Category: Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi Chamber expands global network

The new strategic partnerships under the “Gateway to the World” initiative cover a broad geographical scope, spanning across Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as the Middle East and GCC countries…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched its new strategic initiative “Gateway to the World”, aimed at expanding its global network in a significant move to further create new opportunities for local businesses to expand globally and attract more foreign direct investments.

The goal of the initiative is to sign 100 partnerships with various chambers and business support offices around the globe by the end of 2024, facilitating the ability of Abu Dhabi businesses to access over 3 million international companies that are registered in chambers of commerce and business support offices around the world.

Through the new initiative, the Abu Dhabi Chamber aims to establish direct communication channels with chambers of commerce worldwide and foster a competitive economic environment that aligns with the aspirations of Abu Dhabi’s business community. Additionally, the initiative seeks to attract international companies to establish their operations in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the Chamber’s strategic vision to make Abu Dhabi the first choice in the MENA region for business and talent by 2025.

“This new initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to boosting the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s business community while pushing towards more economic development. By solidifying relationships between local and global business ecosystems, we aim to further attract more FDIs into Abu Dhabi’s economy and empower businesses to expand their operations globally and explore new markets,” said Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber.

“These strategic partnerships are a crucial component for the prosperity of Abu Dhabi’s business ecosystem, and for propelling the local economy towards greater success and development,” he added, emphasising the need to stimulate investments and facilitate the transfer of technology, services, and expertise between Abu Dhabi and the world, aligning with the Chamber’s mission in providing a competitive business environment that fosters innovation and attracts talents.

The new strategic partnerships under the “Gateway to the World” initiative cover a broad geographical scope, spanning across Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as the Middle East and GCC countries. Through these partnerships, potential investment opportunities will be registered within the Abu Dhabi Business Connect platform, enabling businesses to connect globally and engage with merchants, entrepreneurs, and investors worldwide. Such an initiative will facilitate access to international investment projects, foster the exchange of knowledge, and promote collaboration within local and global business ecosystems, gearing these efforts towards enhancing Abu Dhabi’s economic landscape and accelerating economic growth.

The “Gateway to the World” initiative will significantly bolster the Abu Dhabi Business Connect platform of the Abu Dhabi Chamber by granting Abu Dhabi-based businesses access to over 3 million member companies of the world chambers of commerce and business support offices, hence, empowering companies in the emirate to expand their reach by engaging with international companies and global markets. The Abu Dhabi Business Connect platform will also provide a platform for startups and SMEs in Abu Dhabi to present their new projects to international investors and entrepreneurs and help them enter into new partnerships while leveraging investment and commercial potential in Abu Dhabi.

Similarly, the “Gateway to the World” initiative will promote Abu Dhabi Chamber’s digital platform on Tawasal SuperApp to facilitate the interaction and engagement between Abu Dhabi Chamber members and international companies registered with chambers of commerce and business support offices from around the world by facilitating virtual business meetings to explore partnership and cooperation opportunities both locally and internationally.

Developed in partnership with Tawasal Information Technology, the Chamber’s digital platform on Tawasal will ensure that the business community remains abreast of the latest events and initiatives that aim to benefit the private sector in Abu Dhabi.

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Abu Dhabi CP approves Emirati Family Growth Programme

The programme aims to enhance the growth and stability of the Emirati family as the main driver of economic and social development…reports Asian Lite News

H.H Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has chaired the council’s meeting and approved the Emirati Family Growth Programme, part of the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy managed by the Department of Community Development.

The programme aims to enhance the growth and stability of the Emirati family as the main driver of economic and social development in the emirate, through implementation of a series of initiatives that contribute to fostering the social ecosystem, empowering youth to build stable families, and providing a framework to encourage UAE National youth to get married and have children, thereby enhancing family stability and reinforcing community cohesion and integration.

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed, during the meeting, that the Emirati family is a cornerstone of economic and social development, highlighting that this programme reflects the leadership’s commitment to the Emirati family’s wellbeing and its dedication to establishing a nurturing environment that promotes both community cohesion and family and stability.

Abu Dhabi Executive Council, during the meeting, also reviewed key developments in government projects, initiatives and programmes, as well as services designed to meet the needs of UAE Nationals and residents and enhance their quality of life through further streamlining of efficiencies in cooperation with the private sector.

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan re-emphasised the significance of partnerships between the public and private sectors in achieving the goals of comprehensive and sustainable development, highlighting that the emirate’s business ecosystem aims to further advance the business environment and attract investments through adoption of a legislative framework that enables global companies to expand their operations locally, regionally and internationally.

