Category: UAE News

  • Sharjah, Belgrade discuss ties in education and culture

    Sharjah, Belgrade discuss ties in education and culture

    Sheikh Fahim stressed on the historical ties between UAE and Serbia, which was marked most recently with the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding, MoUs, last year to establish bilateral cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, DGR, in Sharjah, received Stanimir Vukicevic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the UAE, to discuss the strengthening of cooperation and bilateral efforts in vital sectors, including culture and higher education.

    During the meeting held in the DGR headquarters, also attended by the DGR Sharjah Director, Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, the two parties explored the possibility of promoting Emirati – Serbian dialogue by organising joint cultural events. Additionally, a proposal for an official delegation visit by Sharjah’s entities and businesspersons to the Republic of Serbia to look into partnerships in vital sectors was discussed.

    Sheikh Fahim stressed on the historical ties between UAE and Serbia, which was marked most recently with the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding, MoUs, last year to establish bilateral cooperation in the sectors of food and agriculture, renewable energy and real estate, among others.

    Sheikh Fahim noted that the meeting with the Serbian Ambassador was aimed at facilitating the implementation of the agreements to guide Serbian investors in leveraging the emirate’s strategic location and position as a lucrative business destination.

    “We have discussed the possibility of organising cultural events to highlight the heritage and cultural values of both Emirati and Serbian peoples to each other. The feasibility of implementing educational and academic programmes and scholarships to promote cross-cultural communication and share expertise was also examined,” Sheikh Fahim added.

    Vukićević commended Sharjah’s leading economic diversification efforts, highlighting that the emirate’s commitment to offering foreign investors, business and SMEs a thriving environment to grow in the Middle East markets, has for several years, encouraged Serbians to establish operations in various vital sectors in Sharjah.

    He further noted that the emirate was a role model for cities promoting knowledge and culture, adding that the mutual respect and shared cultural vision of the people of Sharjah and Serbian communities will serve as a solid foundation for future cooperation across social and economic fields.

    Also read:UAE extends grace period for visa violators

  • EL AL, Etihad Airways to deepen cooperation

    EL AL, Etihad Airways to deepen cooperation

    EL AL Israel Airlines, the national airline of Israel, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, are set to explore deeper cooperation following the signing of a virtual Memorandum of Understanding, MoU.

    The wide-ranging MoU covers scope to introduce joint codeshare services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, as well as on the global flight networks beyond the two carriers’ hubs, Etihad Airways said in a statement on Thursday.

    The agreement also contains plans for greater commercial cooperation in the fields of cargo, engineering, loyalty, destination management and the optimal use of pilot and cabin crew training facilities.

    The MoU was signed virtually by Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, and Gonen Usishkin, Chief Executive Officer of EL AL Israel Airlines.

    Commenting on the MoU, Douglas said, “Following EL AL’s historic flight to Abu Dhabi, the first ever flight between Israel and the UAE, this MoU is the foundation of what we envision will be a strong ongoing relationship between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. We look forward to examining ways in which the two flag carriers – Etihad and EL AL – can work more closely together to improve business operations and enhance the experience for our guests.”

    In turn, Usishkin stated, “Following the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, we have been provided a great opportunity to examine the possibility of cooperation with Etihad Airways. This MoU is only the start and we believe that together, the two flag carriers will be able to provide our mutual customers with the best possible product and service. Already, the common goals we have outlined speak for the success of our future cooperation.”

    In addition to codeshare operations, the teams at Etihad Guest and EL AL Matmid loyalty programmes will explore reciprocal earn and burn opportunities for its members, as well as other benefits. The airlines’ destination management teams will also collaborate to encourage reciprocal inbound tourism to Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.

    Both carriers’ engineering and cargo divisions are also set to begin talks about greater cooperation. These discussions would look at optimising MRO (maintenance repair and overhaul) opportunities, as well as ways to increase volumes of freighter traffic flowing into and out of Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, and across the carriers’ combined networks.

    Etihad Airways announced its intention this week to commence daily services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv from 28th March, 2021.

