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Play your fav games in the cool confines of Oman Exhibition Centre

Escape the heat and spark your summer with endless energy at Oman’s premier indoor sports festival at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity to stay fit, have fun, and connect with your community, reports VINOD RAGHAVAN

July is the month of summer and mercury touches 40+ degrees centigrade in the Sultanate of Oman, hitting badly sports enthusiasts, the health conscious  and physical fitness regulars have to curtail their routine outdoor activities as unable to bear the scorching heat.

But, no more, as Sports Spark! has arranged all your favourite sports under one cool-roof, to enjoy fitness fun at Muscat’s premier indoor summer sports festival  at the sprawling Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) during this summer for a month, until August 24.

However, get ready to dive into your favourite sports and enjoy fitness fun at Muscat’s premier indoor summer sports festival, Sports Spark!

The event, organised by the OCEC in collaboration with Muscat Governorate, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth as a strategic partner, and logistical support from Sabco Sport, is poised to become a leading destination for locals looking to exercise and stay fit this summer, the organisers revealed at a press briefing at the sprawling newly decked sports venue.

Sports Spark is designed to provide the community with an exciting opportunity to stay active and healthy during the summer months. With a wide range of sports and fitness activities, participants of all ages can engage in their favourite physical activities in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.

From football to cricket, volleyball or basketball, Table Tennis, Archery, Board games, Running tracks for athletes, Tennis amongst other sports available at Sports Spark with professional coach and trainers guiding participants through each sport. The event will include a daily morning summer camp from 9 am to 1 pm for children aged 6-14 and will be open until midnight daily, with activities available upon registration on the Sports Spark website, said Dr Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group and added, most the games are free and rest are charged a minimum.

Hosted and organised by the OCEC in collaboration with Muscat Governorate and OMRAN Group with strategic partnership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and logistical support from Sabco Sport, this event highlights the shared commitment from various organisations in Oman to promote accessible physical activity and community engagement. With each facility created in collaboration with local SMEs and sports associations, the OCEC is confident that this event will appeal to a wide range of individuals, from children to well-known athletes, he said.

“We believe in the importance of promoting health and wellness among our community members,” commented Dr Mahrouqi, “Sports Spark is a fantastic initiative that encourages the community to stay active and healthy through a variety of sports and fitness activities. By supporting this event, we aim to provide a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their facilities and services, thereby contributing to the growth of our local economy. It is also a chance for families and friends to come together and enjoy shared activities, strengthening the bonds within our community.”

Engineer Said Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, remarked: “We are thrilled to host such a fantastic event at the OCEC, underscoring our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Sports Spark perfectly aligns with our mission to promote a healthy and active lifestyle in a secure environment, offering a diverse array of indoor sports and fitness options that keep the community engaged, energized, and healthy. Many of these activities are free to access, including our fitness corner and running track, ensuring everyone can benefit. I look forward to seeing everyone explore our facilities and register on our website to book their next fitness or sports session.”

Al Shanfari further said, “I am also deeply grateful to organise this event in collaboration with the Muscat Governorate and our strategic partner, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, with additional support from OMRAN Group and Sabco Sport. The long-lasting benefits for both physical and mental well-being are immense, and we are proud that these companies recognise the power of Sports Spark in fostering such positive outcomes.”

For more information, visit the Sports Spark

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Pak Governor felicitates Shaandar Bukhari for his noble cause  

Atoken of kind words and appreciation, carries a long way, for any human being who does a selfless job taking care of human beings… reports Vinod Raghavan who interacted with a Samaritan Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari who was felicitated by the Punjab Governor in Pakistan.

It’s very difficult to find someone, who thinks for the well being of others, but here’s a Samaritan, Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari, hailing from Pakistan’s Attock district, who was born and broughtup  in the Sultanate of Oman, is a multi-faceted personality covered with layers of  humbleness, sincerity and a concern for humanity. He is always available for the needy, cutting across regions, boundaries and religion.

