Central News Hub

Month: December 2024

More than 880,000 people displaced in Syria: UN

UN partners estimated that around 6 per cent of the displaced are living with at least one form of disability…reports Asian Lite News

More than 880,000 people have been displaced since the latest escalation of hostilities in Syria, UN humanitarians said.

UN partners estimated that around 6 per cent of the displaced are living with at least one form of disability, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Return movements remain dynamic, with partners recording more than 220,000 returnees yesterday (Sunday),” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. “Additionally, over 40,000 displaced people are staying in around 250 collective centers across northeast Syria.”

The office said the United Nations and partners continue to support the response by supplying food, water, cash, tents, and blankets. The world body is also deploying medical teams and supplies.

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross, in collaboration with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), conducted a joint mission to the Tishreen Dam’s facility in Syria’s Aleppo governorate on Friday for urgent and critical repairs.

UNICEF also secured fuel to power the backup generator, enabling the safe drainage of the dam and safeguarding water supplies. Hostilities near the dam last week led to an extended electricity outage and disrupted water and other key services, affecting millions of people in the area.

On Monday, Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, met Syrian transitional authorities in Damascus to discuss the relief response. “At a time of such rapid changes and long-standing needs in the region, Fletcher’s trip will also include stopovers in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan,” OCHA said of his one-week Middle East visit.

Authorities also reported a complicated flow of displaced people across the Lebanon-Syria border.

OCHA said that since December 8, Lebanese authorities recorded less than 10,000 Syrian refugees returning from Lebanon to Syria.

Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency reported that Lebanese authorities estimated around 30,000 displaced people returned as of Friday from Syria to Lebanon, including mostly Syrians but also Lebanese nationals, since the November 27 cessation of hostilities announcement for Lebanon.

The International Organisation for Migration reported a fluid situation with fluctuating movements continuing daily through both formal and informal border crossings. Humanitarians reported earlier that Syrian border officials abandoned their posts following the Damascus takeover.

ALSO READ: ‘Syria won’t be a launchpad for attacks on Israel’

17 December 2024
NSA Doval, Chinese FM Wang Yi to Hold Talks

When asked about the SR talks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a media briefing that China is prepared to settle differences with sincerity….reports Asian Lite News

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived here on Tuesday to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi as he takes part in the India-China Special Representatives’ talks to be held on Wednesday, aimed at restoring the bilateral ties stalled for more than four years due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

NSA Doval will hold the 23rd round of the Special Representatives’ (SR) talks with Wang Yi and was expected to discuss a range of issues to rebuild the bilateral ties following the October 21 agreement of disengagement and patrolling in eastern Ladakh between the two countries.

Ahead of crucial talks, China said on Tuesday that it is ready to work with India to implement the commitments based on the common understandings reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their meeting at Kazan in Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on October 24.

When asked about the SR talks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a media briefing that China is prepared to settle differences with sincerity.

“China is ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the leaders of China and India, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutual trust through dialogue and communication, properly settle differences with sincerity and good faith, and bring bilateral relations back to the track of stable and healthy development as soon as possible,” he said.

The External Affairs Ministry said on Monday that as agreed during the meeting of the two leaders in Kazan on October 23, the two SRs will discuss the management of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.

After the PM Modi-Xi meeting, which was their first after five years, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil followed by a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs (WMCC).

The military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and was followed by a deadly clash at the Galwan Valley in June of that year resulting in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours.

Barring trade, relations between the two countries virtually came to a standstill.

The face-off effectively ended following the completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21.

Wednesday’s SRs meeting is regarded as significant as it is the first structured engagement between the two countries to restore the relations.

The SRs meeting is taking place after a gap of five years. The last meeting was held in 2019 in Delhi.

Constituted in 2003 to comprehensively address the vexed dispute of the India-China border spanning 3,488 km, the SRs mechanism over the years met 22 times.

While success eluded it in resolving the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard it as a very promising, useful and handy tool in addressing the recurring tensions between the two countries.

ALSO READ: ‘Syria won’t be a launchpad for attacks on Israel’

17 December 2024
No Statehood Promise: Netanyahu

Saudis also strongly deny the report, saying there has been no breakthrough….reports Asian Lite News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that he would not permit the establishment of a Palestinian state, rejecting reports that Israel had agreed to a “path toward Palestinian statehood” as part of efforts to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu has acted and continues to act against the establishment of a Palestinian state,” his office said on Tuesday in a statement, describing the reports as “completely false”.