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  • UAE extends grace period for visa violators

    UAE extends grace period for visa violators

    The extension is for those who violated the entry and foreigners’ residence law before 1st March, 2020 and will be exempted from all fines, including National ID cards, provided they leave the country….reports Asian Lite News

    The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, ICA, has issued a decision to extend the grace period of exemption for “all violators” of the entry and residence of foreigners law until 31st December, 2020.

    The extension is for those who violated the entry and foreigners’ residence law before 1st March, 2020 and will be exempted from all fines, including National ID cards, provided they leave the country.

    Major General Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, Director-General of Foreigners Affairs and Ports at ICA, said the grace period extension is to enable violators to adjust their status in the country before the end of the year.

    Also read:Greek PM visits largest mosque in UAE

  • Greek PM visits largest mosque in UAE

    Greek PM visits largest mosque in UAE

    The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs is sponsored and followed-up by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs….reports Asian Lite News

    Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, SZGMC, as part of his official visit to the UAE.

    Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his delegation, accompanied by Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, visited the Sheikh Zayed Tomb and took a tour around the mosque.

    At the same time, they listened to a brief by one of the Center’s cultural tour guides about the mosque’s noble message that calls for coexistence, tolerance, and openness to other cultures, inspired by the rich legacy of the nation’s late founder.

    They also learned about SZGM’s leading role in highlighting the Islamic culture’s true essence and promoting cross-cultural communication worldwide.

    At the end of the visit, The Greek prime minister was presented with one of the Centre’s distinctive publications titled “Spaces of Light” displaying the winning photographs in the “Spaces of Light” photography award, annually organised by the Centre to celebrate the mosque’s scenic aesthetics and visual culture.

    The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs is sponsored and followed-up by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

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  • Barakah’s unit 1 achieves 80% capacity

    Barakah’s unit 1 achieves 80% capacity

    The milestone is an important step in the ongoing Power Ascension Testing, PAT, of Unit 1, which involves slowly raising the reactor power levels while collecting data and tuning control and safety systems…reports Asian Lite News

    Nawah Energy Company, the Joint Venture nuclear operations and maintenance subsidiary and Korea Electric Power Corporation, KEPCO, announced on Wednesday that the reactor of Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has achieved 80 percent of the Unit 1 reactor’s rated capacity power.

    The milestone is an important step in the ongoing Power Ascension Testing, PAT, of Unit 1, which involves slowly raising the reactor power levels while collecting data and tuning control and safety systems.

    Throughout this process, the systems of Unit 1 are monitored and tested to ensure their compliance with national regulatory requirements and the highest international standards of safety, quality, security and reliability.

    The PAT is being conducted under the oversight of the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR, which has conducted more than 280 inspections since the start of Barakah’s development.

    These national reviews have been supported by more than 40 assessments and peer reviews by the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, and World Association of Nuclear Operators, WANO.

    Also read:UAE, Arab League discuss global developments

  • UAE, Arab League discuss global developments

    UAE, Arab League discuss global developments

    This came as the UAE top diplomat received the Arab League chief and they discussed the global fight against COVID-19 and reiterated the importance of ensuring pan-Arab collaboration..reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has reviewed the Arab and international conditions and latest developments on the global stage, with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboulgheit.

    This came as the UAE top diplomat received the Arab League chief at the ministry’s headquarters where they discussed the global fight against COVID-19 and reiterated the importance of ensuring pan-Arab collaboration in confronting the fallout of the pandemic and supporting international efforts to develop a vaccine to the disease and secure it for all Arab peoples.

    Sheikh Abdullah re-affirmed the UAE leadership’s determination to continue to support joint Arab action in a way that fulfils the ambitions of Arab peoples for development, progress and prosperity.

    He also commended the efforts of the Arab League and its chief to solidify Arab ranks and enhance their unity in the service of Arab issues

    Also read:UAE FM, UN envoy review Middle East peace process

  • UAE FM, UN envoy review  Middle East peace process

    UAE FM, UN envoy review Middle East peace process

    Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, discussed the prospects of reviving the Palestinian-Israeli peace track with the UN Envoy for the peace process in the Middle East, Nikolai Miladinov.

    This came as the UAE top diplomat welcomed the UN envoy at the ministry’s HQ where they reviewed ways of putting the peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis back on track in a way that contributes to strengthening security and stability in the Middle East.

