Month: November 2021

Categories
-Top News Events UAE News

Dubai’s extensive festival line up for 2022

The iconic Dubai Shopping Festival starts the retail calendar year…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) emphasised its strong commitment to the retail sector and the ongoing growth of Dubai as a global retail destination with a stellar line up of festivals throughout 2022.

Focusing on experiences that enhance the city’s retail proposition and drive footfall from citizens, residents and visitors alike, the 2022 programme of events and activities has been designed to support Dubai’s economic and tourism development goals. 

Dubai’s extensive festival line up for 2022

The iconic Dubai Shopping Festival starts the retail calendar year, running from 15 December 2021 to 29 January 2022 with a diverse calendar of innovative events, world-class entertainment, mega raffles and incredible promotions across a range of homegrown and global brands.

Other major festivals include the return of Dubai Food Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, as well as Dubai Fitness Challenge which has grown its affinity with sports and lifestyle retail over the last five years.

Retail celebrations will also take place in support of all major cultural events in the city, including Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Eid in Dubai and Diwali as well as in support of key retail sectors including fashion, homeware and interiors. Special super sales will complete the line up with incredible deals and offers across a three-day period.

“As we head into 2022, we have a great opportunity to further strengthen our position as a retail destination globally and support a sector that’s strategically important to the ongoing growth of the Dubai economy,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).

“Working in partnership with both homegrown and global retailers and the malls across the city, we are creating experiences that complement e-commerce and enhance the physical retail offering to drive footfall into malls and stores. With a blend of events, entertainment and promotions, our aim is to drive sustainable growth across the retail sector and position Dubai as a great place to live in, work and visit. We look forward to working with our retail partners in 2022 to support their business goals and showcase the full breadth of the retail offering across the city.”

ALSO READ: Dubai ranks first in Arab world on latest Innovation Index

DFRE’s 2022 Retail Calendar will feature the following festivals and events:

Dubai Shopping Festival

15 December 2021 – 29 January 2022: One of the biggest and longest running shopping festivals in the world, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will return with innovative events, lively concerts, incredible drone shows, firework displays, global brand collaborations, life-changing mega raffles and promotions.

Chinese New Year

30 January – 12 February 2022: Catering to Chinese visitors and residents alike, this event will include entertainment, events, fireworks, cultural activities and mall promotions focused around the holiday and Year of the Tiger.

Dubai Food Festival

3 March – 19 March 2022: The city’s annual culinary celebration promises to serve something to suit every palate with international flavours and gastronomic dining experiences every day.

Spring/Summer Collection Launch

Q1 2022: Showcasing the latest Spring/Summer fashion trends from local and global brands alongside special offers and deals.

Ramadan in Dubai & Eid in Dubai – Al Fitr

2 April – 7 May 2022:  Mark the Holy Month of Ramadan and festivities of Eid Al Fitr with a social, cultural and spiritual celebration including family events and retail offers. 

3 Day Super Sale

May 2022:  Big name global brands and local retail stores will offer savings up to 90 per cent over three days at malls and shopping venues across Dubai. The dates for this highly anticipated event, which features twice in the year, will be revealed closer to the sales period.

Dubai Summer Surprises

30 June – 3 September 2022: The long-running summer spectacle will feature exciting events, offers and promotions, family entertainment, exclusive deals and mega raffles with shoppers able to win a host of great prizes. 

Eid in Dubai – Al Adha

10 July – 16 July 2022: Eid Al Adha highlights authentic Emirati traditions and customs, with events and promotions marking the special occasion.

Back to School

7 August – 3 September 2022: Prepare for the new academic year by getting all the school supplies at the Back to School campaign, as well as the chance to win some great prizes.

Fall/Winter Collection Launch

Q4 2022: Prepare for the cooler months with the latest Fall/Winter fashion trends from local and global brands alongside special offers and deals.

Dubai Home Festival

15 September – 1 October 2022: See the latest work from interior designers and innovators and take advantage of exciting promotions to help furnish or re-decorate the home.

Dubai Fitness Challenge

28 October – 26 November 2022: The sixth edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge will return with a packed line-up of fitness events, activities and classes across the city to encourage a more active lifestyle and help make Dubai an even happier, healthier city. 

Diwali in Dubai

13 October – 27 October 2022: Dubai’s Indian and international expat communities will come together to celebrate the ‘Festival of Lights’ with a huge array of events, promotions, and offers as well as stunning firework displays, live shows and great food.

