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UAE explores mechanisms to boost space economy, investment, tourism

The project is being implemented in partnership with several international companies working in the space field…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Economy is keen to enhance promising global partnerships with leading private institutions in vital future and sustainable economic sectors, said Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, , Minister of Economy during a meeting with Brent Sherwood, Senior Vice President of Blue Origin, the aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight service company.

The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, the representatives of AzurX, a Dubai-based technology and strategic sectors investment company, Strategic Advisor to Blue Origin in the Middle East.

Bin Touq said this will help achieve the strategic objectives in terms of driving transformation towards a sustainable and resilient economic model to keep pace with future trends across the various sectors, while focusing on the pillars of knowledge, innovation, high-tech and advanced digital technologies, along with new economy sectors including space economy.

The two sides discussed promoting collaboration to explore new investment opportunities in space economy and space tourism services, expanding the scope of R&D in space to develop the emerging space technology in UAE. These efforts will focus on enhancing partnerships with the private sector by supporting the applications of Industry 4.0 and space innovation in a bid to boost the enablers of the UAE’s future economic development.

“In line with the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071, the national economic vision for the coming era focuses on enhancing the role of enablers in new economy sectors, and bolstering space as one of their drivers. The Ministry is working with its partners to establish an open economic ecosystem that attracts investments to target sectors and stimulate innovative companies to support sustainable development and create an advanced investment environment,” Bin Touq said.

“Through this collaboration, we look forward to leveraging Blue Origin’s leading expertise in space manufacturing and space and low Earth orbit flight services to support the UAE’s plans. We are also keen to expand the scope of our partnerships with Blue Origin to build and develop space tourism and enhance the national efforts in this respect,” Bin Touq added

ALSO READ: UAE, Japan agree closer cooperation in space sector

The minister highlighted the UAE’s main achievements in space as it became the region’s first country to develop an integrated space ecosystem and advanced infrastructure and corporate frameworks in this regard, and launch missions to explore the space such as the Hope Probe.

“Today, the UAE is home to several major space companies, offering excellent opportunities to start-ups in capitalizing on the potential of operating outside the Earth’s orbit. We will move forward with our efforts to attract the companies operating in this field to become partners in driving growth and advancement of UAE’s space economy,” he noted.

Bin Touq further reviewed the indicators reflecting the UAE’s pioneering position in this vital sector, having successfully joined the global space race. The space sector’s added value in the UAE has reached approximately AED3 billion, and the country’s investments in this sector have amounted to AED22 billion to date.

The sector provides more than 3,200 jobs, and over 57 space companies and entities are currently operating in the UAE, including international and start-ups, and 5 space science research centers. Throughout the recent years, the UAE’s total foreign trade of aerospace vehicles and their parts has reached AED190 billion.

Meanwhile, Al Falasi explained that the UAE is strengthening its position as a destination for innovation and pilot projects from all over the world. He pointed out that the country has the knowledge and institutional environment, vast experiences, stimulating policies, infrastructure, and advanced technology to be a regional and global hub that attracts companies operating in future sectors, including space, which opens many economic opportunities during the next phase, especially for SMEs and startups based on innovation and technology.

He highlighted the importance of partnership with the private sector in enhancing activities and business in this sector, including the cooperation with Blue Origin and its partners in the field of space flights and related technology, and enhancing the UAE’s position to be a destination for space tourism.

The two sides agreed on developing a cooperation plan through which Blue Origin contributes to supporting and accelerating the strategies and plans of the Ministry of Economy in these ambitious future areas. The plan also focuses on developing the space economy environment in the country, defining new paths to create investment opportunities in the field of space and space tourism in the country. It will contribute to the development of a future methodology and strategy to enhance the contribution of this sector as a key pillar within the new economic model in the country and to raise its future competitiveness at the regional and global levels.

During the meeting, Blue Origin highlighted the most prominent economic and industrial opportunities related to space tourism and space activities related to low Earth orbit. The company shed light on its pilot project ‘Orbital Reef’, which was launched during its participation in the International Space Conference 2021 in Dubai.

