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Tag: Abu-Dhabi

  • MBZ tours UMEX and SimTEX 2022

    MBZ tours UMEX and SimTEX 2022

    Sheikh Mohamed interacted and exchanged talk with the heads of the participating delegations about the importance of their engagement in the twin shows, 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, on Tuesday visited the fifth edition of UMEX & SimTEX 2022, being staged at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre.

    The three-day event, which opened on 21 February, is being organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Defence. This year’s edition sees the participation of 134 companies from 26 countries.

    During the tour of a number of national, regional and global pavilions, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed viewed the latest technological innovations and solutions in areas of unmanned systems, simulation, training, AI, robotics, and multi-use systems for defence and civilian sectors.

    Sheikh Mohamed interacted and exchanged talk with the heads of the participating delegations about the importance of their engagement in the twin shows.

    MBZ tours UMEX and SimTEX 2022

    Sheikh Mohamed commended the neat organisation of the event in a manner that, he said, befits the prominent status of the UAE. He praised the high level and quality of this year’s turnout that, Sheikh Mohamed said, reflects the significant developments happening in the field of unmanned systems.

    “By hosting such global exhibitions, UAE aims to strengthen cooperation and partnerships and support defence capabilities with the objective of facing common challenges, based on its pivotal role in enhancing regional security and stability,” Sheikh Mohamed said.

    Meanwhile, Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, held separate meetings with Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Ethiopian Chief of General Staff, and Lt. General Mukhtar Bellah Shaaban, Commander of the General Staff of the Mauritanian Army, at his office at UMEX 2022 and SimTEX 2022.

    MBZ tours UMEX and SimTEX 2022

    During the meetings, they discussed their bilateral cooperation, especially in military and defence areas, and ways of developing them to serve their mutual interests.

    The two meetings were attended by high-ranking officers and the delegations accompanying the two guests.

    Remote Control Weapon Station

    EDGE Group, an advanced technology group for defence and beyond and one of the top 25 defence contractors globally, has unveiled the 7IS Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) at UMEX 2022.

    The 7IS is a two-axis, servo-controlled, stabilised system developed by EDGE entity HALCON, and provides the operator with a 360-degree coverage. The vehicle-mounted system features an optical payload with seven lenses and a weapon cradle armed with a M4 Colt 5.56mm assault rifle that has 30 and 50 round magazines, providing an immediate and effective armed response to detected threats.

    ALSO READ: UAE leaders meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss future projects

    The 7IS can operate in weather conditions between -5 to 50 degrees Celsius.

    The EDGE stand at UMEX demonstrates HALCON’s technological leadership in the aerial defence domain. In addition to the 7IS, other products on display are the Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 loitering aerial munitions, the Hunter series of tube-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the REACH-S UAV.

  • UAE leaders discuss future development plans

    UAE leaders discuss future development plans

    They then addressed the ‘Projects of the 50’ and the preparations for the upcoming period of growth…reports Asian Lite News

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at Al Marmoom in Dubai.

    During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed discussed various issues related to the UAE’s comprehensive development, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, including the country’s mega projects and the ambitious plans to improve the quality of life for citizens and residents, in line with the best international standards.

    ALSO READ: Mohamed bin Zayed receives President of Kenya

    They then addressed the ‘Projects of the 50’ and the preparations for the upcoming period of growth, driven by Emirati youth who are expected to significantly contribute to the UAE’s development and enhance its pioneering development model.

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed discussed the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, its impact on promoting convergence between the world’s communities, allowing them to spotlight their cultures and civilisations, and its role in underscoring the UAE’s ability to bring together all nations of the world and start a universal dialogue to create a better world and drive development in all countries.

    The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. (WAM)

    Mohammed bin Rashid, Mohammed bin Zayed discuss UAE’s future development plans (wam)
    Mohammed bin Rashid, Mohammed bin Zayed discuss UAE’s future development plans (wam)
    Mohammed bin Rashid, Mohammed bin Zayed discuss UAE’s future development plans (wam)
  • India-UAE CEPA: Exporters betting big on trade boost

    India-UAE CEPA: Exporters betting big on trade boost

    According to Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), the trade pact will facilitate greater access for Indian exports to other Gulf Cooperation Council markets as businesses come to UAE to place orders, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

    Expectations of a significant calibration in the trade and economic ties between India and the UAE are building up as the countries head towards signing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during a virtual summit on Friday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan.

    “The India UAE virtual summit on 18 February is an important event. India and the UAE have deepened and transformed their bilateral ties significantly over the past few years. We have made substantial progress on some aspects of the free trade agreement,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told ANI on the expected outcome of the summit.