The statement added that such a move would “endanger Israel’s security”.

Israeli media earlier reported that a concession on Palestinian statehood was being considered as part of ongoing negotiations for a normalisation agreement with Saudi Arabia, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Saudis also strongly deny the report, saying there has been no breakthrough.

“The notion that the kingdom’s leadership has somehow modified its longstanding commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is equally baseless,” a statement issued to reporters by an unnamed Saudi official said.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to work towards ending the war in Gaza and helping the Palestinian people achieve their right to an independent state,” the statement added.

Netanyahu, who has long regarded formal ties with the kingdom as a key strategic objective, dismissed the reports.

Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish an independent state in those territories.

Netanyahu’s comments come amid mounting international criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched in October.

The offensive has drawn global condemnation, with Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials facing war crimes accusations at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Netanyahu has instead floated the idea of Arab countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia contributing to the administration of Gaza after the war. However, those countries and others in the region have repeatedly said that they would not take part in the post-war management or reconstruction of Gaza without the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) involvement.

The US and Israel’s security establishment have warned that a failure to advance a viable alternative to Hamas rule, such as the PA, will allow the terror group to re-fill vacuums temporarily created by IDF operations in Gaza.

ALSO READ: ‘Syria won’t be a launchpad for attacks on Israel’

17 December 2024
Macron Thanks Modi for Cyclone Aid

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, wreaked havoc as it swept through the southwestern Indian Ocean over the weekend….reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday after India extended its support in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, a devastating storm that struck the French archipelago of Mayotte on Saturday.

According to Meteo-France, Cyclone Chido was the strongest storm to hit Mayotte in more than 90 years.

The catastrophic winds flattened entire neighbourhoods, destroyed electrical grids, and caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and the airport’s control tower.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier conveyed his condolences, stating, “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I am confident that under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, France will overcome this tragedy with resilience and resolve. India stands in solidarity with France and is ready to extend all possible assistance.”

Responding to PM Modi’s message, President Macron wrote on social media platform X, “Thank you for your thoughts and support, dear Narendra Modi.”

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, wreaked havoc as it swept through the southwestern Indian Ocean over the weekend.

The cyclone first impacted northern Madagascar before intensifying rapidly and making landfall in Mayotte with wind speeds exceeding 220 km per hour (136 miles per hour).

The storm, which affected the archipelago of more than 300,000 residents, continued its destructive path into northern Mozambique, where it caused additional damage before gradually weakening.

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou remarked, “Everyone understands that this was a cyclone that was unexpectedly violent,” during an inter-ministerial meeting.

The cyclone’s toll has been staggering, with officials fearing that fatalities could be in the thousands.

According to Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville, “I think there will definitely be several hundred, perhaps we will come close to a thousand or even several thousand” deaths, as reported by broadcaster Mayotte la Premiere.”

Initial reports confirmed at least 11 deaths, but the numbers are expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) expressed concern on Tuesday over the fate of more than 200 of its volunteers feared missing in Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, after Cyclone Chido devastated the islands.

“Winds of up to 220 km/h caused by Cyclone Chido have devastated the French overseas territory of Mayotte. It’s feared that more than 200 … volunteers are missing,” IFRC said on X.

ALSO READ: Lula vows harsh punishment for 2022 coup plotters

17 December 2024
Trudeau’s troubles mount as finance minister quits

Freeland revealed that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had offered her a different Cabinet position after deciding she would no longer serve as Finance Minister. …reports Asian Lite News

Hours before the statement on Canada’s economy, Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister announced her resignation from the Cabinet. Notably, Freeland was scheduled to present the 2024 Fall Economic Statement on Monday.

In a letter shared on her social media platform X, Freeland revealed that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had offered her a different Cabinet position after deciding she would no longer serve as Finance Minister.

In the letter addressed to PM Trudeau, Freeland wrote, “It has been the honour of my life to serve in government, working for Canada and Canadians. We have accomplished a lot together. On Friday, you told me you no longer want me to serve as your Finance Minister and offered me another position in the Cabinet.”

“Upon reflection, I have concluded that the only honest and viable path is for me to resign from the Cabinet. To be effective, a Minister must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and with his full confidence. In making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence and possess the authority that comes with it. For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada,” the letter added.