The project is being implemented in partnership with several international companies working in the space field. Orbital Reef project includes the development of launch stations for commercial and tourist space flights, which will provide access to space for interested visitors and contribute to promoting the growth of markets in space research, manufacturing, media, entertainment, and tourism.

UAE explores mechanisms to boost space economy, investment, tourism

In addition, Blue Origin expressed its interest to establish such stations in other regions around the world other than its station based in Texas, USA. The Minister of Economy affirmed the readiness of the UAE to set up any infrastructure and take all necessary measures to establish the station in the UAE’s territory and launch space flights from here, in a manner that enhances the country’s position as a new global destination for space tourism. Both sides discussed opportunities for collaboration between Blue Origin’s foundation Club for the Future to engage and inspire the UAE’s next generation of space professionals.

Brent Sherwood said, “The space activities associated with low Earth orbit provide significant and promising opportunities for visionary countries and companies around the world. The Orbital Reef project’s mission aligns with the vision of the UAE to develop the infrastructure for the economy of future, enhancing cooperation opportunities, and bringing the world around through trade and development partnerships.’ Anna Hazlett, CEO of AzurX, said, “The AzurX team is proud to assist Blue Origin in exploring Orbital Reef and space tourism in the UAE. We look forward to developing this exciting program with Blue Origin and the Ministry of Economy, and bringing opportunities to the UAE, Emirati visionaries, entrepreneurs, and businesses.”

Blue Origin, founded in 2000, is one of the world’s leading companies in the aerospace industries and space and orbital flight services. The company supports the development of technology to facilitate access to space to make these flights more possible with significantly lower costs. Blue Origin has taken a gradual approach, from suborbital space flights to orbital flights, as it has developed several diverse technologies to serve this goal.

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UAE Codes Day to witness over 65 nationwide events

UAE Codes Day to witness over 65 nationwide events

The ‘UAE Codes’ Day coincides with the anniversary of inaugurating the first e-government in the region twenty years ago by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, on 29th October, 2001…reports Asian Lite News

The ‘UAE Codes’ Day is set to begin on Friday, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to adopt 29th October an annual day to celebrate coding.

The day acknowledges the most prominent achievements in the fields of coding and computer science, and recognises successful initiatives aiming to attract and enable a new generation of coders who would help boost the UAE’s march towards the future and achieve the UAE Centennial 2071 goals.

On this occasion, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications, stated that the UAE’s digital transformation, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, secured the UAE’s position as a global destination for empowering youth with future skills, tools and modern technologies to enhance their participation in developing innovative solutions to address challenges and create a better future.

Al Olama added, “The ‘UAE Codes’ day encourages youth to adopt coding and AI technologies and master the language of the future. It further helps them enhance their capabilities in technological innovation, provides them with an exceptional platform to celebrate their achievements, and highlights the efforts of the UAE in building a new generation of coders and innovators. These efforts aim to consolidate the UAE’s global position as an incubator and enabler for talents and skills employing modern technologies in an advanced ecosystem as a main pillar of the UAE’s development towards the Next 50.”

The ‘UAE Codes’ Day coincides with the anniversary of inaugurating the first e-government in the region twenty years ago by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, on 29th October, 2001. It aims to provide a platform for coders, exceptional talents and future skills in the fields of AI and coding, celebrate their achievements, and highlights the UAE’s progress in fields of the 4IR, coding, and adoption of AI technologies.

ALSO READ: The rise in international visitors will provide relief for the UAE’s retail sector

The UAE Codes Day will witness more than 65 events organised by about 50 organisations and entities across the UAE. Activities will include mainly workshops, competitions, coding hackathons, and other events aiming to introduce community members to the basics of coding and motivates them to gain knowledge. The events also aim to acquaint participants with the contribution of coding to the great evolution the world is witnessing today and its role in promoting societies’ development.

The UAE Codes Day focuses on enhancing exchange of experiences and knowledge, upskilling coding and computer science capabilities, and providing unique opportunities to new generations to participate in designing the future. This reflects the efforts of the UAE government and complements the National Program for Coders’ efforts to promote learning programming language, coding and excel in it.

