His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, discussed the prospects of strengtehning relations between the two nations…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, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey, Monday, reviewed the prospects of reinforcing the relations between the two nations in a way that serves their common interests and their two peoples.
An international holiday destination is set to reopen with the UAE announcing that it would issue visas to all fully vaccinated tourists…reports Asian Lite News
Indians are responding enthusiastically in kind to the UAE’s decision to reopen tourist visas to people from all countries who are fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Travel agents from east to west and from north to south of India today reported a flood of enquiries for flight bookings to UAE airports and a surge in ticketing for flights which have already been confirmed.
Dubai EXPO 2020
“An international holiday destination is set to reopen with the UAE announcing that it would issue visas to all fully vaccinated tourists,” The Times of India reported. “Dubai was the second biggest destination for travellers after Bangkok before the pandemic,” the newspaper quoted Anil Punjabi, Chairman for the eastern states of the Travel Agents Federation of India.
With big attractions in the UAE, such as EXPO 2020 Dubai, T20 Cricket World Cup 2021and the game’s Indian Premier League on the anvil, Indians are eager to visit the emirates.
“As UAE resumes tourist visa, flight rates soar,” a headline in The Hindu daily read. Many Indians, who had put off family visits to the UAE, are now rushing to take advantage of the opening up.
“The reopening of Dubai has come at the right time. EXPO 2020 Dubai is a global event. Thousands of Indians will be eager to attend this event that will be an experience in itself,” one newspaper quoted Manav Soni, Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India, as saying.
The donation reflects the Sharjah Ruler’s continued drive to enrich local and regional libraries and institutions with valuable content…reports Asian Lite News
Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has donated 12,000 titles comprising rare and valuable publications specialised in the history of Arab and Islamic art and architecture, to the House of Wisdom (HoW), an iconic architectural marvel and the emirate’s new cultural edifice that celebrates the UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 title bestowed on Sharjah.
The donation reflects the Sharjah Ruler’s continued drive to enrich local and regional libraries and institutions with valuable content and position the House of Wisdom as the go-to place for researchers and academics.
The rare titles include the private library of German Professor Richard Ettinghausen and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Ettinghausen, which His Highness acquired and donated to How to serve as an invaluable reference on the history of Arab and Islamic Arts. The library is home to titles written in more than 10 languages, including Arabic, English, German, Persian, Japanese, Urdu, French, Spanish, Turkish, Russian and Italian.
The library’s contents include rare research on arts in the Arab and Islamic world including in Turkey, Iran, India, and Spain, curated by two of the most renowned researchers in Islamic arts and architecture in the world. Ettinghausen carried out his work on the Islamic collection of Berlin’s Bode-Museum – formerly known as Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum – and taught at the Institute of Fine Art, New York University. In 1938 he was appointed an associate professor at the University of Michigan. His wife, Elizabeth, was an expert and specialist in Islamic textile and oral arts in the Arab and Islamic world.
A team of specialists at the House of Wisdom is sorting and categorising the collection’s books to be featured at a special exhibition that will be open to researchers, book lovers and the general public, who will be able to view the most prominent works in the collection. These will include high-value manuscripts and publications in various languages on the history of Islamic arts.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, Director of HoW, expressed her gratitude towards the Sharjah Ruler for the donation which enables local and regional libraries to continue providing community members with knowledge sources in various fields.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of His Highness to authors, books and libraries, Sharjah received UNESCO’s prestigious World Book Capital title in 2019, in recognition of the emirate’s status, and its relentless efforts to instil the habit of reading and building individual’s capacities. The House of Wisdom is a true representation of the title and the inspiring vision of Sharjah Ruler,” she said.
The donated collection of books comprises a host of very rare titles, including limited editions and many that are over 100 years old. One of the prized possessions in the collection is a rare 1888 edition of Haza kitab-i mustatab-i Vasaya-yi Khvajah Nizam al-Mulk, penned by the Persian vizier Abu Ali Hasan ibn Ali Tusi, better known as Nizam al-Mulk. One of only two copies listed globally, this book is a treatise on governance and political science.
Amongst other rare books are an 1898 large-style publication on Oriental glassware and Islamic decoration and ornaments by Gustav Schmoranz; and an original edition (1910), a very rare catalogue on Islamic art and decorative arts titled Die Ausstellung von Meisterwerken muhammedanischer Kunst in München. The book is edited by Friedrich Sarre, a prominent German Orientalist and art historian, and F.R. Martin, a Swedish cultural historian and art collector.
Readers can gain valuable insights into the history of the Middle East with Max Freiherr Von Oppenheim’s, Vom Mittelmeer zum Persischen Golf: Durch den Hauran, die syrische Wüste und Mesopotamien. This 1899 book is a rare complete edition with maps and a detailed description of the region.
