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Tag: Abu-Dhabi

  • Abu Dhabi tightens Covid rules at social events

    Abu Dhabi tightens Covid rules at social events

    Venues hosting social events such as wedding ceremonies, funerals and family gatherings are to operate at 60 percent maximum occupancy, reports Asian lite Newsdesk

    The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated its guidelines for hosting indoor and outdoor social events and family celebrations in the emirate, to enhance precautionary measures and protect public health.

    Effective 26 December, venues hosting social events such as wedding ceremonies, funerals and family gatherings are to operate at 60 per cent maximum occupancy. The maximum number of people permitted at indoor events should not exceed 50, and attendees at outdoor events and open-air activities should not number more than 150. Social events at home should not host more than 30 people.

    Abu Dhabi tightens Covid rules at social events

    Meanwhile, entry to social events requires adherence to existing precautionary measures, including showing green pass on Alhosn App and presenting a negative PCR test result received within 48 hours and wearing masks while observing physical distancing protocol.

    Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee will increase inspection and monitoring to ensure compliance with all preventive and precautionary measures and help maintain a low Covid-19 infection rate in Abu Dhabi emirate.

    The Committee urges the public to continue observing precautionary measures by avoiding crowded places, wearing masks that cover both nose and mouth, and practising physical distancing by keeping at least 2m apart, and regularly washing and sanitising hands.

    The Committee also encourages those eligible to receive a booster vaccine dose, and maintain green status on Alhosn App through regular PCR testing.

    1,803 positive cases

    The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced that it conducted 334,211 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, in which 1,803 case came out positive, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 751,333.

    In a statement, the Ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.

    According to the Ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and receiving the necessary care.

    MoHAP also announced two deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 2,158.

    The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery. It called on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.

    MoHAP also noted that an additional 618 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 741,325

    Quarantine rules

    The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) had earlier announced a further update to the ‘Green List’ of countries for inbound travel into Abu Dhabi, as it supports the easing of travel restrictions whilst maintaining safety protocols.

    All travellers arriving from the updated ‘Green List’ destinations will be exempt from mandatory quarantine measures after landing in Abu Dhabi.

    Travellers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, valid for a maximum of 48 hours before departure and undergo a PCR test upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

    Vaccinated passengers from the updated ‘Green List’ will take another PCR test on day 6 (the day of arrival into Abu Dhabi is counted as day 1). Unvaccinated travellers arriving from the ‘Green List’ countries are required to take PCR tests on days 6 and 9.

    Countries, regions, and territories included on the ‘Green List’ will be regularly updated based on international developments. Inclusion on the list is subject to strict criteria of health and safety protocols for travel, ensuring and prioritising the wellbeing of the UAE community.

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Eases Quarantine Rules

    To note, the countries included on the ‘Green List’ have been given the green light for travel and refers to inbound travel origin, not citizenship of passenger.

    The updated ‘Green List’ as of December 26 include: Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg Malaysia Maldives Netherlands Norway Oman Papua New Guinea Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Republic of Ireland Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Thailand Yemen Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine United Kingdom United States of America Uzbekistan.

  • Abu Dhabi airport expects high passenger traffic

    Abu Dhabi airport expects high passenger traffic

    Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on Thursday announced holiday traffic will increase almost 400 percent from 2020 as passenger demand, flight numbers and network presence expand…reports Asian Lite News

    From the period running 22nd December to 2nd January, Abu Dhabi Airports estimates an average of 32,000 passengers and 102 flights per day will pass through AUH almost four times the passenger traffic reported during the same period last year (8400 passengers per day) and almost twice the flights (56). Passenger traffic (59,000 per day) and flight numbers (149 per day) still remain down from the same period in 2019.

    Abu Dhabi airport expects high passenger traffic

    AUH has reminded passengers to contact the relevant airline for the latest travel regulations and make sure to arrange all necessary validated documents before arriving at the airport. Furthermore, they were asked to check out AUH website to find their terminal location, reach the airport 3 hours early and to wear mask on at all times.

