Central News Hub

Category: UAE News

  • Sharjah offers amazing deals

    Sharjah offers amazing deals

    Those who want to enjoy the end of their summer vacation can also find what they are looking for at the Sharjah Summer Promotions through an array of the best events and offers…reports Asian Lite News

    As the new school year rapidly approaches, the shopping malls, libraries, and stationeries participating in the Sharjah Summer Promotions have announced they will be offering amazing deals on a wide range and large selection of school supplies that satisfy all tastes and age groups at affordable prices.

    Those who want to enjoy the end of their summer vacation can also find what they are looking for at the Sharjah Summer Promotions through an array of the best events and offers provided by leading shopping stores and leisure destinations in Sharjah.

    Commercial activity in the shopping malls sector is expected to witness a strong rebound ahead of the start of the new school year, especially in light of the fantastic deals and worthy prizes being offered by Sharjah Summer Promotions, Mohamed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), stated.

    This year’s back-to-school offers are of particular importance with the announcement of returning to in-person classes for the next academic year, Al Awadi noted, underlining that bringing children back to classes is in line with the country’s efforts to return to normality.

    ALSO READ: UAE pledges AED 367 mn to support women’s education

    This would contribute to boosting sales of stationery and school supplies sector compared to the previous period and giving parents and pupils a perfect opportunity to get what they want at competitive prices benefiting from the discounts campaign that has been specifically launched for this occasion, he underlined.

    Hana Al-Suwaidi, Head of Festivals and Shows Department, SCCI, said, “Sharjah Summer Promotions, in its 5th week, is witnessing a high turnout of visitors to enjoy its activities and tap into the exciting discounts on various goods and products.”

    She added, “Preparations are in full swing by shopping centers and retail stores to welcome the largest expected number of shoppers with the new school year getting closer, by offering wonderful deals and valuable prizes on a wide variety of products, especially school supplies, clothes, shoes, and other consumer goods.”

    Running until 29th August, Sharjah Summer Promotions is the largest shopping and tourist event organised by the SCCI under the slogan “Sharjah Summer_Shopping_Fun_Prizes”.

    ALSO READ: UAEU pavilion at Expo creates generation of job creators

  • UAE sends medical supplies to Tunisia

    UAE sends medical supplies to Tunisia

    Last July, the UAE sent 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Tunisia….reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE dispatched two cargo planes, which arrived in Tunisia on Wednesday, carrying 47 metric tonnes of medical supplies, including a number of respirators and oxygen cylinders, in support of Tunisia’s drive to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Rashid Mohammed Al Mansouri, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia, said that the UAE is closely monitoring the health situation in Tunisia, noting that this step is a continuation of the UAE’s efforts to provide support to Tunisia to aid in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He added that this initiative is the fruit of ongoing communication between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Kais Saied, President of Tunisia, noting that the UAE will continue to monitor worldwide health developments to advance its efforts to support other nations.

    Last July, the UAE sent 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Tunisia, and in November 2020, it sent approximately 11 metric tonnes of medical supplies and equipment at a time when the worldwide number of COVID-related cases was rapidly rising due to a lack of medical supplies around the world.

    To date, the UAE has provided over 2,200 metric tonnes of medical supplies to more than 135 countries, demonstrating once again its solidarity with other nations in line with the UAE leadership’s vision.

    ALSO READ: UAE eases travel curbs for passengers from 6 countries including India
  • UAE eases travel curbs for passengers from 6 countries including India

    UAE eases travel curbs for passengers from 6 countries including India

    Travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and hold valid UAE residency permits will be allowed entry into the UAE from August 5…reports Asian Lite News

    The United Arab Emirates has allowed the entry of more UAE residents from six countries from where passenger entry is suspended, authorities have announced.

    Travellers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and hold valid UAE residency permits will be allowed entry into the UAE from August 5, the Khaleej Times reported citing a statement from National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

    At least 14 days should have passed after receiving the second vaccine dose. They must also hold a certificate to this effect, it said.

