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-Top News Afghanistan Qatar

Top Qataris Arrive in Kabul to Meet Akhund

Taliban acting Prime Minister Hassan Akhund thanked Qatar for its assistance to the people of Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News

The newly appointed Taliban government’s acting Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund has met with visiting Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

During the meeting held at Afghanistan’s Presidential Palace on Sunday, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, humanitarian assistance, Afghanistan’s future economic development and the international engagement with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the state-run Bakhtar news agency’s report.

According to the report, Hassan Akhund thanked Qatar for its assistance to the people of Afghanistan, stressing that the Qatari people had helped Afghans in embracing peace and stability and stood alongside Afghans during difficult situations.

PIc credits @MofaQatar_EN

The talks also touched upon the importance of international aid to Afghanistan.

The Qatari foreign minister hoped that Afghanistan and Qatar “would have good relations in the future,” the report said.

The visit came days after the Taliban announced a caretaker government in Afghanistan on September 7.

ALSO READ: Women worst sufferers in Afghanistan: Experts

ALSO READ: Beijing, Islamabad Target Hostile Militant Groups in Afghanistan

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE participates in Arab foreign ministers meeting in Cairo

During the meeting, the ministers discussed agenda items related to protecting Arab national security, addressing Iran’s and Turkey’s interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has participated in the 156th session of the Arab League Council, which was held on Thursday in Cairo at the level of foreign ministers, and aimed to discuss various developments in the Arab region.

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, represented the UAE at the meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed agenda items related to protecting Arab national security, addressing Iran’s and Turkey’s interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries, supporting the Palestinian cause, the crises in Libya, Syria and Yemen, and the coordination of Arab stances on topics raised for the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

The session of the Arab League Council was preceded by a consultation meeting held by Arab foreign ministers in which they discussed key agenda topics.

On the sidelines of the event, the Arab Ministerial Quartet Committee to follow-up the developments of the crisis held a meeting chaired by Saudi Arabia.

The committee’s members included representatives from the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain, in addition to Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Arab League Secretary-General.

The Arab Ministerial Committee tasked with taking measures to stop Israel’s violations in Jerusalem also held a meeting, which was chaired by Jordan.

The committee’s members included representatives from Egypt, Palestine, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco and Tunisia, in addition to the Arab League Secretary-General.

The Arab Ministerial Committee tasked with following up on Turkish interference in the affairs of Arab countries held a meeting chaired by Sameh Shoukry, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Its members included representatives from the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, in addition to the Arab League Secretary-General.

UAE pitches for inclusive transitions from UN peacekeeping missions

The UAE affirmed that it would work with United Nations Member States and the United Nations system to implement transitions that are inclusive and prevent the recurrence of conflict during its term on the Council.

In a written statement to the UN Security Council for its open debate examining the transition period when peacekeeping missions end, the UAE highlighted the importance of employing clear, realistic, and tailored transition strategies for peacekeeping missions that are scaling back their operations. It emphasised that the transition period should prioritise the active participation of relevant stakeholders to build back resilient, stable, and inclusive societies.

“Transitioning from UN peacekeeping is important and necessary,” the UAE stated. “If not done properly, however, these transitions could result in fragile political, humanitarian, and security situations. Transition strategies should prioritize the protection of civilians, reinforce the capacity of host countries, and guarantee the active participation of women and youth.”

In its statement, the UAE underscored the importance of a holistic approach that engages local communities, including women and youth. The UAE recommended that the UN Security Council engage directly with host countries to better address their needs. Additionally, the UAE emphasised that peace operations should continue to work together with UN country teams to ensure that sustainable infrastructure is left behind for host communities and that critical work continues in the absence of peacekeeping forces.

