An unprecedented amount of people explored Expo 2020 Dubai in the past week, with the busiest weekend across its entire six months driving the total number of visits to 22,937,830, reports Asian Lite News
Expo 2020 Dubai recorded more than one million visits last Friday, Saturday and Sunday as visitors say their final goodbyes to what has been a spectacular six months.
More well-wishers are expected to flock to the site in the remaining three days to be part of the World Expo’s closing action and entertainment – including what promises to be an unforgettable Closing Ceremony, complete with fireworks, air shows and world-class performers.
An unprecedented amount of people explored Expo 2020 Dubai in the past week, with the busiest weekend across its entire six months driving the total number of visits to 22,937,830.
Expo 2020
This means the first World Expo in the region has fulfilled its commitment to attract between 22.9 million and 25.4 million visits, a target range set out in the registration dossier that was officially ratified by Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) member states in 2015, and a remarkable achievement in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The last day of Expo 2020 Dubai, on Thursday (31 March), will be a historic one, welcoming the UAE Air Force’s Fursan Al Emarat aerobatics team, before an unforgettable climax as Expo hands the baton to the next generation, with a youth-focused ceremony that will see global music icons Christina Aguilera, Norah Jones and Yo-Yo Ma perform beneath Al Wasl’s iconic dome.
Also taking the stage will be the Expo 2020 World String Ensemble and talented Italian pianist Eleonora Constantini. Visitors will be able to watch on more than 20 giant screens across the site, including at the Jubilee Stage, Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Festival Garden and various Country Pavilions.
At the ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, will hand the BIE flag to Ambassador Jai-chul Choi and Dimitri Kerkentzes, respectively President of the General Assembly and Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), who will present it to representatives of Expo 2025 Osaka.
Celebrations will continue throughout the night, with jaw-dropping firework displays at 0000 GST and 0300 GST, before Expo 2020 Dubai closes its stunning Entry Portals for the final time.
Before then, the World Expo promises much more to enthral visitors. Tuesday (29 March) sees India celebrating its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day, including a concert by playback star Shaan, then the Abraham Accords team squaring up against the star-studded World Classic team in an exhibition match at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sports, Fitness & Wellbeing Hub. That’s followed on Wednesday (30 March) by the FIBA 3×3 Basketball Tournament at the Expo Sports Arena.
Expo 2020 Dubai concluded National Day ceremonies of country pavilions with a grand celebration of India at Al Wasl Plaza, where minister Piyush Goyal stressed Expo will go down in history as a glorious chapter that brought India and UAE together, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Underlining the importance of the Dubai Expo in furthering India-UAE strategic ties, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the brotherhood between the two countries is subject to envy of many parts of the world.
Participating at the National Day Celebration at Al Wasl Plaza in Dubai, Goyal said this Dubai Expo is a true testimony to the growing strength and relevance that UAE enjoys.
“When the Dubai Expo was first conceptualized, nobody had imagined that the world would be facing the worst pandemic in 100 years. …This Dubai Expo is a true testimony to the growing strength and relevance that UAE enjoys,” he said.
The minister stressed Dubai Expo will go down in history as a glorious chapter that brought India and UAE together.
“It is during this period that we negotiated and finalised a very comprehensive partnership that… an arrangement, a friendship, brotherhood, a partnership and a strategic engagement — that is ‘Neighbours’ envy but owner’s pride’,” Goyal said.
“We are the envy of many parts of the world who see brotherhood between India and UAE growing from strength to strength. UAE has given India a permanent place in their hearts…India pavilion at Dubai Expo is permanent, not going to be dismantled,” he added.
In the last six months, the Union Minister said the India pavilion has become a melting pot representing all that India has to offer. “It has showcased India’s diversity, our culture, rich tradition, the opportunities that India has to offer and the achievements of the last 75 years of India’s independence.”
Underscoring the importance of the 75th year of India’s independence, the minister said the Dubai Expo has also brought very rich tidings for both the partners.
