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Category: UAE News

  • On goodwill visit to UAE, IAF Chief looks to further strengthen defence ties

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

    Bilateral defence interactions between India and UAE have been steadily growing in accordance with other aspects of the bilateral relationship….reports Asian Lite News

    Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria left on an official goodwill visit to UAE on Saturday to further strengthen the defence cooperation and Air Force level exchanges.

    He is visiting the UAE on an invitation from Commander UAE Air Force and Air Defence (UAE AF & AD), Major General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi, a Ministry of Defence statement said on Saturday.

    “Indian Air Force (IAF) and UAE AF & AD have had significant professional interactions in the past few years. This visit will further strengthen the defence cooperation and Air Force level exchanges, as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides,” the statement said.

    The air chief of the two countries had last met in February in Bengaluru, India at the Chiefs of Air Staff Conclave at Aero India 2021. Both Chiefs had noted the significant progress made in bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the two Air Forces.

    IAF Chief, B’desh military brass discuss boosting defence ties Pic credits Twitter @IAF_MCC

    Bilateral defence interactions between India and UAE have been steadily growing in accordance with other aspects of the bilateral relationship.

    There have been regular high level exchanges at the level of Service Chiefs, functional level exchanges and military education exchanges between the countries.

    In the recent years, IAF participated in a bilateral exercise with the UAE counterparts in May 2016 and UAE Air Force Officers participated as Observers in Trilateral Air Exercise on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) theme held in March 2018.

    The ships of the Navies of both countries have regularly made port calls enhancing bilateral defence co-operation. India and UAE hold an Annual Defence Dialogue to discuss the security and defence co-operation issues between the two countries. (India News Network)

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  • Dubai Museum of the Future listed among the best in the world

    Dubai Museum of the Future listed among the best in the world

    The Museum of the Future, an architectural marvel that sits at the bustling heart of Dubai, is set to become a new global landmark once complete….reports Asian Lite News

    The National Geographic has listed Dubai’s ‘Museum of the Future’ as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world for its astounding architecture and sophisticated technological innovations.

    The Museum of the Future, an architectural marvel that sits at the bustling heart of Dubai, is set to become a new global landmark once complete.

    Mohammad Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, said the selection of the Museum of the Future as a major world icon, even before its completion, captures the UAE’s leading status in innovation, design and architecture.

    “Dubai has established itself as a centre for creativity, thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The emirate’s ambitions are reflected in an engineering miracle like Dubai’s Museum of the Future that has been globally recognised as the world’s most beautiful museums even before its completion.”

    Al Gergawi added, “The museum presents the UAE’s and the world’s gateway to the future with its design and latest technologies. The engineering icon positions Dubai as a testbed for emerging technologies and an exploration base for talents, inventors and creative professionals from all over the world to unravel the greatest challenges that will shape the future of humanity. Once complete, the museum will give visitors a glimpse of the future.”

    Spanning an area of 30,000 square metres, the seven-storey pillarless structure stands at 77 metres high. The stainless-steel facade, which extends over 17,000 square metres, is illuminated by 14,000 metres of Arabic calligraphy designed by the Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej.

    The Museum is also linked by two bridges, the first extending to Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with a length of 69 metres, and the second linking it to the Emirates Towers metro station, with a length of 212 metres.

    The Arabic calligraphy that adorns the facade include quotes by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Among the quotes are: “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone.” and “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it… The future does not wait… The future can be designed and built today.”

    The facade consists of 1,024 plates manufactured entirely by robots in a first-of-its-kind venture in the Middle East. Each plate of the facade consists of four layers, and each layer has been created after following 16 process steps. The installation period of the external facade lasted for more than 18 months, and each of the panels installed separately.

    A model for sustainability in creative design, Dubai’s Museum of the Future is powered by 4,000 megawatts of solar energy produced by a station connected to the building, in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Upon completion, the museum will be the first of its kind in the Middle East to obtain a Platinum Certification for Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design, the highest rating for green buildings in the world.

    The park surrounding the museum contains 80 species of plants, equipped with a state-of-the-art intelligent and automatic irrigation system.

    The Museum of the Future has won the Tikla International Building Award as a unique architectural model. Autodesk Design Software stated that the Museum is one of the most innovative buildings in the world. The building was designed by Engineer Sean Keila.

