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Dubai News UAE News

Dubai Police seizes cocaine worth 136m

The suspect, who has a criminal record in his country, has confessed to the crime and was referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action…reports Asian Lite News

In an operation codenamed ‘Scorpion’, the Dubai Police has recently thwarted a smuggling attempt of 500 kilogrammes of pure cocaine into the country for selling and promoting purposes. The narcotics, worth more than AED 500 million (US$136m) in street value, were well-hidden within the structure of a cargo container.

According to Dubai Police, the operation is the region’s largest drug seizure, as it resulted in the arrest of a Middle Eastern gang member operating as an intermediary inside the country for an international drug syndicate and the seizure of drugs he possessed.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL ABDULLAH KHALIFA AL MARRI, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, DUBAI POLICE: “Op ‘Scorpion’ is another example of their continuous keenness on combating all types of transitional organised crimes and bringing their perpetrators to justice as well as protecting the community against all harms, as constantly directed by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.”

Lt. Gen. Al Marri further added that Dubai Police would seize every opportunity to preserve the local, regional and international security and safety in coordination and cooperation with international counterparts.

Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, said “Op ‘Scorpion’ is a new achievement added to the proud record of Dubai police in combating and thwarting the schemes of drug dealers and promoters.

“It’s a proof of Dubai Police’s highly qualified experts and criminal investigators, as well as the advanced methods and technologies utilised by the Force to combat transitional crime.”

ALSO READ: Dubai Municipality to celebrate World Migratory Birds Day

Meanwhile, Brigadier Eid Mohammed Thani Hareb, Director of Anti-Narcotics Department at Dubai Police, said they had placed the suspect under close surveillance round the clock before they raided his place and made the arrest.

“We received a security tip on an international drug syndicate attempting to smuggle a huge amount of pure cocaine hidden in a cargo container into a seaport with the assistance of a Middle Eastern accomplice in the emirate,” Brig. Hareb revealed.

Dubai Police seizes cocaine worth 136m

“An investigating team was immediately formed to verify and respond to the security tip” they monitored the suspect’s movements until he received the expected narcotics shipment. Once the shipment arrived, the suspect transported the illegal drugs to another emirate and stored them in a warehouse with the aim of selling and promoting the harmful toxins,” Brig. Hareb added.

Colonel Khalid bin Muwaiza, Deputy Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, revealed the raid’s details and explained that the suspect had rented an SUV and bought angle grinders and other cutting tools to unload the container.

“At the zero hour, our officers raided the warehouse, caught the man red-handed and seized the narcotics,” Col. bin Muwaiza added.

He confirmed that the suspect, who has a criminal record in his country, has confessed to the crime and was referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action.

Col. bin Muwaiza noted that drug cases require great experience, judgment and accuracy with individual and collective work, they also require patience and deliberation when making decisions.

“This is why Dubai Police always seeks to hon the skills of anti-narcotics officers and constantly provides them with the latest tools and capabilities to deter every criminal who attempts to trade, smuggle or promote the harmful toxins,” he concluded.

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Dubai UAE News Woman

NAMA launches Women’s inclusion Toolkit in MENA region

The Women’s Inclusion Toolkit was launched virtually in collaboration with Dalberg Advisors recently at a webinar titled, ‘From Talk to Action: How the private sector wins when it advances women’….reports Asian Lite News

Continuing their longstanding efforts towards creating a more level playing field for women in economy, the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) has launched the Women’s Inclusion Toolkit, presenting the private sector in the UAE, MENA and beyond a set of strategic recommendations that businesses across sectors can apply to take concerted actions to achieve concrete and sustainable women’s economic inclusion in line with the global Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). 

Irtiqa Toolkit Launch Webinar

A key initiative under NAMA’s Irtiqa platform to advance women’s equality in the workplace in the Global South, starting with the MENA region, the Women’s Inclusion Toolkit was launched virtually in collaboration with Dalberg Advisors recently at a webinar titled, ‘From Talk to Action: How the private sector wins when it advances women’.

A toolkit that will enable business entities to leverage the female workforce

NAMA is supporting businesses’ sustainability efforts with this action-oriented and practical toolkit, and emphasises that women need to be fully supported as they chart their professional journeys. Through the introduction of the toolkit, NAMA has made a strong call-to-action to business leaders, CEOs, HR  leaders and women’s rights advocates to turn the workplace into vibrant examples of inclusivity, diversity and equality.

NAMA’s toolkit is a comprehensive yet easy starting point to understand where a company lies in their journey to gender equality. With tailored recommendations optimised to fit within the MENA region’s specific contexts, case studies and additional resources required for businesses to continue making improvements, the toolkit will offer customised guidance as private sectors companies take their next steps towards addressing the most pressing workplace challenges women face, build on existing best practices and create action plans to accelerate an organisation’s journey towards gender equality.

Those who adopt the toolkit will be offered deeper support from NAMA’s Irtiqa team to ensure it is consistently applied.