3 Day Super Sale

November 2022: Big brands and homegrown retailers will reduce prices up to 90 per cent for three days. The dates for the second 3 Day Super Sale of the year will be revealed closer to the time.

Categories
-Top News COVID-19 UK News

Omicron fear grips UK as tally rises

It comes after authorities confirmed six cases were found in Scotland earlier on Monday in addition to the three detected in England over the weekend…reports Asian Lite News

Another two cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant have been detected in London, bringing the total number of people with the strain identified in Britain to 11, British Health authorities have confirmed.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the latest two cases in London have links to travel in southern Africa. The two people are not connected to each other and are not linked to the previously confirmed cases, it added.

It comes after authorities confirmed six cases were found in Scotland earlier on Monday in addition to the three detected in England over the weekend, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, John Swinney, Deputy first Minister of Scotland, has confirmed there is no travel history in “some” of these cases.

That suggests there has been at least a level of community transmission, which makes controlling the variant more difficult.

Meanwhile, British Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed on Monday that he’s accepted the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation’s recommendation on boosters, including booster jabs for everybody over the age of 18 years, shortening the gap between a second jab and a booster from six months to three months and giving a second jab to children aged between 12 and 15-years-old — again after no less than three months.

Britain registered 42,583 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 10,146,915, according to official figures released on Monday.

The country also reported a further 35 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 144,810. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

More than 88 per cent of people aged 12 years and above in Britain have had their first dose of vaccine and more than 80 per cent have received both doses, according to the latest figures. More than 30 per cent have received booster jabs, or the third dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the US have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines.

ALSO READ: Omicron patients show extreme tiredness, no major oxygen drop

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

‘Commemoration Day promotes noble human values’

Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, stressed that Commemoration Day promotes noble human values, noting that the UAE’s martyrs sacrificed their lives for righteousness and helped people in need…reports Asian Lite News

In a statement to the “Nation Shield” magazine on Commemoration Day, he said, “The occasion is a day for sacrifice, cohesion, patriotism and loyalty for the UAE’s leadership, underscoring the strength of our unity and the profound solidarity of our people.”

‘Commemoration Day promotes noble human values’

“Commemoration Day is dedicated to promoting noble human values like sacrificing our lives, helping people in need, and showing solidarity with our kin, underscoring the noble actions of Emirati martyrs. It is also a day on which we salute and show our gratitude to the families of martyrs, confirming that their great sacrifices will resonate in our memories. These martyrs have become role models of courage and patriotism while defending the safety and stability of the country.”

“Martyrs and their families deserve our appreciation, gratitude, love and loyalty. The UAE leadership has set an example in recognising the great sacrifices of martyrs by supporting their families. Therefore, we all follow through the country’s leadership and commemorate, on this immortal day, the sacrifices and giving of the nation’s martyrs.”

“Commemoration Day is a day for sacrifice, cohesion, loyalty, patriotism and dedication for the wise leadership. It underscores the strength of our unity, the solidarity of our people and their cohesion in supporting the country’s leadership, which has exerted all efforts to serve the nation. Commemoration Day is the day of national sacrifices and a day to teach new generations principles and human values.”

ALSO READ: FCSC documents UAE’s economic advancement over 50 years

“Our valiant martyrs have written, with their blood, an honourable chapter in the history of our precious nation, and their memory will be the beacon for us and generations to come, as they inspire us with their determination, national will, honesty and loyalty. Commemoration Day will remain a precious national occasion to honour our martyrs,” he added.

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

FCSC documents UAE’s economic advancement over 50 years

FCSC documents UAE’s economic advancement over 50 years

Over the past 50 years, the UAE has established solid foundations for a diversified and sustainable economy and has succeeded, after the discovery of oil in the region in the 1950s, in achieving significant economic advancement…reports Asian Lite News

It has also exerted significant efforts to transition to a knowledge-based economy, by encouraging innovation and optimising the regulatory frameworks of key economic sectors.

In its new report to be published soon, titled “The UAE: Data Documenting the Journey until 2020”, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) revealed key facts and figures underscoring the country’s economic growth during the past 50 years, to mark the country’s Golden Jubilee.

Dubai ranks first in Arab world on latest Innovation Index

The report highlighted a significant rise in the country’s GDP from AED58.3 billion in 1975 to over AED1.3 trillion in 2020 while the contribution of non-oil sectors to GDP surged from 43 percent in 1975 to 83 percent in 2020.

