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MBRGI Review: Dh1.8b spent benefiting 111m worldwide

The Year in Review report announcement was preceded by a meeting for MBRGI’s Board of Trustees at the Dubai Opera….reports Asian Lite news

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the annual results of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative’s (MBRGI) Year in Review report for 2023, during which MBRGI, the largest humanitarian and aid organisation of its kind in the region, spent a total of AED 1.8 billion on projects that positively impacted the lives of 111 million people in 105 countries around the world.

MBRGI’s success during 2023 is attributed to an increase in the number of beneficiaries that grew by 9 million people compared to 2022, as well as to an expansion in its social and aid programmes to cover 105 countries, 5 more than last year. As a result, MBRGI has solidified its leading status as the largest regional network for humanitarian, aid, development and social work.

The Year in Review report announcement was preceded by a meeting for MBRGI’s Board of Trustees at the Dubai Opera.

The ceremony showcased MBRGI accomplishments for 2023 and previous years, and presented reports on the progress of this year’s Mothers’ Endowment campaign and honoured its major contributors.

Sheikh Mohammed said that MBRGI has managed to reach 111 million people in 105 countries during 2023, thus contributing to the beginning of new, inspiring chapters in their lives where hope is a sustainable goal, and people have a reason to strive for a better life for them and their communities.

“Every time we succeed in reaching someone in need, anywhere in the world, offering them the means and tools to fight poverty, disease or ignorance; we count this as a major win for us and for humanity as a whole.

“Our initiatives vary, from aid, education and health to empowering communities, supporting youth and creating hope. Our goal is to help regions resume their journey towards progress, while extending a helping hand to underprivileged people.

“Our journey continues so that our humanitarian projects send a message of solidarity from the UAE to the world, carrying with it the values and principles of the Emirati people,” he concluded.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MBRGI, said, “Guided by its leaders’ visions and inspired by its peoples’ nobility and generosity, the UAE will always be a global capital for humanitarian work and a role model of hope making. In the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid; hope making is the highest expression of humanity and noble values.”

“Over 8 years since its inception, MBRGI has established the culture of hope making in the region, turning humanitarian work into a sustainable institutional action and contributing to promoting an atmosphere conductive of all the noble values on which the UAE was founded. This reality shows how the UAE is keen to be in inspiring example and a positive influence in the lives of people, helping them strive for a better tomorrow,” he added.

“MBRGI has made a tangible difference in the lives of tens of millions of people around the world last year, thanks to constant revision and improvements in its vision, goals and approach. It continues to embrace new humanitarian initiatives, extending the scope and reach of its impact,” he concluded.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said, “MBRGI continues to record new accomplishments in terms of total spending and number of beneficiaries around the world, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for investing all resources, expertise and innovative ideas to improve the lives of tens of millions of people, helping them build a better future, and further establish the UAE’s humanitarian role.”

“During 2023, MBRGI managed to reach 111 million people in 105 countries, helped meet their needs and aspirations by expanding its sustainable projects and increasing spending, which grew by AED 400 million compared to 2022 across its five pillars,” he added, commending the efforts of MBRGI staff and more than 160,000 volunteers.

The ceremony included highlights of MBRGI key projects and inspiring stories of beneficiaries around the world, and presented a summary of the Mothers’ Endowment campaign which aims to honour mothers by establishing a AED 1 billion endowment fund to sustainably support the education of millions around the world.

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UAE, Italy vow to boost partnership

The two top diplomats discussed the friendship relations between the two countries and the potential for developing cooperation in consolidation of their strategic partnership in several fields…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has met with Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic, as part of his Woking visit to Rome.