Article 3 of the law stipulates that the institution shall be an independent legal entity, which has financial and administrative autonomy…reports Asian Lite News
President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued federal law No. 12 of 2021 pertaining to the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI).
As per article 2 of the law, an independent body thereinafter called the National Human Rights institution shall be established and headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The NHRI may open additional branches and establish offices in other emirates.
Article 3 of the law stipulates that the institution shall be an independent legal entity, which has financial and administrative autonomy in the exercise of its functions, activities and competencies.
According to article 4, the NHRI aims to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms following the provisions of the UAE Constitution, laws and legislation in force in the UAE, as well as relevant international conventions.
Article 5 of the law states that to achieve its objectives, the NHRI shall participate, along with the relevant authorities, in the development of a national action plan to promote and protect human rights in the country and propose a mechanism for its implementation, to promote a culture of human rights and raise public awareness through seminars, conferences and panel discussions on human rights, and submit proposals, recommendations and advice to the relevant authorities on ways to promote, protect and pursue human rights.
The Institution should also submit proposals to the relevant authorities and institutions on the extent to which national legislation and laws are compatible with international treaties and conventions on human rights to which the UAE is a party, and track human rights abuses and violations, verify their authenticity, and report them to the relevant authorities.
Participating in international and regional fora concerned with human rights is also a mandate for the Institution.
Article 6 stipulates that the NHRI shall have a board of trustees of at least 11 members, including the Chairperson, with at least half of the members working on a full-time basis.
The second clause of the article details the mechanism for selecting members of the NHRI, which shall be decided by the UAE President and shall encompass advisory bodies, academics, civil society institutions and those with technical and professional expertise, in their personal capacity, while taking into account the appropriate representation of women.
The third clause states that a number of representatives of government agencies, which shall be specified by the President’s decision, will participate in the work of the NHRI and attend its meetings without the right to vote.
Article 8 provides the term of membership of the NHRI, which shall be four years, renewable once, beginning from the date of the issuance of the resolution. Members shall exercise their duties in their capacity.
According to article 9, the Board shall meet periodically at least once every three months. The Chairperson, at the request of the majority of the members, may invite the Board to an extraordinary meeting at any time.
The meeting of the Board shall be proper in the presence of the majority of its members, provided that the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson shall be among those present. Decisions shall be taken by a majority vote of the members present. In the case of a tie, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.
The human rights institutions that are established in accordance with the Paris Principles are treated as official state-created organisations for the promotion and protection of human rights. Such institutions enjoy financial and administrative autonomy in exercising their mandates and are guided by the Paris Principles for the National Human Rights Institutions, which were adopted in 1993.
The establishment of this key mechanism stems from the UAE’s eagerness to develop its institutional structure of human rights in a way that will enhance the country’s position and highlight its role in advancing it.
In developing this law, the UAE was keen to follow best practices and benchmark previous experiences of other countries with similar institutions.
The UAE also sought advice from international organisations, most notably, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which provided legal and technical assistance to draft the NHRI law.
Jaishankar and Gargash have also discussed the ongoing Afghanistan crisis besides the regional concerns including in Gulf…..reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has sent a written message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the prospects of consolidating the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
The message was handed over by Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to UAE President, at his meeting with Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India.
Gargash, who is currently on an official visit to New Delhi, conveyed during the meeting the greetings of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
According to reports, Jaishankar and Gargash have also discussed the ongoing Afghanistan crisis besides the regional concerns including in Gulf.
“Happy to welcome Diplomatic Advisor to President of UAE, Dr. @AnwarGargash. Noted the steady progress of our relationship. Discussed regional concerns of common interest,” Jaishankar tweeted.
The visit of Gargash to India comes at a time Afghanistan is witnessing fast-paced developments following the Taliban’s capture of the country two weeks ago.
The move comes as the daily number of positive cases continued to drop in the country, having gone lower than 1,000 since last week…reports Joy Chakravarty
Starting from Monday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resume issuing tourist visas to those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
The move comes as the daily number of positive cases continued to drop in the country, having gone lower than 1,000 since last week. The vaccination rate was closing on the 92 per cent mark, the highest in the world after Malta.
Both Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) jointly announced that application for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries who have received the World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccines.
The UAE’s official news agency WAM said: “This comes as part of the country’s strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth.”
Travellers who wish to receive the benefits provided to individuals vaccinated in the UAE, like visiting malls and public spaces in Abu Dhabi, can register their vaccination via the ICA platform or Al Hosn application.
As of June 3, the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines include AstraZeneca/Oxford/CoviShield, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac.
WAM added that “passengers arriving on tourist visas must take a mandatory PCR test at the airport”.
Despite an entry ban, India continued to be the Dubai International Airport’s) top destination country by traffic volume in the first half of 2021 with passenger numbers exceeding 1.9 million, reported Gulf News.
