Category: Dubai

Categories
Dubai UAE News

Dubai’s digital aspirations

Dubai

Committee members discussed tactics to action the clauses included in the Executive Council Resolution issued to form the new committee…reports Asian Lite News

The Dubai Digital Transformation Steering Committee has held its inaugural meeting to explore the emirate’s digital aspirations, chart a path for the period ahead, outline prospects for cooperation, set priorities, and rally efforts to implement Dubai’s digital transformation plans and strategies.

Committee members discussed tactics to action the clauses included in the Executive Council Resolution issued to form the new committee, which include, among other things, integrating roles between government entities which have as stake in the city’s digital transformation efforts, in addition to supporting the emirate’s vision to transition into a fully digital society.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, had launched the Committee in October of this year, marking another addition to Dubai’s quest for a digital future that embraces advanced technologies and builds on the emirate’s long track record of success to steer the digital transformation journey.

Chaired by Hamad Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, the meeting brought together a large roster of UAE government officials.

Al Mansoori thanked committee members and their respective entities for the high level of cooperation they demonstrated towards harmonising plans and strategies and aligning them with the general digital transformation strategy, which reflects the leadership’s vision to make Dubai a global digital capital.

ALSO READ: Dubai Dialogue offers glimpse into future of UAE’s circular economy

“This meeting is an important milestone on the path towards fulfilling our leadership’s aspirations for a fully digital life,” Al Mansoori added. “Today, we set our sights on the future and strive to shape it to fit our vision for our society and future generations, based on a track record of achievements that all entities represented in the Digital Transformation Steering Committee – along with various government partners – helped accomplish. I am confident in the Committee’s ability to achieve its objectives within the set timeline, empowered by the leadership’s support and relying on teamwork and government talent.”

“Dubai always exceeds all expectations with unprecedented achievements,” he continued. “The future belongs to those who plan for it. The Dubai Digital Transformation Steering Committee firmly believes in the inclusive and integrated nature of the efforts needed to shape a future founded on the breakthroughs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The seeds we are sowing today – our strategies, policies, and plans for citywide digital transformation – will undoubtedly bear fruit in the future, and Dubai will always be a global digital icon, inspiring its residents and visitors, and providing them with an exceptional living experience marked by security, progress, and prosperity.”

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

Dubai Dialogue offers glimpse into future of UAE’s circular economy

The annual conference examined opportunities and challenges of investing in the circular economy, projected to create US$4.5 trillion in economic benefits over the coming decade…reports Asian Lite News

More than 150 participants, including sustainability and CSR experts, business leaders and academics, came together for the Dubai Dialogue 2021 conference, organised by Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The annual conference, held under the theme “Accelerating the Transition to a Circular Economy”, examined opportunities and challenges of investing in the circular economy, projected to create US$4.5 trillion in economic benefits over the coming decade.

Dubai

Among the speakers and panellists were Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber; Professor Dr. Dima Rachid Jamali, Dean, College of Business Administration, University of Sharjah; Dr. Kamel Mellahi, Senior Manager, Dubai Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business; Samira Al Rais, Senior Director, Policy and Strategy, Sustainable Development, The General Secretariat of The Executive Council, Government of Dubai; Omar Channawi, CEO, Middle East, Sub-Sahara Africa and Global Entrepreneurial Markets, Procter and Gamble, and Dr. Udo Huenger, Vice President Middle East, BASF.

In his welcome remarks, Buamim said that the circular economy is necessary to protect the environment, improve the integrity of the distribution and supply network of raw materials, enhance competitiveness, foster innovation and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

He highlighted the importance of adopting smart and sustainable ways to manage the operational processes of enterprises, considering that they improve economic efficiency and reduce negative impacts on the environment.

“Sustainability is a key pillar of Dubai’s vision and Dubai Chamber is committed to supporting this vision by encouraging companies to adopt responsible and sustainable business practices. The Centre for Responsible Business, established by the Chamber 17 years ago, plays a vital role in fostering a culture of sustainability within business communities,” Buamim added.