“In this very important year, when India celebrates 75 years of independence, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and UAE celebrates 50 years, I believe that Dubai Expo has also brought very rich tiding for all of us — in business and people to people ties and the further strengthening of geopolitical and strategic relations that India and UAE share,” he said.
Furthermore, Goyal said the Dubai Expo has become a forum for the exchange of ideas and perspectives on what the future holds for both countries.
“Last week, the India pavilion crossed 1.7 million footfalls, probably among the three or four highest pavilions. …As the Dubai Expo will come to a close day after tomorrow, but I believe the impossible has been made possible with footfalls at the Dubai expo exceeding 23 million already,” he added.
Indian jewellery exposition
Goyal on Tuesday called upon the gem and jewellery industry to triple their exports target from about USD 35 billion exports at present to go for 100 Billion Dollar target worldwide.
Goyal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always focused on the gems and jewellery sector and aims to make India the number one in the world in the G&J sector of not only the Made in India but also Designed in India jewellery, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said in a press statement.
“I am sure this Centre will also play an important role in helping us meet the very, very ambitious target in our India-UAE business engagement and will serve as a global business touch-point to give our produce to international countries across the world from the UAE,” said Goyal, in his address during the Inaugural Ceremony.
Stating that in the Vishnu Purana there is a description of the ‘Syamantaka’ gem, which had the power to bring prosperity and plentitude to the possessor, Goyal said jewellery has been part of our culture and tradition and represents as a symbol of style and status in the society.
The G&J sector, at about USD 35 billion in exports, contributed to nearly 10 per cent of over USD 400 Billion exports target India scaled this financial year. (ANI)
Sheikh Mohammed meets with Presidents of South Africa, Liberia at Expo 2020
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met with Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, and George Weah, President of Liberia at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met with Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, and George Weah, President of Liberia, who are currently visiting the UAE to participate in their respective countries’ National Day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai.
During a meeting that took place at the South African pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and President Ramaphosa explored fresh opportunities to expand the already strong economic relations between the UAE and South Africa. The two leaders deliberated on how they can work together to promote ingenuity and innovation in order to generate creative solutions to resolve challenges confronting humanity.
Sheikh Mohammed meets with Presidents of South Africa, Liberia at Expo 2020 (WAM)
They also discussed how Expo 2020 Dubai has provided countries across the world with opportunities to catalyse collaboration and innovation and create tangible new avenues for business, trade and investment. Furthermore, His Highness and the South African President exchanged ideas on fostering greater knowledge-sharing and enhancing cooperation in the areas of education and student scholarships.
Accompanied by the South African President, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed went on a tour of the country’s pavilion. His Highness was briefed on South Africa’s achievements and opportunities in the economic, cultural, tourism, technology, creative arts and sporting sectors. Under the theme ‘Think Opportunity. Think South Africa’ the country’s unique pavilion explores the nation’s cosmopolitanism and accomplishments. South Africa’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai also highlights its agriculture and global business services, mining, manufacturing and future-oriented sectors, as well as its unique cultural diversity.
Sheikh Mohammed later met with George Weah, President of Liberia, at the country’s Expo 2020 pavilion. His Highness and the Liberian President discussed how the two countries can deepen engagement and cooperation to advance the sustainable economic development agendas of both countries. The two leaders expressed their shared interest in expanding partnerships, especially in the areas of infrastructure and technology development.
Sheikh Mohammed and President Weah also went on a tour of Liberia’s Expo 2020 pavilion located in the Opportunity District. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was taken on an immersive journey highlighting Liberia’s breathtaking natural beauty and its untapped potential in agriculture, tourism, the financial sector and infrastructure development. Filled with beautiful woven fabric patterns, the pavilion offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about Liberia’s history and what the future looks like for the West African nation. Under the theme ‘Open and Business-Ready Liberia’ the pavilion also gives visitors insights into the country’s sustainable development strategies and major infrastructure projects.
Later during his visit to Expo 2020 Dubai today, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured the pavilions of Iraq and Tunisia.
