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Category: UAE News

  • Expo, UN Global Compact to organise sustainability forum

    Expo, UN Global Compact to organise sustainability forum

    Announced at UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit, the collaboration reflects a shared and urgent commitment to advance the Sustainable Development Goals…reports Asian Lite News

    Expo 2020 Dubai and the United Nations Global Compact are joining forces to hold a Sustainable Development Goals Business Forum during Expo’s Global Goals Week (16-22 January 2022), to unite businesses and spur further action towards a sustainable and inclusive future.

    Announced at UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit, the collaboration reflects a shared and urgent commitment to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and drive meaningful change.

    Spotlighting the work of the UN Global Compact – the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative – the business forum will examine how the global community can foster economic prosperity for all, while ensuring the SDGs are achieved by the 2030 deadline.

    Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Official Business Integrator of Expo 2020 Dubai, will co-curate this and all other themed business forums throughout the six-month mega event.

    The collaboration will leverage the presence of more than 200 international participants at Expo 2020 to encourage a new wave of UN Global Compact membership participation and drive progress towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth,

    This is in line with the UN Global Compact’s mission to accelerate the collective impact of business at a global scale by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and enabling ecosystems.

    Nadia Verjee, Chief of Staff, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Our collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact is another milestone in Expo’s wider relationship with the UN. It builds on our shared commitment to strategic action, collaboration and innovation to advance the SDGs and exemplifies Expo 2020’s mission to bring the world together to create a better future for people and planet.

    “Sustainable growth is at the heart of the UAE’s strategic vision and underpins Expo 2020’s entire philosophy, before during and after the event. It cuts across Expo in all manner of ways, from highlighting how countries are placing sustainable development at the core of their strategies, exhibitions and programming, to actively engaging, informing and inspiring millions of visitors to make a conscious difference in how they live their lives.”

    ALSO READ: ENOC Link to supply 1mn litres of fuel to Expo fleet

  • Expo 2020 Dubai unveils Women’s Pavilion

    Expo 2020 Dubai unveils Women’s Pavilion

    Under the exhibition titled “New Perspectives”, the Women’s Pavilion will invite visitors to recognise the central role that women, known and unknown, have played throughout history…reports Asian Lite News

    Expo 2020 Dubai has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, unveiling creative content and programming for the Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier, which will celebrate women change-makers around the globe.

    Taking place in Dubai from 1st October, 2021, to 31st March, 2022, the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region – Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo since the 1900s to have a standalone pavilion dedicated to women.

    Under the exhibition titled “New Perspectives”, the Women’s Pavilion will invite visitors to recognise the central role that women, known and unknown, have played throughout history, leading up to the present, according to a WAM report.

    Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “The international community has made progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment, but much more needs to be done. By welcoming visitors from across the planet and from every walk of life, Expo 2020 Dubai is a unique, powerful platform that will drive the necessary attention to this issue.

    “Gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) has been a central principle of the UAE since its inception 50 years ago as evidenced in initiatives by great female leaders such as H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and H.H. Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

    The Women’s Pavilion features five structures with different narratives located on the ground floor: Introduction – expressing the purpose of the pavilion; Achievements – shining a light on women’s impact on the world; Challenges – acknowledging what is holding women back; Solutions – highlighting the initiatives enabling women to thrive so humanity can thrive, and Engaging with visitors – encouraging visitors to become champions of gender equality and women’s empowerment and take the journey forward.

    Cyrille Vigneron, President and CEO of Cartier International, said, “As gender inequality persists and continues to impact women’s lives, it is ever more imperative to show unity and togetherness in promoting women empowerment. We are honoured to take our long-standing support to women change-makers further by collaborating with Expo 2020 Dubai and present the Women’s Pavilion to a truly global audience.”

    The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, defender of and campaigner for women’s rights, women’s empowerment and gender equality, is renewing her endorsement of the Women’s Pavilion.