During the panel discussion, business leaders and industry experts shared their strategic plans for capitalising on growth opportunities created by the circular economy and recommendations for implementing best practices and solutions in this area.

Dr. Huenger said, “By 2030, we, at BASF, want to double our sales of solutions for the circular economy to €17 billion and already by 2025, we aim to process 250,000 metric tonnes of recycled and waste-based raw materials in our production plants annually, replacing fossil raw materials. We are actively looking into partnerships with our Middle Eastern customers to bring innovative technologies that better use and reuse existing materials to the region.”

ALSO READ: Sheikh Mohammed Lauds UAE Space Sector

“P&G’s Ambition 2030 goals aim to reduce our footprint and strive for circular solutions, and so we are constantly innovating, collaborating and taking action to contribute to the circular economy across our portfolio of brands,” Channawi said.

“Events such as Expo 2020 and Dubai Dialogue 2021 will play an instrumental role in exploring new business models and multi-stakeholder partnerships to drive circularity on climate, water and waste now and for the long term. There is no doubt a circular economy is a key building block to an economy that grows while protecting the planet,” he added.

“We cannot privatise profits and publicise losses. Today’s business equation is quite simple: Let us disrupt the old ways of doing business and move beyond incremental progress through new circular economy models, innovative technologies and collective effort” Dr. Jamali said.

Al Rais said, “Circular Economy is aligned with Dubai’s future plans as it plays an essential role in building a stable and sustainable future for our city. As policymakers, we have a duty to not just constantly review and revise existing systems but also ease the way for impactful change to take place. Through Dubai Dialogue, we are looking at how building a circular economy can help businesses grow sustainably, find synergies that work and help our cities flourish while having the best interests of our people and planet at heart.”

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

Sheikh Mohammed Lauds UAE Space Sector

The space sector plays a major role in realising the UAE’s vision for development and our goal to enhance the country’s role in shaping the future of the planet, Sheikh Mohammed said…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also the Ruler of Dubai, on Monday visited the 72nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2021), the world’s largest and most prestigious global space event, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Being held for the first time in the Middle East, the five-day international event organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in partnership with the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), has brought together over 4,000 participants, and more than 90 exhibitors, 110 country delegations and 350 young professionals and space experts from all walks of life.

The Prime MInister was accompanied by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Lieutenant-General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC; Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman, MBRSC; Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director General, MBRSC; Emirati astronauts Hazzaa AlMansoori, and Sultan AlNeyadi, and graduates of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla. His Highness visited the stands of Russia’s Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities (ROSCOSMOS), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Saudi Space Commission, ISpace, Lockheed Martin and the European Space Agency.

Speaking during the visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “The space sector plays a major role in realising the UAE’s vision for development and our goal to enhance the country’s role in shaping the future of the planet. Our investment in advancing our space engineering, scientific research and exploration capabilities is part of our efforts to create a new horizon for growth in a sector that has no boundaries or limitations. Already, our efforts and achievements have led to the UAE taking its place among the leading spacefaring nations of the world.”

“The space sector is crucial to our efforts to transform ourselves into a knowledge-based economy as well as meet the aspirations of our people, contribute to human progress and create a brighter future for the next generation. We are confident in our ability to be a key player in the sector by combining the contributions of local talent and the expertise of prominent global companies and scientific institutions we have partnered with. We have reached Mars, and we are headed for Venus. Our ambitions are limitless as we seek to fulfill the aspirations of our people and our nation,” His Highness added.

ALSO READ: Mohammed bin Rashid receives President of DRC at Expo 2020

During his visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid posed for photographs with astronauts from NASA, MBRSC and ROSCOSMOS, the MBRSC management and the International Astronautical federation.

This year’s edition of the International Astronautical Congress is the first to be hosted in the Arab world, since its establishment in 1950. Held under the theme ‘Inspire, Innovate & Discover for the Benefit of Mankind’, IAC 2021 provides an opportunity for participating organisations to highlight their capabilities as well as their experience, contributions and innovations in the space sector.

