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Abu Dhabi unveils UAE’s first operational vertiport

The plans announced are set to bolster Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, and kickstart the development of required infrastructure to operationalise air taxis…reports Asian Lite News

UAE’s first operational vertiport for vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) was unveiled in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and The Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT), represented by Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT), unveiled the vertiport at DRIFTx, an international event showcasing smart, autonomous, and sustainable urban mobility across air, land, and sea.

The temporary vertiport facility, constructed in line with the latest industry standards and regulations set by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), offers a glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s strategy to deliver one of the world’s most advanced sectors for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) by 2026. AD Mobility will regulate the advanced air mobility sector in Abu Dhabi by working in conjunction with the UAE’s GCAA.

In this context, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, remarked: “Our collaboration with ADIO and AD Mobility underscores our commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving field of advanced air mobility. Events like DRIFTx play a crucial role in accelerating the development of advanced air mobility in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. By bringing together industry experts, innovators, and stakeholders, DRIFTx facilitates invaluable dialogue and collaboration that propels us toward a future where smart and sustainable urban air transportation is a reality.”

The UAE’s GCAA initiative in establishing the world’s first national regulation on vertiports last year paved the way for advanced air mobility in the UAE, ensuring the availability of safe and suitable infrastructure to accommodate eVTOL aircraft. This bespoke regulation covers design, operations, and certification provisions for vertiports on land and in sea, demonstrating commitment to fostering innovation while prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving aviation landscape.”

The temporary vertiport facility unveiled at DRIFTx was approved based on these rigorous standards, ensuring the highest levels of safety for operations. By pioneering this regulatory framework, the UAE’s GCAA sets an example for regulators worldwide, showcasing a proactive approach to facilitating the safe introduction of emerging technologies.

Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), added: “The collaboration between ADIO and AD Mobility will see vertiports setup in strategic locations across Abu Dhabi, including major business hubs and tourism destinations. Once complete, the vertiport network will be a key enabler of Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster. Centred in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, it provides state-of-the art facilities and value-add services within an enabling regulatory environment for companies developing advanced technologies across air, land, and sea mobility applications. This is an exciting time for mobility in Abu Dhabi.”

Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: “Abu Dhabi’s vertiport network will mark a significant milestone in transport innovation and the future of mobility. Our partnership with AD Mobility is pivotal for creating robust infrastructure to make smart and autonomous vehicles a reality and part of everyday life, propelling us towards a more connected and efficient future. The network will create extensive commercial opportunities for transport infrastructure companies, creating economic development alongside technological advancement.”

ADIO engaged with experts in the advanced air mobility sector that have gathered in the capital for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Mobily Week and outlined the commercial opportunities available to develop the capital’s vertiport infrastructure network through Abu Dhabi’s public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

The plans announced are set to bolster Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster, and kickstart the development of required infrastructure to operationalise air taxis. SAVI offers access to academia, sandboxes, R&D labs, testing and certification facilities, large scale workshops, hangars, manufacturing facilities, and global logistics integration. This has attracted some of the world’s most innovative eVTOL companies, including Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation.

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VP meets with 200 Emirati young people in ‘Youth Retreat’

The “Youth Retreat 2024” was organised in partnership with the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, the Government Accelerators, Museum of the Future-the Strategic Partner- and the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met with over 200 Emirati female and male youngsters at the “Youth Retreat 2024”, organised by the Federal Youth Authority at the Museum of the Future under the theme “Development… Empowerment… Future”.

Addressing the young Emiratis, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said: “Our directives to the youth are: Take initiative, don’t wait… Your country is brimming with opportunities… And your future is bright, God willing… And by your hands you create a better reality for yourselves, your families, and your country.”

Speaking to new Minister of State for Youth, Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, H.H Sheikh Mohammed said: “You are a role model, an inspiration, and an example to follow by youth… And just as you reached space, we want you to take the aspirations of our youth to the same place you have been to: Space and the sky.”

The retreat was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

The “Youth Retreat 2024” was organised in partnership with the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, the Government Accelerators, Museum of the Future-the Strategic Partner- and the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research.

The initiative reflects the UAE government’s forward-thinking approach to youth empowerment. By developing a comprehensive support system for young people, the government is providing them with the enabling environment they need to unleash their creativity and innovation, and contribute effectively to societal development. It falls under the umbrella of a government incubator that nurtures the aspirations and future ambitions of the youth.

