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Israel plans mega pavilion at Expo2020 Dubai

The architecture of Israel’s pavilion is an inspiration from the arid landscapes of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries…reports Asian Lite News

The Israeli pavilion, produced by AVS, a company headed by Malki Shem-Tov, and designed by Knafo Klimor Architects, is 15 meters (M) high and 1,550 square meters (SQM) built up area.

The architecture draws its inspiration from the arid landscapes of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. The pavilion adopts the shape of sand dunes and shaded Middle Eastern streets. These dunes are framed by seven LED screen gates at 15M high using 630SQM LED panels, creating a significant open space for people to gather, discuss and share ideas. The Israeli pavilion plot area comprises a built indoor area of 765SQM with an additional outer shaded area of 828SQM. The Dune surface area is 986SQM.

360 Degree Room

The dunes sit on a raft foundation, the pavilion has a steel structure prepared in the workshop in Dubai and assembled on-site using dry connections and multiple, approved, cladding materials for the finish. The dune floor is formed using a thin layer of concrete on top of a trapezoidal steel paneled structure to create the dune’s unique geometry, this is then topped with sand-colored, recycled rubber.

David Knafo, Managing Director of Knafo Kilmore architects said: “The Israel pavilion offers an open space, a dune surrounded by seven gates reflecting joy and hope. The dune offers a place where imagination can create a breakthrough for the future of our planet, its ecological diversity and the preservation of human heritage. The present climate and ecological crisis call for urgent mobilisation of global good will, new technologies, inventions and close partnerships, in order to create new horizons for the next generations.”

ALSO READ: Israel reveals events at the Dubai Expo 2020

The pavilion, spearheaded by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses many unique and smart elements. The LED screen wall can be used by the visitor as a game engagement with people in Israel, as well as have certain control over the live presented content. These LED screens are also the cladding material of the seven gates inner walls. The LED screens will be presenting a variety of images and videos showcasing varied and timely content, such as; reducing world hunger, protecting nature, energy for everyone, water conservation and adaptation for arid countries, health technologies and cyber security. The dune level is also equipped with virtual reality binoculars, allowing visitors to experience the landscape of Israel.

On top of the dune, there is a large, illuminated, feature sign, 15m long and 5m high, using an aluminium structure with a translucent front cover and LED lighting fixtures inside. The sign is formed from letters in “Aravrit”, a font invented by the typographer, Liron Lavi Turkenich. Aravit is a hybrid of two local scripts, combining Hebrew and Arabic characters. Each letter is composed of Arabic on the upper half and Hebrew on the lower half. The meaning of the sign text in both languages is the same, “Towards Tomorrow”.

Seven Gates of the Israel Pavilion

In the main hall inside the pavilion, a 360-degree immersive show on 250SQM of screen, will present the Israeli innovation for a better future. The challenges of our time in medicine and healthcare, in food production and agriculture, in communication and space and in many other critical aspects of human life.

The pavilion creates a microcosm, with a temperate microclimate achieved using shading and sprinklers. The pavilion is designed to be demolished after the expo ends and except for the concrete floor, all the construction material and elements will be recycled.

DAVID KNAFO, MD, KNAFO KILMORE ARCHITECTS: “The Israel pavilion offers an open space, a dune surrounded by seven gates reflecting joy and hope. The dune offers a place where imagination can create a breakthrough for the future of our planet, its ecological diversity and the preservation of human heritage. The present climate and ecological crisis call for urgent mobilisation of global good will, new technologies, inventions and close partnerships, in order to create new horizons for the next generations.”

Elazar Cohen, Commissioner General of the Israel Pavilion said: “Our Pavilion reflects the Israeli spirit, which has made us who we are. We are composed of various peoples and cultures. We may walk different paths but we all share today’s same great challenges. We are looking to connect our minds and solves these challenges together.”

This open space overlooking Expo Park is a place to connect minds and find solutions to today’s human issues. The Israeli pavilion echoes the urgent need to reinvent our future by sharing technology achievements, scientific invention and novel ideas for the benefit of all.