    Mlambo-Ngcuka said, “I applaud the UAE for dedicating a space for the millions of visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai to learn about the crucial roles that women play, from communities to the world stage, while recognising the challenges they still face every day.”

    ALSO READ: ENOC Link to supply 1mn litres of fuel to Expo fleet

  • UAE to second rover to Moon by 2025

    UAE to second rover to Moon by 2025

    The UAE plans to send several space vehicles, including rovers and orbiters, to the Moon as part of the nation’s exploration of space….reports Asian Lite News

    The plan includes building and launching Moon orbiters, forming new partnerships to send Emirati astronauts to the lunar surface, reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE plans to send several space vehicles, including rovers and orbiters, to the Moon as part of the nation’s exploration of space.

    This was revealed by Salem Al Marri, deputy director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, at a global space conference in Russia. After the first rover, Rashid, is sent next year, a second rover will be developed and taken to the lunar surface by 2024 or 2025.

    The plan includes building and launching Moon orbiters, forming new partnerships to send Emirati astronauts to the lunar surface and supporting local start-ups by using their tech or science in the missions.

    The efforts are part of the UAE’s strategy to be involved in global space exploration efforts. These are currently focused on setting up a human base on the Moon from where astronauts will be sent to Mars.

    In September 2019, UAE sent the first Emirati into space as part of a three-member crew that blasted off on a Soyuz rocket from Kazakhstan for an eight-day mission.

    ALSO READ: Shiekh Mohammed lauds UAE’s battle against Covid

    Then in February, its ‘Hope’ probe successfully entered Mars’ orbit on a journey to reveal the secrets of Martian weather, making history as the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission. The UAE is following it up on one more adventure: exploration of the moon.

    Lunar exploration company iSpace will transport a United Arab Emirates rover to the moon in 2022, the company had said, as the UAE seeks to expand its space sector. The UAE is pushing for rapid expansion in the space exploration business to diversify its economy.

    The 2022 launch will be iSpace’s first mission of this kind and will use a Falcon 9 rocket from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to be launched from Florida. Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) will build the Rashid lunar rover. It will remain on the moon after data collection is completed.

    The Dubai Media Office had said that the 10-kilogramme rover will be an integral part of the efforts to build the first settlement on Mars in 2117 – one of the UAE’s most ambitious plans.

    “Not only is the Moon exciting to study, it’s also closer to get to. It’s much easier to do things around the Moon than, for example, sending a rover to Mars. Going to the Moon for us is a dual goal of achieving scientific and technological objectives, as well as preparing for future missions to land on the surface of Mars,” Al Marri said.

    He said some companies and research entities are willing to contribute financially to send their payloads on the second rover.

    “In the next mission, we do see interest from commercial players and from start-up companies in the UAE that we want to support and endorse. We want our next and future rovers to be used as platforms by start-up companies, universities, commercial players to test their ideas, to implement them,” he said.

    ALSO READ: Israel warns against travel to UAE

  • Israel warns against travel to UAE

    Israel warns against travel to UAE

    Israel has already banned travel to six countries, which are Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, India, Mexico and Russia….reports Asian Lite News

    The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued a “severe” travel warning for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the concerns of Covid-19 spread.

    The UAE has become one of the most popular destinations for Israeli tourists since a normalisation agreement was signed between the two countries in September 2020, reports Xinhua news agency.

    Besides the UAE, there are currently “severe” travel warnings from Israel to over 10 countries.

    The Ministry warned on Wednesday that if the situation in those countries does not improve, they could be added to the list of those countries to which Israelis are barred from travelling.

    Israel has already banned travel to six countries, which are Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, India, Mexico and Russia.

    Israeli citizens and permanent residents who want to travel to the six destinations must apply to an exceptions committee.

    All passengers arriving in Israel from these countries must go into quarantine, including those vaccinated and recovered from the virus.

    Meanwhile, the Mministry removed the “severe” travel warning for Peru.

