Emirates Post, in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the UAE Space Agency, issued on Tuesday the distinctive commemorative stamp ‘Emirates Mars Mission – Hope Probe’ to celebrate the UAE’s historic first mission to the Mars and its broader space ambitions.
The commemorative stamps feature four different images, two of which illustrate the design of the satellite and other two the historic moment of its launch into space.
The initial run of the commemorative stamps comprises of 1,00,000 stamps along with 1,000 First Day Cover Sheets, available for sale from 20th October at the Emirates Post Central Customer Happiness Centres and on Emirates Post’s dedicated webshop emiratespostshop.ae.
The Hope Probe is designed to orbit Mars and study the dynamics in the Martian atmosphere on a global scale, and on both diurnal and seasonal timescales. The Probe is anticipated to enter the Mars orbit in February 2021, coinciding with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations to mark the historic union of the Emirates.
Sheikh Mohamed also gave directions to rename Al Ma’arid Street, one of the capital’s key roads, in honour of the President…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has directed to build a mosque named after Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in Diplomatic Area in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohamed also gave directions to rename Al Ma’arid Street, one of the capital’s key roads, in honour of the President.
The directives come as recognition and appreciation of the Indonesian President’s close friendship with the UAE and his efforts in strengthening the relationship between the two countries in many areas, including economy, commerce and development.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, inaugurated on Tuesday President Joko Widodo Street, in a ceremony coinciding with the anniversary of Widodo’s election as President of Indonesia.
President Joko Widodo Street is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s central business district. Main landmarks of the street include Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC, home to leading international events, conferences and exhibitions attended by experts from around the world, and headquarters of prominent companies, businesses, and government entities. The street is strategically located in Diplomatic Area, which hosts many foreign embassies in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE.
In an official visit to Abu Dhabi early 2020, President Widodo and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed attended the signing of 16 agreements and memorandums of understanding between various entities and institutions in the UAE and Indonesia, to enhance mutual cooperation in various areas, including education, health, energy, ports, environment, and Islamic affairs and endowments.
Between 2013 and 2020, the UAE provided Palestinians with more than US$840 million, $218 million of which was allocated to UNRWA…reports Asian Lite News
Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, has affirmed during her meeting with the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, that the UAE was one of the first countries to provide support to UNRWA.
Moreover, the minister underscored that the UAE believes in the role that UNRWA plays in improving the lives of Palestinian refugees and stressed that the UAE’s long-standing, historic, and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people contributes to maintaining regional security and stability.
Furthermore, she emphasised the need for cooperation, particularly against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires additional efforts to support approximately 5.6 million Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East.
Al Hashemy praised the tireless efforts of the UNRWA Commissioner-General and staff to ensure that the agency continues to serve Palestinian refugees.
Between 2013 and 2020, the UAE provided Palestinians with more than US$840 million, $218 million of which was allocated to UNRWA, $166 million to the education sector, and $19 million to humanitarian assistance and social services-oriented programs in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
The UAE is chairing the current session of the UNRWA Advisory Committee and aims to focus during its 2020-2021 presidency on key areas such as the digitisation of education; empowering women, girls, and youth; and environmental sustainability.
The UAE ambassador underscored the privileged relations binding the two countries across all fronts, noting that the bilateral relations are steadily growing thanks to the support of the two nations’ leadership…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan took part in a virtual session, themed “Zayed’s Ambitious Mission”, which was organised by the UAE Embassy, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and Bahrain’s National Space Science Authority (NSSA).
The Bahraini King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa participated in the session along with Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi in addition to over 300 attendees.
The UAE ambassador underscored the privileged relations binding the two countries across all fronts, noting that the bilateral relations are steadily growing thanks to the support of the two nations’ leadership.
Sheikh Nasser stressed the importance of the session which he said would usher in future horizons for space science, commending the UAE strides which “represent a source of pride for Arab and Islamic nations.”
He underscored the significance of investing in youth and in future sciences, and pursuing scientific excellence and space exploration.
