Category: UAE News

The 100 Million Meals campaign, the largest of its kind in the region, operates across 30 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE’s most extensive food aid campaign distributed 106 million meals out of the targeted 216 million to underprivileged families and individuals in just four months.

The 100 Million Meals campaign, the largest of its kind in the region, operates across 30 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

The next phase of the campaign, which utilises blockchain technology and big data solutions to reach communities and individuals most in need, will distribute 110 million additional meals. The total value of the 216 million meal target is the equivalent of AED216 million, the sum that was collected by the campaign during the holy month of Ramadan.

Sara Al Nuaimi, Director at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said, “The partnerships and smart technologies that were utilised throughout all the phases of the 100 Million Meals campaign embody the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to help develop innovative humanitarian tools. The campaign was focused on expanding the humanitarian framework to form an integrated and open ecosystem that unites the efforts of different segments of the society to support those in need wherever they are.”

She added, “The 100 Million Meals campaign is an exemplary model of instant response to urgent humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable, reflecting the UAE’s longstanding tradition of humanitarian work. The campaign’s success in distributing the first 100 million meals within just four months highlights the importance of cooperating with regional and international organisations and local charities in beneficiary countries to reach the biggest scope of people. With the contributions of its members, institutions, charitable societies, and the business community, the UAE drew the most wonderful image of humanity.”

Food aid was distributed in the form of food parcels and instant vouchers, which enable beneficiaries to purchase what they need from partner shops and stores.

So far, the campaign has delivered 3 million meals to Lebanon, 3.3 million to Sudan, 6.9 million to Ghana, 3 million to Uganda, and 3 million to Angola. In its next phase, the 100 Million Meals campaign will continue to distribute food aid in several countries – Lebanon is set to receive 19.5 million additional meals; Sudan will receive some 5.7 million extra meals. Ghana will receive another 2.1 million meals; Uganda and Angola will each receive 1.5 million additional meals.

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The Traffic and Patrols Directorate has said that it will increase awareness campaigns to ensure that drivers abide by traffic laws…reports Asian Lite News

Abu Dhabi Police has launched a comprehensive campaign to ensure a safe return of students and teaching staff to the in-class learning, in line with all the precautionary measures in place.

The Traffic and Patrols Directorate has said that it will increase awareness campaigns to ensure that drivers abide by traffic laws, follow the rules and avoid speeding during pick-up and drop-off times.

Brigadier Mohammad Dahi Al Humairi, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at the Central Operations Sector, said that his directorate will intensify police monitoring and the dispatching of patrols across roads and tunnels in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra region.

He urged parents to be extra diligent and cautious when they drive their children to school and to educate them on how to safely cross the road or get to and from the school bus.

Brig Al Humairi also urged bus drivers to adhere to all safety and traffic rules, including stopping at the designated areas, allowing sufficient time for children to exit and enter the vehicle, leaving a safe distance between vehicles, driving safely during fogs and extending its red stop sign during pick-up and drop-off.

Drivers should stop at a safe distance of five metres when they see a red stop sign, said Al Humairi. Bus drivers who fail to open the red stop sign will be fined AED500 and six traffic points, while drivers who fail to stop when they see the red stop sign will encounter an AED1,000 fine and 10 traffic points.

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The nature of the agreements underpins ADNOC’s smart approach to procurement which is enabling it to drive value and commerciality across its portfolio….reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced on Monday the signing of framework agreements for Concept and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for major projects across its full value chain to support the delivery of its 2030 strategy.

The framework agreements – which were signed with eight top-tier global engineering contractors – have a combined scope worth up to US$1 billion (AED3.67 billion) and the potential for 50% of the value to flow back into the UAE’s economy under ADNOC’s In-Country Value (ICV) programme, over the agreement term between 2021 and 2026. The scope of the agreements is based on the forecasted requirement for external project engineering services across the ADNOC Group.

The nature of the agreements underpins ADNOC’s smart approach to procurement which is enabling it to drive value and commerciality across its portfolio. By structuring the framework agreements with a group of top-tier contractors instead of procuring smaller individual agreements, ADNOC was able to secure pre-agreed terms and conditions thereby reducing tendering cycle by months, achieve highly competitive rates by leveraging long-term contracts that service its entire portfolio, and establish a group-wide performance management and review process that provides high visibility of contractor performance.

Commenting on the signing of the agreements, Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, ADNOC People, Technology & Corporate Support Executive Director, said, “We are very pleased to engage with the eight top-tier engineering contractors awarded to provide best-in-class engineering expertise on our strategic projects across our full value chain. These framework agreements follow a very competitive tender process and the smart nature of the deals will deliver substantial cost savings, optimise project delivery schedules and provide ADNOC with increased flexibility to drive its growth targets and proactively respond to the demands of the fast-evolving energy landscape. In addition, the agreements offer the potential to create additional skilled employment opportunities for Emiratis and include commitments that contracted services will primarily be carried out in the UAE, ensuring more economic value remains in the country from our contract awards.”