ALSO READ: 10% of UAE private sector workers should be Emiratis in five years

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Arab News Dubai EXPO 2020

PepsiCo to reveal innovations in F&B industry at Dubai Expo

PepsiCo is introducing new ways to snack and drink, from the way we shop products to the way we consume them…reports Asian Lite News

As the Official Beverage and Snack Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, PepsiCo has unveiled leading innovations that are set to transform the F&B industry, from the way we consume to the way we shop. With a commitment to offer products that taste good and do good for the planet, PepsiCo will bring Sunbites® compostable packaging to Expo 2020 Dubai as well as the Aquafina® Water Station, a hydration solution that drives sustainable consumer behavior while delivering personalized, on-the-go experiences. Additionally, on-site at Expo 2020 Dubai, visitors will experience the future of retail, through an AI powered shopping journey that allows for contactless payment with – Pepsi Go.

Aquafina® Fountain Station

Expo 2020 Dubai will open its doors on 1 October 2021, and welcome the world for six unforgettable months, uniting people, communities, and nations to deliver solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the planet. Leading the charge when it comes to sustainable and consumer-centric innovations within the food and beverage industry, PepsiCo’s new ways to snack and drink will elevate personalization, streamline the shopping experience, and contribute to a healthier planet and people.

AAMER SHEIKH, PEPSICO MENA, AND PAKISTAN GM, PRESIDENT: “At PepsiCo, we’re driving positive environmental impact by investing in innovative offerings that engage and encourage people to make sustainable choices throughout the day. With the Aquafina® Water Station and the compostable Sunbites® packaging, we are introducing drinking and snacking that tastes good, and does good. Pepsi Go unattended store is the result of cross-industry cooperation, allowing industry leaders to collaborate in the incubator of Expo 2020 Dubai and deliver innovations that truly elevate the consumer shopping experience. We look forward to debuting these innovations at Expo 2020 Dubai, creating millions of smiles with every sip and every bite.”

Products that taste good and do good

PepsiCo is taking a leading role in championing sustainability within the food and beverage industry, challenging today to change tomorrow. The introduction of the Aquafina® Water Station and industrially compostable Sunbites® packaging help drive PepsiCo and Expo 2020 Dubai’s ambition to deliver the most sustainable World Expo ever.

As part of Aquafina’s® ongoing commitment to reduce single-use plastic, PepsiCo’s global hydration brand will debut the Aquafina® Water Station at Expo 2020 Dubai. The innovative new hydration platform was designed to provide a personalized and great-tasting experience, while encouraging good water stewardship.

ALSO READ: Special Passport For Expo 2020 Dubai Launched

The water station allows consumers to customize their drink, choosing between still or sparkling water, with the option of adding a variety of flavors like strawberry, lime, peach and raspberry-lime, as well as controlling the flavor intensity. Further personalization includes adjustable carbonation level and temperature control to ensure every sip meets their personal preferences. Once the user has perfected their order the Aquafina® Water Station’s QR-enabled reusable bottle syncs via a connected system, ensuring a user can get their perfect drink at any other Aquafina® Water Station, seamlessly.

PepsiCo is also bringing compostable packaging for its beloved snack, Sunbites®, exclusively to Expo 2020 Dubai. Industrially compostable and bio-based, the new Sunbites® packaging includes plant-based materials. The packaging also boasts a lower greenhouse gas footprint compared to a traditional snack bag, meaning the entire production line is kinder to the planet. PepsiCo continues its work to develop and deploy packaging materials and new business models for delivering convenient foods and packaging that meet our sustainability goals and is excited to use the platform of Expo 2020 Dubai to showcase its progress and innovative pilots.  

Pepsi Go

Revolutionizing the shopping experience

The drive to change the way we snack and drink goes beyond the PepsiCo product portfolio and is channeled into the very future of retail. Using the power of the Expo 2020 Dubai platform to forge strong partnerships with technology and payment entities, PepsiCo has partnered with Mastercard to develop real-world solutions to meet the growing consumer demand for more autonomy and digital shopping experiences. The result of this collaboration is the Pepsi Go unattended store, an AI-powered, unmanned store that will first open its doors at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Pepsi Go will allow visitors to experience the future of unmanned stores and seamless, invisible, check-outs. In partnership with Mastercard, the Pepsi Go experience was designed around shoppers’ needs and brought to life using industry-leading technologies. Customers start their journey by tapping, inserting, or swiping a valid payment card to open the kiosk’s doors. Once inside, the store uses AI and computer recognition technology to track the PepsiCo snacks and beverages shoppers select. To check out, customers simply exit the gates and the Mastercard Payment Gateway Services technology automatically initiates the payment, making checkout queues a thing of the past. The experience is designed to be secure, contactless, and seamless.