2 September 2021
Women’s involvement in the socioeconomic journey

The role of businesswomen in Sharjah contributes as drivers of the emirate’s economic advancement…reports Asia Lite News

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Sharjah Ruler, and Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) has highlighted the vital role of businesswomen in Sharjah and commended their key contributions as drivers of the emirate’s economic advancement. The passion, innovation, and creative ideas of female business-owners and entrepreneurs have attracted sizeable investments, helped strengthen and diversify the local economy, and left a distinctive mark on Sharjah’s socioeconomic journey, the NAMA Chairperson further asserted.

These statements were made during Her Highness’s visit to the new HQ of Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), a NAMA affiliate. HE Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA, and HE Mariam bin Al Shaikh, Acting Manager of SBWC accompanied Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi on the tour, during which they met the team at SBWC working to realise the vision of Her Highness to advance and empower women in academics, professions, the economy and society.

Women’s involvement in the socioeconomic journey

Being briefed on NAMA’s and SBWC’s efforts in the first half of 2021, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi lauded the achievements of both entities in implementing targeted projects and initiatives for women’s empowerment in various fields. The NAMA Chairperson was also offered an overview of the entity’s future plans and strategies to further fuel the role of women in Sharjah’s economy via optimal investments in human capital and providing effective solutions for businesswomen in the emirate.

Addressing the NAMA and SBWC teams, Her Highness said: “In the course of overseeing your integrated efforts towards achieving a common goal, I have seen the tremendous results produced by the qualified cadres here who bring passion and purpose to work every day. You have all exceeded expectations in advancing the various services we provide to businesswomen and female entrepreneurs in Sharjah. I am proud of you all and trust that NAMA’s mission and vision are in safe hands.”

ALSO READ: High digitalization among women-owned businesses

“The impact of women’s contributions to boosting local and national economic performance keeps intensifying, putting greater responsibility on all of us to keep improving the tools, mechanisms, training and support we provide the community of female business professionals to boldly face the challenges in their respective fields,” Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi added.

https://asianlite.com/2021/woman/high-digitalization-among-women-owned-businesses/

The NAMA Chairperson continued: “NAMA is putting in great work to steadily design and implement initiatives that embody the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, whose unwavering support to consolidate and activate the role of women in the business and entrepreneurial sectors of Sharjah has been a key factor for NAMA success in creating a thriving environment for ambitious businesswomen. The need to support and empower women to break stereotypes and overcome challenges that prevent them from realising their ambitions cannot be overemphasised.”

For her part, Reem BinKaram said: “This visit by Her Highness and the reviewing of our plans, efforts and achievements in the past year is a reflection of the guidance and support Sheikha Jawaher has always honoured us with. Since the beginning of our journey, Her Highness has been keen on overseeing the strategic plans and implementation mechanisms we have designed and developed to boost Sharjah’s professional environment for women.”

Towards the end of the tour, HE Marian Rashid bin Al Shaikh narrated to Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi the success stories of SBWC’s members in launching a diversity of brands and enterprises with the help of the entity’s well-rounded training, support ad consultative services. SBWC has been mentoring businesswomen and female entrepreneurs at different stages of their careers by providing training, workshops, key advice as well as administrative services to get set up.

2 September 2021
Covid infections in UAE down by 62%

Dr. Al Hosani stressed 87.19 percent of the population have taken their first vaccine dose while 76.12 percent has taken both doses….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has witnessed 62 percent decrease in COVID-19 infections in August 2021 compared to January 2021, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, has said.

Dr. Al Hosani, during a press briefing, said the UAE has adopted flexible strategies, noting its fast and proactive decision-making process aimed at addressing the pandemic’s repercussions and reaching full recovery.

The country’s initiatives and efforts have led to the adoption of necessary measures to ensure the return to a new and safe normalcy, she added, noting the health sector is continuing its efforts to and acquire immunity by offering vaccines to eligible people.

She then stressed 87.19 percent of the population have taken their first vaccine dose while 76.12 percent has taken both doses.

“The health sector has harnessed its efforts and capabilities in terms of research and clinical trials to ensure vaccine efficacy. Today, we have achieved satisfactory and safe results in terms of national vaccine distribution rates. Therefore, we appreciate the public’s trust in the work of the health sector,” Dr. Al Hosani said.

