All those present performed the Maghrib prayer and attended the iftar banquet hosted by His Highness the President…reports Asian Lite News
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed members of the Federal Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates today and exchanged greetings on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. They prayed for a month of goodness, blessings, and mercy for all and to ensure security, stability, and prosperity for the UAE and its people.
“Today I had the pleasure of hosting my brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, and sharing iftar with them,” Sheikh Mohamed posted on X. “Together we reflected on the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan and prayed that God grants peace and wellbeing to the people of the UAE and the world.”
His Highness the President received His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah; and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Additionally, the President welcomed at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah; H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; along with a number of Sheikhs, ministers, senior officials from different Emirates.
The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region; Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC); H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO); H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; along with several Sheikhs and senior officials.
All those present performed the Maghrib prayer and attended the iftar banquet hosted by His Highness the President in honour of the esteemed Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, sheikhs, and other guests.
The project aims to bring joy and happiness during Ramadan by providing 1,122 food baskets to 5,610 individuals in targeted families…reports Asian Lite News
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has launched the “Ramadan Project” to distribute food to patients with cancer, thalassemia, and kidney failure in Mukalla, as well as to needy families in Hadramaut Governorate, Yemen.
The project aims to bring joy and happiness during Ramadan by providing 1,122 food baskets to 5,610 individuals in targeted families.
Hamoud Rashid Al Shamsi, Advisor for Development and International Cooperation and ERC Representative said in a statement that this project comes within the framework of the UAE’s humanitarian and development efforts to improve life, alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, and meet their needs during the holy month of Ramadan. It also aims to enhance food security in light of the current circumstances that their country is experiencing.
He also pointed out that this aid contributes to bridging the food gap and meeting the needs of the beneficiaries.
Ahmed Bazrous, Director General of the Office of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in the Hadhramaut coast, praised the efforts of the UAE and its provision of assistance in various fields, especially those that affect people’s livelihood.
He also noted in this regard the efforts and support of the ERC for patients and the most needy families in Hadramaut Governorate.
The “Ramadan Project” is part of a series of humanitarian projects and programmes provided by the ERC in Yemen within the framework of the comprehensive response to the needs of the fraternal Yemeni people in various humanitarian and development fields.
India accounted for more than half of all investment deals by Middle Eastern funds in Asia and 58 percent of the capital invested in Asia by Middle Eastern entities since 2020, dwarfing China and Southeast Asia…reports Asian Lite News
India is more than twice as important as China as a target for Middle East investment, an industry report has revealed.
Since 2020, private capital deal value from the Middle East into Asia has soared more than sixfold, from $14 billion between 2016 and 2019 to $83 billion since 2020, data from the Global Private Capital Association shows.
Driven by strong interest from Middle East sovereign wealth funds in tech and consumer digital platforms such as Jio Platforms, Flipkart and Reliance Retail Ventures, India topped all Asian markets for cross-border private capital transactions by Middle East investors since 2020, Arabian Gulf Business Insight reported.
India accounted for more than half of all investment deals by Middle Eastern funds in Asia and 58 percent of the capital invested in Asia by Middle Eastern entities since 2020, dwarfing China and Southeast Asia.
“There is a really diverse opportunity across the asset classes in India compared to China,” Jeff Schlapinski, managing director of research at GPCA, told AGBI.
“It’s not just private equity and venture deals, but also infrastructure, private credit, whereas we’ve seen very little on the private infrastructure side in China compared to this and less activity in the private credit space in China as well.”
In February, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala signed a $1 billion deal with Goldman Sachs to co-invest in private credit opportunities in Asia, with a particular focus on India.
In July last year, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the UAE’s largest sovereign wealth fund, opened an office in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City and last month announced plans for a $4 billion to $5 billion fund to drive UAE investments in India.
Earlier this month, it was reported that ADIA had acquired shares in the Indian budget carrier SpiceJet.
Scott Livermore, chief economist at Oxford Economics, said India was seen as a potential winner as the West turns away from China for geopolitical reasons and to diversify its supply chains.
“For the Middle East, this is much more about the rise of opportunities in India than seeking alternatives to China,” he said.
