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Category: UAE News

  • Dubai real estate transactions hit AED92 bn

    Dubai real estate transactions hit AED92 bn

    The bulletin revealed that the real estate sector in the emirate will continue to attract more real estate investors, thanks to its strong infrastructure and attractive investment opportunities…reports Asian Lite News

    Dubai has registered 25,455 real estate transactions worth AED92 billion from January – April 2021, thus achieving an increase of 51 percent in terms of the number of transactions and 72 percent in terms of their value compared to the same period in 2020.

    According to the real estate bulletin issued by Dubai Land Department (DLD) under the name ‘Real Estate Updates,’ the real estate sector showed robustness and an ability to adapt to various circumstances and developments.

    The bulletin revealed that the real estate sector in the emirate will continue to attract more real estate investors, thanks to its strong infrastructure and attractive investment opportunities. 8,749 new investors entered the market from January – April 2021, representing 65 percent of the total number of real estate investors registered in that period, with a growth of 54 percent compared to the same period in 2020.

    The bulletin also showed that the total value of real estate investments during the aforementioned period reached AED36 billion, an increase of 44 percent compared to the same period in 2020. This confirms the continued flow of real estate investments since the beginning of the year at a high rate, which also strengthens the trust of local and international investors alike.

    187,949 Ejari contracts were recorded in January – April 2021, 58 percent of which were new contracts and 42 percent were renewed contracts.

    The bulletin highlighted the top five areas for investor attractiveness. In villa sales, Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid topped the list in April 2021, followed by Palm Jumeirah, Wadi Al Safa 5, Wadi Al Safa 7, and Al Yelayiss 2. In apartment sales, Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Al Thanyah Fifth topped the list in April 2021.

    It is expected that the real estate sector will witness increased growth and a greater recovery in the coming period following the permission of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management to submit electronic permit applications for business activities of all kinds, in addition to the fast-approaching date of Expo 2020, which in turn will attract tourists and visitors from around the world and will constitute a great opportunity for the real estate sector to strengthen its position regionally and globally.

    ALSO READ: UAE announces offer to host COP 28
  • World’s largest composite production superyacht inaugurated

    World’s largest composite production superyacht inaugurated

    Manufactured at Gulf Craft’s integrated in-house production facility in the UAE, the Majesty 175 successfully completed a series of sea trials before its global premiere…reports Asian Lite News

    H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, on Sunday unveiled the Majesty 175, the world’s largest composite production superyacht, at its world premiere at Dubai Harbour.

    Pushing the boundaries in superyacht production through its lightweight material that enables effortless cruising in low-draft waters, the Majesty 175, fully manufactured in the UAE, is the flagship superyacht by Gulf Craft, one of the world’s premier shipbuilders.

    During the event, organised in partnership with the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), dignitaries and high-ranking officials toured the superyacht as it ventured into the Arabian Gulf, demonstrating its top-notch stability and maneuverability on the high sea.

    Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism; Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council; and Mohammed Alshaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft attended the event.

    Manufactured at Gulf Craft’s integrated in-house production facility in the UAE, the Majesty 175 successfully completed a series of sea trials before its global premiere. The yacht will soon venture on voyages across the world, taking the UAE flag to global yacht events, marinas and exotic destinations, placing the country prominently on the world yachting map.

    Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, said: “The UAE has fast rebounded as one of the world’s safest tourist destinations, further driving the growth of the yachting tourism sector. With nearly 830 superyacht projects in build or ordered globally this year, the Middle East continues to be one of the strongest markets for superyachts. The premiere of the Majesty 175 in Dubai highlights the remarkable potential for the yachting industry here. This will add to the confidence of the marine leisure sector and build the nation’s yachting and pleasure boating industry further.”

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    Mohammed Alshaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, said the Majesty 175 is a masterpiece superyacht that demonstrates Gulf Craft’s capability to manufacture world-class vessels – covering every aspect, from design and production – all within the UAE. “The Majesty 175 cements the reputation of Gulf Craft as a leader in the global yachting industry and reinforces the nation’s position as a leading yachting destination. At Gulf Craft, we create exceptional vessels that will delight yachting enthusiasts across the world. Gulf Craft invested nearly four years of effort to build this vessel, quicker than the normal timeframe, despite the challenges of the pandemic. With the world premiere of the Majesty 175 at Dubai Harbour, we are reiterating the appeal of the country as a full-fledged yachting destination.”