    ALSO READ: UN Chief urges maintaining Israel-Hamas ceasefire

  • Shiekh Mohammed lauds UAE’s battle against Covid

    Shiekh Mohammed lauds UAE’s battle against Covid

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added that the UAE’s fight against the pandemic has particularly been a story of strength, fortitude and endurance…reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said that the COVID-19 pandemic summoned extraordinary resilience across the world despite having caused unprecedented disruptions to people’s lives.

    Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came in the foreword of the Emirates Group’s Annual Report – 2020-2021 where he described the pandemic as “one of the biggest challenges humanity has faced in its known history.”

    He added that the UAE’s fight against the pandemic has particularly been a story of strength, fortitude and endurance. “We have been tested in our ability to deal with this unforeseen situation, but we have emerged out of it tougher.

    “In many ways, the UAE has proved to be one of best prepared countries to deal with this pandemic. Not only have we effectively safeguarded the health and wellbeing of citizens and residents, we have also weathered the economic impact of the crisis. The investments we made over the last few decades to create a world-leading infrastructure, thanks to the vision of our founding fathers, combined with our robust institutions and public services, have enabled us to counter the COVID-19 challenge.”

    What has been truly remarkable, Sheikh Mohammed continued, is the way “all stakeholders in our society and economy have come together to mobilise the efforts and resources needed to combat the pandemic. The joint efforts of the public and private sectors in mounting a strong healthcare response is one of the examples of this spirit of solidarity.”

    Consistent with this spirit, the Dubai government has placed a high priority on extending support measures to businesses to ensure the short-term impact of the pandemic does not translate into long-term challenges, he added.

    “Going ahead, we continue to remain committed to helping all sectors in recovering on a solid footing. Amidst the pandemic, our model for finding solutions to challenges has been marked by cooperation, humanitarian values and rapid action. The response of Dubai’s aviation and logistics industry leaders to the disruption caused by COVID-19 is a key example of our nation’s ability to rise to the challenge in these testing times. Working unitedly, they have been quick to use their global capabilities not only to facilitate the rapid distribution of vaccines in the country but also send relief and humanitarian aid to developing nations.”

    ALSO READ: UAE Genomics Council gets approval

  • A prayer hall for three faiths

    A prayer hall for three faiths

    The project is supervised by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity…reports Asian Lite News

    Opening in 2022, the Abrahamic Family House marks 20 percent completion of its development. The project inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity and constructed on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is endorsed and closely followed by the Grand Imam and Pope Francis.

    The project is supervised by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity.

    The Abrahamic Family House’s design, by architect Sir David Adjaye, captures the values shared between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, through three main buildings, including a mosque, a church, and a synagogue in one place. As such, the complex innovatively recounts the history and builds bridges between human civilisations and heavenly messages.

    The names of three iconic houses of worship are officially unveiled as “Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque,” “St. Francis Church,” and “Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue”. In the vicinity of the site, there will be a cultural centre that aims to encourage people to exemplify human fraternity and solidarity within a community that cherishes the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, while the unique character of each faith is preserved.

    The design of the project was first unveiled by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at a global gathering in New York in 2019, during the 2nd meeting of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF). The design was presented to Pope Francis and the Grand Imam during a meeting in November 2019.

    “The Abrahamic Family House epitomises interfaith harmonious coexistence and preserves the unique character of each religion. It personifies Abu Dhabi’s vision for human fraternity and embeds coexistence into the already diverse cultural fabric of the UAE. Overseeing the development of this iconic project is inspiring and reflective of the UAE efforts in realising the values of the Document on Human Fraternity and fostering its lofty principles. The naming of the three houses of worship recognises the work of His Eminence Grand Imam Al Tayeb, His Holiness Pope Francis, and Moses Ben Maimon, and harnesses their teachings to forge a message of goodwill for future generations around the world,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture Abu Dhabi and a member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity.

