Category: UAE News

  • Virtual summer camp for children to adopt healthy lifestyles

    Virtual summer camp for children to adopt healthy lifestyles

    Themed “Together for a fun summer”, the event will run from 4th July to 15th August, 2021…reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced the launch of a virtual summer camp to encourage children to adopt healthy lifestyles during the summer.

    Themed “Together for a fun summer”, the event will run from 4th July to 15th August, 2021, targeting children and adolescents aged 6 to 15. It will feature a wide range of educational, physical and recreational activities including the “Healthy Cooking”, a programme that will give children the opportunity to learn how to prepare simple and healthy meals.

    The list of activities also includes “Gym with you” initiative, which will see organising physical exercises by sports coaches to encourage and motivate children to practice physical activity.

    This is in addition to the “Little Chef” programme, which features a series of educational classes and practical cooking workshops to train children on the basics and rules of choosing healthy products and cooking methods. The course will teach participants how to prepare healthy meals and compete to win the title of “Little Chef”.

    A wide range of awareness workshops will also be held to discuss various health topics, provide children with necessary health information and promote children awareness on how to adopt healthy lifestyles.

    Speaking in the occasion, Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry’s Health Centres and Clinics Sector, lauded the launch of the virtual summer camp, saying it comes in line with MoHAP’s awareness programmes launched to promote preventive patterns, behaviours and sound practices among children.

    “The ministry attaches utmost attention to properly develop healthy generations, ensure their psychological and physical safety, and enhance the level of health care services provided in accordance with the best international practices,” Al Rand said.

    He emphasised that the virtual camp will support the ministry’s plans aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent diseases and encouraging the public, especially children, to adopt healthy lifestyles.

    “The camp will include a series of initiatives and interesting activities that would focus on establishing healthy nutritional practices and promoting physical activity among children. It will also support the goals of the National Plan to Combat Childhood Obesity and help achieve the national strategy to reduce childhood obesity, given that it is an advanced national priority,” he continued.

    For her part, Dr. Nouf Khamis Al Ali, Deputy Director, Health Education and Promotion Department, MoHAP, stressed that the virtual camp represents a golden opportunity for children and young people to invest their time during the summer and gain knowledge about ways to promote healthy lifestyles through awareness initiatives and workshops that will be delivered creatively to achieve the maximum benefit.

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  • UAE sends 500K vax doses to Tunisia

    UAE sends 500K vax doses to Tunisia

    This urgent response comes in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan…reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE has dispatched an aircraft carrying 500,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Tunisia to curb the spread of the virus.

    This urgent response comes in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to enhance the health conditions of the Tunisian people during the pandemic.

    Rashid Mohammed Al Mansouri, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia, stated that the leadership’s directives to send the COVID-19 vaccine doses are in line with the UAE’s support for the Tunisian people during the difficult circumstances Tunisia is facing now as a result of the pandemic.

    He added that in November 2020, the UAE sent a plane to Tunisia carrying 11 tonnes of medical diagnostic equipment, ventilators, mobile breathing units and PPE (personal protective equipment) to enhance the efforts of frontline workers.

    Earlier this week, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received a phone call from President Kais Saied of Tunisia, wherein they discussed the latest developments of COVID-19 and its health, humanitarian and social impacts.

    ALSO READ: UAE Prez pardons 855 prisoners ahead of Eid

  • UAE Prez pardons 855 prisoners ahead of Eid

    UAE Prez pardons 855 prisoners ahead of Eid

    The gesture is part of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa’s humanitarian initiatives and reflective of the values of forgiveness…reports Asian Lite News

    United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 855 prisoners serving various sentences in the UAE, ahead of Eid Al Adha.

    The gesture is part of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa’s humanitarian initiatives and reflective of the values of forgiveness and tolerance to give the prisoners an opportunity to start a new chapter of their life and positively contribute to the service of their families and communities.

    Sheikh Khalifa’s annual pardon ahead of Eid Al Adha aims to enhance family cohesion and bonds, brings about happiness to mothers and children and provides released prisoners with an opportunity to rethink their future and return to the righteous path to lead successful social and professional lives.

    The Dubai Government Human Resources Department had earlier announced that the Eid Al Adha holiday for Dubai Government entities will begin on Monday, 19th July, and will end on Thursday, 22nd July, with work set to resume on Sunday, 25th July.

    The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources greeted President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates; and the people of the UAE and Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion.