“From January to August 2021, we have witnessed a significant decrease in infections, amounting to 62 percent,” she further added, noting infections in January totalled 95,787 cases while August recorded 36,516.

She attributed this decline to several factors, most notably the readiness of the health system and its rapid response, as well as the expanding scope of national COVID-19 testing aimed at reducing infections and providing adequate treatment on time, in addition to promoting a culture of regular testing.

The price of PCR tests was reduced to AED50, and safe vaccines are available for all age groups and all segments of the community, she further said.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani pointed out that vaccine booster shots, which is an additional dose taken after the first two doses, also helped strengthen people’s immunity and decreased the number of infections.

Al Hosani stressed the importance of vaccinating students with the start of the new academic year, affirming the vaccines available in the country are safe for all age groups.

“Our message to parents is that our children are the source of our joy, and our duty is to protect their health and safety. The vaccine encourages the immune system to produce antibodies, therefore, reducing the possibility of contracting the virus. We wish them a good academic year full of success,” she stated.

ALSO READ: Investor Lauds ‘business-friendly UAE’

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1 September 2021
Expo 2020 to showcase Canaanite, Egyptian, Renaissance artefacts

The artefacts include a copy of the Ugarit alphabet, which is the first alphabet known by humanity, as well as a pharaonic coffin recently discovered in Giza…reports Asian Lite News

The Expo 2020 Dubai will offer visitors a unique opportunity to see three key heritage artefacts from the Canaanite and Pharaonic civilisations, and the Renaissance era.

The artefacts include a copy of the Ugarit alphabet, which is the first alphabet known by humanity, as well as a pharaonic coffin recently discovered in Giza, Egypt, and a 3D version of Michelangelo’s sculpture, “David.”

Visitors to the Syrian pavilion can see a copy of the Ugarit alphabet dating back to 1400 BC, as well as explore the stages of development of writing in many areas of Syria and the global impact of the alphabet until the emergence of the Arabic language, which influenced many other languages.

The event’s visitors can also explore the oldest musical piece in the world, and experience an audio-visual interactive experience by playing and singing the piece written in Ugarit nearly 3,500 years ago.

Ugarit was a major Canaanite city built in the Ras Shamra region of Northern Latakia, Syria.

At the Egyptian pavilion, visitors can witness a rare archaeological piece, which is a recently discovered Pharaonic coffin.

The three-story pavilion, situated in the “Opportunities” area, will highlight the profound historic value and cultural wealth of Egypt and will be built in the pharaonic style engraved with hieroglyphs and an image of the famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, while its main entrance will have three angles simulating the pyramids.

The Italian pavilion will showcase a 3D version of Michelangelo’s David.

Michelangelo was a leading figure in art and architecture during the Renaissance era in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. His 6-metre-tall statue, David, is a famous artwork completed in 1504.

ALSO READ: Investor Lauds ‘business-friendly UAE’

1 September 2021
Dubai Ruler Reviews Final Preparations For Expo 2020

Dubai Ruler said all the teams are ready and pavilions are complete for the world’s largest event and the UAE is looking forward to welcoming people from 191 countries, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday visited the Expo 2020 Dubai and reviewed the final preparations being made to host the global event.

The visit comes a month ahead of the official inauguration of Expo 2020 Dubai which was actually scheduled to begin last year but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our teams are ready and pavilions are complete for the world’s largest event since the outset of pandemic. The UAE is looking forward to welcoming people from 191 countries,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a tweet.

“We promise people from all over the world an unprecedented Expo. The 6 months of the event will go down in history for the ideas and inventions that will benefit humanity for years to come,” he added.

The global fair is expected to draw 25 million visits during its six-month run starting October 1.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces has said Expo 2020 Dubai builds upon UAE’s longstanding history as a facilitator of cultural dialogue & exchange.

“One month from today, the UAE will proudly host Expo 2020 Dubai, one of the world’s largest cultural events. Delivered under the guidance of my brother Mohammed bin Rashid, the event builds upon our nation’s longstanding history as a facilitator of cultural dialogue & exchange,” he tweeted.