She further said that Canada faces a “grave challenge” from the United States’ “aggressive economic nationalism.”

The letter said, “Our country today faces a grave challenge. The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism, including a threat of 25 per cent tariffs. We need to take that threat extremely seriously. That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war. That means eschewing costly political gimmicks, which we can ill afford and which make Canadians doubt that we recognize the gravity of the moment.”

“That means pushing back against ‘America First’ economic nationalism with a determined effort to fight for capital and investment and the jobs they bring. That means working in good faith and humility with the Premiers of the provinces and territories of our great and diverse country and building a true Team Canada response. I know Canadians would recognize and respect such an approach. They know when we are working for them, and they equally know when we are focused on ourselves. Inevitably, our time in government will come to an end. But how we deal with the threat our country currently faces will define us for a generation, and perhaps longer. Canada will win if we are strong, smart, and united,” the letter added.

She further wrote, “It is this conviction which has driven my strenuous efforts this fall to manage our spending in ways that will give us the flexibility we will need to meet the serious challenges presented by the United States.”

She further said that she will always be grateful for the chance to have served in the Canadian government. “I will always be proud of our government’s work for Canada and Canadians. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues as a Liberal Member of Parliament, and I am committed to running again for my seat in Toronto in the next federal election,” the letter said.

In a statement, she said, “Our government is focused on delivering fairness for every generation. We are building four million more homes, making life more affordable for all Canadians, and growing the economy to create more good jobs. And we are doing this in a fiscally responsible way. I look forward to presenting the next steps in our economic plan to deliver a good middle-class life for everyone.”

As Finance Minister, Freeland has been at the forefront of Canada’s response to various economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She’s also been instrumental in shaping Canada’s climate strategy and implementing policies to promote economic growth and stability.

Trump takes dig at Trudeau

President-elect Donald Trump took a dig at the troubles in the Canadian ruling party after the resignation of Canadian Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland . In a post on Truth Social the President elect once again dubbed Candian PM Justin Trudeau as the Governor of Canada and said that Freeland’s behaviour had not been conducive towards making good decisions for the Canadian citizens.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth, Donald Trump wrote, “The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behavior was totally toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!”

The statement by Donald Trump comes after on Monday, hours before the statement on Canada’s economy, Chrystia Freeland announced her resignation from the Cabinet. Notably, Freeland was scheduled to present the 2024 Fall Economic Statement on Monday. (ANI)

ALSO READ: US health insurance firms accused of multiple denials, delays

17 December 2024
Lula vows harsh punishment for 2022 coup plotters

The event, held at Sirio Libanes Hospital shortly after Lula’s discharge, marked his first public appearance since undergoing emergency skull surgery last week…reports Asian Lite News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has vowed to “severely punish” those involved in the 2022 coup attempt.

“I believe that General Braga has every right to the presumption of innocence,” Lula said during a press conference, referring to the detained retired general Walter Braga Netto, who served as minister of defence under former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The event, held at Sirio Libanes Hospital shortly after Lula’s discharge, marked his first public appearance since undergoing emergency skull surgery last week. His medical team and first lady, Rosangela da Silva, were present by his side.

Braga Netto, accused of attempting to interfere in investigations, was arrested on Saturday following an order from the Supreme Federal Court. According to the Federal Police, Bolsonaro was allegedly planning a coup in 2022 to prevent Lula from assuming the presidency.

Lula said it is unacceptable to have high-ranking military officials in the plot to assassinate the president, Xinhua news agency reported.

Following his discharge, Lula will work at his residence in Sao Paulo until Thursday when he is due for a CAT scan to get a permit for travel to Brasilia to resume his work at the Planalto Palace.

The 79-year-old had complained of a severe headache and was admitted for emergency surgery when a hematoma was found between his brain and meningeal membrane.

Doctors confirmed that there were no injuries or other consequences from the hematoma.

The issue was linked to Lula’s fall at the presidential residence, the Palacio da Alvorada, in late October when he hurt the back of his head and received five stitches, forcing him to cancel several commitments, including his trip to the BRICS summit in Russia.

The Brazillian President will seek reelection in 2026, the presidency’s Secretary of Social Communication Paulo Pimenta has confirmed.

In an interview with CNN Brasil, Pimenta assured that the president was in good health following medical interventions to treat a brain bleed, adding he was “the most qualified and prepared person” to continue leading the country.

