinopharm vaccine in Abu Dhabi

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) voiced “outrage” at Iran’s execution of prominent journalist Ruhollah Zam on Saturday.“RSF is outraged at this new crime of Iranian justice,” the media watchdog tweeted, adding that it saw Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the “mastermind of this execution.”The organization said in the same tweet that it had been warning UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet and Javaid Rehman, the UN Special Rapporteur who deals with human rights in Iran, of the risk of Zam being executed since October 23.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.RSF joined others commentators in expressing outrage of the killing of Zam, who Iran said fomented violence during the 2017 anti-government protests.“Another despicable execution in #Iran, punishing Rohollah Zam for exercising his right to freely express himself. Abolish the death penalty, in Iran and around the world,” wrote International Commission of Jurists Secretary-General Sam Zarifi on Twitter.“I’m deeply shocked & saddened that Islamic Republic executed Iranian dissident journalist #RuhollahZam, who was a source of anti regime news, especially during #IranProtests. Zam was lured to Iraq from Paris & kidnapped by the IRGC. This could happen to all of us. IRI=ISIS,” tweeted Iranian activist Masih Alinejad.Zam’s website and Telegram feed had spread the timings of the protests and embarrassing information about officials that directly challenged the authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Those demonstrations, which began at the end of 2017, represented the biggest challenge to Tehran since the 2009 Green Movement protests and set the stage for similar mass unrest in November of last year.With Reuters.Read more:Iran executes dissident journalist Ruhollah Zam: Iranian mediaIran Supreme Court upholds death sentence against journalist Ruhollah Zam
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Reporters Without Borders condemns Iran’s execution of journalist Ruhollah Zam

Vaccine a confidence booster, say those who have taken the vaccine..
Source: Albawaba
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Former Finance Minister and current MP Ali Hasan Khalil Saturday denounced charges made against him over the Beirut blast calling them..
Source: Albawaba
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Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority has reduced transit fees for cruise ships in a bid to attract more traffic and boost the country’s sagging tourism sector.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Suez Canal reduces fees, will add art for cruise ships

Around 1,000 teachers, students and parents of GEMS The Kindergarten Starters have already been trained under this programme..
Source: Albawaba
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Hundreds of people have protested in the frontline Yemeni city of….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Hundreds protest against Yemeni internationally-recognized government in Taiz as Houthi shelling kills two