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OPEC+ to hold first in-person ministerial meeting since 2020

It’s the first in-person meeting at the ministerial level for OPEC+ since March 2020 when Covid-19 restrictions moved the meeting online….reports Asian Lite News

The OPEC+ oil cartel will meet in Vienna at the ministerial level on October 5 to discuss future output strategy, according to a statement issued by the organisation.

It’s the first in-person meeting at the ministerial level for OPEC+ since March 2020 when Covid-19 restrictions moved the meeting online.

Investors are awaiting the decision at next week’s OPEC+ meeting, as oil prices have recently tumbled over fears of an economic slowdown and demand contraction. Both the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and the Brent crude have dropped from peaks of over $120 a barrel in June to about $80 a barrel.

OPEC+, which comprises the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, slashed oil production massively in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hammered demand. The group began to unwind the output cuts in July 2021 as the market improved.

At its last ministerial meeting held virtually in early September, OPEC+ announced a small production cut of 100,000 barrels per day for October, its first output cut in over a year, to bolster the sliding crude prices.

ALSO READ: OPEC Fund extends $11mn higher education loan to Chad

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Abu Dhabi India News

Vistara launches Mumbai-Abu Dhabi daily flights

The inaugural flight will depart from Mumbai at 1910 Hours (IST) and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 2040 Hours (GST)

Vistara, India’s full-service carrier and a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines, inaugurated non-stop, daily flights between Mumbai (India) and Abu Dhabi (UAE).

The inaugural flight will depart from Mumbai at 1910 Hours (IST) and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 2040 Hours (GST), making Vistara the first-ever carrier to offer the choice of Premium Economy class on the route, in addition to Business and Economy class.

Commenting on the start of the new international route, Mr. Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, “We have been steadily strengthening our presence in the UAE and the rest of the Gulf region, and are excited to add Abu Dhabi to our growing international network. UAE’s flourishing business, trade, and tourism make Abu Dhabi a perfect fit in our network. We are confident that travellers will appreciate the choice of flying India and South Asia’s best airline on this route.“

Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards, besides being lauded for world-class cabin cleanliness and upholding high safety standards.

The airline has recently been recognised as the ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for the second time in a row, ‘Best Airline Staff Service in India and South Asia’ for the fourth consecutive year, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the second time in a row and ‘Best Business Class in India and South Asia’ at the coveted Skytrax World Airline Awards 2022.

In a short span of over seven years since starting operations, Vistara has recently crossed the milestone of flying 35 million passengers.

ALSO READ: Vistara inaugurates non-stop service between Mumbai and Jeddah

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Sohar In’l participates at Injaz Oman closing ceremony

The ‘Student Company’ program provided an excellent platform for students to gain hands-on experience in dealing with real-life challenges as well as equip them with the required knowledge and practical experience to succeed in their respective careers…reports Asian Lite News

In accordance with the national goals to build a knowledge-based economy, Sohar International has stayed committed to promoting initiatives that contribute to knowledge sharing. The bank has recently participated at the Injaz Oman closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the ‘Student Company’ programme and competition. Being the Gold Sponsor for the 11th edition  of the programme, the bank has announced the winner of Sohar International award for the ‘Best Video Advertisement’ at the closing event. Organised at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), the closing ceremony was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais bin Tariq al- Said, Vice-Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee and was attended by senior officials from the public and private institutions participating in the programme.

Mr. Mohamed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Chairman of Sohar International, commented: “The Omani youth are the future of the country and will play an instrumental role in driving the nation’s progress. Through the years, Injaz Oman has played a vital role in enriching the lives of students by helping them acquire the needed skills to start their own ventures and thrive in a competitive market. Marketing is a critical component for any business, and we believe that this award will be a motivation for young entrepreneurs to develop strategic marketing roadmaps, and execute them in line with their respective business objectives. As a bank that is strongly aligned with Oman Vision 2040 that prioritises education as a key sector to achieve sustainable growth, Sohar International will continue to spearhead campaigns that harness innovation and promote critical thinking amongst the youth. As a bank that believes in nurturing a skilled local workforce while inculcating the right saving mindset amongst the youth, this initiative resonates with Sohar International’s vision to aid in the development of the education sector.”

The ‘Student Company’ program provided an excellent platform for students to gain hands-on experience in dealing with real-life challenges as well as equip them with the required knowledge and practical experience to succeed in their respective careers. The program targeted high schools and universities young Omanis with workshops on business management, financial planning, marketing and sales and human resources management among other subjects.