“I have no doubt that President Lula is the most qualified and capable person. And he will certainly be our candidate in 2026 to be able to maintain our project,” Pimenta was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency.

ALSO READ: US health insurance firms accused of multiple denials, delays

17 December 2024
Sullivan says Trump should like ‘burden sharing’ AUKUS deal

The trilateral AUKUS deal struck in 2021 is Australia’s biggest defense project, with a cost of A$368 billion ($245 billion) by 2055…reports Asian Lite News

The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership with Australia will benefit the United States and is the kind of “burden sharing” deal that President-elect Donald Trump has talked about, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.

In an interview with Australia’s Lowy Institute think tank published on Tuesday, Sullivan said he had confidence AUKUS would endure under the Trump presidency, as it enhances US deterrent capability in the Indo-Pacific and has Australia contributing to the US industrial base.

The trilateral AUKUS deal struck in 2021 is Australia’s biggest defense project, with a cost of A$368 billion ($245 billion) by 2055, as Australia buys several Virginia-class submarines from the United States while also building a new class of nuclear-powered submarine in Britain and Australia.

“The United States is benefiting from burden sharing — exactly the kind of thing that Mr.Trump has talked a lot about,” Sullivan said of the AUKUS agreement.

Australia has agreed to invest $3 billion in US shipyards that build the Virginia-class nuclear submarines it will be sold early next decade amid concerns that a backlog of orders could jeopardize the deal.

Australia having conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines enhances America’s deterrent capability in the Indo-Pacific, Sullivan said.

“Australia is directly contributing to the US submarine industrial base so that we can build out this submarine capability, supply Australia in the nearer term with Virginia class submarines and then in the longer term with the AUKUS class submarine,” he added.

Australia’s defense and foreign ministers, meanwhile, met their counterparts in London on Monday to discuss progress on AUKUS for the first time since a change of government in Britain, and ahead of Trump’s inauguration as US president in January.

Britain’s Defense Secretary John Healey said they discussed “the challenge of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the challenge of China — increasingly active, increasingly assertive in the region — and the vital importance of maintaining both deterrence and freedom of navigation.”

Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles said they discussed accelerating the process of bringing Australian companies into the supply chain in Britain for building submarines.

ALSO READ: US health insurance firms accused of multiple denials, delays

17 December 2024
Our planet is crying out for us, says Garcetti

Garcetti further emphasised that the India-US partnership is the “most resilient relationship” in the world and is growing from “administration to administration to party to party….reports Asian Lite News

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, lauded the US-India Climate Partnership while pressing a strong case for preserving the planet, which he said is ‘crying’ demanding attention towards its needs. Addressing the SAWIE Leadership Summit on Monday, Garcetti said that Planet Earth is reminding the humans of her needs.

“Our planet will continue to remind us of her needs. Our planet is crying out for us to listen and to take care of each other. To not become more atomized but to become more connected. To figure out not the ways and the things that divide us, which seems to be increasingly sometimes what our politics are about, but to remind ourselves of the humanity that connects us with ourselves and the planet that sustains us,” he said at the event.

He further emphasised that the India-US partnership is the “most resilient relationship” in the world and is growing from “administration to administration to party to party.”

“It’s (relationship between India-US) the most resilient relationship in the world and it is growing from administration to administration to party to party… Since the late ’90s, we’ve been building a model for why we have diplomacy, why our people engage with each other and why crossing oceans in this Indo-Pacific is so critical, not just to the survival of our people and our countries, but to this world,” he said.

The US envoy said that peace, prosperity, planet, and people were the four Ps to be paid attention to for attaining sustainability. On a witty note, he also gave Hindi terminologies of the wordings.

“So, I came up with these four P’s…I’m giving a series of four speeches that started with peace, prosperity, planet, and our people. I won’t go into the other three today, but peace is everything from our defence partnership to human rights and civil, values and things that preserve the peace. Prosperity is our economic work and our technology driven work of our critical emerging technologies. Our people are the cornerstone of everything we do [like] our educational exchanges, putting cricket into the Olympics, looking at ways that we can share and understand our culture. But this level describes the work that we do that ignores borders, those things, whether it’s health pandemics and health work that we do, or the climate crisis, that really is about our planet above all else,” Garcetti said.