    ADQ, Etihad have plans

     Etihad Airways and ADQ announced Thursday a proposed transaction that will support the ongoing transformation of Etihad Airways and the future growth of the civil aviation sector in Abu Dhabi. As part of the proposed transaction, a number of Etihad’s businesses providing airline support services will become part of a new ADQ aviation company.

    Once the transaction is complete, the airline support services businesses will benefit from being part of ADQ’s broad mobility and logistics portfolio, which includes Abu Dhabi Airports and AD Ports Group.

    The businesses included in the proposed transaction are Etihad Engineering, Etihad Airport Services Cargo, Etihad Airport Services Ground, Etihad Aviation Training, Etihad Secure Logistics and Etihad Technical Training.

    Additionally, the proposed transaction will see two Etihad businesses join Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC). Etihad Airport Services Catering will combine with ADNEC’s catering business Capital Hospitality, and Etihad Holidays will join ADNEC’s tourism promotion business, Tourism 365.

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi deploys scanners on border

    The proposed agreement marks the start of a new chapter for Etihad Airways, allowing the airline to further sharpen its focus on its core business and respond with greater agility to market opportunities as global travel demand rebounds from COVID-19.

    The businesses joining ADQ’s new aviation company and ADNEC will remain key long-term strategic partners to Etihad Airways.

    The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

  • Abu Dhabi health department, Pfizer collaborate to boost clinical trials in Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi health department, Pfizer collaborate to boost clinical trials in Abu Dhabi

    The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced a new collaboration with Pfizer to develop national competencies and clinical research capacity in Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News

    In the presence of Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH and Sean Murphy, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy, a Declaration of Collaboration between the two entities was signed by Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Under-Secretary of DoH and Lindsey Dietschi, Gulf Cluster Lead.

    Abu Dhabi health department, Pfizer collaborate to boost clinical trials in Abu Dhabi

    The mutual agreement will focus on developing clinical trials conduct and enhancing research efforts and medical processes in the emirate. Pfizer will support DoH in establishing a training curriculum that’s specialised in advancing the early phase of clinical trials and drug development programmes. The collaboration reflects the emirate’s continuous efforts to upgrade the digital health system and foster innovation in healthcare.

    Through this collaboration, Pfizer seeks to train up to 150 clinical researchers who will also have an opportunity of research mentorship support by Pfizer research partner within two years supporting DoH aim of reaching 500 qualified clinical researchers by 2025 through various collaborations and initiatives.

    Dr. Al Kaabi commented, “Under our wise leadership, DoH is committed to positioning Abu Dhabi as an incubator for innovation in the field of life sciences and as a leading healthcare destination in the world. We do this by providing a legislative environment that attracts and motivates research and innovation in healthcare, enhancing the means of cooperation that join Abu Dhabi with global partners, and continuing to roll out promising clinical trials and research projects.”

    He added, “We are excited for our collaboration with Pfizer which focus on conducting safe and efficient early-stage clinical trials based on international guidelines and global best practices. The partnership contributes to developing our expertise and advancing our capabilities in the UAE which positively impact the health and well-being of individuals worldwide.”

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi deploys scanners on border

    Experts will conduct the training courses from Pfizer, academic institutions and other specialised partners. Participants will receive training in technologies and artificial intelligence tools that accelerate the drug discovery process.

    For his part, Gulf Cluster Lead said, “Abu Dhabi established a robust and sustainable world-class healthcare system that fosters innovation in research and development of processes. We believe in the vision of Abu Dhabi that aims to deliver more medical breakthroughs and ensure healthier communities. We are delighted to have achieved this partnership with DoH in effort to drive innovative research and development in the emirate. We look forward to working together with our partners to help equip local researchers with the skills required to conduct early-stage clinical trials.”

