Categories
Abu Dhabi UAE News World

Energy Ministers Target Net Zero

Energy ministers have affirmed commitment to net-zero goals during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition Conference (ADIPEC) held in the United Arab Emirates…reports Asian Lite News

Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Bahrain’s Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment, said Bahrain is committed to providing an efficient and affordable state of energy mix.

“We have set up targets not just by renewables but also on conservation of energy. Our energy efficiency will be better by 10 per cent by 2025 and 20 per cent by 2035,” Daina said during a panel discussion bringing nations together to tackle climate change.

Energy Ministers Target Net Zero

Similarly, Joao Galamba, Deputy Minister and Secretary of State for Energy, Portugal, said carbon neutrality will not be achieved without hydrogen.

“There’s a virtuous relation between renewables in general and green hydrogen. We have now created the conditions under which hydrogen cannot be a hype, it has to be a reality. Hydrogen solves some of the problems of renewables and renewables make hydrogen possible.”

Aissatou Sophie Gladima, Minister of Petroleum and Energies, Senegal, said nations should have easy access to technologies to resolve climate change issues.

“For years and years, several resources have been taken from Africa and evaluated elsewhere. If they were evaluated locally there would have been some development in Africa. In Senegal, we took the decision to shift a company from coal to natural gas. If gas prices are increasing in Europe, we also need to depend on our local energy. We need to have easy access to technologies. So that everyone develops together.”

Meanwhile, Alparslan Bayraktar, Deputy Minister, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Turkey, said with heavy reliance on gas, the country is developing a diversification programme.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi to develop M-E’s first Waste-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant

“Gas is important for Turkey. It is a growing market. Turkey is the fourth largest gas consumer country in continental Europe. So, at some point we need to find an alternative supply. We are developing a diversification programme. We have enough infrastructure and we are ready to build additional pipelines and storage facilities. We have already completed two projects. So, the infrastructure is there, the sources are there, all we need is political commitment and willingness, and a pragmatic and creative approach to make this happen.”

ADIPEC is the world’s “most influential” meeting point for oil, gas and energy professionals.

The four-day event offers face-to-face meetings for the energy industry following the challenges of Covid-19.

Categories
-Top News Abu Dhabi

Jaishankar meets Abu Dhabi Crown Prince

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi reciprocated his greetings to the Prime Minister of India and wished for more development, progress and stability for the friendly people of India, it said…reports Asian Lite News.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday called on Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed with him India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership.

Tweeting about it, the EAM wrote: “Deeply honoured to call on HH @MohamedBinZayed. Value his continued guidance in development of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

EAM Jaishankar, who arrived in the UAE on Saturday, conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to Sheikh Mohamed, and his best wishes of more progress and prosperity for the UAE and further development for bilateral ties, Gulf News reported.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi reciprocated his greetings to the Prime Minister of India and wished for more development, progress and stability for the friendly people of India, it said.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the strategic ties between the UAE and India and ways to boost them in the best interest of the two friendly peoples, the report added.

In the meanwhile, while participating in the five day (November 14-18) Dubai Airshow, the Sarang aerobatics team and the Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased their flying skills on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow on Sunday.

Five Dhruv advanced light helicopters (ALHs) of the Sarang team, 10 BAE Hawk 132 aircraft of the Suryakiran team and three LCA Tejas aircraft are participating in the Airshow.

The IAF has been invited to the Dubai Airshow by the UAE government to perform along with some of the best aerobatics and display teams in the world, including the Saudi Hawks, the Russian Knights and the UAE’s Al Fursan.

While the Sarang team of the IAF has previously participated in the Al Ain Grand Prix in the UAE in 2005, the Suryakiran team and the Tejas aircraft are displaying their swashbuckling aerial manoeuvre for the first time in the gulf nation, according to officials.

IAF, HAL, DRDO, Bharat Dynamics, BrahMos Aerospace, Bevel Gears, BytzSoft Technologies and Digantara are participating in the Dubai Airshow.

