DPA Tadashi Sakamoto yanks a sweet potato out of the loose soil. Dark earth trickles through the farmer’s hands. “Volcanic ash is ideal for growing sweet potatoes,” says the 57-year-old, squinting in the sunlight towards the nearby Kaimondake volcano. The 924-metre-high volcano, which last erupted in the late 9th century, rises majestically from the surrounding fields in Kagoshima Prefecture. …

  DUBAI / WAM The total trade between Dubai and Spain reached AED3.4 billion during the first half of this year, Dubai Customs revealed. ‘‘Imports, exports and re-exports stood at AED2.77 bn, AED389 million exports, and AED271 mn respectively,’’ said Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, Director of Strategy and Corporate Excellence at Dubai Customs, as he briefed a visiting Spanish delegation …

  DUBAI / WAM The Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday endorsed the UAE federal budget for 2017, set in late October by the Cabinet at AED48.7 billion, with a prime focus on education, social development and health. The approval came at a third session of the FNC’s 16th legislative chapter, presided over by Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker …