Indian Ambassador to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the UAE, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press statement on Sunday…reports Asian Lite News
He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, said the MEA.
Sudhir is replacing Pavan Kapoor, who has been heading the Indian mission in UAE since August 2019. Kapoor has been appointed as Indian Ambassador to Russian Federation.
Sunjay Sudhir
The 1993-cadre Indian Foreign Services (IFS) officer served as the Ambassador of India to the Maldives before which he was the joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Sudhir was also the consul general of India in Sydney and served as joint secretary and head of the office of the External Affairs Minister. From 2002 to 2004, he served in the MEA as the deputy chief of protocol.
Meanwhile, Kapoor’s appointment as envoy to Russia is considered a high-profile posting due to the strategic nature of relationship between the both countries.
He is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Kapoor succeeds diplomat D Bala Venkatesh Varma.
Meanwhile, in another diplomatic reshuffle, Dinesh K Patnaik, a 1990-batch IFS officer who is presently Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, was appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Spain.
Expo has counted 185 nationalities through its gates, with the top five most popular overseas markets consisting of India, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and the UK…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Expo 2020 Dubai organisers have hailed the first month of the event as a “huge success”, announcing an impressive 2,350,868 visits from 1st to 31st October, with a host of memorable events, entertainment and seminars attracting people from the UAE, region and beyond.
So far, 28 percent of visits were made by persons under 18 years old, but this figure is expected to grow as the Expo School Programme expands during the cooler months ahead.
Taking a global overview, an impressive 17 percent of the total visits came from overseas, which was notable considering the event takes place when many countries are still operating pandemic travel restrictions. Expo has counted 185 nationalities through its gates, with the top five most popular overseas markets consisting of India, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia and the UK.
The majority of visitors intend to visit multiple times, with more than half (53 percent) holding a Season Pass, more than a quarter (27 percent) entering with a Multi-Day Pass and 20 percent entering on a one-day ticket.
In keeping with Expo 2020’s sustainability aims, an impressive amount of people have travelled to and around the site using RTA transport methods. From a total of almost 3.6 million total journeys, more than 1.1 million trips were made to and from the site using the Dubai Metro.
The opening 31 days also saw the first two Thematic Weeks from Expo’s Programme for People and Planet, which is designed to inspire collective and meaningful action to address the world’s most critical challenges and opportunities. A truly international cast came together for Climate and Biodiversity Week, which took place ahead of the vital COP26 global environment summit, before Space Week blasted off into orbit to explore how the final frontier can help life on Earth. Eight further Thematic Weeks will be held between now and the end of March, with Urban and Rural Development Week currently underway until 6th November.
A total of 1938 government leaders, including ministers, presidents, prime ministers and heads of state, have graced the Expo site to open their country’s pavilions, speak at official events or celebrate their nation’s Expo National Day. And many of the 192 Country Pavilions – the first time in World Expo history that every participating nation has its own pavilion – have proved especially popular. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion, one of the largest on the Expo site, has attracted half a million visitors already.
Throughout the first month, a number of Expo 2020 National Days and Honour Days were commemorated, with highlights including spectacular aerobatics from the French Air Force team Patrouille de France; Switzerland unveiling an inspiring supersize artwork by artist Saype; and international ensemble the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra delivering a message of peace and understanding for UN Honour Day. Ticket-holders have eagerly availed of their Expo Passports, with 695,437 sold in the first month, as fans compete to get the most country stamps in a single day.
A staggering 5,610 official events have been staged across the Expo site during the first month of operations. Crowds have been attracted to a stellar line-up of regional and international music artists, including Amr Diab, Kadim Al Sahir and Sami Yusuf. There have also been appearances by major sporting stars, from the basketball skills of the Harlem Globetrotters to the Rajasthan Royals cricket team. Individual countries have flown in musicians and performers, and there have been panel discussions featuring everyone from business leaders to astronauts.
As the UAE moves into its winter months and the weather become more temperate, visitor numbers are expected to steadily increase, enticed also by Expo’s ongoing programme of events. November alone will feature the conclusion of a week of events marking Diwali, Nancy Ajram and Ragheb Alama headlining the second of Expo’s Infinite Nights concert series, and the beginning of a packed schedule of celebrations for the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.
Bringing Expo 2020 Dubai to a global digital audience, the number of virtual visitors has amounted to 12.8 million since 1st October.
Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31st March 2022, inviting the world to join a celebration of unity, opportunity, creativity and sustainability that will help to shape a better, brighter future for everyone.
Tenth season of Dubai Miracle Garden welcomes visitors
Dubai Miracle Garden features over 150 million natural flowers and plants from more than 120 varieties, some of which are rare and not cultivated anywhere else in the Gulf region…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai Miracle Garden, the largest natural flower garden in the world, is returning for its tenth season, a milestone in the award-winning garden’s journey. To mark the opening of the new season on Monday, the garden has been decked up with a range of never-before-seen floral installations that promise a multi-sensory experience.
Dubai Miracle Garden features over 150 million natural flowers and plants from more than 120 varieties, some of which are rare and not cultivated anywhere else in the Gulf region.
The tenth season of Dubai Miracle Garden welcomes visitors
ABDEL NASER RAHHAL, CREATOR AND CO-FOUNDER, DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF CITYLAND GROUP: “We’re delighted to open the tenth consecutive season of the Dubai Miracle Garden. This moment is made more special because the garden offers families a unique opportunity to walk in floral spaces in an enchanting outdoor environment. The entire team has worked hard to ensure the new installations at Dubai Miracle Garden delight the visitors and gives them an opportunity to feel at one with nature in a safe and fun environment.”
“The new season of Dubai Miracle Garden is running parallel to the Expo 2020, an event that is capturing the imagination of a global audience. Dubai Miracle Garden, which takes inspiration from the Expo’s cutting-edge design, creativity and hospitality, is a unique addition to the itinerary of visitors to the mega global event.”
The highlight of Dubai Miracle Garden’s newest additions is a list of exciting floral installations inspired by The Smurfs, a children’s comic and animation franchise centered on a fictional community of small blue creatures who live in mushroom-shaped houses in the forest. A special ‘Smurf Village Attraction Area’ will host tens of life-sized mushroom houses and will be decked with furniture inspired from the animated film series. Families will have the opportunity to enter these innovative mushroom houses and share the experience of living like a character from The Smurfs.
Tenth season of Dubai Miracle Garden welcomes visitors
Dubai Miracle Garden’s tenth season also features a newly designed three-dimensional clock, a ‘floating rock’ with a fountain, floral peacocks, as well as two floral exhibits inspired by children’s favourite characters: a ‘Genie’ that stands almost 15 meters tall and a ‘flying magic carpet’. These new attractions are in addition to the Garden’s existing suite of floral displays: such as the green sculpted Emirates A380, ballet dancers, an amphitheatre-cum-observatory that hosts live performances, a scintillating ‘Floral Castle’ and much more.
King Alexander and Queen Máxima will attend the official opening of the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will attend the official opening of the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai during the country’s national day on 3rd November 2021. The official ceremony of the national day will take place at Al Wasl Plaza.
King Alexander and Queen Máxima will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, Tom de Bruijn, who will be simultaneously leading a trade mission to the UAE, focusing on sustainable urban development.
Netherlands King and Queen to visit Expo 2020
Nearly 50 Dutch companies from the water, sustainable energy, food, urban development and logistics sectors are participating in the trade mission.
TOM DE BRUIJN, MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT: “I’m pleased that so many Dutch entrepreneurs see opportunities for growth here. There’s a great demand in the UAE and Gulf region for sustainable solutions in these sectors. For instance, ways to grow crops using less water. Our companies have a lot to offer. Expo 2020 Dubai and the Netherlands Pavilion offers them a fantastic podium to showcase themselves to the Gulf region and the rest of the world. The Netherlands Government is keen to help them capitalize on this opportunity.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs mandated the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to organise the trade mission. Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), is the lead business representative.
The mission is part of a broader six-month programme at the Netherlands Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai. It includes a number of weeks centered around specific themes, during which Dutch businesses and other organisations in the highlighted sectors can grow their networks connect with partners in the Gulf region and beyond. Themes include water, energy, food security, climate and healthcare.
In preparation of the Trade Mission and on the occasion of celebrating the National Day, the Netherlands Pavilion will be closed for Expo visitors on the 2nd and 3rd of November.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), emphasised that Dubai has an ambitious plan for the next 30 years to achieve zero carbon emissions and reach 100 percent of clean energy by 2050…reports Asian Lite News
Al Tayer made these remarks in his keynote speech at the World Cities Day, which was organised by the UN Habitat, Dubai Executive Council, and The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with the theme ‘Better City, Better Life,’ at Expo 2020 Dubai. That was part of the Urban and Rural Development Week, which brings together leaders, experts and specialists to discuss the challenge the world’s existing cities and communities face and explores how to transform the way we move, build, consume and live in the habitats of the future. The World Cities Day addressed many topics including adapting to climate change and enhancing the resilience of cities, especially after recovering from COVID-19 crisis. A large number of local and international officials, CEOs, experts and scientists took part in the event.
Dubai unveils roadmap for carbon-neutral economy by 2050
“Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, we are turning challenges into promising opportunities. During Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE announced a strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, making the UAE the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to do so. We will do this by intensifying the nation’s efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth with a direct positive impact on the GDP. in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to promote the transformation of Dubai to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has approved an in-depth study on how the Emirate of Dubai can achieve carbon neutrality (Net Zero Emissions) by 2050 through a clear strategy and roadmap to transform Dubai into a centre of excellence in the essential new technologies to achieve zero carbon emissions and reach 100 percent of clean energy by 2050. Dubai has an ambitious plan for the next thirty years. Programs and mechanisms have been developed for the next period. It includes the energy and water sectors, transportation, industry, buildings, and waste. The plan also includes all the necessary enablers, regulations and R&D,” Al Tayer said.
“The ‘Projects of the 50’ initiative launched by our wise leadership aims to diversify and strengthen the UAE’s economy. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has praised the public and private sectors for their robust response to the wide-ranging challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UAE has presented a global role model in dealing with crises and overcoming challenges. It made significant achievements with its flexibility and efficiency; presenting best practices that will bring about fundamental positive changes to our planet. Despite the pandemic, we maintained our business continuity by implementing our sustainable projects and initiatives, as well as mitigating climate change by balancing economic development and preserving a clean, healthy, safe, and sustainable environment,” Al Tayer added.
“Cities around the world are increasingly suffering from the effects of climate and other challenges; such as floods, droughts, sea level rise, heatwaves, landslides, and storms. In the UAE, we have a clear strategies and plans to deal with climate change and address its overall impact. Promoting a climate-resilient economy to face climate change is a prerequisite for the UAE and Dubai to make this transformation. Dubai Government works closely with organisations that are addressing climate change and its impact, and has also set mitigation and adaptation plans for the Emirate. One of these plans is the Dubai Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Our plans are well aligned with this strategy based on our Climate Change Resilience Plan to assess and realistically forecast climate change. The plan identifies existing mitigation measures, preventative controls, and measures to ensure resilience in the future, as well as address the impact of various climate change drivers. The UAE has launched pioneering projects to diversify its clean energy mix. These include all available clean and renewable energy sources and technologies such as solar photovoltaic systems, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), green hydrogen production using solar power, pumped-storage water technology, electricity generation from wind power, as well as peaceful nuclear power,” he added.
Al Tayer said that in 2019, Dubai once again proved its commitment and efforts to ensuring city sustainability, through Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), by achieving a platinum rating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Cities certification awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Dubai is the First City in the Arab world and the Middle East and North Africa to obtain this certification. Last September, Dubai was ranked first globally for its resilience and recognised as a role model for sustainability by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The award is presented to the best global cities in the efficiency of measures that enhance resilience and reduce risks. Dubai joined the world’s C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, becoming part of an elite group of the world’s cities committed to fighting climate change. This is a recognition of the city’s advanced role in environmental protection. Dubai also achieved significant reductions in carbon emissions. Net CO2 emissions in Dubai decreased by 22 percent in 2019, two years ahead of the target of the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021 to reduce carbon emissions by 16 percent in 2021. The Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2030, which has 11 programmes, achieved significant results between 2011 and 2020. In 2020, the annual per capita consumption of electricity decreased by 23 percent, and water consumption lowered by 21 percent compared to 2010. The total savings were 25 TWh of electricity and 40 billion imperial gallons of desalinated water, equivalent to a reduction of 11.5 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions for the same period.
Al Tayer said that Dubai continues to roll out the phases of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. It is based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model and has a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts by 2030. We also commissioned the Green Hydrogen project at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. “We are also developing an ambitious strategy for green hydrogen production to increase its uses in all suitable applications in the short, medium and long term until 2050.”
Plans for child-friendly urban planning unveiled at Expo
The Sharjah Principles for Child-Friendly Urban Planning build on the emirate’s approach of putting children first, with a focus on their specific needs in urban environments…reports Asian Lite News
Sharjah has set a global benchmark in child-friendly urban planning best practices with the launch of the ‘Sharjah Principles for Child-Friendly Urban Planning’ today (Sunday) at Expo 2020 Dubai. The pioneering design guide which puts children at the heart of urban planning, has been developed by the Sharjah Child Friendly Office (SCFO)’s Child Friendly Urban Planning (CFUP) project in strategic partnership with Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC), UNICEF and UN Habitat.
EXPO 2020
The launch ceremony was held in Expo’s Opportunity Pavilion, at the UN-Hub, in the presence of; Dr. Khawla Al Mulla, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA); Dr. Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, Executive Director of SCFO, Saji Thomas; Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF; Kerstin Sommer, Representative of UN Habitat; and a recorded speech by Eng. Khalid Al Ali, Secretary General of the of Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC).
Coinciding with the World Cities Day, observed globally on October 31 to raise awareness on sustainable urbanisation, the launch of the Sharjah Principles reflects the emirate’s firm commitment to human-centric, sustainable and inclusive development.
The key architect of the 10 principles, Child Friendly Urban Planning (CFUP) project, was instituted by SCFO in 2017 to realise Sharjah’s visionary child-friendly approach to urban planning, which seeks ensure the basic rights of children and youth from different cultures and exhibiting varied competencies without any discrimination. This includes their right to express their opinion and partake in the decision-making process, thereby actively furthering SCFO’s efforts to improve their quality of life through child-responsive urban planning.
The CFUP project was officially launched as part of SCFO’s Sharjah Child Friendly City Strategic Plan 2018–21, which has been worked on by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) affiliate in partnership with SUPC, UNICEF CFCI and UN Habitat.
The Sharjah Principles for Child-Friendly Urban Planning build on the emirate’s approach of putting children first, with a focus on their specific needs in urban environments. It presents a global model for designing child-friendly cities and will serve as a reference for Sharjah government bodies and relevant entities working in urban planning, architecture, road works, municipality, including specialists, engineers, designers and developers engaged in planning public spaces.
Dr. Khawla Al Mulla, Secretary-General of the SCFA, emphasised that Sharjah Principles was a major achievement for SCFO, whose vision is to ensure that every child has the right to access to friendly spaces, breathe clean air and engage with and participate in the decisions that will impact their future.
She added: “Every milestone achieved in Sharjah expands on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to focus on new accomplishments that will incrementally enhance the prosperity of community members. The launch of the Sharjah Principles also realises the directives of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of Sharjah Ruler, and Chairperson of SCFA, on child and family-welfare related issues.”
For her part, Dr. Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal said, “Befitting its reputation as the centre of art and culture, Sharjah is promoting the Principles for Child-Friendly Urban Planning in an innovative manner. This is also a celebration of one of the first ever collaborations between the UN Habitat and an Arab city on the field of child-friendly urban planning, and quite appropriately, we are launching the principles from the UN Hub at the Expo 2020 Dubai.”
The SCFO Director thanked the project’s strategic partners for their invaluable contributions in helping Sharjah cross a new milestone in “realising more comprehensive, child-centric ecosystems”, adding that the Sharjah Principles were “based on the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCFA, whose directives guide SCFO in providing children with a thriving environment to hone their skills, and develop their talents and capabilities.”
Congratulating SCFO on the launch of the Sharjah Principles, Eng. Khalid Al Ali, Secretary-General of the SUPC noted: “We have been associated with SCFO’s Sharjah Child Friendly City Strategic Plan 2018–21 from the initial stages as part of its steering committee. SUPC is proud of its contributions to the project, which is the first step towards a future in which children’s requirements will be built into urban planning as a matter of principle, and safe and friendly open spaces will become the norm rather than the exception.”
Plans for child-friendly urban planning unveiled at Expo
SAJI THOMAS, CHIEF OF CHILD PROTECTION, UNICEF: “We had been hearing a lot about Sharjah’s work with child-friendly initiatives and its meaningful participatory process. Since I moved to the UAE last November I have been seeing it for myself and I find it absolutely commendable. It is also a great example of political will and proper deployment of resources, which proves that what matters is not the size of the project but great leadership and the right process. We should emphasise how crucial it is to ensure children’s right to play, as much as education and health. Science tells us how critical it is for children’s development. Cities should deploy resources to ensure that children have the time and space to indulge in play. I once again congratulate Sharjah for putting children at the centre of urban planning and development.”
For her part, Kerstin Sommer, Representative of UN Habitat, said: “UN Habitat offers its congratulations to Sharjah on its absolutely commendable work in initiating and realising child-centric urban planning. We all know how essential it is to ensure such spaces for children’s all-round development. Physical activity is crucial for the mental wellbeing of everybody, especially children. Urban play spaces where children are able to move freely and interact with their peers also serves to promote social skills among them which is also very vital for their development. Cities must ensure such spaces are also inclusive and provide for their caregivers, parents and families for overall social development. In this region, it is important to take the climate into consideration so that children are able to enjoy their play outdoors throughout the year. I thank you for this opportunity and look forward to seeing Sharjah’s Principles for Child-Friendly Urban Planning being adopted widely, and the child-friendly facilities being maintained for the future generations.”
