Category: Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi on an initiative to empower youth

The Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

The Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit, powered by ADGM Academy focuses on the vision to empower youth and strengthen their workplace contributions…reports Asian Lite News

In line with the UAE’s vision to empower youth and strengthen their workplace contributions across various pre-identified sectors, the inaugural Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Academy will take place 20-21 September 2021 at ADGM Authorities Building, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.

Organised by Informa Connect in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education, the inaugural Summit will spotlight innovation, technology, and research & development (R&D) amid ongoing national objectives to empower youth, harness homegrown talent, and help the UAE transition to a knowledge-based economy.

The Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Reflecting the Government of Abu Dhabi’s long-term plan to transform the emirate’s economy through knowledge-based industries which develop a highly-skilled and productive workforce to improve efficiency in the labour market, the Summit will unite over 200 visionary leaders, policymakers, and senior industry professionals from government, semi-government, public, and private sectors.

The Summit will begin with a keynote session delivered by H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the UAE Minister of Education, while more than 30 visionary speakers will represent leading regional and international organisations including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Etihad Aviation Group, Majid Al Futtaim, Etisalat, du, Tanfeeth, Schneider Electric, ACTVET and Jacobs.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Updates Green List

Tamer Nahas, Event Director at Informa Connect, said: “The upcoming Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit is a strategic gathering conceived to bring together leading cross-industry organisations from the public and private sector, government entities, and academia to enhance collaboration via partnerships and enable the UAE to achieve its knowledge-based economy vision. Our Summit partners are eager to exchange knowledge, align on processes and objectives, and close the gap between preparing youth for the future and confronting ever-evolving labour market requirements.”

Tamer Nahas, Event Director at Informa Connect

“We will also leverage partnerships with Informa’s education and HR-based events – Najah, Tawdheef and the HRSE (HR Summit and Expo) – to ensure no stone is left unturned in fostering collaboration and bridging the gap between evolving HR requirements and rapidly changing workforce dynamics brought on by the 4th Industrial Revolution,” Nahas added.

MANSOOR JAFFAR, DIRECTOR, ADGMA: “At the ADGM Academy, we recognise that a successful nation is powered by a dynamic, proficient and forward-looking youth. Therefore, it is imperative to develop the workforce with skills relevant to building a knowledge economy. The ADGMA offers well-structured initiatives that are strategically aligned to the UAE’s 2030 vision. These programs delivered in  collaboration with leading global academic institutions and industry bodies across the world focus on learning and development, thought leadership, and innovation.”

“As the main supporter of the Summit, ADGMA will showcase offerings highlighting our role in propelling the youth in the UAE with career choices, making them future-ready and enabled to drive the nation forward,” Jaffar added.

Topics addressed through a series of keynote sessions and panel discussions will include Empowering Youth to Shape the Future through Innovation and Technology; The Government’s Role in Supporting and Empowering Young Minds and Talent; The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Transforming UAE into a Knowledge-Based Economy; and more.

The Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Mustafa El Rafey, Senior Vice President of Human Capital at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said: “The Summit is an important forum to discuss critical human capital issues; we look forward to sharing our insights with an audience of industry leaders. Majid Al Futtaim has always believed in developing, promoting, and retaining youth in the highly competitive age of ‘talentism’. We take this commitment to heart, investing in our employees through a diverse range of learning and development initiatives linked to skills advancement interventions. As the world of work continues its relentless transformation, talentism is imperative for local businesses seeking to compete on a global scale.”

The transformative Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit 2021 is supported by strategic partner the Ministry of Education, UAE; and supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, SEDRA, and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. The Summit is organised in association with Najah, Tawdheef, HRSE (HR Summit & Expo), and EdEx MENA. The extended speaker line-up and topics will be released in days to come.

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Abu Dhabi Arab News Travel & Tourism

Abu Dhabi Updates Green List

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued the updated ‘Green List’ of countries…reports Asian Lite News

All travellers arriving from these destinations will be exempt from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi.

