Category: UAE News

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-Top News COVID-19 UAE News

UAE sees significant decline in Covid-19 cases

The successful implementation of the country’s national strategic objectives is due to the effective roles and responsibilities of all sectors…reports Asian Lite News

Covid-19 cases and deaths are witnessing a significant decline in UAE due to the integration and harmony between relevant authorities in containing the pandemic, according to the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

Dr. Taher Al Ameri, official spokesperson of the NCEMA, said the UAE has handled the crisis with professionalism, and according to international indicators, it has become one of the most successful models of addressing the pandemic, highlighting its local and international humanitarian initiatives.

ALSO READ: UAE reports 280 new Covid cases

The successful implementation of the country’s national strategic objectives is due to the effective roles and responsibilities of all sectors, and is the outcome of the country’s proactive plans and comprehensive strategies aimed at containing the pandemic, he added.

Relevant authorities are continuing to monitor the pandemic globally and are constantly assessing the situation, to support relevant decisions and achieve COVID-19 recovery plans, he further added. The UAE Government is continuing to update its protocols and procedures to protect the community’s health and safety.

Ramadan protocols

The UAE announced a protocol for the return of Iftar tents during the Holy Month of Ramadan 2022, in line with current developments and the country’s strategy to protect the community’s health and safety, he explained.

“The protocol stipulates that prior permissions to hold Iftar tents must be obtained from the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) while considering that the local emergency, crisis and disaster management teams in every emirate represent relevant authorities and can approve the establishment, numbers and location of such tents,” Al Ameri said.

He also pointed out that the protocol stipulates that the tents must have an open design or air conditioning, in line with the high temperatures, adding that tents must comply with relevant safety and prevention standards, people must still maintain a safe distance of one metre, and security personnel or volunteers must be available to organise entry and exit activity.

The protocol stipulates tents will be open two hours before Iftar to avoid overcrowding, the green pass system will be enforced, and face masks and sanitisers will be provided. Disposable cups, napkins and plates will be used, he further said, affirming that such controls are subject to updates according to the current developments to the situation.

Al Ameri stressed that the responsibility to protect the country’s achievements is mutual, highlighting the key role of the community in this regard.

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-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

MBZ, Johnson discuss global energy stability

Prime Minister Johnson set out his deep concerns with Sheikh Mohamed on Russia-Ukraine war, and stressed the importance of working together to improve stability in the global energy market, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Wednesday met with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Abu Dhabi.

Both leaders have discussed the historical friendly relations between the UAE and the UK, the joint cooperation and coordination in various fields, in addition to all regional and global issues and topics of mutual interests.

This came during His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s reception to Boris Johnson at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser.

MBZ, Johnson discuss global energy stability (WAM)

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Johnson’s visit to the UAE, which comes as a part of both sides’ keenness to continue joint consultation and coordination between the two friendly countries in promoting peace and regional and international stability.

The two sides exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern, beginning with the Ukrainian crisis and its humanitarian repercussions. They also stressed the need to intensify global efforts to support the humanitarian conditions of the civilians.

Johnson set out his deep concerns about the chaos unleashed by “Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine”, and stressed the importance of working together to improve stability in the global energy market.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed also discussed the stability of the global energy markets with the British Prime Minister.

MBZ, Johnson discuss global energy stability (WAM)

Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s call for adoption of peaceful and diplomatic means to settle various disputes, differences and issues between countries in a way that will serve regional and international security, stability and peace.

Johnson stressed that his country puts special emphasis on developing cooperation and joint coordination with the UAE to serve their mutual interests and contribute to enhancing peace, stability and security in the region and globally.

The leaders welcomed the longstanding partnership between our two countries and discussed opportunities to increase collaboration between the UK and UAE on energy security, green technology, and trade.

They also agreed on the need to bolster our strong security, defence and intelligence cooperation in the face of growing global threats, including from the Houthis in Yemen.

Later in the day, Johnson also met the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh.

He set out the UK’s view that we are facing a fundamentally changed world order following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, which requires countries to work together to improve energy security and reduce reliance on Russian hydrocarbons.