ALSO READ-Jaishankar India’s economy is faring well

Categories
Abu Dhabi Afghanistan Arab News

Experts call on int’l community to address Af’s humanitarian crisis

International community must urgently step in to address humanitarian issues in Afghanistan, top experts said during the eighth Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate (ADSD) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)…reports Asian Lite News

A panel discussion on the second day of the ADSD focused on Afghanistan’s current political and security landscape.

“Over the past 20 years the Afghans have experienced an unprecedented era of freedom of liberties that include freedom of education, expression and assembly and the reversal of this is disappointing,” Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Ambassador, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Afghanistan in Geneva, said.

Afghanistan

“In the early days of the Taliban’s forced entry into Kabul there was hope in many parts of the country for a lasting peace. However, two events set back Afghanistan: The Taliban’s announcement of their cabinet and the attack on Panjshir as it started a cycle of revenge.”

Dr Marvin G. Weinbaum, Director of Afghanistan and Pakistan Studies at the Middle East Institute, and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said there is a crisis of administration in the country.

“For Afghanistan, it is the end of the crisis of conflict, there is a period of relative peace that the country has not experienced in 40-45 years. Now there is a transition into a series of crises, such as an economic crisis and a crisis of administration.”

Andisha said the Taliban’s cabinet formation was a huge disappointment.

Experts call on int’l community to address Af’s humanitarian crisis

“The cabinet is completely far from inclusive, it’s 100 per cent Taliban, zero woman and no other religious minorities of Afghanistan.”

Andisha said that different stakeholders must come together to resolve the situation.

“The Taliban may reach out to the international community where the UN and other regional actors could be involved, and this could be complemented by a regional plan.”

Weinbaum said there is a grave humanitarian crisis that needs to be urgently looked at.

“The international community must address the humanitarian issue in Afghanistan first, it is a matter of humanity. The international community has a good deal of influence on the Taliban. The Taliban want international recognition and the continuation of aid flows. The Taliban wasn’t to be recognised as part of the system.”

ALSO READ: Pak likely to allow transportation of Indian wheat to Afghanistan

Weinbaum said there is no other industry or source of profit other than poppy, which was also adding to the discontent among Afghans.

“There is no industry in Afghanistan except poppy growing and there is a liquidity crisis, this is leading to the start of the flow of refugees from Afghanistan.”

The ADSD was held by the Emirates Policy Center (EPC) with focus on the regional and international environments in the post-Covid-19 era.

Categories
-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi to develop M-E’s first Waste-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant

The plant will significantly contribute to the UAE’s actions on Climate Change…reports Asian Lite News

Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) signed a Joint Project Development Agreement (JPDA) with Etihad Airways to facilitate the development of the first Waste-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (WtF) plant in the Middle East Region on the occasion of Dubai Air Show 2021.

Abu Dhabi

Upon completion, the plant will have the potential to transform up to 4 million tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) every year into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), according to a press release issued on Monday.

The SAF produced from the WtF plant in Abu Dhabi would be compliant to International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) standards for decarbonisation of the aviation sector. The plant will help Abu Dhabi to divert 75 percent of municipal waste away from landfills.

This plant will significantly contribute to the UAE’s actions on Climate Change. The UAE is the host of 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28).

The Waste-to-SAF plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by about 1 million tonnes annually – equivalent to the removal of more than 200,000 cars from the road.

DR. SALEM AL KAABI, DIRECTOR GENERAL, TADWEER: “This agreement is aligned with Tadweer’s continued efforts to divert waste from landfills and harness technological innovations that are commercially viable to address the challenges posed by the treatment of large volume of waste. In working closely with our partners, Tadweer is proud to steer Abu Dhabi’s sustainability agenda through the implementation of an integrated, world-class waste management system that ensures a cleaner and more sustainable environment for present and future generations.”