The two top diplomats discussed the friendship relations between the two countries and the potential for developing cooperation in consolidation of their strategic partnership in several fields, including the economic, commercial, investment, developmental, and energy sectors.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah stressed the depth of relations between the two countries and their growth and development prospects, noting that the United Arab Emirates and the friendly Italian Republic share a common desire and will to strengthen their partnership and invest in all available resources to push the paths of cooperation towards broader horizons that support their plans to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

They also discussed the current developments in the region and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, stressing on the importance of the recent UN Security Council Resolution No. 2728, which calls for a ceasefire and an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the UAE’s keenness to work with Italy and all friendly countries to end extremism, tension, and violence in the region. He pointed to the importance of concerted international efforts to protect the security and safety of all civilians and provide adequate humanitarian support to the Palestinian people to alleviate their suffering.

The meeting was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Abdulla Ali Al Saboosi, the UAE Ambassador to the Italian Republic.

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 Community-Favourite Choithrams Announces Golden Jubilee Plans

Choithrams opened its first outlet in the UAE exactly 50 years ago. The business traces its origin story in West Africa going back 80 years and was founded by Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani…reports Asian Lite News

Community-favourite supermarket brand Choithrams announces the celebration of its golden jubilee anniversary in the UAE.

In 2023, Choithrams opened 10 new stores in the UAE, solidifying its position as a leading supermarket chain in the region.  Looking ahead, the company, which is currently exhibiting at Gulfood 2024, aims to continue its expansion with the ambitious goal of opening 5-6 stores annually both in the UAE and across the region.

Choithrams opened its first outlet in the UAE exactly 50 years ago. The business traces its origin story in West Africa going back 80 years and was founded by Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani. Today, it is a household name in Dubai and a go-to destination for everyday needs.

Lekhu Pagarani, the Chairman of Choithrams group and the son of the founder, says his father had a vision of not only growing the business, but also giving back to society. “In 1959, he created his first trust, the Choithrams Remembrance Trust, it set in motion a lifetime of philanthropic work transforming millions of lives. We are cognizant of the fact that none of this can be achieved alone, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve. We thank the leadership of the UAE for the continued support and guidance, we thank our partners, stakeholders and customers for the trust – it gives us strength to continue on our mission of creating meaningful social impact for the next 50 years and beyond.”

Choithrams CEO Rajiv Warrier revealed a special edition 50-year logo that will be seen in all Choithrams corporate literature during the anniversary year, “When you have a powerful legacy such as Choithrams’, and when you have an ambitious path ahead thanks to the support of our customers, our partners, and stakeholders, how do you bring it all together in one graphic? We circled back to that one enduring value that continues to move us every day: Goodness. Choithrams’ 50-year infinity logo is the sum of 50 years’ worth of Goodness and care, and we hope it inspires you as much as it motivates us on our golden jubilee year.”

The brand offers a truly hybrid shopping experience to customers with more than 50 outlets at strategic locations in the UAE, a robust online presence at Choithrams.com, and an optimised mobile-first delivery network to reach customers through Instashop, Talabat, Deliveroo, El Grocer, Noon.

Apart from a significant retail footprint in the UAE and the GCC region including Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, Choithrams integrates an impressive global network of distribution channels and manufacturing bases under one roof. Choithrams has built its reputation on the strength of decades-long relationships with leading suppliers and brands, representing category-leaders Rainbow, Mentos, Coca Cola, Quaker, Weetabix, Dabur, Amul, Betty Crocker, Haagen Dazs and many others.

On behalf of Al Rais Group Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Al Rais said, “We have vivid memories of Choithrams from the 1970s. Its outlets on Wasl road and Bur Dubai buzzing with excitement as customers shop for their favourite imported grocery items and fresh produce, always seen first in its stores. Choithrams supermarkets hold an enduring place in the hearts and minds of UAE residents since that time. We cherish our partnership with Choithrams that became part of our family legacy and culture. We wish Choithrams more success stories for years to come.”

Choithrams is known for bringing Britain’s Tesco range of products, and Ireland’s SuperValu to the retail stores of UAE. It has now tied up with retail Sainsbury’s products as a preferred partner in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.

Behind every moment of customer delight in the UAE and the region, there is an efficient system of trade support that Choithrams has grown over the past 50 years into a business advantage for partners, leveraging significant presence across trade channels.