The UK PM and Saudi Crown Prince agreed to collaborate to maintain stability in the energy market and continue the transition to renewable and clean technology.

They also committed to boost cooperation in defence, security, trade and culture, welcoming a new UK-Saudi Strategic Partnership Agreement and a major investment announced today by the alfanar group in green aviation fuel in Teesside.

ALSO READ: MBZ, Boris Johnson discuss partnership, latest developments

Recently, the government of the UAE has worked with the UK government to launch a toolkit to support financial institutions in tackling illicit financial flows in Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT).

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, has partnered with UK Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon to launch the toolkit, which was launched at Expo 2020 Dubai to coincide with UN Wildlife Day.

The toolkit provides key guidance to institutions in combating the illegal wildlife trade, from large institutions with significant compliance departments to smaller institutions with less experience or fewer resources in countering this trade.

The toolkit was developed with a focus on the Africa to Asia route, and highlights the importance of public-private sector cooperation in global financial centres, including the UAE, Hong Kong, and Singapore, to combat this trade.

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-Top News London News UAE News

MBZ, Boris Johnson discuss partnership, latest developments

The two sides exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern, beginning with the Ukrainian crisis and its humanitarian repercussions…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today discussed with Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), the historical friendly relations between the UAE and the UK, the joint cooperation and coordination in various fields, in addition to all regional and global issues and topics of mutual interests.

This came during His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s reception to Boris Johnson at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Johnson’s visit to the UAE, which comes as a part of both sides’ keenness to continue joint consultation and coordination between the two friendly countries in promoting peace and regional and international stability.

The two sides exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern, beginning with the Ukrainian crisis and its humanitarian repercussions. They also stressed the need to intensify global efforts to support the humanitarian conditions of the civilians.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed also discussed the stability of the global energy markets with the British Prime Minister.

ALSO READ: Boris describes Russia as a great nation and power

In this context, he reiterated the UAE’s call for adoption of peaceful and diplomatic means to settle various disputes, differences and issues between countries in a way that will serve regional and international security, stability and peace.

Johnson stressed that his country puts special emphasis on developing cooperation and joint coordination with the UAE to serve their mutual interests and contribute to enhancing peace, stability and security in the region and globally. (WAM)

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COVID-19 News UAE News

UAE reports 280 new Covid cases

UAE flag

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced that it conducted 345,206 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment…reports Asian Lite News

In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the nationwide testing scope to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment. As part of its intensified testing campaign, MoHAP announced 280 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 885,983.

According to the Ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are stable, and receive the necessary care.

ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 461.4 mn

The Ministry added that no COVID-19-related deaths had been recorded in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 2,302.

MoHAP also noted that an additional 947 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total recoveries to 853,253. (WAM)

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-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

MBZ, Japanese PM discuss ties, Ukraine crisis

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has received a phone call from Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan…reports Asian Lite News

During the call, His Highness and the Japanese Prime Minister discussed the strategic relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen them at all levels.

The leaders also dealt with a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest, especially the developments in Ukraine, its repercussions and the importance of international action to resolve the crisis diplomatically and provide assistance to affected civilians.

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

During the call, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed the UAE’s keenness to maintain energy security and stability of global markets in light of recent developments, as well his desire to strengthen relations with Japan, especially energy ties.

The Japanese Prime Minister expressed happiness at the close ties between his country and the UAE and stated Tokyo’s interest in further strengthening these relations.

Recently, Mohamed bin Zayed received a telephone call from President Alexander Lukashenko of the Republic of Belarus, as part of his continuous discussions and contacts with world leaders on the latest developments on the Ukrainian crisis.

During the call, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the President of Belarus exchanged views on an array of regional and international issues, foremost of which are the unfolding developments of the Ukrainian crisis and its repercussions on the humanitarian level, in addition to its impact on the international peace and security.