Sheikh Nasser praised the UAE success in overcoming difficulties, despite the current circumstances the world is going through, hailing its successful space strides, encouraged by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
It also directed the initiation of constitutional procedures to issue a Federal Decree ratifying the peace accord…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Cabinet, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a Resolution to endorse the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement and full diplomatic relations between the UAE and the State of Israel.
It also directed the initiation of constitutional procedures to issue a Federal Decree ratifying the peace accord.
The Cabinet expressed its confidence that the agreement will form a tributary of peace and stability that supports the aspirations of the peoples of the region and enhances its relentless pursuance to achieve prosperity and progress as it paves the way towards boosting the economic, cultural and knowledge relations and taking advantage of the opportunities and potentials of the two sides to contribute to shaping a brighter future based on understanding, cooperation and mutual respect.
The agreement is an integrated framework for building positive relations between the two countries at various levels, in a way that contributes to laying the foundations of peace and security in the region as well as stimulating cooperation in the economic and scientific fields.
The agreement, in its essence, is based on providing the space for constructive cooperation to create more opportunities for growth and development. It also addresses the existing challenges in the Middle East based on cooperation that guarantees the fulfilment of the aspirations of peoples and individuals, for a decent life and a secure future.
During the visit, which is part of the recently signed peace accord between the UAE and Israel, both sides discussed ways of reinforcing the cooperation and strategic partnership in agriculture and technology….reports Asian Lite News
An Emirati delegation, led by Khadim Abdulla Aldarei, Co-Founder and the Vice Chairman of Al Dahra Holding, has visited Israel upon an invitation from Netafim, one of Israel’s leading companies in the field of innovative irrigation solutions and advanced agriculture, under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel.
During the visit, which is part of the recently signed peace accord between the UAE and Israel, both sides discussed ways of reinforcing the cooperation and strategic partnership in agriculture and technology.
The Emirati delegation first visited Alon Schuster, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel, to discuss available investment opportunities and ways of strengthening their commercial and agricultural cooperation, in addition to various topics related to food security.
The delegation also met several officials at the Volcani Centre, the agricultural research centre of Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture, and was briefed about the latest solutions and innovations in irrigation and agriculture.
The delegation also met with officials from Netafim and other companies operating in the sectors of dairy production, digital agriculture, atmospheric water generator, post-harvest technologies, pollination techniques, hydroponics and fish farming, fertilisers, and fresh products and olive oil.
At the end of the visit, four Memorandums of Understanding, MoUs, were signed between the two countries. The first was signed with Netafim to inaugurate its regional office in the UAE while the second MoU was signed with Grapa Varieties to promote cooperation in new types of fresh produce with copyrights.
The MoU will create further cooperation opportunities between the two sides, especially in countries where Grapa operates.
The third MoU was signed with the Volcani Centre to facilitate the launch of studies on the effects of salinity on agricultural production.
The Al Dahra Agriculture Company signed a fourth MoU with WaterGen, which develops advanced technologies in the field of water generation from the air.
The three-hour “India-UAE Food Dialogue” was part of an India International Food and Agri Week 2020 being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, CII…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE’s growing partnership with India in food security and Dubai’s infrastructure facilities as a global entrepot for food and agricultural products was highlighted at a bilateral dialogue on Monday attended by representatives of both governments and the private sector.
The three-hour “India-UAE Food Dialogue” was part of an India International Food and Agri Week 2020 being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, CII, the leading representative organisation of India’s industry.
Omar Khan, Director of International Offices at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the UAE’s geographical proximity to India was a factor towards achieving the “unrealised potential” of their bilateral trade. The Dubai Chamber partnered with CII in organising dialogue.
Khan quoted Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem as saying that “India is poised to take advantage of the supply chain shifts triggered by COVID-19” and will drive global trade post-COVID-19. The Group Chairman and CEO of DP World had written this in article he penned in Khaleej Times on 18th October.
Ahmad Al Falahi, Commercial Attache at the UAE Embassy , comprehensively reviewed the state of business relations between the UAE and India for the participants in the Dialogue. He said the two countries look at each other as reliable partners in food security. Trade and investment were the cornerstones of their bilateral strategic partnership, he added.