    Built to the specifications outlined by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for yachts over 500 gross tonnage (GT), the 55-metre long superyacht with a beam of 9.6 metres has a gross tonnage of 780. It has the ability to effortlessly cruise low-draft areas, drawing just 2.05 metres of water, as it was built using advanced composite materials such as carbon fibre and vinyl ester. This enables close beach access, a key consideration for many marine lifestyle enthusiasts.

    The Majesty 175’s exterior and interior were designed by the award-winning Cristiano Gatto Design Studio in Italy, while the naval architecture was developed by Massimo Gregori of the Yankee Delta Studio. Its stand-out features include a 5-metre infinity pool at the forward deck and a hybrid sky-lounge that can be converted to an open sun deck. The pool has a swim-jet system that creates a constant current of water. The smart layout accommodates seven lavish staterooms and can host a crew of up to 10 members with six large crew cabins and a private captain accommodation.

    The Majesty’s Electricity supply comes from 175 kW Kohler generators and two pairs of TRAC fin stabilisers. Its safety features include a SOLAS rescue boat and an emergency generator. With full speed of 16.5 knots and cruising speed of 10 knots, Majesty 175 has a range of 4,000 nautical miles, making her a transoceanic vessel.

    Majesty is one of the five brands of boats and yachts manufactured by Gulf Craft. The other brands include Silvercraft, featuring affordable smaller family and fishing boats; Oryx sports cruisers; Nomad explorer yachts and Touring Passenger Vessels.

    Founded in the United Arab Emirates in 1982, Gulf Craft has three facilities in the UAE and the Maldives and has a manufacturing capacity of 200 boats per year. The company has built more than 10,000 boats already, serving clients around the world.

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  • UAE announces offer to host COP 28

    UAE announces offer to host COP 28

    The UAE has established itself as a natural host for high-level large format international events focused on climate action and sustainable development…reports Asian Lite News

    The United Arab Emirates today announced an offer to host the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Abu Dhabi in 2023, with a focus on the economic case for inclusive climate action.

    Commenting on the UAE’s offer to host COP 28, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said, “The climate challenge is daunting, but it is also matched by enormous opportunity to drive economic growth and job creation. As a country that sits at the heart of the hydrocarbon industry and has made significant investments in energy diversification domestically and around the globe, we have seen first-hand that there is now an unprecedented business case for the highest level of climate ambition – especially when it advances gender equality and empowers youth.”

    “COP 28 will represent a pivotal moment to capitalise on this opportunity, and our vision is to work with all countries to realise their net economic benefits from accelerated action.”

    As the permanent host country for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement and the first in the region to commit to an economy-wide reduction in emissions as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the UAE has demonstrated a proven track record in progressive climate action and multilateral cooperation that makes it an ideal convener for COP 28.

    The UAE has established itself as a natural host for high-level large format international events focused on climate action and sustainable development. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is the world’s largest annual sustainability event, with over 45,000 delegates from 170 countries, and the UAE has hosted both preparatory meetings for United Nations’ climate summits in 2014 and 2019.

    ALSO READ: Stranded Kerala nurses in UAE get job offers

    Also, the upcoming Dubai Expo – focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and including 192 national pavilions – will welcome tens of millions of visitors starting in October.

    The UAE’s investments in domestic renewable energy – including many of the world’s largest solar projects – over the last 15 years have yielded the world’s lowest solar costs. The UAE’s investments internationally have also contributed to renewable energy’s dramatic cost reductions over the last decade, reshaping global energy markets.

    UAE economy on track towards recovery in 2021

    The UAE has invested around $17 billion in commercial renewable energy projects on six continents and provided over $1 billion of grants and soft loans for renewable energy power plants, including through the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund and UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund.

    In addition, the UAE has pioneered carbon capture and storage to decarbonise heavy industry, led initiatives in climate-smart agriculture and prioritised biodiversity conservation.

    “As COP 28 host, the UAE would leverage its experience as a regional and global convener to mobilise all actors in achieving the Paris Agreement and reinforcing the compelling investment case for raising ambitions,” Sheikh Abdullah added. “Climate impacts are already being acutely felt, but our experience gives us optimism that we can meet global climate goals while creating social and economic opportunities – with contributions coming from all corners of the globe.”