The report also showed an increase in overall foreign trade from AED11.5 billion in 1975 to AED 1.4 trillion in 2020, while foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country grew by 82 percent, amounting to around AED73 billion in 2020, compared to AED40 billion in 2005.

The value of the country’s FDIs abroad surged from AED14 billion in 2005 to AED69.5 billion in 2020.

The report also revealed an increase in government spending from AED1.258 billion in 1975 to AED442.386 billion in 2019.

Moreover, the banking sector witnessed a significant surge after the number of commercial banks in the country rose from 20 in 1972 to 59 in 2020, while the total value of bank deposits increased from AED19.5 billion in 1978 to some AED1.9 trillion in 2020. The number of insurance companies in the country rose from 62 in 1975 to 406 in 2020.

Tourism: The UAE’s tourism sector has been a success story, and the country has become a leading international hub to which tourists flock from around the world.

The number of hotel establishments rose from 64 with 5,379 rooms in 1978 to 1,089 with 180,257 hotel rooms in 2020.

The operational capacity of the country’s hotel establishments has developed over the years. In 1979, the number of hotel guests was around 392,000, with stays totalling 1.02 million. In 2020, this number exceeded 14.882 million guests with total hotel stays of 54.3 million.

Total hotel proceeds in 2020 exceeded AED16.6 billion, marking a significant increase compared to 2005 when proceeds totalled AED1.5 billion.

Electricity and Water: The UAE has made massive efforts to meet the growing national demand for electricity and water brought forth by its growing population and its economic and commercial growth, in addition to adopting renewable energy solutions.

The total capacity of the UAE’s power plants increased from 482 megawatts in 1975 to around 35,000 megawatts in 2020, while the generated electric power exceeded 137,000 gigawatts per hour in 2020 compared to 1,467 gigawatts per hour in 1975.

ALSO READ: American biz group lauds US, UAE ties in future jobs creation

The electricity generated by renewable energy plants has grown significantly in 2020 compared to 2009, rising from 6 gigawatt hours in 2009 to 5,476 gigawatt hours in 2020. In 2009, the total installed capacity of renewable energy plants was 10 megawatts, but in 2020, this jumped to 2,289 megawatts, a rise of 22,698 percent.

Moreover, the report highlighted an increase in the quantity of desalinated water produced in 2020, reaching 2 billion cubic metres, a significant increase from 1983 when it stood at 256 million cubic metres. In 2020, the number of wastewater treatment plants in the country stood at 125, an increase of 145 percent over 2011, when there were only 51. The volume of treated wastewater increased by 55 percent in 2020, reaching 769 million cubic metres, compared to 498 million cubic metres in 2011.

Categories
-Top News EXPO 2020 India News

India’s start-up prowess in full display at Expo

Elevate series provide start-ups the opportunity to gain knowledge about the global sectoral trends, best practices followed around the world, get mentoring from sector experts and a networking platform to interact with fellow new-age entrepreneurs, innovators and investors…reports Asian Lite News

Ten Indian start-ups showcased their innovations to global investors from the UAE and around the world at the third session of the ‘Elevate’ pitching series held on Sunday in Dubai. Gracing the occasion was Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai, and Duncan Mulima, Consul General of Zambia in Dubai.

The Indian start-up ecosystem currently has over 57,000 start-ups from 628 districts across all 28 states and eight Union Territories, registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and it is expanding even further.

Elevate pitching session series is a key initiative of The India Pavilion in order to display unconventional solutions created by 500 Indian start-ups over the course of five months at the Innovation Hub bus stationed outside the India Pavilion. The objective is to facilitate innovators and start-ups to get adequate exposure and attract B2B connects at the global stage.

The spirit of innovation and technology is an initiative that has seen significant support from Dr. Aman Puri, who said, “Innovation is the key to growing India’s international trade at an exponential rate and achieving a competitive edge globally. Indian entrepreneurs are working on disruptive technologies to infuse growth in every sector.”

India is the country which in 2021 is amongst the top 3 creators of unicorns in the world. Amidst the extreme challenges posed by the global pandemic, 35 new unicorns came into existence in India, taking the total number of unicorns to 72.

Contesting start-ups represented their innovative capabilities in sectors such as lifestyle, mobility, agriculture, healthcare, IT Solutions, education, app-based solutions, sustainability, and many more. The finalists included, – Kregzo, a holistic start-up ecosystem provider; Swiss Newater India Pvt. Ltd., providing green solutions for good hygiene and infection prevention; Store 2 Door, e-commerce support technology solution providers; Shopvite, offering smart shopping solutions; Goals101, a Transaction Behavioural Intelligence (TBI) company; ECOWARE, India’s largest sustainable food packaging company; LogisEye, logistics service providers; Hamples, new-age Digital Sampling Platform; Sentient Labs, advanced marine robotics solutions; and ioLetics, smart retail solutions & digitalization company.