HER EXCELLENCY REEM BINKARAM, DIRECTOR, NAMA: “If you look closely, you will notice the gaps and pick apart the injustice women face during their work for most of them are hired into junior positions. These gaps not only limit the growth of individuals but are also responsible for stunting the advancement of entire institutions. That is why we are here today, to launch ‘Irtiqa Women’s Inclusion Toolkit’, which is a small step into creating a greater platform that fully integrates women, and in the long run, shall contribute to an increase in sustainable growth and economic prosperity in the global south.”

Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA Women

The toolkit is poised to create lasting change with company leaderships pledging their commitment to the success of women’s inclusion, especially in the context of post-pandemic recovery during which the toolkit will assist senior management create a framework within which their male and female employees will be equal partners. Also, the toolkit’s framework based on fact-finding would go a long way in producing real-time data and research on both common and unique gaps that prevent private companies in the Global South achieve inclusion and gender equality, particularly enabling those that are not actively tracking or accumulating this critical data, to resolve the issue.

In the first phase of the toolkit’s rollout, NAMA will collaborate with large private firms and business associations in the UAE, working closely with them to identify the right course of action, provide the right recommendations apply gender equality practices customised to their needs, and finally, help them maintain regular checks through assessing their tangible progress in the journey towards closing the gender gap at the workplace.

ALSO READ: Influential women to be a part of Visions and Journey’s at Expo 2020

Drawing successful examples and practical experiences of the UAE-based businesses in applying the ‘Women’s Inclusion Toolkit’ to their workplace, NAMA will mobilise its adoption and uptake in more nations across the MENA region and beyond. 

For more information, please visit https://www.namawomen.ae/irtiqa/

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Arab News Dubai Events

BBME to return to Dubai as an in-person event

Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), the region’s only dedicated event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry, to return to Dubai as an in-person event next year…reports Asian Lite News

Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), the region’s only dedicated event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry, will return to Dubai as an in-person event next year. Scheduled to take place at the World Trade Centre on 1 & 2 February 2022, the event has witnessed significant growth over the years.

BBME Exhibition

More than 1700 companies from over 70 countries including industry leaders, government officials and specialists from the private sector are expected to participate and engage in discussions related to post-COVID recovery and challenges and opportunities in the industry, including supply chain disruptions, economic development and innovation. The event’s 2020 in-person edition witnessed the attendance of Arab transport ministers and government officials from Syria, Sudan, Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In 2021, Breakbulk Middle East was held as a virtual event under the patronage of UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. It provided critical continuity between the two physical events, building a strong foundation as Breakbulk Middle East prepares to return to Dubai in 2022.

The exhibition floor will include major industry players DP World, UAE as the Host Port, Abu Dhabi Ports, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Al Faris, Mammoet, Volga-Dnepr and MICCO, along with others to represent the project cargo supply chain throughout the Middle East and its connections around the world.

H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, The UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

H. E . SUHAIL AL MAZROUEI, UAE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE: “Over the past year, we have faced unprecedented health and economic challenges that have disrupted nearly every business, including the breakbulk industry and global supply chain. We are now moving into a post-COVID world where disruptive innovation and productive cooperation will define the industry for decades to come. Despite the disruption, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence the freight and logistics market in UAE is expected to reach USD 30.33 billion growing at a CAGR of 10.21% until 2026. The consistent growth and the expected outcomes are only due to the support we have received from industry stakeholders including the ports of the UAE. Furthermore, as part of our endeavours to establish the UAE as one of the leading centres for trade in the world, we recently organised an assembly of leaders from the government and private sector within the industry to prepare the UAE’s candidacy for its Category-B membership at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As a leading industry event in the UAE, Breakbulk Middle East has become a networking hub for decision-makers from the government and public and private sectors to forge business relationships and promote collaboration. We are confident that 2022 will support us in our efforts to help the country retain its leading status despite market challenges.”

Supply chain innovation

H.E Sheikh Nasser Majid Al Qassimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Infrastructure and Transport Sector at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure emphasized, “The breakbulk and project cargo sector that represents a complex market, encompassing commodities as varied as steel and forest products, to heavy-lift shipments for wind turbines and equipment for construction work, plays an essential role in the Middle East. The UAE is a front-runner in this sector, occupying a predominant position as a trans-shipping centre. Several factors such as the quality of the port infrastructure and the country’s strategic location that enables it to serve as a link between the East and West, have led the UAE to achieve a leading status. According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the total output for the logistics services sector reached AED219 billion and the sector is expected to see an increase despite the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic. The continuous initiatives of the government clubbed with efforts of events like Breakbulk Middle East play a significant role in reinforcing the industry by uniting industry players and providing a platform to discuss the hardships faced.”

H.E Sheikh Nasser Majid Al Qassimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Infrastructure and Transport Sector at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

Post-COVID growth opportunities

Owing to UAE’s vision and quick action to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, Breakbulk Middle East will prove to be a key event that will help the UAE prepare for the next 50 years. The 2022 edition capitalises on the region’s innovation and technological advancement, infrastructure and government policies and incentives to help attendees generate leads for new business across the project supply chain.

ALSO READ: UAE aims to go Net Zero by 2050

The UAE has been among the fastest growing economies in the MENA region to resume commercial activities previously halted to curb the spread of COVID-19. Precautionary measures and safety protocol has been formulated to ensure business continuity. As port development in the region reaches new heights, capitalising on opportunities is what a successful future will remain dependent upon. With Abu Dhabi Ports owning, managing and operating 10 ports in the UAE, they are aware that a robust and advanced infrastructure is vital for success in today’s market. One of the directives as an organisation is to support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to foster a sustainable and diversified economy.

As well as 1st class infrastructure and superb service levels, Abu Dhabi Ports believes in customer choice as they do provide complete end-to-end supply-chain support solutions to their increasing list of global customers, and help them realise competitive advantage and growth, especially during challenging times. Therefore, Breakbulk Middle East has also demonstrated its ability to align with the industry’s best interest, and as a result, they too have been able to grow year in and year out.

BEN BLAMIRE, EVENT DIRECTOR, BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST: “The events business was one of the most impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry faced immense challenges that were addressed by technology, thus allowing us to take our event virtual. However, as we move to a post-pandemic phase, we are excited to go back to hosting the Breakbulk Middle East physically. Over the years, we’ve been able to build some great partnerships with industry leaders and experts that have helped Breakbulk Middle East maintain its strong position in the market as one of the most sought-after events in the breakbulk and project cargo industry. Post-COVID, Breakbulk Middle East will be one of the first events to unite leaders and experts, that will facilitate collaborations and partnerships in the sector and lead to rapid growth and transformation. Its placement during Expo 2020 will ensure greater participation from experts and decision-makers from the GCC and beyond, resulting in numerous new project opportunities.”

Ben Blamire, Event Director of Breakbulk Middle East

Leslie Meredith, Marketing Director of Breakbulk Events & Media concluded, “Dubai has always been the ideal venue for Breakbulk Middle East, and because of the nation’s resiliency, it is one of only a few countries in the world to lift its travel restrictions. The UAE’s strategic location and excellent reputation will further enable the participation of industry professionals, key decision-makers, experts and enthusiasts from around the globe in the highly anticipated elite gathering.

At Breakbulk Middle East, our primary aim is to facilitate greater exposure for participants in our quest to bring innovative solutions and a progressive culture for the benefit of the regional and international supply chain industry. With our upcoming edition, we will strive to realise this vision.

As the fastest growing event in the industry, Breakbulk Middle East will continue to be a key contributor to the region’s economic development by allowing participants to discover new project opportunities.”

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

Red Arrows bring colour, daredevil displays to Dubai skies

The Red Arrows, the UK’s famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, enthralled crowds along Abu Dhabi Corniche and Expo 2020 Dubai with their spectacular flying display…reports Asian Lite News

Featuring BAE Systems Hawk T Mk1 aircraft, the two-seater training jet has been used by the Red Arrows since 1979, eight years after the formation of the UAE, according to a report from Arabian Aerospace.

Meanwhile, pilots and engineers of the future have been inspired by an interactive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) event held at the UK Pavilion in partnership with the RAF aerobatic team the Red Arrows, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai.

Red Arrows bring colour, daredevil displays to Dubai skies

Drones, robots, 3-D printing, and Formula One-style car building were featured during the learning session, providing an in-depth look at the field of engineering and the scale of opportunities for new generations.

Tadgh O’Donovan, Professor, Deputy Vice Principle and Head of Engineering, Heriot-Watt University Dubai told Expo News: “Sometimes people think engineering is all about maths and science, but there is so much more to it – and it’s so much fun. Engineers don’t do things twice. I always encourage my classes to play with the technology – it’s not an assignment. If students are not excited to get involved, then we’re doing it wrong! It’s for all ages; you’ll see kids here today as young as three years old looking up at the skies and seeing the amazing Red Arrows fly and they’ll wonder ‘how does that happen?’ and ‘how can I be a part of that?’”

O’Donovan added: “We have 60 members of the RAF here today; this entourage includes engineers and technicians – it’s not just one person flying the aircraft. It’s a great example of precision engineering.”

ALSO READ: UK’s Red Arrows to put up 20-minute air show at Expo

Abdulomonem Mohamed, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) student from the British University was on hand to help younger visitors tap into the possibilities: “I’m demonstrating how to drive drones, print 3-D cars and help them to connect the small pieces of the electric cars together.”

“I love the robots here,” Seth Garrity, an eight-year-old from Australia, told Expo News. “And I can’t wait to see the Red Arrow that’s being 3-D printed. They said it would be finished by 6pm, so we’ll come back later to see it.”

Red Arrows bring colour, daredevil displays to Dubai skies

O’Donovan hailed Expo 2020 as the best stage in the world to display innovation, predicting that sustainability will be Expo’s most significant outcome: “It’s the biggest challenge that engineers face; it’s also the biggest challenge that society faces, but I believe engineers have a key role to deliver sustainability. We talk about how much energy is used taking a flight, but the question is that if we are to decarbonise, does that mean we fly less? I don’t believe that. I think engineers are going to come up with solutions in a sustainable way. There will be a development in sustainable fuels. The UAE is going to be a leader in hydrogen and how that is going to impact and support aviation in the future. Sustainability is what all aspects of engineering will be addressing in the next few years.”

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Dubai Environment UAE News

Dubai Municipality to celebrate World Migratory Birds Day

The Environment Department is organizing various environmental events on Saturday, 9th October 2021, at Creek Park – Gate No. 1, from 4 pm to 6 pm…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Municipality will celebrate the World Migratory Birds Day, which falls on 9th October. Observing this international occasion is part of strengthening the Municipality’s leading role in raising environmental awareness for the emirate’s community and its quest to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems in the emirate.

Environment Department of Dubai Municipality will organize various awareness programs in an interesting and attractive way for all segments of society with the aim of educating them about the importance of migratory birds and their different types, the threats they face and how the community can contribute to mitigating them.

Dubai Municipality to celebrate World Migratory Birds Day

This year’s global event, with the theme, “Sing, Fly, Soar, like a Bird,” focuses on the phenomena of the birds’ voices and flight as a way to inspire and connect people of all ages in their shared desire to celebrate migratory birds and unite in a joint global effort to protect birds and the habitats they need to survive.

World Migratory Bird Day has a global reach and is an effective tool for sharing best practices in contributing to the protection of migratory birds from the threats they face on their journey in search of food, temperate climate or escape from predators.

The Environment Department is organizing various environmental events on Saturday, 9th October 2021, at Creek Park – Gate No. 1, from 4 pm to 6 pm. This occasion is an opportunity for all family members to participate in environmental workshops that will be presented in cooperation with various private companies.

The workshops include environmental messages related to migratory birds and how to preserve them. One of the most prominent educational workshops offered by the Environment Department is how to make bird nests that the participants will be able to place in their homes to attract birds, specifically migratory birds, that they will take as a resting place before completing their journey. The public can enjoy unique experiences, including getting to know some of the birds that will be present at the event site, such as falcons. Visitors can take photos with them, with the need to adhere to all precautions during their visit to the event.

One of the most prominent projects that will be presented to the public is the program for tracking migratory birds by satellite, where a tracking device will be installed, equipped with a satellite positioning device, to follow the movement of the bird without the need to catch it again and study its migration path, which contributes to programs for the protection and proper management of these birds. In addition, everyone will be able to participate in the various environmental competitions that will be organized and an environmental Yoga workshop in which participants will be able to enjoy the birds singing while exercising. Art enthusiasts will be able to showcase their creativity by coloring a 15-meter long environmental painting of migratory birds, and watch the environmental art exhibition in which 15 artists of different nationalities will participate to embody the importance of birds through their paintings.

ALSO READ: UAE aims to go Net Zero by 2050

Bird migration is a natural miracle. Migratory birds fly hundreds and thousands of kilometers to find the best environmental conditions and habitats for feeding, breeding and raising their young. When conditions at breeding sites become unfavorable, it is time to travel to areas where conditions are better.

The Emirate of Dubai and the UAE in general represent a major habitat for many migratory birds due to the availability of a safe haven for these birds during their migration. The country also represents one of the favorite resting places for many migratory birds due to the abundance of food sources and the availability of natural reserves within the country. The coastal shallow waters, inland waterways, mangroves and salt marshes are among the main important elements for birds escaping from the frozen icy areas in the Asian and Siberian poles during their quest for a warmer climate in Africa.

The UAE hosts annually large numbers of migratory birds, due to its location and the nature of its climate, in addition to the availability of suitable havens for birds, where two important paths of bird migration overlap, the path of bird migration from East Africa to West Asia, and the path of Central Asia, while birds of northern Europe and Asia visit the UAE as a breeding area to avoid harsh climatic conditions due to the extreme cold in the northern breeding areas which are associated with lack of food supply.

Reserves distributed in various regions of the Emirate of Dubai constitute important habitats for hundreds of species of migratory birds annually, such as Socotra cormorants, sooty gulls, white-cheeked terns, crested cats, black grouse, and yellow-necked sparrows, in addition to wading birds and birds of prey, such as the osprey and the peregrine falcon and small birds, in addition to types of storks, such as the beak, heron, and flamingo that are found in coastal areas and swamps, as well as different types of ducks.

Reserves provide safe havens that reduce the pressures on migratory birds and provide them with maximum protection in order to preserve biodiversity and enhance environmental sustainability. There are eight nature reserves in the Emirate of Dubai as protected areas to preserve wildlife within the emirate, covering approximately 1,297,82 square kilometers and representing various ecosystems – desert, marine, coastal and mountainous habitats, which are teeming with many types of plants, animals, fish and birds. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is also one of those key areas that provide a safe place for migratory birds and are of international ecological importance due to their unique biodiversity.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1985 and declared by Local Order No. 2 of 1998 as a protected area. In December 2003, His Highness the Ruler of Dubai issued Law No. 11 of 2003 to define the regulations related to nature reserves. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was added to the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2007, thus becoming the first nature reserve in the UAE to be recognized globally according to the Convention. It is also an important destination for birds for breeding and migration according to the Birdlife International.