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  • Dubai Chamber series highlights Expo’s global connectivity role

    Dubai Chamber series highlights Expo’s global connectivity role

    As part of its role as Official Business Integration Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Chamber is running a series of commerce and trade initiatives throughout the event, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

    Expo 2020 Dubai, as one of the first global events to be held in the Covid era, creates an exceptional opportunity for people around the world to experience the latest in virtual reality, and connect and collaborate at the hybrid mega-event, Alex Lecanuet, Regional Manager of Accenture Middle East said in a message published as part of the En Route to the Expo video series.

    “I would tell them to come – as simple as that,” Lecanuet said. “Come because you have the opportunity to experience the largest post-pandemic hybrid event, combining physical and digital experiences. Come because you will see the world in one incredible destination.”

    “This is the first Expo with so many countries represented physically and digitally. Dubai is now the melting pot of the world – this is a unique opportunity to experience the post-pandemic world,” he added.

    As part of its role as Official Business Integration Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Chamber is running a series of commerce and trade initiatives throughout the event, including three of its flagship events held as part of its Global Business Forum series, namely GBF Africa, GBF Latin America and the inaugural GBF ASEAN.

    During the mega-event, the chamber will also co-organise the 12th World Chambers Congress, which is the largest event of its kind, bringing together chamber leaders and representatives from around the world.

    Last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that the Expo 2020 Dubai will be a global platform for foreseeing a future full of opportunities for generations to come.

    The UAE, which has a unique international developmental legacy established by the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continued by its leadership, will welcome the world at the Expo 2020 Dubai, which is an invitation to draft a roadmap for the post-pandemic era, he added.

    He made this statement while visiting the expo’s site, where he reviewed the preparations of all relevant authorities to host the largest expo organised in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, and the largest gathering since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will begin in October 2021, with the participation of 192 countries.

    Sheikh Abdullah visited the UAE’s national pavilion, which is designed in the shape of a falcon in fly, to promote the rich culture and bright future of the country and be a major attraction at Expo 2020 Dubai.

    “The UAE will always be the land of opportunities, a centre of tolerance, coexistence and cultural diversity, and a beacon of knowledge,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

    By hosting the Expo 2020 Dubai and through our membership of the UN Security Council from 2022 to 2023, we aim to promote international cooperation and collaborate with countries and multilateral organisations to maintain international stability and development and accelerate the process of recovery from the pandemic,” he added.

    Running from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022, under the theme ”Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first and largest to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region in the history of the BIE (Bureau International des Expositions) since the first great exhibition, held in London in 1851.

    192 countries in addition to UN and other international and multinational organisations and initiatives, as well as international academic institutions will participate in the event, making it the most inclusive and diverse global cultural, economic and human Expo to be organised.

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  • Abu Dhabi Ports unveils Star Rating Programme

    Abu Dhabi Ports unveils Star Rating Programme

    The Star Rating Programme, first-of-its-kind in the UAE, assigns five, four, three, two, and one-star ratings to communities under Abu Dhabi Ports’ supervision…reports Asian Lite News

    Abu Dhabi Ports has developed a new transparent classification system for residential accommodations to help companies efficiently select tailored housing solutions for their employees.

    The Star Rating Programme, first-of-its-kind in the UAE, assigns five, four, three, two, and one-star ratings to communities under Abu Dhabi Ports’ supervision, based on the amenities available to residents, including services, catering facilities, places of worship, recreation facilities, internet access, health services among others.

    Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Worker Committee, said, “The economy of Abu Dhabi has occupied an outstanding position and has attained a high level of competitiveness across many sectors, thanks to the excellent performance delivered by the non-oil economy, which now contributes more than 50 percent to the emirate’s gross domestic product (GDP).

    “Over the past five years, increasing numbers of the world’s leading businesses are selecting Abu Dhabi, which is now rapidly becoming a regional and global hub of industry and trade. Our partner, Abu Dhabi Ports, has been key contributors in achieving this accomplishment by introducing programmes such as the Star Rating Programme that reflect the preparedness of the emirate to develop innovative initiatives that ideally complement the needs of business.”

    Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “Employee wellbeing drives productivity, performance and output, which is why companies need to be able to make decisions related to employee accommodation with confidence. This new Star Rating Programme provides our customers clear and transparent information to aid their decision-making.

