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Category: UAE News

  • UAE launches first environmental satellite

    UAE launches first environmental satellite

    The United Arab Emirates will launch its first environmental nanosatellite on Monday which was developed by students of Khalifa University, KU, and the American University of Ras Al Khaima, AURAK.

    As part of the UAE Space Agency’s efforts to drive experiential learning in universities, MeznSat will be carried to a low Earth orbit altitude of 575km from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia by a Soyuz-2 rocket at 13:20 CET, 15:20 UAE time. The students will oversee MeznSat’s control operations from the primary ground station at KU’s Yahsat Space Laboratory and from the secondary ground station in AURAK.

    The students successfully completed several environmental tests two months prior to the launch that include the final fit checks, the thermal vacuum test, and the vibration test signalling the satellite’s readiness for launch.

    The satellite’s design and development involved 30 students across both universities and was completed over three years. Their role included the design, development, testing and verification of MeznSat.

    The satellite will measure and detect the most prevalent greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, CO2, and methane. The growing release of these gases into the atmosphere causes a rise in temperature on Earth.

    Dr Eng Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of UAESA, stressed that MeznSat’s imminent take-off on schedule testified to the ability of UAE’s youth as well as the potential of students majoring in STEM subjects to translate the UAE’s space exploration ambitions into.

    “These projects seek to develop national capabilities and enhance scientific research in universities, bringing up a new generation of Emirati engineers ready to join in the space sector. This direction by UAESA aligns with the keen interest of the wise UAE leadership in engaging the youth in scientific projects and giving them the experience needed for the job market.”Dr Al Ahbabi added,

    said, “We are delighted to see our students’ successful contribution to the new MeznSat nanosatellite, a collaboration with the UAE Space Agency. We plan to develop three more nanosatellites in the future. These achievements showcase Khalifa University’s dedication to enhancing innovation in sectors that are strategic to the UAE. Our students have the opportunity to contribute to these projects during their studies. Their research innovations will have a great impact on the future of the UAE’s space sector. We look forward to witnessing similar achievements, as we provide our students with an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities.”said Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology,

    Also read:‘GCC economic integration key to facing global challenges’: UAE

  • ‘GCC economic integration key to facing global challenges’: UAE

    ‘GCC economic integration key to facing global challenges’: UAE

    Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, on Saturday met with Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

    As part of the meeting, which was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance in Dubai, GCC economic issues were deliberated, along with GCC citizens’ aspirations for the future.

    Al Tayer reaffirmed the importance of the Gulf economic integration, which is fundamental to promoting economic growth and sustainable economic development in the GCC. He reiterated MoF’s commitment to follow up on the GCC economic and financial integration, as well as the implementation of the Unified Economic Agreement of the GCC countries.

    He said, “The UAE is keen to strengthen bilateral and commercial ties with GCC countries to achieve greater economic integration. This, in turn, will enable the region’s economies to face various global challenges.”

    Also discussed were ways to enhance GCC integration in areas related to the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in a manner that advances the GCC’s economic cooperation and integration. This is in accordance with the directives of their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries.

    The Ministry of Finance leads the UAE’s efforts in achieving GCC economic integration, in order to strengthen the UAE’s role in the Gulf Common Market, as well as to support the state’s policy towards strengthening Gulf economic integration. The aforementioned aim to maximise positive returns for individuals and companies, and to contribute towards achieving growth and prosperity for all GCC countries.

    The meeting was attended by Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Khalifa bin Saeed Al Abri, Assistant Secretary General for Development and Economic Affairs at the GCC Secretariat.

    Also read:UAE launches smart service for swift attestation

  • Microsoft to equip Emirati youth with globally recognized skills

    Microsoft to equip Emirati youth with globally recognized skills

    As part of its broader efforts to empower Emiratis, drive forward employee skilling in the government and achieve central goals of the Dubai Strategic Plan, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, DGHR, has partnered with Microsoft, bringing together their respective skilling programmes.

    A virtual online ceremony saw an Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed by Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, and Sayed Hashish, General Manager, Microsoft UAE.