Elevate series provide start-ups the opportunity to gain knowledge about the global sectoral trends, best practices followed around the world, get mentoring from sector experts and a networking platform to interact with fellow new-age entrepreneurs, innovators and investors.

The first Elevate session saw 10 start-ups across sectors from the States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, pitching their ideas to over 15 investors, while the second session observed 13 start-ups from Telangana presenting their ideas.

An interesting panel discussion is in the pipeline and will be held on December 15 for India-based unicorns to discuss how technology is driving the innovative start-up ecosystem.

ALSO READ: Indian team wins World School Chess Tournament at Expo 2020

The event was attended by many eminent dignitaries like S Venkatesh, MD, MCA, R Lakshmanan, Senior partner, MCA, Hari Padmanabhan, Chairman, Themepro Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Eugene Mayne, CEO, Tristar, Abhishek Sharma, CEO, Foundation Holdings, Vinod Nayar, CSO, BDC Holdings, Ankur Roy, Director, DEI Global, Sumit Puri, Chief Growth officer, Rishika Gupta, Gulf Islamic Investments, Anil K Nahar, Financial Advisor, Hanumanta K Mannen, Founder-CEO, Master Fincorp, Garima Vijyavargiya, Chief Manager, Bank of Baroda, Mahesh Ramakrishnan, Vice President, Wealth Management, Deutsche Bank, Bahawan Enterprises, Parana Wellness, Shwek Sharma, GM Marketing, X Factor Marketing, Atish Andrade, Manager, EMEA, BYJU’S, Sai Narain, Regional Head, EMEA, HSBC, and other representatives of financial institutions and family offices.

Categories
-Top News COVID-19

WHO slams blanket travel bans

The Omicron variant was first reported to the WHO by South Africa last week. So far, several countries and regions have confirmed cases of infection with Omicron….reports Asian Lite News

 The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread of the Covid-19 Omicron variant, even as dozens of countries have already introduced such restrictions.

Although Omicron has been labeled a “variant of concern” by the WHO, it said on Tuesday that blanket travel bans will only place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods, while also “disincentivizing countries to report and share epidemiological and sequencing data.”

The Omicron variant was first reported to the WHO by South Africa last week. So far, several countries and regions have confirmed cases of infection with Omicron. Dozens of countries have already tightened travel measures, and even suspended flights, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rwanda suspends flights to S. Africa over Omicron variant

At a member states session on the Omicron variant on Tuesday, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked Botswana and South Africa for detecting and reporting this variant so rapidly. It is deeply worrying that these countries were being penalised by others for doing the right thing, he said.

He called the “blunt, blanket measures” introduced by some member states “not evidence-based or effective on their own.” He urged countries to take “rational, proportional risk-reduction measures, in keeping with the international health regulations.”

Meanwhile, the WHO advises that “persons who are unwell or at risk of developing severe Covid-19 disease and dying, including people 60 years of age or older or those with comorbidities such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes,” should postpone travel plans.

ALSO READ: India crisscrosses US, Russia political mazes adroitly

Categories
-Top News USA

‘US Treasury likely to run out of cash soon’

The US Treasury has already reached the new debt limit of $28.9 trillion, so it currently has no room to borrow under its standard operating procedures…reports Asian Lite News

The US Treasury Department would most likely run out of cash before the end of December if Congress fails to raise the debt limit, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has said.

The US Treasury has already reached the new debt limit of $28.9 trillion, so it currently has no room to borrow under its standard operating procedures, the Federal agency said on Tuesday in a report, adding the department is using the “extraordinary measures” that allow it to continue to borrow additional amounts for a limited time.

If the debt limit remained unchanged and if the US Treasury transferred $118 billion to the Highway Trust Fund on December 15, as currently planned, the Treasury would most likely run out of cash before the end of December, the CBO estimated.

“If that occurred, the government would be unable to pay its obligations fully, and it would delay making payments for some activities, default on its debt obligations, or both,” the Federal agency said.

The CBO’s projection came as US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen has urged Congress to raise the debt limit by December 15, Xinhua news agency reported.

“I cannot overstate how critical it is that Congress address this issue. America must pay its bills on time and in full. If we do not, we will eviscerate our current recovery,” Yellen said on Tuesday before the Senate Banking Committee.

