Initial investigations show the fires and explosion were possibly caused by unidentified drones in the area…reports Asian Lite News
Yemen’s Houthi rebel group claimed responsibility for a “qualitative military operation” that struck areas deep inside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in which three persons including two Indians were killed.
As per the Abu Dhabi police, three persons — two Indians and one Pakistani, were killed. Besides, six others were injured.
“An important statement will be announced in the upcoming hours to reveal details on the strategic operation deep inside the UAE,” said the Houthi rebel group’s spokesman Yahya Saree in a brief press statement on Monday.
The Houthis’ claim surfaced just after three petroleum tankers exploded in a fire near the storage facilities of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in the UAE captial’s Musaffah industrial district, the official WAM news agency reported, citing an announcement of the Abu Dhabi police.
A minor fire also broke out in the new construction area of Abu Dhabi International Airport, according to the WAM.
Initial investigations show the fires and explosion were possibly caused by unidentified drones in the area.
The fire at both places has been brought under control and air traffic was not affected, officials told the media.
The UAE is an active member of the Saudi-led coalition which has been fighting a large-scale war against the Houthi rebel militia in various areas of Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the Yemeni conflict in 2015 to support the Yemeni internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after the Iran-backed Houthi militia forced him out of the capital Sanaa.
The Houthi militia has recently intensified cross-border drone and missile attacks against different Saudi cities. In February 2021, the Houthi militia launched a major offensive against the government army to capture the oil-rich province of Marib in central Yemen.
The Houthi group is on the radar of investigative agencies as they announced a terror attack plan against the UAE.
It is said that the Houthis are not happy with the UAE government, and recently hijacked a UAE vessel ‘Rawabee’, claiming it was carrying weapons, supposed to be used against them.
The UAE government raised the issue in the UN, supported by the Indian government. The Rawabee ship also had seven Indian nationals in the crew.
The World Future Energy Summit began today as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week…reports Asian Lite News
The summit brings together industry leaders from around the world to showcase their technologies and innovations at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The three-day Summit is the leading international event accelerating sustainability and the global transition to clean energy.
Exhibition, technology showcase, investment incubator and business forum all rolled into one event, the summit convenes leaders, innovators and global thinkers to share ideas that are creating the blueprints for a sustainable future.
The wider agenda for the ADSW Summit includes important sessions on the global energy transition, the future of transportation, the health energy nexus, carbon capture and storage, the blue economy, and the increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance criteria in making decisions. (WAM)
Talks between visiting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan are cancelled…reports Asian Lite News
The scheduled talks between visiting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan were cancelled due to an “unforeseen matter of state” of the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a senior Seoul official said.
Moon, who is in Dubai for a three-day visit as part of his week-long trip to the Middle East, had been scheduled to hold talks with the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince on Monday, but the talks were called off as the UAE side “politely asked for understanding for an unforeseen and urgent matter of state”, Yonhap News Agency quoted the official as saying.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
It was not immediately clear why the talks were cancelled.
Moon had planned to deliver a keynote address on carbon neutrality at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in Abu Dhabi on Monday and hold talks with the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince on ways to deepen bilateral cooperation over climate change, national security and defence, and public health.
Asked whether the cancellation was related to the Covid-19 situation in the UAE, the official replied that the latter side did not give the exact reason for the cancellation.
On Sunday, South Korea signed a preliminary deal with the UAE to sell Seoul’s midrange surface-to-air missiles to the Gulf nation, in the latest sign of deepening defence cooperation between the two nations.
The deal was signed after Moon held talks with UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai, Seoul’s presidential office said without providing further details, including the value of the memorandum of understanding.
The UAE is the first leg of Moon’s three-nation trip to the Middle East that will also take him to Saudi Arabia, as well as Egypt.
Moon will visit Riyadh on Tuesday and hold talks with Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2022 will be the first major sustainability event after the COP26 climate change conference, and will act as a global catalyst for COP27, which will be held in Egypt in 2022, and COP28 event in 2023 … reports Arab Daily Newsdesk
The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2022 taking place from January 15-19 will convene global leaders, including heads of state, policy makers, and international business leaders, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aims to take the agenda global sustainability forward and accelerate pathways to net zero.
Hosted by Masdar, ADSW 2022 will be the first major sustainability event after the COP26 climate change conference, and will act as a global catalyst for COP27, which will be held in Egypt in 2022, and COP28, which will be hosted by the UAE in 2023.
