The UAE has been elected President of the Union of Arab Chemists, with Moza Saif Matar Al Shamsi, President of Emirates Chemical Society, being selected for the position of the Union’s Secretary-General…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE won the seat during the 40th session of the Supreme Council of the Union of Arab Chemists, which was held at the Fazaa Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai.
Al Shamsi said this honour is a form of recognition of the UAE’s achievements in all areas, thanks to the support of its leadership for science, scientists and innovation.
UAE elected as President of Union of Arab Chemists (WAM)
Zeid Al Othman, President of the Saudi Chemical Society, thanked the participating associations and unions from all Arab countries.
The meeting was attended by more than 30 academics and chemistry specialists representing 17 Arab chemistry associations, and discussed their future plans and recent achievements. (WAM)
Dubai Customs, Indian Consul discuss trade and economy cooperation
Dubai Customs continues the development of its technical and human potential in support of traders and investors, including the launch of the latest AI smart applications…reports Asian Lite News
Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Director-General of Dubai Customs, received at his office K. Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade and Commerce) at the Consulate General of India in Dubai, to discuss means to enhancing cooperation and partnership.
“India is a major trade partner of Dubai, and the emirate’s historic relationship which sets the growth in mutual trade as one of the strategic priorities that we work together to develop, and to help India gain more from the emirate’s central location and role as a leading hub for trade,” said Musabih. “We provide best facilities and customs services to Indian businesses which can also benefit from the advanced infrastructure and logistics.”
“Dubai external trade is seeing more success, especially after the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, which helped introduce Dubai and its true potential, in overcoming the challenges including the COVID-19, to the world. During what has been a testing period, Dubai contributed to the smooth traffic of goods between the world’s regions, getting us closer to achieve the emirate’s milestone of reaching AED2 trillion in trade in the next five years,” he added.
Musabih said that Dubai Customs continues the development of its technical and human potential in support of traders and investors, including the launch of the latest AI smart applications.
Meanwhile, Kalimutu applauded Dubai Customs’ efforts in facilitating Indian trade, which helps grow mutual trade and investments. (WAM)
Gulf Cooperation Council celebrates Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai WAM)
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) celebrated its Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday in the presence of Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf, GCC Secretary-General, with a special operetta also performed to mark the occasion…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed Dr. Al-Hajraf and Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, former GCC Secretary-General.
Sheikh Nahyan said, “The GCC’s participation features what the region has achieved through a unified identity, showcasing the historical legacy of the council, the pillars and projects on which it has worked, and its future aspirations and plans.
The GCC has played a significant role in unifying efforts to achieve coordination, integration and cohesion among its Member States in all areas, he added.
Sheikh Nahyan stated, “We laud the GCC Pavilion, underlining the earnest desire to maintain Khaleeji heritage and working further to enhance strategic and brotherly relations for a better future.”
Dr. Al-Hajraf said, “The GCC has proven its ability to face world crises and changes. Today, the GCC has become a cornerstone for security, stability and safety for its people. It has also become a symbol of our members’ comprehensive development and ambitions.
“The UAE has demonstrated its ability to efficiently and distinctively host international events and occasions. We – the GCC, the Gulf and Emirati people – have the right to feel proud.”
The celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, followed by an operetta, Khalejena Wahed, prepared and organised by GCC Pavilion, while the Kuwaiti Television Artistic Group performed a show reflecting the deep-rooted ties and relations among the GCC’s six Member States (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar).
The Honour Day was also marked in the skies, with a UAE Army helicopter flyby, then a colourful air show by Al Fursan (The Knights), the UAE Air Force’s aerobatic team.
The seven jets soared in formation across the sky, equipped with white, red, blue and green smoke generators that left magnificent trails behind them. Onlookers watched in amazement as the team tumbled and twirled through the air in perfectly choreographed movements above Expo 2020 Dubai.
The Gulf Cooperation Council Pavilion, located in the Opportunity District under the theme’ Unified Vision for a Promising Future’, symbolises the common destiny of all its the Member States in the past, the present and the future.
The pavilion explains the GCC’s achievements since its foundation in Abu Dhabi in 1981 and highlights several cornerstones, including historical heritage, integration and future aspirations. (WAM)
The UAE and Denmark signed two agreements in extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters…reports Asian Lite News
The two agreements were signed by Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, and Nick Hækkerup, Danish Minister of Justice.
During the signing, Al Nuaimi lauded the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and highlighted their mutual keenness to strengthen their legal and judicial cooperation, including in the areas of extradition and legal assistance on criminal matters.