On behalf of the Indian government, Rajeev Arora, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, said there has been an increase of 43 per cent in food products trade between the UAE and India from April to September this year despite COVID-19 disruptions compared to the same period last year. This is expected to go up when an India-UAE food corridor becomes fully operational.
The British prime minister says the entire world needs to pull together to recover from the impact of Covid-19 … reports Asian Lite News
With the United Kingdom set to take leadership of the G7 and chair the global climate change conference COP26 in 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the country will play an important role in how the world takes recovery from “a tiny pathogen” that has devastated society.
in an interview with The National, he revealed how his personal experience with the disease has helped him to renew his resolve to protect the public and the health system while ensuring that the economy stays afloat.
In March, Johnson was admitted to intensive care affected with Covid-19. After his release he had paid tribute to the health care professionals who looked after him. Six months later, he sounded confident recovering from pandemic emphasizing Britain’s support to universal access to any potential vaccine.
“I’m determined that the UK will drive forward the effort to find a vaccine, repair the global economy and prevent future health crises,” he told The National.
Johnson added that he has set out a five-point plan to prevent future pandemics which includes proposals like developing a worldwide network of zoonotic hubs to spot diseases before they leap from animals to humans, a pandemic early warning system and measures to reduce trade barriers on health-critical items.
“The UK will work with our international partners to put this plan into action. The basic functions of our societies have ground to a halt thanks to this tiny pathogen – we can’t allow that to happen again.”
Ties with the Gulf
The prime minister stated that his country wishes to develop ties with the countries in the Gulf region. He also said that he looks forward to next month’s Riyadh G20 summit as an important step for co-ordinated international efforts to repair the damage brought out by the virus.
“Some 175,000 British nationals live in the Gulf, and before Covid affected all our lives, one million Brits visited each year – to do business, forge relationships and enjoy some of that fabled sunshine.”-he said.
UK’s priority is to reach agreements on health, the economy and climate among the G20 nations which includes global access to any coronavirus vaccine, debt financing for developing and middle-income countries, and tangible measures to tackle climate change. These goals should be anchored on a continued commitment to free trade for sustainable recovery.
Johnson also made comments on his country’s relationship with Iran. He stated that Britain would not be complacent in dealing with Iran as UN arms embargo on the country expires on Sunday.
“I’ve voiced my concern on many occasions about the destabilising role Iran plays in the region. We’re working hard, including at the UN, to find a constructive solution to address the threat to security posed by the expiry of the arms embargo.”-he said.
22/09/2020. London, United Kingdom. Boris Johnson address to the Nation during Covid-19. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the White Room of No10 Downing Street, addressing the Nation on Covid-19. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street
Johnson made it clear that working together to tackle shared security challenges is the basis of Britain’s relationship with many Gulf states and he considers this partnership pivotal for the safety and security of the UK.
On being asked about the recent agreement between the UAE, Bahrain and Israel, Mr Johnson said he welcomed the Abraham Accords “as a positive step on the path to peace” by normalising relations. He added that co-operation and dialogue must win out over hostility and division. UK’s plan to strengthen relations with the Gulf was clear in Johnson’s statement that they are exploring areas where the UK can work with all three countries to deepen that cooperation.
Mr. Johnson sounded positive on Palestine issue while he welcomed the suspension of Israel’s further annexation plans. He also expressed UK’s commitment to the negotiations on the establishment of a sovereign state in Palestine.
“We support a negotiated agreement leading to a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. This would be based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a fair settlement for refugees,” he added.
He went on to say that that there is no substitute for direct talks between the Palestinians and Israelis and any effort to bring the two parties together must be encouraged. He also expressed UK’s willingness to facilitate meaningful dialogue in any way that they can.
He also commented on UAE’s gift of 100 tonnes of protective equipment at the height of the spring Covid-19 crisis, calling it “a bright spot of cooperation and friendship” at a time when the virus was spreading rapidly.
He stressed the need for international unity while the world is grappling with the corona virus. He believes that recovery is possible if there is spirit of united endeavour between countries.