    The exemptions are applicable to travellers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria and Uganda. Passenger entry from these countries, otherwise, is on hold, it said.

    Meanwhile, vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers from the following categories are allowed entry from August 5: health workers employed in the UAE, that include doctors, nurses and technicians; those working in the UAE’s education sector: Universities, colleges, schools and institutes; students in the country; humanitarian cases who hold valid residency; those employed in federal and local government agencies

    Last month, the UAE government had announced the easing of entry restrictions of Expo 2020 Dubai’s international participants, exhibitors and personnel sponsored by the event’s organisers, to the country.

    However, the flight and passenger restrictions from countries, including India, Pakistan, South Africa and Indonesia, will remain, according to the GCAA circular. The list also includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Uganda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Zambia.

    According to the GCAA circular, the categories of passengers exempted from the restrictions are citizens of the UAE and their first-degree relatives; diplomatic personnel between the UAE and the applicable countries, including the administrative workers; official delegations, subject to obtaining prior approval; UAE residents with gold or silver residency permit; Expo 2020 international participants, Expo 2020 exhibitors and personnel sponsored by Expo 2020 organiser.

    Tickets for the for the world’s biggest cultural gathering are available now at www.expo2020dubai.com and through more than 2,500 authorised ticket resellers, including online travel agents, tour operators, hotel groups and airlines from 100-plus markets around the world.

    Among the plethora of reasons to book a Season Pass for the Expo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the historic, invite-only Opening Ceremony.

    All UAE residents aged 18 and above who purchase an Expo 2020 Season Pass or Family Package before 14th August will be entered into a draw for the chance to win a prized place for themselves and a guest at the star-studded Opening Ceremony on 30th September 2021.

    ALSO READ: UAE approves use of Sinopharm vax for 3-17 age group

  • Egyptian Air Forces in UAE for ‘Zayed 3’ military exercise

    Egyptian Air Forces in UAE for ‘Zayed 3’ military exercise

    The exercise will be conducted over three phases, which include planning and conducting air training operations and offensive and defensive air operations….reports Asian Lite News

    Units from the Egyptian Air Force today arrived in the UAE to participate in the “Zayed 3” military exercise along with the UAE Air Force.

    The 10-day exercise, which will take place in collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Egyptian Armed Forces, is part of the series of Zayed military exercises organised by the UAE Armed Forces, in cooperation with Egypt, to enhance their military cooperation, through exchanging expertise in management and leadership, and planning and conducting air force operations.

    The exercise will be conducted over three phases, which include planning and conducting air training operations and offensive and defensive air operations.

    The exercise will showcase the capacities of the air forces of the two countries, in line with their collaborative efforts to ensure the region’s security and stability.

    Its activities will also include many joint training operations and tactical air manoeuvres to improve the operational readiness of both sides.

    The UAE and Egypt have strong overall relations, reinforced by their military cooperation and ongoing military exercises.

    The UAE-Egypt ties are based on a mutual understanding of regional and international challenges, as well as the importance of dealing with these changes through coordinated and integrated policies aimed at maintaining regional security.

    ALSO READ: A strong India-UAE partnership is possible in Western Indian Ocean
  • UAEU pavilion at Expo creates generation of job creators

    UAEU pavilion at Expo creates generation of job creators

    The programme activities will be planned and conducted in line with the national health and safety protocols in UAE….reports Asian Lite News

    The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is participating in Expo 2020 Dubai with an independent pavilion situated in the Mobility District.

    The pavilion’s central event, the Pathfinders programme, invites applications from high school graduates, enrolled students or recent graduates (within one year) from a UAE or an international university. The first iteration of the Pathfinders Programme, 1.0, currently ongoing, will successfully conclude in September with over 46 participants, said a UAEU press release on Tuesday.

    The UAE University’s pavilion, for six months from 1st October, 2021, until 31st March, 2022, will empower participants and give them the guided freedom they need to choose their path and impact the world.

    The transformative transdisciplinary curriculum, developed using a multistakeholder approach based on Design Thinking, offers participants a strong connection to the real world and places the commitment to solving global challenges at the centre of their learning experience.