Travellers will be required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test valid for a maximum of 48 hours before departure and undergo a PCR test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Vaccinated passengers from the updated Green List will take another PCR test on day 6 (day of arrival counts as day 1). Unvaccinated travellers arriving from these Green List countries will also take a PCR test on days 6 and 9.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi updates travel protocols

Countries, regions, and territories included on the ‘Green List’ will be regularly updated based on international developments. Inclusion on the list is subject to strict criteria of health and safety to ensure the well-being of the UAE community. The list also only applies to countries that travellers are arriving from, rather than citizenship.

Below is the updated ‘Green List’ as of 1st September, 2021 at 12:01am: Albania; Armenia; Australia; Austria; Bahrain; Belgium; Bhutan; Brunei; Bulgaria; Canada; China; Comoros; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Finland; Germany; Greece; Hong Kong (SAR); Hungary; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Jordan; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Luxembourg; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; Moldova; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Oman; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; Romania; San Marino; Saudi Arabia; Serbia; Seychelles ; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Korea; Sweden; Switzerland; Taiwan, Province of China; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.

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Abu Dhabi Arab News PAKISTAN

Pak Consortium Bags Mega Oil Exploration Deal

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced a historic exploration concession agreement to a consortium of four Pakistani companies…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced the signing of a historic exploration concession agreement, awarding the exploration rights for Abu Dhabi’s Offshore Block 5 to a consortium of four Pakistani companies – Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) – in Abu Dhabi’s second competitive block bid round. The consortium is led by PPL.

The award marks the first time Pakistani companies invest in and explore for oil and gas in an Abu Dhabi concession as well as the first time ADNOC partners with Pakistani energy companies.

The agreement builds on the deep-rooted bilateral relationship between the UAE and Pakistan and underscores ADNOC’s expanded approach to strategic partnerships, including those who can provide access to key growth markets for the company’s crude oil and products.

The exploration concession agreement was signed by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, and Moin Raza Khan, Managing Director and CEO of PPL.

Flag of the United Arab Emirates

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al Jaber said, “This historic exploration concession award marks a new chapter of energy cooperation in the 50-year old UAE-Pakistan relationship. It represents an important platform upon which we can drive win-win opportunities to support Pakistan’s energy security and further strengthen the strategic and economic ties between our two countries. We are delighted to partner with Pakistan Petroleum Limited and the other members of the consortium on Offshore Block 5.

“The consortium was selected as part of Abu Dhabi’s block bid round where we have once again reinforced our approach to strategic partnerships that contribute the right combination of market access, capital, best-in-class expertise, or advanced technology. We are very optimistic about the potential to unlock significant value with all our partners in this second competitive block bid round as we continue to accelerate the exploration and development of Abu Dhabi’s untapped resources, in line with the Leadership’s wise directives.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium will hold a 100% stake in the exploration phase, investing up to $304.7 million (AED1.12 billion) towards exploration and appraisal drilling, including a participation fee, to explore for and appraise oil and gas opportunities in the block that covers an offshore area of 6,223 square kilometers and is located 100 kilometers north east of Abu Dhabi city.

Khan said, “The PPL-led consortium is delighted to be selected for the concession award of Abu Dhabi’s Offshore Block-5. This award is not only a watershed moment for Pakistan and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi towards bilateral energy cooperation and economic links but also offers an opportunity to strengthen strategic cooperation with ADNOC to share technical know-how and expertise.

“We are particularly excited that this consortium comprises the ‘big four’ national exploration and production companies that are fully geared to support ADNOC and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in reinforcing its leading position in the global energy sector.”

Following a successful commercial discovery during the exploration phase, the consortium will have the right to a production concession to develop and produce such commercial discoveries. ADNOC has the option to hold a 60% stake in the production phase of the concession. The term of the production phase is 35 years from the commencement of the exploration phase and the block offers the potential to create significant in-country value for the UAE over the lifetime of the concession.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi reduces new business set up requirements by 71%

In addition to drilling exploration and appraisal wells, the exploration phase will see the consortium leverage and contribute financially and technically to ADNOC’s mega seismic survey, which is acquiring 3D seismic data within the block area. The data already acquired over a large part of the block combined with its proximity to existing oil and gas fields, suggests the concession area has promising potential.