    ALSO READ: New program prepares UAE students for higher studies in US

    As a place for learning, dialogue and worship, the Abrahamic Family House will be a cultural landmark and an inspiring global symbol that epitomises the shared values of harmonious coexistence and understanding among the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Twenty percent (20 %) of the project is now complete, and it is due to open in 2022.

    The design is characterised by an iconic geometric architecture of three cubes that evokes the features of traditional architecture and preserves its uniqueness. The structures will represent the unified commonality and mutual coexistence between the three religions whilst evoking the traditional architecture and retaining the individualism of each of the three faiths.

    During the design phases of the houses of worship, members of religious communities worldwide have been engaged and consulted to ensure consistency with and adherence to the respective religion’s requirements and teachings. Once complete, the final design of the three buildings will ensure there are enough spaces that offer their visitors real peace of mind and soul within an atmosphere in which a spirit of intimacy prevails.

    Each aspect of the design is brought to life through the architectural features and unique constructional details of the facades, the external and internal views, the columns, and the windows and vaults that reflect the unique characteristics of each of the three Abrahamic faiths.

    On February 4, 2019, His Eminence Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope of the Catholic Church signed the ‘Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together’ during their historic meeting in Abu Dhabi. In this spirit, the three places of worship that make up the Abrahamic Family House will welcome visitors from all over the world to worship, learn and engage in dialogue. In addition, the complex will offer a variety of daily programs and activities and will host international conferences and world summits that promote harmonious coexistence within communities.

    ALSO READ: UAE Genomics Council gets approval

  • NY State declares Dec 2 as Emirati Day

    NY State declares Dec 2 as Emirati Day

    New York state Senator Kevin Thomas introduced a resolution to mark the anniversary of the union of the UAE….reports Asian Lite News

    The State of New York has declared December 2, 2021, as “Emirati Day” to commemorate the UAE’s 50th anniversary of nationhood, media reported.

    New York state Senator Kevin Thomas introduced a resolution to mark the anniversary of the union of the UAE.

    Senator Kevin Thomas tweeted: “Proud to join His Excellency Consul General Abdalla Shaheen at the UAE Consulate in NYC to present a legislative resolution in honor of the UAE’s 50th Anniversary declaring December 2, 2021 as EmiratiDay in NewYork State!”

    The UAE Consulate in New York City also tweeted: “In celebration of the fiftieth year of the founding of the UAE, Senator from New York State Senator Kevin Thomas introduced a resolution declaring December 2, 2021, ‘Emirati Day’ in New York State.”

    (Credit twitter@@SenKevinThomas)

    Senator Thomas was born in Dubai and immigrated to New York state at the age of ten, the Gulf News reported.

    Thomas represents New York’s 6th Senate District.

    Gulf News quoted Senator Kevin Thomas as saying: “From business to trade to fashion to education, New York state has always had strong ties with the UAE. New York remains one of the most popular destinations for Emirati students pursuing higher education. I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognise the cultural significance of the ‘Year of the 50th’, which represents a defining moment in UAE history, by declaring December 2, 2021, as Emirati Day in New York state.”

    ALSO READ: UAE Genomics Council gets approval

  • ENOC Link to supply 1mn litres of fuel to Expo fleet

    ENOC Link to supply 1mn litres of fuel to Expo fleet

    Earlier this year, the Group also launched its innovatively designed Service Station of the Future, located at the Expo 2020 site…reports Asian Lite News

    ENOC Link, the digital mobile fuel delivery service for businesses in the UAE by ENOC Group, has signed an agreement with Expo 2020 Dubai to supply its fleet with more than 1 million litres of fuel.

    Earlier this year, the Group also launched its innovatively designed Service Station of the Future, located at the Expo 2020 site, which will serve the public at District 2020, the smart human-centric community that will be Expo’s physical legacy after the event concludes on March 31st, 2022.