Dubai Municipality to celebrate World Migratory Birds Day

The most beautiful thing that can be seen in Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the flamingo birds, especially when these migratory birds come to spend the period between autumn and spring, where many of these birds can be seen, and even when most of them return to Central Asia to spend the summer months. A group of them remain here to inhabit this area throughout the year.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by mangroves, which play a major role in the UAE ecosystem and are home to many living creatures and many resident and migratory birds. A large variety of organisms live and reproduce within the mangrove ecosystem. Therefore, the preservation and growth of mangroves is necessary to preserve these living creatures, especially the resident and migratory birds, because they provide a safe haven for life and reproduction in which food sources are available from small fish and mollusks.

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai annually hosts thousands of migratory birds that reside temporarily on the banks of salt flats, mud flats, mangroves and swamps that are widespread there. The reserve includes hundreds of species of birds, and is characterized by the richness and diversity of plant and fungal life, especially seabirds of various types and shapes, including flamingoes, which migrate to the UAE with the onset of winter and abound in January, preferring shallow waters.

The Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve also receives many migratory birds, with an area of more than 40 hectares of virgin shrubs. The reserve includes 204 species of local birds and 158 species of migratory birds. The Marmoom Reserve is considered the first unenclosed desert reserve in the country open to the public that combines the concepts of eco-tourism and nature protection and it has the highest concentration of big Alventer flamingoes in a desert area with a population of 500-2000 birds. The reserve has eight bird watching towers distributed in its lake areas, which include thousands of migratory and local birds for bird lovers and enthusiasts for watching. A bird watching platform is also built in the form of interlocking straps.

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

WGES concludes with announcement of 7th Dubai Declaration

The summit witnessed high-level dialogues, panel discussions and seminars on developing innovative sustainable solutions and stimulating innovation to support sustainable development…reports Asian Lite News

The 7th World Green Economy Summit (WGES), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, concluded on Thursday.

The summit, held under the theme, “Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery,” brought together many prominent international speakers, in addition to dignitaries and representatives from government organisations, academics, experts and the media.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Chairman of WGES, announced the Dubai Declaration 2021 at the end of the summit. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation at His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for his patronage of the event and thanked H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, for his presence at the summit’s opening ceremony. He also thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the summit.

“The summit’s seventh edition was held amidst exceptional events and activities, under the theme, ‘Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery,’ in conjunction with the historic Expo 2020 Dubai held under the theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.’ These two themes are consistent with the UAE’s efforts to promote innovation and develop creative solutions to support the country’s sustainable development goals and overall economic growth,” Al Tayer said.

Due to the directives and tireless efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Dubai has maintained its bid to become the global capital of the green economy. The summit witnessed high-level dialogues, panel discussions and seminars on developing innovative sustainable solutions and stimulating innovation to support sustainable development. These centred around its four main themes, the youth, innovation and small technologies, green economy and policies, and green finance,” he added.

ALSO READ: WETEX and Dubai Solar Show kicked off at Expo

“The UAE has served as a global model of resilience in times of crisis. This is evident in its immediate successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to our leadership, the country has been steadily recovering from this global health crisis, with our nation emerging stronger and more resilient,” he further added.

We recognise that climate change is an urgent global threat with impacts that reach beyond the environmental agenda, to include economic, social and environmental challenges.

We acknowledge that sustainable and green recovery should steer our efforts to rebuild the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to limit the temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius while aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement “COP21.”

We encourage inclusive partnerships in which governments, businesses and civil society are part of collective action for current and future generations.

We encourage further support towards low carbon transition by developing a strategy and a roadmap for green hydrogen in Dubai.

The World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) will continue as the leading platform and partnership enabler for international cooperation, knowledge-sharing and technology transfer between developed and developing countries, considering the special needs and circumstances of the least developed countries and small island developing states, to promote the drafting and implementation of green economic policies at national, regional and global levels.

We look forward to fulfilling our commitments to the goals of the Paris Agreement while rendering our full support for a successful UNFCCC COP26, to be held in November 2021 in Scotland, UK.

We will coordinate and align the regional response to climate change for the effective implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other national climate strategies and policies through the UNFCCC WGEO Regional Collaboration Centre in Dubai during MENA Climate Week 2022, coinciding with the next World Green Economy Summit to be held at the Expo 2020 Dubai in March 2022.

Categories
Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

DEWA exhibits globally leading achievements at WETEX

Among DEWA’s projects and initiatives are the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) in 2030…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is showcasing its vital projects and innovative initiatives through its two stands at the Northern and Southern Complexes of the 23rd Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and the Dubai Solar Show (DSS).

DEWA exhibits globally leading achievements at WETEX

SAEED MOHAMMED AL TAYER, MD AND CEO, DEWA, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN, WETEX AND DSS: “the exhibition is held in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai, which provides an opportunity to showcase DEWA’s globally leading achievements for millions of visitors. It also provides an ideal platform to enhance collaborations with DEWA and help develop its business in the MENA region.”

Among DEWA’s projects and initiatives are the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) in 2030. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, recently inaugurated the first stage of the Solar Park’s fifth phase. It increased DEWA’s total capacity from clean energy to 1,310 MW and the clean energy share in Dubai’s energy mix to 10 percent. DEWA’s electricity capacity has reached 13,200 MW of electricity and 490 million gallons of water per day (MIGD).