Highlighting Choithrams’ manufacturing credentials, Rajiv Warrier said, “Our home-grown brands Goodness Foods and Leone are known for their reassuring quality.’’ Goodness Foods offers more than 500 products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, juices, dry fruits, groceries, and ready-to-eat meals. Leone Tea, blended and produced by an in-house team, makes its way to delight thousands of customers every day across more than 2000 cafeterias.

Choithrams’ decades-old Planet 7 Sustainability framework has led to the adoption of technology to sustainability goals while fostering the principle of Goodness.  It has helped to create positive social and environmental impact, to reduce waste, to harvest clean energy, and to stand next to communities in vulnerable situations. Interventions to bolster social inclusion and gender parity is already shaping into one of the biggest success stories of the retail sector.

Rehana Raj (Operations Head- Retail) says “We are extremely proud of our superwomen team and welcome you to visit our all-women run store in Dubai Marina, a-first-of-its-kind initiative in the UAE. This success story will only get bigger and become a benchmark operating model for the retail industry.”

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Louvre Abu Dhabi attracts over 1.2m visitors in 2023

International visitors represented 72 percent of footfall, with the majority coming from key growth markets including Russia, India, France, the USA, China, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, and the UK….reports Asian Lite News

In 2023, Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors, driven by a combination of factors including prominent exhibitions enhancing the museum’s permanent collection, increased visitation to the Children’s Museum, and unprecedented engagement with Louvre Abu Dhabi’s educational programs. Notably, various outdoor activities and activations held on the museum premises also played a significant role, contributing 10 percent to the total visitor count.

International visitors represented 72 percent of footfall, with the majority coming from key growth markets including Russia, India, France, the USA, China, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, and the UK. The remaining 28 percent of visitors were residents of the UAE. The museum also hosted visits by more than 500 officials and dignitaries, including Heads of State, ministers, ambassadors, internationally recognised artists, and world-renowned celebrities. As of 19th March, 2024, the museum achieved a momentous milestone by surpassing 5 million visitors since its grand opening, further solidifying its status as a cultural landmark of unparalleled distinction and global significance.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “Louvre Abu Dhabi was established as part of our duty to deliver exceptional cultural institutions and experiences for all residents and visitors to the emirate. We are proud to see the impact that this museum has had in its six years of operation, with continually increasing visitor numbers reflecting the strength of its collection, special exhibitions, and community programmes.”

Manuel Rabaté, Director, Louvre Abu Dhabi, said, “It is inspiring to witness such growth in visitation, a testament to how Louvre Abu Dhabi is showcasing Abu Dhabi’s rich and diverse cultural landscape. Our museum weaves together the power of collaboration and intercultural dialogue, offering our visitors a glimpse into diverse civilisations and artistic traditions. The interest from our visitors, reflected in the numbers achieved, combined with our unique storytelling, showcases our commitment to excellence in the global cultural landscape.”

Curatorial Craftsmanship

2023 saw the opening of five exceptional exhibitions at Louvre Abu Dhabi, including Bollywood Superstars: A Short Story of Indian Cinema, Letters of Light, Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design, Picturing the Cosmos in the Children’s Museum, and Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2023.

In addition to exhibitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi expanded its collection with notable acquisitions and loans, enhancing the diversity of its offerings. Notable additions include two Picasso paintings (Woman Holding a Mandoline, 1911, and Portrait of a Seated Woman, 1923), Les Marionnettes by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1770), and four sculptures titled Four Parts of the World on loan from Château de Versailles. Additionally, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the UAE and the Republic of Malta, the museum received two remarkable loans known as cippi from the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta, and Musée du Louvre.

Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Children’s Museum, created to spark creativity in young minds, also saw significant activity in 2023, with as many as 231,493 visitors attending the two exhibitions that took place, Picturing the Cosmos and Emotions! The New Art Adventure. The vibrant space served as a dynamic educational playground, fostering a love for art and culture in the hearts of young visitors.