India became the world’s most populous country in 2023, and the growth in its middle class is making it an attractive investment destination for Gulf companies and sovereign wealth funds.
Schlapinski said: “I definitely think that part of the motivation, for sure, is access to capital in a more difficult environment for fundraising, in which many US and European investors have perhaps been overextended on the private market side.
“Now they are adjusting their portfolios accordingly, whereas sovereign funds from the Middle East continue to expand their balance and do deals.”
Gulf-Asia trade rose by around 35 percent between 2021 and 2022, whereas the Gulf’s combined trade with the US, UK, and Western Europe grew by approximately 32 percent over that period, according to a report from Asia House.
Participating at major international trade shows such as ITB Berlin is a key element of DET’s marketing strategy to promote Dubai to a global audience and grow inbound visitation from both traditional and emerging overseas markets….reports Asian Lite News
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) successfully showcased Dubai’s diverse destination proposition alongside 56 key partners and stakeholders at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) trade show, held recently. This was the 32nd time that Dubai had exhibited at one of the world’s leading travel trade shows, which this year attracted almost 100,000 attendees.
Demonstrating the breadth of the city’s tourism offering to global travel industry leaders and professionals, DET was joined in Berlin by co-exhibitors from across the tourism ecosystem including government entities, hotels, tour operators and destination management companies (DMCs), and among them were Address Hotels + Resorts, Atlantis Dubai, Banyan Tree Dubai, Museum of The Future, and, for the first time, flydubai.
Participating at major international trade shows such as ITB Berlin is a key element of DET’s marketing strategy to promote Dubai to a global audience and grow inbound visitation from both traditional and emerging overseas markets. In 2023, Dubai welcomed a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors, representing a 19.4 percent YoY growth compared to the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022. The German market played a crucial role, contributing significantly to Dubai’s tourism success, with a remarkable 36 percent YoY growth and 574,979 overnight guests in 2023.
At its stand in Berlin, the Dubai delegation engaged with travel trade professionals from around the world and welcomed top politicians and industry leaders including Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin; Franziska Giffey, Berlin Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises; and Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “As Dubai continues its growth in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, set forth by our forward-thinking leadership, we are strategically harnessing the significant momentum generated during a highly successful 2023 to showcase Dubai’s diverse destination offering to key overseas markets. The strong, unified presence of the Dubai delegation at ITB Berlin reflected the city’s robust public-private partnerships and our determination to showcase Dubai as the best city to visit, live, and work in. Together with our stakeholders, we were able to enhance Dubai’s visibility and perception among travel trade professionals from around the world, creating new paths to attract more visitors to the city and consolidate its status as a leading destination.”
Dubai’s international visitor performance bolstered its ranking as the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, the first city to achieve this unique accolade. This was further reinforced at ITB Berlin after Dubai was named 2023’s highest-rated destination in the Destination Performance Index (DPI) by IPK International, one of the world’s leading tourism consultancies specialising in tourism research, marketing and planning. The annual study, taking into consideration global tourist trips, traveller satisfaction, recommendations, and the desire to revisit, highlighted Dubai’s outstanding performance in attracting and satisfying tourists.
Reflecting Dubai’s commitment to creating unique and memorable experiences for travellers of all budgets and preferences, the milestones are a testament to the emirate’s vibrant and diverse offerings, supported by world-class infrastructure, exceptional service at all touchpoints, and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors.
This year’s ITB Berlin welcomed almost 100,000 visitors across the three-day event, including more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries, 1,300 senior buyers, 80 ministers and state secretaries, 72 ambassadors, and 3,200 accredited journalists. Much-discussed topics at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds included AI and its potential uses in tourism and the urgency of the sector achieving sustainability.
#RamadaninDubai campaign brings city together with exceptional experiences…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai is welcoming residents and visitors to share memorable experiences during Ramadan, as the city transforms for a month of joyful moments.
A time of togetherness and an opportunity to share in a Holy Month to remember, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) is hosting #RamadaninDubai citywide festivities until Eid celebrations take over. This year, Ramadan offers unique opportunities for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy the celebrations, unlike anywhere else in the world.
