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Category: UAE News

  • UAE, Israel Foreign Ministers Hold First Review Meeting

    UAE, Israel Foreign Ministers Hold First Review Meeting

    Foreign Ministers of UAE and Israel held their first ever meeting, on Tuesday in Berlin. In the light to the recent peace accord between the countries, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Gabi Ashkenazi, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs met at met at the Villa Borsig in Berlin.

    The Ministers reviewed the prospects of growing cooperation and bilateral relations in the fields of economy, trade, investment, food security, technology, transport, aviation, health and culture.

    They were welcomed upon arrival by Heiko Maas, German Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Ministers exchanged views over a number of regional and international issues of concern. The peace accord signed by the two countries was front-and-center in the meeting in light of its importance in establishing peace and stability in the region.

    They also reviewed the global fight against COVID-19 and the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries to establishing advanced testing systems aimed at developing a vaccine to the disease.

    Sheikh Abdullah underlined the importance of building on the peace accord between the two nations in order to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the region.

    “With the signing of the historic UAE-Israeli peace accord, the two nations are looking forward to cultivating prosperity and sustainable development and strengthening joint action in various fields to the best interests of the two nations’ peoples,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

    The German top diplomat hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the two ministers and their accompanying delegations.

    Sheikh Abdullah was accompanied by Hafsa Abdullah Al Olama, UAE Ambassadress to Germany, and Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Cultural Affairs

    Also Read: UAE, Israel to step up ties through cultural exchange

  • Abu Dhabi’s ADIA picks up 1.2% stake in Reliance Retail

    Abu Dhabi’s ADIA picks up 1.2% stake in Reliance Retail

    Reliance Industries Limited and Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) announced that a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will invest Rs 5,512.50 crore into RRVL, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries.

    This investment values RRVL at a pre-money equity value of Rs 4.285 lakh crore. ADIA’s investment will translate into a 1.20 per cent equity stake in RRVL on a fully diluted basis.

    With this investment, RRVL has raised Rs 37,710 crore from leading global investors including Silver Lake, KKR, General Atlantic, Mubadala, GIC, TPG and ADIA in less than four weeks.

    Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, said, “We are delighted with ADIA’s current investment and continued support and hope to benefit from its strong track record of over four decades of value creation globally. The investment by ADIA is a further endorsement of Reliance Retail’s performance and potential and the inclusive and transformational New Commerce business model that it is rolling out.”

    Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Private Equities Department at ADIA, said, “Reliance Retail has rapidly established itself as one of the leading retail businesses in India and, by leveraging both its physical and digital supply chains, is strongly positioned for further growth. This investment is consistent with our strategy of investing in market leading businesses in Asia linked to the region’s consumption-driven growth and rapid technological advancement.”

    Established in 1976, ADIA is a globally-diversified investment institution that prudently invests funds on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi through a strategy focused on long-term value creation. ADIA has invested in private equity since 1989 and has built a significant internal team of specialists with experience across asset products, geographies and sectors.

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    Also Read: Mukesh Ambani tops Hurun India Rich List for the Ninth Year

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  • UAE, Israel to step up ties through cultural exchange

    UAE, Israel to step up ties through cultural exchange

    In light of the UAE-Israel Peace Accord, the countries looks forward to further the mutual relations through cultural exchange. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, held a remote meeting with Hili Tropper, Israeli Minister of Culture and Sport, via video conferencing, to discuss the steps to enhance cultural cooperation between the UAE and Israel.

    During the meeting, both sides discussed ways of reinforcing the dialogue between their creative communities, through launching initiatives that promote peace and tolerance as mutual human values.

    “Culture is the bridge that establishes trust between peoples and communities and creates a brighter future for generations to come,” Al Kaabi said, adding that the UAE always initiates partnerships to establish peace and coexistence in the Middle East.

    She then pointed out that creative communities in the UAE and Israel are characterised by flexibility, vitality and the capacity to inspire the world through cultural and creative production in various literary and artistic areas.

    Al Kaabi and Tropper also discussed their future cooperation in the areas of art, film, theatre, writing and publishing, in addition to ways of encouraging talents and artists to participate in joint exhibitions and events between the two countries.