Educational and Cultural Programming

In 2023, the museum engaged with over 45,000 students and teachers through school and university programmes, marking an incredible 75 percent increase in comparison to 2022. Special initiatives like “Schools Take Over the Museum” and “University Take Over the Museum” provided unique learning experiences, encouraging students to explore Louvre Abu Dhabi and draw inspiration from the permanent collection and the museum’s core values to create their own artistic interventions.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi calendar also included 31 cultural programmes, including talks, performances, film festivals, celebrations around special days and outreach to community centres. The museum curated a programme around the maritime tradition for UAE National Day on the theme “Tales from the Sea” and supported COP28 with a series of talks. It also hosted a series of educational programmes, such as family weekends, workshops, masterclasses and ArtLabs.

Several exciting athleisure and sports activities were organised over the year to invite people to experience the museum in new ways, with activities such as kayaking around the museum and the electric catamaran experience. The museum also celebrated International Yoga Day with a relaxing yoga session under the iconic dome, welcoming 300 participants. Additionally, the museum launched its first Louvre Abu Dhabi Run and its first triathlon in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Events for People of Determination and senior citizens were also held, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a welcoming space for all guests.

Digital Innovation

In 2023, the museum introduced a new version of its museum app, incorporating innovative Artificial Intelligence-powered features that recognise artworks and enhance the visitor experience. The number of app downloads used for the visitor audio guide saw an increase of 46 percent compared to 2022, reaching 123,720 in 2023. The museum also launched a series of podcasts related to the exhibitions, along with a specific series for children in Arabic called Adventures in the Museum.

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UAE, Czech FMs discuss economic, investment ties

The two minister reviewed avenues of developing the UAE-Czech cooperation in a number of fields…reports Asian Lite News

UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský in Prague.

During the meeting, which was held as part of Sheikh Abdullah’s working visit to Prague, the two sides discussed ways of boosting bilateral relations and joint cooperation.

The two minister reviewed avenues of developing the UAE-Czech cooperation in a number of fields, including economic, investment and development, in a way that serves the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed that the UAE attaches great importance to strengthening its ties with the Czech Republic across various domains, praising the continuous development in the levels of joint cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic welcomed the visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and his accompanying delegation, expressing his country’s aspiration to develop cooperation relations with the UAE at various levels.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Jan Lipavský touched on recent developments in the Middle East region, especially in the Gaza Strip, and its humanitarian repercussions.

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the importance of consolidating all regional and international efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire, which contributes to protecting the security and safety of all civilians and enhances relief efforts made to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

He further highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation to end extremism, tension and violence in the region, in addition to the urgent need to protect the lives of all civilians and intensify humanitarian support for the people of Gaza in a way that contributes to alleviating their suffering.

The meeting was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Dr. Ghalia Ali Al Humaidan, Chargé d´Affaires at the UAE Embassy in the Czech Republic.

The meeting was also attended by Jiří Kozák, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

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UAE joins global push for near-zero emission buildings

The forum brought together ministers and officials responsible for decarbonisation and resilience in the construction…reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, participated in the first Buildings and Climate Global Forum 2024, which was recently held in the French capital, Paris.

The forum brought together ministers and officials responsible for decarbonisation and resilience in the construction, real estate, and construction sector for the first time after the COP28 conference.

It was co-organised by France and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the support of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.

The Ministry’s participation was represented by attending the first global ministerial segment to endorse a joint ministerial declaration that defines the common principles and cooperation framework for global efforts to achieve the goal of “Near-zero emission and resilient buildings by 2030”. Thus, the UAE announced its joining the international cooperation to decarbonise the building sector and enhance its resilience.

Eng Nusaiba Al Marzouqi, Director of Studies and Research and Chief Innovation Officer at MoEI, actively participated in the high-level sessions accompanying the forum by highlighting the country’s efforts in developing clear and measurable methodologies to reduce the carbon footprint in the building and construction sector and the mechanism for updating the targets of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) based on the capabilities of the current situation to be a model to be followed by other countries.