    “This programme will serve as an important benchmark, classifying a full range of services to support the requirements of companies and their employees, ultimately increasing returns for the emirate’s industrial and commercial businesses, and leading to the growth and expansion of Abu Dhabi’s economy.”

    Industrial enterprises in the emirate have grown significantly over the past five years as a result of the strategic efforts to create enhanced indigenous industrial and manufacturing capabilities. In 2020 alone, 51 new industrial establishments were registered in Abu Dhabi despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these, 35 were set up in Abu Dhabi city, 11 in Al Ain, and 5 in Al Dhafra.

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  • Dubai ruler inaugurates series of new road networks

    Dubai ruler inaugurates series of new road networks

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said “UAE continues to implement strategic initiatives that support the country’s aspirations for the next 50 years and boost the competitiveness of its vital sectors.”…reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated a series of road networks and strategic development projects implemented with the aim of shortening the distance and transportation time between various regions and emirates in the country.

    Completed at a total cost of AED1.95 billion, the projects are part of vital development initiatives that are expected to facilitate commercial growth and encourage domestic tourism.

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said “UAE continues to implement strategic initiatives that support the country’s aspirations for the next 50 years and boost the competitiveness of its vital sectors.”

    He said the country’s infrastructure projects are designed to provide an environment where both individuals and institutions can achieve their fullest potential.

    “We are constantly seeking to implement new strategic projects that can generate economic value by more closely integrating various regions in the country, enhancing productivity and creating fresh investment prospects, which in turn can bring new opportunities for the country’s people and institutions,” he stated.

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    “Our infrastructure initiatives aim to strengthen the country’s status as a global model for sustainable development and provide its people with a quality of life that rivals the world’s best,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

    Featuring a total gross road length of 112 kilometres, the road projects inaugurated include a network of tracks, roads, intersections and bridges in three main axes.

    The first axis, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, is a new route that represents an extension of the Sheikh Khalifa Road (E84) leading to the Emirate of Fujairah. This axis extends from the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa Road with Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102) and continues through the Mleiha area and Al Madam area in the Emirate of Sharjah and ends in the Al Shuwaib area in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The 52 km route has three lanes in each direction, with a design speed of 140 km/h.

    The second axis is Al-Watan Road, which represents a direct connection route between various regions, with three lanes in each direction, featuring a length of 42 km and a design speed of 120 km/h. This axis extends from the Hatta area, passing through the Masfout area in the Emirate of Ajman, the Almunaee area and the mountains of Wadi Al Qor in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and intersects with the first axis in the Mleiha area in the Emirate of Sharjah.

    The third axis of the project is the Dubai-Hatta Road, which includes the development and improvement of the current Dubai-Hatta road between Nizwa and Al Madam areas within the Emirate of Sharjah, with three lanes in each direction instead of two lanes, at a speed of 120 km/h. The length of this lane is 18 km.

    The road includes the construction of an upper crossing for vehicles in the Madam area and two bridges over the Madam roundabout. The project also includes the development of the current lower crossing leading to Al Nizwa area and the construction of four pedestrian bridges in the Madam area. The project aims to improve traffic safety and the flow of vehicles on the road.

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  • CBUAE unveils strategic objectives for 2023-2026

    CBUAE unveils strategic objectives for 2023-2026

    In an announcement today, CBUAE said that its strategy includes 7 objectives including the issuance of a digital currency…reports Asian Lite News

    The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has announced its 2023-2026 strategy, which seeks to position it among the world’s top 10 central banks.

    In an announcement today, CBUAE said that its strategy includes 7 objectives, including the issuance of a digital currency and driving digital transformation in the UAE’s financial services sector by utilising the latest artificial intelligence and big data solutions.

    The strategy will also see technology used across inspection, monitoring and insurance systems, in addition to utilising the UAE’s digital ID infrastructure (UAE Pass) to bolster financial inclusion and easy access to financial services.

    Besides seeking to develop advanced and secure cloud infrastructure to operate financial and insurance services, the strategy aims to support the UAE’s green economy efforts and continue work to develop more innovative financial infrastructure to boost the UAE’s competitiveness in this field.

    In line with the objective of the UAE Centennial 2071 to make the UAE the best globally, CBUAE launched a survey titled ‘Future Expectations and Needs of Partners Survey’, which is scheduled to be conducted on 15th July, 2021, urging its partners to participate.