For his part, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said: “Since the establishment of the UAE, the vision of supporting and empowering youth has been deeply ingrained. Our wise leadership has always been determined to provide a nurturing environment for investing in their energies, developing their skills, and enhancing their capabilities. We recognise that young people are the driving force behind development and the hope for building a sustainable future for generations to come. This stems from our firm belief in the importance of nurturing a generation of enthusiastic youth committed to achieving excellence and innovation in all fields.”

ALSO READ-Emirati Field Hospital in Gaza scores medical feat

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Emirati Field Hospital in Gaza scores medical feat

This success story further underscores the invaluable role the integrated field hospital is playing in providing critical medical services to Gazans…reports Asian Lite News

In a further testament to their ongoing commitment to supporting Palestinian healthcare, the Emirati integrated field hospital in Gaza has achieved a remarkable medical feat by removing a massive 5-kilogramme tumour from a patient’s abdomen. The hospital is deployed as part of the ‘Operation Chivalrous Knight 3’.

The patient had endured years of severe pain and debilitating health complications due to the tumour. The Emirati medical team, comprised of specialists from various specialities, collaborated seamlessly to perform this complex surgery.

This success story further underscores the invaluable role the integrated field hospital is playing in providing critical medical services to Gazans.

The removed tumour will now undergo thorough laboratory analysis to determine the most effective treatment plan for the patient’s complete recovery. The dedicated medical team will now continue to closely monitor the patient’s condition through consultations and provide all necessary care.

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UAE, Bahrain call for calm in Middle East

During the meeting held in Abu Dhabi, the two sides reviewed key regional and international developments and exchanged views on them…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain have called for calm in the Middle East in efforts to avoid military escalation while prioritising diplomatic solutions and resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation.

During the meeting held in Abu Dhabi, the two sides reviewed key regional and international developments and exchanged views on them.

Both leaders also discussed the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen ties in a way that achieves common interests.

In this regard, His Highness the President and His Majesty the King of Bahrain expressed their hope that the upcoming 33rd Arab Summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on 16th May and headed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, would produce constructive outcomes and decisions to strengthen Arab solidarity and unity.

The two sides also noted their hope that the summit would further develop the Arab world’s capabilities and political and economic potential, protect its national security, and meet its aspirations for progress and sustainable development.

On Middle East developments, the two sides also called upon the international community to assume its responsibilities towards implementing an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to preserve civilian lives and provide them with vital humanitarian relief aid without obstruction.

They stressed the need for effective international action to pursue a genuine political horizon to achieve a just and comprehensive regional peace that enables the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights and establish an independent state based on the two-state solution.

His Highness the President and His Majesty the King of Bahrain also stressed the importance of continuing consultation and coordination according to a unified strategic vision that seeks to serve the interests of both countries and their peoples, strengthen the ties of Gulf and Arab brotherhood, and foster international cooperation in spreading peace and the values of coexistence and human fraternity.

During his fraternal visit to the UAE, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed his pride in the close and distinguished historical ties that unite the leadership and peoples of the two countries. His Majesty wished the leadership, government, and people of the UAE continued progress and prosperity.

UAE welcomes independent review on UNRWA

 The UAE has welcomed the report of the independent review panel on the performance of the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which affirmed its crucial role in supporting relief and development efforts for the Palestinian people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reiterated the UAE’s unwavering position to support the agency and its endeavours, and stressed the country’s commitment to support humanitarian aid operations carried out by the United Nations in the Gaza Strip and other areas in need.

The Ministry emphasised the importance of the international community providing support to the agency’s efforts and maintaining its ability to provide sustainable services and assistance to the Palestinian refugees in light of the critical conditions due to the ongoing Israeli violations.

Moreover, the Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast commitment to closely collaborate with the United Nations and international partners to intensify efforts aimed at mitigating the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

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Dh2b to repair rain-hit homes

A ministerial committee is tasked with overseeing, assessing damages, and disbursing compensations in cooperation with the entities…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, allocated AED2 billion to address the damages suffered by citizens’ homes during the extreme weather conditions.