    A major initiative in bilateral relations is the negotiations for CEPA which were launched in September 2021 and have been completed. The agreement will take India-UAE economic and commercial engagement to the next level. UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner, and bilateral trade and investment ties are expected to see significant enhancements.

    The sentiment is endorsed by the Director-General and CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Ajai Sahai who pointed out the rich prospects which will open up for India’s trade and export sector by the signing of the first such bilateral pact with the UAE.

    “Growth of our exports to the UAE has been very encouraging. In the first nine months of the current financial year, our exports to the UAE have already crossed $25 billion,” Sahai said, adding that in the calendar year of 2020 (January to December), exports with the UAE were USD 18 billion and in the same calendar period of 2021 it reached USD 25.4 bn, a growth of 41 per cent, added.

    According to Sahai, India is expected to get market access for products like steel, engineering products, textiles, footwear, agricultural items, processed food, electronics and electrical goods. Currently, for most products, the tariff is 5 per cent and for steel, it is a high 10 per cent.

    “So if the FTA paves way for bringing it down from 5 to zero, we will get a big advantage in competing effectively with the least developing countries who have FTA with UAE,” added Sahai.

    More importantly, he points out, UAE is a gateway to the Gulf region and the FTA will facilitate greater access for Indian exports to other Gulf Cooperation Council markets as businesses come to UAE to place orders. “The UAE is also a re-distribution centre and a financial hub. Much of the exports to Africa are routed through Dubai,” he told ANI.

    The gem and jewellery trade in India is expecting that the imminent FTA with UAE would help the industry to take a bigger leap in exports of plain gold and gold studded jewellery which was hit badly during the pandemic. The FTA can potentially boost India’s jewellery exports to USD 10 billion to UAE.

    ALSO READ: India, UAE set to ink CEPA trade deal

    “UAE accounts for 80 per cent of India’s plain gold jewellery exports and 20 per cent of studded jewellery exports. The FTA between India and UAE has come at an opportune time when both countries are looking to rebound from the Covid-19 setback and recalibrate and realign their common business interests, including gold and diamonds. UAE is a gateway to the entire Middle East region and the proposed abolition of 5 per cent import duty in UAE would lead to increased prosperity on both sides of the Arabian Sea,” said Colin Shah, Chairman of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council.

    In recent years, bilateral relations between India and the UAE have strengthened in all areas, and both sides have embarked upon a comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides have collaborated closely during the Covid-19 pandemic in critical areas of healthcare and food security. The two sides are also strengthening their cooperation in new areas of renewable energy, start-ups, fintech, etc. India is participating with one of the largest pavilions in the Dubai Expo 2020.

  • Andhra Pradesh conducts investment event in Abu Dhabi

    Andhra Pradesh conducts investment event in Abu Dhabi

    The south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh conducted an investment roadshow at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday…reports Asian Lite News

    The event was organised along with Andhra Pradesh’s participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai where a delegation of senior government officials presented the investment opportunities in the state.

    The Department of Industries and Commerce and the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (AP EDB) of the state government have coordinated the participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai along with investment roadshows in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during 11th to 17th February.

    Andhra Pradesh conducts investment event in Abu Dhabi

    Mekapati Goutham Reddy, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Infrastructure and Investments, IT, Skill Development and Training at Andhra Pradesh (AP) Government, said the state has built a strong ecosystem by initiating economic development programmes, establishing key institutions at the grassroots level for decentralised implementation of programmes and initiatives, and developing a robust action plan for intensive monitoring of implementation and results.

    “While we focus on attracting investments and creating jobs, our long-term agenda is to build a society which can produce job creators and not just job seekers,” he said.

    The state’s model of development is based on four pillars such as investing in future, transforming governance, driving economic growth and environmental and Social Governance (ESG), Reddy explained.

    Karikel Valaven, Special Chief Secretary, Industries, Commerce, Infrastructure and Investment department of Government of AP, said the state is one of the leading industrialised states in India.

    It is the 8th largest state in India and is strategically located on India’s east coast with a 974 km long coastline. AP is blessed with abundant natural resources, mineral wealth, and presents a low-risk and easy environment for businesses to grow, he explained.

    ALSO READ: UAE leaders meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss future projects

    There are investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh in manufacturing, ports and logistics, tourism, IT and electronics, industrial parks and industrial corridors, food processing, fishing harbours etc., Valaven said.

    Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE; Zulfi Ravdjee, Advisor to Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and special representative to middle east and far east; top executives of Indian Business and Professional Group in Abu Dhabi (IBPG) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in Abu Dhabi were also present at the event.