#RamadaninDubai sees every corner of Dubai coming to life with experiences to treasure while the city sparkles in celebration. Setting the scene for creating meaningful memories with loved ones, over 200 nationalities across Dubai have the chance to take part in this unique celebration. Iftars, Suhoors, outdoor Ramadan markets, family entertainment, great retail offers, community events, fireworks, cultural moments and hotel experiences offer families, and people of all ages and interests, an abundance of ways to connect and embrace the spirit of the season.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “Ramadan is a time of togetherness and special moments with those closest to us. With a rich programme of unique experiences, moments of tradition and nostalgic activations, #RamadaninDubai offers people of every age and nationality endless ways to embrace new experiences and enjoy Dubai’s rich culture and heritage at this most treasured time of year. We welcome all residents and visitors to join us to explore the city’s warm ambience and unique traditions by immersing themselves in the joy of Ramadan’s vibrant celebrations, exceptional shopping, cultural events, experiences and diverse cuisines across Dubai this Ramadan.”
Ramadan entertainment
Bringing further wonder to the skies every weekend during Ramadan, fireworks displays will take place at 22:00 from 15th to 17 March and 29th to 31st March at Bluewaters and The Beach (JBR). Further displays will take place from 22nd to 24th March at Al Seef, and from 5th to 7th April at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, traditional entertainment such as Al-Musaharati, Toomina, and oud and qanun players will delight visitors at AlSeef, Al Khawaneej Walk and Bluewaters during weekends. Youngsters will delight in appearances from Dubai characters, Modesh and Dana, who will make appearances throughout the month at Mirdiff City Centre, Deira City Centre, Circle Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall.
Flavours of Ramadan
Known over the world as a culinary destination, Dubai’s gastronomy scene is set to touch new heights during Ramadan. With a delicious and diverse array of dining on offer throughout Ramadan there will be endless ways to enjoy iftar, either in restaurants, or at the city’s stunning selection of dedicated Iftar and Suhoor tents that are offering an authentic and welcoming community feel alongside a spectacular choice of local and international cuisine, for every budget.
The Ramadan Street Food Festival will return to offer a vibrant community atmosphere to explore local flavours and soak up the pleasant weather into the night with family and friends. The second edition of the festival will take place in Karama between 22 March and 7 April.
Exceptional iftars can be enjoyed in hotels across the city, including Palm Kitchen at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai; Maui at Sofitel Dubai The Palm; Mina’s Kitchen at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina; Aqua at JW Marriott Marquis; Level 42 at Shangri-La Dubai Hotel, SO/ Uptown Dubai, and Melia Desert Palm.
The Careem ‘Everything App’ will also enable Dubai residents and tourists to pre-book Iftar packages through its DineOut service at over 150 venues, including Jun’s Downtown Dubai, Iftar between the towers at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, and Al Sultan Majlis at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Customers will also benefit from instant discounts on their dining bills, ranging from 15% – 40% across all venues, and an additional 30% discount on their Hala Taxi rides to and from the venues.
Ramadan shopping and gifting
Shopping districts and malls will offer an array of themed entertainment, offers, prizes, and local and global brands which Dubai is renowned for. Dubai Festival City Mall will host a large Ramadan tent where guests can experience a taste of heritage and food, as well as a Ramadan night market at Bay by Social. Visitors who dine using the Blue application will also get the chance to win Blue Points and weekly prizes of up to AED5,000, while roaming entertainment will delight people of all ages. Visitors to the Mall of Emirates will find special Ramadan collections and gifting for kids as part of Hag El Laila celebrations, with pop-up activities and ambient décor further helping to set a celebratory feel. The mall will also participate in Feed the Future, a CSR initiative in collaboration with the UAE Food Bank which aims to minimise food waste by donating surplus food and circulating it to those who need it the most.
At The Beach, JBR and City Walk, the TICKIT campaign will give 50 points – the equivalent of AED50 – to those who have Iftar three times across the two destinations. Both places will also host Ramadan Markets with artisanal vendors, along with themed music and entertainment. City Centre Mirdif is launching the new Sweet Corner 2.0. Both City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira will offer 5% cash back in Share points.