Sunbites®

Over the last 18 months, the world has seen the acceleration of digital payments, driven by realities of the pandemic, coupled with a consumer demand for more autonomy and more digital shopping experiences. Pepsi Go not only responds to this demand but it also offers a more efficient and seamless journey.

GAURANG SHAH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT, DIGITAL PAYMENTS & LABS, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, MASTERCARD: “As the Official Payment Technology Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, we are excited to showcase the future of retail payments at the Pepsi Go store. For over two years, we have been developing this first-of-its-kind checkout experience for the region alongside our strategic partners PepsiCo, and we are thrilled to see it come to life for Expo 2020 Dubai. The gold standard of retail shopping is here, and we welcome visitors to experience this innovation and Start Something Priceless at Expo 2020 Dubai.”

Expo 2020 Dubai and PepsiCo share a vision to make Expo 2020 Dubai the most sustainable World Expo ever, during and beyond the six-month event. Throughout Expo 2020 Dubai, PepsiCo will take a leading role in showing millions of people what sustainable and innovative food and beverage practices look like, challenging today, to change tomorrow.

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Arab News News UAE News

Volkswagen addresses safety measures while driving

Volkswagen addresses child safety, benefits of timely travel and anxiety on the road based on recent research…reports Asian Lite News

Recent research commissioned by Volkswagen Middle East reveals that 40% of parents do not fasten their kids safely in the car because their kids do not like being strapped in; 84% of UAE motorists experience anxiety or stress when driving, while 82% recognise that they would drive more safely if they had left 10 minutes earlier. Volkswagen launches a Safety Campaign in partnership with RoadSafetyUAE, an advocate for responsible and safe driving in the UAE, to address three key findings based on this research – child safety, managing stress and anxiety on the road and journey preparation.

VW Road Safety Concerns Faced by UAE Drivers Infograph_EN

Child safety

34% of correspondents said they do not have a child seat, while 40% said they do not fasten their kid’s seat belt safely because their kids do not like being strapped in. 29% feel that they are a safe driver and therefore do not need to strap their child into a car seat.

As a family-focused brand, child safety is incredibly important to Volkswagen.  To help make child seats more fun for children and therefore encouraging its usage, Volkswagen has created a unique cuddly toy that attaches to the child’s seat belt.

Motorists facing stress and anxiety on the road

Over two thirds of respondents think that the high levels of anxiety and stress impact their driving; and this was more prominent with the female drivers and in the age group 35-44 years old. Only 16% of drivers stating they are never affected by anxiety or stress on the road.

Volkswagen-e-Golf-home-charging_1

Half the respondents articulated that listening to calming music, radio or podcasts helps overcoming anxiety. Additional measures mentioned included thinking about something uplifting, focusing on breathing techniques and engaging in conversations either on the phone or with passengers.

Based on this research, Volkswagen Middle East has partnered with Anghami, the leading music streaming platform in the GCC, to create a calming playlist to promote safer driving. Volkswagen will also host an exclusive webinar with Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Saliha Afridi at The LightHouse Arabia, focused on how drivers can manage their stress and anxiety for safer driving on the roads.

ALSO READ: The latest model of Land Rover inspired by ‘No Time To Die’

Dr. Saliha Afridi, PsyD. (US), Clinical Psychologist and Managing Director of The LightHouse Arabia commented: “Good emotional regulation skills and healthy mental health practices are fundamental for safe driving. Whether it’s lingering feelings from a negative interaction or anger associated with something that happens on the road, having the ability to regulate your emotions, calm yourself down quickly, and not being emotionally reactive is essential for a safe drive.”