As his name Shaandar which means (uniqueness) he often rushes on getting a call with a request for any types of help viz. providing free wheel-chairs for the disables or ailing elders. To help the hapless prisoners released after their jail-term with air tickets, arranging fees for the weaker sections of the community or taking efforts for coffins of expats back home to Pakistan, is not a small job but a noble cause, which only a few people does whole-heartedly.

This noble cause he has inherited from his late father Syedzada Sakhawat Ali Shah Bukhari, who was a teacher and landed in Oman in the early 70s, and had seen Oman developing from a single school in the Muscat governorate to scores of schools and colleges in every nook and corner of the Sultanate, thanks to the great visionary late Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

As a token of appreciation, Shaandar Bukhari, a philantrophist was felicitated by the Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, with the prestigious “Outstanding Citizen Award’ for his social welfare services for the expats and Pakistani communities residing in the Sultanate of Oman. It has helped in enhancing the bilateral relations and has strengthened the social fabric of both the societies (Oman and Pakistani).

Pakistan Ambassador in the Sultanate of Oman, Imran Ali Choudhary, conveyed his best wishes and appreciated his efforts and described him as a Pride of Pakistan and assured him the support of Embassy for noble causes.

ALSO READ: UAE sets out journey to Paris Olympics

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UAE proposes ‘temporary mission’ to restore order in Gaza

Al Hashimy added that as part of the UAE’s historic commitment to the Palestinians, the country continues to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and supplies to the Gaza Strip…reports Asian Lite News

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, affirmed that the UAE believes that securing stability and peace in the region, can only be achieved through a sustainable and just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and a political path that leads to the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, existing in security and peace alongside the State of Israel, in accordance with bilateral agreements and international law.

Furthermore, it is crucial that any solution enhances the humanitarian response to the ongoing tragic situation in the Gaza Strip.

Al Hashimy added that as part of the UAE’s historic commitment to the Palestinians, the country continues to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and supplies to the Gaza Strip, following the directives of its leadership. The UAE is steadfastly committed to extending a helping hand to the Palestinians and implementing humanitarian relief initiatives whether via land, sea, or air routes.

She also highlighted that during the past ten months, the UAE has dispatched 39,756 tonnes of urgent supplies to the Gaza Strip through 8 ships, 1,271 trucks, and 337 flights. Furthermore, Al Hashimy stated that the UAE will continue to extensively work – through its leading and pioneering role – with the UN and international partners to intensify necessary efforts to support all endeavours aiming to alleviate the humanitarian suffering.

Furthermore, Al Hashimy underscored that a return to the status quo before 7th October 2023 cannot achieve the desired sustainable peace for both the Palestinians, Israelis, and the wider international community. The UAE believes that the first step to achieve peace and security in the Palestinian Territory and the region is through an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all hostages and detainees.

Al Hashimy stated that consolidating peace and security and ending the humanitarian suffering should begin by the deployment of a temporary international mission in Gaza with a formal invitation from the Palestinian government. A credible, and independent new Prime Minister must lead this government, ensuring transparent operations aligned with the highest global standards. Additionally, the government must commit to necessary reforms to address the challenges faced by Palestinians, fulfil their legitimate aspirations for independence and statehood, achieve growth and security, and also be able to take on the responsibility for rebuilding Gaza. This international mission will be responsible for efficiently responding to the humanitarian crisis the citizens in Gaza are facing, establishing law and order, laying the groundwork for governance, and paving the way to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate Palestinian Authority.

In this regard, Al Hashimy stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, must do its part to achieve the vision of the international community according to international law and human rights principles. Gaza cannot recover if it continues to live under a blockade, or if the legitimate Palestinian Authority is not allowed to take on its responsibilities and to stop withholding its financing, highlighting the need to halt constructing settlements and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Al Hashimy emphasised that the UAE believes in the importance of intensifying efforts by regional and international partners, as well as coordinating collective action to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians and all nations in the region. She also affirmed the significance role of the United States within these endeavours, including rebuilding Gaza, and also promoting peace, together with the countries of the region. Critical elements for the success of the international mission is an American commitment to achieving the two-state solution, and Palestinian reforms.