A ministerial committee has also been tasked with overseeing this file, assessing damages, and disbursing compensations in cooperation with other federal and local entities.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today, I chaired the UAE Cabinet’s meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. We discussed the impacts of the recent extreme weather conditions the country experienced over the past few days. The situation was unprecedented in its intensity. We are a country that learns from every experience. The central operations rooms responded to more than 200,000 reports, with the joint effort of over 17,000 members from the security, emergency and interior entities, 15,000 members from the local authorities, and thousands of volunteers to manage the consequences of this exceptional weather event.”

Sheikh Mohammed added, “Thanks to the follow-up and support of my President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, life returned to normal quickly. His Highness issued his directives to conduct damages assessments, provide support for families, and immediately assess the status of the infrastructure, emphasising that the safety of citizens and residents is the top priority.”

“Additionally, in today’s Cabinet meeting, we formed a committee to assess the damage caused by floods and rain to infrastructure and propose solutions and measures at the national level. The committee is chaired by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and includes members from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and other federal entities, as well as representatives from all seven emirates.

“The exceptional weather event turned out to be a blessing for us. The dams filled up, the valleys flowed with rainwater, and the underground water reserves replenished. We learned significant lessons on managing heavy rains in our cities, identified areas for development, and enhanced our readiness and preparedness, making us better prepared for the future.”

His Highness added, “We extend our thanks and gratitude to everyone who has worked and is still working for our country, including emergency and crisis centres, security, military, and civilian entities, federal and local government entities, volunteers, and all citizens and residents who have demonstrated solidarity, cooperation, and profound love for the United Arab Emirates.”

UAE Tourism Strategy 2031

In its meeting, the Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the UAE tourism sector and updated the results of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. Figures indicated that, during the period from January to December 2023, the number of hotel guests increased to AED28 million guests, which reflects an increase of 11.3% compared to the same period of 2022.

Additionally, the number of hotel rooms reached 211 thousand, an increase of 3% compared to 2022, and the hospitality establishments’ revenue registered AED43.6 billion, an increase of 15% compared to 2022.

The tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy reached 9%, scoring AED165 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach AED180 billion in 2023. The national tourism sector also contributed to providing 751 thousand jobs in 2022, which is equivalent to 11.6% of the UAE labour market.

In 2022, the international tourism spending inside the UAE scored AED118 billion, while the domestic tourism spending scored AED47 billion. The UAE was ranked 25th globally and 1st in the Arab world and the MENA region by the Travel & Tourism Development Report of 2021, published by the World Economic Forum.

National efforts in the tourism sector have successfully led to the launch of several tourism initiatives and programmes through multiple collaborations between the federal government, the local governments, and the private sector, including the Unified National Tourism Identity, launching innovative marketing campaigns targeting all categories of domestic tourists, developing the tour guiding system in the country, and developing the programme for business leadership in the tourism sector, and launching the National Tourism Charter.

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UAE, Kenya ink mining, tech investment deal

The Memorandum of Understanding has set the stage for investment collaboration in mining and technology sectors between UAE and Kenya….reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates and Kenya have signed an investment memorandum of understanding, setting the stage for investment collaboration in mining and technology sectors.

Simultaneously, ADQ, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, announced a finance framework agreement with Kenya’s ministry, facilitating investments in priority sectors of the Kenyan economy, with a potential investment sum of up to US$500 million.

Kenya’s mining sector boasts significant growth potential owing to its abundant reserves of gold, copper, ilmenite, tantalum, and various non-metallic minerals.

The advancement of this industry can substantially strengthen Kenya’s economy by generating employment opportunities, improving livelihoods, and positioning the nation as a prominent mining participant in Africa.

Known as the “Silicon Savannah”, Kenya is also the dominant economy in East Africa, contributing to more than 40 percent of the region’s GDP.

The MoU focuses on mineral exploration, mine development, mineral processing, refining, and mineral marketing in Kenya. One of the key objectives is to explore opportunities for technology transfer in Kenya’s mineral sector, that would support innovation and growth.

The two countries will also assess avenues for collaboration in promoting responsible stewardship of the mineral sector, with a strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance practices, in addition to exploring avenues for collaboration in research and development within the designated sectors.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment of the UAE, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding marks a new chapter in the shared economic journey of the UAE and Kenya. Through this partnership, we are laying down the foundation for a future where sustainable mining practices, innovation, and responsible stewardship form the pillars of our mutual growth.”