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  • NRI Sohan Roy gets Better World Fund Unity Award

    NRI Sohan Roy gets Better World Fund Unity Award

    Roy will become the first Indian to be honoured with the award….reports Asian Lite News

     Sohan Roy, a Keralite marine professional based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Monday received the prestigious Better World Fund Unity Award which spreads the message of responsible mining across the globe.

    Roy will get this award for directing the documentary “Black Sand”, which is based on environmental degradation and unscientific mining methods adopted in Alappuzha’s Alappad region.

    The list of previous years’ award winners include the Prince of Monaco Albert II; Hollywood actors like Forest Whitaker and Sharon Stone; and German filmmaker Wim Wenders

    Roy will become the first Indian to be honoured with the award.

    “This award is considered as a token of appreciation for the relentless efforts taken for environmental awareness and renovation of film industry in the past ten plus years. Looking forward to contributing more ventures in the same direction in the coming years,” Roy said in a release.

    Roy is known for his directorial Hollywood movie “DAM 999” which contended for the 2011 Oscars and received five selections in three categories.

    ‘Black Sand’ isn’t his only contribution to saving enviroment. His ‘Mmm… Sound of pain’, starring the famous footballer I.M Vijayan as its lead actor, carried a strong message about environment protection and climate change, the Gulf News reported.

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  • Eid Al Adha holiday for govt begins on 19th July

    Eid Al Adha holiday for govt begins on 19th July

    In a circular, the authority said that work for all federal ministries and entities will resume on Sunday, 25th July….reports Asian Lite News

    The Eid Al Adha holiday for federal ministries and entities will begin on Monday, 19th July (Day of Arafat), and will end on Thursday, 22nd July, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced on Sunday.

    In a circular, the authority said that work for all federal ministries and entities will resume on Sunday, 25th July.

    The authority also greeted President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates; and the people of the UAE and Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion.

    Muslims performs the annual Hajj pilgrimage during the Islamic month of Dhu Al Hijjah which culminates in celebrating Eid Al Adha on the 10th day of Hajj rituals.

    The country’s Supreme Court had earlier called on all Muslims throughout the kingdom to sight the crescent of the new month. The court urged anyone, who spots the crescent with the naked eye or via a telescope to inform the nearest court, register a testimony there or contact the nearest centre to assist him in reaching the nearest court.

    3 people held for violating Hajj regulations

    Three people were caught for violating the regulations and instructions related to Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The accused did not obtain mandatory permit to perform Hajj and they will be fined SAR10,000 (AED9,793) each as per the rules, according to ‏Brigadier General Sami Al-Shuwairekh, the official spokesperson of Hajj Security Forces Command.

    Brigadier General Al-Shuwairekh called on all citizens and residents to abide by the instructions for this year’s Hajj season, stressing that the security personnel will take action against those who try to reach the Holy Mosque, its surrounding central area and the holy sites (Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat) without a permit, until the end of the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

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  • UAE suspends entry of travellers from Indonesia, Afghanistan

    UAE suspends entry of travellers from Indonesia, Afghanistan

    The suspension will include the suspension of the entry of travellers who were in these countries 14 days before coming to the UAE….reports Asian Lite News

    United Arab Emirates on Saturday announced the suspension of entry for travellers and transit passengers from Indonesia and Afghanistan on national and foreign flights with effect from July 11.

    The announcement was made by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) in the UAE.

    The suspension will include the suspension of the entry of travellers who were in these countries 14 days before coming to the UAE.

    Transit and cargo flights to and from these countries will continue, as usual, the GCAA said in a statement.

    However, the authorities said a few categories are exempted from the travel restriction. The excluded category should present a negative Covid-19 test obtained within 48 hours of departure, mandatory ten-day quarantine, and a PCR test at the airport as well as another test on the fourth and eighth days of entering the country.

    According to the decision, the period of the required PCR test is reduced from 72 hours to 48 hours, provided that the tests are issued by accredited laboratories and carrying the QR Code.

    People who are exempted from the decision include UAE nationals and their first-degree relatives; Diplomatic missions between the UAE and the two countries; Official delegations; Businessmen after getting prior approvals- and golden and silver residency permit holders; Holders of essential jobs according to the classification of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA); and Staffs of UAE embassies in the two countries and crews of foreign freight and transit planes.

    Earlier, Dubai-based carrier Emirates has suspended passenger flights from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka until July 15, following the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government’s directives to curb the spread of coronavirus. (ANI)

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