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EU Launches Gaza Aid Project

The European Commission has launched the project to establish a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, reports Asian Lite News

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced the immediate launch of a project to establish a maritime aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza.

“We are now very close to opening this corridor, hopefully this Saturday-Sunday, and I’m very glad to see an initial pilot will be launched today,” she told journalists on Friday after visiting Cyprus’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in the port city of Larnaca, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We are launching this Cyprus maritime corridor together: the EU, the UAE and the US,” she added.

In a joint statement endorsed by the European Commission, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the UAE, the UK, and the US, the European Commission said: “Together, our nations intend to build on this model to deliver significant additional aid by sea, working in coordination with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag — who is charged with facilitating, coordinating, monitoring and verifying the flow of aid into Gaza under UN Security Council Resolution 2720.”

The Amalthea Initiative was proposed by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides due to Cyprus’ proximity to Gaza. It was coordinated by the UAE, aiming for shipment before the start of the Muslim month of Ramadan.

The US has pledged to construct a floating platform off the coast of Gaza for the unloading of aid, while Israeli officials have vetted the aid to address concerns about potential military equipment.

The death toll of Palestinians from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 30,878, the Gaza-based Health Ministry said on Friday.

Five months ago, Israel began a large-scale military campaign against Gaza in response to a surprise Hamas attack on Israeli towns adjacent to the enclave, in which Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and took more than 200 others as hostages.

ALSO READ: UAE Condemns Israel’s Approval Of New Settlements

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Biden Plans Temporary Port in Gaza for Aid


The official stated that the project, primarily centered around a temporary pier, is anticipated to be operational within a few weeks…reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden will announce in his State of the Union address that the country’s military will build a temporary port in Gaza for the delivery of additional humanitarian aid to civilians, senior officials have said.

“Tonight in the speech, the President will announce that he’s directing the US military to lead an emergency mission to establish a port in the Mediterranean, on the Gaza coast, that can receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters,” one of the officials said during a call with reporters on Thursday.

The official added that the project, “the main feature of which is a temporary pier”, is expected to become operational in “a number of weeks”, Xinhua news agency reported.

US forces involved in the mission “are either already in the region or will begin to move there soon”, the official said.

The officials didn’t provide much detail about the plan, with one noting that it won’t require “US troops on the ground” to build the port. Instead, the US military will work “from just offshore”, collaborating with partners and allies and “working on commercial options”.

ALSO READ: Biden knocks Trump over NATO, democracy

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Iraqi Pharmacist is Arab ‘Hope Maker’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid awarded the top Arab Hope Maker title to Tala Al Khalil for her initiative to mentally support and heal children with Down Syndrome and cancer patients…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, crowned the 4 Arab Hope Makers finalists, awarding them a financial reward of AED 1 million each, in the presence of His Highness Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid awarded the title of Arab Hope Maker of the 4th season of the largest initiative of its kind in the Arab region celebrating philanthropists, to Tala Al Kalil who received the highest number of votes during the ceremony. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also directed that all four finalists be awarded the title of Arab Hope Maker, who are, in addition to Tala Al Khalil, Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq, Amine Imnir from Morocco and Fathiya Al Mahmoud from Egypt.

“In our part of the world, hope making is life making. The only way we can overcome challenges is through collaborative efforts,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said.

“Hope for a better future is what keeps people going. Every new generation bears the responsibility of creating a better reality in their communities. On the other hand, spreading despair is our major challenge, which is why we need to continue to nurture hope, optimism and positivity among the new generation,” he concluded.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid awarded the top Arab Hope Maker title to Tala Al Khalil for her initiative to mentally support and heal children with Down Syndrome and cancer patients.

The closing ceremony was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, alongside ministers, senior officials and a host of media representatives.

Mohmmad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives said the Hope Makers initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of instilling the culture of giving across the Arab world, while celebrating those who launch life-changing initiatives that benefit communities and inspire the new generation to create a better future.

“The 4th season of Hope Makers revealed a number of unique charity initiatives that serve Arab communities and help thousands of people around the world. More than 58,000 Arab hope makers have proved that our region enjoys a wealth of philanthropists who renew our faith in our ability to become a global model of giving and philanthropy, regardless of colour, race or religion,” he added.

Al Gergawi affirmed that Hope Makers initiative will continue to support voluntary work aiming to improve quality of life across Arab communities, and to celebrate efforts to serve vulnerable populations and alleviate their suffering, in line with MBRGI’s objectives of promoting a culture of hope and nurturing innovative ideas that can be transformed into sustainable projects in the Arab World.