ALSO READ: MBZ, Bahrain King discuss ties

Sheikh Mohamed stressed the importance of intensifying international efforts to support the humanitarian situation of those affected by the crisis, facilitate swift and safe access to aid, and work to provide protection and preserve the lives of civilians.

Sheikh Mohamed stressed the need to resort to peaceful and diplomatic means to settle disputes and differences between states and to give priority to the constructive dialogue to reach a consensus that guarantees the interests of all parties and serves regional security and stability.

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

Emirates to launch flights to Tel Aviv in June

Emirates has confirmed that it will be commencing daily services to Tel Aviv from 23rd June 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Emirates will operate its three-class Boeing 777-300ER on the route, featuring eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class.

“We look forward to finally welcoming customers onboard our flights to and from Tel Aviv this summer, and offer them substantial connectivity to and through our Dubai hub as COVID-19 travel restrictions continue to ease around the world and more borders open up,” said Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline.

“In addition to unlocking tremendous pent-up demand, Emirates’ debut into Israel will mean more choice for travellers as they return to the skies, and more opportunities for businesses to visit Dubai and beyond to our far-reaching network of almost 130 destinations, alongside our signature hospitality and award-winning onboard experience.”

He added, “Emirates is committed to creating new opportunities for business and tourism, and strengthening the bilateral ties between the UAE and Israel. We are confident that our new services will have a positive impact on enhancing Israel’s connectivity to a wealth of global destinations, and we thank the UAE and Israeli authorities for their ongoing support in making this service possible.”

The first flight taking off on 23rd June will operate as EK931, leaving at 15:50, and arriving at Ben Gurion Airport at 18:00 (local time). The return flight EK 932 will depart Tel Aviv at 19:55, arriving in Dubai at 23:59 (local time). Flight schedules have been timed to provide convenient access to Dubai, and optimum connection opportunities to popular holiday destinations like Thailand, India, Philippines, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

ALSO READ: Emirates cleared to resume all US operations

Together with multiple-daily codeshare flights operated by flydubai, the new Emirates flights will also offer seamless inbound connections from Emirates points with multiple daily and weekly flights throughout Australia, India, Philippines, Thailand and South Africa, many of which are home to thriving Jewish communities.

The new service to Tel Aviv will also provide 20 tonnes of cargo capacity on each flight, providing channels for Israeli businesses and start-ups to export products like pharmaceuticals, high-tech goods, fruits and vegetables and other perishables. The flights are also expected to transport manufacturing raw materials and components, semiconductors and e-commerce parcels into Israel.

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-Top News Dubai UAE News

DEWA to list 6.5% shares on Dubai Financial Market

DEWA to list 6.5% shares on Dubai Financial Market

DEWA has a critical role to play in supporting the future growth of the Emirate and its transition to a net zero economy by 2050…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC (DEWA) has announced it will list 6.5 percent of its existing shares as part of an initial public offering (IPO) on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), in line with new strategic directions to develop the emirate’s financial market and as part of the Dubai Markets Supervisory Committee’s strategy.

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, said, “Today represents a significant moment in the history of DEWA and is an important step towards achieving our vision for capital markets in Dubai. As a central component of the Dubai economy, DEWA has a critical role to play in supporting the future growth of the Emirate and its transition to a net zero economy by 2050. For DEWA’s potential new shareholders, this offering is an opportunity to be part of the future of Dubai and have a stake in an organisation that has an unparalleled track record of technological innovation and operational excellence.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Sheikh Maktoum asserted that this step comes in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the Dubai Markets Supervisory Committee’s strategy to increase the size of the Emirate’s stock market to AED3 trillion in the coming period, indicating that DEWA’s landmark listing will mark a turning point for the Emirate’s capital market and contribute to ushering in a new phase of enhancements of its strong performance.

The IPO will include a total of 3.25 billion shares, equivalent to 6.5% of DEWA’s existing shares, with the Selling Shareholder reserving the right to increase the size of the Offering at any time before pricing of the offering, subject to applicable laws and approval of SCA.

