Severe floods in Dubai highlight the low uptake of home insurance in the UAE, with industry experts emphasizing its importance. Less than 15% of UAE residents have home insurance, a figure that is significantly lower than in countries like the UK. The recent floods have led to a surge in inquiries for home insurance, with companies like Yallacompare and Nexus Insurance reporting increased calls. Experts advocate for home and travel insurance as essential protections against natural disasters and other risks, and they stress the affordability and security that insurance policies provide. A major clean-up operation is underway in Dubai, and the financial impact of the floods could be substantial, potentially running into billions of dirhams.

Traders at Dubai's gold souq are optimistic about increased business during Eid Al Fitr despite gold prices reaching record highs above $2,350 per ounce. Sales dynamics are mixed, with some traders experiencing a slowdown while others maintain high sales volumes. Factors such as the influence of Indian weddings, special offers, and the upcoming Eid holiday are affecting consumer behavior. Investment demand for gold in the UAE has grown, with digital technologies attracting new investors. The World Gold Council notes that global gold demand is driven by various sectors, with emerging markets accounting for the majority of retail demand. High international gold prices impact jewelry buying, but investment demand is on the rise. The current market conditions, including Middle East conflict and interest rates, are favorable for gold, making it difficult to predict a price correction.

Tens of thousands of Catholics in the UAE attended Easter Sunday services, with significant turnouts at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi and St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai. Services were held in various languages, and the UAE's weekend reorganization facilitated participation. Pope Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza and humanitarian aid during his Easter message. Bishop Paolo Martinelli also emphasized peace, calling for prayers in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and other conflict areas. The Catholic Church estimates about a million Catholics reside in the UAE.

The UAE is sending more aid to Gaza to address the humanitarian crisis, with eight lorries carrying essential supplies such as tents and medical kits. The World Food Programme's Walid Ibrahim highlighted the urgency of the situation, with famine imminent in northern Gaza and severe malnutrition among children. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire, and the WFP is prepared to support affected areas to prevent starvation. Since the conflict began, over 32,400 people have been killed, and aid deliveries are challenged by access issues. The WFP has sent 43 consignments from Dubai and Brindisi, assisting over 1.45 million people in Gaza. Partnerships with organizations like Irish Aid and Catholic Relief Services have been crucial in these efforts.

During Ramadan, the bustling district of Deira in Dubai transforms at sunset into a place of communal iftar, where workers and shopkeepers break their fast together, regardless of their job titles. The atmosphere changes to one of forgiveness and unity, with business taking a backseat to prayer, reading the Quran, and self-improvement. Tourists, witnessing the cultural practice, often express curiosity and participate in the tastings. Charities and mosques provide free iftar meals, and after the maghrib prayer, the pace of life slows down, with a shared belief that business is in the hands of Allah.

Archaeologists in Umm Al Quwain, UAE, have discovered imitation Roman gold coins from the first century AD, a potential pre-Islamic shrine with an open-air altar, and a stone slab with Aramaic inscription at the Tell Abraq site. The coins, bearing the image of Emperor Tiberius, reflect a period of global trade 2,000 years ago. The site has been occupied since the 3rd millennium BC, with evidence of fluctuating population and trade networks. The findings, including the shrine and coins, suggest religious activities and are being further studied. The discoveries contribute to understanding the region's history, including its connection to the ancient settlement of Ed Dur.

Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, stated that while progress has been made in bridging some gaps at Cop28, significant work remains with the summit entering its final hours. As one of eight climate ministers working on the final outcome text, with a focus on mitigation, she noted that negotiators are still divided on issues such as fossil fuels and climate finance. Cop28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber aims to conclude on time, and discussions include the language on fossil fuel phase-out and the need for an energy transition that supports developing countries. Singapore is seeking to expand its renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The next 48 hours are crucial for the Cop28 summit as parties react to the latest global stocktake draft text, which includes language on phasing out fossil fuels with five different options. The text is evolving, with ministers set to discuss it in bilateral meetings and a high-level ministerial meeting. The draft recognizes that current pledges are inadequate to avoid dangerous climate change and highlights disagreements between countries. More than 100 countries support phasing out fossil fuels, but nations like Russia and Saudi Arabia resist such language. The draft text has positive aspects, such as stronger language on ending fossil fuel subsidies, but also concerning parts like the mention of 'transitional' fuels. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President, called for a paradigm shift in climate action.