    Al Kaabi presented the Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy adopted by the Ministry of Culture and Youth to increase the contributions of the creative industry to the national economy while noting the importance of exchanging expertise in creative entrepreneurship and developing a distinguished partnership in this key sector.

    Both sides agreed to form joint task forces between the UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Youth and the Israeli Ministry of Culture and Sport, to draft a framework for future cultural cooperation between the two countries.

    Also Read: UAE, US, Israel to establish strategic energy partnership

  • RAK Ruler welcomes US Ambassador

    RAK Ruler welcomes US Ambassador

    Sheikh Saud highlighted relations between the UAE and the U.S. which would contribute to achieving progress and prosperity for the two peoples…Reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received today John Rakolta Jr., the U.S. Ambassador to the UAE.

    RAK Ruler welcomed the US Ambassador and exchanged talks on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two friendly countries in all avenues.

    Sheikh Saud highlighted relations between the UAE and the U.S. which would contribute to achieving progress and prosperity for the two peoples.

    In turn, Ambassador Rakolta extended thanks and appreciation to RAK ruler for warm welcome and generosity, praising the strong strategic ties between the two countries.

    Also read:UAE to resume issuing work,entry permits

  • Sharjah, France discuss water strategy for 5 years

    Sharjah, France discuss water strategy for 5 years

    The visit aims to strengthen cooperation with international companies and exchanging best experiences and practices to develop the water strategy over the next five years…Reports Asian Lite News

    Dr. Engineer Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, SEWGA, received a French delegation from the Suez Company, which is specialised in the field of water services and the development of desalination units.

    The visit aims to strengthen cooperation with international companies and exchanging best experiences and practices to develop the water strategy over the next five years.

    Dr. Al Leem confirmed that the authority is continuing to implement a plan to develop water desalination units, transmission and distribution networks, and improve water quality in a number of areas in the Emirate of Sharjah, as part of the important strategic projects implemented by the authority under the directives of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

    He pointed out that the implementation of the water strategy during the next stage depends on the use of the latest global technologies in this vital and important sector, and the provision of modern devices to check water quality and measure any change that may occur to water quality during the transmission and distribution process.

    Cyril Corgart, CEO of the French company Suez, said that the company welcomes cooperation with the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority in preparing its strategic plan and development projects.

    Also read:UAE reaffirms call for peaceful settlement in Libya

  • UAE reaffirms call for peaceful settlement in Libya

    UAE reaffirms call for peaceful settlement in Libya

    This came as the UAE minister participated in a ministerial meeting on Libya on the sidelines of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly…Reports Asian Lite News

    Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has reaffirmed the UAE’s supportive stance for UN resolutions on Libya and the world organisation’s call for Libyan parties to engage in a ceasefire, end escalation, and commit to international efforts for a peaceful settlement.

    This came as the UAE minister participated in a ministerial meeting on Libya on the sidelines of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was attended by ministers of foreign affairs and senior representatives from Member States and regional organisations that are part of the Berlin process, as well as from Libya’s neighbouring countries.

    Addressing the meeting held via video technology, Gargash renewed the UAE’s commitment to the conclusions of the Berlin Conference on Libya held in January 2020 and the Cairo Declaration on the same issue. He expressed optimism over recent developments in Libya, which he described as encouraging, noting the importance of continued dialogue between the disputing parties.

    Gargash also underscored the importance of the UN’s role in ensuring fruitful dialogue aimed at forging a sustainable and peaceful settlement. He also highlighted the success of the Libyan Dialogue held in the Egyptian resort city of Hurghada and its conclusions.

    The minister voiced alarm about the volatile situation in Libya and the delay in reaching a political solution in a way that, he said, would reflect negatively on the regional situation, and in particular on the Eastern Mediterranean Region in the shadow of continued foreign interference and the increased presence of foreign mercenaries on Libyan territory, as well as the claims and interests of regional powers on Libya.