Leaving 10 minutes earlier

From the research, 23% of respondents said that they are more likely to speed when running late, while 18% admitting that they would tailgate. Overall, 57% recognised that that they would be calmer and drive less stressed if they were to leave a few minutes earlier for their destination.

Volkswagen aims to put this to the test with schools going back. Partnering with renowned influencers, Hattem Mattar and Ines Sebiane will challenge themselves to leave 10 minutes early for their school run and report back on how this impacted their journey and the valuable safety benefits to their followers and Volkswagen’s audiences.

VICTOR DALMAU, MANAGING DIRECTOR, VOLKSWAGEN, MIDDLE EAST: “For Volkswagen, safety is, and will always be, our top priority. Therefore we feel that, beyond producing cars with the latest technology on active and passive safety features, our responsibility is also to make drivers really aware of the importance of safe driving and helping them to achieve it. We have held already safety campaigns over the past years and we are now taking this further through our partnership with RoadSafetyUAE.”

Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE said: “When tackling any type of problem, you first need to be fully aware of it and then look at the measures needed to tackle it. Road safety is no different, and that’s why with this cooperation with Volkswagen we want to raise awareness of its importance and show drivers options to improve it.”

Volkswagen’s Safety Campaign will launch with the school’s opening on September 5th and is perfectly timed ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10th. 

Categories
Arab News Business Events

Mall of Oman finally opens its door to customers in Sultanate

Mall of Oman is Majid Al Futtaim’s fifth and largest shopping destination in the Sultanate…reports Asian Lite News

Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia has opened the doors of the eagerly awaited Mall of Oman in Muscat. The opening of the mall marks an important milestone for Majid Al Futtaim as it continues to play a significant role in supporting local communities by enhancing the Sultanate’s retail and entertainment offerings for both residents and tourists.

Mall of Oman_

A recipient of the LEED Platinum certificate for its commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, health and wellbeing, the new super-regional mall combines a selection of curated stores that bring the very best in retail, leisure, entertainment, and dining, as well as experiential offerings for all ages. Those visiting the mall can now experience Oman’s largest VOX Cinemas — complete with 15 screens — as well as the only IMAX experience in Oman, the first GOLD experience in Oman, and the largest Magic Planet in the country, which features award-winning rides, games and attractions. Plus, those looking for dining options can indulge at Kitchen 35, the VIP Lounge (GOLD) and Nutella.

Alongside this offering, customers can also enjoy a host of brands including a 9,000 square meter Carrefour Hypermarket as part of Majid Al Futtaim and several brands from the Landmark and Apparel groups. In addition, Mall of Oman offers famous outlets such as DKNY, Nespresso, G-SHOCK, Homes R Us, Tavola and Al Khalili Buildex, ensuring there is something for everyone.

HUSAM AL MANDHARI, DIRECTOR, MAJID AL FUTTAIM, OMAN: “We are pleased to welcome residents and tourists to the brand-new Mall of Oman – Sultanate’s flagship destination for retail, leisure and entertainment. This is another achievement for us as we continue to position ourselves as a retail pioneer that offers unique experiences and unmatched value, whilst contributing to the local economy. Providing 3,500 new jobs in the region, Mall of Oman offers multiple first-of-its-kind experiences in the Sultanate, which allows us to continue to create memorable moments for our customers that they can cherish with their family. At Majid Al Futtaim, we are committed to place the people and communities we serve at the heart of everything we do, and this new opening demonstrates this.”

ALSO READ: Dubai set for the first and largest Megamarket

This September, families at Mall of Oman can also embark on the ultimate adventure with Dino World, an interactive dinosaur experience. In collaboration with EventBox, the new family offering will have visitors travelling back in time for an exciting and educational journey showcasing the history and evolution of dinosaurs, life size dinosaur installations, a “roaming dino” interactive experience and augmented reality.