    The Riyada program aims to empower the Emirati workforce and equip them with technical, behavioral and professional competencies. Microsoft will provide support under one of its pillars of its Tomoh Emiratisation programme , which aligns well in delivering central aspects of Riyada, offering internship and secondment opportunities at Microsoft to UAE nationals. The practical applications will include training and equipping Emiratis with worldwide on the job skills by shadowing professionals within Microsoft as well as offering them professional certification courses to accelerate their careers.

    “This partnership with Microsoft is focused on delivering world-class training to enhance the performance of UAE institutions,” said Abdulla Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General, DGHR.

    “We are confident that this agreement will serve to further elevate the Emirates as a global innovation center. The training and expertise provided to Emirati talent will enhance the skills of a future generation, cementing the UAE’s status as a diverse digital hub of creativity and innovation.”

    “Our organisation is committed to supporting the UAE future vision of a digital nation. The Tomoh programme will equip Emirati youth with globally recognized skills – a key pillar of the National Agenda and aligned to Vision 2021, thereby driving the nation’s digital transformation and global competitiveness,” said Sayed Hashish.

    “This collaboration is a natural progression of Microsoft’s role in the UAE economic transformation journey in the quarter century we have been present in the Emirates. We seek to deepen our contribution to the Emirati community throughout the 21st century, by empowering the next generation of young talent.”

    “In my eight years at Microsoft, I have benefitted from many possibilities and fulfilling career opportunities open to Emirati talent in a global technology company,” said Hamad Mattar, Business Programmes & Operations Lead, Microsoft Middle East & Africa.

    Microsoft. (File Photo: IANS)

    “Tomoh is a real asset for us, and we have been impressed by the highly motivated, diverse and skilled Emiratis we have been able to work with through this initiative.”

    The Tomoh programme has been carefully designed based on research looking at the current and future needs of the UAE job market. It is aligned with the objective of deepening collaboration with Emiratisation initiatives and focused on three core pillars: ‘Learn at Microsoft’ – that offers internship and secondment opportunities to UAE nationals and involves learning of globally recognized skills.

    ‘Work at Microsoft’ – an opportunity for Emiratis to pursue careers at Microsoft, either through direct hiring of experienced Emirati professionals, or under the ‘Microsoft Aspire Experience’, designed for fresh graduates. And Skill-Up Digitally – that enrolls students, job seekers and entrepreneurs into a powerful digital skilling programme, enabled by the Microsoft Cloud Society.

    Also read:UAE launches smart service for swift attestation

  • UAE launches smart service for swift attestation

    UAE launches smart service for swift attestation

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MoFAIC, has invested in state-of-the-art technologies and established an advanced digital infrastructure to provide its customers with a range of electronic and smart services, including official document attestation.

    The Ministry said customers can apply for attestations via the ministry’s website www.mofaic.gov.ae or the UAEMOFAIC smartphone application.

    “All service applications are reviewed and approved electronically and the fees are collected upon fulfilling the relevant requirements, the most important of which is to ensure that the documents to be certified have been accredited by the competent authorities before applying for the service,” MoFAIC said in a statement.

    MoFAIC also roiled out a mechanism to complete online transactions through its website and smartphone application in cooperation with the Post whereby documents can be received and delivered to customers without the need to visit Customer Happiness Centres. Customers will only be required to schedule a pickup for an additional AED40 fee by calling 600599999.

    Customers can also visit one of the five attestation centres across the UAE to complete the attestation, carrying the original documents and the payment receipt. In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the MoFAIC attestation centre is located at the Yas Tasheel Centre in Mussafah. In the Emirate of Dubai, customers can visit MoFAIC attestation centers located in Al Tawar Centre – Al Tawar area 2, or the Service Centre 1 in Emirates Towers, or the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Dubai in the Consulates neighborhood – Bur Dubai. In the Emirate of Sharjah, the MoFAIC attestation centre is located at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation office in the Al Dafeen area.

    MoFAIC offers attestation services to authenticate various types of official documents, diplomas and invoices. These services ensure the authenticity of a seal and signature on documents and papers issued in the UAE or abroad.

    Also read:UAE, GREECE discuss advanced cooperation

  • UAE, GREECE discuss advanced cooperation

    UAE, GREECE discuss advanced cooperation

    Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, have reviewed the prospects of enhancing bilateral relations across all fronts.

    This came as the Greek premier received the UAE top diplomat and his accompanying delegation in the presence of the Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, at a meeting that discussed ways of accelerating cooperation in areas of science & technology, food & water security, renewable energy and oil, with the two sides reiterating their countries’ determination to establish a robust strategic partnership across all fields.