The closing ceremony saw the participation of several Arab celebrities, including Ahlam, Hussain Al Jassmi and Assala, alongside artists and media personalities.

Amidst a massive audience of 12,000 people, the closing ceremony at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, showcased the inspiring stories of the four Hope Makers finalists Tala Al Khalil from Iraq, Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq, Fathiya Al Mahmoud from Egypt and Amine Imnir from Morocco.

4 inspiring stories

37-year-old Dr. Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq lost his leg in 2014. A fan of football since his childhood, he turned this tragedy into a driver of change and hope. While studying for his PhD in England, he joined the Portsmouth football team for amputees, excelled and made a name for himself, winning the title of the club’s best player in 2019. Upon returning to Iraq, he strived to recreate this experience in his home country, and managed to form a football team of amputees that went on to participate in international friendly matches, qualifying for the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup in Turkey just one year after its formation. Thanks to Al Najjar’s relentless effort to motivate his team members and help them out of despair due to their injuries, the Iraqi team now ranks 19th globally out of 70 amputee football teams

Al Najjar’s selfless drive to help amputees like him went beyond training and motivating the team to financial support, until the team was known enough to attract sponsors.

From Morocco, the audience met Youtuber Amine Imnir, whose social media account ‘Faysboki’ strives to improve living conditions for underprivileged Moroccans. Heading the AFTAS Society for Development and Solidarity, Amine has sponsored a number of humanitarian initiatives and aid campaigns in his country, documenting his efforts through his Faysboki TV channel to help spread the culture of humanitarian work and motivate others to join. AFTAS’s list of achievements includes distribution of over 1,000 solar panels, more than 4,500 food parcels to poor families including widows and orphans, financing 217 surgeries in 2023 and the planting of 2,800 fruitful trees.

Known as ‘the mother of orphans’ or ‘Mama Fathiya’, Egyptian hope maker Fathiya Al Mahmoud offers an inspiring example of selfless giving and nurturing hope. Failing to have children of her own since her marriage 30 years ago, she decided in 2005 to adopt 34 orphan girls. With the aid of her husband, they founded A Touch of Hope society to care for orphans, caring for raising, educating and inspiring 34 girls without any outside help.

Realizing that raising that number of girls is a challenging endeavour, Fathiya dived deep into the world of nurturing children and how to care for girls’ physical and mental needs. In addition to their work in caring for orphans, Fathiya and her husband established a charity hospital that offers free healthcare to orphans and people of determination.

Iraqi pharmacist Tala Al Khalil started his journey as a hope maker in 2015, when she started receiving young cancer patients in a special ‘caravan’ at the Basra Children’s Hospital to help them overcome challenges associated with their illness, including studying and inclusion in society. This initiative offered children with cancer a room for hope and optimism away from the hard reality of treatments and hospital wards. This was the start that inspired Tala to establish her Warriors Academy in 2018, to care for young people of determination who suffer various illnesses. Today, Tala personally cares for 200 children with Down Syndrome and cancer.

Offering much-needed psychological support to the children who now call her ‘mama’, Tala is a strong believer in the role of good mental health in enhancing immunity and the body’s ability to fight illness.

Operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the 4th edition of Hope Makers initiative attracted over 58,000 applications from across the region.

ALSO READ-Iraq, US Discuss Exiting Coalition Mission

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Possibility of Ceasefire Grows As Hamas Eases Demands

Hamas is insisting for a permanent withdrawal of Israel troops from Gaza Strip, it has come down on many of its demands including release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from the Israel jails against the release of each Israeli hostage.

A Hamas delegation — which is in Paris for negotiations for a ceasefire deal with Israel — has come down on many of its demands.

Sources in Israel defence ministry told IANS that while Hamas is insisting for a permanent withdrawal of Israel troops from Gaza Strip, it has come down on many of its demands including release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from the Israel jails against the release of each Israeli hostage.

Even as the Hamas negotiators are sticking to their demand for a permanent ceasefire, they may agree for a two months ceasefire, which Israel has not agreed to.

Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told media persons that Hamas has come down from their earlier demands due to Israel moving towards a ground offensive in Rafah in Gaza that borders Egypt.

Egypt is wary that if Israel Defense Forces attack Rafah, then there will be a huge spill over of Palestinians into its territory.

Ahmad Kamal, head of Egyptian intelligence who is part of the mediatory talks, has told Arabian media that the talks were progressive and that things were heading in the right direction.