Mall of Oman_

Plus, with 80% of Mall of Oman’s gross leasable area leased, the mall is set to welcome over 300 additional retail outlets in the coming months. And for those looking to go on a culinary journey, Mall of Oman has unveiled a 1,000 plus seater food court which will offer a selection of global chains. Meanwhile, those looking for more indulgent cuisine options from across the globe, will soon be able to visit various cafés and restaurants at the mall including over 50 dining options. Mall of Oman is also pleased to announce that it will launch the largest indoor snow park in the Sultanate next year, spanning over 14,000 square meters.

Mall of Oman complements Majid Al Futtaim’s strong regional presence that includes 29 existing malls across the GCC.

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Arab News Business

AVEVA to extend its partnership with Aramco

AVEVA and Aramco Plan to Partner to Realize Key Sustainability Goals through Digitalization…reports Asian Lite News

Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, and AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, have announced their intention to form a strategic alliance. Focused on driving sustainability in the region through digital transformation, the partnership will help enable AVEVA to establish their largest digital hub, with an R&D capability, in the Middle East, headquartered in Saudi Arabia. This partnership will represent a significant investment for AVEVA which is also looking to create up to 300 high skill new jobs in the Kingdom by 2030.

Ahmad Al-Sa’adi, Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Aramco

This transformative and groundbreaking partnership is designed to foster a working relationship between the two companies in the deployment of various digital technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Management.  AVEVA and Aramco aim to work together to unlock the benefits of these technologies in line with the Kingdom’s move towards industrial sustainability. One of the key focus areas of the partnership would be to utilize digital technologies to support the development and implementation of blue hydrogen and decarbonization facilities in Saudi Arabia in line with the Kingdom’s energy transition strategy.  Another area in which the companies intend to work together is in the implementation of cutting-edge predictive analytics technology across Aramco’s operating facilities.  This would be one of the largest deployments of such technology in the region and the main goal is to further improve the reliability, performance, and safety of Aramco’s operation.

ALSO READ: ADX to launch a derivatives market

A key offering for customers in the region through this new hub is intended to be AVEVA’s trademark Digital Twin technology which combines asset design and predictive analytics in order to create a fully integrated, real-time data visualization center that reveals functional insights, unlocks efficiencies, and identifies new pathways to optimize performance. The new hub, through its R&D capability, would contribute to enriching Saudi Arabia’s knowledge economy by incorporating world-class research at prominent universities across the Kingdom.

AHMAD AL-SA’ADI, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, TECHNICAL SERVICES, ARAMCO: “One of the key pillars for realizing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is Digital Transformation. Digital technologies have the potential to accelerate the transformation of the industrial sector and drive it towards more efficient and sustainable operations. Establishing partnerships with leaders in industrial digital software, such as AVEVA, is one of the main elements in our digital transformation strategy and we believe will help us realize our mission of leveraging digital solutions to deliver tomorrow’s energy more sustainably, efficiently, and safely. The regional hub that would be established by AVEVA would contribute to Aramco’s ‘In Kingdom Total Value Add’ (IKTVA) program goals and will facilitate Saudi Arabia’s path to realizing the benefits of a digital economy.”

AVEVA’s CEO Peter Herweck also commented, “AVEVA is proud to be working with Aramco towards an agreement to facilitate its digital transformation journey.  Through this partnership, the vision of our companies is to play a fundamental role in industrial sector decarbonization within Saudi Arabia and the delivery of its sustainable goals, bringing capabilities to optimize every aspect of the value chain with sophisticated imaging, data analytics, and deep-learning technologies that this initiative would bring. Through this initiative, AVEVA aims to contribute to creating job opportunities in the Kingdom and throughout the Middle East region.”

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Arab News News Travel & Tourism

Oman resume to GCC and western tourists

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is all set to welcome visitors from GCC and western countries…reports Asian Lite News

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is now ready and eager to welcome travellers and visitors from GCC and western countries, backing on the Supreme Committee’s decision to permit anyone holding an approved vaccine certificate to enter the country from September 1.