Held annually since 2008, ADSW has become one of the latest sustainability platforms in the world, with more than 45,000 people from 175 countries participating in ADSW 2020.
Mr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar, said: “The next few years will be pivotal as we work together across policy, business and industry to accelerate progressive climate action that will deliver economic opportunities and prosperity for current and future generations.
“The UAE has a long-term vision that will build on our longstanding track record in innovating climate solutions across the entire energy spectrum. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week continues to offer an ideal platform for promoting, deploying and taking these climate solutions to scale around the world. Aligned with the UAE’s ‘Principles of the 50’, it provide opportunities for global collaboration, knowledge sharing, investment and advancing new technological innovations that will take the global sustainability agenda forward and turn plans into action.”
In addition to heads of state, leaders confirmed to participant at ADSW included Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General; Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for all and Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All SEforAll; John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, President Designate COP27; Alok Sharma, COP26 President; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization; Francesco La Camera, Director-General of International Renewable Energy Agency; Ferid Belhaj, Vice-President of the World Bank Group; and Ban Ki-moon, President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute.
Commenting ahead of her appearance at the ADSW, Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, said: “To deliver a sustainable future for our planet, the collective action of all stakeholders is needed. Even as we tackle the pandemic, we must not lose sight of other equally pressing global challenges.
“Governments, businesses, researchers, communities and individuals all have a role in addressing the challenges of climate change.”
The hosting of ADSW is a key component in the UAE’s positioning as a regional and global leader in sustainability and climate action.
Last October, the UAE announced its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the first such initiative in the MENA region. The UAE was also the first Arab country to set voluntary clean energy targets, and the first Gulf state to sign the Paris Agreement.
Further demonstrating the UAE’s leading role in driving action on climate change, at home, in the region, and throughout the world, the ADSW Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony will take place at Expo 2020 Dubai on Monday January 17 to coincide with Global Goals Week.
All other ADSW events will take place in Abu Dhabi or virtually. Since its inception, ADSW has reflected the changing global sustainability landscape, broadening its scope from renewable energy and water, to include new global trends and topics like artificial intelligence, space and mobility.
The number of ADSW events has also expanded over time, with the additions of the IRENA Assembly in 2010, the Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy’ (WiSER) Forum in 2015, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in 2017, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum 2019, and the virtual ADSW Summit in 2021.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a new tourism business licencing initiative to support and accelerate the growth of the emirate’s tourism industry…reports Asian Lite News
Effective January, a revised fee structure is being introduced, capped at AED 1,000 annually, and applicable to tourism business licences.
This will be welcome news to existing licence holders who currently pay varying fee amounts, depending on the level of business activity, and will be a significant boost given the challenges the sector has faced over the past 18 months.
The new business licence offers an amended fixed-fee structure, with the blanket costs covering fees payable to several Abu Dhabi Government entities, including Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Chamber membership fees and the Certificate of Conformity issuance fee.
It also covers Abu Dhabi’s regulation fees, with the amount adjustable depending on the type of business applying. Overall, the changes represent an almost 90 percent reduction in total licence fee costs.
The licence fee cap aims to benefit existing businesses in the emirate and encourage new investors to start ventures, elevating Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness as a leading destination regionally and internationally with its dynamic leisure, culture and MICE tourism sectors.
The initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s broader strategic plans to develop the UAE capital further and cement its position as a preferred destination for travellers and tourism investment.
Hamad Mohammed Saeed Alsudain, Licencing and Regulatory Compliance Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “The new licencing fee structure is a tangible demonstration of our unwavering support of the tourism sector, and will benefit those wishing to open, continue or expand their tourism business across Abu Dhabi. Regardless of the type of organisation or size, applicants can feel confident that we are partners and focused on their growth.”
This initiative, he said, will enhance the competitiveness of the business environment and attract increased investment, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism, cultural and entertainment destination.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2022 taking place from 15th to 19th January…reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2022 taking place from 15th to 19th January, will convene global leaders, including heads of state, policy makers, and international business leaders, as the United Arab Emirates aims to take the agenda global sustainability forward and accelerate pathways to net zero.
Hosted by Masdar, ADSW 2022 will be the first major sustainability event after the COP26 climate change conference, and will act as a global catalyst for COP27, which will be held in Egypt in 2022, and COP28, which will be hosted by the UAE in 2023. Held annually since 2008, ADSW has become one of the latest sustainability platforms in the world, with more than 45,000 people from 175 countries participating in ADSW 2020.