At the Iraq pavilion, His Highness was taken on a voyage through the country’s culture, arts, science, literature and folklore. He was briefed about Iraq’s efforts to celebrate its past while striving to create a brighter tomorrow. Featuring the undulating form of a traditional Al Saliya fishing net, symbolic of wealth, wisdom and goodness in Mesopotamian culture, the Iraqi pavilion showcases the country’s rich history and heritage and introduces visitors to leading Iraqi business owners and innovators.
His Highness also toured the Tunisia Pavilion themed ‘Inspiring Youth, Promising Future’, which tells the story of the creativity and resourcefulness of the country’s people. Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the highlights of the pavilion including the country’s touristic and historical attractions and its futuristic vision. The Tunisia Pavilion offers visitors a fascinating journey through the country that goes beyond its holiday spots to explore its varied natural beauty including forested coastlines and striking Saharan sand seas. (WAM)
Sheikh Mohammed meets with Presidents of South Africa, Liberia at Expo 2020 (WAM) Sheikh Mohammed meets with Presidents of South Africa, Liberia at Expo 2020 (WAM) Sheikh Mohammed meets with Presidents of South Africa, Liberia at Expo 2020 Sheikh Mohammed meets with Presidents of South Africa, Liberia at Expo 2020 (WAM) Sheikh Mohammed meets with Presidents of South Africa, Liberia at Expo 2020 (WAM)
Global music icons Christina Aguilera, Norah Jones and Yo-Yo Ma will sprinkle stardust on the stunning setting at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
With three more days left, the curtain will come down on Expo 2020 Dubai on 31st March with a spectacular Closing Ceremony that will gaze towards the future at Al Wasl Plaza, the beating heart of the first World Expo to be held in the region and the same venue where the memorable Opening Ceremony took place 182 days ago.
Global music icons Christina Aguilera, Norah Jones and Yo-Yo Ma will sprinkle stardust on the stunning setting, with 20-plus giant screens across the Expo 2020 Dubai site, including the main stages, Festival Garden and various Country Pavilions, enabling everyone to experience the magic. The celebration will continue into the night, with full headline concerts from each artist across Jubilee Stage and Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre.
You’re running out of time, only 3 days to go until the end of Expo 2020 Dubai. Don’t miss out – it’s now or never, before it’s gone forever! #Expo2020#Dubaipic.twitter.com/5CBrBZD2sS
The evening will begin at 19:00 GST with the young Emirati girl from the Opening Ceremony taking the audience on another compelling journey. For 182 days, she has grown, learned and connected with people from around the world – what remains is the final step before she awakens to her full potential.
The audience beneath Al Wasl’s awe-inspiring dome – home to the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface – will also put the focus on the next generation, as Expo exclusively invites hundreds of children from across the UAE to witness the wonders as the country looks to the next 50 years, having celebrated its Golden Jubilee during Expo 2020 Dubai.
Later in the evening, Grammy-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma will play a concert at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre from 20:45 GST; celebrated Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and pianist Norah Jones will entertain visitors with her own concert on the Jubilee Stage from 21:00 GST; and pop legend Christina Aguilera will present an extended performance on the Jubilee Stage from 22:45 GST.
The cast of the Closing Ceremony includes more than 400 professionals and volunteers from 56 different countries, with 745 costumes created for the culmination of Expo 2020 Dubai. Forty members of a UAE-based children’s choir will perform Ishy Bilady, the National Anthem of the UAE, joined by the all-women Firdaus Orchestra, conducted by Yasmina Sabbah.
Also taking the stage will be the Expo 2020 World String Ensemble, a group of 16 talented international musicians led by maestro Harout Fazlian, and talented Italian pianist Eleonora Constantini, familiar to many Expo 2020 Dubai visitors as the performer behind the amazing Flying Piano show at Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion.
The Closing Ceremony, streamed live on Virtual Expo and Expo TV, will also remind audiences of some of Al Wasl Plaza’s iconic moments, including calligraphy poetry in the sky from Emirati poetess Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi; the falcon from immersive theatrical show Journey of the 50th, which was presented during the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations; and the incredible horse from The Boy and The Horse, a tribute to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
As Expo 2020 Dubai looks to the future, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, will hand the BIE Flag to Ambassador Jai-chul Choi, President of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), who will then present it to representatives of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
The celebrations will continue throughout the night, with more jaw-dropping fireworks displays at midnight and 3:00 GST.