Shoppers can also discover special Ramadan offers at Bluewaters, and find promotions on branded clothes at The Outlet Village. Visitors to the Ibn Battuta and Circle Mall will be able to shop and dine amid beautiful traditional decoration and a warm Ramadan ambience.
Visitors can win big in a three-day mega raffle in which shoppers who spend AED200 at any of the participating malls will be in with the chance of winning cash prizes worth a total AED200,000. Over the Eid Al-Fitr weekend, 22 winners will be chosen to win prizes of AED5000 – AED15,000. Participating malls are: Al Bustan Centre, Arabian Center, Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai Outlet Mall, Lulu Silicon Central, Mudon Community Center, Shorooq Community Center, Bay Avenue, Villanova Community Center, Al Khail Gate Community Center, Serena MarketPlace, Times Square Center, Dubai Festival Plaza (TBC), Crown Mall, Marhaba Mall, Al Quoz Mall and Central Mall.
Hotel stays and dining offers
Exclusive offers from hotels and tourist destinations will help families, friends and loved ones spend more time together and enjoy value stays as well as special dining packages during the Holy Month.
Lavish Iftars and elevated Suhoors can be enjoyed at some of the city’s finest hotels including Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, JW Marriott Marquis, Melia Desert Palm and at Jumeriah properties, amongst others. Children eat for free at LEGOLAND® Dubai Resort.
Hotels offering Ramadan menus, experiences and special offers include Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, SO/ Uptown Dubai, Hatta Resorts, Shangri La properties, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Paramount Hotel Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai Resort, JW Marriott Marquis, Central Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Thani Dubai, Marriott Hotel, Al Jaddaf, Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Festival City, Hyatt Place Dubai Hotels & Residences, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City Dubai, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Grand Hyatt, Melia Desert Palm, and Millennium Plaza Downtown.
Global brand activations
Ramadan brings the opportunity to shop exclusive pieces from some of the world’s best-known brands and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Dubai’s shopping districts and malls.
Brands that will showcase exclusive Ramadan collections include Stella McCartney, which will debut a Ramadan 2024 Rose Capsule collection; Versace, which will unveil the exclusive Middle East Capsule collection; and ALDO, which is launching a curated Ramadan series. Shoppers can also check out top international brands such as Steve Madden, Dune London, Nine West, Charles & Keith and Level Shoes for exclusive pieces, Ramadan collections and deals of the season.
Events
The city will come alive with events for all ages during Ramadan, presenting endless memorable ways to share time together. Youngsters will love watching Masha and the Bear at the Coca Cola Arena on 15 March in a performance full of laughter, music, and adventure. Music fans can share in the vibrant atmosphere and togetherness of the Homayoun Shajarian and Anoushiravan Rohani Live concert in Dubai on 8 April at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Attractions and special offers
Families have plenty of opportunities to create wonderful memories to make throughout the month, with some of Dubai’s best attractions offering special Ramadan offers. The young and young at heart alike will delight in spending a day at the Dubai Dolphinarium, walking through the beautiful Dubai Miracle Garden, spotting celebrities at Madame Tussauds Dubai or enjoying the magic of the OliOli Children’s Museum.
Wellness and sporting events
Presenting a holistic wellbeing offering for all ages and abilities this Ramadan, Dubai will host an array of outdoor fitness events including the Skechers Performance Run Series in which residents and visitors can run or walk routes of between 3 and 16km around the city, and the Dubai Harbour Night Run in which all ages and abilities can take part in a choice of routes while taking in iconic views.
One of the most prestigious sporting and social events of the calendar, the Dubai World Cup 2024 will return to Meydan Racecourse on 30 March, and families and friends can enjoy a day in the perfect April weather watching the thrilling Polo Masters Cup 2024 at the Habtoor Polo Resort & Spa from 1 – 6 April.
Sports fans can also witness the first-ever EuroLeague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament Qualifier at the Coca-Cola Arena from 22-24 March when eight under-18 teams will go head to head for a spot in the finals that will take place in Berlin later this year.