UAE sign extradition agreement with Denmark (WAM)
He also affirmed the UAE’s keenness to boost its legal and judicial cooperation with Denmark, by adopting the best-applied practices and advancing their bilateral ties, to counter money-laundering, terrorism financing, human trafficking, narcotics smuggling and organised crime.
The signing event was attended by Judge Abdul Rahman Murad Al Balushi, Director of the International Cooperation Department; Abdullah Hassan Al Marzouqi, Head of the International Agreements Department; Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, Ambassador of Denmark to the UAE, and other officials from both sides.
The two agreements cover a variety of areas, including the extradition of criminals and extraditable crimes, as well as the refusal of extradition requests and related provisions, enforcement dates, amendments, terminations and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. (WAM)
Ruler of Sharjah attends opening of 31st edition of Sharjah Theatre Days (WAM)
The Sharjah Theatre Days welcomes theatre experts from various Arab and international countries to attend the performances and participate in practical and intellectual seminars, conferences, and open discussions…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said today that culture, in all its forms, including theatre, arts, poetry, fiction, literature, and sciences, and knowledge constitutes a solid tool for protecting societies against all the besetting challenges that pose menacing threats to their identity, ethics and religion.
H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan made the remarks in a speech he delivered at the opening ceremony of the 31st edition of the Sharjah Theatre Days, which was organised by the Department of Culture, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council, and H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, this evening at the Culture Palace.
The Sharjah Theatre Days welcomes theatre experts from various Arab and international countries to attend the performances and participate in practical and intellectual seminars, conferences, and open discussions. The Festival also hosts an international performance to strengthen communication ties between Arabic and international theatre. (WAM)
Ruler of Sharjah attends opening of 31st edition of Sharjah Theatre Days (WAM) Ruler of Sharjah attends opening of 31st edition of Sharjah Theatre Days (WAM) Ruler of Sharjah attends opening of 31st edition of Sharjah Theatre Days (WAM)
The prohibition to provide arms to the Houthis as a group is now binding on all the EU’s territory, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2624 (2022)…reports Asian Lite News
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the decision by the Council of the European Union to amend a regulation for arms embargo adopted by the United Nations (UN), which all UN Member States are required to implement under the UN Charter.
The European Council decision cites the text of the UN Security Council resolution describing the Houthis repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Yemen, commission of sexual violence against women, military recruitment of children, and incitement of violence on the basis of religion and nationality.
The reasons for listing also include the Houthi militias’ attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea using waterborne improvised explosive devices and sea mines, as well as cross-border terrorist attacks striking civilians and civilian infrastructure in the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The prohibition to provide arms to the Houthis as a group is now binding on all the EU’s territory, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2624 (2022).
The European Council’s amended regulation follows the recent adoption of the UN Security Council resolution that renews the sanctions regime on Yemen and labels the Houthi militias as a “terrorist group” for the first time.
Extending from its multilateral efforts to end the war in Yemen and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, the UAE continues to urge the international community to take a firm stance on the designation of the Houthi militias as a terrorist group and to disrupt the flow of arms and financial support. The UAE also encourages States to exercise more vigilance over their exports of dual use items that are being used in weapons systems by the Houthis to attack civilian targets, as documented in UN reports on Yemen sanctions.
Furthermore, the UAE affirms that the only solution to bring an end to this crisis is to join efforts to reach a political solution under the auspices of the United Nations with Yemeni stakeholders in accordance with the Gulf Initiative, the results of the National Dialogue Conference, and relevant UN resolutions.
UAE calls on international community
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, has participated in a high-level meeting on the humanitarian situation in Yemen, which was hosted by the Swiss Confederation, Sweden, and United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
During the meeting, which saw the participation of a number of representatives of donor, UN, and international government organisations, Sheikh Shakhboot reiterated the UAE’s call on the international community to take serious and decisive steps to put pressure on the terrorist Houthi militias to cease their transgressions.
Sheikh Shakhboot noted that the international community should reflect on the reasons that led to the escalation in Yemen, most notably the Houthis’ refusal to accept any political solution and to meet with the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, as well as their rejection of the fact that the only way to achieve peace is through negotiations.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has ordered two emergency humanitarian relief flights to support civilians fleeing the crisis in Ukraine…reports Asian Lite News
Under his directives, the two flights transporting essential relief departed from Dubai and Sharjah airports. The transportation of the relief material was facilitated by International Humanitarian City in Dubai (IHC).
Emirates Airlines provided its Boeing 777-ER Cargo plane for the first aid and relief shipment that departed from Dubai for Warsaw in Poland. This aid, which was transported as part of the collective efforts of United Nations organisations such as the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD), International Medical Corps (IMC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Fittest, World Health Organization (WHO) and other aid organisations, is expected to support around 50,000 beneficiaries.