Khaula Alharthy, Chief Executive officer of Injaz Oman, commented, “The ‘Student Company’ program is a unique initiative that was structured to help high school and university students acquire the needed skills, competencies and hands-on experience to become entrepreneurs in their areas of expertise and interest. We at Injaz Oman appreciate Sohar International’s efforts in supporting the future generations of Oman’s entrepreneurs. We look forward to continue this partnership and help bring more development and prosperity to the youth of this great nation.”

The Sohar International Award for Best Video Ad is intended to promote youth’s creativity and communication abilities. Several student-run businesses took part in the award qualification, where Pure Green was declared the winner following various evaluation procedures. The award comes under the bank’s sponsorship of the 11th edition of the ‘Student Company’ programme and competition organized by Injaz Oman.

With an uncompromising take on ensuring quality education, training and development for the local workforce, Sohar International has taken several such initiatives aimed at driving socio-economic progress in the country while helping the youth explore new channels for growth. By encouraging individuals to continue their learning journey, exercising a progressive mindset in the community, and supporting promising sectors and local talents, the bank has meaningfully contributed to the socio-economic development of the country. 

ALSO READ-Sohar int’l gets ‘Best Tourism Promotion Campaign’ award

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Hurricane Ian: Emiratis in Florida moved to Washington

Destruction caused by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico.(photo: twitter.com/pedropierluisi)

The evacuation was executed under the supervision of Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States of America…reports Asian Lite News

The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington D.C., has evacuated UAE citizens in Florida to Washington D.C., after Tropical Storm Ian turned into a powerful hurricane threatening the State of Florida.

The evacuation was executed under the supervision of Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States of America.

In the midst of Hurricane Ian, an emergency evacuation plan was developed by the Embassy’s Emergency and Crisis Committee, which included members from the Embassy, various technical offices, the Annexes, and scholarship agencies. 141 Emirati nationals have been evacuated thus far. The evacuation plan included various means of transportation to transfer UAE nationals out of Florida, including by chartering a private plane (for 119 evacuees), booking seats on commercial flights (for 13 evacuees), and having individuals drive out of Florida (9 evacuees), wherein they were safely evacuated to Washington, DC.

Due to critical weather conditions and the difficulty of finding commercial flights to Washington D.C., the Embassy’s Emergency and Crisis Committee arranged the evacuation of some UAE nationals from Florida to safe neighboring states. As part of the evacuation plan, the Embassy also assigned a task force to look after the citizens and their escorts upon arrival at the hotel in Washington D.C., ensuring their needs were met and providing the necessary support during their stay.

In light of the situation, Shaima Gargash, Deputy Head of Mission in Washington D.C., stated, “Our embassy ensures that we are taking all the necessary precautions to safeguard the security and safety of UAE nationals in the United States.”

Gargash added, “We perform our duties in close and direct coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.”

The UAE Embassy expressed its acknowledgement of and appreciation for the effective role of the Embassy’s diplomats, employees, and Attachés. The Embassy also extended its utmost appreciation to the UAE Government for its unlimited support for its citizens around the world.

ALSO READ: Dubai Metaverse Assembly takes delegates to Mars

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Dubai Metaverse Assembly takes delegates to Mars

Taking place in the Dubai Future Accelerators, EVERDOME presented a workshop on ‘Creating Worlds and Experiences for a Hyper-Realistic Metaverse’…reports Asian Lite News

The Dubai Metaverse Assembly hosted a series of side sessions on Thursday taking delegates on a virtual space odyssey to the horizons of the metaverse.

Senior executives from major corporations as well as leaders and experts in metaverse technologies also discussed topics such as the relationship between the metaverse and gaming, retail, banking, and venture capital.

Seven side sessions took place on the sidelines of the second day of the Dubai Metaverse Assembly, which convened more than 600 delegates at the Museum of the Future and AREA 2071, Emirates Towers, to lead discussions on the metaverse.

Taking place in the Dubai Future Accelerators, EVERDOME presented a workshop on ‘Creating Worlds and Experiences for a Hyper-Realistic Metaverse’, which included an interplanetary journey to Mars. Participants were taken on an immersive space journey to a detailed metaverse city on the Red Planet. They explored the potential of a pioneering metaverse adventure with both social and business elements and learned about the BIG metaverse adoption hypotheses as well as the creative process of worldbuilding.