Soon after its launch in 2017, the CFUP project conducted brainstorming sessions for children in partnership with SUPC and UNICEF, where they shared their vision and ideas for new, inclusive urban features and facilities to develop their community. The findings from the site-specific assessment, lessons learnt, outcomes, and recommendations based on Sharjah’s experience all form part of the Child Friendly Urban Planning guide.
Dubai is world's busiest international airport again
Dubai International Airport handled 13 million passengers in the first seven months of 2021…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai International Airport (DXB) reclaimed the top spot as the Busiest International Airport in the World this month as capacity through the Middle East hub returned in earnest, said OAG, a global travel data provider.
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), which occupied the top position for some time, moved into second place and Europe’s other big hubs are also catching up with Frankfurt (FRA) moving into 3rd place and London Heathrow (LHR) into 4th, it said.
Dubai is world’s busiest international airport again
There are eight European airports in the Top 10 Busiest International Airports this month. Antalya (AYT) in 9th place is up from 32nd in October 2019, and Vienna (VIE) is 10th from 22nd two years ago.
Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport handled 13 million passengers in the first seven months of 2021.
Senior Dubai officials project passenger traffic to see significant growth in the next six months on the back of Expo 2020.
“Government took strategic decisions and offered the right incentives to enable the country to overcome the effects of the pandemic and put us in the right position to lead the world’s economic recovery, and build bridges across the world to accelerate the recovery process, especially in aviation and tourism sectors,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), chairman of Dubai Airports and chairman and CEO of Emirates Group.
According to its figures, the UAE-UK route is the third busiest so far in October with more than 217,000 seats.
In fact, four of the top 10 busiest international routes start or end in Dubai, connecting Riyadh, London Heathrow, Bahrain and Jeddah with the UAE.
Only routes between Antalya in Turkey and Moscow Sheremetyevo (270,402) and between Dubai and Saudi capital Riyadh (240,938) registered more seats this month.
The recovery has been boosted by the UK’s decision to reopen the travel corridor between it and the UAE while the UAE’s conditional lifting of travel restrictions for passengers arriving from four countries in the Indian subcontinent as well as Nigeria and Uganda have also delivered.
India continued to be DXB’s top destination country by traffic volume in the first half with passenger numbers exceeding 1.9 million, followed by Pakistan, Russia and Egypt.
Earlier this month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Middle East carriers are expected to see a very limited improvement in their financial performance from a $6.8 billion loss in 2021 to a $4.6 billion loss in 2022 as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact.
It said that without large domestic markets, the region’s major carriers rely significantly on connecting traffic, especially to Asia-Pacific which has been slow to re-open to international traffic.
Globally, IATA said net industry losses are expected to reduce to $11.6 billion in 2022 after a $51.8 billion loss in 2021. Net 2020 loss estimates have been revised to $137.7 billion (from $126.4 billion). Adding these up, total industry losses in 2020-2022 are expected to reach $201 billion.
India Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 reveals that it will mark the festival of lights with all the gaiety and festive fervour over four days… reports Asian Lite News
Diwali celebrations returns to Dubai with Expo 2020 Dubai setting the backdrop to highlight the Indian festival of lights with week-long celebrations.
According to Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, traditional decor and illuminating projection showcases will be organised at Expo 2020 Dubai to help visitors get into the Diwali spirit. The celebrations which began on Friday will continue till November 4.
Expo diwali2
“Each evening, Diwali will be celebrated with a custom show created exclusively for Expo and performed in Al Wasl Plaza. On the Jubilee Stage, Late Nights will feature performances inspired by Diwali and artists include Peter Cat, When Chai Met Toast, Shilpa Ananth and Dhol Tasha,” authorities announced.
Meanwhile, the India Pavilion said it will mark the festival of lights with all the gaiety and festive fervour over four days.
From Bollywood music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman’s musical night with popular playback singer Vipul Mehta to performances by famous bands, dance schools and students, there will be an array of entertainment shows to enthral Expo visitors.
“We welcome the visitors to the India Pavilion with a grand entrance arch designed with floral patterns. On both sides of the arch we will have larger-than-life diyas (oil lamps traditionally made of clay) with a backdrop inspired by Mandala art,” the pavilion stated. Diyas symbolically destroy darkness and ignorance and usher in hope and knowledge.