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Etihad’s sustainable flight reduces emissions by 72%

In an industry-first, EY20 was the first commercial flight to explore contrail-avoidance…reports Asian Lite News

Last week, Etihad Airways operated its most sustainable flight ever, leveraging the learnings and efficiencies developed over the last two years of its comprehensive sustainability programme to reduce carbon emissions (CO2) by 72% in absolute terms compared to the equivalent flight operated in 2019.

The London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flight is part of the Etihad Greenliner Programme – a two-year partnership between Etihad and Boeing using Etihad’s Boeing 787 fleet as a test bed for sustainability improvements in partnership with organisations across the industry. It required huge collaboration across the aviation ecosystem to deliver a sustainable in-flight product, coordination with airspace management for optimised flight routing, new technology flight deck tools, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), contrail reduction and airport handling processes.

Etihad Cargo expands pharma sector to Africa

In an industry-first, EY20 was the first commercial flight to explore contrail-avoidance. Working with UK-based SATAVIA, the team identified potential areas of ice super-saturated regions in the atmosphere where harmful contrails are likely to form, and the flight route was adjusted to avoid these areas. Based on the original and adjusted flight plan, the strategy avoided the production of approximately 64 tonnes of CO2e, with a fuel penalty of only 100kg, or 0.48 tonnes CO2.

“These are noteworthy savings,” said Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. “When Etihad committed to achieve net zero, it was acknowledged that it was only possible if the airline worked collaboratively and positively with our industry partners. That is exactly what Etihad has done with the Sustainable Flight. Of equal importance, Etihad, Boeing and its partners – airports, ANSP, and suppliers – used the flight to learn where further improvements could be made.

Talking after the flight, Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “I want to pay particular tribute to our partners; Boeing, NATS, Eurocontrol, GE Aviation, Vitol, SATAVIA, deSter, Sola The Netherlands, ButterflyCup, Agthia, Jubail Island Mangroves and DNata Catering. This is only possible when we all work together, and we all commit to making whatever savings we can. Each of these partners played their own, significant role in the step we took today.”

ALSO READ: Etihad Cargo website gets a new-look

The contributions covered three phases, planning, in-flight and post-flight. This included preparing the aircraft, engines and route planning systems to optimise take-off, en-route and landing flight paths and trajectories, minimising contrail formation, working with our guests to reduce their luggage and rewarding those that travelled light.

Etihad provided catering that was appropriately sourced and served on sustainable crockery and with light-weight cutlery. The crockery itself is part of a circular recycling process where they are returned to the manufacturer at the end of their serviceable life and ground down to its raw material and remade. Guests were also provided with environmentally friendly plant-based water bottles and limited-edition tote bags from upcycled aircraft materials. 80% of all single use plastics were eliminated.

Once the aircraft arrived at Abu Dhabi, it was serviced by Etihad’s new fleet of electric vehicles for ground logistics such as baggage unloading. Where electric vehicles were unable to be used, Etihad purchased bio-diesel to fuel equipment such as the airline’s passenger coach service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, meaning all passengers, including those transiting to Dubai, were completely carbon neutral for the entirety of their journey.

The data gathered from the aircraft’s sensors was added to Etihad’s growing database on flight performance, and analysed using tools from Greenliner partner, GE Digital to improve understanding of flight performance and allow quick recognition of unsustainable activities.

“A fundamental part of the Greenliner programme is to explore the art of the possible. It is well known that SAFs are a credible alternative to current fossil fuels, however they are currently very expensive, and difficult to source and load onto the aircraft. EY20 was a dramatic example of those constraints wherein Etihad was unable to directly load the 38% SAF blend into the aircraft given inherent infrastructure constraints at Heathrow Airport. Instead, the SAF purchased by Etihad was loaded into the fuel hydrant system, which serves all airport users. While the EY20 did not in itself realise the full potential of the SAF, the potential benefit in CO2 reductions is real. Industry and governments must work together to address these issues through the funding of the research and development of SAFs and other parts of the planning and operating of flights. Etihad is looking forward to working on these issues,” Al Bulooki said.