‘’If the world is to recover from this devastating pandemic, we will have to pull together,” he said.
ADQ to invest US$ 1 billion in Lulu Group for Expanding in Egypt. Under the terms of the agreement, ADQ and LIHL will work to collectively develop up to 30 hypermarkets and 100 express minimarket stores as well as state-of-the-art logistics hubs, distribution and fulfilment centres to strengthen the retailer’s ecommerce business across Egypt … reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi based Lulu Group is consolidating its premier position in the Middle East retail market. Investment giant ADQ has entered into a non-binding agreement with Lulu International Holdings (LIHL) paving the way for an investment supporting LIHL’s expansion of operations in Egypt of up to USD 1 billion.
This is over and above the US$ 1 billion ADQ had earlier this year invested in Lulu Group.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, and Yusuff Ali MA, Chairman of Lulu Group, the leading hypermarket & supermarket chain in the Middle East. ADQ is one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.
Under the terms of the agreement, ADQ and LIHL will work to collectively develop up to 30 hypermarkets and 100 express minimarket stores as well as state-of-the-art logistics hubs, distribution and fulfilment centres to strengthen the retailer’s ecommerce business across Egypt. It is estimated that this expansion will create up to 12,000 jobs, fostering economic and social growth throughout the country.
Lulu Group is one of the largest retail organizations operating 194 hypermarkets and shopping malls across GCC, Egypt and Far East with more than 55,000 employees serving approx. 1.6 million shoppers a day. It also has sourcing operations and food processing units in different parts of the world, including US, UK, Spain, Africa, China and others Far Eastern countries.
“Our agreement with Lulu International Holdings reflects our wider commitment to investing in Egypt, following the announcement of our joint investment platform with the Sovereign Fund of Egypt agreed late last year,” said Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of ADQ. “The phased roll-out of multiple retail stores would provide significant socio-economic benefits to local communities across the country, as well as bolster the quality and range of products available to Egyptian consumers. We are pleased to be able to give further support to the co-operation that already exists between the UAE and Egypt.”
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, ADQ was established in 2018 as a public joint stock company (PJSC). It holds a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy, including utilities, tourism and hospitality, aviation, transportation, logistics, industrial, real estate, media, healthcare, food and agriculture, and financial services.
“Egypt is a very important growth market for us, and we see great potential for our future business there,” said Yusuff Ali MA, Chairman of Lulu. “Our agreement with ADQ will better position us to continue our rapid expansion of our operations across Egypt. I take this opportunity to thank the leadership of Abu Dhabi and ADQ for their support to expand Lulu’s operations in Egypt which will immensely benefit the country and its citizens.”
In November 2019, the launch of a joint strategic investment platform worth $ 20 billion, to be funded equally by ADQ and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, was announced. The platform aims to establish joint strategic investment projects, as well as specialized funds and investment tools in several key sectors such as food and agriculture, healthcare, mobility and logistics, and utilities.
Qasr Al Watan ”Al Watan Palace” is set to re-open its doors to the public on 20th October, 2020. The Palace offers access to the public wishing to embark on the journey of a nation, an experience unlike any other.
The long-anticipated reopening will include the implementation of strict precautionary measures for the safety of guests during their time at Qasr Al Watan; these measures will include mandatory online booking to ensure that the limited capacity is adhered to. Additionally, throughout the cultural experience, guests will be asked to maintain social distancing, wear face masks and sanitise hands regularly.
Further precautions will include thermal screening cameras, safe distance signage in all areas, modified capacity inside each exhibition, and modified dining and shopping experiences. Guest services attendants will be stationed throughout the Palace to assist visitors and answer any questions.
Qasr Al Watan operational hours will be Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00AM to 6:00PM and 12:00PM to 7:30PM from Thursday to Saturday. The Palace will be closed on Mondays.
Qasr Al Watan’s entertainment, such as the Palace in Motion Sound and Light show, will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. However, the Symphony of the Nation marching band will not be performing and the Qasr Al Watan Library will remain closed until further notice.