The second day of Cop28 saw significant commitments to sustainable agriculture and climate finance, with 134 leaders endorsing a UAE declaration and a $30 billion pledge announced by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed. The World Food Programme supported the declaration, emphasizing the intersection of conflict and climate as drivers of hunger. World leaders, including King Charles III and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, called for urgent action to address climate change. The future of fossil fuels and the global stocktake of the Paris deal remain key topics for the summit. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva highlighted the need for renewable energy and fair decarbonisation.

Cop28 commenced with a landmark agreement to initiate and fund a mechanism aiding vulnerable nations in addressing severe climate change impacts. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop28 President, announced contributions to the fund, including $100 million each from the UAE and Germany, and smaller amounts from the UK, US, and Japan. The deal, which was solidified after overcoming previous disagreements, is considered historic for its swift achievement on the first day. The fund, established at Cop27, is crucial for countries most affected by climate change but least responsible for emissions. Despite some dissatisfaction over the World Bank's role in managing the fund, the agreement marks a significant early success for Cop28. The summit will continue with high-level discussions, including speeches from global leaders and closed-door negotiations on challenging issues.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the Cop28 President-designate and UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, welcomed the world to Dubai and called for action against climate change. He emphasized the need for high ambition and implementation, referencing the gap between current progress and the goals set in the Paris Agreement. Al Jaber dismissed allegations of promoting oil and gas deals at the summit as false. The summit will focus on the global stocktake, loss and damage fund, fossil fuels, finance, and food systems. Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, highlighted the importance of finance in addressing climate change. The event has seen high registration numbers, with 97,000 delegates and over 400,000 public members applying for passes.

Majid Al Suwaidi, Cop28 director general, emphasized the importance of countries delivering on climate action at the upcoming Cop28 summit in Dubai. With the event set to begin shortly, Al Suwaidi highlighted the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, the need for consensus on contentious issues such as the loss and damage fund, and the role of fossil fuels in future energy systems. Despite geopolitical tensions and criticism of the UAE's role as host, Al Suwaidi remains optimistic about the potential for progress and the inclusive nature of the summit.

A UN report warns that the world is on a trajectory to warm by up to 2.9°C above pre-industrial levels this century without significant action, falling short of the goals set by the Paris Agreement. The Emissions Gap Report 2023 highlights a failure to reduce emissions, with a call for a 28% to 42% reduction to meet the 2°C and 1.5°C targets, respectively. The report arrives ahead of Cop28 in Dubai, emphasizing the urgency for leaders to commit to more aggressive measures. Despite some progress since the Paris deal, current pledges are insufficient, and the report stresses the need for an energy transition and increased climate finance. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen urge for immediate and substantial action to avoid repeating 'broken records' of unmet goals and escalating climate impacts.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, described the Israel-Gaza war as horrific and a setback for the region, condemning attacks on civilians by both sides and calling for a humanitarian ceasefire. He emphasized the need for a political process to achieve a two-state solution and reflected on the UAE's foreign policy values, including the importance of multi-lateralism and the upcoming Cop28 climate talks. Dr Gargash also addressed the UAE's role in the Ukraine war and its relationships with global partners, advocating for balance and bridge-building.

Clare Dalton from the International Committee of the Red Cross emphasized the need for humanitarian assistance in war-torn countries to include long-term planning for climate change adaptation, not just immediate aid like food parcels. Speaking at the MENA Climate Week, she highlighted the importance of considering climate change in humanitarian responses, especially in conflict-affected areas. The ICRC has pointed out the challenges of governance and finance in addressing climate change in these regions. A joint report by the ICRC and Norwegian Red Cross called for increased climate finance for vulnerable communities in the Middle East. The upcoming Cop28 climate talks in Dubai will include a day dedicated to health, relief, recovery, and peace, which Dalton sees as a crucial step in linking humanitarian assistance, conflict, and climate issues.

Brian Johnson, the architect behind the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club clubhouse, reflects on the design process and its significance in Dubai's skyline. His design, inspired by the lateen sails of a dhow, has become an iconic structure in Dubai, even featured on the Dh20 note. Johnson's career in the UAE began in the mid-1970s, and his work includes the Marbella Resort, Jumeirah English Speaking School, and Emirates Golf Club. The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club opened in 1993 with a grand celebration and has since hosted performances by renowned artists. Johnson considers the clubhouse a symbol of Dubai and a testament to the city's resilience and growth.