Al Hashimy also affirmed that the UAE will continue its extensive humanitarian support for the brotherly Palestinian people, and stands ready to actively contribute as part of a sustainable endeavour that resolves the conflict in line with the two-state solution, in partnership with the regional and international community. The outcome we endeavour to achieve extends beyond the Gaza Strip and necessitates comprehensive cooperation. Moreover, establishing peace is to everyone’s advantage on a broader scale, benefiting the entire Middle East and the global community.

ALSO READ: Hamdan lauds UAE’s globally unique government system

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201 Indians died during Hajj pilgrimage 2024

Rijiju highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims….reports Asian Lite News

Over 200 Indian pilgrims died during the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024, with the majority of deaths attributed to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, in a written reply to a question, emphasized the government’s commitment to the successful conduct of Hajj operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian pilgrims.

“As of July 21, 2024, 201 Indian pilgrims have died during the Hajj pilgrimage, with most deaths due to cardio-respiratory and cardio-pulmonary arrests,” Rijiju stated. He noted that more than 70 percent of the fatalities occurred among pilgrims aged 60 and above.

Rijiju highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims. He mentioned that several progressive reforms introduced in recent years have led to a qualitative improvement in the Hajj experience. In Hajj 2024, the number of Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (KuH) deployed by the Hajj Committee of India to assist pilgrims increased to 641, more than double the previous year’s number. Additionally, the number of temporary deputationists (administrative and medical staff) deployed for Hajj management and administration rose to 620, up from 461 in Hajj 2023.

Special provisions were made for the 4,558 women who traveled to Saudi Arabia, including dedicated buildings for accommodation and medical services. To address the adverse climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia, specific interventions were introduced. In Mecca, three medical centers with a total capacity of 100 beds were operationalized, along with 14 medical dispensaries, a command control center, 20 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, and a 24-hour helpline available throughout the Hajj period.

In Madinah, a 20-bed medical center was established, supported by two dispensaries, a control command center, four BLS ambulances, and a 24-hour helpline. Additionally, a medical dispensary and helpline were operationalized at the Jeddah Hajj Terminal to cater to pilgrims’ healthcare needs during arrival and departure.

“For the first time, emergency teams were deployed at Haramain High-Speed Railway stations, providing on-ground medical assistance. A dedicated task force consisting of six teams provided medical aid during Friday prayers at the Holy Mosque,” Rijiju added.

The government remains dedicated to improving the overall Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims through these and other measures.

In June, Saudi Arabia said that as many as 1,301 people died during the Hajj pilgrimage, with “numerous cases” due to heat stress and “unauthorized” trips accounting for over four out of five of the deaths.

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Biden, Netanyahu Seek Unity on Gaza Ceasefire

US Vice-President Kamala Harris later met Netanyahu and said she had voiced “serious concerns” over casualties in Gaza….reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Thursday to close the remaining “gaps” in the push for a Gaza ceasefire deal, the White House said quoting media reports.

The meeting at the White House came a day after Netanyahu gave a fiery speech before the US Congress as thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside, BBC reported.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris later met Netanyahu and said she had voiced “serious concerns” over casualties in Gaza.

The Prime Minister faces pressure both at home and abroad to bring an end to the Israel-Gaza war, now in its ninth month.

He said he had known the US President for 40 years – and that Biden had known every Israeli PM over the last half a century.

“From a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel,” Netanyahu added.

Netanyahu also said he looked forward to working with Biden “on the great issues before us” over the next several months.

The meeting follows months of tension over the war in Gaza, with Biden reaching the point in May, according to his friend and former Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, where he said “enough is enough”.

Biden also previously publicly threatened to hold back weapons shipments if Israel launched a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah, prompting anger in Israel, BBC reported.

Netanyahu said in June that it was “inconceivable” for the Biden administration to withhold weapons and ammunition from Israel.