Liberia celebrated its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day on Saturday with a visit by Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia…reports Asian Lite News
Dr Weah was welcomed by Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
George Weah said: “The theme of our pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is ‘Open and Business-Ready Liberia’ and embraces the idea that investment is an essential component of sustainable national economic growth and development. Liberia seeks to expand its potential in many areas, including the financial sector, in addition to sectors like tourism, agriculture and fisheries, which are yet to be exploited.
In celebration of the Republic of Liberia’s National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, we welcomed His Excellency Dr. George Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia, who was hosted by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence pic.twitter.com/OFZWmhXDHy
“I therefore use this opportunity to urge UAE investors to come to Liberia and tap into these traditional and virgin sectors, which will help us fill Liberia’s huge infrastructure deficit and foster economic development in Liberia.”
Sheikh Nahyan said: “Through its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, Liberia demonstrates the significant development strides it has made in recent history, such as leading the way on women’s rights, as well as economic reform. The pavilion also promotes the vast opportunities Liberia offers across multiple industries, such as agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development.” “The UAE is proud to share continuously developing relations with Liberia, and we look forward to witnessing greater opportunities for collaboration between our two countries in the near future, for our mutual benefit and prosperity.”
Liberia celebrates National Day Expo 2020(WAM)
A cultural performance by the National Dance Ensemble of Liberia followed the speeches, featuring a drum concert and a traditional song about peace and unity, before Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee and well-known singer Janet Cole sang the Liberia Pavilion’s official Expo 2020 Dubai song.
The Liberia Pavilion, located in the Opportunity District, showcases the beauty of the country and the untapped potential in agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development. The pavilion, filled with beautiful woven fabric patterns, allows visitors to find out more about Liberia’s history and what the future looks like for the West African nation.
Liberia celebrates National Day Expo 2020(WAM)
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Expo 2020 Dubai will be held until March 31, 2022, and invites visitors from all over the world to create a new world together, in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture. (WAM)
The Holy See marked its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday with a recognition of its ties to the UAE and a commitment to peace and harmony with all…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai welcomed Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness.
Sheikh Nahyan said, “Through its participation, the Holy See exemplifies the notions of brotherhood, fraternity, and connection as the primary means towards achieving peace in the world. The pavilion provides an enlightening visitor experience that emphasises the importance of inter-religious dialogue, and showcases the values that bring people together, regardless of ethnicity, belief, or nationality.
“The UAE and the Holy See share a common vision in our value of co-existence and fraternity, and our work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As such, we look forward to engaging in further joint collaborations across various fields of mutual priority, such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.”
Cardinal Parolin said, “My presence here is not intended to be a mere fulfilment of the obligation to which each country is bound while participating in this universal Expo, but even more so it is a tangible sign of the Holy See’s esteem for the United Arab Emirates. I am here to bear witness to the many ties that have been created between us.
“There is no doubt that our cultural roots, religious beliefs, territorial size and histories are quite different. Yet we have chosen to know each other better, to appreciate each and are committed to looking for convergences that can contribute to the peace of the international community. For this very reason, fifteen years ago, diplomatic relations were established between the Holy See and the United Arab Emirates.”
Emphasising that their presence at Expo 2020 Dubai was symbolic and cultural without commercial purpose, Cardinal Parolin noted the ideal of peaceful coexistence between different nations, cultures and religions, adding that the Holy See is “firmly committed to promoting this on a socio-cultural, educational, diplomatic and religious level so that harmony can be truly realised.”
Following the National Day ceremony, the third movement of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s String Quartet in A Minor Opus 132 was performed by Eva Grasbeck and Natalia Vaskinova on violin, Crosby Barrett on viola, and Kate Denton on cello.