The completion of the offering and admission of shares to trading are expected to take place in April 2022, with the offering to be made available to individual and other investors as part of the UAE Retail Offering as well as to professional investors outside the United States of America, including the UAE, as part of the Qualified Investor Offering.

ALSO READ: DEWA participates in UAE Innovates 2022

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, said, “This is a historic moment for DEWA as the first government entity in Dubai to go public. It reflects the immense faith and confidence by our wise leadership and the government of Dubai. As the exclusive provider of electricity and water services to Dubai, DEWA is incredibly proud to have played a part in the success of the Emirate.

“Dubai’s fast-paced development has resulted in a rapid increase in the demand for electricity and water. And DEWA has grown along with Dubai’s expanding economy, population, and world-class competitive infrastructure, emphasising the Emirate’s position as a global city. DEWA is therefore both integral to, and benefits from, Dubai’s past and current economic growth. And we are playing a key role in Dubai’s green energy transition process.”

Al Tayer added, “DEWA has a world-class governance system and continuous record of good governance across all its operations. With the highest standards of efficiency, quality, and availability, DEWA is ready to meet the increasing demand for electricity and water in the Emirate, as the population is expected to grow from around 3.5 million people today to 5.8 million people by 2040.”

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Arab News News UAE News

Guinness World record holders inspire crowds at Dubai International Boat Show 2022

Held at Dubai Harbour for the first time, the 28th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show features a new Dive Talks section…reports Asian Lite News

The Dubai International Boat Show treated visitors to a host of motivating and inspiring talks this weekend, with two Guinness Book of Record holders and the first Arab women to dive at the North Pole taking to the stage at the Middle East’s largest and most popular leisure marine event.

Held at Dubai Harbour for the first time, the 28th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show features a new Dive Talks section, where on Saturday Ahmed Gabr and Faisal Jawad Hashim provided insights into their respective journeys to becoming Guinness World Record holders.

Ahmed Gabr – 3x guiness world record breaker for the deepest dive

Gabr, a former officer in the Egyptian army, holds the record for both the Deepest Scuba Dive and the Deepest Sea Dive after descending to 332 metres in 2014. The 42-year-old remains one of only three people in the world to have dived deeper than 300m, meaning – as he candidly put it – “more people have been to the moon than to where I went”. 

“To speak here at the Dubai International Boat Show is beautiful,” said Gabr, who also held the record until recently for the Largest Underwater Cleanup. “There’s a lot of people here from all over the world and to get the chance to speak with them and spread the message is great. I hope to come again next year and start talking about my new focus: restoring corals.”

Gabr said he will soon be looking for volunteers for a new coral restoration project, which he says could even take place in the UAE because of the country’s growing eco-tourism. “Doing it here is something we need to look at because corals are an important part of the economy of any country: fishing, tourism, preventing tides and water disasters, producing oxygen… they really are of vital importance.”

Hashim, a paraplegic since losing the use of his legs following a car accident aged 20 and Saturday’s other headline speaker, holds the world record for Fastest 10km Scuba Diving after completing the distance in five hours and 24 minutes in 2018. The Kuwaiti’s time was almost an hour quicker than the previous record holder. His message to the crowd at Dive Talks was simple: “We must improve the way we treat people with disabilities in society.”

Faisal Jawad Hashim – Paraplegic diver with Guinness World Record holder for the fastest 10km Scuba Dive

Hashim is also the organiser of the “Move To Improve” youth forum, which he says is the Middle East’s biggest show for People of Determination to demonstrate their talents. Held annually in Kuwait, Hashim – who enjoyed a strong turnout for his 45-minute presentation – revealed he hopes to bring next year’s show to Dubai or Sharjah.

ALSO READ: Global brands launch yachts at Dubai Boat Show

“We want to show the world that people with a disability can do anything they wish,” he added. “Before my accident I had a phobia of water; now I am a rescue diver. After my accident, I was once called ‘the slowest man in the world’. Now I am the fastest man in the world underwater.”