MasterCard hosted a workshop titled ‘How Shopping, Banking, and Gaming are Spearheading the Metaverse’, while another workshop by Verse Estate at Coders HQ titled ‘The Metaverse: Not Just a Game but a Game Changer,’ examined how the metaverse is increasingly impacting sectors and spheres outside of gaming.

Meanwhile, a session titled ‘Venture Capital for the Metaverse’, led by the UAE’s Crypto Oasis at Coders HQ, explored investment opportunities in virtual worlds. Crypto Oasis hosted another side session at Coders HQ titled ‘Web2: Silicon Valley, Web 3: Crypto Oasis’.

MetaDecrypt led a workshop at Government Accelerators called ‘A Day of Immersive Learning Experience in the Metaverse’, which exposed participants to the potential of the metaverse to transform training and education. Another workshop titled ‘Metaverse and Web3 Discussions’ was also organised by MetaCon.

The inaugural Dubai Metaverse Assembly took place on 28th and 29th September 2022 and witnessed more than 25 main and side sessions led by tech experts and specialists in the metaverse and AI systems worked together on tangible outcomes contributing to the future of the metaverse. The Assembly is aligned with the objectives of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy to transform Dubai into one of the world’s top 10 metaverse economies.

ALSO READ: UAE, Oman ink $3bn cross-border railway deal

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Abu Dhabi: ‘Big Zero’ installations to collect single-use plastics

The installations will be mobile and will move to different places in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra Region to ensure that the capital is fully covered…reports Asian Lite News

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has introduced a range of ‘Big Zero’ installations throughout Abu Dhabi, which will act as collection points for the public to deposit single-use plastic bottles for recycling.

The installations will be placed in prime locations with high footfall such as malls, parks and events.

The ‘Big Zero’ installations are part of the larger Mission to Zero campaign. The public-facing comprehensive campaign aims to achieve an aspirational zero target for single-use plastic consumption, carbon emissions, waste, and harm to biodiversity in Abu Dhabi.

The installations will be mobile and will move to different places in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra Region to ensure that the capital is fully covered.

ADNEC Group hosted the first three installations of three large ‘Big Zero’ at ADNEC during the Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which takes place from 26th September to 2nd October, where the Agency will have a dedicated presence to foster awareness around the goals of Mission to Zero.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information, Science Outreach Management Division at EAD, said, “Mission to Zero is a multi-faceted outreach campaign and we want all residents of Abu Dhabi to join us in achieving the zero target of single-use plastic consumption. To support this aim, we are introducing ‘Big Zero’ installations that the public will be able to find in hotspots around Abu Dhabi, where they can deposit single-use plastic bottles for recycling purposes. We have signed an agreement with plastic collection and recycling service provider who will be responsible for the recycling of the bottles.”

He added, “At EAD, we like to think big – hence the name of the installations and we are certain that we will be able to collect a remarkable amount of bottles and avoid the public disposing of them in a way that harms our environment. We encourage Abu Dhabi residents to start collecting their single-use plastic bottles and heading to the nearest ‘Big Zero’ installation.”

Another element of Mission to Zero is the schools’ ‘Pile it Up’ Campaign – a challenge launched in Abu Dhabi schools that encourages them to compete in the collection of the most single-use plastic bottles for recycling. Furthermore, EAD has tasked young people to visit small grocery stores (baqalas) with posters to educate them on the harms of single-use plastic and encourage them to use more eco-friendly alternatives.

Mission to Zero is a component of the Single-Use Plastic Policy launched by EAD in 2020, and the implementation of a ban on single-use plastic bags in Abu Dhabi officially began on June 1st 2022. Major retailers such as Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society and Spar, Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Choithrams, Spinneys and Waitrose are now offering multi-use grocery bags.

ALSO READ: UAE, Oman ink $3bn cross-border railway deal

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Al Wasl to be brought back to life in spectacular style

Al Wasl projections will take place five evenings a week from Wednesday to Sunday and are open to all visitors, free of charge…reports Asian Lite News

Al Wasl will be brought back to life in spectacular style on Saturday, with visitors set to enjoy a magical and masterful display of stunning visuals and stirring music as the sun sets.

Coinciding with its official launch, Expo City Dubai heralds a new chapter with a revival of Expo 2020 Dubai’s nightly “Awakening of Al Wasl” at 18:15 (after evening prayer) – a celebration of the collaborative, creative and optimistic spirit of this innovation-driven city of the future.