“This collaboration between Tadweer and Etihad Airways reinforces Abu Dhabi’s, and the broader UAE’s, commitment to net-zero targets that puts UAE on a credible path to zero out emissions by mid-century. We look forward to capitalising on further opportunities that utilise the most efficient waste-management technologies and drive our nation’s clean development ambitions,” Dr. Salem added.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “To truly make sustainability a reality in aviation we need to look at the biggest contributing factor, fuel, where sustainable aviation fuel is required to meet the net zero target. Through this agreement, four million tonnes of waste will be converted into 140 million gallons of SAF, representing a significant portion of our annual fuel requirement. Today’s collaboration between Tadweer and Etihad Airways is just the first step towards a much broader engagement within Abu Dhabi to create a hub for producing SAF and synfuels.”

ALSO READ: Mohamed bin Zayed ‘Bike City’ label to Abu Dhabi is a new global recognition

Abu Dhabi’s waste to SAF facility will make the Emirate of Abu Dhabi the leader in the Middle East region to process municipal solid waste and commercial and industrial waste, to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel and be on the world map of SAF producers meeting the highest specifications and standards adopted globally.

The proposed WtF plant would be developed through joint procurement by Tadweer and Etihad Airways. Etihad airways would be entering into a long-term SAF offtake agreement and Tadweer as the provider of feedstock waste under a long-term waste supply agreement. Private sector participants would be invited to submit proposals to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the facilities, which will use advanced commercially proven technology to convert municipal solid waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel, said the press release.

Categories
Abu Dhabi UAE News

ADIPEC 2021 opens today with participation of world’s energy leaders

This year’s ADIPEC – the global energy industry’s largest, most important and influential event – opened today and will run until 18th November to offer face-to-face meetings for the energy industry following the challenges of COVID-19…reports Asian Lite News

The event is held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

ADIPEC 2021 opens today with participation of world’s energy leaders

Taking place immediately after COP26, ADIPEC 2021 will be the first global energy forum to examine the key outcomes of the UN climate meeting and how they will shape future policy and business environments within the energy industry.

ADIPEC will host a series of conferences providing strategic and technical insights, including the ADIPEC 2021 Strategic Conference featuring more than 1,000 expert speakers, including over 160 Ministers, CEOs, and policy influencers, who will participate in over 160 conference sessions.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Unveils Net Zero Action Plan

Through a series of strategic panels, leadership interviews, and keynote addresses, global industry leaders will assess the evolving energy landscape, shedding light on emerging energy sector trends and exploring crucial industry topics. (WAM)

Categories
Abu Dhabi UAE News World

Masdar City launched “Innovative” initiative

Masdar City has announced the launch of “Innovate” initiative, which aims to identify and nurture the next generation of sustainable technologies…reports Asian Lite News

The global initiative will focus on the areas of urban mobility, clean energy, agritech and food security, water, energy storage, and artificial intelligence.

Masdar City launched “Innovative” initiative

The yearlong Masdar City initiative will provide participating small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) with a platform to nurture their sustainable innovations and opportunities to engage with potential investors. The companies will also have the opportunity to expand or move their operations to Masdar City Free Zone.

Abdulla Balalaa, Executive Director, Masdar City, said, “Bringing the Innovate initiative to fruition is a natural progression for Masdar City as Abu Dhabi’s hub of innovation and R&D. Innovate will allow us to bring more of the world’s best innovation-focused companies to the City, to further the R&D of these technologies, all while benefitting from Masdar City’s unique offerings.”

ABDULLA BALALAA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MASDAR CITY: “By investing in Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem, this initiative will further support the development of pioneering technologies around key green transition sectors such as clean energy, AI, water and other Fourth Industrial Revolution sectors. Companies will benefit from the support provided by Masdar City in helping them grow their businesses in the UAE and wider region, while also making a positive contribution to the UAE’s sustainable economic development.”