  • UAE leaders meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss future projects

    UAE leaders meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss future projects

    Featuring high during the discussions between the two leaders were the ‘Projects of the 50’…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, on Thursday received His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai At Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, to deliberate on several issues concerning the nation and its citizens, most notably the phased return to normalcy across various state departments and institutions.

    Featuring high during the discussions between the two leaders were the ‘Projects of the 50’, a series of developmental and economic projects that aim to accelerate the UAE’s development and transform it into a comprehensive hub in all sectors and establish its status as an ideal global destination for talents and investors.

    Their Highnesses stressed that the UAE citizens will remain the main objective of all development and social plans and programmes, and that the UAE government places at the forefront of its priorities ensuring continued decent life, social welfare and economic wellbeing for UAE nationals under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    ALSO READ: UAE, Belgium ink pact to boost security ties

    The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyabn, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Advisor at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

  • Authorities warn against rumours over Abu Dhabi fire

    Authorities warn against rumours over Abu Dhabi fire

    The teams of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority have put out a fire caused by a gas container explosion in a building on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi city…reports Asian Lite News.

    The teams managed to control the situation after extinguishing the fire and safely vacating the residents. No injuries or casualties resulted from the fire.

    Cooling procedures to minimise the damage are currently under way.

    Abu Dhabi Civil Defence teams rushed to the scene and put out the fire after the Authority’s Operations Room received a report at 00:09 that a fire broke out in a building on Hamdan Street.

    The authority also affirmed that all concerned teams are dealing with the situation and called on the public to follow the news from the UAE’s official authorities and to avoid spreading rumours and false information.

    Alert from US Embassy

    The US Mission in the United Arab Emirates issued an alert warning Americans in the country about reports of a possible new missile or drone attack that may have occurred in Abu Dhabi.

    “There are reports of a possible missile or drone strike having occurred over Abu Dhabi, UAE today February 9, 2022,” the Embassy said. “The Embassy advises US citizens to immediately follow the safety actions listed below and stay alert in case of additional future attacks.”

    US media reported that the alert may have been spurred by a gas tank that exploded in a fire in downtown Abu Dhabi. The Houthis have not immediately claimed any responsibility for an attack on the UAE, the report added.

    Meanwhile, General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM ) on Tuesday said UAE’s air defence system has been very effective to thwart recent missile attacks on the country; still, the United States will work with the UAE to improve the system.

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi allows tourists to tie the knot in emirate

    General McKenzie added that the US is working with the UAE and other regional and global partners to develop more effective solutions to stop drone attacks, even before they are launched.

    “We are happy to see that THAAD [the US-built Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system] employed successfully by UAE in the first two combat employments of that system. So, that’s been very good, and I know that it sends a strong message of reassurance to everyone in UAE. We will continue to work with UAE to make that system even better in the future,” said General McKenzie, who is on an official visit to the UAE. (with inputs from ANI/Sputnik)

  • Abu Dhabi allows tourists to tie the knot in emirate

    Abu Dhabi allows tourists to tie the knot in emirate

    It is a law that introduces a modern and advanced concept of civil family law for foreigners in line with international best practices…reports Asian Lite News

    H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), issued Decision No. 8 of 2022 approving the Regulations for the implementation of the Civil Marriage and Divorce Law No. 14 of 2020 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

    Youssef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, said that the regulations encompass all the details about the organisation of legal proceedings under the Civil Marriage and Divorce Law in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is a law that introduces a modern and advanced concept of civil family law for foreigners in line with international best practices.

    The regulations, he explained, span 52 articles dealing with the jurisdiction of the Civil Family Court, which has been established in the emirate, to decide on claims and disputes related to civil marriage and its effects, such as civil divorce, joint custody of children, financial rights arising out of divorce, wills, civil inheritance, proof of parentage, adoption, and other foreign nationals’ personal status issues.

    The second chapter of the Decision deals with civil marriage procedures and the conditions for its conclusion, the most important of which is the absence of the requirement for a tutor or guardian for the wife and the absence of the provision of witnesses, in addition to the possibility of concluding civil marriage contracts for tourists and individuals residing outside the emirate or outside the country, a service that is provided by the emirate exclusively in the region.

    Abu Dhabi

    The third chapter covers civil divorce procedures or what is known as “no fault divorce”, based on the equal right of both spouses to initiate a divorce without prejudice to the wife’s financial rights in connection with the divorce, from the first hearing without the need to prove prejudice or justify the reasons for separation, thus making it possible to complete the procedures easily and swiftly to reduce quarrels and discord between the spouses, especially if the couple has children.