During one week ceasefire from November 24 to December 1, 105 Israel hostages in the custody of Hamas were released in exchange of 324 Palestinian prisoners from Israel jails.

There are 134 Israeli hostages in custody of Hamas — all of whom are not alive, and according to information, 35 Israeli hostages would be released.

Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief William Burns are part of the negotiations in Paris.

Hamas and Israel are not directly talking to each other but communicating through the mediators on their respective demands.

ALSO READ: Priyanka Slams Blind Eye to ‘Genocide’ in Gaza

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Gulf Firms Eye Strong Export Growth Despite Regional Tensions

The study finds that as the UAE and Saudi Arabia undergo radical transformations to move away from fossil fuels…reports Asian Lite News

Despite simmering geopolitical tensions, executives in the Gulf region, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are brimming with optimism, predicting “double-digit exports growth” in 2024. To achieve this ambitious target, they are leveraging innovation and technology to navigate the complexities of global supply chains.

This forward-looking perspective emerges from a research programme led by Economist Impact and supported by DP World. Titled “Trade in Transition,” the study delves into the insights of trade experts and senior executives across the globe, providing a valuable snapshot of the current and future state of international commerce.

The study finds that as the UAE and Saudi Arabia undergo radical transformations to move away from fossil fuels, companies are focussed on diversifying networks and growing exports in new markets in 2024. They want to make their networks more varied, selling more products in new markets. 33% of business leaders believe that expanding operations in new markets will be the primary growth driver of exports for both economies.

This, indicates the study, helps companies deal with problems, lower risks and make it faster to start selling in a new place. About 57% of companies believe they will sell 10% more or even higher in 2024. Also, 40% of companies think they will buy 10% more or even higher.

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director at DP World GCC, said: “As we navigate the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape in 2024, companies are aligning their strategies with initiatives like Dubai’s D33 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to tap into new markets and boost opportunities in trade. Our research underscores the critical role of technology in strengthening supply chains and anticipating disruptions. Embracing emerging technologies is not only about overcoming challenges; it’s about resilience, adaptability and a firm commitment to a future where innovation drives success.”

ALSO READ: UAE’s Visionary Leadership on Display at World Governments Summit

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Chaos in Commons over Gaza

MPs voted unanimously for a Labour motion calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza…reports Asian Lite News

The speaker of the House of Commons issued an unprecedented apology after a fractious and occasionally chaotic parliamentary debate on Gaza.

MPs voted unanimously for a Labour motion calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza, but only after Lindsay Hoyle upended years of parliamentary precedent to allow the party to bring its motion to a vote.

Conservative and Scottish National party MPs reacted with fury to Hoyle’s decision, which the speaker said was designed to air a wide range of opinions but which also allowed the Labour leader to dodge the biggest rebellion of his leadership.

Some are now trying to unseat Hoyle while others are urging the Conservatives to ignore common practice and stand against him at the general election.

In the end, Labour’s amendment passed unopposed after Tory and SNP MPs walked out of the chamber. Starmer afterwards accused them of “choosing political games over serious solutions”.

Hoyle apologised to MPs at the end of a six-hour debate marked by parliamentary chicanery, frequent shouting across the Commons chamber and accusations of partisanship on the part of the speaker.

In an unexpected statement, the speaker told a packed chamber: “It is clear that today did not show the house at its best. I will reflect on my part in that of course.”

He added: “I have tried to do what I thought was the right thing for all sides of this House. It is regrettable, and I apologise, that the decision didn’t end up in the place that I wished.”

The apology came at the end of a dramatic day in Westminster which saw Starmer personally lobby the Commons speaker to allow his motion to come to a vote.

Labour MPs had warned Starmer that up to 100 of them were ready to rebel against party orders and vote for a Scottish National party amendment calling for an immediate ceasefire unless Labour offered its own similar alternative. Sources have said that at least two shadow cabinet ministers were ready to resign over the issue.

Labour announced on Tuesday it would push for an amendment calling for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, which it said could only happen under certain circumstances, such as if Hamas no longer threatened violence against Israel.

The wording of the Labour amendment was enough to persuade dozens of MPs to agree to vote for it instead of the SNP motion, which Labour has opposed on the grounds that it is not clear enough about the conditions necessary for a ceasefire.

Labour MPs warned however that if they were denied the chance to vote for their own amendment they would vote for the SNP’s motion, in what would have amounted to the biggest direct challenge to Starmer’s leadership since he took over.