    ALSO READ: Mohammed bin Rashid issues Decree on Dubai Autism Centre

  • Mohammed Bin Rashid issues decrees on boards of various organisations

    Mohammed Bin Rashid issues decrees on boards of various organisations

    The new decrees include Decree No. (31) of 2021 on the Board of Trustees of British University in Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

    In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a series of decrees on the Boards of Directors of various organisations.

    The new decrees include Decree No. (31) of 2021 on the Board of Trustees of British University in Dubai; Decree No. (29) of 2021 on the Board of Directors of Dubai Cares; Decree No. (28) on the Board of Directors of Dubai Women Establishment; and Decree No. (30) on the Board of Directors of Watani Al Emarat Foundation.

    Board of Trustees of British University in Dubai According to Decree No. (31) of 2021, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum chairs the Board of Trustees of British University in Dubai, while the head of the University serves as the Vice-Chairman. Other members of the Board include Hussain Hassan Mirza Al Sayegh, Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Sheikha Hind Ali Rashid Al Mualla, and a representative each of Dubai Holding; British Council in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; Emirates NBD; Rolls-Royce International Ltd.; the British Business Group; and Atkins.

    The Board of Trustees will serve for three years starting from the effective date of this Decree. The responsibilities of the Board of Trustees are outlined in the Articles of Association of the University as per Law No. (5) of 2003 on the establishment of British University in Dubai. Decree No. 31 is effective from its date of publication in the Official Gazette.

    Board of Directors of Dubai Cares As per Decree No. (29) of 2021, the Board of Directors of Dubai Cares is chaired by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy while Tariq Mohammed Al Gurg serves as the Vice-Chairman. Other members of the Board include Sami Ahmed Al Qamzi, Abdulla Mohammed Karam and Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi. The Board serves for a renewable term of three years. This Decree replaces Decree No. (4) of 2018, on the restructuring of the Board of Directors of Dubai Cares.

    The Decree annuls any other legislation that may contradict its provisions. The Decree is effective from its date of publication in the Official Gazette.

    Dubai Women Establishment According to Decree No. (28) of 2021, the Board of Directors of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) is chaired by the Managing Director of DWE Mona Ghanem Al Marri while Hala Badri serves as Vice-Chairperson. Other members of the Board include Huda Al Hashimi, Huda Buhumaid, Khawla Al Mehairi, Mona Bu Samra, Fahima Al Bastaki, Aljoud Lootah and Moaza Saeed Al Marri, in addition to the CEO of DWE. The Decree is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

    Watani Al Emarat Foundation His Highness also issued Decree No. (30) of 2021 on the Board of Directors of Watani Al Emarat Foundation. The Board is chaired by Tamim Mohammed Al Muhairi, and its members include Saeed Al Aweem who serves as Vice Chairman, Mohammed Al Theeb, Mohammed Al Hali, Dherar Humaid Belhoul, Abdulla Dhaaen Al Jatbi, and Mohammed Omar Al Tayer. The Decree is effective from its date of publication in the Official Gazette.

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

  • UAE pledges AED 367 mn to support women’s education

    UAE pledges AED 367 mn to support women’s education

    This came during the participation of Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, in the GPE Replenishment Summit…reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE has pledged AED 367 million ($100 mn) to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to support the strategic plan for educational programmes in developing countries, over the coming five years.

    This came during the participation of Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, in the GPE Replenishment Summit organised by the UK and Kenya and the GPE to renew pledges on 28th and 29th July in London.

    In her remarks, Reem Al Hashemy affirmed the UAE’s keenness and sustained efforts to provide quality education to children around the world. She also underscored the UAE’s determination to work in cooperation with its regional and international partners, such as the GPE, to develop the skills women, girls, and youth need for long-term success, in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic around the world.

    Al Hashemy also emphasised the UAE’s firm belief in the pivotal role of education in supporting the sustainable development of societies around the world. This belief, Al Hashemy noted, has driven the UAE to host the RewirEd Global Education Summit in partnership with Dubai Cares and Expo 2020 Dubai and in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

    RewirEd will be held at Expo 2020 Dubai with a clear vision to reshape the educational landscape for a prosperous, sustainable, innovative, and accessible future for all while showcasing the country’s development aid.