At a news briefing, National Security Spokesman John Kirby said the pair discussed the urgent need for a hostage release deal, the potential of conflict spilling over into Lebanon, the threat of Iran and the need to reach “compromises” in peace talks.

While Kirby added that “gaps remain” in the US-Israel relationship, it was still “healthy”.

“By healthy, I mean they’re not going to agree on everything,” he said, adding that Biden was “very comfortable with the relationship he has with the Prime Minister”.

Speaking to reporters after she met with Netanyahu, Vice-President Harris said the discussion was “frank and constructive”.

Harris is the likely Democratic presidential nominee now that Biden has stepped down from his re-election campaign.

She said she has an “unwavering commitment” to Israel and its right to defend itself, BBC reported.

Harris also expressed, however, “serious concerns” about Israeli operations in Gaza and the “dire humanitarian situation there”.

“I will not be silent,” she added.

“It is time for this war to end.”

“Let’s get the deal done so we can get a ceasefire to end the war,” she said.

“Let’s bring the hostages home, and let’s bring much-needed relief to the Palestinian people.”

The US and Israeli leaders also held a closed-door meeting with the families of seven US citizens still being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Following the meeting, Jonathan Dekel-Chen – whose son Sagui was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7 last year – told reporters that the meeting was “productive and honest,” although he did not provide details.

“We feel probably more optimistic than we have since the first round of releases in late November, early December,” he said.

Speaking in the House Chamber on Wednesday, Netanyahu defended Israel’s war in Gaza, while attempting to rally support from US politicians, BBC reported.

“Our enemies are your enemies,” he said, condemning protesters as “Iran’s useful idiots”.

The White House pushed back on Netanyahu’s characterisation of the protesters, with Kirby saying that “it’s not a phrase we would use” and “not a reflection of what we think” of the “mostly peaceful” protests.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Washington to accuse Netanyahu of being a “war criminal”.

Their loudspeakers and chanting could be heard from the White House as Netanyahu arrived on Thursday.

Police arrested 23 people on Wednesday, including five inside the Capitol building.

Netanyahu’s speech was occasionally met with rapturous applause, mostly led by Republicans.

The Gaza war has deepened political divides in Washington and led to infighting among Democrats, whose left wing has been critical of US support of Israel.

Harris did not attend Netanyahu’s speech due to scheduling conflicts, the White House said.

Harris has expressed steadfast support for Israel. However, such a stance has been politically costly for the Democrats.

Hundreds of thousands of protest votes were cast against Biden during the presidential primaries by those wanting him to stop sending military aid to Israel.

Some of those angered by his war stance see Harris as a chance to mend the fracture in the party and win back the votes.

Netanyahu is expected to visit Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Friday.

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Australia Sanctions Israel Amid West Bank Tensions

Israel to go ahead with 3000 new homes in West Bank

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law….reports Asian Lite News

The Australian government on Thursday announced sanctions on some Israelis involved in settler violence in the West Bank, the first time the country has imposed such punishment against Israelis over settlement activity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong announced financial sanctions and travel bans for seven Israelis and a youth group for participating in violent attacks against Palestinians, Xinhua news agency reported.

“This includes beatings, sexual assault, and torture of Palestinians resulting in serious injury and in some cases, death. The entity sanctioned is a youth group that is responsible for inciting and perpetrating violence against Palestinian communities,” Wong said in a statement.

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are illegal under international law.

“We call on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence to account and to cease its ongoing settlement activity, which only inflames tensions and further undermines stability and prospects for a two-state solution,” she said.

Speaking on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio, Wong said Australians should recognize the sanctions as a very substantial penalty.

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Protests in Washington as Netanyahu defends war

Some groups of demonstrators attempted to barricade Netanyahu’s potential routes to the Capitol…reports Asian Lite News

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began speaking to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, more than 5,000 protesters massed on the streets near Capitol Hill, waving Palestinian flags and chanting for United States to stop arming Israel.