ADNOC signed the framework agreements with AMEC International Ltd (part of the Wood Group), Fluor, McDermott, Mott MacDonald, SNC-Lavalin International Arabia Limited – Abu Dhabi (part of the Kentech Group), Technip Energies, Worley, and a joint venture between Tecnicas Reunidas and NPCC. The agreements will run for five years, with an option for a two-year extension. The eight contractors have committed to set up and run enhanced training programs to further develop local expertise and enable knowledge transfer.

As an integral part of its 2030 strategy, ADNOC is optimising its procurement strategy to reflect market dynamics, focusing on long-term contracts with a reduced number of suppliers that provide stable and reliable delivery at highly competitive rates.

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The OIC on Sunday organized a meeting to discuss the situation in Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News

The 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed concern about the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and underscored the importance of cooperation in facilitating the safe evacuation of civilians wishing to leave the war-ravaged country.

The OIC on Sunday organized a meeting to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. At the meeting, OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen urged the ruling regime (Taliban) to respect international humanitarian law and the right to life and security, ARY News reported.

“The meeting also urged all parties to work towards advancing the interests of the Afghan people, to renounce violence and urgently restore security and civil order throughout the Afghan society, and to establish lasting peace to achieve the aspirations of the Afghan people for stability, decent life, respect of their rights, and prosperity,” said a final communique, issued after the Saudi Arabia-based organisation.

“The meeting underscored cooperation in facilitating safe evacuation operations and underscored that civilians wishing to leave Afghanistan must be allowed to do that,” it added.

The members underscored the necessity for inclusive dialogue among all Afghan parties, representative of the people of Afghanistan for the future of their country.

They expressed serious concern about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan because of the increased flow of internally displaced persons and refugees due to the current situation in the country.

The meeting called upon the future Afghan leadership and the international community to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or haven for terrorists and not allow terrorist organizations to have a foothold there.

The Islamic Nations also underscored the necessity to resolve intra-Afghan differences through peaceful means. (ANI)

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Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, has received a phone call from Minister Henare on Monday….reports Asian Lite News

New Zealand Defence Minister Peeni Henare has praised UAE’s efforts in evacuating its nationals from Afghanistan after Taliban took over the country.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, has received a phone call from Minister Henare on Monday.

The two ministers discussed cooperation and joint action between the UAE and New Zealand in defence and military affairs, and touched upon regional issues of common interest.

They also reviewed means to further develop bilateral relations to serve the interests of the two friendly countries.

As part of the framework of the joint cooperation between the two countries, the Defence Minister praised the UAE’s support in evacuating New Zealand nationals from Afghanistan.

The move, he said, “underscores the deep-rooted, friendly ties between the two countries”.

Al Bowardi, during the call, stressed the UAE’s “constant keenness and readiness to provide all forms of support and extend a helping hand to brotherly and friendly countries to support international efforts in enhancing security and stability”.

On Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received a phone call from US President, during which Joe Biden thanked the UAE and its leadership for their support in helping evacuate American diplomats and nationals from Afghanistan.

“We highly appreciate the UAE’s humanitarian efforts in facilitating the safe transit of American citizens, embassies’ employees and foreigners who were evacuated from Kabul on their way to a third country,” said President Biden, adding that this stance represents the strong and everlasting partnership between the UAE and the US.

Crown Prince and the US President also exchanged views on a number of regional and international developments and issues of common interest.

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UPI is an instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI facilitating inter-bank transactions…reports Asian Lite News

NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with Mashreq, one of the leading financial institutions in the UAE, to offer acceptance of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the UAE.

UPI is an instant real-time payment system developed by NPCI facilitating inter-bank transactions. It said in a statement that this partnership will enable over 2 million Indians who travel to UAE for business or leisure purposes every year to pay for their purchases using UPI-based mobile applications across shops and merchant stores in the UAE.

The strategic tie-up between the two entities will provide a considerable boost to the digital payment ecosystem in the UAE and will prove to be a major stepping stone for the wider reach of UPI in the international markets.

Ritesh Shukla, chief executive officer, NIPL said the organization is excited about the partnership with Mashreq Bank, which will enable consumers from India to transact seamlessly using NPCI’s UPI platform and deliver a seamless user experience.

Meanwhile, Kartik Taneja, executive vice-president (head of payments) at Mashreq Bank said that given the position of UAE as an international commerce and tourism hub, retail merchants in the Emirates always enable the latest payment methods that are expected by our international clients.

“Innovation has been at the core of what Mashreq does, and we have a proud history of introducing omnichannel solutions that benefit our customers and the UAE’s economy. We are the first in this market to partner NIPL and offer cutting-edge mobile-based digital payments to our clients,” said Taneja.