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Abu Dhabi’s AGWA cluster to attract over Dh100b investments

AGWA will support attraction of investors and pioneers to launch new innovations and enable them to enhance traditional food and water production and supply….reports Asian Lite News

Abu Dhabi is paving the way for international investors to capitalise on opportunities provided by the recently launched AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA), which is tapping into a USD 21.08 trillion (AED 77.4 trillion) industry with immense potential for growth and job creation.

Since the launch of AGWA last week by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) have announced key agreements with local and federal government entities to streamline regulatory approvals for the food and water industry, advancing it to play a leading role in global efforts to tackle food shortages and water scarcity.

By leveraging the regulatory environment and efficient licensing to ensure safe and secure production, AGWA will support attraction of investors and pioneers to launch new innovations and enable them to enhance traditional food and water production and supply.

AGWA is projected to attract USD 34.8 billion (AED 128 billion) in investments, create more than 60,000 new jobs, and contribute USD 24.5 billion (AED 90 billion) in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy by 2045.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: “The launch of AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance cluster (AGWA) is part of our multi-polar strategy to future-proof the economy, enhance sustainability, and shape a brighter tomorrow for Abu Dhabi and the world”.

“We are developing appropriate frameworks and building synergies to enable investors to benefit from opportunities provided by AGWA and our soaring ‘Falcon Economy’ to grow and expand, supported by a business-friendly ecosystem, agile policies, robust infrastructure, access to funding, advanced trade facilitation solutions, and international markets connectivity to accelerate our transition to a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy.”

Led by the ADDED and ADIO, AGWA is set to become a global hub for novel food and ingredients, as well as technologies to increase access to and the utilisation of water resources. The innovative cluster is designed to support suppliers and exporters alike, serving as a platform to maximise commercial opportunities. It aims to help meet increasing global demand, alleviate pressures on agricultural systems, address shifting dietary patterns, capitalise on technological advancements, and support global food security to ensure a reliable and resilient supply chain.

The cluster represents the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and diversification strategy to focus investments and resources into key growth sectors of the future. AGWA follows the 2023 launch of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, which aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of future mobility solutions across air, land, and sea.

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Abu Dhabi launches ‘Unified Economic Licence’

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council, said, “Free zones play a significant role in our economic diversification and attraction of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in key targeted sectors…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council launched the Unified Economic Licence in Abu Dhabi, spearheaded by Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ), Masdar City Free Zone, and Creative Media Authority (CMA) to bolster the Emirate’s competitiveness as a business-friendly destination for investors and entrepreneurs.

The new initiative unifies procedures for registering economic licences across the Emirate and its free zones, in a move to streamline business setup and reinforce governance and transparency. This will introduce a standardised reference number for all licences and ensure company data remains current within a newly integrated Abu Dhabi registry, simplifying data management and fostering collaboration between free zones and mainland authorities.

Investors will benefit from a seamless and faster digital setup process, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to continuously improve the business ecosystem and solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a global business hub. To ensure a smooth transition, representatives from entities responsible for economic licence registration have formed a task force.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED and the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council, said, “Free zones play a significant role in our economic diversification and attraction of foreign direct investments (FDIs) in key targeted sectors. Unifying the licensing process of economic establishments in the Emirate is a pivotal step, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing a business ecosystem that aligns with global standards, empowers investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents to capitalise on the extensive and promising opportunities offered by the Emirate’s dynamic and thriving economy. This is achieved through the revision and enhancement of legislative and regulatory frameworks, and accelerated efforts in digital transformation.”

“We are working alongside our strategic partners and all other stakeholders to create the necessary framework and activate an efficient system that unifies all registration activities. We will continue to develop this partnership to meet investors’ needs and to ensure that Abu Dhabi has the best conditions for ease of establishing and doing business, while increasing its global competitiveness and achieving our strategic goals,” H.E. Al Zaabi added.

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group,  said, “AD Ports Group and its subsidiary KEZAD Group welcome the Abu Dhabi Free Zones Council’s initiative to unify the licensing process of economic establishments in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to creating a streamlined and efficient business environment that aligns with global standards. By enhancing our legislative and regulatory frameworks and accelerating our digital transformation efforts, we are empowering investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents to fully leverage the extensive opportunities within our thriving economy.