Categories
-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

Expo Records Nearly 1.5 Million Visits in 24 Days

Expo Records Nearly 1.5 Million Visits in 24 Days

These numbers were boosted by Expo’s Space Week, a stellar programme of music and cultural performances, a public holiday long weekend and the half-term school break…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded 1,471,314 visits since its launch 24 days ago. Continuing to bring Expo 2020 Dubai to a global digital audience, the number of virtual visitors has risen to 10.8 million since 1st October, up from 9.3 million last week.

These numbers were boosted by Expo’s Space Week, a stellar programme of music and cultural performances, a public holiday long weekend and the half-term school break.

From Elon Musk to Jeff Bezos, space has recently emerged as the world’s next big investment frontier. Turning the spotlight on this, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre staged a series of debates on the challenges and opportunities offered by the commercialisation of this key sector. Space Week also proved to be a catalyst for conversations around important topics such as the impact of space debris, the industry’s recent technological advances and the growing number of women making their mark on outer space.

The themed week was also a strong draw with the public, featuring nebula music, star-gazing and a chance for visitors to hear from the UAE’s first astronauts – the first female Emirati astronaut, Nora Al Matrooshi, and the first Emirati in space, Hazza Al Mansouri. Closer to earth, The Knights, the UAE’s aerobatic display team, and their Saudi counterparts the Saudi Falcons, staged a heart-stopping show in the skies above the Expo site, while Al Wasl drew the large crowds to its spectacular space-themed projection show.

ALSO READ: ‘Dubai Expo a global platform to highlight space achievements’

Children made up about one quarter of visits to the Expo site over the school break, attracted by a range of activities including a coaching programme by cricketing giants Rajasthan Royals and Turn Up & Play football sessions hosted by coaches from Manchester City, as well as kid-friendly attractions at Al Forsan Park and dozens of other venues.

The pace hasn’t let up since a spectacular opening ceremony on 30th September, featuring a star-studded line-up of talent from the UAE, the Middle East and around the world, with visitors able to experience dozens of cultural programmes every day while making their way around the more than 200 pavilions across the Expo site.

Expo Records Nearly 1.5 Million Visits in 24 Days

The recent long weekend saw large crowds attending a performance by Expo 2020 Dubai’s all-female Firdaus Orchestra, who filled the Jubilee Stage with a space-themed repertoire comprising classical music and an original composition by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman. Another long-weekend crowd pleaser was British singer-songwriter Sami Yusuf, who was joined by musicians from around the world for his ‘Beyond the Stars’ show.

Iraqi megastar Kadim Al Sahir, one of the most successful Arab artists in history, kickstarted Expo 2020 Dubai’s spectacular Infinite Nights series. Also popular was a performance from Syrian composer, songwriter and producer Iyad Rimawi, who took to the Jubilee Stage as part of the Late Nights @ Expo series.

Regular events such as night-time light festival Kaleidoscope have proven hugely popular, as have the spectacular Expo 2020 Water Feature, with its 14-metre-high walls of water, and Garden in the Sky, which gives visitors stunning 360-degree views of the Expo site.

With appetites whetted by these experiences, visitors have flocked to more than 200 food and beverage outlets across the site for the chance to sample more than 50 global cuisines, ranging from street food to innovative culinary technology and sustainable dining.

Categories
Dubai EXPO 2020 World

Muslim Council of Elders visits Egypt pavilion at Expo 2020

A delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders, Dr. Sultan Al Remeithi, member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity visited Egypt’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

A delegation from the Muslim Council of Elders led by the Secretary General Dr. Sultan Al Remeithi, member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity has visited Egypt’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

Al Remeithi said, “The impressive Egyptian pavilion is a reflection of the multi-faceted growth and success the country is going through at the moment, as well as presenting Egypt as an up-and-coming tourist and economic hub.”