ADNOC launched Abu Dhabi’s second competitive block bid round in 2019, offering a set of major onshore and offshore blocks, on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi. The award of Offshore Block 5 to the Pakistani consortium concludes this second block bid round, which has seen very competitive proposals submitted for the geographical areas offered.

Following ADNOC’s recent discoveries of 22 billion stock tank barrels (STB) of recoverable unconventional oil resources and 160 trillion standard cubic feet (SCF) of recoverable unconventional gas resources, it was decided not to award an exploration license for Onshore Block 2. ADNOC intends to engage with potential partners for unconventional resource licensing opportunities around this geographical area. This area contains some of the unconventional resources discovered that have production potential ranking alongside the most prolific North American shale oil plays.

As part of Abu Dhabi’s second block bid round, ADNOC awarded Offshore Block 4 to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.; Offshore Block 3 to a consortium led by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Eni and PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP); and Onshore Block 5 to Occidental. Based on existing data from detailed petroleum system studies, seismic surveys, exploration, and appraisal wells data, estimates suggest the blocks in this second bid round hold multiple billion barrels of oil and multiple trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

PPL operates 15 producing fields across Pakistan and contributes over 20% of the country’s total natural gas supplies. As of June 2020, PPL’s proven recoverable reserves were 1,793.5 billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas, 13.3 million barrels (mmbbl) of oil/ NGL/ condensate and 543.1 thousand tonnes (Ktons) of LPG.

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-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi reduces new business set up requirements by 71%

Through several discussions led by ADDED, the Abu Dhabi Government identified and removed duplicate requirements and modified existing requirements…reports Asian Lite News

Abu Dhabi Government reduced the requirements for starting a new commercial business by 71 percent, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced.

In April 2021, a special task force, led by ADDED and launched as part of the department’s Investor Journey Programme, coordinated with more than 20 government entities and the private sector to achieve the reduction.

Through several discussions led by ADDED, the Abu Dhabi Government identified and removed duplicate requirements and modified existing requirements to facilitate the process of starting a business while not compromising public safety and security.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of ADDED, thanked all local and federal entities for helping achieve the ambitious target in a short time. All relevant changes are already reflected in respective systems and will be effective from 1st August.

Rashed Abdulkarim Alblooshi, Under-Secretary of ADDED, stated that this considerable reduction is only the start of the programme, which is not a close-ended initiative but is an ongoing collaboration that will maintain the capital’s competitive advantage.

Sameh Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Executive Affairs Office of ADDED, said that the move came after several recent announcements regarding the ease of doing business in the emirate. In early July, ADDED established the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO) to attract talents and provide services to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a preferred destination for living and working. Last week, ADDED announced that all licence issuance and renewal fees for Abu Dhabi Government entities have been reduced to AED1,000, and over 93 percent of economic activities can now receive a commercial licence within six minutes.

To further enhance investors’ experience, ADDED is working closely with the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) to improve the commercial licensing services on the TAMM-Abu Dhabi Government Services website, Al Qubaisi added.

ALSO READ: On goodwill visit to UAE, IAF Chief looks to further strengthen defence ties

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-Top News Abu Dhabi

New board for Abu Dhabi chamber formed

The chamber aims to do this through developing and organising commercial and trade activities in Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has issued a resolution to form a new Board of Directors for the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The new board will be chaired by Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazroui and has Dr. Ali bin Harmal Al Dhaheri as First Vice Chairman, and Yousuf Ali Abdul Kader as Second Vice Chairman. The board will also have Masood Rahma Al Mehairbi as Treasurer, and Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi as Deputy Treasurer.

The other board members are Jassim Mohamed Alseddiqi, Saeed Sultan Al Dhaheri, Khaled Abdul Karim Al Fahim, Khalifa Saif Al Ketbi, Shames Ali Al Dhaheri, Ahmed Khalifa Almehairi, Ala’a Mohammed Eraiqat, Telal Shafiq Al Dhiyebi, Marwa Abdulla Al Mansoori, Nour Mohamed Al Tamimi, Khadija Ali Al-Amiri, Jasim Husain Thabet, Bassam Adib Chilmeran, Fouad Fahmi Darwish, Hatem Mohamad Dowidar, Khalid Anib, Yasser Nasr Zaghloul, Waseem Mohammed AlHalabi, Amer Fayez Kakish, Syed Basar Shueb, Rashed Mikati, Alan Lesley Smith, Karl Magnus Olsson and Elias Nabil Habib.