    Al Hashemy also highlighted the key role of UAE foreign aid in nurturing international partnerships to support key sector development in developing and least developed countries, with education as a priority.

    The UAE is working to ensure the provision of education to women and girls to support the fourth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda, Al Hashemy explained, adding that the UAE also plays a prominent role in advancing the efforts undertaken by the GPE.

    In 2018, the UAE pledged US$100 million to support the GPE at the 3rd replenishment conference in Dakar, Senegal, becoming the first Arab and Middle Eastern member in GPE.

    The Global Partnership for Education is the largest global fund solely dedicated to transforming education in lower-income countries. Established in 2003, the programme works in partnership with donors, governments in developing countries, international organisations, the private sector, teacher associations, and civil society institutions.

    ALSO READ: UAE stresses on two-state solution at UNSC meet on Palestine

  • Etihad Rail completes excavation of GCC’s longest rail tunnel

    Etihad Rail completes excavation of GCC’s longest rail tunnel

    The tunnel is part of Package D of Stage Two, which runs for 145 kilometres from Dubai and Sharjah, through the Al Hajar Mountains, toward the emirate of Fujairah…reports Asian Lite News

    Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has completed excavating the longest tunnel in the Gulf Region, running for 1.8 kilometres.

    The tunnel is part of Package D of Stage Two, which runs for 145 kilometres from Dubai and Sharjah, through the Al Hajar Mountains, toward the emirate of Fujairah. The package includes the construction of nine tunnels through the mountains at a cumulative length of 6.9 kilometres, and additionally includes 54 bridges and 20 animal crossings.

    The achievement is a significant step in the project’s development. The route passes through some of the most complex topographical areas in the construction of the network. In total, the completion of the tunnel contributes to ensuring development continues on an accelerated schedule.

    All tunnel excavation operations were implemented in line with international best safety practices. Teams ensured that all construction was carried out safely, given the mountainous terrain surrounding the site. The tunnel’s excavation required 300,000 working hours to complete, with over half a million tonnes of stone removed.

    The UAE National Rail Network is being constructed on schedule. Track laying recently commenced at Saih Shuaib, the rail head for track running toward Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of Stage Two. The overall track on Stage Two will run from Ghuweifat on the border of Saudi Arabia to the emirate of Fujairah on the UAE’s eastern seaboard. At the beginning of 2021, track laying began in the Al Dhafra region toward the UAE’s border with Saudi Arabia.

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  • Mohammed bin Rashid issues Decree on Dubai Autism Centre

    Mohammed bin Rashid issues Decree on Dubai Autism Centre

    The Chairman of the Board will issue the decisions necessary to implement this Decree, subject to the approval of Board members….reports Asian Lite News

    In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued Decree No. (26) of 2021 pertaining to Dubai Autism Centre.

    As part of implementing the new Decree, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (22) of 2021 appointing the Board members of the Dubai Autism Centre.

    The Board will be chaired by Hesham Al Qassim and its members include Dr. Alia bint Humaid Al Qassimi, Dr. Hind Abdul Wahid Al Rostamani, Sami Al Reyami, Salha Khalifa bin Thiban Al Falasi, Dr. Sheikha Ahmed Al Raisi, and the Director-General of the Centre, who will be appointed by a decision issued by the Chairman of the Board.

    Decree No. (26) of 2021 seeks to make Dubai a leading centre for the education and treatment of people with autism. The legislation outlines the roles of the centre, whose key aim is to integrate children with autism into the community through holistic educational methodologies and therapeutic interventions.

    The Chairman of the Board will issue the decisions necessary to implement this Decree, subject to the approval of Board members.

    The centre’s sources of funding include revenues from fees charged for its services and programmes as well as donations, grants and endowments approved by the Board of Directors. The Executive Council of Dubai may also approve other sources of funding.

    The new Decree replaces Decree No. (21) of 2001 and annuls any other legislation that may contradict its provisions. Decisions issued to implement Decree No. (21) of 2001 will remain in place until new decisions replacing them are issued.

    The centre’s headquarter is based in Dubai. The Board of Directors can issue decisions to open branches and offices for the centre both within and outside the emirate.