ASLO READ: The FITOUT announces completion of fit-out works for pavilions at Expo

The Secretary General presented the head of the Egyptian pavilion Dr. Ahmed Mighwari a copy of the ‘Human Fraternity Document’ which was signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders as well as His Holiness Pope Francis, Pontiff of the Catholic Church in Abu Dhabi in 2019. (WAM)

Categories
Dubai News UAE News

Dubai Municipality to launch 15th DIFSC

Dubai Municipality (DM) is set to launch the 15th Dubai International Food Safety Conference (DIFSC) virtually, which is going to be organised by the Municipality from 18th to 22nd November 2021, coinciding with Expo 2020…reports Asian Lite News

The DIFSC will be held under the slogan, “Creative Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems.”

The opening session of the conference will witness interactive discussions on enhancing the leadership of Dubai and the UAE in enabling food business operations in the Emirate of Dubai, in addition to holding a series of seminars that will be organised with several organizations.

Dubai Municipality with new logo

Dubai Municipality has started organising this conference in 2006, and it provides an opportunity for presenting international best practices by experts and specialists from countries around the world in the field of food safety and nutrition.

The conference witnessed a resounding success in previous years, as the average annual number of attendees reached about 3,000 participants from different parts of the world, representing more than 70 countries, and the educational hours exceeded 53,000 hours, presented by more than 90 local and international speakers.

ALSO READ: Dubai Autodrome completes AED 16.5mn Business Park Phase 2

The consumers can now scan the barcode of the products to verify the product details, in addition, to using the App to report food products not registered in Dubai Municipality E-Systems. It also offers the service of verifying food safety assessments for hotels, restaurants and food supply companies. (WAM)

Categories
Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

The FITOUT announces completion of fit-out works for pavilions at Expo

Sherif Nagy, General Manager, The FITOUT

The projects completed according to the highest standards reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and quality…reports Asian Lite News

The FITOUT, one of the leading providers of total interior solutions, has fulfilled world-class fit-out works for two pavilions, 10 stores, and multiple restaurants at the Expo 2020 site in a short span of three to four months. The projects completed according to the highest standards reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and quality.

Implementing the global standards of excellence, the FITOUT delivered manufacturing, fit-out contracting, design and build, and project management services weeks ahead of the official grand opening of the international Expo 2020 Dubai in October this year. 

ALSO READ: ‘Japan Day’ at Expo 2020 to promote Expo 2025 Osaka

It provided its interior solutions to the Mobility Pavilion, named Alif, one of the thematic pavilions at the Expo that showcases mobility’s role in human progress; Zoom, the UAE’s leading operator of convenience stores whose outlets are located in all districts and arrival plaza of the Expo site; a luxurious indoor cafe; and popular food halls and other local gems.    

SHERIF NAGY, GENERAL MANAGER, FITOUT: “In all our projects, we have been consistently exceeding the expectations of our clients. We credit this to our unique operating model and the dedication of our experienced design and management teams. These factors combined with our ability to manage time, cost, and quality give us an edge over our competitors and, for the Expo, have allowed us to finish the fit-out works required by our clients within a short period. We applied extra care in delivering the projects, recognizing that the Expo is a once-in-a-lifetime event not only for our clients but for the entire UAE as well.  From design to execution to delivery and completion, every stage of our efforts was done in compliance with internationally recognized benchmarks. In terms of sustainability, we were also not remiss in our commitment to follow key environmental requirements.”

The FITOUT holds various international accreditations, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environment Management System), ISO 45001 (Health & Safety Management System), and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certificates. In line with the FITOUT’s commitment to green and sustainable construction, it has rolled out several initiatives such as environmental awareness training programs, waste management, sustainable procurement, energy and water conservation, worker welfare, digital transformation, and risk management and internal control.