“We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance capacities and establish robust governance practices that will not only propel the mineral sector but also ensure overall prosperity of our nations.”

The MoU and agreement have been signed on the heels of a bilateral investment cooperation signed to advance Kenya’s digital infrastructure sector, which was signed last month.

Meanwhile, ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, agreed to establish a finance and investment framework with the National Treasury and Economic Planning Ministry of the Republic of Kenya to explore intended investments of up to US$500 million in priority sectors of the East African country’s highly diversified economy.

The agreement aims to explore and leverage investment opportunities in Kenya to promote the growth and development of its national economy, which is the largest in the East Africa region and is projected to achieve growth between 5 and 6 percent in 2024.

Earlier this year, the two countries concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that will enable the trading partners to capitalise on mutual opportunities in sectors including food production, mining, technology and logistics.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: “This agreement not only strengthens the robust economic ties between the UAE and Kenya but also underscores ADQ’s commitment to developing partnerships in key markets that complement our investment strategy, allowing other nations to benefit from the considerable and diverse expertise within our portfolio.”

“We are confident that our investment will bring forth notable opportunities that will unlock tangible value and contribute to the economic growth of Kenya and the broader East African region, harnessing its vast potential for development.”

Kenya is among East Africa’s most dynamic economies and was one of the first African countries with which the UAE initiated bilateral trade deal talks in 2022. In 2023, non-oil trade between the UAE and Kenya rose by 26.4 percent year-on-year to $3.1 billion.

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Israel denies IDF buried Palestinians in mass grave

Palestinian civil defence teams in Gaza reported that a mass grave with 283 bodies was located near the Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis….reports Asian Lite News

The bodies discovered in a mass grave in the Gaza Strip were not buried by Israeli soldiers but by Palestinians, according to Israel’s embassy in Geneva.

“The claim that the (Israel Defense Forces) buried Palestinian bodies is baseless and unfounded,” said an embassy statement released on Tuesday evening.

Soldiers only examined the bodies in the grave in search of Israeli hostages, the dignity of the deceased was respected, and the bodies of Palestinians were returned to the same place, it added.

“The examination was conducted in a careful manner and exclusively in places where intelligence indicated the possible presence of hostages,” the embassy said.

Palestinian civil defence teams in Gaza reported on Monday that a mass grave with 283 bodies was located near the Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis.

According to the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, which cited the civil defence, some bodies had bound hands.

Turk on Tuesday said he was “horrified” at the reported discovery of mass graves near hospitals in Gaza and called for an independent investigation into the causes of the deaths.

There have also been reports in recent weeks of bodies found at the Al-Shifa medical complex in Gaza City.

Under international humanitarian law, hospitals are entitled to special protection.

In his remarks, Turk noted that “the intentional killing of civilians, detainees, and others who are hors de combat (out of action due to injury) is a war crime”.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also criticised the recent attacks by Israeli forces in Rafah in the Gaza Strip due to the high death toll among women and children.

“The latest images of a premature child taken from the womb of her dying mother, of the adjacent two houses where 15 children and five women were killed — this is beyond warfare,” said Turk, warning of possible war crimes.

The pregnant woman was fatally injured in an Israeli attack on a residential building a few days ago, according to a UNHCR spokeswoman.

Rescue workers had taken her to a hospital where the baby had survived after a caesarean section on its dying mother and was now fighting for its life.

The UN office documented three military strikes in Rafah since April 19, in which at least 30 women and children were killed.

The UNHCR now estimates that there are still 1.2 million displaced persons in Rafah. This is down from the earlier estimate of 1.7 million due to many people leaving Rafah for fear of the offensive to the north announced by Israel.

Such an offensive could lead to further violations of international law, as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity, UNHCR said.

According to Palestinian authorities, more than 34,000 people died since Israel launched a military operation in retaliation for the massive terrorist attack in the south of the country on October 7 that killed nearly 1,200 people.

Turk also demanded the immediate release of the remaining hostages taken from Israel during last year’s attack.

Meanwhile, southern Israeli border areas came under renewed rocket fire from Gaza early Tuesday.