Douglas added, “The entire emissions reduction we achieved on this flight was through the operational steps and efficiencies employed and did not rely on off-sets. Nonetheless, off-sets, if done rigorously, also play a part in our sustainable future. The UAE has a large stock of mangroves which present nature-based solutions. In addition to their ability to reduce pollution from water and the atmosphere, if maintained properly, mangrove forests have the potential to avoid the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. That is why each guest on board this Etihad flight will have a tree adopted for them in Abu Dhabi’s Jubail Island Mangroves plantations. Adoption involves the maintenance and reforestation of existing forests with carbon storage potential. This is an important initiative for greening the UAE.”

“EY 20 Sustainable Flight brought together a long list of small changes that had been developed over the past two years under the Greenliner Programme, which was designed to identify opportunities that are available today to reduce emissions, rather than waiting for future technologies. Our single greatest learning from the past two years has been that even when solutions are available, they are not easily deployed on a regular basis due to constraints throughout the entire aviation eco-system. What was demonstrated on EY20 was the art of the possible; the next step is to work on how these can be deployed sustainably,” said Al Bulooki.

“That is the challenge Etihad faces, and the challenge that Etihad accepts in collaboration with our partners. Etihad is determined to operate with sustainability as a core principle alongside safety and security, and is looking forward to many more of these small steps making a big difference.”

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‘Expo 2020, an opportunity to learn from UAE’

‘Expo 2020, an opportunity to learn from UAE’

Ramakoae said the fact that King Letsie III of Lesotho is heading Lesotho’s delegation to Expo 2020 Dubai is a testament to her country’s keenness to enhance its relations with the UAE…reports Asian Lite News

Matšepo Ramakoae, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho, commended the strong ties between Lesotho and the UAE, commending the UAE’s remarkable efforts to host Expo 2020 Dubai, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Ramakoae said that the fact that King Letsie III of Lesotho is heading Lesotho’s delegation to Expo 2020 Dubai is a testament of her country’s keenness to enhance its relations with the UAE.

Expo 2020

She lauded the UAE leadership’s support to women, and highlighted Expo 2020 Dubai’s role in proving to the world the importance of working together to maintain global stability and support fellow nations in returning to normalcy.

Expo 2020 Dubai is among our top priorities, which is evidenced by our King’s plans to discuss strengthening ties and cooperation with UAE government officials, she explained, noting that they wish to learn from the UAE, which has established a successful model in realising dreams and ambitions.

Ramakoae said that the Lesotho delegation, which seeks to realise the global event’s theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, includes private sector and business representatives, who will be working to emulate the UAE, which has achieved remarkable development and become a leading global hub, despite having humble beginning.

She explained that the delegation will also comprise businesspersons and entrepreneurs, as well as officials, who aim to forge partnerships with their counterparts and enhance inte5rnational cooperation, adding that Lesotho boasts several successful projects, which it seeks to showcase.

Our government established an infrastructure committee and organised a virtual forum to showcase to the facilities offered to investors, as well as discuss supporting Lesotho’s infrastructure projects with UAE officials, Ramakoae continued.

‘Expo 2020, an opportunity to learn from UAE’

King Letsie III attends Lesotho’s National Day

King Letsie III visited Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday as his country celebrated its Expo 2020 National Day with a cultural fusion of music, dance, and poetry, a flag-raising ceremony and speeches.

King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso were welcomed by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai. Lesotho’s delegation included ministers of Trade and Industry; Foreign Affairs and International Relations; Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing; and Tourism, Environment and Culture.

King Letsie III said: “I wish to applaud the capable Expo 2020 team for their tireless efforts, commitment and dedication in putting together this spectacular and prestigious global event.

“I remain optimistic that Expo 2020 Dubai will succeed in its noble mission of ‘Connecting Minds’, and as a result of that achievement an incubator will be created that will hatch sustainable solutions to our common problems; solutions which will hopefully create a more prosperous and peaceful future for us all.”

Sheikh Nahyan said: “With Expo 2020, we hope to build on existing partnerships between our two countries, as the UAE has been an active partner to Lesotho in the field of development cooperation, where we have worked on initiatives concerning water supply systems, energy policy and administration, and construction policy.”