    “Expo 2020 is a global event that Dubai has the privilege of hosting this year, and as the official integrated energy partner, we are proud to offer our innovative digital solutions to ensure smooth and seamless operations through uninterrupted access to fuel for the fleet,” said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC.

    “We are committed to developing innovative technologies and solutions that enhance customer service and support the growth of the economy,” he added.

    Manal AlBayat, Chief Engagement Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “Expo 2020 is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the largest event ever held in the Arab world. For an event of this scale, identifying ways to maximise efficiency behind the scenes is imperative. Thanks to ENOC Link and its cutting-edge digital technology, Expo’s back-of-house process will be safe, streamlined and seamless, supporting Expo’s goal to showcase ideas and innovations that are shaping the future.”

    ALSO READ: New program prepares UAE students for higher studies in US

  • Scanners to detect potential Covid-19 cases in Abu Dhabi

    Scanners to detect potential Covid-19 cases in Abu Dhabi

    If someone is identified as potentially infected they will be required to take a free PCR test within 24 hours, reports Asian Lite News

    Abu Dhabi is trialling the use of advanced scanners to detect Covid-19 cases. The devices screen people at a distance and will be used in public places. The devices will be tested in several areas, including Yas Island and specific entry and exit points in Mussaffah.

    People will be permitted to enter if the scanner indicates that they are healthy. Authorities have not revealed any details about how the new devices work, but temperature screening is already in use at many venues. Results from the new advanced scanners are immediate, Abu Dhabi Media Office said.

    If someone is identified as potentially infected they will be required to take a free PCR test within 24 hours.

    On Tuesday, a system went live in Abu Dhabi that requires people to prove that they are vaccinated and have recently been screened for Covid-19.

    The green pass system requires people to show their testing and vaccination status on Al Hosn, the UAE’s test and tracing app, to enter parks, beaches, malls, hotels and large supermarkets.

    The app is also needed to access gyms, swimming pools, entertainment centres, restaurants and cafes.

    The decision to introduce the scanning technology in Mussaffah came after officials launched an extensive vaccination and testing drive in the area last Thursday. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee approved the scheme, which will be gradually implemented in specific areas of Mussaffah without causing disruption to commercial activities.

    UAE announces 2,011 new Covid-19 cases

    Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced that it conducted 227,684 additional Covid-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment.

    In a statement on Wednesday, 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. As part of its intensified testing campaign, MoHAP announced 2,011 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 603,961.

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

    MoHAP also announced 4 deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 1,738.

    The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery. 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 1,976 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 583,115.

    ALSO READ: UAE Genomics Council gets approval

  • UAE Genomics Council gets approval

    UAE Genomics Council gets approval

    The council will oversee the execution of government genomics programmes and propose legislations to govern the field…reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the formation of UAE Genomics Council to provide a world-class healthcare system.

    The new council, to be headed by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, will oversee the implementation of the Emirati Genome Programme into the healthcare system across the country.

    Incorporating genomics into the healthcare ecosystem is part of the UAE’s efforts to carry out therapeutic and preventative programmes that help reduce the prevalence of genetic disorders, disabilities and mortality rates.

    The council will oversee the execution of government genomics programmes and propose legislations to govern the field in coordination with health regulators across the country. It will regulate data acquisition and storage and establish a system for issuing ethics and consent approvals for all genomics programmes.

    As part of its role in governing multiple novel programmes, including the national biobanking programme, the council will support technology start-ups and companies and build partnerships with world-leading technology firms to drive cutting-edge genomics research.

    Among the council’s responsibilities is supporting new innovative therapies for rare and chronic diseases and developing technical training and graduate programmes and knowledge incubators to build the next generation of omics professionals.

    Council members include Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology; Omar AlOlama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority; Dr. Amer Ahmad Sharif, Vice Chancellor of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Professor Dr. Eric Xing, President at Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI; and George Church, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School.

    ALSO READ: UAE congratulates new Israeli PM Naftali Bennett