The Dubai International Boat Show treated visitors to a host of motivating and inspiring talks this weekend

Sunday’s Dive Talks agenda features Mariam Fardous, the Saudi who became the first Arab female to dive at the geographical North Pole, as well as Yuriy Rakhmatullin, a Ukraine-born World Freediving Championships judge who has lived in the UAE since childhood.

Dubai International Boat Show ran from 9th-13th March at Dubai Harbour, the event’s Venue Host and VIP Registration Partner. For more information, visit www.boatshowdubai.com

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-Top News EXPO 2020 UAE News

‘Walk for People and Planet’

Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai is inviting the world to join its ‘Walk for People and Planet’…reports Asian Lite News

Expo 2020 Dubai is inviting the world to join its ‘Walk for People and Planet’ later this month in celebration of the collective, six-month contribution of stakeholders from across the World Expo in creating a cleaner, safer and healthier future for all.

The 3km site-wide Walk, which begins at 0730 GST on Tuesday, 29th March at the Expo Sports Arena, is a culmination of the Expo-based activities of the Programme for People and Planet.

ALSO READ: Dubai Police honours 50 champions of ‘Expo 2020 Adventures’ Game

From governments to the private sector, academia and everyday changemakers, all have come together to accelerate momentum and collective responsibility for accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at every stakeholder level and in every nation.

Registration also includes a reusable water bottle, breakfast snack in Festival Garden, and professional photographs. (WAM)

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Arab News News UAE News

Hamdan witnesses opening of World Police Summit 2022

Hamdan witnesses opening of World Police Summit 2022 (WAM)

Sheikh Hamdan toured the event’s exhibition area, which features the participation of 250 local and international exhibitors…reports Asian Lite News

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council today witnessed the opening of the World Police Summit 2022 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, at Expo 2020.

Hosted by Dubai Police, the World Police Summit hosts a dedicated exhibition along with six conferences, and five special event. With over 150 internationally renowned organisations exhibiting, the World Police Summit represents a platform for the international police community to source the latest innovations and technologies in the national security landscape.

Sheikh Hamdan toured the event’s exhibition area, which features the participation of 250 local and international exhibitors. He was briefed on the products and services on display, including the latest technologies used in crime prevention, forensic science, and policing.

Sheikh Hamdan visited the stands of a number of the participating companies, including Airbus, and Technowire, a company that specialises in safe and secure transportation solutions.

Sheikh Hamdan’s tour included the Dubai Police stand, where he was briefed about ‘Drone Box’, a platform to dispatch drones across Dubai to reduce police response time to criminal and traffic reports from 4.4 minutes to one minute. He also visited the stand of the UAE’s Safe City Group, during which he was briefed about the products and services being exhibited by the company at the event.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chief of Police and General Security in Dubai; Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai; Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Interior & President of Interpol; Mohammad Bin Ali Koman, Secretary General of the Arab Interior Ministers’ Council; in addition to assistants of the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police and heads of participating delegations.

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri expressed his appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for his patronage of the event. He also thanked Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed for supporting the summit, which serves as a platform for the police community to exchange knowledge and expertise as well as obtain crime information, market statistics, and explore technical solutions, to enhance the security and safety requirements of cities and countries around the world.

ALSO READ: Hamdan opens Dubai International Boat Show 2022

Speaking on this occasion, Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi said that the current challenges facing the world require greater global solidarity to safeguard international security and combat potential risks such as terrorism and extremism.

During a panel discussion held on the first day, United Nations Police Adviser and Director of the Police Division Luis Carrilho, said that tackling global security challenges would require a wider police response to be carried out globally. He added that the United Nations Police play a key role in dealing with crimes of international nature through platforms and initiatives that enable law enforcement and security personnel worldwide to cooperate and respond to crimes more effectively. (WAM)

Hamdan witnesses opening of World Police Summit 2022 (WAM)
Hamdan witnesses opening of World Police Summit 2022 (WAM)
Hamdan witnesses opening of World Police Summit 2022 (WAM)
Hamdan witnesses opening of World Police Summit 2022 (WAM)
Hamdan witnesses opening of World Police Summit 2022 (WAM)