Located in the Mobility District, the message of the Holy See Pavilion is based on brotherhood, fraternity, and connection between cultures and peace.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo 2020’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
A number of countries are still to celebrate their National Days, including Pakistan on 23rd March, Namibia on 24th March and India on 29th March, reports Asian Lite News
Expo 2020 Dubai visitors are saying #ThanksToExpo, with visit numbers soaring to 20,819,155, after crossing the 20-million threshold earlier this week.
From Expo 2020 Dubai’s crown jewel, Al Wasl dome, to water feature Surreal, the stellar entertainment line-up and fascinating pavilions of the 192 participating countries, visitors have been moved by how the largest global gathering of its kind since the start of the pandemic has brought together people from across the world in one place.
Indian resident Sera Rachel Jacob said, “Having learnt about the Sustainable Development Goals in theory during undergrad, I never got to see them being implemented by world nations. At Expo 2020 Dubai, I got to see how all countries contribute and plan to achieve these goals.”
South African resident Dr. Aloysia Ogle said, “[Expo] has really opened my mind to the possibilities for the future. I was so pleasantly impressed with the accommodations made for people of determination. I have visited with my father-in-law in a wheelchair, my son with autism and my small daughter in a stroller, and still managed to have an amazing experience.”
Austrian tourist Dr. Karin M Strasser agreed, “For me, Expo 2020 Dubai has motivated me to travel as much as I can. I believe knowledge and understanding of other nations and ethnic groups contributes to world peace.”
Expo’s School Programme for Young Stars, which ran across Expo 2020 Dubai’s six months, gave exposure to young performers and a platform like no other, showing off their talent on the Al Wasl stage. Suhaila Khomais, mother of student Mira Faisal El Naqbi, said, “It has been incredibly exciting to see my daughter present a segment for the first time at Expo’s Al Wasl Plaza for the whole world to see – it’s an indescribable feeling.”
Expo 2020 Dubai is currently hosting Water Week, the 10th and final Theme Week as part of the Programme for People and Planet. Running until 26 March, and with a wide range of programming focusing on how we can protect our most precious resource, there will be a strong focus on the global community’s collective responsibility to better manage and preserve water in the face of threats such as climate change, plastic pollution and over-fishing.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet offers an exchange of inspiring new perspectives to address the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time, including climate and biodiversity and the Global Goals. In doing so, the programme has generated meaningful conversations and collaborations that will positively impact lives long after Expo 2020 Dubai closes its doors on 31 March 2022.
A number of countries are still to celebrate their National Days, including Pakistan on 23rd March, Namibia on 24th March and India on 29th March, while the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organisation that oversees World Expos, will mark its Honour Day on 30th March.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s virtual visitation numbers have passed 197 million, driven by the diverse entertainment available via Live@Expo, as well as extensive coverage of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet.
Expo 2020 Dubai looks forward to hosting visitors for more special events that are coming up, including the spectacular Closing Ceremony on 31st March, which will feature top entertainment and honour teachers and school pupils.
Sudan celebrates its National Day at Expo 2020 (WAM)
Sudan celebrated yesterday its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai through showcasing its rich culture, innovative solutions to global challenges and the opportunities presented to young people to build a promising future…reports Asian Lite News
Following the flag-raising ceremonies of both nations, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, welcomed Dr. Graham Abdelgadir, Sudan’s Minister of Culture and Information.
On this occasion, Minister Al Kaabi said, “Sudan’s pavilion introduces the world to an array of innovative solutions across various sectors such as agriculture, agribusiness and mining, while showcasing the inventions and innovations that its youth have on offer for individuals, governments, private and educational institutions, as well as start-ups.
احتفاءً باليوم الوطني لجمهورية السودان، تشرّفنا بالترحيب بمعالي الدكتور جراهام عبدالقادر، وزير الثقافة والإعلام لجمهورية السودان، الذي التقى معالي نورة بنت محمد الكعبي، وزيرة الثقافة والشباب. pic.twitter.com/RGT5SHEfLg
“The strong bilateral relations between the UAE and Sudan are based on brotherhood and mutual respect, as they are deep-rooted in our history and the common framework in which our two countries exist within the Arab and Islamic worlds. In this regard, we look forward to expanding our collaboration with Sudan in various areas of common interest.”