Launched by the Dubai Media Council under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council (DMC), the #RamadaninDubai campaign brings the public and private sectors together for the first time for a unified celebration of the Holy Month.
The Dubai Media Council has tasked Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), with overseeing the campaign’s execution. The campaign has been designed to bring to the community the unique spirit, beauty and warmth of Ramadan and share the rich cultural heritage and traditions that are an integral part of celebrations during the Holy Month. The initiative also aims to create a unique ambience across the city that captures the true essence of Ramadan, reflecting the authentic Emirati customs and traditions that make the occasion truly special.
The UAE’s expanded Ramadan aid initiatives for Palestinians encompass essential needs, healthcare, and religious observance….reports Asian Lite News
Following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has resolved to intensify humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan. This will be achieved through initiatives undertaken by Emirati humanitarian organisations.
The UAE’s expanded Ramadan aid initiatives for Palestinians encompass essential needs, healthcare, and religious observance, reflecting the nation’s unwavering commitment to fostering solidarity and synergy with the Palestinian people.
The UAE’s latest initiatives build upon its ongoing efforts to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. These initiatives aim to provide swift and coordinated relief, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said that the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflect his commitment to improving the humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and alleviate their suffering.
He emphasised the UAE’s long-standing fraternal ties with the Palestinian people and its commitment to provide continued support through humanitarian initiatives.
The UAE had launched the “Galant Knight 3” on 5th November 2023, led by the Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence, in cooperation and coordination with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and the rest of the charitable organisations in the UAE, with the aim of providing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Relief aid was delivered to the Gaza Strip via 212 aircraft and two cargo ships, with an additional third aid ship currently en route from the UAE to the Egyptian city of Al Arish. A total of 922 trucks laden with various aid items were mobilised, 521 of which have already entered the Gaza Strip.
The total aid provided totalled 21,000 tonnes of food, health aid, and shelter materials, coordinated with international organisations including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Office of the United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza.
The country launched the “Tarahum – for Gaza” campaign to assist Palestinians impacted by the conflict. Over 24,000 volunteers participated domestically, assembling 71,000 relief baskets from locally sourced materials.
In late February, the UAE initiated Operation “Birds of Goodness” to deliver 293 tonnes of aid via Emirati and Egyptian aircraft. Joint crews from both nations conducted the drop operation over the northern Gaza Strip.
The county also constructed the Emirates Field Hospital in Gaza, boasting 200 beds and staffed by over 100 medical professionals. The hospital handled 8,798 cases and offered a diverse array of medical services including orthopedics, women’s and children’s surgeries, anaesthesia, internal medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, family medicine, and CT scans. It also houses a laboratory and a pharmacy, and provides medical supplies to support other hospitals in the sector.
Furthermore, the UAE Floating Hospital was inaugurated and anchored at the port of Al Arish to deliver essential medical treatment and support to the Palestinian community. Staffed with diverse medical and administrative professionals, encompassing specialties such as anaesthesia, general surgery, orthopedics, and emergency care, along with nurses and auxiliary personnel, the hospital boasts a 100-bed capacity. It is equipped with operating theatres, intensive care units, radiology facilities, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and medical storage spaces.
As part of the healthcare initiative in UAE hospitals, 1,056 patients and their companions were accommodated, comprising 545 injured children and individuals with cancer, along with 511 companions. This initiative aims to host 1,000 Palestinian children, accompanied by their families, for treatment in the country, and to provide treatment for 1,000 Palestinian cancer patients.
Additionally, six water desalination plants were established, generating 1.2 million gallons of potable water daily to sustain over 600,000 individuals. Furthermore, five automated bakeries were set up to meet the daily requirements of more than 72,000 people. Each bakery has a production capacity of approximately 15,000 loaves per hour. Furthermore, these bakeries supply flour to seven existing bakeries in Gaza, catering to the daily needs of around 14,000 people, thereby partially addressing the food requirements of the region’s population.
Those who came to extend the Ramadan greetings included sheikhs; senior officials; dignitaries of the country; and UAE citizens who prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, today received at Al Badee’ Palace, Ramadan well-wishers, on the first day of the holy month.