With hours to go before the vote, Hoyle had still not decided whether to call a proposed government amendment to the motion, the Labour one, or both. After a last-minute intervention from Starmer himself, the speaker decided to call both – a decision which was greeted with fury on the Conservative and SNP benches.

Hoyle said later he had been persuaded to allow both amendments because of threats to the personal safety of many MPs.

Several Labour members who abstained on a similar SNP motion in November say they have since faced abuse and personal threats, and with hundreds of protesters gathered outside Westminster, Hoyle was persuaded to give them a route out.

He faced criticism however even from his own clerk Tom Goldsmith who wrote a letter explaining his view that the decision was “a departure from the long-established convention for dealing with such amendments”.

The Conservative MP William Wragg then tabled a parliamentary motion expressing no confidence in the speaker. By Wednesday evening, 33 MPs had signed Wragg’s motion, mostly from the SNP.

After an often bitter Commons debate, Penny Mordaunt, the leader of the House of Commons, announced the government would not participate in the votes, paving the way for the Labour amendment to pass unopposed.

Mordaunt launched a bitter attack on Hoyle as she announced her decision, saying he had “hijacked” the debate and “undermined the confidence of the Commons”.

ALSO READ-Trump’s Lawyers Warn of ‘Chaos and Bedlam’

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Gaza: Arab FMs meet in Riyadh

Attendees included UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry, and Jordan’s Ayman Al-Safadi….reports Asian Lite News

The foreign ministers of the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan convened in Riyadh for consultations on the situation in Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Attendees included UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry, and Jordan’s Ayman Al-Safadi.

The ministers were welcomed at King Khaled International Airport by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji.

In their meeting, the ministers emphasized the need to end the war on the Gaza Strip, reach an immediate and complete ceasefire, ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and lift all restrictions that impede the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

They expressed their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), urging all its supporters to play their role in supporting humanitarian missions for Palestinian refugees.

They also stressed the importance of taking irreversible steps to implement the two-state solution and recognize the state of Palestine on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant international resolutions, reiterating that Gaza Strip is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory, and expressing their categorical rejection for all forced displacement operations.

Peace deal with Saudi Arabia

Israel President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday afternoon met at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is visiting Israel and the region.

President Herzog thanked Blinken and the Biden Administration for their support saying, “President Biden has been a longstanding friend of the State of Israel, he cares for its security, and is following in the footsteps of giants such as President Harry Truman, in understanding that the bond between Israel and the United States serves both nations and serves the national interests of the United States of America. And I’m very grateful and honoured to repeat our gratitude again.”

Herzog went on to describe the current situation faced by Israelis held hostage in Gaza as “dire” and that, “clearly Hamas is violating every rule of human behaviour in this respect.”

“We do not have a war with the citizens of Gaza, added Herzog. “We have a war with Hamas.”

Herzog also said that he hopes there is a “ray of hope” there will be normalization of ties between Israel and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Secretly Blinken responded that he “very much” appreciates Israel’s emphasis on the “imperative of protecting civilians and providing humanitarian assistance to those in need” in Gaza.

On the Arab world, Blinken said that from his visits to various countries he believes there is “a very positive, powerful future that is possible, that genuinely integrates Israel into the region and addresses its most profound security needs to be able to live in peace and genuine security.

UAE maritime hospital sails to aid Gazans

The UAE has set sail a fully integrated maritime hospital for Al Arish, Egypt, to provide necessary medical support to the Palestinian people.

This initiative aligns with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide all forms of support and assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip, as part of the Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian operation.

The hospital, which sailed from Khalifa Port and is being established in cooperation with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and AD Ports Group, includes a medical and administrative staff of 100 people from various specialities, including anaesthesia, general surgery, orthopaedics, and emergency medicine, as well as nurses and paramedics.

The hospital has a capacity of 100 beds, as well as operating and intensive care rooms, a radiology unit, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and medical warehouses, in addition to an evacuation helicopter, a medical evacuation boat, and ambulances equipped with the latest medical equipment.

The maritime hospital is an additional step complementing the operations of the 200-bed UAE field hospital, which was inaugurated on 3rd December, 2023, with a medical staff of 64 volunteers from 17 nationalities, including 48 men and 16 women. The UAE field hospital has performed more than 555 major and delicate surgeries, and has treated over 4,038 cases during the past months.