Dubai's hotels are experiencing a surge in demand and rates for the upcoming Cop28 summit, with bookings for the opening nights surpassing those for New Year's Eve. About 70,000 attendees are expected during the peak winter tourism season, coinciding with UAE's National Day. Hotel analytics provider STR reports a 17.2% to 17.5% booking rate for the first two nights of December, compared to 12.5% for New Year's Eve. Hoteliers anticipate rate increases of 25 to 30% over last year, with some properties already planning shuttle services to the Expo City Dubai venue. The official Cop28 website features hotel offers, with significant demand attributed to group bookings for the event. World leaders and climate activists will attend the summit to address the climate emergency, and Dubai's infrastructure is well-equipped to host such high-profile events.

Abu Dhabi faces significant environmental challenges with an average of one plastic bottle discarded every two metres along its coastline. The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, with policy adviser Monir Bou Ghanem, has launched initiatives to address single-use plastic waste, including a bottle return program with reverse-vending machines. The program aligns with the emirate's single-use plastic policy and aims to recycle 20 million bottles annually. This effort contributes to the UAE's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and is part of a broader strategy to promote a circular economy and change public mindsets about plastic use.

The French ambassador to the UAE, Nicolas Niemtchinow, expressed optimism about the upcoming Cop28 summit, which he believes will position the UAE at the center of the global stage. He emphasized the importance of the summit for climate action and praised the strong bilateral relationship between France and the UAE, highlighting cooperation in various sectors and mutual support during difficult times. The ambassador also reflected on the historical ties and current challenges faced by France, advocating for order, peace, and tolerance over chaos and conflict.

Following the suspension of in-person classes at a New York university due to COVID-19, a deaf virologist recounts the challenges faced with communication during the pandemic. Initially, online platforms lacked real-time captioning, making it difficult to understand conversations. Despite some resistance, technological improvements and the mainstreaming of remote meetings with live transcription have significantly enhanced the ability to participate in meetings and conferences for those with hearing impairments.

Ecuador is set to launch a digital currency controlled by the Central Bank of Ecuador, aiming to benefit those in the informal economy who lack bank accounts. The system allows users to convert cash to digital money stored on their phones, facilitating payments via text messages. Despite the government's enthusiasm, with Digital Money Analyst David Duque at the forefront, the public response has been tepid, with only 8,000 sign-ups out of a population of 15 million. The initiative has sparked skepticism and political division, with President Rafael Correa's supporters optimistic and the opposition critical, fearing authoritarian motives and economic mismanagement. The digital dollar is backed by physical reserves, and while some businesses plan to adopt it, others remain cautious, viewing it as an experiment.

The author recounts their experience selling Bitcoin to various individuals they met online, often in public libraries. They capitalized on the price difference between the US and UK markets due to the underdeveloped UK Bitcoin infrastructure. Despite facing banking issues, including the closure of their Barclays account, the author continued to sell Bitcoin, valuing the community and the technology. They encountered a diverse range of customers, from a welder to a hedge fund manager, and turned their profits back into Bitcoin for personal use.

The article discusses the rise of dark web markets following the closure of the Silk Road in 2013, highlighting the convenience and perceived safety of purchasing drugs online with cryptocurrencies. It explores the potential for similar online marketplaces to make human smuggling safer by providing public feedback on smugglers and using escrow services. The article differentiates between human smuggling and trafficking, and suggests that while the dark web could offer a safer alternative for migrants, there are significant challenges, such as vetting users to prevent law enforcement infiltration. The piece includes insights from researchers and professors, and references the evolution of crypto-markets like OpenBazaar, which could potentially be used for human smuggling services. The article also touches on the technological barriers that migrants might face in accessing these markets.

The dark web's potential to make human smuggling safer is explored, drawing parallels with the drug trade's shift to online markets. The article discusses how reputation-based systems like those on the Silk Road could reduce violence in smuggling by providing feedback and escrow services. It differentiates human smuggling, a consensual act, from human trafficking. The challenges of creating a digital black market for smuggling are acknowledged, including vetting users to exclude undercover agents. The article cites studies and experts, including David Decary-Hetu and Jason DeLeon, and references the evolution of crypto-markets like OpenBazaar. It concludes that while there are hurdles, the migration to digital platforms for smuggling is already beginning.