Categories
-Top News Business Dubai

Hamdan issues directives to establish ‘Hatta Traders Council’

Sheikh-Hamdan

The Hatta Master Development Plan focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs who own small and medium businesses…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has issued directives to establish the ‘Hatta Traders Council’ to support the implementation of the Hatta Master Development Plan, which forms an integral part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Sheikh Hamdan issued the directives during a meeting held with Hatta entrepreneurs, in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Sheikh Hamdan said that UAE citizens are at the core of the country’s development plans, as highlighted in the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, noting that the Hatta Master Development Plan seeks to create investment opportunities that benefit citizens of the area.

SHEIKH HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM, CROWN PRINCE OF DUBAI AND CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, DUBAI: “Hatta’s youth are set to play a key role in the economic and tourism development of Hatta and in leading and managing its projects. The Hatta Master Development Plan seeks to enhance the sustainable development of the area and transform Hatta into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism. It also aims to generate investment opportunities for its people and encourage youth to set up new businesses in various fields.”

“We are confident that the citizens of Hatta will be able to contribute to the development of the area and are keen to support them to ensure the success of their ideas and projects. Today, we met with many promising entrepreneurs who were aware of the needs of the area and how it can be further enhanced. Our goal is to create a new national model,” His Highness added.

The ‘Hatta Traders Council’ aims to maximise the benefits from new economic opportunities in Hatta and encourage entrepreneurs to establish developmental projects that will help accelerate the growth process in the area.

ALSO READ: Hamdan tours Singapore, Slovakia and Estonia Pavilion at Expo 2020

From his part, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted that there are hundreds of economic and tourism opportunities in Hatta. His Highness encouraged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of these opportunities and be part of creating new success stories from Hatta.

“Entrepreneurs in Hatta are capable of actively participating in the implementation of the region’s development plans. We are working on creating a framework that will place them at the forefront of this development path,” Sheikh Maktoum said.

The Hatta Master Development Plan focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs who own small and medium businesses, by empowering and enabling them to implement projects and creative ideas to advance sustainable economic development in the area. The Plan aims to enhance the quality of life in the area within the next 20 years, create investment opportunities and support local tourism while also preserving the unique nature and heritage of Hatta.

Categories
-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

UN Marks 76 Years of Creating Hope

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed joined the ceremony in person and delivered the opening remarks commemorating the 76th anniversary of the United Nations…reports Asian Lite News

The United Nations on Sunday observed the “Honour Day” at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed joined the ceremony in person and delivered the opening remarks commemorating the 76th anniversary of the United Nations.

“We mark 76 years of hope creation, solidarity and working together to overcome common challenges. Challenges that have grown and multiplied with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inequality and the climate emergency,” she said.

“As the challenges rise, so has our level of determination to work together to create a better future. A future that Expo 2020 explores: keeping the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals for people and planet,” she added.

Ms. Mohammed was joined by dignitaries from the Government and Expo leadership, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo Maher Nasser, the UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE Dena Assaf, UN Country Team leadership, the diplomatic community and representatives of national pavilions in commemorating the anniversary.

The ceremony, on the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Dome, featured a cultural performance by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO).

ALSO READ: ECI hosts World Business Angel Investors Week at Expo Dubai

“The UAE has always been a supporter of the United Nations’ global, regional and local efforts. We are happy to have the opportunity to celebrate this special day with the world from Expo 2020 Dubai, which only deepens our strong relationship with the UAE government as we continue to work together to realize our shared vision of a better world for all,” said Dena Assaf, the UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE and Deputy Commissioner-General for Expo2020 Dubai.

As part of the UN Day celebrations across the site of Expo 2020, visitors are encouraged to visit the UN Hub, which is in the Mission Possible-Opportunity Pavilion, to discover a unique depiction of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through artworks of local and international artists.

Additionally, an outdoor photo exhibition titled “#TheWorldWeWant”, displayed curated photographs from more than 50,000 images from over 130 countries, expressing hopes and dreams for the future.

The Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra has also performed for the public, a special “Hymn to the United Nations”, which was composed 50 years ago by legendary cellist, composer and conductor Pablo Casals to commemorate the work of the United Nations on 24 October, 1971.