    Decree No. (26) of 2021 and Executive Council Resolution No. (22) of 2021 are effective from their date of publication in the Official Gazette.

    ALSO READ: Mohamed bin Zayed, Austrian Chancellor discuss bilateral ties

  • Mohamed bin Zayed, Austrian Chancellor discuss bilateral ties

    Mohamed bin Zayed, Austrian Chancellor discuss bilateral ties

    The sides discussed bolstering their cooperation to serve their mutual interests…reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Sebastian Kurz, Chancellor of Austria, held a meeting in Vienna on Thursday and discussed bilateral relations and ways of enhancing the strategic partnership between both countries in various fields.

    The sides discussed bolstering their cooperation to serve their mutual interests, and reviewed the latest developments regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern.

    These include peaceful coexistence, economic cooperation, parliamentary cooperation, tourism and the Expo 2020 Dubai, which is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

    The Austrian Chancellor underlined the visit’s importance in driving the growth of the relations between their countries and enhancing cooperation efforts.

    Pic credit @MohamedBinZayed

    The consensus between the two countries on the principles of peaceful coexistence and tolerance is a key foundation of strengthening their bilateral ties, the WAM reported.

    Both countries support international security, stability and development, and believe in the importance of combatting terrorism and terrorist ideas promoted by extremist groups and armed militias around the world.

    The tourism sector is promising, in terms of the cooperation between the UAE and Austria, considering its size and the opportunities it offers to both countries.

    Despite the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector is expected to see the gradual return of flights between the two countries, most notably with the start of Expo 2020 Dubai.

    The UAE is the key economic partner of Austria in the region, while Austrian companies are increasing their presence in the UAE to benefit from the opportunities provided by Emirati markets to investors, most notably in the heavy machinery and service sectors.

    Pic credit @MohamedBinZayed

    The two countries are also advancing their strategic economic partnership and several coordination meetings were held to promote mutual trade and investment. Their main areas of economic cooperation include the digital economy, innovation, information and communication technology, renewable energy, water, logistical services and aviation.

    The UAE and Austria have a solid parliamentary relationship, and a friendship committee between their parliaments was established to exchange expertise and knowledge and coordinate their views and stances at international parliamentary events, according to WAM.

    Austria aims to benefit from Expo 2020 Dubai and reinforce the presence of Austrian companies in the UAE and the region’s markets by showcasing Austria’s technologies and sustainability, smart cities and renewable energy efforts.

    Kreisky visited the UAE eight times from 1973 to 1986, while Sheikh Zayed visited Austria four times during the same period.

    ALSO READ: UAE stresses on two-state solution at UNSC meet on Palestine

  • UAE stresses on two-state solution at UNSC meet on Palestine

    UAE stresses on two-state solution at UNSC meet on Palestine

    This came in a written statement submitted by the UAE to the UN Security Council quarterly open debate on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question”….reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE has stressed that the only sustainable solution to overcome the deteriorating conditions in the Palestinian territory is to achieve a two-state solution through the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions, the Madrid reference, and the Arab Peace Initiative.

    This came in a written statement submitted by the UAE to the UN Security Council quarterly open debate on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question”. The statement drew attention to the difficult humanitarian, political, and economic challenges facing the Palestinian people, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the obstruction of the political process.

    The UAE stressed that strengthening the international community’s tangible, practical, and urgent support for vital sectors in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the health and education sectors, must be an immediate priority.

    In this regard, the UAE highlighted the food and health aid it recently provided, reflecting its historic commitment to the Palestinian people.

    Between 2013 and 2020, the UAE has provided more than US$840 million to finance vital sectors and support development efforts in the Palestinian territory. This is in addition to the US$2.6 million in food aid recently sent to thousands of Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip, the delivery of more than 30 ambulances, and other medical assistance since the onset of the pandemic.

    The UAE affirmed that the international community must help maintain the recent ceasefire and encourage efforts to prevent escalation and advance negotiations. It also emphasised the need to protect the prospects for the two-state solution and to break the deadlock by relaunching a credible peace process.