  • Mubadala, G42 partner to setup biopharma campus in Abu Dhabi

    Mubadala, G42 partner to setup biopharma campus in Abu Dhabi

    The agreement reflects Mubadala’s ambition of developing a sustainable and resilient healthcare and life science ecosystem within Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News

    Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala) and G42, the leading UAE-based AI and cloud computing company, signed an agreement to establish a world-class biopharmaceutical manufacturing campus (Biopharma Campus) in Abu Dhabi that will tap into global state-of-the-art vaccine and therapeutic products to strengthen regional supply chains, and drive forward the nation’s diversification and economic growth agenda.

    Mubadala, G42 partner to setup biopharma campus in Abu Dhabi

    The Biopharma Campus will invest in and establish multiple biopharma initiatives, leveraging the expertise of Mubadala’s advanced manufacturing companies as well as G42’s leading capabilities in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The agreement reflects Mubadala’s ambition of developing a sustainable and resilient healthcare and life science ecosystem within Abu Dhabi, further advancing the UAE’s socio-economic growth and diversification while also improving health outcomes across the nation and the wider Middle East region.

    Global supply shortages and the limited amount of advanced manufacturing activity within the region has resulted in biopharmaceuticals becoming a high growth market (with 10 percent CAGR over the past five years) and a priority investment area for Mubadala within the life sciences sector. The ability of biopharmaceutical products to address previously untreatable conditions has also inspired confidence in the market’s long-term and future growth potential.

    Commenting on the agreement, Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of UAE Investments at Mubadala, said, “Through the establishment of this campus in partnership with G42 and our group companies, we are investing in innovation and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s rapidly developing life sciences ecosystem. Bringing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to the UAE will not only strengthen our nation’s biopharma supply chain and pandemic response, but provide opportunities for local talent development and long-term, sustainable economic growth.”

    Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42, said, “Over the years, AI and cloud computing technologies have come of age. From their humble origins in the tech sector a decade ago, today these technologies are leveraged across a wide array of industries that value speed, scalability, innovation and resilience. There is a massive opportunity for pharma and healthcare companies to leverage AI and cloud technologies to improve their processes and we at G42 are very pleased to be partnering with Mubadala to build on the respective strengths and further accelerating the development of the UAE’s life sciences ecosystem.”

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week returns in January

    The world-class Biopharma Campus will focus on end-to-end manufacturing of state-of-the-art biologics and host anchor partnerships with Contract Manufacturing and Development Organisations (CDMOs). A CDMO model enables manufacturers to work with multiple innovators, reducing product risk and enabling economies of scale.

  • G42 Healthcare joins AZ to enhance clinical research, diagnostics

    G42 Healthcare joins AZ to enhance clinical research, diagnostics

    G42 Healthcare and AstraZeneca will work closely together to explore real-world evidence and conduct clinical trials through IROS…reports Asian Lite News

    G42 Healthcare, an Abu Dhabi based leading health tech company and a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence and cloud computing company G42, and AstraZeneca, a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company, have announced a collaboration to further enhance clinical research and diagnostics frameworks in the UAE.

    G42 Healthcare joins AZ to enhance clinical research, diagnostics

    The announcement follows the recent signing of the Declaration of Collaboration between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and AstraZeneca in October this year to boost innovation in the UAE healthcare sector by addressing the government’s strategy to increase patients’ access to quality healthcare services and treatments locally and beyond.

    Both Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH and Anna Hallberg, Minister for Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs of Sweden, attended the Declaration of Collaboration signing ceremony.

    As part of this collaboration, G42 Healthcare and AstraZeneca will work closely together to explore real-world evidence and conduct clinical trials through IROS – the first-of-its-kind Contract Research Organisation (CRO) in the UAE.

    On this occasion, Al Hamed said, “Our partnership with important companies contribute to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as an incubator for innovation in life sciences and a leading destination for healthcare globally. We are keen to follow the directives of our wise leadership to consolidate fruitful cooperative relations that bring together local institutions with major international companies in the health sector. All of our efforts come in line with the emirate’s vision to provide high quality and efficient healthcare services following global scientific foundations and employ the latest innovations and technologies in healthcare. This will further stimulate a knowledge-based economy in the capital and the UAE as a whole and ensure the health and safety of all communities around the world.”