During his address, the Israeli Prime Minister also urged the American leaders to provide bipartisan support to the war-ridden country, amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Some groups of demonstrators attempted to barricade Netanyahu’s potential routes to the Capitol, with one group handing out an effigy of the prime minister in handcuffs and the other group even burning the American flag.

During his address to Congress, Netanyahu called out Iran for funding and promoting anti-Israel protests in America. Netanyahu went on to call protesters “Iran useful idiots.”

“Our enemies are your enemies. Our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory,” Netanyahu strongly emphasised the strategic role of Israel in countering Iran.

Netanyahu did not mention a ceasefire by name or discuss the status of the deal that Israel and Hamas have been negotiating for weeks, something the Biden administration desperately wants to get done.

However, he did say that the war could end if Hamas surrendered its arms and returned hostages.

During his remarks, the Israeli prime minister called the Hamas terror attack on October “a day that will forever live in infamy, comparing it to the attacks on Pearl Harbour and 911.”

The Israeli PM praised US President Joe Biden for his efforts to free hostages held by Hamas.

“I think Biden and I have known each other for 40 years,” Netanyahu said, adding, “I want to thank him for half a century of friendship with Israel.”

Moreover, Biden and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet at the White House on Thursday.

Netanyahu did not shy away from praising former US president and Republican candidate Donald Trump for his support of Israel. Netanyahu also said he was happy that the former president emerged safe and sound from the shooting in Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, more than 30 members of Congress did not attend Netanyahu’s address, in protest of the Israeli Prime Minister’s approach to the Israel-Hamas war.

Elon Musk attended the Netanyahu address in Washington as one of the Israeli Prime Minister’s special guests. (ANI)

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Hamdan lauds UAE’s globally unique government system

Hamdan applauded the Government’s continuous efforts to fulfill the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, said the UAE’s government system has made exceptional progress that has positively impacted various development sectors, particularly those dealing with the direct services offered to UAE citizens.

He applauded the Government’s continuous efforts to fulfill the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed made these remarks during his visit to the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs today, following his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. This appointment was part of the latest cabinet reshuffle announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with the blessing of the UAE President.

“Thanks to the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE’s government system has become a globally unique model of efficiency, resilience and adaptability to change,” H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said.

“The UAE is making strides towards more progress and accomplishments, paving the way to a better future for our people and the next generation. This future requires enhanced coordination and teamwork that brings together all federal and local government agencies,” he added.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and other ministry officials briefed Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed on the federal government framework, which has helped the UAE government stand out as a role model of resilience, demonstrating a strong ability to formulate policies and strategies that drive growth and leadership across various sectors. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also received a briefing on the legislative framework of the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, as well as an overview of the initiatives and projects launched by the Prime Minister’s Office and the UAE Government Media Office.

He also reviewed ongoing plans aimed at advancing coordination and integration between the federal government and local governments. Sheikh Hamdan praised the progress made towards uniting national efforts and pushing forward national priorities and strategic projects.

ALSO READ: UAE sets out journey to Paris Olympics

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Dubai wins bids to host 175 int’l biz events in H1

The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years…reports Asian Lite News

Business events continue to strengthen Dubai’s knowledge economy and contribute to tourism growth, with the city winning an impressive 175 bids in the first six months of 2024 to host events through 2024 and beyond. An increase of 24 percent compared to the same period last year, these bid wins are expected to bring more than 92,000 delegates, enhancing the pipeline of attendees for business events over the coming years.

The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years, with an event win pipeline stretching into 2028. Spanning a wide range of sectors and professions, this achievement underscores the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the decade leading up to 2033 and reinforcing its position among the world’s top three cities to visit, live and work in.

Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, worked with stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to bid for and capture marquee business events. In addition to successful bidding activity, recent months have seen further global recognition for Dubai’s status as a leading business events hub. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai the top city in the Middle East for the number of association meetings hosted in 2023, while Cvent ranked it number one in its ‘Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa’.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said, “In line with the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, business events continue to play a critical role in driving tourism and economic prosperity. High-impact conferences, congresses and meetings not only boost economic progress, but also make vital contributions to Dubai’s burgeoning status as a knowledge hub, and centre of expertise across key sectors. This is aligned with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which envisions Dubai as a leading destination for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.