ALSO READ: UAE welcomes 10th group of wounded Palestinians

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Biden in Michigan amid rising Arab-American rage

This development carries potential significance for Biden, especially in swing states like Michigan, crucial for the upcoming November election …reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Michigan, a pivotal swing state, highlighted growing discontent within the Arab-American community regarding his policies on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The trip followed a notable snub to the Democratic incumbent’s campaign manager in Dearborn, home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the country.

This development carries potential significance for Biden, especially in swing states like Michigan, crucial for the upcoming November election where he is anticipated to face a rematch with former President Donald Trump.

The White House emphasised that Thursday’s visit was strictly part of the campaign trail, focusing on engaging with members of the influential United Auto Workers (UAW) union, who recently endorsed Biden. This move is strategic, given Michigan’s status as a hub for the US auto industry.

However, Biden must navigate the Arab-American community’s dissatisfaction as the Israel-Hamas conflict persists. Nearly five months after Hamas’ October 7 assault on southern Israel, Biden’s unwavering support for Israel has strained relations with Muslim and Middle Eastern communities traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party.

The undisclosed location of Biden’s visit in the Detroit area took an unexpected turn as pro-Palestinian demonstrators, expressing anger over the president’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war, gathered near the UAW hall.

Biden’s commitment to providing full backing to Israel and seeking additional military aid from Congress to combat Hamas in the Gaza Strip has left many feeling betrayed. Critics accuse the president of sacrificing civilians in Gaza, contributing to a humanitarian crisis.

The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reported over 27,000 casualties in the fighting, a figure disputed and including 10,000 Hamas militants, according to Israel. The United Nations has warned of significant displacement among the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.

While the White House acknowledged Biden’s concern for the suffering of innocent Palestinians, his decision to impose sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians coincided with his Michigan visit. As the president treads carefully in this complex geopolitical landscape, his approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to shape domestic sentiments and impact key electoral dynamics.

Hamas leaders in Cairo

 A delegation of senior leaders of Hamas, led by its political head Ismael Haniyeh, has reached the Egyptian capital of Cairo for peace talks to end the ongoing war with Israel in Gaza strip.

The delegation, also comprising senior leaders Moosa Abu Marzook and Khalil al Hayya, reached Cairo on Thursday and held meetings with the Egyptian officials led by its intelligence chief, Major General Abbas Kamel.

The discussions, according to sources in Egypt, are centered around the peace talks that have been underway at Paris during last week in which Qatar, Egypt, the US and Israeli officials had participated.

According to the Paris discussions, a broader framework for release of hostages in the custody of Hamas has been agreed under which 35 hostages would be released in the first step that include old, sick and women prisoners. While the Hamas wanted a permanent stoppage of the war, Israel had rejected the proposal outrightly.

The Israel side, according to sources in Israel Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), has agreed for a six week truce in the first step wherein 35 hostages would be released.

While Hamas wanted a large number of Palestinians in Israel prisons to be exchanged for the Israeli hostages, Israel has not agreed.

Israel, according to officials, has said that it would release three times the number of Israeli hostages who will be released.

In a one week peace truce between Israel and Hamas from November 24 to December 1, 105 hostages held by Hamas were released.

A total of 324 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children ,were released from Israeli prisons as exchange for the Israeli hostages.

ALSO READ: GCC banks set to thrive in 2024, UAE, Saudi lead: S&P

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Sheikh Mohammed tours Arab Health 2024

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted public-private partnerships as a major contributor to the enhanced efficiency of the country’s healthcare sector….reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai today toured the 49th edition of Arab Health, the largest healthcare exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

During the tour, His Highness said that a comprehensive medical system and collaboration between local and federal government entities in the UAE, as also the private sector, have ensured that citizens and residents alike enjoy access to the best healthcare services.

His Highness also highlighted public-private partnerships as a major contributor to the enhanced efficiency of the country’s healthcare sector, bolstering its overall competitiveness and supporting its growth with cutting-edge technologies, advanced facilities and highly qualified personnel. These advancements contribute to the overall well-being of society, ensuring the best of health and quality of life for one and all.

Sheikh Mohammed said that providing best-in-class healthcare services ranks high among the UAE’s development priorities along with the happiness and wellbeing of its people, with these plans serving not only UAE residents but people from all around the region and, indeed, every corner of the world. Arab Health provides an ideal platform to share successful experiences and practices in this regard, His Highness said welcoming exhibitors and attendees who have flocked to Dubai to share ideas and learn about the latest advancements in the medical field.