    Talking about the Curriculum of the Future, Prof. Nihel Chabrak, Executive Director of the UAEU pavilion at Expo 2020 and lead of the pathfinders’ programme, said that the curriculum was designed to equip students with the skills of the future by infusing in learners reasoning, problem-identifying and problem-solving, higher level of abstraction, system thinking, creativity, experimentation, and collaboration, teamwork, leadership, effective communication, values of citizenship, quality, and ambition, to make their transition towards existing and future employment opportunities seamless.

    Globally renowned experts will deliver the programme from leading private, government, and not-for-profit organisations. Participants will be recognised and awarded during a special graduation ceremony at the end of the programme. The resulting educational outputs and experiences will be used to enrich and set up the final version of the curriculum of the Institute of the Future.

    Applicants will be assessed through their motivation and willingness to initiate a self-discovery path to identify their purpose and talent, develop their growth mindset, and a lifelong learning habit to explore better challenges faced by global society. A total of 40 Pathfinders will succeed to enter the Pathfinders Programme 2.0, and 50 percent of them will be from UAEU.

    The programme activities will be planned and conducted in line with the national health and safety protocols in UAE. All face-to-face interactions will be planned following the existing COVID 19 precautionary measures.

    ALSO READ: UAE approves use of Sinopharm vax for 3-17 age group
  • Dubai set to host major biz events as Expo approaches

    Dubai set to host major biz events as Expo approaches

    With Expo 2020 Dubai commencing on 1st October and lasting six months, the city is poised to welcome a number of major corporate and incentive groups that will be looking to allow delegates to experience the world’s greatest show, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

    Dubai’s business events sector continues to build on its momentum as one of the first cities in the world to reopen for international meetings, with a busy calendar of high profile conferences, meetings and incentives on the horizon through the rest of 2021 and into 2022.

    Following on from the resumption of international tourism to the city in July 2020, Dubai welcomed international business events from October 2020 and immediately saw a healthy pipeline of conferences and exhibitions taking place across the city, according to a press release issued by Dubai Tourism on Tuesday.

    With meeting planners recognising Dubai’s ability to safely host events and its prudent handling of the global COVID-19 pandemic, that is now poised to continue in the second half of 2021, through the hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai and into the rest of 2022.

    Among the major congresses and conferences coming to Dubai in the coming months are the Congress of the Société Internationale d’Urologie, Society of Petroleum Engineers Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, International Astronautical Congress, World Chambers Congress, LPG Week, Gastech and Africa Oil Week. Meanwhile, major incentive groups visiting the city will include AFC Life Science, Amway, Sunhope, Jeunesse and OMNILIFE.

    “The city was among the first in the world to restart its business events sector, providing a vital platform for associations, businesses and organisations to resume their face to face meetings and drive knowledge development in key sectors,” Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said.

    “We understand the importance for the meetings industry globally to restart physical events, and thanks to the efforts of stakeholders across the city, this all continues to be done in environments that prioritise the safety of all delegates, participants and organisers,” Kazim said.

    With Expo 2020 Dubai commencing on 1st October and lasting six months, the city is poised to welcome a number of major corporate and incentive groups that will be looking to take advantage of the opportunity to allow delegates to experience and explore the world’s greatest show.

    The Dubai Exhibition Centre within the Expo 2020 site will also host a number of important conferences and events, including the Dubai Association Conference.

    To build on this momentum, Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, continues to engage with meeting planners internationally, face-to-face where possible, highlighting the city’s business events infrastructure and rapidly developing knowledge economy.

    Over the coming months, DBE will host a number of study missions to the city, especially during Expo 2020 Dubai, allowing meeting and event planners to see offerings around the city and experience one of the world’s largest events. Meanwhile, DBE’s global team will also meet planners in their own markets through a series of sales missions, industry events and trade shows.

    “We continue to see strong interest from organisers looking to get their business events back on track as soon as possible – and thanks to the aligned approach taken by stakeholders across Dubai, we have been able to quickly mobilise when necessary to accommodate businesses, associations and other organisations to review their original plans and relocate events to Dubai,” Steen Jakobsen, Assistant Vice President, Dubai Business Events, said.