The Sultanate has eased its travel restrictions, lifting flight prohibition for people travelling from previously banned countries with reference to a statement issued by the Omani Supreme Committee, that is in charge of examining the mechanism of dealing with developments resulting from the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid_19) on August 19, 2021, and the circular issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Sultanate.

Castle Al Dakheleyah – Jabreen Castle (62)

All Omani citizens, residents, those who don’t require a visa to travel to Oman, and those who can obtain a visa on arrival are allowed into the country in accordance with the pre-COVID-19 protocols. Visitors will be required to present a vaccine certificate containing a QR code that states they have received two doses of a vaccine that is approved in Oman which are – Pfizer Biontech, Oxford AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Sinovac, Moderna, Sinopharm, Cofshield AstraZeneca, or one dose of Johnson’s vaccine. The last dose of the vaccine needs to have been received not less than 14 days before the arrival date.

ALSO READ: UAE to open up tourist visas

Commenting on the foregoing, Haitham bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The decisions issued by the concerned authorities in the Sultanate regarding easing travel restrictions will contribute to the return of the tourist movement to the Sultanate of Oman. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the splendour and magnificence of Oman, as well as get a chance to enjoy the experiences on offer. “

According to the circular issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Sultanate of Oman, a few guidelines have been outlined that will contribute to the protection of all visitors coming to the Sultanate and enhance the Sultanate’s commitment towards the security and safety of visitors. These measures are already in place in different countries of the world, including submission of a negative PCR test result prior to travel, which must be performed within 96 hours prior to the scheduled arrival time for international flights more than eight hours and 72 hours for shorter flights.

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-Top News Arab News USA

US pledges support for Kuwait’s security, stability

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthening bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various fields….reports Asian Lite News

Visiting US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has reaffirmed Washington’s supportive position for security and stability of Kuwait.

During a meeting on Wednesday with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Austin conveyed appreciation by US President Joe Biden, expressing his country’s gratitude for Kuwait’s cooperation in Washington’s evacuation process in Afghanistan while facilitating the transit of evacuees through its airport, Xinhua news agency quoted local media reports as saying.

He stressed the US’ firm and supportive position for security and stability of Kuwait, the reports said.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthening bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various fields.

They also addressed top issues of common interest and the latest developments in the region.

Austin also met Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah separately to “discuss opportunities for advancing the US-Kuwait partnership, express appreciation for Kuwait’s hospitality in hosting US forces and thank Kuwait for supporting US evacuation operations in Afghanistan” according to a Defense Department statement.

On August 24, Alina L. Romanowski, the US Ambassador to Kuwait, said that the first flight of Afghans evacuated from Afghanistan on their way to the US arrived in Kuwait for transit.

“These Afghans at risk have been safely evacuated to a coalition military facility in Kuwait,” the Ambassador said via Twitter.

ALSO READ: Special Passport For Expo 2020 Dubai Launched

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

MBZUAI launches executive programme for govt and biz leaders

All industries and economic sectors would benefit from the new programme, he said, which underscores the UAE’s commitment to foster economic growth locally and promote AI as a force for good globally…reports Asian Lite News.

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the graduate-level, research university focused on artificial intelligence (AI), has launched the MBZUAI Executive Programme, designed to help the UAE’s government and business elite unlock the potential of AI to ensure smart management, increased efficiencies and enhanced productivity.

The programme will comprise six courses, each delivered by instructors from world-leading academic institutions, executives from global multinationals, and the university’s faculty. It will also promote greater engagement on AI between government, business, and the scientific community to accelerate the development of future industries in the UAE while supporting the nation’s long-term strategy to become a global AI leader.

“Today’s unveiling of the MBZUAI Executive Programme illustrates, once again, the determination of the UAE to position itself at the forefront of the technologies and innovations shaping the global economy,” said Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of the MBZUAI Board of Trustees.