    Sheikh Abdullah affirmed that achievement of peace in the Middle East will herald development and progress for the region and help ensure prosperity for its peoples and for generations to come.

    He also underlined the UAE’s keenness to further cement cooperation with the United Nations and support all international efforts to promote stability and peace across the world.

    Also read:UAE, UK discuss ties in SME, tourism sectors

  • UAE, US consider ways to boost ties

    UAE, US consider ways to boost ties

    Talks tackled the outstanding bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, as well as cooperation between the two countries….reports Asian Lite News

    Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday met with Ulrich Brechbuhl, Counselor to the US Department of State.

    Talks tackled the outstanding bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, as well as cooperation between the two countries.Discussions also covered ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation and prospects for strengthening vital partnerships in various fields, in addition to political files of mutual interest and the latest developments in the regional and international arenas.

    Gargash discussed with Brechbuhl strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

    He also praised the recent launch of the strategic dialogue between the UAE and the US, which he said would contribute to boosting bilateral relations.

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  • UAE, Egypt take part in joint military drill

    UAE, Egypt take part in joint military drill

    The exercise is being held to develop and reinforce the military ties between Egypt and other Arab countries…reports Asian Lite News

    Units from the UAE Armed Forces are participating in the joint military exercise, entitled, “Saif Al Arab,” held in Egypt and attended by many friendly countries.

    Dubbed ” The Sword of Arabs”, the exercise began on Tuesday and will continue until 26th November at the Mohamed Naguib Military Base and other parts of the Northern Military Region.

    Over the past few days, units and equipment arrived from the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan via airbases and marine ports. Saudi Arabia will participate as an observer.

    The exercise is one of the leading military exercises in the Arab region and aims to promote military cooperation and joint military action between the Egyptian Armed Forces and the armed forces of other Arab countries using advanced weapons and equipment.

    The exercise’s early phases will include holding a coordination conference between participating countries to unify concepts, exchange training expertise, and deploy participating units, in addition to organising several theoretical and practical lectures.

    The exercise is being held to develop and reinforce the military ties between Egypt and other Arab countries

    Also read:UAE, UK discuss ties in SME, tourism sectors

  • Ras Al Khaimah retains Gulf tourism capital title

    Ras Al Khaimah retains Gulf tourism capital title

    Ras Al Khaimah has been named, for the second straight year, the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2021 at the fifth annual meeting of Tourism Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

    The virtual meeting discussed Gulf integration in the tourism sector, where Ras Al Khaimah was commended for its identity as a sustainable tourist destination, and awarded the coveted title.

    Ras Al Khaimah is considered one of the most diverse Emirates offering world-class experiences and attractions, which has enabled it to assert its position on the Global tourism map as the fastest growing destination in the region. Moreover, the Gulf Tourism Capital award this year is a testament to its early and sustained action to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in global recognition as a safe destination for inbound tourism.

    It was the first city and Emirate in the world to receive both the prestigious ‘Safeguard Assurance’ Label from Bureau Veritas, a leader in testing and inspection services and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp. The Authority continues to build on its ‘safe destination’ status, offering complimentary COVID-19 PCR testing for international visitors staying in Ras Al Khaimah until the end of this year.

    Building on the momentum of recovery, Ras Al Khaimah also announced a series of firsts – the world’s first Bear Grylls Explorer Camp to open with accommodation offerings as well as the highest restaurant in the UAE – 1484 by Puro – both attractions located on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain peak in the UAE. In addition to this, UNESCO World Heritage announced that four sites in Ras Al Khaimah; Julfar, Jazirah al-Hamra, Shimal and Dhayah, have been included on the tentative list of World Heritage Sites, an acknowledgement that will serve to further strengthen the recovery performance of the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industries.

    Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “We are delighted that the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has once again been recognised as the Gulf Tourism Capital by the esteemed tourism Ministers and senior officials of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is an especially welcome announcement in an unprecedented and immensely challenging year and is testament both to the resilience of our industry and our ongoing focus on innovation to bring visitors back.”

    “In line with the esteemed vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate has grown in stature as a leader in adventure, culture and nature tourism in the region and we will continue on our journey to sustainably grow the destination in 2021 and beyond.”

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