    Among the major events taking place over the coming months in Dubai is Africa Oil Week. While traditionally hosted in South Africa, this year’s edition has been relocated to Dubai, giving attendees the opportunity to engage in crucial discussions and deal making while at the same time taking advantage of a destination that can offer a safe setting.

    Meanwhile, Gastech, one of the world’s largest exhibitions and conferences focused on gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and hydrogen, will also take place in Dubai, having been relocated from its originally planned host city of Singapore.

    “We chose to temporally move Africa Oil Week to Dubai for 2021 due to the exceptional progress made in the UAE’s vaccination programme,” Chris Hall, Event Director, Africa Oil Week said.

    “Dubai is also the leading financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and presents an opportunity for our attendees to meet with new capital holders to further drive investment into Africa.”

    ALSO READ: UAE approves use of Sinopharm vax for 3-17 age group

  • A new aquarium with region’s largest sharks and rays

    A new aquarium with region’s largest sharks and rays

    Teaming with marine life, the aquarium will provide guests with a remarkable opportunity to delve into a submarine world…reports Asian Lite News

    The National Aquarium (TNA) in Abu Dhabi will showcase the astonishing biodiversity of species when it opens its doors later this year.

    Located in the vibrant lifestyle hub of Al Qana in Abu Dhabi, the largest aquarium in the region will showcase over 200 sharks and rays, representing 25 different species, said a TNA press release on Monday.

    Teaming with marine life, the aquarium will provide guests with a remarkable opportunity to delve into a submarine world and discover the awe-inspiring variety of species found within our oceans.

    The magnificent ecosystem is also the only place in the UAE to house a school of iconic Scalloped Hammer Head Sharks. Additionally, the Bull Sharks will also make their debut in the region and guests will be able to see first-hand, what is “widely considered one of the most dangerous shark species” in the ocean and rivers.

    Other species of sharks and rays will include Sand Tiger Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Zebra Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Shovelnose Rays, Cownose Rays, Freshwater Rays, amongst others.

    Sharks are one of the most misunderstood animals in the ocean with the misperception that they are dangerous, a narrative that has been reinforced by the film industry. With their numbers dwindling due to over-fishing, the team at The National Aquarium is seeking to turn fear into fascination and educate visitors around how well these apex predators can adapt to living peacefully. Guests will be able to observe how these animals interact with other species, including TNA’s team of world-class divers.

    An unmissable highlight will be the feeding demonstrations with both sharks and rays, as well as a one of a kind public ‘Shark Encounter’. Guests will be able to hand-feed sharks as large as two metres long, which promises to be an unforgettable experience, especially for people who have a living fear of sharks.

    Paul Hamilton, General Manager at The National Aquarium, commented, “We cannot wait for our opening this year, to reveal our array of animals and animal-related activities. In general, people have a fear of sharks and we want to celebrate these fascinating creatures that are so crucial to the health of our oceans. We are hoping that through personal interaction, the aquarium will help people overcome any fears and perceptions that they might have. Most importantly, we look forward to providing our visitors with an unrivalled and memorable edutainment experience on every visit.”

    The National Aquarium signed a five-year partnership with The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) in July 2020 to help create the largest and most innovative rehabilitation schemes of its kind to protect and rehabilitate wildlife in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The partnership has resulted in a large number of animals saved, including 200 sea turtles being successfully rescued and released until today.

    EAD calls on the community to report injured wildlife or environmental emergencies, through the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre at 800555.

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

  • Abu Dhabi reduces new business set up requirements by 71%

    Abu Dhabi reduces new business set up requirements by 71%

    Through several discussions led by ADDED, the Abu Dhabi Government identified and removed duplicate requirements and modified existing requirements…reports Asian Lite News

    Abu Dhabi Government reduced the requirements for starting a new commercial business by 71 percent, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced.