He added, “So those four P’s which are also kind of four S’s in Hindi, so shanti, samriddhi, swasth, which is really health, the health of our planet and our people and subdefining the s in Hindi maybe logon ki sajehdari which is a kind of a people partnership. Those are the four S’s.”

Garcetti said that the summit highlighted the challenges to preserve the planet. Citing the devastation caused by Covid pandemic, the Ambassador stressed the need to work for the environment.

“Today I really want to focus on our planet because it is the cradle of our health and everything that we do stems from that. This summit highlights an essential truth that preserving our planet requires us to face challenges that really know no boundaries. Climate change, public health threats, the demand for sustainable energy, I would offer are the biggest threats that we have lived through in recent history,” the US envoy said.

He added, “Think about the trauma of the COVID pandemic and what our children will live through. Because every child today, in the same way that some of us, when we were growing up, feared nuclear annihilation knows unlike that, which might happen that climate damage is happening and they fear their future.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: US health insurance firms accused of multiple denials, delays

17 December 2024
Hatta Winter Festival blends creativity with adventure

The Hatta Winter Festival caters to various segments of the community and visitors, including creatives, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and adventure lovers…reports Asian Lite News

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, is organising a series of unique community-focused events as part of the Hatta Winter Festival to foster creative collaboration, artistic exploration, and deeper appreciation of the breathtaking natural beauty of Hatta. The events also offer fitness and adventure enthusiasts exciting opportunities to engage in activities against the backdrop of Hatta’s stunning landscapes.

The Festival is a key highlight of the Hatta Winter initiative launched under the directives and patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, inviting residents and visitors to explore the unique experiences offered by the mountainous region during the cooler months of the year. Organised under the supervision of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, and implemented by Brand Dubai, the initiative runs from 13 December, 2024, to 22 January, 2025.

The Hatta Winter Festival caters to various segments of the community and visitors, including creatives, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and adventure lovers. The Festival offers a range of unique activities set against the stunning natural backdrop of Hatta.

Commenting on the events organised by Brand Dubai as part of the Festival, Amina Taher, Project Manager, said: “The Hatta Winter Festival is a key highlight of Brand Dubai’s annual calendar of events, designed to showcase Hatta’s unique natural beauty while creating a platform to connect Dubai’s creative community with audiences passionate about arts and culture. Set against the stunning landscapes of Hatta, the Festival promotes creativity and provides visitors with opportunities to enjoy outdoor sports, particularly during this time of year.”

Key community events include the Creatives Walk to be held on 29 December 2024 and the Photographers Walk to be held on 4 January 2025, both of which underscore the festival’s goal to engage with creative communities and highlight Hatta’s stunning natural landscapes.

Organised in collaboration with The Creatives Shop, the Creatives Walk is an exclusive gathering of creative professionals, including videographers, photographers, writers, illustrators, designers, and artists. The Walk takes participants on a tour of Hatta, where they document their journey through various artistic mediums. Participants then share their work on social media using dedicated hashtags, conveying the charm of the scenic mountainous region to a wider audience. The Creatives Walk is a perfect example of how Hatta Winter seeks to connect both the creative community and the wider public to the region’s natural landscapes.

Another community event at the festival, the Photographers Walk, organised in collaboration with fotoUAE, invites photography enthusiasts to explore and document Hatta’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant community life. With guidance from seasoned photographers, participants will capture the essence of the region through their lenses, contributing to a growing visual archive that reflects the spirit of the UAE.

The Photographers Walk taps the power of the local photography community to bring Hatta’s beauty and culture to the forefront. Photographers Walk aims to create an experience that inspires photographers and enriches the festival’s vibrant creative and community spirit.

The Hatta Winter Festival also features a unique lineup of fitness and adventure activities designed to inspire enthusiasts in stunning natural settings. Visitors can participate in open-air spin bike sessions on 4 and 11 January 2025, with two time slots at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. These sessions are organised in collaboration with ‘Padel and Fitness Hub 700,’ a state-of-the-art sports centre renowned for its modern facilities and cutting-edge fitness equipment.

Adventure seekers can also enjoy high-intensity ‘Sport Hit’ workout sessions on 21 and 28 December 2024, starting at 4:00 PM. These workouts are followed by calming yoga classes at 5:00 PM, offering participants the perfect balance of intensity and relaxation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Hatta Dam near the iconic Zayed and Rashid mural, these activities promise a memorable experience. Those interested in joining the fitness activities can register through the ‘Padel and Fitness Hub’ app to secure their spot.