UAE announced the reopening of borders for Indian travellers ahead of the global trade fair. Effective from August 30, 2021, VFS Global has resumed UAE tourist visa services for Indians.

Travellers will be required to present a valid negative Covid-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours from the time of collecting the sample and from an approved health service, which use the QR code system, as well as Rapid PCR test report conducted at the departure airport 6 hours prior to departure, provided with a QR code system.

No GDRFA or ICA approval is required for tourists travelling to the UAE. “The reopening of borders to the UAE is a reassuring move for the travel industry, with the United Arab Emirates being among the most popular destinations for Indians, especially with the Expo 2020 Dubai around the corner. We wish all our customers safe travel,” said Noel Swain, Business Head — Schengen, eVisa and Passport Services, VFS Global.

Meanwhile, India had earlier launched a series of competitions to popularise Expo 2020 Dubai as its preparations gather steam for participation in the event.

“The main purpose of these competitions is to amplify the core message of the Dubai World Expo: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” according to an overview of the contests by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The representative organisation of Indian business, FICCI is the industry partner for Indian participation in Expo 2020 Dubai.

The India Pavilion intends to identify and felicitate individuals and groups with innovative ideas which merit demonstration at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The contests range from a Digital Services Design Competition and an Ocean Pollution Mitigation Competition to a Future Universities Design Competition and a Global Sustainable Housing Design Competition.

The challenges are collectively themed as “Ideas and Innovations at the India Pavilion”. One contest whose winners are expected to be a big draw at the India Pavilion features success stories of women from India’s villages, concrete examples that have added value to people’s lives.

ALSO READ: Investor Lauds ‘business-friendly UAE’

1 September 2021
Abu Dhabi Updates Green List

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued the updated ‘Green List’ of countries…reports Asian Lite News

All travellers arriving from these destinations will be exempt from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi.

Travellers will be required to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test valid for a maximum of 48 hours before departure and undergo a PCR test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Vaccinated passengers from the updated Green List will take another PCR test on day 6 (day of arrival counts as day 1). Unvaccinated travellers arriving from these Green List countries will also take a PCR test on days 6 and 9.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi updates travel protocols

Countries, regions, and territories included on the ‘Green List’ will be regularly updated based on international developments. Inclusion on the list is subject to strict criteria of health and safety to ensure the well-being of the UAE community. The list also only applies to countries that travellers are arriving from, rather than citizenship.

Below is the updated ‘Green List’ as of 1st September, 2021 at 12:01am: Albania; Armenia; Australia; Austria; Bahrain; Belgium; Bhutan; Brunei; Bulgaria; Canada; China; Comoros; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Finland; Germany; Greece; Hong Kong (SAR); Hungary; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Jordan; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Luxembourg; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; Moldova; Monaco; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Oman; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; Romania; San Marino; Saudi Arabia; Serbia; Seychelles ; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Korea; Sweden; Switzerland; Taiwan, Province of China; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan, and Ukraine.

1 September 2021
An Innovation for Energy Storage Solutions

Sharjah Sustainable City (SSC) has taken an initiative for a global movement towards sustainable living, promoting a lifestyle that is compatible with the future…reports Asian Lite News

Sharjah Sustainable City, a fully sustainable community by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Diamond Developers, will be the first community in the region to give residents access to a renewable energy storage solution. The move comes after SEE Institute, the research and development arm in The Sustainable City entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hager Group, an international company specialised in renewable energy storage. The agreement, of which Sharjah Sustainable City is the first beneficiary, formalizes an ongoing relationship with the German-based company to test and deploy the latest technologies and innovations in demand management and smart energy solutions.

Sharjah Sustainable City is the first community to demonstrate energy storage solutions in the region

The partnership with Hager Group is aligned with the wider brand -The Sustainable City, which supports innovation through pilot programmes, prototype testing as well as helping to present complex solutions in a real-life context. Sharjah Sustainable City retains an agile and ever evolving outlook towards a low carbon future and is committed to promoting the transfer of sustainability know-how. Hager Group offers varied energy solutions such as battery storage, EV charging stations (EEBUS) as well as energy management systems that allow users to control and balance different energy sources and loads.