Being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 29 January until 1 February 2024, the exhibition features over 3,400 exhibitors, more than 40 international pavilions, and over 180 participating countries. Visitors to the event have an incomparable opportunity to network, learn about cutting-edge healthcare technology and new medical insights, and strike up meaningful business connections.

His Highness visited pavilions of Siemens Healthineers, Cleveland Clinic, Canon, and Pure Health where he was briefed about the latest services and products offered by the companies. He also visited the Italian pavilion at the exhibition.

Arab Health 2024 features nine distinct sectors, namely Medical Equipment Devices, Disposables Consumer Goods, Orthopaedics Physiotherapy, Imaging Diagnostics, Healthcare General Services, IT Systems Solutions, Healthcare Infrastructure Assets, Wellness Prevention and Healthcare Transformation.

Arab Health advances healthcare sustainability

The Smart Hospital and Interoperability Zone at Arab Health 2024 began this morning with a high-level panel discussion on environmental sustainability in Middle Eastern healthcare. This pivotal session brought together industry leaders and experts to explore strategies for integrating sustainability into the region’s healthcare systems.

In 2023, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulatory authority for healthcare in the Emirate, set out ambitious healthcare sustainability goals. These objectives aim to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2030 and achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. The initiative aims to establish a clear roadmap for sustainable healthcare progress, fostering alignment across the ecosystem.

During the session, Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer of the National Health Service (NHS) England, said, “It is about working hand in hand with innovative suppliers, and embracing the phenomenal MedTech out there. While the new technology coming out is mind-blowing, we must always ask how this technology will affect sustainability and the greener agenda. This is something in the NHS we are pushing hard for.”

Con McGarry, Senior Consultant, Arcadia Health, said, “How do you demonstrate to people that the actions they are putting in have a visible impact? We should be collecting all the data into a central performance management system to enable meaningful conversations about what we are doing and whether we are doing it correctly and taking the correct actions.”

Richard Cantlay, Global Healthcare Leader, Mott MacDonald, stated, “This is a cycle that needs to be broken. When you stand back and think about the narrative, which is that health systems are leading to climate change, which is giving people poor health, which is, in turn, increasing demand – it is obvious that healthcare systems need to deal with the issue of sustainability.”

The organisers of Arab Health, Informa Markets, have made several additions to the exhibition to make it more sustainable, including utilising renewable electricity, notably decreasing the event’s carbon footprint. Additionally, a range of eco-friendly practices have been introduced, such as endorsing public transportation through marketing channels and implementing digital solutions like digital badges and paperless registration to minimise material waste. The introduction of the Better Stands programme has further incentivised exhibitors and partners to embrace reusable stand structures.

Arab Health 2024, which continues until Thursday 1st February 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will showcase groundbreaking technologies at the Smart Hospital and Interoperability Zone, offering immersive demonstrations highlighting the seamless integration of cutting-edge medical equipment and various technologies. Partnering with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the Zone features four demonstration rooms spotlighting advancements in labour and delivery, intensive care, and more.

Among the innovative exhibitors at the Zone is e4life, a joint venture between Italian ELT Group and Australian Lendlease, showcasing a device that protects against respiratory viruses with over 90 percent efficacy by instantly sanitising the surrounding area. Additionally, CareCloud is showcasing a therapy solutions suite that streamlines the entire therapy workflow, enhancing patient engagement and boosting operational efficiency.

Arab Health 2024 anticipates a global audience with over 3,450 exhibitors and over 110,000 healthcare professional visitors from 180 countries.

The event is supported by various government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority.

ALSO READ: ‘Systematic campaign’ against UNRWA: Arab League

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Israel Must Respect International Law: Saudi FM

The Saudi official said that Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab states, will continue to exert pressure to protect the Palestinian people, Xinhua news agency reported….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has urged Israel to respect international law.

He made the remarks on Sunday during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, in which both called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and aid to reach those in need, according to Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya News channel.

The Saudi official said that Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab states, will continue to exert pressure to protect the Palestinian people, Xinhua news agency reported.

Speaking of Israel’s rejection of the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, he stressed that international laws and international humanitarian laws should be as applicable to Israel as to others.

The ICJ on Friday ordered Israel to take all possible measures within its power to prevent genocide acts against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The orders, according to the court, are legally binding.

The court, however, did not order Israel to suspend its military operations in Gaza, one of the main requests submitted by South Africa, while also calling on Hamas to release all Israeli hostages.

ALSO READ: Saudi: No Normalisation Without Palestinian State