    Also read:India Welcomes Libyan Peace Efforts

  • Switzerland takes part in Pre-Expo 2020 Dubai

    Switzerland takes part in Pre-Expo 2020 Dubai

    The Expo offers a significant opportunity for the Swiss Pavilion to showcase Switzerland’s technological expertise and to promote Switzerland as a fertile ground for scientific research and innovation…Reports Asian Lite News

    Switzerland Pavilion is taking part in the first Pre-Expo event on 5−6 October 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the success of the Expo 2020 Dubai. Expo will run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

    The Expo offers a significant opportunity for the Swiss Pavilion to showcase Switzerland’s technological expertise and to promote Switzerland as a fertile ground for scientific research and innovation. In this regard, the Swiss Pavilion joins the Pre-Expo Space Week, the first online event of the programme series ahead of next year’s Expo.

    “Switzerland is not only a tech nation, but also a space nation! The pre-Expo Space Week is an excellent opportunity to highlight Switzerland’s strength in innovation, research and education in the field of space”, says Manuel Salchli, Commissioner General of the Swiss Pavilion and Chairman of the Steering Committee of Expo 2020 Dubai.

    In a COVID-19 context, the Expo is also an important economic platform: the Swiss Pavilion will turn on the spotlight on Swiss companies and the tourism sector to promote the country’s economic capacity and attractiveness in the UAE, which is Switzerland’s foremost trading partner in the Middle East.

    Also read:World’s largest fountain to launch in Dubai

  • Emirates expands European network

    Emirates expands European network

    The addition of these five destinations takes Emirates’ global network to 99 destinations…Reports Asian Lite News

    Emirates Airline has announced it will resume flights to Budapest (from 21st October), Bologna (1st November), Dusseldorf (1st November), Hamburg (1st November) and Lyon (4th November), expanding its European network to 31 destinations, and offering customers around the world convenient connections via Dubai.

    The addition of these five destinations takes Emirates’ global network to 99 destinations, as the airline continues to gradually meet travel demand, while always prioritising the health and safety of its customers, crew and communities.

    Flights to/from Budapest and Lyon will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays while flights to/from Bologna, Dusseldorf and Hamburg will operate twice a week on Fridays and Sundays.

    All flights to the five cities will be operated by the Boeing 777- 300ER, providing robust cargo capacity on each flight. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents as well as online travel agents.

    Also read:UAE expats hand over ‘Knitted Knockers’ to Indian survivors

  • UAE to resume issuing work,entry permits

    UAE to resume issuing work,entry permits

    The UAE had in March suspended the issuance of all types of labor permits as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus…Reports Asian Lite News

    The United Arab Emirates has resumed granting work permits for foreigners employed by government and semi-government entities as well as entry permits for domestic workers.Arab News Reports

    The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said in a Twitter post on Monday.

    The UAE had in March suspended the issuance of all types of labor permits as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

    The oil-rich country is home to millions of expatriate workers who make the majority of the labor force.

    Also read:Sudanese peace deal: UAE takes part in signing ceremony

  • Dubai forms committee for govt sector development

    Dubai forms committee for govt sector development

    The Decree supports the government in achieving strategic objectives including enhancing the governance of government entities in Dubai..Reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Prime Minister of the UAE has issued Decree No. (29) of 2020 establishing the Higher Committee for Government Sector Development in Dubai.

    Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai will chair the Committee and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum will be the Vice Chairman.

    The Committee also includes the Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai, the Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Finance, the Director-General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department and the Secretary-General of Dubai’s Supreme Legislation Committee.

    The Decree supports the government in achieving strategic objectives including enhancing the governance of government entities in Dubai, ensuring the emirate’s strategic sectors are structured to maximise efficiency, strengthening the performance and resilience of government organisations, streamlining the responsibilities of government departments, enhancing cooperation between government entities and optimising the utilisation of government resources.

    The Committee is tasked with approving the vision and the strategic objectives of the government sector development project under the supervision of the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai; ensuring the project is progressing according to approved timelines and plans; aligning the project with the government’s priorities and objectives; and approving the project plan and execution phases, the roles and responsibilities of subcommittees and teams, and the project’s budget.

    The Decree obligates all Dubai Government departments to fully cooperate with the Committee, and its subcommittees and teams, and provide them information, statistics and documents on request.

    The Chairman of the Higher Committee for Government Sector Development will issue all the bylaws required to implement this Decree. The Decree annuls any other legislation that contradicts or challenges its articles. The Decree is active from its date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

    Also read:Dubai announces eased travel protocols