EXPO 2020

“Our presence at Expo 2020 offers the opportunity to build awareness about and support for the SDGs, the importance of individual actions, solidarity, hope and engagement. To build a world in which everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet, we need to work together,” said Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020.

Audiences from all over the world joined virtually in the Honor Day ceremony, which was livestreamed across the UN YouTube channel and UN Web TV.

United Nations Day is observed on Sunday, 24 October, annually; it marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of the UN Charter, the UN’s founding document, the United Nations officially came into being.

UN Day offers the opportunity to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 76 years.

Earlier in the day, Amina Mohammed was received by UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for joint cooperation between the UAE and the UN and ways to enhance and support their programmes in various fields.

They also reviewed a number of issues of mutual concern, including climate change and the importance of strengthening collective international action to mitigate the effects of climate change and find solutions to enhance sustainability globally.

Categories
Dubai Events EXPO 2020

ECI hosts World Business Angel Investors Week at Expo Dubai

The event was attended by ministries, dignitaries, C-Level executives, and investors in person from the Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) in partnership with the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), hosted the World Business Angel Investors Week (WBAW) on 23rd October 2021 at Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020 Dubai.

As an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, WBAF coordinates the World Business Angel Investors Week, which was held globally from 18th-24th October 2021 and participated in by 72 countries.

This hybrid event provided an open platform for connecting, learning, sharing, exhibiting inventions and innovations, and exchanging know-how that promotes entrepreneurship and angel investment ecosystems.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, shared his insights on how the UAE supports investors and entrepreneurs as a keynote speaker.

DR. THANI BIN AHMED AL ZEYOUDI, MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN TRADE: “Today, it is now indisputable that the UAE is amongst the best countries to invest in, where SMEs make up 95 percent of the total enterprise population. From the number of companies funded to the capital invested in startups, the UAE is leading the startup environment in the MENA region. This is a result of the partnership between the government and private sectors in educating investors and entrepreneurs on the importance of startups, providing various platforms to connect them, and forming a network of angels and startups where passion can be transformed into reality.”

The CEO of the Federal Company Etihad Credit Insurance, Massimo Falcioni, represented the country within the WBAF as the UAE High Commissioner at the Grand Assembly of the world’s biggest angel investment forum and provided a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

Talking on Diplomacy in Action for Entrepreneurs, Falcioni said, “The world, which is recovering from the impacts of a prolonged pandemic in human history, demands new business diplomacy. Everything is in change and adopting better ways to meet the changing needs is at the heart of successful diplomatic actions. And incorporating the principle of sustainability, mobility and opportunities into diplomacy is critical for the time being and the time to come.

“As the UAE Federal export credit company, ECI has redefined diplomacy to encourage entrepreneurship by being instrumental in achieving the target adopted in the UAE National Agenda for non-oil Export Development. We implement our strategy to shape the UAE economy following the vision of the country’s wise leadership for the next 50 years.”

The event was attended by ministries, dignitaries, C-Level executives, and investors in person from the Expo 2020 Dubai. It also featured the whole WBAF Community hailing from more than 127 countries including 685 representatives, 16 High Commissioners, 4 Senior Senators, 266 Senators, 357 International Partners and 44 Faculty Members.

The inclusion of the UAE in WBAF provided a wide range of opportunities for UAE businesses, paving the way for outstanding economic growth.

ALSO READ: ‘Japan Day’ at Expo 2020 to promote Expo 2025 Osaka

‘Business Diplomacy for International Entrepreneurship’ was the theme of this year’s event, where expert speakers and panelists from diverse fields inspired current and future leaders of the world to take risks on new ideas, collaborate across sectors, and transform world economies through the scaling of entrepreneurship, angel investment, financial inclusion and innovation.

World Business Angel Investors Week in the UAE proved to be an excellent platform to campaign for solutions regarding critical issues of early-stage equity, capital markets and other worldwide concerns at the United Nations, the European Union and in G20 countries and regional and local economies.