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DEWA is also showcasing a model of the Innovation Centre at the Solar Park, which has consolidated its position as a global platform for promoting the future of sustainable energy. There is also the R&D Centre at the solar park, which supports DEWA’s efforts in anticipating the future and developing proactive, long-term plans that keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and disruptive technologies and provide world-class services that improve the quality of life in Dubai.

DEWA exhibits globally leading achievements at WETEX

Another project is DEWA’s Space-D project that includes the launch of a satellite constellation to support its primary satellite. Emiratis will manufacture these at the Research and Development (R&D) Centre of the solar park. The system features a ground station at the solar park and IoT and AI technologies to support ground communication transmission stations in electricity and water networks. By deploying this infrastructure, DEWA seeks to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its planning and operations and enhance preventive maintenance at its production, transmission, distribution divisions, its smart grids, and electric vehicle charging stations.

The stand also presents a model for the green hydrogen project, implemented between DEWA, Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens Energy at the outdoor testing facilities of the solar park. It is the first project of its kind in the MENA region to produce hydrogen from solar power.

Among DEWA’s pioneering projects in Hatta is the hydroelectric power plant, the first in the Gulf Cooperation Council to generate electricity using stored water in Hatta Dam. The station’s production capacity will reach 250 MW. It will have a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours. Other projects include Dubai Summit, and Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls. Dubai Summit includes the construction of a 5.4-kilometre cable car to transport tourists to the summit of Um Al Nesoor. At 1,300 metres above sea level, it is the highest natural summit in Dubai. Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls will use the slope of the upper dam to create a natural waterfall. A waterway will be built along the parking area below the dam. The water used in the waterfall will be collected at the end of the stream, recycled, and pumped back to the top of the dam. Moreover, DEWA will showcase Hatta Line and Cable, a strategic flagship project connecting the one-of-a-kind new Hatta Hydroelectric Plant to Dubai’s high voltage transmission grid through a combination of 132kV new and existing underground cables and overhead lines.

DEWA exhibits globally leading achievements at WETEX

DEWA is also showcasing its net-zero energy buildings, which received the Platinum Rating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Cities certification awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). These include DEWA’s Sustainable Building, the first sustainable government building in the UAE and the largest government building in the world certified by LEED; Al-Shera’a (Arabic for sail) Building, DEWA’s new headquarters, which will be the tallest, largest, and smartest government Zero Energy building in the world; the Innovation Centre; R&D Centre; Smart Grids Station (SGS); Moro Hub (Data Hub Integrated Solutions LLC ) in Jebel Ali; and the Distribution Power Division Complex in Al Ruwayyah.

DEWA is organising the second Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) to design solar-powered buildings in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, as part of a partnership between DEWA, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), and the US Department of Energy.

WETEX and DSS witnessed the launch of DEWA Smart Grid Strategy 2014-2035 and DEWA Smart Grid Report 2021. DEWA’s Smart Grid Strategy 2021-2035 includes six main themes: Foundational Capabilities; Grid Automation; Smart Energy Solutions and Green Mobility; Smart Water; Artificial Intelligence; and Innovative Value-Added Services. The Smart Grid Strategy themes comprise 19 smart grid capabilities.

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Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

UAEU Pavilion release Programming Guide for Expo 2020

The Pavilion is prepared to feature 1 primary programme, 2 exhibitions and over 67 events over the course of six months at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE University (UAEU), the country’s flagship institution and the only participating university in Expo 2020 with its very own pavilion, releases the institution’s Programming Guide for Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Pavilion, to officially open on 10th October, 2021, is designed with the theme ‘University of the Future’, an innovative approach to higher education. The Pavilion is prepared to feature 1 primary programme, 2 exhibitions and over 67 events over the course of six months at Expo 2020 Dubai.

PROF AHMED ALI MURAD

PROF AHMED ALI MURAD, UAEU PAVILION, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GENERAL AND OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON EXPO 2020: “The UAE University Pavilion takes part in Expo 2020 Dubai’s view of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” by fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration through various activities for 6 months. The October Programming is the University’s inaugural lineup of events and exhibitions to introduce its ambition, views, and goals in this global platform where visitors from all over the world will be present.”

An online Programming Guide for October presents the UAEU Pavilion’s official list of programmes. The programming consists of the Pathfinders Programme 2.0, a Permanent Exhibition, a Temporary Exhibition as well as other Events.

ALSO READ: Expo unveils nine-metre-tall giants to honour Arab explorers

The Pathfinders Program 2.0, as the primary program of the UAEU Pavilion, will welcome national and international participants who will go through a six-month curriculum, using Expo 2020 site as a learning environment, to solve challenges submitted by countries pavilions.

The Permanent Exhibition will be set in place to offer visitors an interactive 20-minute immersive experience of the Pathfinders’ journey. The Temporary Exhibition will be displayed digitally and features the UAEU’s ‘Tree of Life’ as it creatively narrates the story behind the UAEU’s vision and ambition.