ALSO READ: Seychelles celebrates its Expo 2020 National Day

Praising the Lesotho Pavilion, he added: “It demonstrates the extent to which Lesotho has made significant strides in the 50 years since independence, showcasing the initiatives in digital connectivity, energy access, and water that have had a profound impact on people’s lifestyles and the country’s economy.

“Lesotho is a land that inspires with its way of life, and aims to do just that at Expo 2020 Dubai by building partnerships and networks for investment, information sharing and best practices, and attracting foreign direct investment in priority development areas such as agriculture, technology and innovation, and renewable energy.”

Ntlhoi Motsamai, Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, said: “We are participating in Expo 2020 Dubai to build bridges to be connected to the entire world and, in particular, with the UAE.

“As the Lesotho delegation, we are here to extend a very warm invitation for you to come with us and invest in Lesotho because the playing ground has levelled and we have viable businesses, including but not limited to generating clean energy through wind power due to its high altitude of 1,400 metres above sea level.”

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Seychelles celebrates its Expo 2020 National Day

expo

The Republic of Seychelles celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 on Thursday…reports Asian Lite News

The Republic of Seychelles celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 on Thursday with an impressive line-up of cultural and entertainment activities – including live performances at Al Wasl Plaza, the Seychelles Pavilion, and venues across the Expo site.

President Wavel Ramkalawan was welcomed by Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.

EXPO 2020

Speaking on President Ramkalawan’s behalf, Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Republic of the Seychelles, said the gathering of 192 nations would harness a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration that would address the present and future needs of our planet.

“Expo 2020, provided we make full use of its unique potential for achieving unprecedented global outreach and levels of cooperation, is effectively a one-stop-shop for planetary solutions: the one time and place to find international shakers and movers, innovators, thinkers and doers in one location.

“Our participation in this Expo provides us with an outstanding exposure on the world stage. And we intend to make the most of it. The immense value that it offers will, I am confident, provide increased inspiration, motivation and a renewed sense of commitment to all concerned in our nation’s determination to safeguard the extraordinary legacy of our islands for future generations.”

Sheikh Nahayan said: “It’s a pleasure to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Seychelles at Expo 2020.

“The Seychelles stands as a leader in its own right in the biodiversity and conservation fields, showcasing to our visitors its various sustainable initiatives and sharing best practices in ocean conservation and environmental protection under the theme “Treasure Nature”.

“The Seychelles, through its pavilion, highlights its economic priorities in a unique way, including a Blue Zone to promote investments into the blue economy, while also shedding light on protected areas, such as the May Valley and a living laboratory, which showcases the world’s second-largest coral reef, the Aldabra.”

The Seychelles Pavilion, located in the Sustainability District, is designed as a treasure hunt, showcasing the country’s natural beauty, the history of its 115 islands, the steps being taken to safeguard them, and the opportunities for visitors to take part in their preservation.

ALSO READ: Expo Records Nearly 1.5 Million Visits in 24 Days

It is designed to make visitors feel a sense of obligation in valuing nature, and draws from Seychellois lost treasure myths and treasure hunting culture, with various treasures to be found in the pavilion.

The Seychelles Pavilion also features in the Beneath the Blue Expo 2020 Journey, which illustrates new approaches putting innovation at the heart of marine conservation, something that features prominently.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus International Participants, showcasing their pavilions and programming and shining a light on their culture and achievements. Seychelles’ celebrations kicked off early, with a concert on at Expo’s Jubilee Stage on Wednesday featuring nine-piece Seychellois band The Relations. With lead singer Mia, the band gave a pulsating performance that included Creole and Sega music, delighting a lively audience including many waving the Seychelles flag Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

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MBRSC, Airbus partner for Emirates lunar mission

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus Defence and Space…reports Asian Lite News

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus Defence and Space to collaborate on the Emirates Lunar Mission in the field of material testing in-situ on the surface of the Moon by means of the material adhesive demonstration (MAD) experiment.