The board members represent the majority of the various vital sectors in the emirate to support and ensure the representation of companies of all sizes that are based in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The diversity of the board will also allow the chamber to achieve its vision in advancing the private sector to play an active and effective role locally, regionally and internationally.

The chamber aims to do this through developing and organising commercial and trade activities in Abu Dhabi, increasing the competitiveness of companies in the private sector, and providing opportunities for them to foster sustainable development in the emirate and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s strong reputation in doing and accelerating business growth.

According to the new resolution, the new board includes 23 founders, CEOs and chairpersons with leadership experience in 15 countries across 5 continents. Almost 50 percent of members represent the private sector, and 57 percent of board members are UAE nationals.

The board members represent more than 15 key economic sectors, including financial services, healthcare, logistics, telecommunications, agriculture, manufacturing and technology. Their businesses include listed companies, multinational groups of companies, family businesses, and start-ups

ALSO READ: UAE Eases Entry Restrictions For Expo Participants

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-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi Police receive 38K emergency calls during Eid break

Brigadier Nasser Al Maskari, Head of Central Operations, said the Command and Control Centre was well prepared to receive calls round-the-clock…reports Asian Lite News

The Command and Control Centre of the Abu Dhabi Police received 38,000 calls on its emergency hotline 999 during the Eid Al Adha holiday from callers in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dhafra.

Brigadier Nasser Al Maskari, Head of Central Operations, said the Command and Control Centre was well prepared to receive calls round-the-clock, noting that most calls were for minor traffic accidents, traffic jams or some emergency cases.

“We provided the best services to the community. We coordinated with other local authorities to reach out to all emergencies as soon as possible,” added.

He called on the public to cooperate with the initiatives launched by the Security Media Department, which aims to create more awareness about police services and other activities.

“Members of the community should not hesitate to contact emergency number 999 in case they face any emergency at any time,” he added.

 Meanwhile, Several Emirati Armed Forces commanders have visited UAE Armed Forces units in Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.

Major General Rashid Saeed Al Shehhi, Deputy Commander of the UAE Land Forces; Major General Pilot Saeed Ali Al Ali, Commander of the Joint Aviation Command; and Major General Khalifa Al Hamli, Commander of the Reserve Forces, visited the troops who are part of the Arab Coalition Forces led by Saudi Arabia.

The commanders exchanged greetings with officers and soldiers and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the UAE’s leadership.

ALSO READ: UAE, Saudi explore avenues for enhancing bilateral ties

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-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi Ports unveils Star Rating Programme

The Star Rating Programme, first-of-its-kind in the UAE, assigns five, four, three, two, and one-star ratings to communities under Abu Dhabi Ports’ supervision…reports Asian Lite News

Abu Dhabi Ports has developed a new transparent classification system for residential accommodations to help companies efficiently select tailored housing solutions for their employees.

The Star Rating Programme, first-of-its-kind in the UAE, assigns five, four, three, two, and one-star ratings to communities under Abu Dhabi Ports’ supervision, based on the amenities available to residents, including services, catering facilities, places of worship, recreation facilities, internet access, health services among others.

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Worker Committee, said, “The economy of Abu Dhabi has occupied an outstanding position and has attained a high level of competitiveness across many sectors, thanks to the excellent performance delivered by the non-oil economy, which now contributes more than 50 percent to the emirate’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Over the past five years, increasing numbers of the world’s leading businesses are selecting Abu Dhabi, which is now rapidly becoming a regional and global hub of industry and trade. Our partner, Abu Dhabi Ports, has been key contributors in achieving this accomplishment by introducing programmes such as the Star Rating Programme that reflect the preparedness of the emirate to develop innovative initiatives that ideally complement the needs of business.”

Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “Employee wellbeing drives productivity, performance and output, which is why companies need to be able to make decisions related to employee accommodation with confidence. This new Star Rating Programme provides our customers clear and transparent information to aid their decision-making.

“This programme will serve as an important benchmark, classifying a full range of services to support the requirements of companies and their employees, ultimately increasing returns for the emirate’s industrial and commercial businesses, and leading to the growth and expansion of Abu Dhabi’s economy.”

Industrial enterprises in the emirate have grown significantly over the past five years as a result of the strategic efforts to create enhanced indigenous industrial and manufacturing capabilities. In 2020 alone, 51 new industrial establishments were registered in Abu Dhabi despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these, 35 were set up in Abu Dhabi city, 11 in Al Ain, and 5 in Al Dhafra.

ALSO READ: M-E’s first autonomous port truck system in Abu Dhabi

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-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi Announces New Home Quarantine Rules

Those vaccinated must quarantine for seven days and take a PCR test on day 6. If the PCR test result is negative, they can remove the wristband on day 7, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

Abu Dhabi on Tuesday updated the home quarantine guidelines for those in contact with a positive case, to protect the health and safety of all community members.

According to Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, those vaccinated must quarantine for seven days and take a PCR test on day 6. If the PCR test result is negative, they can remove the wristband on day 7.

Those who are not vaccinated must quarantine for 12 days and take a PCR test on day 11. If the PCR test result is negative, they can remove the wristband on day 12.

Those in contact and registered in the home quarantine programme can conduct a free walk-in PCR test and remove the wristband at COVID-19 Prime Assessment Centres at Zayed Port, Mafraq Hospital and ADNEC (Abu Dhabi City), Al Ain Convention Centre, Al Khubiaisi, and Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra, as well as all SEHA hospitals in Al Dhafra.

Abu Dhabi had already updated travel procedures for its citizens and residents returning from travel abroad, which came effective on Monday.

Vaccinated travellers arriving from green list destinations must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and take a PCR test on day 6. When arriving from other destinations, they must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for seven days and take a PCR test on day 6.

The protocol applies to vaccinated UAE citizens and residents who received their second dose at least 28 days earlier, documented in the vaccine report on Alhosn app.

Unvaccinated citizens and residents arriving in Abu Dhabi from green list destinations must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and take a PCR test on days 6 and 12. When arriving from other destinations, they must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 12 days and take another PCR test on day 11.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced that it conducted 258,483 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours from which it reported 1,552 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 642,601.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi announces resumption of cruise liners

According to the Ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and receiving the necessary care.

MoHAP also announced four deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 1,843. It called on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.

MoHAP also noted that an additional 1,518 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 620,812.

Meanwhile, 76,347 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered during the past 24 hours.

The total number of doses provided up to today stands at 15,650,988 with a rate of vaccine distribution of 158.24 doses per 100 people.

According to Bloomberg’s Vaccine Tracker, the UAE leads the world, with enough vaccinations to cover 72.1 percent of its population and has overtaken Seychelles to become the world’s most vaccinated nation.

The UAE has so far administered 15.6 million doses, enough to cover 72.1 percent of its population based on a two-dose regimen. The UAE tests more people per capita than most nations and has one of the lowest fatality rates in the world.

In a statement, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, said that this new global achievement adds to the country’s success and record of achievements in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it is an international recognition of the success of the National Vaccination Campaign, launched by the UAE, which is continuing to achieve its objectives.

“The proactive vision of the country’s leadership enabled us to address the challenges posed by COVID-19. Today, the UAE is the world’s most vaccinated country,” he added. He also highlighted the efforts of the national health sector, which is keen to provide diverse types of vaccines to all segments of the community, as well as the community’s awareness about the importance of being vaccinated.

Al Owais stressed that the National Vaccination Campaign is continuing in all emirates of the country, along with the adherence to relevant precautionary measures, which represent the foundations of the national efforts aimed at achieving recovery and ensuring the return to normalcy.

Medical teams and front-liners are working as one team, upon the directives of the UAE’s leadership, to achieve recovery from the pandemic, he added, affirming that the UAE is a unique global model of combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and has received widespread international appreciation, underscoring the community’s confidence in the procedures adopted by the UAE Government.