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai to play significant role in reviving French economy

The France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will play a significant role in reviving the French economy, according to its Commissioner-General Erik Linquier…writes Lina Ibrahim

“In fact, [our participation in Expo 2020 Dubai] is part of the French government’s relaunch strategy to maintain a strong and visible presence globally,” Linquier, who is also the Chairman of COFREX, the French exhibition company in charge of organising French participation in international and universal exhibitions, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Expo 2020 Dubai

“Our participation illustrates the relevance, determination, and desire of French companies to build a sustainable society for the collective future, with the France Pavilion being their platform to showcase their savoir-faire, talent, and innovation,” he added.

‘France, Lightspeed Inspiration’: a source of inspiration, knowledge and creativity

Under its theme of ‘Lightspeed Inspiration’, the pavilion embodies France’s vision and highlights its many successes in the shift towards innovative eco-friendly and user-oriented mobility solutions.

Light is also the architectural theme for the France Pavilion, which visitors can explore as a source of inspiration, knowledge and creativity, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Located in the Mobility District, the pavilion seeks to explore light as an enabler of progress, a vehicle for connections and a source of creativity. Designed as a link between France’s proud universal heritage and a more inclusive world for today, it offers solutions to build a more sustainable and more resilient world, in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: a priority shared by France and UAE

“The 17 Sustainable Development Goals of UN’s 2030 Agenda are a priority shared by France and the UAE and are more than ever relevant in a post-pandemic context. France’s contribution to achieving these SDGs, including combatting climate change, is an objective of responsible development and economic growth, crucial in the post-COVID rebound,” said Linquier.

He highlighted that Expo 2020 Dubai represents an ideal opportunity for all French artists, entrepreneurs, academics, companies, start-ups, communities, and foundations to develop internationally, conquer new markets, and express their commitment to building a sustainable society for the collective future.

France designed its six-month presence at Expo 2020 Dubai around twelve themed fortnights, which are based on the 17 SDGs. The objective of these themed fortnights is to raise public awareness of major causes and challenges of tomorrow and to highlight French initiatives in terms of biodiversity, climate, peace, space, consumption, and others.

ALSO READ: Ireland pavilion features exciting work of talented designers, innovators

“The France Pavilion will show how climate and environmental interdependence on an international scale can be a tool for international cooperation and business development, while proposing concrete solutions. While France is committed to ensuring strong coherence between its national and international policies, Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a pioneering platform to highlight this,” said Linquier, adding that France is fully aligned to express its vision of environmental transformation and innovation to build a better tomorrow. “It is our ambition to showcase the values of daring, optimism, and collective sense.”

More than 600 French companies, startups, and SMEs operate in UAE

There are more than 600 French companies, startups, and SMEs operating in the UAE, and representing various French industries, innovations and services.

“France’s participation in Expo 2020 constitutes a new and valuable opportunity to continue strengthening these relations and elevating them to new heights. It will create further opportunities between the two countries to consolidate economic, commercial, academic, and cultural ties,” said Linquier.

Experience a cultural and artistic immersive journey

France’s boldness in art and technology is also strongly present in the visitors’ journey at Expo 2020 Dubai, which is organised into several spaces that aim to reinvent France’s present and create its future.

The promenade will be dressed in street furniture designed by Franco-Iranian artist Sepand Danesh, who has designed furniture and sculptures that symbolise universal attitudes and emotions such as reverie or contemplation. The promenade will also host an exhibition dedicated to innovative textiles developed by lille3000 and will display themed photography exhibitions.

In the introductory space, the Explorers will offer a list of the natural, cultural and human resources of French regions to make as many people as possible aware of their riches and fragility.

Dedicated to the notion of Redefining Progress, the permanent exhibition presents visitors with three staged spaces, each featuring a vision of progress. These visions echo the theme of the Pavilion (“Light, Enlightenment”), its geographical wing (“Mobility”) and the general Expo 2020 Dubai theme (“Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”).

Within the continuity of the permanent exhibition, visitors will be able to discover temporary exhibitions, renewed every month, with each one being dedicated to an artistic expertise: starting with digital art, tableware, kinetic art, architecture, and fashion.

France Pavilion launches Notre-Dame AR experience

Finally, art on display will give an identity to each of the France Pavilion’s Belvédère’s spaces throughout the whole duration of the event.

“We adapted our calendar of events to match Expo 2020’s new schedule and we optimised this extra time to pay even more attention to the visitor experience and programming,” said Linquier.

Expecting millions of visitors over a period of six months “The France Pavilion is historically one of the most visited pavilions during World Expos and we look forward to welcoming millions of visitors for the next six months,” said the pavilion’s Commissioner-General.

“We are working very closely with the organisers to provide a seamless experience, as we adhere to Expo 2020’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. The UAE’s response in face of the pandemic and their efforts in hosting [this mega event] are a testament of their resilience and dedication,” he concluded.

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-Top News Dubai Health

Dubai Fitness Challenge set to return this month

Dubai Fitness Challenge also supports Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live in, work and visit, reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Fitness Challenge is set to return this month to energise the whole city with 30 days of free fitness events, activities, and classes.

Running from 29th October to 27th November 2021, the initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, seeks to encourage everyone to embrace a more active lifestyle, try new fitness activities and enjoy the outdoors.