For his side, Dr. Abdelgadir said, “Sudan is full of all good things, including agricultural lands, livestock, minerals and others, and all promising investment opportunities in several fields, in addition to cultural, civilisation and tourism diversity. Above all this is the humanity of Sudan, which carries all the meanings of friendliness, tolerance, coexistence and welcoming everyone.
Sudan celebrates its National Day at Expo 2020 (WAM)
“My country’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates is a fraternal relationship that brings together brothers who are linked by ties of religion, language and culture. Therefore, we view it as a popular relationship in the first place, framed by the official relationship, covering all aspects of fruitful cooperation, and we seek to develop this bilateral relationship to broader horizons.”
After the ceremony, the National Folk Dance Troupe came to the stage to perform a series of dances to demonstrate the ancient, rich and traditional musical styles of the country. Representing the diversity of Sudan, the troupe consists of 50 dancers, who performed more than 20 dances from all over the country, including their most famous, the Halfa Dance, which is performed on happy occasions.
Sudan celebrates its National Day at Expo 2020 (WAM)
When visiting the Sudan Pavilion – showcasing ‘The Land of Infinite Opportunities’ – guests experience contemporary design inspired by the Nubian house known for its environmentally friendly features, depicting the country’s cultural diversity, ancient history and waves of recent change to reform its economy.
Virtual-reality units immerse them in real-life footage unveiling the African nation’s treasures and authentic cultural experiences including rare tribal dances that have never been showcased to the world. (WAM)
German Federal Minister tours Expo 2020 Dubai (WAM)
Dr. Robert Habeck, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has visited Expo 2020 Dubai and toured the Germany Pavilion as part of a UAE visit to boost business partnerships…reports Asian Lite News
The minister toured the pavilion’s three main sections: the Energy Lab, the Future City Lab and the Biodiversity Lab, as well as the Graduation Hall, where visitors sit on one of the swinging seats to symbolise the whole world coming together.
German Federal Minister tours Expo 2020 Dubai (WAM)
The Germany Pavilion is edutainment-based; a surprising, haptic, digital showcase of German innovations and solutions in the field of sustainability. Its architecture reflects the underlying CAMPUS idea, which makes it possible to provide comprehensive information about the country’s technical, industrial and cultural capabilities in an appealing and innovative way.
The Cabinet meeting, which was held at Expo 2020 Dubai, approved a number of initiatives and legislations aiming at further developing UAE government work, reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Cabinet has approved a federal system for crowdfunding platform operators to finance new and innovative business ideas.
“Crowd funding is one of the best means to support the financing of new innovative business ideas,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the Cabinet meeting said.
“It will open a door for young people and entrepreneurs to finance their ideas,” he tweeted.
ترأست اليوم الاجتماع الأخير لمجلس الوزراء في إكسبو دبي ٢٠٢٠ … اجتماعات المجلس عبر ٦ أشهر في المعرض الثقافي الأكبر عالمياً عكست رؤية حكومة الإمارات في دعم الحدث وترسيخ حضوره محلياً وعالمياً وحشد كافة الطاقات لدعم نجاحه الاستثنائي.. pic.twitter.com/Xqi17dSxTw
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) will be responsible for the regulation governing the activities of crowdfunding platform operators.
The strategy covers all technical aspects associated with the regulation of crowdfunding platform operators. This includes definitions; scope of application; operator licensing requirements; operator obligations towards SCA and investors; financing applicant obligations; and the rights of the investor, the operator, and the financing applicant. The strategy also addresses supervision, inspections, and penalties.
The Cabinet meeting, which was held at Expo 2020 Dubai, approved a number of initiatives and legislations aiming at further developing UAE government work.
“Today, I chaired the last Cabinet meeting at Expo Dubai 2020. Over the past 6 months, the cabinet meetings were held at the largest cultural exhibition in the world, reflecting our vision to support this international event, locally and globally,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He added: “We approved today a new law for cooperative associations in the UAE allowing them to be listed in our financial markets, attract strategic partners and introduce new forms such as digital and financial coops… Cooperatives are a successful economic model that can be built upon and developed.”