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar, said, “The next few years will be pivotal as we work together across policy, business and industry to accelerate progressive climate action that will deliver economic opportunities and prosperity for current and future generations.
Abu Dhabi
“The UAE has a long-term vision that will build on our longstanding track record in innovating climate solutions across the entire energy spectrum. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week continues to offer an ideal platform for promoting, deploying and taking these climate solutions to scale around the world. Aligned with the UAE’s ‘Principles of the 50’, it provide opportunities for global collaboration, knowledge sharing, investment and advancing new technological innovations that will take the global sustainability agenda forward and turn plans into action.”
In addition to heads of state, leaders confirmed to participant at ADSW included António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General; Damilola Ogunbiyi, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for all, Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy for All SEforAll; John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate; Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, President Designate COP27; Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, COP26 President; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation; Francesco La Camera, Director-General of International Renewable Energy Agency; Ferid Belhaj, Vice-President of the World Bank Group; Ban Ki-moon, President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute, Eight Secretary-General of the United Nations; Rishi Kapoor, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Investcorp; and Karen Wong, Global Head of ESG and Sustainable Investing, State Street Global Advisors, one of the world’s largest asset managers with US$3.90 trillion under its management.
Commenting ahead of her appearance at the ADSW, Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, said, “To deliver a sustainable future for our planet, the collective action of all stakeholders is needed. Even as we tackle the pandemic, we must not lose sight of other equally pressing global challenges. Governments, businesses, researchers, communities and individuals all have a role in addressing the challenges of climate change.
“The ADSW provides us a timely opportunity to exchange views on our collective response, and the urgent steps needed. I thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for inviting me to speak at the Summit.”
Taking place virtually on 17th January, the ADSW Summit will bring together global leaders to engage in dialogue and outline actions to achieve a net-zero future. Delivering global net zero commitments and the journey to the COP28 climate change conference will be key topics for discussion at the ADSW Summit.
Registration details for ADSW events can be found on www.adsw.ae.
The Atlantic Council announced that the 2022 Global Energy Forum will now be held alongside Expo 2020 in Dubai from March 28-29…reports Asian Lite News
The forum, which is part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will also be hosted in conjunction with the 2022 World Government Summit a major global convening focused on the tools, policies, and models that are essential in shaping future governments and will take advantage of the unparalleled opportunities at Expo during its closing week.
“As the global energy system faces unprecedented challenges and promising new innovations, it is more important than ever for leaders around the world to collaborate in-person to advance the energy transition,” said Randy Bell, senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Centre.
“The recent sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the United States due to the Omicron variant made it necessary to postpone the 2022 Global Energy Forum. We are confident the new event dates and location will allow for an even more impactful and engaging convening.”
The Global Energy Forum will also convene several virtual programmes this month during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (which is still going ahead as planned) to complement ADSW’s critical mission of accelerating global climate action.
These programmes will include a high-level discussion on the outcomes from COP26 and the agendas for COP27 and COP28; the rollout of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Centre’s annual flagship publication The Global Energy Agenda; a discussion on the various pathways to reaching net-zero; and a deep dive on the role of hydrogen in a net-zero energy system. (ANI/WAM)
The two sides emphasised the importance of settling the crises in the region peacefully through dialogue and joint international action…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has received a phone call from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.
During the call, Guterres congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on the UAE’s assuming its seat in the Security Council for 2022-2023 and wished the country success in serving the world through this international mandate. He also referred to the UAE’s key humanitarian and developmental initiatives, aimed at supporting stability and development across the world.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated Guterres on his re-election as UN Secretary General for a second term beginning January 1, 2022.
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
He also lauded the important role played by the UN in the international arena, saying the UAE is keen on supporting the international organisation’s efforts in various fields.
Sheikh Mohamed underlined the UAE’s permanent approach of working towards peace and stability, as well as supporting efforts to serve the interests of the nations and their aspirations for development and prosperity.
Sheikh Mohamed and Guterres reviewed cooperation between the UAE and the UN. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, including the current situation in the Middle East.
The two sides emphasised the importance of settling the crises in the region peacefully through dialogue and joint international action.
SEHA said that all positive cases and contacts, in Al Ain should visit the COVID-19 Prime Assessment Centre in Al Ain Convention Centre as per the following…reports Asian Lite News
Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, announced today transferring the services of the COVID-19 Prime Assessment Centre at Al Ain Hospital, to the COVID-19 Prime Assessment Centre at the Al Ain Convention Centre, as of 4th January, 2022.