He also noted the importance of the community’s awareness of, and adherence to, precautionary measures to maintain the gains achieved by the country and protect its members.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi approves use of EDE scanners to detect Covid-19

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Abu Dhabi COVID-19 UAE News

Abu Dhabi approves use of EDE scanners to detect Covid-19

With more than 20,000 people tested, the results showed a high degree of effectiveness in using EDE scanners to detect a positive Covid-19..reports Asian Lite News

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has approved the use of EDE scanners to detect Covid-19 infections, after studying the results of the pilot trial conducted at various locations in the emirate, including the Ghantout entry point, select public locations on Yas Island, and entry/exit points in the Musaffah area.

With more than 20,000 people tested, the results showed a high degree of effectiveness in using EDE scanners to detect a positive Covid-19 infection. The results showed 93.5 per cent sensitivity, reflecting the accuracy of identifying infected individuals, and 83 per cent accuracy in the specificity of the test, reflecting the accuracy of identifying non-infected individuals.

Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary at Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has adopted an integrated strategy to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, based on increased testing to ensure safe entry into the emirate, vaccination and the continued implementation of precautionary measures.

“The use of the EDE scanning system is part of this strategy and reflects the leadership’s vision in harnessing modern technology to create solutions that turn challenges into opportunities. We are pleased to add EDE scanning technology made in Abu Dhabi to the precautionary measures, helping to create safer areas and maintain public health. The EDE scanners will be used alongside other approved testing methods, such as PCR and DPI.”

The scanning system was developed by EDE Research Institute Abu Dhabi under the International Holding Company (IHC). The technology can detect a possible Covid-19 infection by measuring electromagnetic waves, which change when the RNA particles of the virus are present in the person’s body, therefore providing an immediate result.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi announces resumption of cruise liners

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Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi announces resumption of cruise liners

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced the resumption of cruise liners in Abu Dhabi starting from 1st September, 2021, after months of closure in 2020 due to the COVID-19 precautionary measures.

In 2019, maritime tourism in Abu Dhabi witnessed impressive growth, resulting in a record-breaking year for the sector. Around 500,000 cruise visitors arrived in the Emirate’s ports throughout the year which marked a 46 percent increase compared to 2018. Similarly, the number of cruise calls witnessed a rise of 43 percent in 2019 to reach a total of 192.

“We are delighted to welcome all cruise liners back to Abu Dhabi after a challenging year,” said Ali Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi.

“This comes as part of the efforts to enliven the Emirate’s tourism sector after the impressive results we have achieved in combatting the spread of the pandemic, and yet another step towards strengthening the UAE capital’s position as a world-class hub for maritime tourism.”

“We will continue to work closely with our partners at Abu Dhabi Ports to further boost the maritime tourism sector and attract more businesses and tourists providing them with unparalleled services and experiences while exploring Abu Dhabi and its diverse offerings,” he said.

Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Managing Director – Cruise Business, Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “We are well prepared to receive and welcome vaccinated visitors to the UAE’s capital once again and are excited to see the resumption of cruise activities at both Zayed Port and Sir Bani Yas Island.”

“In line with Abu Dhabi’s health protocols for international arrivals, Abu Dhabi Ports is initiating various health and safety measures to protect passengers and crew, which includes daily sterilisation activities across the terminal, the requirement of PCR testing before embarkation, as well as the implementation of a comprehensive emergency response plan for handling positive cases within the terminal.”

“Cruise passengers visiting Abu Dhabi can be assured that every measure to safeguard their health and safety during their stay is being undertaken.”

As part of its strategy, DCT Abu Dhabi will be announcing a series of initiatives throughout the year. These include upcoming projects and events, as well as participation in international events as part of its efforts to promote the destination to global audiences.

Abu Dhabi is also seeing the development of several landmark projects, such as Al Qana, the 2.4- kilometre canal project, the world’s first Warner Bros Hotel, Waterfront of Al Qana, near the Grand Canal, the largest aquarium in the Middle East and Snow Abu Dhabi – the world’s largest indoor snow park measuring 11,660 square metres, all set to open later this year.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi launches new company to promote tourism