The forum followed the annual meeting of the World Green Building Council Committee, which the Ministry attended as a member representing the UAE.

The meeting aimed to follow up on the implementation of the Council’s strategies, activities, and initiatives, the latest of which is Buildings Breakthrough, and to review and approve the Buildings Global Status Report 2023.

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Abu Dhabi Chamber, Investors Council partner to boost investment

Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Council will exert their best efforts to eliminate any obstacles that may hinder the growth of investments locally…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has proudly announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with the UAE International Investors Council, laying the groundwork for their strategic collaboration in investment and futuristic economic sectors.

According to the agreement, the Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Council will exert their best efforts to eliminate any obstacles that may hinder the growth of investments locally and internationally while promoting Abu Dhabi as an investment destination for global investors.

Attended by representatives of both parties, the collaboration agreement was signed by Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and Jamal Saif Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the Council, at the Chamber’s tower in Abu Dhabi.

Expressing his pleasure at signing the agreement, Al Qubaisi said, “The signing of the collaboration agreement with the UAE International Investors Council comes in alignment with our ongoing endeavour to extend bridges of cooperation with investors worldwide, fulfil their aspirations, and provide them with more investment opportunities, enabling them to thrive locally and internationally. This agreement is also integral to our plans and ambitious objectives of bolstering local initiatives, expediting growth, and sustaining the competitiveness of the national economy, fostering Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier international investment destination.”

Al Jarwan stated, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey of collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber. The signing of the agreement comes to understand the needs of the private sector, thereby enabling decision-makers to make educated strategic decisions. It also underscores the seamless coordination between us, reflecting positively on the success of our shared endeavours. At the Council, we are keen to extend bridges of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships that contribute to promoting the economic landscape and facilitate the sustainable growth of Emirati companies internationally.”

According to the agreement, both parties will work collaboratively to assess growth opportunities in strategic priority markets, provide consultations, and share studies and information, serving their best interests and joint objectives and realise their investment ambitions.

Both parties will also execute several initiatives, including the formation of specialised economic delegations of representatives of private companies operating in Abu Dhabi to targeted markets worldwide.

They also agreed to organise joint international events that foster communication and networking between investors, as well as workshops, orientation sessions, and meetings to facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and knowledge to create business opportunities and support the expansion of the Chamber’s members globally.

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UAE condemns Israeli seizure of land in Jordan Valley

The UAE has expressed its categorical rejection of all practices in contravention of resolutions on international legitimacy, which risk further escalation and instability in the region….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has strongly condemned the Israeli government’s announcement to confiscate 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and expressed its rejection of all measures aimed at changing the historical and legal status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed the UAE’s categorical rejection of all practices in contravention of resolutions on international legitimacy, which risk further escalation and instability in the region, and impede endeavours to achieve peace and stability.

The Ministry stressed the need to support all regional and international efforts to advance the peace process in the Middle East, as well as end illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Ministry reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to fostering peace, justice, and the realisation of the rights of the Palestinian people.

Furthermore, the Ministry called on the international community to intensify efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire to avoid further loss of life, prevent fueling the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to advance all efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also strongly condemned the announcement of confiscation.

The Kingdom emphasised that such actions violate international laws and relevant resolutions, and undermine the chances of a just and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. Saudi Arabia called on the international community to halt the systematic violations by Israeli settlers and to ensure the return of confiscated Palestinian lands.

UAE welcomes wounded Palestinians

The 14th group of wounded Palestinian children and cancer patients arrived in the UAE on Wednesday in response to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide medical treatment for 1,000 wounded children, and 1,000 cancer patients from the Gaza Strip, in the UAE’s hospitals.

Departing from Al Arish International Airport, the plane landed at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, carrying 32 Palestinians who were accompanied by 64 family members.

Families of the patients expressed profound gratitude to the UAE for its significant humanitarian assistance, which aimed at easing the plight of the Palestinian people.