Four rockets were intercepted by Israel’s missile defence system, local media said, with one warehouse in the border town of Sderot being hit by fragments and setting on fire. There were no reports of casualties.

According to Israeli figures, more than 16,000 rockets have been fired at Israel by the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas and other groups since October 7.

Red Cross says Rafah evacuations ‘impossible’

The situation in Gaza remains tense and precarious as concerns grow over a potential Israeli assault on the city of Rafah. Amid these fears, plans to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah, “would be impossible,” according to Red Cross, media reported.

Fabrizio Carboni, a Red Cross official, expressed doubts about the feasibility of such evacuations given the lack of suitable shelter and essential services elsewhere, AFP reported.

Israeli media reports suggested preparations for a military operation in Rafah, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long advocated. However, concerns have been raised about the humanitarian consequences of such an operation, particularly given Gaza’s already dire conditions.

The prospect of civilian evacuations prompted discussions about potential international assistance, including the possibility of setting up tent cities with international support. Yet, aid workers remain uncertain about how to mitigate the impending crisis, with little information provided by Israeli authorities or international donors.

Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, described the situation as a countdown to catastrophe, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian action, AFP reported.

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Hamdan lauds Dubai’s resilience

Sheikh Hamdan commended the efforts of government and emergency response teams…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, praised Dubai’s ability to overcome challenges and emphasised that the emirate – under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai – will continue to strengthen its standing as a global role model in every respect notwithstanding situations like the extreme weather events it experienced earlier in April.

Chairing a meeting of The Executive Council of Dubai today, Sheikh Hamdan commended the efforts of government and emergency response teams, including the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in facing up to the testing situation brought on by the severe weather conditions.

Sheikh Hamdan also praised businesses, the wider community and volunteers for their cooperation and solidarity. “Dubai has once again demonstrated the strength and cohesiveness of its society; one that is based on unity, solidarity and readiness to face and overcome challenges. Dubai is blessed with its people and, on behalf of the leadership, we say: thank you.”

The meeting at Emirates Towers was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council; and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that Dubai is on track to realise the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to be among the world’s most prepared, resilient and agile cities, capable of turning challenges into opportunities.

Sheikh Hamdan expressed his confidence in Dubai’s ability to address extreme weather events, given the competence displayed by teams who worked tirelessly before, during and after the heavy downpours to restore normalcy. He acknowledged the spirit of preparedness, oneness and cooperation amongst Dubai’s community, government and businesses that helped limit the impact of the extreme weather situation. He added that the experience serves as an opportunity to further enhance the emirate’s emergency responses in the future.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan directed government entities to develop a comprehensive proactive plan to deal with extreme weather events. The Council also reviewed Dubai’s efforts to deal with the adverse weather situations that have impacted the region. More than 25,000 personnel and volunteers participated in the emergency response, in addition to around 5,000 security patrols, emergency vehicles, tankers, buses, and water pump operators.

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DXB back to normal operations

Dubai Airport has returned to its normal flight schedule and is back to operating around 1,400 flight movements a day….reports Asian Lite News

After the heaviest rainfall the UAE experienced in 75 years Dubai Airports is making remarkable strides in restoring and normalising operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said that since yesterday, ahead of its recovery schedule, DXB has returned to its normal flight schedule and is back to operating around 1,400 flight movements a day.

“With roads in and around the airport 100% clear of water accumulation, our manpower, logistics and facilities are operating as usual again. To have the airport back up and running is no small feat. Also, 2,155 flights were cancelled, and 115 were diverted. We had to work closely with our airline partners and service providers to rework schedules, boost manpower and look after all those who had been disrupted.

“I’m continuously amazed by the unwavering dedication of our Dubai Airports employees, airline partners, government agencies, commercial partners and service partners. It has been the most challenging adverse weather event we’ve had to navigate, and our people and partners worked tirelessly to keep the operation running and to assist our guests.”

He added that 31 flights were diverted to Dubai World Central (DWC), and by 19th April, all guests at the airport were successfully supported and continued onwards to complete their travel plans.

Guest welfare remained a key priority throughout the disruption, and although there were initial challenges in transporting supplies due to road closures around DXB and DWC, over 75,000 food packs were delivered across both airports.