    ALSO READ: Stranded Kerala nurses in UAE get job offers

  • Emirates extends ban on flights from India till June 14

    Emirates extends ban on flights from India till June 14

    However, Emirates says it will continue to operate outbound commercial passenger flights from the UAE to India, reports Asian Lite News

    Dubai-based carrier Emirates has confirmed on Sunday that its flights from India to the UAE will remain suspended until June 14, 2021.

    However, the airline will continue to operate outbound commercial passenger flights from the UAE to India.

    It added that passengers who have transited through India in the last 14 days will not be accepted to travel from any other point to the UAE.

    Emiratis, holders of UAE Golden Visas and members of diplomatic missions who comply with the published Covid 19 protocols will be exempt for travel, it said in a statement carried on its website.

    UAE suspends arrivals from 4 countries

    For those whose tickets have been cancelled as a result of the decision, the airline said that they can keep their ticket for a future flight with a validity of up to 36 months. This option is available to those who booked their ticket before April 1, 2021 for travel on or before December 31, 2021. All tickets issued from April 1, 2021 will be automatically valid for travel for 24 months.

    Traveller can also request a refund or rebook their ticket for another date by contacting their booking office.

    ALSO READ: UAE renews support for peace and security in Africa

    Emirates had first suspended commercial passenger flights from India starting April 24.

    Starting May 12, and in line with UAE government directives, Emirates also suspending the carriage of passengers from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to Dubai, until further notice. Passengers who have connected through Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka in the last 14 days will not be accepted to travel from any other point to the UAE.

    Two weeks ago, Emirates has set up a humanitarian airbridge between Dubai and India to transport urgent medical and relief items.

    Emirates offered cargo capacity free of charge on all of its flights to nine cities in India to help international NGOs rapidly deliver relief supplies. Emirates SkyCargo has already been transporting medicines and medical equipment on scheduled and charter cargo flights to India.

    Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, in a statement, said: “India and Emirates are deeply connected since our first flights to India in 1985. We stand with the Indian people and will do all we can to help India get back on its feet. Emirates has a lot of experience in humanitarian relief efforts, and with 95 weekly flights to nine destinations in India, we will be offering regular and reliable widebody capacity for relief materials. The International Humanitarian City in Dubai is the largest crisis relief hub in the world, and we will work closely with them to facilitate the movement of urgent medical supplies.”

    ALSO READ: Stranded Kerala nurses in UAE get job offers

  • Stranded Kerala nurses in UAE get job offers

    Stranded Kerala nurses in UAE get job offers

    The stranded nurses were offered jobs by the healthcare groups at Covid-19 vaccination and testing centres in the UAE, reports Asian Lite News

    Healthcare groups in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have offered work to nurses from Kerala who have been stranded in the country due to Covid job scams, according to a news report.

    In a report on Wednesday, Gulf News said: “Several nurses from the south Indian state were stranded after being duped by recruitment agencies who charged exorbitant commissions ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 350,000. They were offered jobs at Covid-19 vaccination and testing centres in the UAE.”

    Following this report, prominent healthcare groups have now offered jobs to the affected nurses.

    UAE
    Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare

    Speaking to Gulf News on Friday, Azad Moopen, chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, said: “We are ready to hire whoever is qualified and have sufficient experience with or without licence. They should be able to perform well in the interview.

    “If they don’t have a licence, we can start processing their visas and provide them support to try for licence.”

    Sanjay M. Paithankar, Managing Director of Right Health, said his group was also willing to hire up to 40 nurses.

    Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai

    “We have just opened five more facilities in Dubai. They can join immediately. There are flats ready to accommodate them. We will arrange visa, accommodation, transportation plus basic salary till they get the DHA license. Our company will also help them appear for tests to get DHA licence,” he told Gulf News.

    Speaking to Gulf News on Wednesday, Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai, said stranded nurses must report the matter to the mission so that they can be assisted with repatriation.

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  • UAE renews support for peace and security in Africa

    UAE renews support for peace and security in Africa

    The UAE underlined the need to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed that the accessibility of vaccines needs to be improved…reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE has renewed its commitment to working with partners to maintain peace and security in Africa, including when elected to the UN Security Council for the 2022-2023 term.