The beating heart of Expo 2020, and now Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl’s 360-degree projection surface will immerse visitors in a spellbinding visual theatre, merging awe-inspiring technologies with some of the world’s most creative minds and demonstrating the deep-rooted values and vision of the UAE.

Al Wasl projections will take place five evenings a week from Wednesday to Sunday and are open to all visitors, free of charge.

Meanwhile, ahead of the official opening of the Expo City Dubai site, visitors have been experiencing two of its most popular pavilions from 1st September, with the re-opening of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion.

Terra – a world-class example of sustainable best practice in architecture and design – encourages visitors to re-evaluate their relationship with the environment through an immersive journey through ocean and forest, while Alif will transport explorers through time and across new horizons to discover how mobility has driven human progress throughout history.

Later this year, the Opportunity Pavilion will become the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum – a new addition highlighting the history and impact of World Expos and celebrating the success of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Expo City Dubai is also looking forward to the return of UAE students, with the Expo School Programme preparing an awe-inspiring and evolving array of immersive educational experiences, exhibits and interactive workshops reflecting the themes of the pavilions.

ALSO READ: UAE, Oman ink $3bn cross-border railway deal

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UAE launches search for great Arab minds

Over a 5-year period, “The Great Arab Minds” will reward scientists, thought leaders, scholars, and innovators across 6 categories, reports Asian Lite Newdesk

UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, on Thursday highlighted the details of “The Great Arab Minds” initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in January this year.

The initiative is the Arab world’s largest movement designed to search for exceptional talents among Arab scientists, thinkers, and innovators across key fields.

The initiative, under the MBRGI, aims to identify, support and acknowledge leading thinkers in the region, amplify their impact and inspire future generations. One of its main purposes is to reduce the emigration of Arab scientists, specialists, intellectuals, doctors, and engineers.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, who is also the Chairman of the Committee leading Great Arab Minds, and Secretary-General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum believes in the importance of movement, change and development, and in the capabilities of Arab talents and their ambitions.

He affirmed that “The Great Arab Minds” initiative reflect Sheikh Mohammed’s vision in reigniting the Arab World’s Civilisation Drive, support great Arab minds and acknowledge their work and achievements, in service of humanity.

Mohammad Al Gergawi pointed out the importance of the Arab Reading Challenge initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, among many other development projects, serving more than 91 million beneficiaries.

A study conducted by KPMG, showed that ignorance costs the Arab world more than US$2 trillion. The Great Arab Minds initiative aims to change this reality and contribute to shaping a brighter future for Arab generations.

During an event organised in the Museum of the Future to announce the details of the initiative, Mohammad Al Gergawi witnessed the signing of four partnerships between “The Great Arab Minds” initiative and KPMG, LinkedIn, Meta, and Majarra.

The initiative’s mission is to search for exceptional talents among Arab scientists, thinkers, and innovators across key fields, aiming to identify, support and acknowledge leading thinkers in the region, amplify their impact and inspire future generations.

Over a 5-year period, “The Great Arab Minds” will reward scientists, thought leaders, scholars, and innovators across 6 categories: Natural Sciences (Physics and Chemistry), Medicine, Literature and Arts, Economics, Technology and Engineering, and Architecture & Design.

The initiative includes the “Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Great Arab Minds”, which will be awarded to 6 winners of six categories each year.

The Great Arab Minds initiative aims to facilitate the recognition of Arab thought leaders, scholars, scientists, geniuses, and transforming their ideas to real-life breakthroughs and solutions. It also aims at empowering cluster of Arab scientists and thinkers and building a network of Arab thinkers, scientists, and exceptional talents in various fields to work as one team to drive the Arab world’s intellectual renaissance.

Partnerships with int’l companies

The Great Arab Minds” initiative, has signed strategic partnerships with a number of international companies, including KPMG, LinkedIn, Meta and Majarra, in order to enhance the journey of searching for exceptional talents among Arab scientists, thinkers, and innovators across key fields.

‏The strategic partnerships were signed by Saeed Al Nazari, Secretary General of Great Arab Minds Committee representing the initiative; Chucrallah Haddad, Head of Advisory at “KPMG”; Rajai El Khadem, Head of LinkedIn MENA- Government and Academia; Shaden Khallaf, Head of Public Policy, North Africa and GCC at META; and Abdulsalam Haykal, Executive Chariman and CEO of Majarra.