“While certain challenges remain, including processing the baggage backlog, we’re working closely with our service partners but know there’s still more work to be done and once again, thank guests for their patience while we work through this,” added Griffiths.

He noted, “We’re deeply saddened by the ongoing impact of the heavy rainfall on affected communities and businesses across the UAE. We’re also supporting our own people who were badly affected by the weather and will continue to support wherever we can.”

As normal operations resume, guests should arrive at their terminal only three hours ahead of their flight departure time to avoid unnecessary congestion and facilitate smoother operations.

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UAE, Oman ink deals worth Dh129b

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid meets with H.M. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. (Photo: WAM)

The agreements span renewable energy; green metals; railway connectivity; and investments in digital infrastructure and technology…reports Asian Lite News

A UAE-Oman Business Forum took place yesterday, which saw the announcement of multiple agreements worth AED129 billion. The event was held on the sidelines of the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, to the UAE.

Present at the forum were H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Ammar Al Kharusi, CEO of Invest Oman; Sheikh Bader Al Hinai, Media and Communications Chief at Oman Investment Authority (OIA); Abdulaziz Al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom; and a number of officials and business leaders.

The agreements span renewable energy; green metals; railway connectivity; and investments in digital infrastructure and technology, in line with the agreements signed between the UAE’s Ministry of Investment and Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Investment Promotion. These included:

1- An industrial and energy megaproject valued at AED117 billion, encompassing renewable energy initiatives, including wind such as solar and wind projects, alongside green metals production facilities. The signatories included Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA); Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar); Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA); Emirates Steel Arkan (ESA); OQ Alternative Energy; and the Oman Electricity Transmission Company.

2- An AED660 million shareholder agreement to launch a technology-focused fund, signed by ADQ and OIA.

3- An agreement on a UAE-Oman railway connectivity project, valued at AED11 billion.

4- An investment cooperation agreement covering multiple sectors including digital infrastructure, food security, energy, transport and other areas of mutual interest. The agreement was signed by the UAE’s Ministry of Investment and Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Investment Promotion.

5- A partnership agreement between Etihad Rail, Mubadala and Oman’s Asyad Group with a total investment value of AED3 billion.

6- A framework agreement to form a UAE-Oman alliance focused on enhancing bilateral economic and trade relations.

Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment of the UAE, said, “The UAE and Oman have strong historical relations that are founded on shared values, goals and principles. The agreements represent a major milestone in our bilateral ties, as they pave the way for us to leverage our collective strength to realise our shared vision of advancement and prosperity.

“The UAE distinguishes itself as one of the foremost nations globally in terms of investment and trade with the Sultanate of Oman, with non-oil trade volumes reaching approximately AED51 billion in 2023. The agreements signed today will serve to bolster relations across key sectors and foster socio-economic benefits, contributing towards a stable and prosperous future for both countries.”

The UAE-Oman business forum was held to reaffirm the strong commitment of both countries to investment partnerships valued at around AED129 billion, and represents a major stride towards economic cooperation to drive growth and development through strategic investments between the two countries.

The Sultan of Oman has also met His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries across sectors, within the framework of the broader goal of enhancing progress and prosperity in the UAE and Oman, and the region.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Sultan Haitham and his delegation, and highlighted the strategic importance of the visit in bolstering the historical relations between the two nations. He said that the strong ties between the UAE and Oman fostered by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sultan Qaboos bin Said continue to thrive under their legacy.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham expressed his keenness to deepen the strategic partnership between the UAE and Oman through further cooperation across government and private sectors and greater economic, commercial, and cultural exchanges, drawing strength from the enduring historical bonds between the two countries. This, His Majesty said, aligns with the shared goals to enhance Gulf Cooperation Council initiatives to advance sustainable development and strengthen the role of countries in the region on the global stage.

The discussions covered the development of bilateral relations, with a focus on economic opportunities, especially in trade, investment and tourism.

The leaders also discussed new avenues for expanding cooperation to support development goals and exchanging expertise in governmental excellence and human capital training.

Further, the meeting addressed regional and international developments and explored solutions to overcome challenges in the Middle East to foster peace, security, and stability which are critical to sustainable development. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to continuing their dialogue to advance prosperity and development in their nations and the region.

The meeting was also attended by ministers, dignitaries and senior officials from both countries.

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