    Article 13 of the Decision deals with the procedures for filing the civil divorce application. It stipulates that the applicant must fill out the bilingual application form prepared for this purpose without the need for the assistance of a lawyer. The defendant may challenge the court’s jurisdiction only, without any other defence on the merits, no later than ten working days before the date of the hearing scheduled for the pronouncement of divorce. The court renders the divorce decision at the first hearing after 30 days from the date of approval of the application.

    Articles 15, 16 and 17 set out the financial rights resulting from civil divorce and the discretionary power of the court. It requires one spouse to pay a lump sum amount as compensation to the other party after divorce and the accounting criteria on which the court relies, such as the number of years of marriage, the age of the spouses and the extent to which one of them contributed to the breakdown of the marital relationship, the material or moral damage suffered by any party or a previous or subsequent loss of profit.

    The fourth chapter deals with the joint custody of children granted systematically on an equal basis to the father and mother. It details the method of alternating and dispatching joint custody between the parents, either weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, how to oppose it if there are grounds for doing so, or to request the relinquishment of custody or the exclusion of the partner from joint custody, whether it is legal or real custody or both.

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi, Israel partner on key healthcare innovations

    The regulations stipulate in Article 33 the cases of exclusion of the father or mother and the forfeiture of his or her right to joint custody, either temporarily or permanently, if one of the cases that are detrimental to the interests of the child is realised, and indicate how to request the intervention of the court in the absence of an agreement on a decision relating to the child after the divorce and the organisation of the child’s travel during the period of joint custody.

    The fifth chapter details the special rules for the consideration of civil family matters as its procedures differ from those provided for in the Civil Procedure Law, and the case is brought directly before the court for determination at the first hearing without going through the Family Guidance procedure. The court proceedings have the particularity of being bilingual, both in court forms and in oral proceedings. The court has the discretion to conduct court proceedings in English if both parties to the proceedings are not familiar with Arabic, provided that the claim form and judgment are filed in Arabic and English.

    Finally, the sixth chapter, addresses appeal proceedings against judgments and enforcement proceedings, as the judgment rendered by the court is final and enforceable at once following its issuance if the amount adjudicated is less than AED500,000, in cases of alimony and post-divorce financial rights proceedings.

  • Mohammed bin Zayed receives members of Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

    Mohammed bin Zayed receives members of Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today received members of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity…reports Asian Lite News

    During the meeting, held at the Sea Palace in Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed commended the committee’s efforts in promoting the values ​​of the “Document on Human Fraternity”, whose core values are harmony, coexistence and understanding, along with launching initiatives that serve all humanity.

    Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s steady approach to consolidating the values ​​of coexistence, human brotherhood, and harmony, highlighting the importance of promoting these values ​​today more than ever, especially in light of the world’s common challenges. He added that the COVID-19 pandemic had affirmed the urgent need for cooperation and human solidarity between societies and countries to confront and overcome its effects.

    Mohammed bin Zayed receives members of Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (WAM)

    H.H. Sheikh Mohamed also assured the UAE’s support for the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, which was instituted to promote human fraternity values in communities worldwide and achieve the goals and principles of the historic Document on Human Fraternity.

    The committee’s members, in turn, briefed Sheikh Mohamed on the committee’s initiatives and goals for 2022 to advance human brotherhood at the global level and build partnerships for the future. They also expressed their gratitude for His Highness’s patronage in supporting human coexistence issues among all people without discrimination and his efforts to achieve world peace.

    Judge Mohamed Abdel-Salam, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity, said, “The Supreme Committee expressed its deep gratitude for Sheikh Mohamed’s support and his eagerness to achieve the objectives of the document, which gives it a motive to move forward and achieve a positive impact in the region and the world.”

    He added, “The historic moment of human brotherhood that the world witnessed three years ago in Abu Dhabi has now turned into a global project thanks to the great support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for this humanitarian project.”

    Mohammed bin Zayed receives members of Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (WAM)

    For his part, Cardinal Miguel Ayuso Guixot, Meeting Chair of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, said that he, and His Holiness Pope Francis, praised the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed for supporting the projects and initiatives of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, stressing that the UAE leadership represents an inspiring model for many countries.

    The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity is an independent international committee instituted to promote human fraternity values in communities around the world, and it includes religious scholars and international figures in the fields of culture and education from the UAE, Egypt and the US, as well as Spain, Bulgaria, Liberia and Romania.