Upon arrival, medical teams swiftly transported the patients to hospitals for immediate care, while the remaining cases and their companions were taken to the Emirates Humanitarian City for accommodation.

Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has been a steadfast supporter of Gaza, launching “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3” in November 2023 to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The UAE has strengthened its humanitarian response to the crisis by continuously providing food, humanitarian assistance, and emergency medical assistance to the Palestinian people. The country established a 150-bed field hospital in Gaza and the Floating Hospital in Al Arish port, which has a capacity of 100 beds, operating rooms, intensive care, radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, and medical cabinets.

Additionally, the UAE launched six desalination plants in Rafah, Egypt, to address the dire water infrastructure situation in Gaza and ensure the Palestinian people’s access to safe drinking water. These plants desalinate about 1.2 million gallons per day, pumping them through pipes extending into Gaza.

The competent authorities in the UAE implemented the ‘Tarahum – for Gaza’ campaign to provide relief aid to the Palestinian people impacted by the war in the Gaza Strip, mainly targeting vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly.

These initiatives exemplify the UAE’s long-standing dedication to supporting the Palestinian people, alleviating their hardships, and fostering solidarity and cooperation through impactful humanitarian efforts.

Rafah operation looms

The Israel government is bracing for a final operation in the Rafah region in Gaza bordering Egypt where it believes that most of the Israeli hostages and their handlers are.

According to sources in Israel’s defence ministry, the country is gearing up for such an operation and it was all along its plan B, if talks in Qatar failed.

Indirect peace talks in Qatar had hit a roadblock after Israel refused most of the demands put forward by negotiators on behalf of Hamas.

After the talks failed, Israel activated its Plan B and would conduct a military operation three days after the end of Ramadan month.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israeli intelligence have briefed the war cabinet on the outcome of the incursion as well as the logistics involved.

Rafah is a densely populated area and an expected 1.3 million Palestinians are living in this region in makeshift tents and regular buildings.

Most of the displaced Palestinians from north and central Gaza have moved to the Rafah region which is the southernmost tip of the Gaza Strip.

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Gaza Bloodshed Continues Despite UNSC Resolution

The Gaza health ministry reported that 12 individuals, including children, perished in an airstrike targeting a displacement camp near Khan Yunis late on Tuesday….reports Asian Lite News

Israeli forces persisted in their assault on the Gaza Strip despite a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate ceasefire.

The Gaza health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported that 12 individuals, including children, perished in an airstrike targeting a displacement camp near Khan Yunis late on Tuesday.

Israeli forces also continued their assault on Gaza City’s largest hospital and surrounded two other medical facilities in Khan Yunis, AFP reported. The Palestinian Red Crescent warned of thousands trapped in Nasser hospital, highlighting the perilous situation.

Israel withdraws negotiators

Meanwhile, Israel has recalled its negotiating team from Qatar after Hamas rejected its latest offer on a hostage deal and truce, it was reported. The delegation led by the Mossad chief, David Barnea, had been in Doha for eight days.

Israel has said that it will not relent to many of the demands put forward by the meditators, including Qatar and Egypt on behalf of the Hamas side.

According to sources in the Israel defence ministry, Hamas had again put forward a demand of a total ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops and rehabilitation of Palestinians in northern Gaza from the south where they have been staying as refugees since the war broke out.

Meanwhile, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement on Tuesday night said, “Hamas wanted a permanent ceasefire and its decision to reject a US brokered compromise was clear proof of it not interested in continuing talks, and a sad testament to the damage caused by the UN Security council resolution.”

The statement also said, “Israel won’t cave into delusional demands made by Hamas.”

The hawks in the Israeli establishment, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant were not willing for even a temporary truce. This is owing to the military intelligence reports that Hamas military infrastructure has crumbled and only four battalions were remaining in southern Gaza and that it was only a matter of time before Hamas caves in.

UN says ‘acts of genocide’

A UN human rights expert says she believes Israel has committed “acts of genocide” in Gaza, BBC reported.