SEHA said that all positive cases and contacts, in Al Ain should visit the COVID-19 Prime Assessment Centre in Al Ain Convention Centre as per the following; the positive cases through Gate No. 7, and contacts through Gate No. 3.
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has urged parents, academic and administrative staff in all schools to receive a booster dose, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in coordination with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, has approved remote learning for the first two weeks of the new school term, for all students at both public and private schools in the emirate, including training institutes, colleges and universities to further protect health and safety of education community.
Schools Switch to Remote Learning for 2 Weeks
During these two weeks, ongoing testing campaigns will increase for education sector personnel and the situation will continue to be monitored to update protocols for the return to in-school learning.
The decision is taken as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of COVID-19 and maintain low infection rates in the emirate. The Committee urges parents, academic and administrative staff in all schools to receive a booster dose, to further protect themselves against the virus and help develop comprehensive protection for the wider community, which will guarantee a safe return to schools.
The committee has also stressed the importance of adhering to all preventive and precautionary measures to protect schooling community’s health and maintain public safety, by wearing masks that cover both nose and mouth, and practising physical distancing by keeping at least 2m apart, and regularly washing and sanitising hands.
New rules to enter Emirate
Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated the procedure to enter the emirate from within the UAE by requiring green pass for vaccinated individuals and a negative PCR test result for those who are not vaccinated.
Abu Dhabi
Effective Thursday, 30th December 2021, in addition to using EDE scanners to rapidly detect potential COVID-19 cases, the new entry requirements are in line with efforts to continue enhancing precautionary measures to protect public health.
To enter the emirate from within the UAE, vaccinated people will now show green status on Alhosn App and unvaccinated categories are required to present a negative PCR test result received within 96 hours.
‘UAE is fully prepared’
UAE is constantly monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic both locally and internationally, said Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector.
During a media briefing, Dr. Al Ghaithi said the country is fully prepared for this situation, and its medical teams are braced for all possible scenarios.
She also stressed the emergence of the new variant has led many countries to take extra precautions. Under this framework, relevant health authorities in the UAE have stressed the importance of vaccine booster shots to strengthen acquired community immunity.
“These national efforts are continuing the series of proactive steps taken by the country since the onset of the pandemic, and all federal and local sectors have performed their proactive role in implementing procedures and strategies in record time across all areas in terms of early response, monitoring, treatment, follow-up, clinical trials and scientific development,” she added.
She also pointed out that the health sector is continuing its efforts to achieve collective immunity by making vaccines available to everyone, with 100 percent of the population having received the first dose of the vaccine, and 91.80 percent are fully vaccinated.
Dr. Al Ghaithi then highlighted the significant and comprehensive efforts of the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The country yesterday authorised the emergency use of the new Sinopharm protein-based vaccine as a booster.
The Sinopharm protein-based vaccine uses protein from the spinal cord that surrounds the Covid-19 virus. It enables the body to identify the virus and fight it in case of exposure, which will help in the prevention of several variants, she further added.
“The Sinopharm protein-based vaccine and other Sinopharm vaccines are effective in producing antibodies. However, the new protein-based vaccine could achieve more comprehensive results to ensure higher effectiveness in preventing variants,” she further said.
Dr. Al Ghaithi noted the protein-based vaccine was approved, in line with the relevant laws and regulations, after the strict monitoring and assessment of trials that took place in the UAE.
The vaccine will be offered as a booster shot to those who received the Sinopharm vaccine from the start of 2022, she stated, stressing reports highlighting the fact the UAE leads other countries in terms of vaccination rate, with over 22.5 million doses being provided so far.
“The new Sinopharm protein-based vaccine may be given to people over the age of 18 as a booster shot six months after receiving the Sinopharm vaccine, and it has been shown to provide a new level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants,” she stressed.
“Pregnant women, nursing mothers and those planning pregnancy in six months are exempted from the aforementioned vaccine and may receive other types of authorised vaccines. People allergic to the vaccine’s contents are also exempted,” she added.
She explained that the new protein-based vaccine’s side effects are similar to other vaccines’ side effects, including headache, pain in the vaccinated area and exhaustion with possible fever.
She stressed that booster shots are among the critical factors that help protect the health and safety of the community, as they have a crucial role in boosting collective immunity.
Dr. Al Ghaithi highlighted the fact that the infections have risen at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 after the holiday season and the return to school, after which coronavirus cases in January 2021 reached 3,090, and 3,140 in February 202.