The second flight operated by Aramex Airline B747F Cargo departed from Sharjah airport for Liege in Belgium carrying an aid consignment from the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The aid material is expected to benefit around 35,000 people.
The latest aid comes in addition to the aircraft dispatched by the UAE on 7 March as part of its emergency relief efforts to assist civilians in Ukraine.
“UNHCR is proud of its strategic partnership with IHC in Dubai, and we appreciate this important contribution which represents the generosity of the Government of the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. This contribution will support UNHCR’s emergency response in Ukraine and neighbouring countries,” said Nadia Jbour, Head of UNHCR Office in the UAE.
Through their logistics hub in Dubai, IHC’s members can immediately and efficiently deliver lifesaving supplies and emergency aid to countries around the world.
The two top diplomats also discussed the stability of global energy and commodities markets, including the global grain supply, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday and underscored the urgent need to reach a peaceful settlement in the Ukraine issue.
The two top diplomats also discussed the stability of global energy and commodities markets, including the global grain supply.
Sheikh Abdullah
Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the UAE’s readiness to support all efforts aimed at finding a solution to the crisis, including a ceasefire. He underlined the importance of maintaining sustainable regional and international peace, security, and stability. Furthermore, he noted that the UAE is committed to constructive diplomacy aimed at de-escalation.
Sheikh Abdullah also expressed the UAE’s deep concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians. He addressed possible mechanisms to alleviate civilian suffering and underscored the importance of ensuring the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and relief in line with international humanitarian law. He highlighted the role of the United Nations in this regard and reiterated the UAE’s support for its humanitarian work.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Russia, and Abdulnasser Al Shaali, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
“The UAE welcomes all mediation efforts to bring the parties together and to prioritise regional and international peace and stability,” Sheikh Abdullah told a news conference. “We also stressed the need to intensify efforts to consider the available options on humanitarian issues, most importantly unimpeded humanitarian access that would ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.”
He also affirmed the UAE’s confidence in the parties’ ability to seek a political solution, and to build on the existing talks between the parties. “The UAE is fully prepared to support all efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict. We also affirm our full readiness to engage with all parties to reach a ceasefire agreement.”
They have also discussed the global energy supply and commodities markets.
“Lavrov and I stress the importance of stability in energy markets for the global economy. The security of global food supplies is also essential. Many countries around the world in our region and beyond are deeply dependent on the import and export of grain and other essentials of the world’s food supply chains.”
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Minister underlined the strategic relations between the UAE and the Russia, pointing out that the volume of non-oil trade between the two countries amounted to $5 billion by the end of last year.
Lavrov hailed the ongoing Emirati-Russian cooperation in various fields, including at the international level, in light of the UAE’s current membership of the United Nations Security Council.
The Russian top diplomat touched on a number of political files in various countries, including in Syria, Sudan and Yemen. He noted in this regard that the Russian Federation condemned the attacks on civil facilities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, stressing that diplomacy is the only solution to the Yemeni crisis.
CJI said that India and the UAE share strong friendly ties and that the two nations have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement…reports Asian Lite News
Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, who is on his maiden visit to the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday held talks with the UAE Justice Minister and the head of the Emirates Supreme Court.
The discussion was focused on the Indian expatriates in the Gulf country and for closer judicial cooperation between the two nations.
CJI Ramana, accompanied by Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir and Supreme Court Justice Hima Kohli, held a meeting with UAE Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Federal Supreme Court President Mohd Hamad Al Badi, and Supreme Court Judge Abdul Rahman Al Balushi on issues concerning Indian expatriates.
Pic Credits Twitter @IndembAbuDhabi
Addressing a felicitation function organised by the Indian community in the UAE at the India Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi, he said: “Today we discussed some issues which are bothering the Law Minister and the Ambassador.”
“There are around 175 people whose extradition orders are pending and when the Ambassador brought it to notice, we represented it to the UAE Law Ministry to look into this and try to expedite these extradition orders.
“There is 105 transfer of sentence orders and that too will be expedited. One more request was for access to visit Indians in prisons. These are humanitarian issues which we need to take care of,” he said.
Pic Credits Twitter @IndembAbuDhabi
“After this, there was the matter of judgments regarding the workmen who were terminated and those verdicts not being implemented. They said they will review the numbers given every six months,” he added.
“In family courts, we’ve seen legislation made by the UAE government to protect traditional laws of Indians who are non-Muslims so that they can follow their laws. They have agreed for this and it seems they have created some courts,” he said.