    Accordingly, the UAE affirmed its support for regional and international efforts to advance this process, particularly the efforts of Egypt and Jordan in helping to reach a ceasefire. The UAE also underscored the need to stop all illegal practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which threaten the two-state solution and violate international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. These activities include building and expanding settlements, confiscating and demolishing Palestinian property, and forcibly displacing the population.

    The statement also asserted the importance of preserving the legal status of East Jerusalem, ensuring Palestinians can practise their religious traditions, and of respecting the historic role of Jordan as the custodian of the holy sites in Jerusalem.

    The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to continuing working with regional and international partners to end the cycle of conflict in the Middle East based on its belief that the people of the region deserve to enjoy a decent life in stable countries and secure societies, where tolerance and prosperity prevail, and in which people can realise their hopes and aspirations.

    ALSO READ: UAE Starts Granting Golden Visas to Resident Doctors

  • Sharjah Customs foils massive drug smuggling bid

    Sharjah Customs foils massive drug smuggling bid

    The drugs were concealed under a container carrying foodstuffs coming from one of the neighboring countries…reports Asian Lite News

    The Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority revealed that Sharjah Customs officials managed to thwart an attempt to smuggle a huge haul of drugs – about 93 kilograms of crystal meth and 3,000 methadone tablets – into the country.

    The drugs were concealed under a container carrying foodstuffs coming from one of the neighboring countries, the Authority said in a statement on Thursday.

    When checking the container upon its late arrival during the Eid al-Adha holidays, Customs officials found out that goods were kept in a suspicious manner inside the container.

    According to officials, the drugs that were meticulously concealed inside iron cylinders. The drugs were then seized in coordination with the concerned authorities.

    Sharjah Customs recently seized an illegal shipment of crystal methamphetamine, weighing 123 kg, being smuggled into the UAE. The shipment, which was coming through a sea port, was hidden at the bottom of a refrigerated container loaded with fruits and vegetables coming from an Asian country.

    Upon inspection, Sharjah customs inspectors became suspicious about the fruit when they detected traces of welding on the floor. Upon further investigation, inspectors discovered five steel boxes containing the drugs.

    During the first ten months of 2020, Sharjah Customs carried out 2,521 seizures, which represents 63 percent of total drug seizures.

    “The numbers and indices of seizures carried out by the State Customs Sector indicate the extent of the hazard of potential operations practiced by drugs smuggling gangs targeting the UAE youth community. At the same time, it reflects the extent of the alertness of the UAE Customs Sector and the magnitude of the role directed towards combating drug smuggling,” said Ali Saeed Mattar Alneyadi, Commissioner of Customs. 

    ALSO READ: Tourism 365 launches Europe trip to promote Abu Dhabi

  • Tourism 365 launches Europe trip to promote Abu Dhabi

    Tourism 365 launches Europe trip to promote Abu Dhabi

    The promotional tour will include countries such as Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic….reports Asian Lite News

    Tourism 365, part of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), is conducting a European business trip to highlight robust travel opportunities for European holidaymakers coming to Abu Dhabi.

    The promotional tour will include countries such as Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. The trip will focus on Tourism 365, showcasing how it supports in creating experiential travel opportunities for tourists coming to Abu Dhabi.

    Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of ADNEC, said, “Tourism 365 plays an integral role in showcasing Abu Dhabi as one of the Middle East’s leading tourism destinations. Our relationship with European markets will enable the wider growth of the tourism sector in the UAE and wider region, which ADNEC consistently seeks to promote.”

    Roula Jouny, Executive Director of Tourism 365, commented, “Abu Dhabi is seeing an increased supply of travellers coming to visit its leading tourism attractions. With so many tourists looking to make the most of a post pandemic world and experience all that Abu Dhabi has to offer, this trip cements Tourism 365’s reputation amongst some of Europe’s largest travel markets.”

    “Tourism 365 is integral in enabling innovation across the tourism sector, increasing the emirate’s attractiveness to international visitors, and showcasing all that Abu Dhabi has to offer to international tourists.”

    ADNEC Groups has a wide diversity of tourism offerings under its portfolio. Alongside Tourism 365, the Group has six hotels in its portfolio, which includes, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Andaz Abu Dhabi Capital Gate, Aloft Abu Dhabi, Aloft ExCel London and DoubleTree By Hilton Excel London.

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