Yousef Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City said: “We prioritise innovation and leverage the smartest technologies to drive efficiencies across all our sustainability targets. Renewable energy is one of the biggest contributors towards achieving net zero carbon and this partnership with Hager Group will allow us to reach the highest possible energy efficiencies and the lowest energy intensities in our development. Sharjah Sustainable City is proud to be the first beneficiaries of this MoU signed by SEE Institute, our invaluable knowledge hub.”

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Torsten Hager, Future Energy Solutions International Corporate Strategy Director Hager Group said: “To reach the global targets of carbon neutrality and to realise a sustainable renewable energy supply, we need to integrate energy storage systems and management to control devices.

Our partnership with Sharjah Sustainable City will allow us to demonstrate together new innovative solutions, which will shape the future of sustainable buildings.”

Sharjah Sustainable City aims to be a leader in shaping the way towards a cleaner and greener world. Partnerships and knowledge sharing are key components towards this goal as well as piloting prototypes and testing new ideas. The MoU with Hager Group is only one example of the many ways The Sustainable City projects are building ties all over the world, therefore creating a ripple effect of climate actions, leading the way towards sustainable living.

1 September 2021
Pak Consortium Bags Mega Oil Exploration Deal

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced a historic exploration concession agreement to a consortium of four Pakistani companies…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced the signing of a historic exploration concession agreement, awarding the exploration rights for Abu Dhabi’s Offshore Block 5 to a consortium of four Pakistani companies – Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), and Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) – in Abu Dhabi’s second competitive block bid round. The consortium is led by PPL.

The award marks the first time Pakistani companies invest in and explore for oil and gas in an Abu Dhabi concession as well as the first time ADNOC partners with Pakistani energy companies.

The agreement builds on the deep-rooted bilateral relationship between the UAE and Pakistan and underscores ADNOC’s expanded approach to strategic partnerships, including those who can provide access to key growth markets for the company’s crude oil and products.

The exploration concession agreement was signed by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, and Moin Raza Khan, Managing Director and CEO of PPL.

Flag of the United Arab Emirates

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Al Jaber said, “This historic exploration concession award marks a new chapter of energy cooperation in the 50-year old UAE-Pakistan relationship. It represents an important platform upon which we can drive win-win opportunities to support Pakistan’s energy security and further strengthen the strategic and economic ties between our two countries. We are delighted to partner with Pakistan Petroleum Limited and the other members of the consortium on Offshore Block 5.

“The consortium was selected as part of Abu Dhabi’s block bid round where we have once again reinforced our approach to strategic partnerships that contribute the right combination of market access, capital, best-in-class expertise, or advanced technology. We are very optimistic about the potential to unlock significant value with all our partners in this second competitive block bid round as we continue to accelerate the exploration and development of Abu Dhabi’s untapped resources, in line with the Leadership’s wise directives.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium will hold a 100% stake in the exploration phase, investing up to $304.7 million (AED1.12 billion) towards exploration and appraisal drilling, including a participation fee, to explore for and appraise oil and gas opportunities in the block that covers an offshore area of 6,223 square kilometers and is located 100 kilometers north east of Abu Dhabi city.

Khan said, “The PPL-led consortium is delighted to be selected for the concession award of Abu Dhabi’s Offshore Block-5. This award is not only a watershed moment for Pakistan and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi towards bilateral energy cooperation and economic links but also offers an opportunity to strengthen strategic cooperation with ADNOC to share technical know-how and expertise.

“We are particularly excited that this consortium comprises the ‘big four’ national exploration and production companies that are fully geared to support ADNOC and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in reinforcing its leading position in the global energy sector.”

Following a successful commercial discovery during the exploration phase, the consortium will have the right to a production concession to develop and produce such commercial discoveries. ADNOC has the option to hold a 60% stake in the production phase of the concession. The term of the production phase is 35 years from the commencement of the exploration phase and the block offers the potential to create significant in-country value for the UAE over the lifetime of the concession.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi reduces new business set up requirements by 71%

In addition to drilling exploration and appraisal wells, the exploration phase will see the consortium leverage and contribute financially and technically to ADNOC’s mega seismic survey, which is acquiring 3D seismic data within the block area. The data already acquired over a large part of the block combined with its proximity to existing oil and gas fields, suggests the concession area has promising potential.