“Associations, businesses and organisations around the world are increasingly recognising the power of hosting their meetings in Dubai, as demonstrated by the number of major international conferences secured by the city in the first half of 2024. Our vibrant calendar of upcoming events will bring together industry leaders, visionaries and delegates from all over the world, taking advantage of and feeding into our knowledge economy and propelling collective growth, and we look forward to welcoming them to Dubai.”

Dubai’s popularity as a destination for corporate and incentive events continues to surge as a direct result of its range of destination offerings that meet all budget requirements, a wide selection of international hotels, its world-class infrastructure and meetings facilities, and incredible accessibility. Events captured in the first half of the year for these segments include Modicare Advisors Incentive 2024, Vkusno i Tochka Convention 2024, World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024, and OPPO Guangdong Mobile Communication Incentive 2025.

Dubai’s growing stature as a global association hub, as well as the rapid evolution of the city’s knowledge economy and focus on innovation, also resulted in decision-makers choosing the city for their major gatherings. Conferences and congresses captured in the first half of the year include The International Cotton Association Conference 2025, IFHNOS Summit 2025, WC A World Annual Conference 2025, and Rhinology World Congress 2028.

Through year-round engagement, close collaborations, and partnerships with hotels, events venues, Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and other service providers, DBE continues to attract the world’s most prestigious events and solidify Dubai’s position as a year-round global business events hub.

In the first half of 2024, DBE successfully concluded several sales missions in target markets and participated in major trade shows, including IMEX Frankfurt. It will also participate in the upcoming IMEX America (8th-10th October; Las Vegas) and IBTM World (19th-21st November; Barcelona). DBE continues to work closely with industry stakeholders to host meeting planners in Dubai for study missions that allow them to experience Dubai’s business events and tourism infrastructure and its rapidly growing knowledge economy.

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UAE sets out journey to Paris Olympics

The UAE delegation sets out its journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through two competitions: swimming and judo, two days after the official opening ceremony…reports Asian Lite News

The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is scheduled for Friday, 26 July 2024 in Paris. The international sports event will see 10,500 athletes from 200 National Olympic Committees compete in 32 sports across 329 events at 35 venues in the presence of 20,000 media representatives, and 45,000 volunteers.

The UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) said 14 Emirati athletes will compete in five sports: equestrian, judo, cycling, swimming, and athletics during the Games will conclude on 11th August.

The UAE delegation sets out its journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through two competitions: swimming and judo, two days after the official opening ceremony.

The Paris 2024 Olympics is considered an important stage in the UAE’s future sports journey at the Olympic level, which began in Los Angeles 1984. It is a departure for a new station towards a brighter sporting future, in light of the National Sports Strategy 2031, which represents an umbrella for all initiatives, programs and projects of the sports sector in the UAE, and whose main goal is to increase the number of qualified Emirati athletes to over 30 by the 2023 Olympic Games.

Speaking about the national sporting ambitions and the future of UAE sports in the Olympic Games, Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of the General Authority of Sports, said: “Since the flag of this dear nation was raised for the first time at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, we have been dreaming of a bright sporting future that carries with it achievements and excellence. There is no doubt that our participation in the Olympics is not just a sporting competition, but rather an embodiment of the visions and directions of our wise leadership and the dreams and aspirations of our people and our rising generations.”

He added: “The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was the beginning, and since then we have been striving to build a generation of athletes who represent the UAE in the best way. The challenges we faced and the difficulties we surmounted were nothing but additional motivations to achieve more achievements.”

He said: “As we prepare today for the Paris 2024 Olympics in a few days, we have in mind a goal that goes beyond Paris, which is to achieve the largest possible participation and create a new dream for the UAE’s leadership and people, in line with objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031, which include developing the capabilities of sports talents and achieving success in elite professional sports to consolidate the presence of the UAE on the global sports landscape.’’

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