Under the partnerships with “The Great Arab Minds”, KPMG will be responsible for supervising the nomination, evaluation and application phases, according to the best global practices. As the world’s largest talent platform, LinkedIn will facilitate access to talents in various fields, through providing an interactive platform for Arab geniuses, to exchange knowledge and information and share experiences.

Through the partnership, “META” will support “The Great Arab Minds” in digital creativity and social media platforms, and provide digital training by employing the latest tools and products to enhance communication between Arab talents, companies, and sponsors. Also, as per the partnership, “Majarra” will develop a scientific Arabic content and ensure high quality, innovation and creativity, in order to support the initiative in the journey of making a radical change in the Arab scientific content on the Internet.

ALSO READ: Haryana to study UAE’s safari parks

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Haryana to study UAE’s safari parks

Encouraged by the success of Sharjah Safari, , Khattar had suggested the idea of jungle safaris and tourist-oriented trekking in Haryana….reports Asian Lite News

Hoping to learn from the UAE’s experience in jungle and desert safaris, Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of the Indian state of Haryana, is in the northern emirates on a two-day visit.

He will visit Dubai Safari Park and Sharjah Safari with a team of high-level officials from Haryana’s Tourism and Wildlife Department, officials in the state capital, Chandigarh, said.

Haryana is near the national capital of New Delhi and is home to 180 species of birds, 29 species of aquatic animals, 57 species of butterflies, 15 species of mammals and many reptiles. It has no safari parks on a scale that could harness the state’s wildlife resources into tourist attractions.

The Aravalli Range of hills, rich in flora, fauna and wildlife, also runs partly through Haryana. It has a 1,600 km-long and 5 km-wide green ecological corridor.

Encouraged by the success of Sharjah Safari, which opened in February this year and the older and well-known attraction of Dubai Safari Park, Khattar had suggested the idea of jungle safaris and tourist-oriented trekking in Haryana recently to India’s Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. There are no national parks in the Aravallis part of Haryana.

Yadav is also now in Dubai to attend the World Green Economy Summit, which began yesterday and an associated Ministerial Roundtable for Green Economy.

Khattar is using the opportunity offered by his visit to meet potential UAE investors in his state, officials accompanying him said.

ALSO READ: UAE, Oman ink $3bn cross-border railway deal

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India lauds joint climate initiatives with UAE

Yadav later reviewed the progress of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Climate Action signed on 26th May this year between India and UAE…reports Asian Lite News

India’s Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, has praised the UAE’s climate actions and highlighted global initiatives spearheaded jointly by the UAE and India for combating climate change.

The Minister is in Dubai to attend the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), which began on Wednesday. He attended a Ministerial Roundtable for Green Economy as part of the Summit, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a press release.

“Speaking at the Roundtable, the Minister stressed the importance of addressing environmental and climate objectives alongside economic development and further stated that accelerating low carbon transition across different economic sectors is the need of the hour,” the press release said.

Yadav later reviewed the progress of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Climate Action signed on 26th May this year between India and UAE. During bilateral discussions, he was briefed about preparations for the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) which will be held in the UAE in 2023.

The Minister said, “India is the first country with a cooling action plan based on energy efficiency and thermal comfort and has launched important initiatives for industrial energy efficiency,” the press release said.

Speaking at the roundtable, Union Minister stressed the importance of addressing environmental and climate objectives alongside economic development.

The Minister outlined achievements under various policies as well as partnerships steered by India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He mentioned global initiatives like International Solar Alliance and other initiatives for strengthening the green economy across key sectors like energy, industry, transportation, agriculture, and forestry.

According to an official release, the minister mentioned about the measures taken by India on sustainable finance such as sovereign green bonds, blended finance as well as setting up the GIFT city and the ISA-Solar Risk Mitigation Initiative.

The Union Environment Minister stated that India is the first country with a cooling action plan based on energy efficiency and thermal comfort, and has launched important initiatives including UJALA Yojana and schemes for industrial energy efficiency. India’s ambitious renewable energy progress was also mentioned.

On climate finance, Yadav stated that Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero estimates a requirement of USD 100 trillion of finance for global net zero by 2050. He said developed countries have failed even in mobilizing the amount of USD 100 billion per annum by 2020, and India’s NDCs are thus largely financed by domestic investment.

After the Roundtable, the Union Minister also had a bilateral meeting with Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

In the meeting, they discussed issues relating to COP 27, COP 28, MoU on Climate Actions between India and UAE, and global initiatives spearheaded by UAE and India for combating climate change. (with inputs from ANI)

ALSO READ: UAE, Japan launch strategic partnership deal