ADNOC launched Abu Dhabi’s second competitive block bid round in 2019, offering a set of major onshore and offshore blocks, on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi. The award of Offshore Block 5 to the Pakistani consortium concludes this second block bid round, which has seen very competitive proposals submitted for the geographical areas offered.

Following ADNOC’s recent discoveries of 22 billion stock tank barrels (STB) of recoverable unconventional oil resources and 160 trillion standard cubic feet (SCF) of recoverable unconventional gas resources, it was decided not to award an exploration license for Onshore Block 2. ADNOC intends to engage with potential partners for unconventional resource licensing opportunities around this geographical area. This area contains some of the unconventional resources discovered that have production potential ranking alongside the most prolific North American shale oil plays.

As part of Abu Dhabi’s second block bid round, ADNOC awarded Offshore Block 4 to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.; Offshore Block 3 to a consortium led by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Eni and PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP); and Onshore Block 5 to Occidental. Based on existing data from detailed petroleum system studies, seismic surveys, exploration, and appraisal wells data, estimates suggest the blocks in this second bid round hold multiple billion barrels of oil and multiple trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

PPL operates 15 producing fields across Pakistan and contributes over 20% of the country’s total natural gas supplies. As of June 2020, PPL’s proven recoverable reserves were 1,793.5 billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas, 13.3 million barrels (mmbbl) of oil/ NGL/ condensate and 543.1 thousand tonnes (Ktons) of LPG.

31 August 2021
Farewell Party for Mali, Spain Envoys

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) conducted a farewell ceremony for the Ambassador of Mali to the UAE and Ambassador of Spain to the UAE…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) today held a farewell ceremony at the Emirates Palace Hotel for Boukary Sidibe, Ambassador of Mali to the UAE, and Antonio Álvarez Barthe, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE, to commemorate the end of their terms as ambassadors of their countries.

At the start of the ceremony, Aliaa Al Mehrezi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Protocol Affairs, made a speech commending the distinguished efforts of both ambassadors to enhance relations between their countries and the UAE while wishing them luck and success in their future endeavours.

Farewell Party for Mali, Spain Envoys

She conveyed the appreciation of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for them and his best wishes in their future assignments.

ALSO READ: Investor Lauds ‘business-friendly UAE’

The two ambassadors thanked the Emirati officials and hailed the wise policy of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The two diplomats highlighted the most important achievements accomplished between their respective countries and the UAE in all domains.

Farewell Party for Mali, Spain Envoys

They also praised the developing bilateral ties between the UAE and their respective countries and thanked Emirati officials for their cooperation and support, which contributed positively to their assignment of enhancing the distinguished ties between their countries and the UAE.

The event was attended by Arab and foreign diplomats and officials from the ministry.

31 August 2021
Investor Lauds ‘business-friendly UAE’

The UAE boasts a conducive ecosystem that provides business leaders with fresh and well-informed perspectives on important dynamics that are disrupting ‘business as usual’…reports Asian Lite News

Haitham Abdulbaqi, a Lebanese investor and businessman who is the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Taif Al Emarat Perfumes Group, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the UAE has – in a record time – taken robust measures to diversify its industrial and manufacturing base.

He noted that investors are turning to the UAE as a rapidly growing global financial and economic hub, thanks to the forward-looking policies of its wise leadership, who are always working to develop appropriate frameworks to attract foreign capital and latest technologies, especially in vital sectors, for the benefit of the national economy as well as the investors, both Emiratis, and foreigners.

ALSO READ: UAE leaders review national strategic projects

The founder of the Dubai-based company praised the visionary vision of the UAE wise leadership and their trend-setting efforts to provide a robust legislative environment that keeps pace with the rapid changes taking place in the global economic landscape.

“These business-friendly policies provide significant support for companies operating in the UAE, and enhance their competitiveness and ability to access global and regional markets,” he added.

31 August 2021