    Commenting on the collaboration, Ashish Koshy, CEO of G42 Healthcare, said, “We are proud to work closely with AstraZeneca on a wide array of research and diagnostic avenues in the UAE. We deeply encourage opportunities for collaboration with international organisations to share our knowledge and expertise to drive the growth of the sector in the nation and beyond. We are confident in the incredible potential this partnership holds for the sector and the future of the region’s healthcare landscape.”

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi launches self-guided audio tours

    Sameh Elfangary, Country President, GCC and Pakistan at AstraZeneca, said, “AstraZeneca is excited to collaborate with G42 Healthcare to further advance the healthcare sector in the country and region. Innovation in healthcare is a continuous process, and we are constantly pushing the boundaries of science to uncover and deliver life-changing medicines to patients in the UAE and across the region. This collaboration allows us to explore greater possibilities in clinical research and diagnostics which will help us create a more patient-centric healthcare sector in the UAE.”

    Both organisations will also explore real-world evidence in the field of genomics and comprehensive clinical diagnostic services through Biogenix Labs, a G42 Healthcare company that has been one of the key players in the UAE for COVID-19 testing with the other offering of products and services in the consumer and clinical health spectrum.

  • Abu Dhabi launches self-guided audio tours

    Abu Dhabi launches self-guided audio tours

    Using the Voicemap app, residents and visitors alike can now explore Abu Dhabi at their own pace, through audio tours covering not only Abu Dhabi city but also Al Ain and Al Dhafra…reports Asian Lite News

    New self-guided audio tours to help residents and visitors discover the emirate’s off-the-beaten-track treasures and learn more about local culture and heritage have been launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), with the first 25,000 downloads of the five tours available free of charge.

    Abu Dhabi launches self-guided audio tours

    Using the Voicemap app, residents and visitors alike can now explore Abu Dhabi at their own pace, through audio tours covering not only Abu Dhabi city but also Al Ain and Al Dhafra. With a wealth of content to tap into, every corner of the emirate is now within reach for intrepid, inquisitive residents who want to learn more about their home, and visitors who prefer to venture beyond the organised tour groups.

    The initial five audio guides are: Abu Dhabi Skyline Tour; Modern Heritage Tour of Downtown Abu Dhabi; Al Hosn Architectural Tour; Al Ain Nature and History Tour; and the Liwa Forts Tour. The guides take users from ancient times into the present, with the freedom to explore, learn and share. The informative tours provide in-depth looks at a variety of topics and reveal fascinating insider information that is not available anywhere else.

    The new audio guides will allow users to immerse themselves in the history and modern culture of Abu Dhabi in ways not previously possible. DCT Abu Dhabi expects the initiative to be popular as the diversity and beauty of the emirate will be showcased in a new way, revealing the treasures of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra to wider audiences.

    ALSO READ:Abu Dhabi deploys scanners on border

    Getting started with the self-guided audio tours couldn’t be easier. Once the Voicemap app is downloaded, there is no need for a WiFi or 3G/5G connection. Since it is a digital experience, users can pause and pick up the tours at their own convenience.

    More self-guided audio tours are already planned for other must-see attractions in the emirate in the future.

  • MBZ meets Turkey’s foreign minister

    MBZ meets Turkey’s foreign minister

    Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Wednesday met with Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, at Al Shati Palace…reports Asian Lite News

    Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the Turkish minister, who conveyed the greetings of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey, and his wishes of further growth and prosperity for the UAE. Sheikh Mohamed reciprocated the greetings, wishing the President and the Turkish people lasting stability and development.

    The meeting discussed UAE-Turkey ties and ways to enhance them in various fields, including investment and economic cooperation. They also exchanged views on a variety of regional and global issues of mutual concern.

    MBZ meets Turkey’s foreign minister

    Moreover, the meeting highlighted Turkey’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai and the event’s pivotal role in aligning the visions of countries on driving sustainable development and tackling global challenges.