    ALSO READ: Mohamed bin Zayed receives Prime Minister of Morocco

    The membership of the Committee includes Cardinal Miguel Ayuso Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue at the Holy See and Meeting Chair of the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity; Judge Mohamed Abdel-Salam, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee on Human Fraternity and the former legislative and legal advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar; Professor Mohamed Hussein Mahrasawi, President of Al-Azhar University; Irina Bokova, Former Director-General of UNESCO; Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi at Washington Hebrew Congregation; Rev. Prof. Dr. Ioan Sauca, General Secretary of World Council of Churches; Leymah Gbowee, Peace Activist and Nobel Peace Laureate; Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture, Abu Dhabi; Dr. Sultan Faisal Al Remeithi, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders; Monsignor Yoannis Lahzi Gaid, Former Personal Secretary to Pope Francis; and Yasser Hareb, Emirati Writer and TV Presenter.

    The meeting comes ahead of the world’s celebration of the International Day of Human Fraternity on 4th February, and also coincides with the 3rd anniversary of the signing of the historic “Document on Human Fraternity” by Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in 2019 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (WAM)

  • MBZ meets Saudi Minister of Interior

    MBZ meets Saudi Minister of Interior

    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today received HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Interior, at Qasr Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News

    The Saudi Minister of Interior conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan  and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and their wishes of continued good health and wellbeing to the UAE leaders and further prosperity and progress to the UAE and its people.

    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed reciprocated greetings to King Salman and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, wishing them continued good health and wellbeing, and expressed his wishes of further development and prosperity for Saudi Arabia and the Saudi people.

    During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud discussed the strong fraternal ties between their countries and ways to enhance them in all fields towards serving their mutual interests.

    ALSO READ: Baghdad to host new Iran-Saudi talks soon

    The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Crown Prince Court, and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State.

    On the same day, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also met with Prince Abdul-Aziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Interior, in Dubai.

    The meeting, which covered issues of mutual interest, explored ways to further promote bilateral relations to serve the interests of the people of the two nations in various spheres.

  • UAE offers help to Houthi attack victims

    UAE offers help to Houthi attack victims

    Indian Ambassador said the country is deeply grateful for the concern and support received from the UAE leadership and ADNOC to the families of the victims, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

    The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has offered employment opportunities for family members and funding of education of the children of its two Indian employees who died in the terrorist Houthi attacks on the company’s premises in Musaffah on 17th January, a top Indian diplomat said.

    “India is deeply grateful for the concern and support received from the UAE leadership and ADNOC to the families of the two Indians killed and [other] two Indians injured in the incident,” said Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, on Tuesday.

    “ADNOC has offered employment opportunities for family members and funding of education of the children of the deceased, so they are able to fulfill their chosen career pathways,” he added.

    ADNOC has also accelerated the distribution of service benefits and salary compensation of the deceased to their families, the ambassador revealed in a media briefing with a select group of journalists at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

    Two Indian civilians and one Pakistani civilian were killed, and six other civilians were injured in the Houthi terrorist attack on 17th January in Abu Dhabi.

    ALSO READ: United States government condemns Houthi terrorist attack against UAE

    UAE one of the safest countries

    “We also appreciate ADNOC’s efforts in continuing to provide medical support for the two injured Indians. The spontaneous support received from the Government of the UAE and ADNOC after the incident has instilled more confidence in the Indian community in the UAE [the largest Indian diaspora in the world],” the ambassador said.

    “I have publicly assured the Indian community that the UAE continues to be one of the safest countries in the world, and they should all keep working, as in the past, without worrying about security. The Indian community, too, is fully appreciative of the succour provided to the families of the victims.”

    Soon after the incident, H.H. Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, conveyed deepest condolences of the UAE Government on the death of two Indians, in a phone conversation with Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian External Affairs Minister.

    Victims treated as family members

    “Through Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC [whom he met on Friday, 28th January], I have received direct concern and assurance of fullest support to the families of the victims from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,” the envoy explained.

    “The ADNOC leadership said they treated the deceased and the injured as their own family members, which is touching. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber for his close follow up and engagement with myself and the families of the deceased.”

    Quick repatriation

    With the support of ADNOC and the Government of the UAE, the Indian Embassy was able to quickly repatriate mortal remains of the two deceased Indians, Hardev Singh and Hardeep Singh, to their native places in Punjab, the diplomat revealed.

    ADNOC has covered all repatriation costs as well as travel costs for family members to transport the remains of the deceased, he added.

    About the recent Houthi terrorist attacks against the UAE, the ambassador said, “India has condemned in the strongest terms the recent terror attacks on the UAE. India stands in full solidarity with the UAE. India has also emphasised that such an attack on innocent civilians was completely unacceptable and against all civilised norms. Given its principled position against terrorism, India will stand with the UAE in international forums on this issue.”