    In April 2021, a special task force, led by ADDED and launched as part of the department’s Investor Journey Programme, coordinated with more than 20 government entities and the private sector to achieve the reduction.

    Through several discussions led by ADDED, the Abu Dhabi Government identified and removed duplicate requirements and modified existing requirements to facilitate the process of starting a business while not compromising public safety and security.

    Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of ADDED, thanked all local and federal entities for helping achieve the ambitious target in a short time. All relevant changes are already reflected in respective systems and will be effective from 1st August.

    Rashed Abdulkarim Alblooshi, Under-Secretary of ADDED, stated that this considerable reduction is only the start of the programme, which is not a close-ended initiative but is an ongoing collaboration that will maintain the capital’s competitive advantage.

    Sameh Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Executive Affairs Office of ADDED, said that the move came after several recent announcements regarding the ease of doing business in the emirate. In early July, ADDED established the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO) to attract talents and provide services to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a preferred destination for living and working. Last week, ADDED announced that all licence issuance and renewal fees for Abu Dhabi Government entities have been reduced to AED1,000, and over 93 percent of economic activities can now receive a commercial licence within six minutes.

    To further enhance investors’ experience, ADDED is working closely with the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) to improve the commercial licensing services on the TAMM-Abu Dhabi Government Services website, Al Qubaisi added.

    ALSO READ: On goodwill visit to UAE, IAF Chief looks to further strengthen defence ties

  • UAE approves use of Sinopharm vax for 3-17 age group

    UAE approves use of Sinopharm vax for 3-17 age group

    The ministry said the move is based on the results of clinical studies….reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has approved the emergency use of the Sinopharm vaccine for 3 to 17 age group.

    The ministry said the move is based on the results of clinical studies, the strict assessment to approve the emergency use of the vaccine and the local evaluation that complies with the approved regulations.

    Meanwhile, the UAE on Monday reported 1537 new Covid-19 cases from the 266,834 additional COVID-19 tests conducted over the past 24 hours. The new cases has brought the total caseload in the country to 683,914.

    In a statement, the ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.

    According to the ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and receiving the necessary care.

    It also announced five deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 1,956. It called on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.

    MoHAP also noted that an additional 1,492 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 661,156.

    Meanwhile, 15,279 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered during the past 24 hours in the UAE.

    The total number of doses provided up to Sundya stands at 16,810,996 with a rate of vaccine distribution of 169.97 doses per 100 people.

    ALSO READ: A strong India-UAE partnership is possible in Western Indian Ocean

  • A strong India-UAE partnership is possible in Western Indian Ocean

    A strong India-UAE partnership is possible in Western Indian Ocean

    Indian navy is regularly deploying its warships in the region for providing food and medical assistance as well as for anti-piracy patrols. A foothold in Somaliland would expand India’s presence and prove useful in monitoring Chinese activities in the region, writes Sankalp Gurjar

    On June 24, a new container terminal was inaugurated at the port of Berbera in the self-governing territory of Somaliland. Somaliland is a break-away region of Somalia and is not recognized by any other state. The port of Berbera is located along the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden and is being developed by DP World; a company backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    Underscoring the strategic significance of the modern port in the region, the inaugural ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation from neighbouring Ethiopia, President of Somaliland and CEO and Group Chairman of DP World. The event also included a ground-breaking ceremony of Berbera Economic Zone. The completion of phase one of the port’s modernisation is a symbol of the strategic convergence between the UAE, Ethiopia and Somaliland.

    The new container terminal has more than tripled the overall capacity of the port and can handle the largest container ships which are in operation today. DP World has committed to invest up to $ 442 million in the three-phase port modernisation programme and will also operate the facility for the next three decades. The opening of a modern port, backed by an important Gulf power, is significant not only for its anticipated economic benefits but also has major geopolitical implications.

    Evolving Regional Geopolitics

    In the last few years, Persian Gulf powers like UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been engaged in expanding their influence in the Horn of Africa and are busy opening commercial and military facilities in the Red Sea region. Major global powers like the United States (US), Japan, China and France have established military bases in Djibouti. Reportedly, India had also demonstrated interest in opening the base at Djibouti and Russia has recently announced that it will establish a military base in Sudan.