    Sheikh Mohamed and Cavusoglu discussed the importance of advancing UAE-Turkey cooperation to enhance their relations in the coming period, serve the interests of their countries and peoples and promote peace and stability in the region.

    The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Advisor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

    Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Turkish counterpart Cavusoglu deliberated the prospects of propelling the cooperation ties between two nations across all fields.

    This came as the UAE top diplomat received his Turkish Counterpart in Abu Dhabi, where they reviewed the outcome of the official visit recently paid by  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the Republic of Turkey, at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

    ALSO READ: Qatar, Turkey to sign cooperation agreements in various fields

    The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in the region and discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest.

    Sheikh Abdullah underlined the UAE’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the two nations to the best interests of their peoples.

    Prior to the meeting, the two ministers signed an MoU between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and Diplomacy Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

    The meeting was attended by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State.

  • MBR, MBZ, Bahrain CP attend finale of Abu Dhabi GP

    MBR, MBZ, Bahrain CP attend finale of Abu Dhabi GP

    MBR, MBZ, Bahrain CP attend finale of Abu Dhabi GP attended the final round of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, attended the final round of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Sunday.

    Max Verstappen secured his maiden World Championship with victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton finishing second as the race ended in a nail-biting one-lap sprint after a late Safety Car.

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week returns in January

    The result, which saw Valtteri Bottas finish sixth and Sergio Perez retire, means Mercedes have clinched a record eighth consecutive constructors’ championship.

    The event was also attended by a number of sheikhs and heads of delegations from friendly countries. 

  • Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week returns in January

    Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week returns in January

    Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the global platform for accelerating sustainable development, hosted by Masdar, will be held from 15th to 19th January 2022…reports Asian Lite News

    As the first major sustainability event taking place after COP26, ADSW 2022 will bring together the global community across high-level events, with participants including heads of state, policy makers, industry specialists, technology pioneers and young sustainability leaders. ADSW 2022 will focus on delivering action across three principles; Global Collaboration & Leadership, Economic Development, and Technology & Innovation.

    The ADSW Opening Ceremony and the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony will take place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre on 17th January, 2022, reinforcing the collective commitment of the UAE to climate action and sustainability.

    All other ADSW events, including the ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, World Future Energy Summit, Innovate, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Forum, and the Youth 4 Sustainability Hub will take place in Abu Dhabi or virtually.

    The UAE has always been proactive and forward-thinking in its approach to sustainability. Earlier this year, the UAE announced its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making it the first country in the MENA region to announce such an initiative. The Net Zero Initiative will see the UAE invest over AED600 billion in clean and renewable energy over the coming decades.

    Delivering global net zero commitments and the journey to COP28, which will be held in the UAE in 2023, will be key topics for driving discussions at the ADSW Summit. The ADSW Summit, which will take place virtually on 17th January, will host global leaders from government, industry and technology to explore the latest technological and economic trends that are shaping the sustainability agenda.

    An important enabler to delivering a sustainable future is innovation and supporting emerging technologies and start-ups. New to the ADSW programme is Innovate, a global initiative recently launched by Masdar City aimed at identifying and nurturing the next generation of sustainable technologies. As part of its year-round programme, Innovate will include a innovation hub at the World Future Energy Summit exhibition, taking place at ADNEC from 17th to 19th January.

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi, Moscow City sign programme of cooperation

    The World Future Energy Summit will also host a series of industry forums that will bring together leading experts to discuss clean energy, water, ecowaste, solar, smart cities and climate and environment.

    ADSW is aligned with The ‘Principles of the 50,’ which serve as a strategic roadmap as the nation enters a new era in its development path, and a new cycle of economic, political and social growth. As one of the largest of gatherings of its kind, ADSW provides a global platform for cooperation, knowledge sharing, investment and innovation, welcoming each year more than 45,000 participants from over 170 countries, with more than 1,000 international companies represented.