“I didn’t say that there is no way that we can make it past December 15… there is uncertainty about where we will be on December 15, and there are scenarios in which we can see it would not be possible to finance the government,” Yellen added.

“We think it’s important for Congress to recognise that we may not be able to and therefore to raise the debt ceiling expeditiously,” she said.

The debt limit, commonly called the debt ceiling, is the total amount of money that the US government is authorised to borrow to meet its existing legal obligations, including social security and medicare benefits, interest on the national debt, and other payments.

ALSO READ: India crisscrosses US, Russia political mazes adroitly

Categories
Films Lite Blogs

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ becomes a day earlier treat for fans


The film, which also stars Zendaya, will also have appearances from Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds and Marisa Tomei as Aunt May…reports Asian Lite News.

Tom Holland-starrer ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, which was earlier scheduled to hit Indian theatres on December 17, will now release a day earlier to treat fans.

The big-ticket entertainer will witness an earlier theatrical release, one day before the US market.

The new instalment of the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise, will start from where the previous ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ left off.

It also features all the villains from its universe.

The film, which also stars Zendaya, will also have appearances from Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds and Marisa Tomei as Aunt May.

Sony Pictures Entertainment India releases ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in cinemas on December 16.

ALSO READ-‘Bonding with Ranveer Singh was very simple’

Categories
-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

UN scales up winter aid in Afghanistan

By Monday, the UN completed distributing winterisation assistance to 32,200 people in Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces..reports Asian Lite News

 The UN and its partners are distributing winter clothing, emergency shelter, heating, fuel and rent support for tens of thousands of people in Afghanistan, UN humanitarians have said.

“Previous-year trends indicate that in November, cases of hypothermia, acute respiratory infections and death, directly and indirectly associated with cold start to increase,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) added on Tuesday.

The world organisation and partners reported that 23,800 people received winterisation assistance across 32 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces between September 1 and November 15, the office said. The recipients got heating/fuel assistance and winter clothing through cash modalities and in-kind blanket distributions as some temperatures plunged below freezing.

Experts call on int’l community to address Af’s humanitarian crisis

By Monday, the UN completed distributing winterisation assistance to 32,200 people in Kunar, Nangarhar and Nuristan provinces, OCHA said. In addition, humanitarian partners are responding with aid, Xinhua news agency reported.

The world body began distributing winterisation cash assistance on Monday in Jawzjan province to cover 1,750 people, the UN office added. The program focuses on internally displaced and drought-affected people, returnees, vulnerable host communities, female- and child-headed households, the elderly and people with disabilities.

The 2021 Afghanistan Flash Appeal has reached 112 per cent or $677 million. The different Humanitarian Response Plan is 84 per cent funded at $729 million.

“Humanitarians are grateful for the generous contribution by the donor community,” the office said.

Some financial commitments have not been translated into actions on the ground due to financial system challenges amid Afghanistan’s cash and liquidity crisis.

ALSO READ: Taliban free over 210 prisoners in Afghanistan

Categories
Films Lite Blogs

‘Hellbound’ director Yeon Sang-ho lauds ‘Squid Game’

He added that both ‘Hellbound’ and ‘Squid Game’ have their own element, “I think that both shows have their own entertainment elements…reports Asian Lite News.

South Korean dark fantasy series ‘Hellbound’ may have ousted Hwang Dong-hyuk’s survival drama series ‘Squid Game’ from the number one spot of the world’s popular TV show rankings but the show’s director Yeon Sang-ho is all praise for the survival drama series.

The director is a fan of the show’s vision. Talking about the Hwang Dong-hyuk directorial, Yeon Sang-ho told Variety, “I personally enjoyed ‘Squid Game’ very much as well. And I feel like the vision that it had within it, being a genre drama, was very relatable and there were a lot of points within the show that I was able to relate to as well.”

He added that both ‘Hellbound’ and ‘Squid Game’ have their own element, “I think that both shows have their own entertainment elements. And as for where those points lie within the show, it’s all different. I think that ‘Squid Game’ was able to really resonate with a lot of people.”

On a concluding remark, Yeon draws a parallel between the two shows, he said, “Also there’s that entertainment factor of drawing from childhood games as well. I think with ‘Hellbound’ as well, these are pieces that lead to a lot of active conversation among the audiences. I think that’s where both of their entertainment factors come from.”

ALSO READ-Sara’s special wish for brother Ibrahim