    The two sides also deliberated the latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, in addition to a number of issues of concern, notably the situation in Libya and Iran.

    The global fight against COVID-19 and ways pf strengthening international efforts to secure a vaccine to the diseases featured high during the meeting. The recently signed UAE-Israeli Peace Accord and its role in establishing security and stability in the region were reviewed as well during the meeting.

    Sheikh Abdullah conveyed to the Greek leaders the greetings of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their wishes for further prosperity and progress to Greece.

    The Greek premier reciprocated the greetings to the UAE leaders and underlined the importance of Sheikh Abdullah’s visit in fostering the friendship ties between the two nations.

    Attending the meeting was Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Cultural Affairs at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

    Also read:US election: UAE voters must submit ballots by Wednesday

  • US election: UAE voters must submit ballots by Wednesday

    US election: UAE voters must submit ballots by Wednesday

    US citizens in the UAE have to complete the voting process latest by Wednesday, 30th September for the US Presidential election 2020, if they want to utilise the voter assistance offered by the US diplomatic missions, an official said on Thursday.

    “If people are returning ballots through us, we recommend all absentee ballots be delivered to the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or US Consulate General in Dubai on or before Wednesday, 30th September,” Daniela Zadrozny, Consular Chief at the US Consulate General in Dubai, told Emirates News Agency, WAM.

    However, submitting the voted ballot at the US diplomatic missions in the UAE is an option; alternatively, voters can directly send it to their local election officials in the US before the deadlines, Zadrozny clarified.

    Methods to submit ballot

    “Various states have different deadlines. The actual times in the US will usually be on or around election day [3rd November]. People are welcome to send their ballots on their own via other means; we just offer the collection and sending as voter assistance,” Zadrozny said.

    She advised the voters to check their voter registration deadline based on their state on the website of the US Federal Voting Assistance Programme, FVAP.

    Importance of overseas voters

    “If US citizen voters have not completed the voter registration process, we encourage them to do so immediately. The process to register to vote and submitt the ballot is fast, easy and an important part of being an American overseas!” the diplomat stressed.

    About the importance of overseas voting,  she pointed out that there were instances of US elections for the House and Senate having been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters.

    All states are required to count every absentee ballot as along as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline, Zadrozny said.

    Number of overseas voters

    The US Mission in the UAE estimates there are 75,000 US citizens living in the UAE, as of April 2020.

    Asked about the number of voters in the UAE, she said the US Mission does not have the number of voters here because the election and voter registration are managed individually by the states and territories.

    However, Zadrozny cited an FVAP study published in July 2020, analysing the overseas citizen population during the 2018 US midterm election. The study found that the global rate of overseas voter participation was 4.7 percent and 1.9 percent in the Middle East. An estimated 2.9 million voting age US citizens are living abroad, based on state and local government absentee ballot records, the study revealed.

    For the US presidential election in 2016, the global participation for rate for overseas voters was 7.8 percent and 4.8 percent in the Middle East. FVAP did not provide data for changes in eligible or registered voters since 2018, the diplomat said.

    Registration and voting process

    Regarding the registration and voting process for overseas voters, the Consular Chief explained that all US citizen voters can request to receive their absentee ballots electronically. Depending on the state in which they are eligible to vote, they may get their ballot by email, fax, or internet download.

    Voters should visit FVAP.gov to connect with their state’s voter portal to register to vote and request an absentee ballot, she said.

    If voters have not received their absentee ballot 30 days prior to the election, they should complete and submit the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, FWAB, to ensure their vote is received in time to be counted, she added.

    Preparations in UAE

    Talking about the arrangements for voters in the UAE, she said the embassy and the consulate are accepting election materials, including absentee ballots, on working days from 8:00 to 16:00, and US citizens do not need to make an appointment to submit their election materials.

    When dropping their ballot at the missions, voters should bring a self-addressed, and self-stamped envelope. Security will screen the envelope and return it to the voter who may seal the envelope, which is then deposited into the secure drop box.

    The sealed absentee ballots in the locked ballot box are securely transferred from the US missions to local election officials in the US, the Consular Chief said.

    Also read:UAE resumes issue of entry permits