As part of its year-round programme, Innovate has also partnered with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), one of the world’s largest sustainability gatherings, to host the Innovate hub at the World Future Energy Summit, which will showcase leading solutions and facilitate networking opportunities with potential investors. During ADSW 2022, Innovate will also host a virtual forum to lead discussions and identify how early-stage technologies can be accelerated.

Balalaa concluded, “Each quarter over the next twelve months, Masdar City will scout for more companies to participate in a series of events and to feature on the Innovate microsite. Through partnerships with UAE government bodies, Innovate will continue to highlight Masdar City’s and ADSW’s stakeholders’ innovative outlook, and Masdar City Free Zone will invite companies to move to Masdar City.”

ALSO READ: Mohamed bin Zayed ‘Bike City’ label to Abu Dhabi is a new global recognition

Masdar City is home to more than 1,000 businesses, encompassing a variety of organisations – from multinationals and SMEs to homegrown startups – committed to advancing the sustainability agenda and spearheading the innovations to realise greener, more sustainable urban living. By basing their businesses in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, companies will benefit from the exceptional digital infrastructure already in place as well as highly advanced regulatory frameworks and other R&D initiatives. (WAM)

Categories
-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

UAE backs establishment of Palestinian state

The UAE normalised ties with Israel following the signing of the Abraham Accords in September 2020 and Al Marar reaffirmed that the historic pact will not affect the UAE’s support for the Palestinian cause…reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) supports the establishment of a Palestinian state within the framework of a two-state solution, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, said during an event in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The UAE normalised ties with Israel following the signing of the Abraham Accords in September 2020 and Al Marar reaffirmed that the historic pact will not affect the UAE’s support for the Palestinian cause.

UAE FLAG

“The signing of the Abrahamic Accords has not changed the view of the UAE regarding the Palestinian issue and the need for a solution between Israel and Palestine. The UAE reaffirms its support for the establishment of a Palestinian state within the framework of a two-state solution,” he said.

Al Marar was speaking on the opening day of the Emirates Policy Center’s (EPC) eighth Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate (ADSD) held on Sunday.

The Minister said the Abraham Accords is a relationship between the UAE and Israel and is not against any third party.

“From the UAE’s perspective the signing of the Abrahamic Accords was not to target any third party. The Accords has come at a very important point in the Arab-Israeli conflict and the trajectory of the peace process.”

He noted the signing of the Accords was part of a strategic vision for the Arab-Israeli problem.

“It will not change the demands and the outstanding issues related to the Israel-Palestinian issues,” he said.

Al Marar said the UAE does not believe in using force as a tool of foreign policy and is committed to not using hard power.

“The story of the UAE in the past 50 years is a success story in all fields from building a modern state and a successful federal structure and developing a diversified economy, as well as developing human capacity,” the Minister said during a panel on ‘UAE’s 50th Anniversary: A Regional Power with a Global Vision’.

The UAE was formed in 1971, and Al Marar said the guiding values of the UAE’s foreign policy over the next 50 years are tolerance, fraternity, rights and justice.

ALSO READ: UAE, UK ink deal for cultural cooperation

“The nature and goal of the UAE’s foreign policy over the next 50 years is to promote goodwill and good neighbourliness. We want to reconnect and build new bridges with the international community not just to reduce tensions but also find solutions for ongoing crises.”

He stressed that the UAE will never interfere in any countries’ internal affairs but seeks to mitigate tension in the region.

The two-day Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate brings together top decision-makers, strategic studies experts, and scholars from all over the world to focus on the regional and international environments in the post-Covid-19 era.

Categories
-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Nahyan bin Mubarak opens 5th Tolerance Forum

The forum represents the UAE’s successful development drive since its founding in 1971, the trust in its leadership and people and the nation’s ability to achieve its objectives…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, said the future-oriented vision adopted by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is based on well-thought-out planning, comprehensive knowledge and training citizen cadres.