“This unified system will facilitate easier business establishment and significantly boost Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness. We look forward to continuing our partnership with ADDED, ADAFZ, Masdar City Free Zone, and Creative Media Authority to achieve our shared strategic goals and ensure Abu Dhabi remains a premier destination for business and investment,” he added.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “At Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone, our strategic vision is to establish Abu Dhabi as a premier global business hub catering to a diverse investor base. Central to our mission is facilitating seamless business operations, and we wholeheartedly support initiatives that aim to create a conducive business environment that attracts investors across target sectors. Our collaborative efforts to unify licensing for economic establishments will significantly streamline and enhance Abu Dhabi’s business landscape. This alignment with the emirate’s ambition fosters sustainable economic growth through increased diversification, ultimately advancing Abu Dhabi’s economic development aspirations.”

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Boosting Your Body’s Defenses: The Potential of Metabiotics for Immunity

Boost your immunity to sail through the Monsoon.

Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria that directly colonize the gut, metabiotics are the beneficial byproducts produced by these gut microbes during fermentation. These byproducts include a diverse range of molecules, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), organic acids, and bacteriocins. These metabolites play a key role in communication between the gut bacteria and the immune system

The human body is a complex ecosystem teeming with trillions of microorganisms, both beneficial and harmful. These microbes play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and, importantly, immunity. The gut microbiome, specifically, houses a vast community of bacteria that significantly impacts our immune response. In recent years, there’s been growing interest in metabiotics, a new frontier in gut health, for their potential to enhance immunity.

What are Metabiotics?

Unlike probiotics, which are live bacteria that directly colonize the gut, metabiotics are the beneficial byproducts produced by these gut microbes during fermentation. These byproducts include a diverse range of molecules, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), organic acids, and bacteriocins. These metabolites play a key role in communication between the gut bacteria and the immune system.

Metabiotics and Immunity: A Two-Way Street

The gut microbiome and the immune system are intricately linked. A healthy gut microbiome, rich in beneficial bacteria, helps regulate the immune system and keeps it functioning optimally. Conversely, an imbalanced gut microbiome, with an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, can trigger inflammation and weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens.

Metabiotics offer a promising approach to supporting a healthy gut microbiome and, consequently, a robust immune system. Here’s how they might contribute:

  • Modulating the Immune Response: Certain metabiotics, like SCFAs, can influence the activity of immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages. These cells play a crucial role in identifying and eliminating pathogens. By promoting the production of these immune cells and regulating their activity, metabiotics can help strengthen the body’s defense system.
  • Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, often linked to an unhealthy gut microbiome, can suppress the immune system’s ability to function effectively. Some metabiotics possess anti-inflammatory properties. They may help dampen excessive inflammation in the gut, creating a more favorable environment for both beneficial bacteria and the immune system to thrive.
  • Enhancing Barrier Function: The gut lining acts as a barrier, preventing harmful pathogens and toxins from entering the bloodstream. Certain metabiotics may promote the integrity of this intestinal barrier, making it more difficult for pathogens to invade and cause infection.

The Potential of Metabiotics: Research and Applications

Research into the potential of metabiotics for immunity is ongoing, with promising results emerging. Studies suggest that metabiotics might be beneficial in:

  • Enhancing immune response to vaccinations: Metabiotics may improve the body’s ability to respond to vaccines, potentially leading to a more robust and long-lasting immune response.
  • Combating respiratory infections: Early research suggests that metabiotics could help reduce the frequency and severity of upper respiratory tract infections.
  • Supporting gut health during antibiotic use: Antibiotics, while effective against harmful bacteria, can also disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. Metabiotics might help mitigate the negative effects of antibiotics on gut health and immunity.

Exploring the Future: Liquid Probiotic Daigo Lux and Beyond

While the research on metabiotics is still evolving, their potential to support a healthy immune system is a promising avenue for future exploration. Products like liquid probiotic Daigo Lux, which may contain a combination of probiotics and prebiotics to promote the production of beneficial metabolites, could be part of a comprehensive approach to gut health.

However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplements, including those containing metabiotics, into your routine. Personalized guidance based on your individual needs and health conditions is crucial.

As research into metabiotics continues to expand, we can expect a deeper understanding of their role in supporting a healthy immune system. This knowledge could pave the way for the development of novel dietary and therapeutic interventions to bolster our body’s natural defenses.

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Lulu Expands, Shawamekh Hypermarket Now Open

Saifee Rupawala, CEO of Lulu Group, Ashraf Ali MA, Executive Director, T. Abu Baker, Lulu Abu Dhabi Director, Ajay Kumar, Lulu Abu Dhabi Regional Director and other senior officials.

The new retail shopping destination provides an enriching experience for the citizens and residents of Shawamekh and its surrounding areas…reports Asian Lite News

Retail giant Lulu Group has expanded its presence in Abu Dhabi by opening a new hypermarket at Shawamekh Central Mall in the city’s suburbs.

Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director of Wathba Municipality Center, inaugurated the Hypermarket in the presence of Yusuf Ali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group and other dignitaries.

The latest retail shopping destination also offers enriching shopping experience to the citizens and residents of Shawamekh and its surrounding areas. The shopping centre also boasts of other tenants such as money exchange, ATM, F & B outlets, pharmacy, jewellery shop and other amenities making it a community oriented complete retail destination in the neighbourhood.

Anchor tenant Lulu hypermarket is spread over 85,000 square feet and comes packed with all the favourite shopping features that have made LuLu the top retail chain across UAE. A well-stocked supermarket with the choicest selection of ingredients from across the world, fresh food in the Hot Foods section, bakery, electronics, household need and much more.

Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director of Wathba Municipality Center, said: “we always extends support to projects and initiatives that serve the community, and Lulu, is one of the key supporters to such partnership between all government agencies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This new hypermarket will surely serve the diverse needs of residents in this locality and also support the local agriculture sector.”

On the occasion Yusuff Ali said, “as part of our expansion plan, we are on the track to open new hypermarkets across UAE in the coming years, which will give more employment to the local work force. In Abu Dhabi Emirate alone, we plan to open 7 new hypermarkets by next year, especially in the suburbs and interior regions, so that our shoppers don’t have to travel long distance for world-class shopping. We are proud to be part of UAE’s overall development and will continue to support sustainable development strategies of our visionary leadership” added Yusuffali. 

Also present were Saifee Rupawala, CEO of Lulu Group, Ashraf Ali MA, Executive Director, T. Abu Baker, Lulu Abu Dhabi Director, Ajay Kumar, Lulu Abu Dhabi Regional Director and other senior officials.

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Rajinikanth Honoured with UAE Golden Visa, Tours Abu Dhabi

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Government of Abu Dhabi handing over UAE Golden Visa to super star Rajinikanth in the presence of Yusuffali MA, CMD of Lulu Group. Also seen are V. Nandakumar, Rejith Radhakrishnan and Biju Kottarathil of Lulu Group


Rajinikanth met UAE Minister Sheikh Nahyan and visited the new BAPS Hindu Mandir and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi….reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi government has awarded Superstar Rajinikanth the prestigious UAE Golden Visa.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Government of Abu Dhabi handed over the Emirates ID to the legendary actor in a function held at DCT HQ in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Yusuff Ali MA, prominent NRI and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber, who facilitated the entire process along with other officials.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the prestigious UAE Golden visa from Abu Dhabi Govt. My heartfelt thanks to Abu Dhabi govt. and also to my good friend Mr. Yusuffali MA, CMD of Lulu Group for facilitating this Visa and for all his support” said Rajanikanth after receiving the UAE Golden visa.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Government of Abu Dhabi handing over UAE Golden Visa to super star Rajinikanth in the presence of Yusuffali MA, CMD of Lulu Group. Also seen are V. Nandakumar, Rejith Radhakrishnan and Biju Kottarathil of Lulu Group

The superstar also called on Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister for Tolerance at his palace in Abu Dhabi. Later Rajinikanth also went to the newly constructed BAPS Hindu Mandir for darshan and to the Sheikh Zayed Graand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

Rajinikanth came to Abu Dhabi after wrapping up the shooting of his upcoming movie Vettaiyan. Recently, Rajini was spotted travelling with Yusuffali in the latter’s Rolls Royce in Abu Dhabi, the video of which has gone viral in the social media. Yusuff Ali is the Chairman of Lulu Group, one of the largest business conglomerate in the middle east.

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33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opens

The ADIBF, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), is being held from 29th April to 5th May 2024 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi….reports Asian Lite News

Held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, inaugurated the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) from 29th April to 5th May 2024 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi.

The fair serves as a platform for publishers to explore the latest trends and releases in the publishing sector, offering an ideal opportunity for networking and building partnerships, as well as a prime destination for culture enthusiasts and readers to discover new releases.

ADIBF reflects Abu Dhabi’s leading global role in publishing and the promotion of Arab culture.

During the opening, His Highness toured the fair, which hosts around 1,350 publishers from 90 countries, embodying the current edition’s theme Where the World’s Tales Unfold.

Sheikh Theyab explored the highlights of local, Arab, and international publications, and engaged with exhibitors to gauge their opinions and expectations for future editions of the event.