Dubai Fitness Challenge also supports Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live in, work and visit.

This year’s action-packed calendar will see a more diverse and inclusive range of fitness activities and events than ever before – with a focus on getting outside as participants complete their 30 minutes of daily activity across the 30 days. Everyone of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy the three, free Fitness Villages at Kite Beach, Expo 2020 Dubai and Mushrif Park; fourteen Fitness Hubs in business and residential communities across the city; major sporting events and over 5,000 free live and virtual fitness classes.

The signature Dubai Run <

https://www.dubairun.com/> and Dubai Ride <

https://www.dubairide.com/> will return to Sheikh Zayed Road with families taking part alongside recreational and professional runners and cyclists for these two coveted events.

ALSO READ: Golf legends set sights on Dubai Moonlight Classic 2021

The Fitness Village at Kite Beach will be home to action-packed beach workouts with 15 dedicated Sports and Fitness zones offering a variety of activities and classes for all levels and interests including HIIT training, yoga, spinning and water sports. The main stage will feature live sessions from the region’s top fitness instructors, while families will be entertained at the Fun Spot kids zone. Padel Tennis will also be a new addition for this year, with a pop-up beachside court set up for anyone who would like to try out this increasingly popular sport.

On the other side of the city, the Fitness Village at Expo 2020 Dubai will be a wonderland for sports enthusiasts packed with running events, a Global Fitness Stage, football pitch, cricket nets, a gym and multi-sports area. Expo 2020 will also be collaborating with Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) on numerous events, including the Expo 2020 Dubai Run – a high-profile race, held on Friday 19th November.

The third Fitness Village at Mushrif Park will have six zones with family-friendly activities, special workout spaces for women, as well as aqua zumba and aerobics, and a dedicated kids zone with obstacle courses and skill challenges.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said: “The fifth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge comes at a time when people are becoming increasingly conscious of their health and wellbeing than ever before. Our appetite for enjoying the outdoors has never been greater and we truly appreciate the opportunity to come together as a community and spend quality time with family and friends. Dubai Fitness Challenge was created to meet these needs and help people embrace a more active lifestyle, take advantage of the incredible range of fitness facilities across the city and bring everyone together to have fun while focusing on their physical and mental wellbeing. Our aim remains the same – to help make Dubai an even happier and healthier city. This year, we have the opportunity to get even more people involved in the movement, not only those who call Dubai home, but visitors from across the world, coming to experience our great city and celebrate the wonders of human achievement at Expo 2020 Dubai.

“The line-up for Dubai Fitness Challenge 2021 is truly extraordinary with signature events including Dubai Run and Dubai Ride complementing the thousands of free fitness activities and classes available every day of this 30-day challenge. Whether you’ve been seeking to make a change, are looking for a new sport to try or simply want to enjoy some fun and fitness with family and friends, there is no better time for each and every one of us to embrace the positive momentum across the city and get involved. At Dubai Tourism, we are proud to partner with Dubai Sports Council to bring this important initiative to life and look forward to a very successful fifth year of the highly anticipated Dubai Fitness Challenge.”

Saeed Hareb, General Secretary of Dubai Sports Council said: “Dubai Fitness Challenge has become an annual celebration of fitness and wellness, and one of the most anticipated events of our calendar. It is also proof of Dubai’s ever-growing dedication to physical and mental well-being. This pioneering initiative, and its goals, have been embraced by every section of our community – young and old, men and women and People of Determination.

“Last year, the Challenge played a big role in motivating and energising children, engaging more than 620,000 students from more than 600 schools in the UAE. Overall, more than 1.5 million people participated in the 2020 Dubai Fitness Challenge, including more than 20,000 for the Dubai Ride, which turned the iconic the Sheikh Zayed Road into a giant cycling track. More than 100,000 people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels took part in the Dubai Run, and, for the first time, more than 200 virtual events were organised as part of DFC.

Dubai Fitness Challenge set to return this month

“The 2020 edition of DFC was a huge success despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, and as Dubai welcomes guests from around the globe for Expo 2020 – we are looking forward to another 30 days of blockbuster events. Dubai Sports Council is proud to partner with the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) for another edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge, and together we hope to achieve the lofty goals of Dubai as a city of sport, happiness and physical activity.”

The 2021 edition of DFC will also see the addition of the Dubai Padel Cup, which includes three-days of exhibition matches at an iconic location in Dubai featuring some of the world’s top-ranked professionals, as well as a dedicated championship for amateur players in various categories of ability.

With less than a month to go, everyone can register now for the Challenge on www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com <

http://www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com> . Signing up to take part will ensure you’re in the know about everything DFC has to offer including exclusive events, free classes and activities across the city.

Participants will also be able to access offers on their favourite fitness brands and have the chance to win exciting prizes. For those not sure where to start, the “Find Your 30” section of the DFC website features workout programmes, health and fitness vlogs, nutritious recipes, podcasts, virtual classes, articles about keeping fit and more.

As part of DFC’s commitment to creating a safe environment, all activities will comply with COVID-19 regulations and social distancing mandates. Participants are required to follow precautionary guidelines including wearing masks in public spaces.