UAE flag

“The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed towards the principles upon which the nation’s path of development is founded represent the UAE’s approach toward addressing challenges, which is based on three key elements: clear present and future visions; building the capacities of Emirati people; and continuous learning and adapting to present challenges and future developments,” he added.

Sheikh Nahyan made these statements during his recorded speech at the inauguration of the 5th Tolerance Forum organised by the Zayed House For Islamic Culture on its social media platform, under the theme, “50 Years of Tolerance and Humanity.”

Sheikh Nahyan said the forum represents the UAE’s successful development drive since its founding in 1971, the trust in its leadership and people and the nation’s ability to achieve its objectives.

ALSO READ: UAE Rulers attend weddings of 150 Emirati couple

In her inaugural speech, Dr. Nidhal Mohammed Al Tunaiji, Director-General of Zayed House For Islamic Culture, said the UAE is an outstanding example for peaceful coexistence, tolerance and openness, stressing that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established a nation on the foundation of love for giving, solidarity and tolerance.

This year’s forum is taking place under the slogan, “50 Years of Tolerance and Humanity,” in line with the country’s preparations for celebrating its Golden Jubilee, she added.

Categories
Abu Dhabi Arab News UAE News

Mohamed bin Zayed ‘Bike City’ label to Abu Dhabi is a new global recognition

Abu Dhabi – being awarded the ‘Bike City’ label – is a new global recognition added to the UAE’s sporting achievements in various fields…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that the capital, Abu Dhabi – being awarded the ‘Bike City’ label – is a new global recognition added to the UAE’s sporting achievements in various fields.

While expressing his happiness with this achievement, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated, “Our top priorities are to promote sport and wellness, ensuring society can safely and conveniently lead a healthier lifestyle.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed congratulated those responsible for this achievement and all fans of cycling in the country, which, he said, contributes to strengthening the stature of the UAE in this sport and other various sports.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Motors honours Middle East winner in Young Designer competition

Also present were H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development and Member of the Executive Council; along with Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Abu Dhabi is the 20th city that came among the most prominent global destinations in cycling that won this prestigious world title. The Union Cycliste Internationale granting this title to Abu Dhabi is an affirmation of its long-term commitment to the Union’s strategy in providing opportunities to practice this sport for all and also in appreciation to the emirate’s role in this field.

Categories
Abu Dhabi Arab News Events

Abu Dhabi Motors honours Middle East winner in Young Designer competition

The competition aimed to encourage creativity and offer hope and inspiration for children in lockdown during the spring of 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic…reports Asian Lite News

Harini Ponna, aged 10, has been crowned Middle East Regional winner in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Young Designer competition.

RRMC x Harini Ponna

“We are delighted to announce that Harini is the winner for the Middle East in the Rolls-Royce Young Designer Competition. She showed remarkable imagination through her design. We congratulate Harini on her amazing achievement, and every Young Designer who entered the competition for their inventiveness, hard work and creativity.”

CESAR HABIB, REGIONAL DIRECTOR MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA, ROLLS ROYCE MOTOR CARS:“We are very proud to present this prize to Harini, who shows artistic promise at such a young age. Her work showed creativity and innovation, and captured the spirit of the competition.”

Remy Hussein, Customer Relationship Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Abu Dhabi

Launched in April 2020, the competition was devised to provide a creative outlet for children aged 16 and under confined by Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. An instant success, it attracted more than 5,000 entries from over 80 countries.

ALSO READ: Rolls-Royce announces first fully electric car

Harini’s winning design was inspired by fan seashell. Her visionary motor car is able to transform itself to travel across land and sea. According to her parents, she completed her design at the first attempt, taking 10 days to bring her unique vision to life.

Accompanied by her parents, Harini was chauffeur-driven in a Rolls-Royce Ghost to Abu Dhabi Motors, the authorised dealer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. There, César Habib handed over a hand-signed certificate by Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, as an appreciation of her achievement.