The MoU was signed by Salem AlMarri, Deputy Director-General, MBRSC, and Andreas Lindenthal, Head of Business Operations & Products, Airbus Space Systems, on the sidelines of the International Astronautical Congress, the world’s premier space event, being held at the World Trade Centre in Dubai.

The MoU further details other scopes of work including exploring the realisation of an end-to-end In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) demonstration, building on key capabilities from each other for lunar surface operations, including mobility, robotics and regolith processing, among others.

Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director-General, MBRSC, said, “We are pleased collaborate with Airbus Defence and Space for the Emirates Lunar Mission. The agreement today underlines the common will of both MBRSC and Airbus to advance our cooperation and join forces in our effort to learn more about the lunar surface. We look forward to continued collaboration on projects in space, and space resources utilisation in the future.”

ALSO READ: GCC, Asian ministers in Dubai for labour & migration summit

Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, said, “The UAE has made great strides in the field of space with a successful mission to Mars through the Hope Probe, as well as sending the first Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station. The UAE is setting a global example and has become the source of inspiration for youth not just here but across the world. As the country is embarking on its next ambitious space projects, we’re honored to be signing this MoU with MBRSC, which is a strategic step to expand our contribution to supporting the government achieve its goal of becoming a well-recognised and leading country in the field of space exploration.”

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Imagining Your Future: Online school kit for students launched

Imagining Your Future: Online school kit for students launched

An online school kit that encourages students to participate in nationwide celebrations through creative decorations and arts and crafts…reports Asian Lite News

In line with The Year of the 50th celebrations, the UAE Golden Jubilee Committee has launched ‘Imagining Your Future’, an online school kit that encourages students to participate in the nationwide celebrations through creative decorations and arts and crafts.

All students and schools in the UAE are encouraged to download the free school kit, which includes printable stickers, decorations, postcards, stencils and desk tags from www.UAEYearOf.ae/school.

Imagining Your Future: Online school kit for students launched

The free school kit also includes a postcard which the students can use to write a letter to their future selves detailing their plans for the next 50 years. The postcards can then be presented to the students as a nostalgic keepsake upon graduation.

This e-school kit serves as a resourceful tool that aims to inspire the younger generation to creatively learn about the values that have guided the journey of the UAE in the last 50 years and expand their knowledge about the country they call home.

ALSO READ: School ban kills education dreams of Afghan girls

Schools, educators and parents alike are encouraged to participate in the nationwide celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee and make use of these kits – which include decorative hanging elements that represent objects unique to the UAE – to educate young minds about the country’s history and culture.

‘Imaging Your Future’ is the latest initiative by the UAE Golden Jubilee Committee, which governs year-long initiatives, activities and grand celebrations for all those who call the UAE home.

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DEWA invites bids on green hydrogen production strategy

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has invited globally reputed consulting companies to submit offers to develop an ambitious strategy for the production of green hydrogen…reports Asian Lite News

Green hydrogen represents one of the pillars of a sustainable future that depends on accelerating the transition to carbon neutrality to support a green economy. The objectives are to develop the green mobility sector, reduce carbon emissions from various industries, generate electrical and thermal energy and produce water and other applications.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said, “We work in line with of the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to promote Dubai’s transformation to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. Our efforts also align with Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and enhance its proactive role in shaping and supporting the future of energy and climate change.”

“The production of green hydrogen is part of DEWA’s efforts to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100 percent of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. This project contributes to paving the way for building a green economy based on clean energies, and among the green hydrogen,” Al Tayer added.

ALSO READ: DEWA launches interactive awareness competition

The Green Hydrogen project, implemented in collaboration between DEWA, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Siemens Energy at DEWA’s R&D Centre in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, is the first in the Middle East and North Africa to produce hydrogen using solar power. The pilot plant was designed to facilitate future applications and test platforms of different uses for hydrogen, such as energy production and transportation.

To achieve the objectives of the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030 and encourage the use of sustainable transportation and the Hydrogen Vehicles System, the project aims to develop the hydrogen economy, open up local markets to hydrogen vehicles, and encourage an increase in the number of environmentally-friendly vehicles. In partnership with Emirates National Oil Company, DEWA is studying building a hydrogen fuelling station.