“Along the walls of the pavilion, a large lotus tree with hanging Akash kandils (light lanterns) will illuminate the surroundings. The lotus tree with rangoli patterns will be a beautiful photo-opportunity for visitors. We also have a delightful hamper of larger-than-life firecrackers, including the familiar chakris, ladis and ‘rockets’. Visitors could pose in front of these giant crackers and click pictures.”
At the India Pavilion, there will be a Swarangoli, an interactive musical LED Rangoli, this time. “Interactive LED rangolis will come to life when visitors step on a sensor. The LED rangoli will be integrated with colourful design patterns and accompanied by ‘Saptaswaras’ — the seven notes of Indian classical music.”
The events organised by India Pavilion will also be held at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre (DMA) at the Expo 2020 Dubai from November 2 through November 5.
From 8.30pm to 9.30pm on November 2, Deepavali Utsav will be held, which will feature traditional games, rangoli displays etc and will be followed by performance by Dubai-based band Rooh.
The highlight of the festivities on November 3 will be a dance-drama performance by the students of the Indian High Group of School in Dubai at the amphitheatre right outside the India Pavilion. The event titled ‘From Darkness to Light’ will celebrate the victory of good over evil on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.
On November 4, the main day of Diwali, a special performance that incorporates martial arts and dances by artists in colourful costumes inspired by the festival processions and the Diwali Mela will be held from 9.05pm.
Dante Group was founded in 2016 mainly focusing its activities on genomic sequencing tests…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and Dante Group received Roberto Speranza, Minister of Health of the Republic of Italy, at Dante Labs Genomics, the Group’s first in the region and the fifth genetic lab worldwide, at Dubai Digital Park (DDP) in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
Through the AED22 million investment in an operational laboratory fully financed by Dante Labs Holding, Dante Labs Genomics aims to become a center of excellence for genomics in the UAE and across the region.
Roberto Speranza, was welcomed by Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, in the presence of Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, Carlo Logli, Managing Director of Dante Labs Genomics, Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Deputy CEO of DSOA, and Badr Al Olama, Chairman of Emirates Post Group (EPG), Strata and Sanad.
Commenting on his visit, Speranza said: “We are proud to witness Italian companies tie-up with strategic partners like DSOA as we seek to advocate for and champion a healthy population empowered by impactful healthcare models. We continue to work in synergy with strategic partners in the healthcare sector, to achieve a future healthcare system for humanity. Hence, we are keen to support health-tech entrepreneurs and startups and are proud to be part of Dante Group’s global expansion.”
DR MOHAMMED AL ZAROONI, VICE CHAIRMAN AND CEO, DSOA : “Earlier this year His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the formation of the UAE Genomics Council in line with the country’s vision to create a world-class healthcare system. We are pleased to welcome Dante Labs, a global leader in the field of Genomics, to our ever-evolving business community. Dante Labs move is directly aligned with the country’s directions to incorporate genomics into the healthcare ecosystem as part of the UAE’s efforts to carry out preventive programs that help reduce the prevalence of genetic disorders, disabilities, and mortality rates.”
Speaking on the UAE-Italy relations, he added: “Italy is one of Dubai’s top European trade partners, and we have seen this relationship evolve as the emirate expanded. In 2020, Italy was the first European trade partner of the UAE, with US$10.1 billion of trade value. The UAE has always been keen to continuously enhance its existing trade relations with Italy by building partnerships focused on innovation and SMEs, thereby boosting the contribution of these sectors to the country’s GDP.”
Carlo Logli said: “We are proud to expand our operations into the UAE, and more specifically Dubai Silicon Oasis. We found Dubai to be a true comprehensive and advanced hub to successfully develop our presence in the market and to become a center of excellence in the genomic diagnostics and therapeutics in the Middle East. Dubai Digital Park, as the first smart city in the region with an advanced and integrated infrastructure, will serve as a key enabler of Dante Labs’ successful expansion into the UAE, and from the UAE to the MENA region.”
He added: “Utilising advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and state of the art patented software, Dante Labs Group’s laboratories have sequenced more than 50,000 genomes to date. We have also contributed significantly to the Italian and British health authorities’ battle against COVID-19, conducting more than five million PCR tests. We are confident that through our new expansion we will succeed in achieving our revenue forecasts for 2021.”to surpass €150 million in 2021close the 2021 well beyond the budgeted figures.”