  • Abu Dhabi, Moscow City sign programme of cooperation

    Abu Dhabi, Moscow City sign programme of cooperation

    The programme of cooperation will kick-start cooperation in the field of health care…reports Asian Lite News

    The Abu Dhabi Government and the Government of Moscow, capital of the Russian Federation, signed a Programme of cooperation to collaborate and strengthen ties of friendship and mutual understanding, deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation, exchange experiences, and increase investments in various vital sectors, including economic, cultural, health, education and infrastructure.

    Abu Dhabi, Moscow City sign programme of cooperation

    The agreement was signed by Falah Al Ahbabi, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), on behalf of The Abu Dhabi Government, and Sergei Cherimin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, after discussions on a range of topics that focused on strengthening partnerships and the continuation and development of bilateral cooperation.

    On this occasion, Al Ahbabi pointed out that the programme of cooperation comes within the framework of well-established economic relations and the willingness of the two cities to deepen and expand joint cooperation in vital areas, making extensive use of their capacities and technical skills to provide services and projects that are commensurate with global changes and improve the quality of life and safety of the residents in the cities.

    “Our leadership is keen, as part of their strategic vision, to establish and strengthen international partnerships in support of sustainable growth objectives, seeking future projects that create more opportunities and embracing the use of modern technologies to enhance the prospects of cooperation between the two cities,” he said.

    AL AHBABI, MEMBER OF THE ABU BHABI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MUNICIPALITIES AND TRANSPORT: “The UAE and Abu Dhabi have great capabilities in all fields, which have played a major role in strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading global intellectual, cultural and scientific power. We have been able to achieve great success in addressing the challenges of the global pandemic through our achievements in the economy, health, resilience and smart infrastructure sectors. Our cooperation with the Moscow government represents an important outcome of international cooperation based on a common understanding to develop the concept of investment in innovation and people’s capabilities as a cornerstone of the sustainable growth process. I have no doubt that cooperation with a leading city like Moscow in these sectors will contribute positively to the realisation of this vision.”

    For his part, Cherimin said, “Today Moscow, as one of the most dynamically developing megacities in the world, has gained vast experience in various fields of urban development and is ready to share it with foreign partners. At the same time, Moscow is open to implementation of new projects to be elaborated with Abu Dhabi side. I believe that signing of a Programme of cooperation between the two capitals will define a new stage of collaboration between our cities as well as contribute to the existing partnership ties.”

    The programme of cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Moscow covers the development of relations in several areas, including economic growth, cultural projects and healthcare, as well as the education and infrastructure sectors, with the objective of stimulating mutual cooperation between the two cities and studying development prospects.

    Through this tactical collaboration, both sides seek to boost economic relations for businesses and institutions in their respective cities, enhance trade between them and attract investment for both sides, in addition to encouraging economic and innovative projects and joint activities, including work sponsored by relevant trade unions, associations and chambers of commerce, in order to forge closer economic ties between the business communities.

    The agreement also aims to strengthen cooperation between leading academic and research institutions in the field of culture and the arts, as well as to participate and exchange experiences in cultural events such as museums and libraries, music, theatre, film and arts of all kinds.

    The programme of cooperation will kick-start cooperation in the field of health care and the exchange of good practices and experiences related to the organisation of health services and the provision of medicines, as well as participation in scientific and research events and work on innovative technologies.

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi launches global green energy venture

    The education sector takes its place within the framework of the Programme of cooperation in the field of the development of new educational technologies and teaching methods, including digital education, and the exchange of experiences in the field of education quality assessment, as well as the establishment of partnerships at the level of educational institutions both in Moscow and Abu Dhabi.

    The agreement also focuses on the exchange of experiences and practices in the development of infrastructure and public transportation systems, construction techniques, control and monitoring systems and advanced automation techniques, as well as the development of basic utilities (water and electricity), water supply networks, sewage systems, electricity and street lighting, and the exchange of experiences in the field of urban planning and development, including land use planning, reorganisation and revitalisation of areas, and the design of public spaces and parks.