According to the statement, UPI is amongst the most successful real-time payments systems globally, providing – simplicity, safety, and security in person to person (P2P) and person to merchant (P2M) transactions. In 2020, UPI allowed transactions worth $457 billion, which is equivalent to approximately 15% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP).

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As ADFD marks the 50th anniversary of its founding, the officials said that the Fund’s efforts in the development arena over the past five decades have delivered remarkable economic and social benefits…reports Asian Lite News

Ministers and key officials of several developing countries across the globe have lauded the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) in driving sustainable economic development in their countries.

Noting that the fund has played a significant role in financing thousands of development projects across strategic sectors, they highlighted the profound change brought about by ADFD-funded projects on the lives of millions of people from local communities, allowing the beneficiary countries to achieve their development plans and programmes.

As ADFD marks the 50th anniversary of its founding, the officials said that the Fund’s efforts in the development arena over the past five decades have delivered remarkable economic and social benefits. Through its partnerships, ADFD has effectively contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and helped communities overcome the challenges on the path of progress and prosperity.

Key Strategic Projects Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of Bahrain, highlighted the historical ties between the Bahrain and the UAE, noting that the Fund has significantly contributed to enhancing these relations through promoting economic growth. He reiterated that the economic relations between Bahrain and the UAE have historical significance and are set to reach new heights given the keen interest taken by the leaderships of both sides to strengthen cooperation and sustainable development in various sectors, with a particular emphasis on economic and development domains.

The Minister also applauded ADFD’s active role and valuable contributions to various development projects in Bahrain, helping the Kingdom stimulate economic growth.

He added, “ADFD has always been a major contributor to the various development projects implemented by the government of Bahrain to drive sustainable growth in key economic and social sectors, notably the projects implemented within the framework of the Gulf Development Fund for Bahrain. Covering vital sectors, the Fund’s contributions have resulted in the timely implementation of several strategic projects aimed at supporting the Bahraini government’s tireless efforts to achieve sustainable development in the Kingdom.”

Landmark Projects For her part, Rania A. Al Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt, extended her best wishes to ADFD on its 50th anniversary, noting that the Fund has played a meaningful role in fostering economic development in various countries around the world through financing strategic projects that contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of the beneficiary countries.

Al Mashat said, “Since the development cooperation between ADFD and the Egyptian Government began in 1974, both sides have chartered together a unique success story. During this period, the Fund has allocated AED1.8 billion towards the development of many landmark projects across various sectors in Egypt including housing, roads, agricultural development, among others. The Fund has also extended AED2.3 billion in technical assistance as part of its support for the Egyptian Government’s efforts to stimulate growth in strategic sectors.”

Financing Priority Projects Nasser Shraideh, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation in Jordan, described ADFD as one of the most prominent development organisations at the regional and global levels, noting that the relations between the Jordanian Government and the Fund dated back to 1974. Since then, the Fund has been a key partner of the Jordanian government in its efforts to achieve sustainable development in the Kingdom, standing by Jordan in the time of need, especially following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this crisis, the Fund has continued its contribution to the development of Jordan through providing concessional loans and managing the government grants provided by the UAE to support priority projects identified by the Jordanian Government.

The Minister added that since 1974, ADFD has provided Jordan with a funding portfolio worth US$150 million including concessional loans to support development projects in sectors as diverse as infrastructure, health, education, industry, mining, water and irrigation to support the Jordanian Government’s development priorities. The Fund is also managing the US$1.25 billion UAE Government contribution to the Gulf Development Fund for Jordan that supports projects in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, water and irrigation, public education, higher education, and healthcare.

The Minister noted that ADFD is also supporting Jordan as part of the UAE’s pledge announced during the Makkah Summit. The projects implemented as part of this pledge have translated into tremendous economic and social benefits for the Kingdom and enabled the Jordanian Government to achieve its development objectives in priority sectors to drive the growth of the Jordanian economy, while ensuring easy access to basic services to Jordanian citizens.

Launching Numerous Development Projects Ousmane Mamoudou Kane, Minister of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors in Mauritania, stated, “ADFD has contributed to many important development projects in Mauritania since the seventies of the last century as we enjoy outstanding relations that date back to 1974. These relations have translated into numerous projects spanning industry, transportation, agriculture, water and electricity, helping Mauritania accelerate the development process in the country.”

He added, “ADFD has helped bridge the geographical distances between the UAE and Mauritania, setting a successful model for Arab-Arab cooperation in sustainable economic development through supporting projects that improve people’s living standards. These projects have significantly benefited the local population and promoted economic development in the country, validating the instrumental role played by ADFD as a key partner for development in Mauritania. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation with the Fund and with the government and people of the UAE to further progress and prosperity.”

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