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, presented her report to UN member states in Geneva on Tuesday.

But Israel has already dismissed her findings.

Albanese concluded that “there are reasonable grounds to believe that the threshold indicating the commission of the crime of genocide against Palestinians as a group in Gaza has been met”.

“One of the key findings is that Israel’s executive and military leadership and soldiers have intentionally distorted jus in bello principles, subverting their protective functions, in an attempt to legitimize genocidal violence against the Palestinian people,” a summary of the report stated.

It was on Monday the United Nations Security Council approved the resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and the “unconditional” release of all hostages held by Hamas following the October 7 attack on Israel.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asserted that the resolution must be implemented and any fall in its imposition would be “unforgivable.”

The draft resolution was put forward by 12 non-permanent members of the international forum, including Algeria, Guyana, Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, South Korea and Switzerland, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel cancels US visit

The White House has said that it was “perplexed” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to cancel a planned visit to Washington by a delegation comprising senior Israeli officials.

Netanyahu made the decision after the US on Monday abstained from a United Nations Security Council vote on a draft resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza until the end of Ramadan. US abstention, instead of veto, effectively gave the green light to the measure, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We are kind of perplexed by this,” John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, told reporters at the White House daily briefing in reaction to the scraping of the Israeli delegation, which was invited by the Joe Biden administration to come to Washington for talks on a possible alternative to a ground operation by the Israeli military in Rafah.

Kirby said in a further explanation that the resolution, even as it got passed, would have “no impact at all on Israel and Israel’s ability to go after Hamas”.

Kirby added that abstaining the draft resolution “does not represent a change at all” in US policy coping with the situation in Gaza.

The US, according to Kirby, is still of the view that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas should be part of a deal securing the release of those held hostage by Hamas. Meanwhile, the US “continues to stand with Israel as they fight Hamas”, Kirby said.

In what seemed to be the thinly veiled criticism of Netanyahu’s government, Kirby stressed that it is the US, not Israel, that gets to decide its own policy.

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UAE Boosts Air Cargo Sector With New Data Platform

CARDS is the first platform of its kind to provide an analytical view of air cargo movements to, from and through the UAE by analysing the performance of national airlines…reports Asian Lite News

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched the Cargo Data Reporting System (CARDS), which provides a range of technical services to government entities, national airlines, ground handling agents and express service providers.

CARDS is the first platform of its kind to provide an analytical view of air cargo movements to, from and through the UAE by analysing the performance of national airlines, ground handling agents and express service providers, and sharing results and market share with each entity. This helps stakeholders identify strengths and weaknesses and enhances their competitiveness.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GCAA, said that the UAE enjoys globally competitive status as one of the most advanced countries in terms of air cargo efficiency, with a strong infrastructure of airports, cargo companies and world-class logistics services. “In addition to the UAE’s continuous investment in developing its capabilities and potential in this key and important sector, the CARDS platform represents a new step towards the UAE’s global leadership in this vital sector. It provides a data repository to monitor challenges and identify obstacles that may face air cargo movements to, from and through the country, which supports the UAE’s development and economic plans, in line with the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to make the UAE a global centre for the new economy and the transition to future sectors such as aviation and logistics.”

He added, “The new platform will contribute to strengthening the existing partnership between the Authority and representatives of the air cargo sector, by providing them with periodic and updated data on a monthly basis, which helps in decision-making, planning for the future and enhancing the competitive environment for the civil aviation sector in the country.”

For his part, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said, “We are proud today to launch CARDS, which is characterised by accuracy, privacy and ease of use, and which will allow relevant government agencies to view the cargo movement in the country, which enhances the capabilities of the stakeholders to identify the areas of development for air cargo movement.”

Al Suwaidi stressed that the platform will be subject to continuous development and updating to ensure the expansion of the scope of the information included in it to include the major cities from which and to which goods are exported and imported, and the most prominent categories of goods that are shipped by air to provide a complete picture of air cargo movement and trade exchange in the country.

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