Sheikh Mohammed also said: “We approved the Crowdfunding Platform Operators strategy in public and private sectors… It is one of the best means to support the financing of new innovative commercial ideas and support entrepreneurs by financing their ideas.”
He added: “We also approved the new strategy of the UAE Gender Balance Council to enhance the presence of women in leadership positions, and a new system for work related injuries…Our aim is to preserve the rights of workers and protect them”.
He also said: “Today, I reviewed the experience of community agriculture, where the Ministry of Community Development provides the requirements of green homes for people of determination and senior citizens.. We aim to support them, provide them a healthy lifestyle and social benefits.”
Protection of worker’s rights
UAE flag
The UAE Government Cabinet approved a federal legislation regarding work related injuries and occupational diseases for workers in the private sector, which specify the mechanism for reporting and investigating an injury, as well as the mechanism of compensating them. The law guarantees the rights of workers of the private sector.
The Cabinet approved a decision to reorganize the Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (KCGEB), to be affiliated with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. The center will have the legal personality and financial, administrative autonomy required to achieve its goals. The center will be specialized in developing and implementing research programs in cooperation with federal and local authorities, and providing expert services and scientific advice to government entities and the private sector, and conducting studies and research.
كما اعتمدنا في مجلس الوزراء اليوم إجازة ممارسة نشاط التمويل الجماعي Crowd funding وبأن يكون له مشغلين من القطاع الحكومي والخاص .. التمويل الجماعي من أفضل الوسائل لدعم تمويل الأفكار الابتكارية التجارية الجديدة .. وسيفتح باباً للشباب ورواد الأعمال في تمويل أفكارهم .. pic.twitter.com/7PEfmozn0z
The Cabinet adopted the new Cooperatives Law, which adopts the basic principles of cooperatives based on international standards. It includes the establishment of new types of cooperatives, including digital, financial, professional and others. in addition to permitting the inclusion of cooperatives in the financial markets according to specified standards and conditions.
Community Farming initiative
During the meeting, the Cabinet approved the Community Farming initiative, which targets Social welfare categories including widows, divorced women, elderly, and people of determination. It aims to provide green houses with different spaces to the beneficiaries, in order to maintain food security and sustainability of resources and support family cohesion and increase income.
A healthy learning environment for children The Cabinet approved the National Child Protection Policy in educational institutions, which aims at ensuring the safety of children, providing a healthy and safe educational environment to protect them from all forms of harm, and ensure the implementation of child protection measures in the educational institution in accordance with the legislation in force in the UAE.
Nursing and Midwifery professions
During the meeting, the Cabinet approved the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery professions. The strategy aims to enhance the profession and its sustainability, and ensure proper planning of nursing and midwifery workforce in terms of recruitment and retention in response to the needs and priorities.
The strategy seeks to qualify the nursing and Midwifery staff to engage in evidence-based research and practices that respond to national health priorities and in the development of professional policies and practices and investing in building the leadership capacity of nursing cadres especially during crises and emergencies.
Gender Balance Council Strategy
The Cabinet approved the new strategy of the UAE Gender Balance Council 2022-2026, which includes 4 main pillars:economic participation, wellbeing, protection and entrepreneurship. It aims to further reduce the gender gap across all sectors, enhance the UAE’s ranking in global competitiveness reports on gender equality and achieve gender balance in decision-making positions, as well as promote the UAE’s status as a benchmark for gender balance legislation.
The cabinet also approved a decision to establish a general secretariat for the Emirates Development Council, and a federal law regarding the approval of a supplementary budget to the federal budget of the UAE for the fiscal year 2022.
The Cabinet approved a decision to establish the “Collective Labor Disputes Committee”, chaired by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The committee will consider collective labor disputes referred by the Ministry in which the number of workers exceeds 100 workers. In addition to reviewing a number of reports, the Cabinet approved a number of international agreements with a number of friendly countries, the Republic of Senegal, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Russian Federation, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of North Macedonia and Angola.