“This depends not only on world-class scientific research but also on close collaboration between all stakeholders, be they government, business, investors, the scientific community, or the public. Tailored to the needs of some of the UAE’s most senior government and business executives, the MBZUAI Executive Programme empowers decision-makers in all industries to harness the benefits of AI in forging the future success of their respective organisation, in preparation for the nation’s ambitions for the next 50 years.”

All industries and economic sectors would benefit from the new programme, he said, which underscores the UAE’s commitment to foster economic growth locally and promote AI as a force for good globally.

The programme is designed to support senior leaders across public and private sectors, undersecretaries and assistant undersecretaries, C-suite executives, leaders in IT, technology and across multiple functions and industries seeking to understand the possibilities of AI.

Its first cohort, of around 40 senior executives, will undergo 12 weeks of online practical courses, as well as seminars on the business, ethical and policymaking dimensions of the AI industry. The deadline for registration is 7th October 2021; while the first day of classes begins on 23rd October 2021.

The programme’s six courses include An Introduction to AI; AI, Machine Learning and the Economy; Visual Cognition and Intelligence; Lingual Cognition and Intelligence; The Future of Robotics and AI Ethics and Policymaking.

ALSO READ-Indian Embassy extends helping hand to students in Saudi

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

Aerospace leaders to outline roadmap at Dubai Airshow conferences

One of the key sessions in Tech Xplore, “Touchless Travel: Leveraging mobile technology to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic”, will show how leading airlines are using advanced mobile technology to make travel safe…reports Asian Lite News.

This November, the Dubai Airshow takes thought-leadership to new heights as it introduces nine tracks packed with sessions covering the full spectrum of aviation, technology, and space.

The conferences will cover an array of themes, including the role of new technologies in revolutionising air travel, major changes happening in the cargo sector, global advancements in sustainability and autonomous transportation, in addition to new space services, satellite connectivity and much more.

Global industry leaders will take part in Dubai Airshow’s conferences, including Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government; Javed Malik, Group Chief Operations Officer at AirAsia; Stacy Malphur, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability and Supply Chain at Southwest Airlines; Brian Cobb, Chief Innovation Officer at CVG Airport; Ashish Vikram, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at SpiceJet, and Brian Yutko, Chief Engineer of Sustainability and Future Mobility at Boeing.

The conferences will be split into different stages: The Hub Stage, Aerospace 2050 Forum, and Tech Xplore. The Hub stage will host Global Air Traffic Management and Cargo Connect, exploring how these critical services supported the industry during the pandemic. The Aerospace 2050 Forum will feature a series of tracks dedicated to key growth areas in aerospace including advanced aerial mobility, sustainability and space.

In addition, Tech Xplore, the brand-new stage, will explore cybersecurity strategies alongside emerging technologies helping reboot the aviation industry including AI, 5G and automation. Major entities in the fields of technology, aviation, and cargo, will participate in the conferences, including Boeing, Accenture, G42, Air BP, Intelsat, FedEx, Kuehne + Nagel, SmartKargo, NAVPASS and Lilium.

One of the key sessions in Tech Xplore, “Touchless Travel: Leveraging mobile technology to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic”, will show how leading airlines are using advanced mobile technology to make travel safe.

Furthermore, as part of the Aerospace 2050 Forum, “Investing in the future of sustainable autonomous flight” panel will shed light on Dubai’s mission to ensure that a quarter of all journeys in the emirate are taken on autonomous transport by 2030, as part of its plan to achieve sustainable aviation.

“It is apparent that the UAE is committed to creating a more sustainable future and we have collaborated with them on multiple initiatives such as founding the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) to develop sustainable aviation fuels,” said Chris Raymond, Chief Sustainability Officer at Boeing.

“We are also grateful for our partnership with Etihad Airways on the Greenliner programme and the ecoDemonstrator 2020 program, ultimately collaborating to accelerate innovative technologies that further enhance the safety and sustainability of flying for current and future generations.”

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