The Festival’s community activities also include unique horse riding experiences held in collaboration with Yaazar Café, offering visitors an unforgettable journey that combines the beauty of Hatta’s natural surroundings with the charm of equestrian culture. The experience allows guests to connect with horses in a specially designed space inspired by stables, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Hatta mountains.

With its rich programme of workshops, cultural events, and recreational activities, the Hatta Winter Festival is a testament to Brand Dubai’s commitment to fostering creative communities and showcasing the emirate’s diverse destination experiences.

Spanning nearly 40 days, Hatta Winter initiative features four other festivals, each offering a variety of events and activities organised in collaboration with government and private sector partners. These include: Hatta Cultural Nights, presented by Dubai Culture; the Hatta Honey Festival and the Hatta Agricultural Festival, both organised by Dubai Municipality; and Hatta x DSF, organised by DET. Each festival will feature a mix of community, cultural, and entertainment activities, offering unique experiences to people of all ages.

To enhance accessibility, the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA), a key partner in the initiative, is operating the Hatta Express bus service, offering 14 daily trips directly from Dubai to Hatta. Additionally, this year’s edition includes over 1,100 parking spaces for visitors and 17 internal shuttle buses to transport guests from parking areas to the event venue, along with special buses providing access to the top of Hatta Dam.

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17 December 2024
‘Green tourism’ theme for World’s Coolest Winter 2025

Running from 16th December for six weeks, the 5th season will highlight the country’s environmental landmarks, green spaces, and unique winter experiences….reports Asian Lite News

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, announced the launch of the fifth season of the World’s Coolest Winter Campaign, under the theme ‘Green Tourism’.

Launched in collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and the National Agricultural Centre, the campaign aims to encourage community participation in sustainable agricultural practices and boost tourism visits to farms and agricultural projects across the seven emirates, as part of the domestic tourism strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to advance plans of an integrated tourism ecosystem in the UAE.

Details of the campaign were revealed during an event organised by the Ministry of Economy at the Masfout Museum in Ajman, attended by heads and directors-general of UAE’s local tourism bodies.

Running from 16th December for six weeks, the 5th season will highlight the country’s environmental landmarks, green spaces, and unique winter experiences. It will also promote farm tourism, nature reserves, and breathtaking landscapes. The campaign also supports the goals of the National Tourism Strategy 2031 and strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading destination on the global travel and tourism map.

Abdullah bin Touq said, “The fifth season of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign reinforces the sustainable development of UAE tourism by showcasing green and eco-friendly destinations and the country’s diverse tourism activities, including sustainable, desert, beach, and mountain tourism.

He emphasised that the new season aligns with the UAE’s future vision, integrating sustainability and innovation into the tourism sector and supporting the “Plant the Emirates” programme. Under its visionary leadership, the UAE prioritises green and ecotourism to promote the sector’s sustainability, preserve natural and cultural heritage, and boost the competitiveness of tourism destinations across all seven emirates.

“Launching the fifth season in Masfout highlights the region’s rich agricultural environment, landscapes, and mountains, strengthening Ajman’s and the UAE’s position as prime ecotourism destinations,” he concluded.

The World’s Coolest Winter campaign has successfully generated substantial revenue during its fourth season, which ran from 9th January to 20th February 2024. The campaign’s media and marketing materials reached approximately 600 million people worldwide through news outlets and social media platforms.

The Ministry of Economy called upon the public to take active part in the new season, share their tourist experiences in the UAE and highlight the country’s attractions that blend history with modern infrastructure and services. The UAE enjoys a line-up of impressive high-end destinations, breathtaking architecture and geographic diversity, as well as a cultural legacy that reflects the values of tolerance and coexistence long enjoyed in the country.

The fifth edition of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign targets UAE citizens, residents, and tourists from around the world. To promote its goals and highlight the top winter tourist destinations in the UAE, the campaign will feature a wide range of media and marketing posts across various media outlets and social media platforms.

The campaign will also focus on showcasing unique tourist experiences, entertainment activities, and the best adventures across the seven emirates.

The Ministry of Economy has invited the public to engage with the new campaign by sharing their travel stories and experiences in the UAE to highlight the country’s tourist attractions, which seamlessly combine the UAE’s rich history with modern infrastructure and world-class services.

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17 December 2024