BAGHDAD: The Iraqi government has announced a mandatory official holiday due to a heat wave.
Wednesday’s late night statement calling for a Thursday holiday came from the Iraqi Cabinet as temperatures hit 50 degrees Celsius (123 degrees Fahrenheit). It is the first heat advisory issued by the government this summer.
The public holiday applies to all government workers.
Last on Thursday, the state-run Meteorological Department warned that temperatures in much of the country would reach as high as 51 degrees Celsius (123.8 Fahrenheit).
Temperatures reached 51 Celsius in Baghdad and as much as 53 degrees Celsius (127.4 Fahrenheit) in Basra last year, prompting the government to announce a two-day mandatory holiday.
The country typically faces brutal heat in the summers and endemic electricity outages make life even harder when temperatures soar.
Iraq announces mandatory official holiday due to heat wave
Iraq announces mandatory official holiday due to heat wave
UAE affirms respect for Saudi sovereignty, rejects threats to regional security
- Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty on Tuesday, rejecting any actions that could threaten the Kingdom or undermine regional stability.
In a statement issued in response to recent remarks by Saudi Arabia regarding developments in Yemen, the UAE stressed that it fully respects Saudi Arabia’s national security and considers the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries a cornerstone of regional stability.
Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern.
The UAE said its position since the start of events in Yemen’s eastern governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra has been focused on containing tensions, supporting de-escalation, and working toward understandings that preserve security, stability, and the protection of civilians, in coordination with Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi categorically rejected any attempt to implicate it in tensions between Yemeni factions, condemning allegations that it pressured or directed any party to carry out military operations that threaten Saudi Arabia’s security or target its borders.
The UAE also called for recent developments in eastern Yemen to be handled responsibly to prevent escalation, urging reliance on verified facts and coordination among all relevant parties to safeguard shared interests and maintain regional security and stability.