One of the difficulties, he said, is that there are not enough interpreters. “They’ll say they’ll take care so people who don’t understand Arabic can use interpreters.
Pic Credits Twitter @IndembAbuDhabi
“The UAE Minister has promised the issues will be taken care of. I appreciate the Ambassador’s hard work and sincerity,” the CJI said.
He said that India and the UAE share strong friendly ties and that the two nations have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
“One of the major reasons for strong ties between the two nations is that Indians constitute one of the strongest ethnic groups. Nearly 3.5 million Indians are living here comprising 30 per cent of the total population. Indians have contributed to the development of the UAE over the years,” he added.
CJI Ramana also said that suggestions could be made to the organisations like the Indian Culture Centre to think of creating a legal assistance centre to help those in need of legal assistance in India.
The announcement follows an exceptional bilateral collaboration marked on 01 October 2022, declaring a visa-free route for all UAE nationals visiting Israel…reports Asian Lite News
For the first time around, Israel is now open to all travellers residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As of 01 March 2022, vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists of all ages are permitted to enter Israel upon presenting a negative PCR test before departure and after arriving in Israel. The Israel Ministry of Tourism made the official announcement at the Expo 2020 Israeli Pavilion on 15 March 2022. The announcement follows a recent agreement between the UAE and Israel extending visa-free entry to all UAE nationals as part of the ongoing strategic partnership between both countries.
Following the announcement, the Israel Ministry of Tourism hosted a B2B workshop for travel partners in the UAE. Dignitaries from the Ministry shared an informative destination presentation showcasing exceptional prospects for post-covid tourism. The workshop attracted over 65 agents from the travel industry, followed by a pavilion tour to the travel trade partners and media. The event concluded with a networking gala serving Israeli delicacies and music that welcomed top travel stakeholders in the market.
Bahai Gardens Hifa
Israel’s tourism offering: Israel is a global destination attracting over 4.5 million tourists in 2019 alone. The country provides the perfect conditions to accommodate all UAE visitors, including halal food restaurants. The local Israeli Kosher food is halal-friendly and is liked by many tourists. Additionally, the country offers diverse family-oriented hotels and heritage sites which can be explored with the help of Arabic tour guides.
Speaking at the event, Ksenia Kobiakov, New Markets Development Department Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism, said, “There is a tremendous potential in the UAE to drive incoming tourists to Israel. I hope travellers from the UAE will appreciate Israel’s unique offerings, and I believe they will want to visit more than once. We look forward to welcoming UAE tourists to witness the wonders of our country. This year, our focus would be to introduce the hidden gem to the travellers from this market. We are looking to promote the country as a destination targeting families, FIT experiential travellers, religious, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and leisure travellers through various B2B and B2C activities like media and trade familiarization trips, roadshows, cooperation with travel trade and airlines.”
Israel is a country of contrasts, bridging the ancient and historical with an intricate blend of modern and contemporary architecture. In this small country lies a rich landscape encompassing nine climate zones, which all together set the ground for vivid surroundings, representing a perfect holiday destination.
Connectivity between both destinations: The new travel corridor between Israel and the UAE will strengthen bilateral ties whilst building more efficient services to ease travel between both countries. Flydubai operates 14 flights a week, twice a day, between Dubai and Tel Aviv-Yafo. Etihad Airways and Wizz Air offer direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv-Yafo. In addition, travellers can also opt for Israeli airlines like El-AL, Israir, Arkia Airlines for direct connectivity between both destinations. Furthermore, Emirates Airlines is expected to operate UAE – Israel route in the near future.
Press Meet Israel
Promoting Tourism: Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, as part of its wider promotional activities in this region, is all set to launch a one-of-a-kind adventure TV production for Amazon Prime and the global inflight entertainment sector entitled “Guy in the Sky”. In collaboration with the UAE, the new TV show will promote the culture, people, and unique adventures to experience in Israel. Furthermore, the Mistry is organizing a B2C promotion at the Israel Pavilion starting this week until 31 March, where participants can win goodies. Two lucky winners will get a chance to win free tickets to Israel. Additionally, Israel has signed a partnership with VFS Global as their tourism representation agency in the UAE.
Israel B2B Workshop
Concluding the event, Zippi Brand, Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv- Yafo, said, “We are excited to be welcoming tourists from the members of the Abraham Accords. The opening of the sky is bringing Israel back to the forefront of tourism as an attractive destination, and there is no doubt that Tel Aviv can offer travellers a genuine Israeli experience enriched by culture, nightlife, and sports. We are doing everything we can to offer a high-class experience fitting to all expectations.”