He toured several pavilions, including the Guest of Honour pavilion, which this year celebrates Egypt. His Highness also visited the pavilion honouring renowned Egyptian author and novelist Naguib Mahfouz, this year’s Focus Personality.

Furthermore, the tour included the Book of the World corner, which was inaugurated this year for the first time with Kalila wa Dimna, by Abdullah Ibn Al Muqaffa.

Sheikh Theyab explored various activities and events hosted by ADIBF, including a platform for Saudi podcast Thmanyah, which is set to feature interviews and discussions with writers, in addition to the Arts Corner, and a special section hosting a comprehensive cultural programme for children and youth. Moreover, the tour included the Azbakeya Wall platform, which simulates the old and prestigious Azbakeya Wall Book Market in Egypt, marking the first activity under the Popular Book Markets programme introduced to the ADIBF agenda.

ADIBF is a global cultural event celebrating print and digital cultural content, providing an opportunity for publishers worldwide to explore the latest developments in the global publishing sector, hold meetings, and build partnerships. It also serves as a leading platform to support the development and growth of the publishing sector, and to promote Arabic as a language of culture, science, and creativity around the world.

The ADIBF’s comprehensive professional and cultural programme combines regional publishing sectors and creative industries, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s role in expanding the reach of cultural content by supporting reading, audio-visual and interactive offering, and reinforcing its position as a hub for Arabic publishing and global creative content.

Furthermore, the fair has enhanced its competitiveness and global standing, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s leading role in supporting Arab culture and the continued growth of the global publishing sector by facilitating communication among stakeholders from around the world. The event welcomes 145 new exhibitors and publishers this year, along with 12 countries joining for the first time, namely Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia.

ADIBF’s rich programme includes innovative literary and artistic workshops, along with live musical performances, film screenings, and photo exhibitions depicting the journey of various creative minds, their life stories, and major achievements. Meanwhile, World’s Cuisine presentations shed light on world cultures and the most popular dishes in their traditional cuisines. The fair also hosts activities designed for children and youth, as part of its commitment to expanding its events, activities, and options for all ages.

This year’s edition of ADIBF introduces the Book of the World corner, spotlighting a book that has influenced world literature over the years and across various cultures. The programme has selected Kalila wa Dimna, by Abdullah ibn al-Muqaffa, to feature in its inaugural edition, coinciding with the art exhibition organised by Louvre Abu Dhabi entitled From Kalīla wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling Through Fables.

Furthermore, the fair celebrates Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz as this year’s Focus Personality, in appreciation of his significant role in promoting Arab culture around the world. Meanwhile, the fair celebrates Egypt as its Guest of Honour, in recognition of its prestigious cultural role and influence on Arab thought and knowledge. Egypt will be participating in the fair with an elaborate cultural and professional programme that reflects its cultural role in the Arab world and the publishing industry.

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Abu Dhabi International Book Fair begins today

The event offers the audience a diverse set of activities and cultural events, and this year’s edition will see a comprehensive digital payment system implemented for the first time in the Fair’s history…reports Asian Lite News

The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) kickstarts today, hosting 1,350 publishers from 90 countries, of which 140 publishers are participating for the first time.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 will be welcoming 12 countries participating for the first time, namely, Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Mozambique, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Brazil.

The event offers the audience a diverse set of activities and cultural events, and this year’s edition will see a comprehensive digital payment system implemented for the first time in the Fair’s history.

The exhibition this year hosts the Arab Republic of Egypt as Guest of Honour to engage the audience with a rich and diverse cultural programme reflecting its intellectual, knowledge, and civilisational history. Egypt’s selection for the programme reaffirms the deep-seated and historic relationship between the two countries, underlining the ALC’s commitment to enhancing cultural and intellectual collaboration, building on Egypt’s role as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and art that has influenced the cultures and knowledge of the masses with creative content across various fields.

The ADIBF has chosen renowned Arab and international novelist Naguib Mahfouz as the Focus Personality of this year’s edition, in recognition of his great role and achievements that have long drawn attention to Arab culture and Arabic novels. This year’s Fair celebrates the first Arab author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, making an undeniable impact with his literary works, most notably the ‘Cairo Trilogy’ and ‘Children of Gebelawi’, which were banned from publication in Egypt until recently, along with other influential works by the author.

The Cultural Programme includes a range of sessions, such as ‘Naguib Mahfouz: An Enduring Legacy’, ‘Naguib Mahfouz’s Descendants’, ‘Worlds of Naguib Mahfouz’, and ‘Naguib Mahfouz Novels in a New Format’, which introduces illustrated novels of the late author, to be published for the first time at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024, among other sessions.

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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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