    It submitted a written statement to the UN Security Council’s ministerial open debate on addressing root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa.

    The debate was convened by China in its capacity as president of the Council for May 2021 and chaired by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

    The UAE underlined the need to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed that the accessibility of vaccines needs to be improved. It also highlighted its initiatives, including a contribution of vaccines and logistics support to COVAX – a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines as well as DP World’s partnership with UNICEF to support their leading role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

    UAE is also sending medical assistance to more than 25 African countries and is supporting the UN’s global relief efforts as host of the UN’s largest logistics hub in Dubai. It expressed concern over how the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening jobs in both the formal and informal sectors in Africa, noting that youth are disproportionately affected.

    Underscoring the importance of investing in youth, UAE highlighted its US$500 million investment in African economies, with a focus on youth and digitisation through the “UAE Consortium for Africa,” which was announced in February 2020.

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    Noting that terrorism and violence continue to be a destabilising factor in the African continent, including in the Sahel, UAE affirmed its commitment to strengthening collective efforts to boost security and stability in the Sahel. UAE also expressed support for the G5 Sahel Joint Force, including through the College of Defence in Mauritania.

    It emphasised the importance of investing in development to achieve peace, including by rapidly scaling up solutions for inclusive climate adaptation and concentrating UN development efforts in fragile regions. To support such work, the UAE has joined with a number of countries to launch the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, which catalyses public investment in climate-smart agriculture.

    Additionally, the UAE stressed the need for the UN to continue strengthening cooperation with regional and sub-regional organisations in the African continent, such as the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities, to address complex peace and security challenges, including the root causes of conflict.

    Furthermore, the UAE underlined the importance of empowering women, including them in decision-making, and ensuring their full, equal, and meaningful participation in all matters relating to peace and security.

    In this regard, the UAE noted that the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative aims to boost the participation of women in the security sector and has trained more than 100 women cadets from the African continent.

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  • Dubai hotels to comply with sustainability requirements

    Dubai hotels to comply with sustainability requirements

    Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline was extended for an additional 12 month, a decision that Dubai Tourism took to strengthen the foundations for recovery of the hospitality sector…reports Puja Gupta

    Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) mandates that all hotels comply with the Sustainability Requirements for Hotel Establishments by the deadline of July 1, 2021, as set by Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST), an initiative to further enhance Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.

    Under the directive, hotels must also resume monthly submission of carbon emission drivers. The system has the long-term objective of advancing sustainability performance across the sector. Back in 2019 Dubai Tourism led by DST trained 528 hotels on the implementation of these sustainability standards and currently inviting hotels for a refresher webinar ahead of July 2021.

    Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline was extended for an additional 12 month, a decision that Dubai Tourism took to strengthen the foundations for recovery of the hospitality sector. The progress on implementation of the mandatory standards will be tracked by hotels and audited by DST.

    Yousuf Lootah, Vice Chairman of Dubai Sustainable Tourism, said: “Over the past year, the strength of the city’s tourism industry is reflected in the safe and successful reopening of Dubai to domestic and international visitors. In alignment with the city’s wider carbon reduction strategy, we know that tourism can also be an area where Dubai truly sets the benchmark at a global level with forward-thinking sustainability and corporate social responsibility practices. We strongly encourage hotels to comply with the 19 Sustainability Requirements set by Dubai Tourism and provide Carbon Calculator submissions by 1 July. We know that with the ongoing support of the relevant government bodies these hotel establishments can play a huge part in achieving the overall carbon emission reduction target over the next year and beyond.”

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    The 19 Sustainability Requirements include sustainable management approaches, performance metrics, energy, food and water management plans, guest education, employee training initiatives, the presence of sustainability committees within hotel establishments and corporate social responsibility programmes for local communities. Through improving internal sustainability operations, hotel establishments in turn will enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s tourism-linked economy. These requirements support Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021 target to reduce the carbon emissions by 16 percent by 2021, overall.

    Since its inception in January 2017, the Carbon Calculator � part of the Tourism Dirham Platform, is a tool that has been measuring the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. On a monthly basis, hotels submit their consumption of 11 carbon emission sources, including: electricity, district cooling, water, waste, fuel for transportation, fuel for generators, fire extinguishers, and liquefied petroleum gas for analysis. This information is aggregated and analysed to provide valuable industry insights on the sector’s collective carbon footprint. In addition, by formulating a baseline along with consistent tracking, this information enables hotels to understand their energy, water and waste consumption and further identify successful cost-saving opportunities.