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2nd edition of Emirati Development Programme concludes

The programme offers participants access to internship opportunities with leading companies from the private sector…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber, and Dubai Technology Entrepreneurs Campus (Dtec), a Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority wholly-owned entity, recently concluded the second edition of the Emirati Development Programme, which saw Sherina Al Sowaidi of Liftoff named the winner of this year’s programme competition.

Dubai

Al Sowaidi competed with 26 other start-ups during the final stage of the programme. The finalists, who presented their smart business concepts to an expert panel, are now eligible to start and launch their businesses with support and guidance. She will receive additional business acceleration support from the organisers, including joining a Dtec programme for start-ups for a year to receive training, guidance and mentorship.

The programme offers participants access to internship opportunities with leading companies from the private sector, including DHL; Oliver Wyman, and International Consultant Law Office (ICLO); complimentary company setup with Dtec; Complimentary 3-month access to Dtec co-working; as well as the opportunity to exhibit at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Hans Christensen, Vice President of Dtec, said, “Our collaboration with Dubai Chamber on the Emirati Development Programme follows a series of joint initiatives between the two entities. It is also in line with the strategies of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Dtec to instil an entrepreneurial culture, especially in promising tech sectors that have gained traction recently with the spread of new digital-based work, education, and communication cultures.”

Since SMEs make up 94 percent of the companies operating in the UAE and employ more than 86 percent of the country’s workforce, the Emirati Development Programme will reflect positively on the national economy.

Hans highlighted the fact that the joint efforts of Dtec and Dubai Chamber support entrepreneurs and innovators to establish flexible start-ups that can attract investments and funding, helping them launch and expand.

ALSO READ: Emirati-Brazilian parliamentary friendship committees discuss enhancing cooperation

Natalia Sycheva, Senior Manager of Special Projects and Entrepreneurship, Dubai Chamber, noted that the Emirati Development Programme is a key strategy of the chamber’s efforts to support entrepreneurship, talents and innovative ideas from the Emirati youth. It contributes to establishing a new generation of entrepreneurs who can achieve their goals and business ideas successfully, she added.

The participants also took part in training sessions covering various topics of interest, which was led by experts from Dtec; LinkedIn; International Consultant Law Office (ICLO); Intelligent Finance Consultants (IFC); LPS Brands; and Think Media Labs (TMLs). The training focused on establishing and promoting the growth of technology businesses, the importance of sales to emerging entrepreneurs and how to develop and present an effective investor pitch presentation.

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Hamdan bin Zayed attends the opening of IAEA ConvEx-3 ‘Barakah UAE’

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, attended the opening of the IAEA ConvEx-3 ‘Barakah UAE…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, attended the opening of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) ConvEx-3 ‘Barakah UAE’, which is aimed to test the global emergency response system for a severe accident simulated at the Barakah nuclear power plant.

Hamdan bin Zayed attends the opening of IAEA ConvEx-3 ‘Barakah UAE’

During the exercise, 75 member states and 12 international organisations are participating to evaluate their emergency response actions in order to identify good practices and highlight areas needing improvement.

The exercise is supervised by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority NCEMA) in accordance with the regulatory framework of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), with the participation of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and its operating arm, Nawah Energy Company, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Interior, the Abu Dhabi Police and other competent authorities.

Hamdan bin Zayed attends the opening of IAEA ConvEx-3 ‘Barakah UAE’

Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, and Director of the Exercise, received Sheikh Hamdan and briefed him on the details of the exercise and its objectives and phases.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s readiness to address various risks and threats, efficiently invest in early warning systems and participate in related local and international exercises.

ALSO READ: Sheikh Mohammed Lauds UAE Space Sector

Engineer Awaidha Murshed Ali Al Marar, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp, and a number of high-ranking officials also attended the exercise. (WAM)

  • Hamdan bin Zayed attends the opening of IAEA ConvEx-3 ‘Barakah UAE’
  • Hamdan bin Zayed attends the opening of IAEA ConvEx-3 ‘Barakah UAE’