Those who came to extend the Ramadan greetings included sheikhs; senior officials; dignitaries of the country; and UAE citizens who prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people.
The reception was attended by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; and several officials from the emirate.
Renowned as a landmark of cultural significance in Sharjah and the region, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation stands out for its architectural magnificence, echoing traditional Arab-Islamic designs…reports Asian Lite News
Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) announced free access to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan. The museum will operate in two visiting slots from 9 am to 2 pm and from 9 pm to 11 pm, welcoming guests every day except Friday.
However, it will adjust its evening hours by closing during the last ten days of Ramadan to accommodate the heightened period of Taraweeh and night prayers, while it will remain closed on the 29th and 30th of Ramadan in observance of Eid Al Fitr preparations.
Renowned as a landmark of cultural significance in Sharjah and the region, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation stands out for its architectural magnificence, echoing traditional Arab-Islamic designs.
Originating as a marketplace in 1987, its construction covers an expansive area of 10,000 square meters, inspired by the esteemed Natural History Museum in London, which shares the same exquisite stonework.
H.H. Sheikh Hamad accepted Ramadan greetings from Sheikhs, senior officials, and heads of local government departments…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, received on Monday a host of Ramadan well-wishers, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
H.H. Sheikh Hamad accepted Ramadan greetings from Sheikhs, senior officials, and heads of local government departments.
The well-wishers prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people.
As a testament to the agreement’s success, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and India reached US$50.5 billion in the first year of CEPA, a 5.8 percent annual increase. The goal is to further boost non-oil trade to $100 billion by 2030…reports Asian Lite News
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is a major contributor to the growing trade between India and the UAE. There’s been a significant increase in Indian businesses setting up there, with 28% more new companies in 2023 compared to the previous year. This resulted in over 190 new Indian businesses and a total of more than 1,500 Indian companies in Jafza. This growth follows trade events held in India to connect with potential businesses.
Bharat Mart, set to open in 2026, gained attention at recent trade events. This initiative aims to assist Indian businesses in accessing markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe by offering retail space, warehousing, and logistics services. With nearly 3,000 business leads generated in less than a month, the project has received positive reception.
Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer, Parks and Zones at DP World GCC, elaborated on the platform’s potential impact and said, “We have received overwhelming interest from Indian businesses who are keen to establish a presence in Jafza and leverage our world-class infrastructure, network, and market access. With Bharat Mart, we will continue to revolutionise trade, opening new pathways that strengthen economic partnerships and facilitate seamless global commerce.”
The gathering also shed light on the flourishing trade ties between the UAE and India since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was inked in May 2022. The landmark agreement eliminated tariffs for Indian traders, creating an open and efficient environment for cross-border trade.
As a testament to the agreement’s success, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and India reached US$50.5 billion in the first year of CEPA, a 5.8 percent annual increase. The goal is to further boost non-oil trade to $100 billion by 2030.
The CEPA’s effectiveness is boosted by DP World’s India-UAE Trade Bridge initiative launched in 2019, which streamlines shipping between the two nations, reducing costs and time and generating new business opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
Al Hashmi added, “Despite the ongoing challenges in the international trade network, our collaborative initiatives with India have led to a notable increase in trade between our two nations. Jafza has been key to this success, and our focus now is on sustaining this growth by empowering Indian businesses and promoting a strong trade ecosystem, reinforcing our commitment to economic prosperity.”
Jafza currently serves over 10,000 companies from 130 countries, with 87 percent of the UAE’s non-oil trade with India coming through Dubai. Indian companies represent the second-largest partners in terms of trade volume and are fourth in terms of trade value at Jafza.
Jafza links businesses to Jebel Ali’s new Agri Terminals facility, which broke ground in February 2024. The AED550 million complex will establish the largest multi-tenant facility in Dubai for storing and processing grains for both domestic consumption and export to the wider region. The first phase of the project is scheduled for completion in early 2025. Together, the Port and Free Zone offer a comprehensive logistics solution that can help Indian companies thrive.