    DST will be hosting virtual information sessions for all hotels between May 23 � 27 , 2021 on the Sustainability Requirements.

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  • Swissotel Al Ghurair Presents Eid gifts

    Swissotel Al Ghurair Presents Eid gifts

    The Malappuram District KMCC has been implementing various schemes since the beginning of Holy Month of Ramadan for the expatriates who are struggling with the Covid-19 crisis …. reports Asian Lite News

    As part of reaching out to expatriate families celebrating Eid al-Fitr, gifts presented by Swissotel Al Ghurair team were handed over to Vanitha KMCC members by Dubai Malappuram District KMCC.

    Eid al-Fitr gifts donated by Swissotel Al Ghurair team handed over to Vanitha KMCC members by Dubai Malappuram District KMCC

    The function was inaugurated by State Muslim League Vice President Dr. CP Bawa Haji. UAE KMCC General Secretary PK Anwar Naha was the chief guest.

    The Malappuram District KMCC has been implementing various schemes since the beginning of Holy Month of Ramadan for the expatriates who are struggling with the Covid-19 crisis. Thousands were provided relief through distribution of food kits, Iftar kits and Eid kits during the pandemic.

    Eid gift distribution to expatriate families through Vanitha KMCC is one the latest relief initiatives.

    KMCC leaders Chemmukan Yahoo Mon, PV Nasser, Siddique Kalodi, Jalil Kondotty, Badaruddin Tharammal, ER Ali Master, Shihab Eranad and Fakhruddin Marakkara and women KMCC leaders Najma Sajid, Rabia Basheer, Mumtaz Yahumon, Rafina and Farzanabanu Kondotty were also present at the function.

  • BR Shetty’s travel ban upheld in Indian court

    BR Shetty’s travel ban upheld in Indian court

    Shetty and his business empire have been embroiled in alleged financial irregularities and fraud involving billions of dollars….reports Asian Lite News

    The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday rejected a petition to allow businessman BR Shetty travel to UAE, as it upheld a previous ruling in February.

    Shetty and his business empire have been embroiled in alleged financial irregularities and fraud involving billions of dollars.

    Shetty is the founder of troubled hospital operator NMC Health, UAE’s biggest hospital group listed in London.

    It went into administration in April last year after months of turmoil over its finances and its disclosure of $6.6 billion in debt, it was reported.

    “We are yet to examine the reasoned order in detail. However, there is no doubt that we will challenge it in the Supreme Court,” Shetty’s lawyer, Zulfiquar Memon, told Reuters.

    Last year a consortium of Indian banks, including Bank of Baroda with $250 million in outstanding loans due from Shetty, had initiated travel restrictions on the NMC founder in an attempt to recover the debts. Several other Indian banks, including Federal Bank, have considerable exposure to Shetty-run firms.

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  • Jerusalem violence: UAE to host Arab union meeting

    Jerusalem violence: UAE to host Arab union meeting

    Leaders around the world expressed concern about the escalating violence in Gaza, calling on both sides to show restraint….reports Asian Lite News

    The UAE will host a virtual emergency meeting of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque.

    The meeting will include speeches by speakers and representatives of Arab parliaments, and a closing statement.

    The development comes as the cross-border violence, which erupted on Monday following weeks of rising tensions in the contested city of Jerusalem intensified exponentially over the last several hours.

    More than two dozen Palestinians have been killed in the last day, including several children. Three Israelis died from Gaza rocket fire on Tuesday, DPA news agency reported.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks on Gaza, which have targeted some 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad positions since Monday, would intensify.

    Israel-Gaza violence spirals

    “This operation will take time, but we will bring security back to the citizens of Israel,” he said late Tuesday.

    Hamas, which rules the coastal strip, would “receive blows it did not expect,” Netanyahu had said hours earlier in remarks after a meeting with military officials.

    An Israeli military spokesperson said that at least 20 members from the two groups have been killed so far in Gaza, including senior officials, and some 150 missile-launchers had been destroyed.

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