ITALY PAVILION AT EXPO 2020
Nicola Lener said: “Italy and the UAE share a longstanding relationship that we are committed to further strengthen by fostering bilateral cooperation in research and innovation and their technological applications, such as the ones implemented at Dante Labs. The same objective is embodied in the Italian Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai, which under the theme ‘Beauty Connects People’, showcases the role of innovation throughout our history up to the most recent solutions to contribute to the global efforts for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient world.”
Badr Al Olama said: “There is no doubt that healthcare is a critical sector and can be severely impacted by the slightest disruption in logistics. Reminiscing what the world encountered during the coronavirus pandemic, localisation of supply chains emerged as a potential solution. Dante Labs Genomics’ opening in Dubai will serve the UAE’s and MENA region’s demand for genomic science.”
Dante Group was founded in 2016 mainly focusing its activities on genomic sequencing tests. In the last year, Dante Labs has grown significantly acting as a genomic diagnostic and therapeutic platform whose main goal is to save human lives.
Currently employing a 250-person workforce worldwide, the lab at DSO is the company’s first genetic lab in the MENA region and fifth genetic lab worldwide, and the first in the MENA region.
Expo 2020 and Cartier celebrates the inauguration of the Women’s Pavilion
Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier celebrated the official inauguration of the Women’s Pavilion in a spectacular celebration at Al Wasl Plaza…reports Asian Lite News
Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier celebrated the official inauguration of the Women’s Pavilion in a spectacular celebration at Al Wasl Plaza, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of the Dubai Women Establishment.
The event was inaugurated by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai; Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office and Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council; and Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International.
EXPO 2020
The four artists commissioned to curate and design the Pavilion, Laura Gonzalez, eL Seed, Nadine Labaki and Mélanie Laurent along with ‘Friends of the Maison’ Monica Belluci, Vanessa Kirby, Ramla Ali, and Amira Casar, Yasmine Sabry, Fatima Albanawi, Dhafer L’Abidine, Fouz Al Fahad, Farida Khelfa and Elisa Sednaoui were also among the guests in attendance.
Under the exhibition titled “New Perspectives”, the Women’s Pavilion by Expo 2020, organised in collaboration with Cartier, invites visitors to celebrate and recognize the central role women have played throughout history, leading up to the present day. By showcasing these contributions, as well as the challenges that women around the word still face, the Pavilion seeks to amplify an important principle: when women thrive, humanity thrives.
Inaugurating the event, Reem Al Hashemy said: “The UAE has placed gender equality and women’s empowerment at the core of its ethos since its founding, recognising the immense potential of women to contribute to the nation’s rapid advancement – a belief that is echoed globally as crucial for sustainable development.
“We will soon mark the beginning of another 50 years of prosperity for the UAE, and we are emboldened by the stories of Arab and Muslim female trail-blazers from centuries past and present, brought to life in Expo 2020’s Women’s Pavilion. Challenging misconceptions and stereotypes, Expo 2020 reinforces the critical role of gender equality and women’s empowerment in safeguarding the future of humanity and our planet – and we welcome the world to engage with the Women’s Pavilion, reminding us all that every person has a role to play in the journey ahead.”
Cyrille Vigneron added: “The path to gender equality is a long path and the worst thing we could do is regress. All countries are moving in their own way but we also see regression when it comes to gender equality. We have to move forward from wherever we start, and that’s a place to rejoice and celebrate.”
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office and Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said the first ever Expo pavilion dedicated to recognising the contributions of women builds on the progress the UAE has made in enhancing women’s role in both national progress and social development over the past 50 years.
“Our gathering today demonstrates how Dubai is connecting different cultures and markets and offering a platform for forging new worldwide partnerships to address global issues. Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to have a pavilion dedicated to women with the aim of challenging stereotypes and unlocking new opportunities.”
MONA GHANEM AL MARRI, DIRECTOR GENERAL, GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI AND VICE PRESIDENT, GENDER BALANCE COUNCIL, UAE: “Though governments play a significant role in advancing women’s empowerment, they cannot succeed without meaningful collaborations with the private sector, civil societies, and committed individuals. Improved gender equality, which in turn accelerates economic growth and prosperity, is one of the many outcomes that such partnerships bring. Our leadership’s remarkable vision and unwavering support over the past 50 years has created a strong nation that today is a global model for sustainable people-centred growth and women’s development. Today, the UAE leads the region in female empowerment according to the UN, and the country is committed to further raising gender equality benchmarks as part of its ambitious future vision and strategy.”