    Of these, China is the most active power and is boosting up its military presence in the region by regular deployments of PLA Navy warships. It is engaged in developing major infrastructure projects such as ports and railways in Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya. As a result of these activities, the littoral and continental space from Sudan in the north to Kenya in the south has become a focal point of strategic rivalries between regional as well as global powers.

    ALSO READ: India, UK to conduct clinical trials of Ashwagandha

    The port of Berbera and Somaliland’s geopolitical location at the crossroads of West Asia, Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean is likely to assume increasing strategic importance as the Indo-Pacific rivalries sharpen. Historically, the strategic location of the port near the straits of the Bab-el-Mandeb, which is a key maritime choke point for international trade and global energy security, has attracted foreign powers. For example, during the Cold War, Soviet Russia had maintained a major base at Berbera. In the last few years, UAE has established a firm foothold at Berbera.

    Convergence of Interests

    Interests of UAE, Ethiopia and Somaliland converge at Berbera. UAE is the primary strategic partner for Somaliland and has provided security guarantees to the self-governing territory. Earlier, UAE’s DP World was operating the port of Doraleh in Djibouti. However, as relations deteriorated between UAE and Djibouti, DP World was ousted from the project and a Chinese company was brought in. Meanwhile, as UAE and Djibouti are still locked in a legal battle over the port of Doraleh, China has consolidated its presence in Djibouti.

    For UAE, developing the port of Berbera and building strategic partnership with Somaliland serves two inter-related objectives: challenge the pre-eminence of the port facilities at Djibouti for the shipping enroute to the Suez Canal and expand its influence in the Horn of Africa. DP World aspires to develop Berbera as a trans-shipment hub for the region. Through its entrenched presence in Somaliland and in Southern Yemen, UAE is in an enviable geopolitical position: it can monitor the strategically important Gulf of Aden closely and shape the strategic affairs of the region.

    ALSO READ: India Helps Bangladesh to Breathe

    Ethiopia, world’s largest land-locked state in terms of population, depends on Djibouti for 95 percent of its foreign trade. It seeks to diversify its access routes to the sea and has stakes in developing the port and other connecting infrastructure at Berbera. There are plans to develop the Berbera corridor and link up with a modern highway in southern Ethiopia. It will help to boost economic development of the eastern and southern Ethiopia.

    On its part, Somaliland recognizes that the modern port at Berbera along with political stability will strengthen its economic attractiveness. The increasing volume of shipping, maritime, air and land connectivity facilitated by UAE and Ethiopia, and consequently, growing strategic importance of Berbera would also open up possibilities for diplomatic contacts and eventual recognition.

    India’s Interests

    Gulf of Aden is an integral part of India’s maritime neighbourhood and sharpening rivalries between major powers underscore the need for increasing India’s strategic presence in the region. India has recently opened its embassy in Djibouti and has been steadily expanding its engagement with the Horn of Africa. India manages its relations with Somalia through its mission in Kenya.

    Officially, there is no contact between India and Somaliland. Given the importance of Somaliland’s geopolitical location, establishment of a trade mission or some sort of unofficial contacts would prove beneficial. Indian navy is regularly deploying its warships in the region for providing food and medical assistance as well as for anti-piracy patrols. A foothold in Somaliland would expand India’s presence and prove useful in monitoring Chinese activities in the region.

    In the last few years, India has emerged as a close strategic partner for UAE and the friendship could perhaps be leveraged to open channels of communication with Somaliland. Compared with the unstable politics and prevailing insecurity in Somalia, democratic Somaliland is stable and secure. Therefore, India could recraft its policy towards the region to better reflect the recognition of Somaliland’s political, economic and strategic significance.

    (Sankalp Gurjar is a Research Fellow with the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi. Views are personal. The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

    ALSO READ: Indian chillies spice up China’s kitchens with bowl of rice
    ALSO READ: Indian Army, Chinese PLA set up hotline to enhance mutual trust