Emirates airlines continues to be the preferred choice of Indians travelling to the US and Canada and Dubai is a convenient place for transit.
Earlier this year in March, the UAE Cabinet had approved a five-year multiple entry tourist visa for all nationalities.
Otherwise, the tourist visa is granted for either 30 days or 90 days.
Indian citizens with valid visa of the US or UK are also eligible for visa on arrival.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum led a UAE delegation to the Republic of Iraq to participate in the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met today with H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the sisterly State of Qatar, on the sidelines of the “Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership”, held in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Tamim exchanged views on the conference and its expected results in a way that serve the security and stability of brotherly Iraq. They wished success for the conference and progress and prosperity for the Iraqi people.
The parties tackled ways to enhance bilateral relations that serve the process of construction, development and progress, and achieve the common interests of the two fraternal countries.
Among those who attended the meeting were H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to UAE President, Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Chairman of Protocols for the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Salem Issa Qattam, UAE Ambassador to Iraq.
@HHShkMohd
Yesterday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today led a UAE delegation to the Republic of Iraq to participate in the ‘Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership’.
The Conference discussed a number of security, political and economic dossiers, in addition to emphasising support for the Iraqi government and the fight against terrorism.
In a speech during the opening of the Baghdad Summit for Cooperation and Partnership, Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi said, “Terrorism represents a common threat to all, and Iraq refuses to use its territory as an arena of conflict.
He added that Baghdad Conference embodies Iraq’s vision for cooperation, saying that there will be no foothold for terrorism in Iraq, no return to undemocratic routes and no absurd wars. What unites peoples is more than what separates them.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was accompanied by a high-profile delegation including H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to UAE President; Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Chairman of Protocols for the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Salem Issa Qattam, UAE Ambassador to Iraq.
Shaikh Mohammad said in a tweet he wished Amirabdollahian success in developing positive relations with neighbouring countries.
Saudi Arabia was represented by its foreign minister, Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, and Iran with its foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian.
Arab solidarity The high-level meeting in Baghdad sent a message of Arab solidarity with Iraq, which has increasingly been pulled into Iran’s orbit in recent years.
“This summit marks the return of Iraq as a pivotal player in the region,’’ said political analyst Ihsan Al Shammari, who heads the Iraqi Political Thinking Center in Baghdad. “Having rival parties be seated at the same table is a significant step in that direction.’’
Iraqi special forces deployed in Baghdad, particularly around the Green Zone, seat of the Iraqi government, where the meeting was held. Participants were expected to discuss a regional water crisis, the war in Yemen and a severe economic and political crisis in Lebanon that has brought the country to the point of collapse.
Lebanon, which has been without a functional government for the past year, and Syria, which has been suspended from the Arab League since 2011, were not represented at the meeting.
Historic moment
Macron, whose country is co-organising the meeting, described yesterdays meeting as “historic,” showcasing Iraq’s return to stability following the ruinous war against the Daesh group, which was defeated in 2017. The meeting was a chance for Iraqi leaders to underscore their recent efforts to portray Iraq as a neutral mediator in the region’s crises and re-engage with the world after decades of conflict.
“Iraq, which for years has been a headline for war and conflicts, is hosting leaders and representatives of the region today to affirm their support for Iraqi sovereignty and prosperity,’’ said President Barham Salih.
Earlier this year, Iraq hosted several rounds of direct talks between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, with mid-level officials discussing issues related to Yemen and Lebanon, according to Iraqi officials.
The talks, while significant, fell short of a breakthrough in relations given the deep strains, historic rivalry and continued sporadic attacks on Saudi oil targets by Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen.
This came as Mohamed bin Zayed received Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in Abu Dhabi today to discuss the new edition of the National Agenda…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, have reviewed the UAE’s key strategic plans and initiatives aimed at accelerating the development drive and providing an ideal environment for businesses and sustainable economic growth over the coming period.
This came as Mohamed bin Zayed received Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in Abu Dhabi today to discuss the new edition of the National Agenda and strategic projects premised to usher the nation into a fresh phase of economic competitiveness, underpin its regional and international status across all sectors and platforms and take the UAE to new frontiers regionally and internationally.
The UAE leaders emphasised that the UAE is looking forward to delivering a brighter future where human capital lies at the heart of all economic and developmental plans over the coming decades.
They noted the UAE government’s determination to continue to provide all tools conducive to perpetuating its model of excellence and distinctiveness.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also stressed on the importance of continuing all possible efforts made for the country’s government system to remain robust, flexible and adaptable to future changes through launching distinctive development projects and policies aimed at ensuring decent life for its people and for generations to come.
Attending the meeting were Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Jassim Mohammed Al Zaabi, Member of the Executive Council, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance.
The Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai puts green architecture at the forefront, to help visitors appreciate the benefits and possibilities of integrating nature within our urban environments.
Layered with a showcase of greenery, digital solutions and art, the Pavilion exemplifies Singapore’s vision of becoming a City in Nature, and ethos of sustainable development via innovative and impactful urban solutions.
Yap Lay Bee, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Singapore Pavilion and Group Director, Architecture & Urban Design Group at the Urban Redevelopment Authority, said, “The Singapore Pavilion demonstrates the potential to push the envelope to integrate nature, architecture and technology through various design strategies and digital elements.
“We wish to invite visitors to contemplate their relationship with nature as they explore the Pavilion’s green, digital ecosystem and its artistic representation of the Pavilion’s integrated system of greenery, water and energy management. In doing so, visitors will be able to appreciate the challenges in realising the Singapore Pavilion, and the ways we can co-exist with our natural and built environment, where both people and ecologies are cared for.”
The Pavilion takes into account the local environment within its Rainforest Cone and the Flower Cone areas to sustain rainforest plants. The growth of the multitude of plant varieties despite the ground conditions demonstrates the possibility for such lush landscapes to thrive in different environments around the world while using renewable resources.
The Pavilion also capitalises on technology to augment bold landscaping design. Caring for the varieties of plants within the Pavilion is no easy feat, especially those on the curved green walls of the Pavilion’s iconic cones. To address this challenge, three prototype climbing robots will traverse the green walls around the Flower Cone to inspect the health of the plants, as well as to collect environmental data to monitor the performance of the Pavilion’s systems.
Visitors are invited to participate in a generative artwork at the Galleria that allows them to visualise the performance of the Pavilion’s integrated ecosystem and how it impacts the environment. The customised planting palette and innovative technological applications used in water and energy management are design strategies that enable the Singapore Pavilion to achieve its net-zero energy target.
Preparations for the Singapore Pavilion are at the final phase. Landscaping works have wrapped up and finishing touches are being made to the digital exhibits ahead of its opening on 1st October 2021. Various elements of the Singapore Pavilion experience will also be presented on online platforms, given the current travel restrictions and safe management measures.
Lepin also revealed that “some important people” in the Gulf had showed interest in Kalashnikov’s compact pistol at Abu Dhabi event…reports Binsal Abdulkader
This year’s International Defence Exhibition and the Naval Defence Exhibition (IDEX and NAVDEX) in Abu Dhabi has helped promote Kalashnikov products in the Arabian Gulf region, according to the top executive of the Kalashnikov group of companies, the largest Russian arms manufacturer globally known for its AK-47 rifles.
“Our rifles and pistols are in demand in the Gulf region, especially the ones such as our new Lebedev Pistol for special forces,” said Vladimir Lepin, CEO of the group at Army 2021, an international military show being held in Moscow.
“There was also interest [at IDEX] in our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with reconnaissance and monitoring functions. In Russia these UAVs are operated by the major oil and gas companies,” he said.
Lepin also revealed that “some important people” in the Gulf had showed interest in Kalashnikov’s compact pistol at Abu Dhabi event.
“We hope that our new 9 mm submachine gun PPK-20 will be of particular interest to the special and security forces in the Gulf region,” he added.
The company unveiled a prototype of PPK-20 at Army 2021, being held from 22nd to 28th August at the Patriot Congress and Exhibition Centre of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
The PPK-20 has completed state trials, and is now awaiting the final decision of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation in regards to adoption by the Armed Forces.
The submachine gun can also serve as PDW (Personal Defence Weapon), a firearm for combat vehicle crews or various support units, and for special force units that operate in urban areas, inside structures and vehicles, and in crowded environments.
The company also displayed the production version of the brand-new MP-155 Ultima SMART shotgun at ARMY-2021. The gun is designed to meet the requirements of modern users who cannot go without hi-tech gadgets. Its world debut took place at IDEX in February 2021 in Abu Dhabi.
The 15th edition of IDEX was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Asked about the new trends in military equipment orders received by the company, the CEO said, “The army and Special Forces in Russia want not only the new high quality arms but a comprehensive approach in which all systems interface and thus build up a soldier capability.”
“Kalashnikov offers comprehensive solutions to the army that include rifles, pistols, guided missiles, as well as UAVs plus modular carry system for the soldier,” he continued.
Kalashnikov also presented its new advanced S-8L guided missile at Army 2021.
The S-8L guided missile with semiactive homing head can be used by various carriers, including all types of helicopters or aircrafts, as well as UAVs.
The Kalashnikov Group and the cooperation companies are currently seeking the opportunities to apply the air-launched guided missile Vikhr-1 using various types of carriers. Such works are conducted to complete a major overhaul and modernization of the Mi-28N helicopters.