In her address, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, reminded the audience of the impact women can make when they are put in positions of power and influence.
Liz Bohannon, a social entrepreneur and former Cartier Women’s Initiative fellow, who has been working to develop businesses that can solve some of the most pressing challenges facing women and girls across the globe, hosted the evening. Guests enjoyed an evening of breathtaking performances by the artist and ‘Friend of the Maison’ Diana Vishneva, Russian Prima ballerina of Mariinsky theater and Denis Savin, principal dancer of the Bolshoi theater. Diana and Denis performed a lyrical homage to the greatest ballerina of the 20th century Maya Plisetskaya.
Sudanese-American poet and activist Emi Mahmoud left the audience in awe with a powerful spoken word poem celebrating the strength and resilience of women. Concluding the evening was a stunning musical performance by the celebrated pianist Khatia Buniatishvili and a children’s choir from La Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine de l’Opera National de Paris.
The two-day opening programme also included a series of specially curated talks with influential leaders and speakers from a variety of sectors and backgrounds, all addressing women’s empowerment from different perspectives.
Expo 2020
Hind Alowais, Vice President of the International Participants Department at Expo 2020 Dubai, moderated a conversation between Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Executive Director of UN Women, and Cyrille Vigneron, focused on the ripple effect that women’s empowerment has on society, ultimately demonstrating that women’s advancement is key to solving the world’s most pressing issues.
Highlighting the central role of women in maintaining peace and stable societies, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, Former Prime Minister of France and President of Leaders pour la Paix, gave the keynote introduction to the talk dedicated to Women and Peace. This was followed by a conversation with Irina Bokova, Former Director General of UNESCO; Zarifa Ghafari, activist and politician, youngest Afghan mayor; and Donia Kaouach, Managing Director of Leaders pour la Paix and President of Tunisiennes Fières.
French-Algerian documentary filmmaker Farida Khelfa led a talk on reimagining education systems with the friend of the Maison Ramla Ali, Somali professional boxer, model, author and racial equality activist; Audrey Cheng, Cartier Women’s Initiative fellow and Founder & Board member of Moringa School, and Lin Kobayashi, Co-founder and Chair of the Board of UWC ISAK Japan. Creating new innovative paths to equip girls with the knowledge and skills to thrive was a key topic of conversation.
The day concluded with a conversation on climate change and the role artists and activists can play in raising awareness on one of the most critical issues facing our planet. Vanessa Kirby, actress and film producer, engaged with Salma Abdulai, Founder and CEO of Amaati Co; Kate Horner, Deputy Executive Director of Amazon Frontlines; Mélanie Laurent, actress, screenwriter and director; Thyago Nogueira, curator of the exhibition “Claudia Andujar, the Yanomami Struggle”; and Nemonte Nenquimo, Leader of the Waorani and activist, supported by Amazon Frontlines.
Drawing on Cartier’s role in supporting artistic expression, a diverse community of creators and artists were brought on to contribute to the design and curation of the Women’s Pavilion. Interior architect Laura Gonzalez, together with Dubai born artist Kholoud Sharafi and French light designer Pauline David, designed the upper part of the façade. Commenting on her contribution, Laura stated: “When Cartier approached me to design the façade of the Women’s Pavilion, this project represented the fact that all women can achieve their dreams. The first impression is very important so I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”
French Tunisian artist eL Seed’s unique calligraphy took over the lower part of the façade. He noted that: “The façade was a platform to amplify the voice of women in Nepal and to tell a story. I linked the façade to a ‘calligraffiti’ project I created in a small village, located two to three hours’ drive from Kathmandu, which was rebuilt entirely by women using earthquake-resistant bricks, following the earthquake in 2015 in Nepal.”
Nadine Labaki, Lebanese actress and the first female Arab director to be nominated for an Oscar in the category for Best Foreign Language Film, directed the short film featured as guests enter the pavilion where she highlights the meaning of gender equality through the lens of young activists from around the world. “We need to start thinking in alternative ways and explore how the world can transition to where it should be. The pandemic revealed a lot of failures in our system and things that need to change – the short documentary that I worked on for the Women’s Pavilion provided an opportunity to hop on this train of alternative thinking and start the journey.” she said.
French actress, screenwriter and director Mélanie Laurent took over the second floor of the pavilion to curate an immersive exhibition fostering dialogues across cultural, artistic, and social fields in three sections. She highlighted that “Today is better; we have opportunities and we have fought so hard not to have to make this choice for real. Let’s hope that for tomorrow, everyone will have the same freedoms.”
