Business confidence in Dubai reached its third highest level in 10 years as companies in the emirate begin to feel the positive impact of Expo 2020 Dubai, a new survey from Dubai Chamber has revealed…reports Asian Lite News
According to the findings of the Chamber’s quarterly Business Leaders’ Outlook Survey, 76 percent of respondents noted improved business confidence in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to 66 percent in the third quarter and 48 percent in the second quarter of the same year.
Around 78 percent of survey respondents said they expect Expo 2020 Dubai to benefit their businesses in the coming months. In addition, 83 percent of business leaders expected an improvement in business conditions in Q4 2021 compared to 66 percent in the previous quarter and 51 percent in the second quarter. Global supply chain restrictions were identified as a key challenge for business leaders, along with a rise in global commodity prices.
Commenting on the survey results, Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, said the findings reflect growing optimism within the local business community and promising economic prospects that are being created by Expo 2020 Dubai.
Increased government support for the private sector, success in overcoming COVID-related challenges, new business incentives, easing travel restrictions and higher oil prices are among the other key factors that contributed to the positive outlook, he explained.
Buamim said trade, tourism, hospitality and logistics are the sectors that are expected to see the most business activity during Expo 2020 Dubai, adding that the mega event should create far-reaching benefits that will reach other market segments, as well and drive the emirate’s sustainable growth and economic progress.
Mohammed bin Rashid receives credentials of new UAE envoys
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, received the credentials of new ambassadors to the UAE, at the venue of Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
The ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Mohammed Bin Rashid
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the new ambassadors and wished them success in their new diplomatic mission. His Highness also highlighted the importance of diplomatic initiatives to promote greater international cooperation in ushering in a bright new phase of global growth following one of the most challenging crises the world has faced in its modern history. Sheikh Mohammed also stressed on the importance of boosting international collaboration to tackle cross-borders issues, promote global development and enhance the wellbeing of people across the world.
His Highness received the credentials of Nassar Habashneh, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the UAE; Inigo de Palacio, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain; Moussa Mohamed Ahmed, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti; and Lovemore Mazemo, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
His Highness also received the credentials of on-resident ambassadors Hun Han, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia; Luis Alonso Velásquez, Ambassador of the Republic of Honduras; and Chitem Tenzin, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The newly appointed ambassadors to the UAE conveyed the greetings of their leaders to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and expressed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The ceremony was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai; and Khalifa bin Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State.
With the announcement, the total value of both existing and newly announced PPP projects in Dubai has exceeded AED65 billion, reports Asian Lite News
In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a vital player in global economic development and one of the smartest and happiest cities in the world, the Government of Dubai’s Department of Finance (DoF) today announced a large portfolio of projects that will foster new partnerships between the Government of Dubai and the private sector.
The announcement was made in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, at the Dubai International Public-Private Partnership Conference (DIPPPC) being held at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Dubai-unveils-PPP-projects-worth-AED25-billion
The public-private partnership (PPP) project portfolio, worth more than AED25 billion, spans several vital sectors. With the announcement, the total value of both existing and newly announced PPP projects in Dubai has exceeded AED65 billion.
H.H. Sheikh Maktoum said, “Dubai has set an example for the world in fostering productive partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable economic growth and the accelerated development of strategic sectors. The new portfolio of PPP projects seeks to further harness synergies between the two sectors to shape our future over the next 50-year phase in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Consistent with Dubai’s rising profile as a preferred global investment destination, the new projects provide private sector players with exceptional opportunities in vital sectors that are powering the long-term growth of the emirate. These projects will use innovative PPP mechanisms that create the ideal conditions for private sector companies to contribute to realising the vision for Dubai’s future.”
DoF revealed its portfolio of new PPP projects during the DIPPPC, which was opened this morning under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The portfolio includes more than 30 significant projects in the infrastructure, public transportation and urban development sectors. Also present during the announcement of the new projects were Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council.
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of DoF, welcomed participants to the conference, saying that the Government of Dubai has begun to outline the features for the next stage of innovation in financing vital government projects within the PPP ecosystem. “PPP has become the next global innovative trend for governments around the world seeking to finance their infrastructure and urban development projects,” Al Saleh said.
“The government’s efforts led by DoF have helped create a solid foundation for building a comprehensive and integrated PPP system. DoF will continue to develop and consolidate these foundations in close cooperation with other government entities as well as private sector players who have the necessary capabilities and expertise and are keen to seize the opportunities Dubai has to offer,” he added.
“The Dubai International Public-Private Partnership Conference represents a key initiative for generating new public-private partnerships that will help accelerate Dubai’s journey to the future. It paves the way for an exchange of ideas and insights between decision-makers in both public and private sectors and the exploration of new partnership opportunities. The event also promotes innovative financing methods for partnership projects among local and international investors,” Al Saleh explained.
During his keynote speech, Al Basti affirmed that the forward vision of the wise leadership and the strategic development plans are the fundamental in shaping the historical success of the emirate today. “We always hear about those who talk about inspiration and travel the world in search of new hope and ideas capable of defying time. The truth is, it requires no more than a look at what has been achieved by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has managed to successfully transform Dubai into a city that defies the impossible every day.”
He added, “As a result of this ambitious vision, strategic development plans, and the main role the private sector plays in civilisation renaissance Dubai has built one of the most pioneering regional and international business models in partnership with the private sector, under the continuous support and directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.”
“It is not a coincidence that the private sector has chosen to partner with Dubai. The emirate has topped global indices for creating the most attractive business destinations in the world. It offers a competitive environment that facilitates growth for both regional and global businesses; flights to markets that exceed 5 billion people; and ports that possess a network of shipping lines that connect to various parts of the globe, providing a qualitative logistical advantage. In fact, DP World owns and operates 93 ports, and owns 127 companies across 60 countries worldwide. These key features have all contributed to the emirate’s solid foundation and the reason for which Dubai was ranked amongst the safest cities in the world during the pandemic, and a global reference in reactive and proactive policies that pave the way for greater successes,” Al Basti continued.
He also mentioned a number of successful projects that were achieved as a result of public-private partnerships, amongst which The Al Maktoum Bridge, which was established in the 1960s and was one of the historical projects within infrastructural development, and lately the launch of the Dubai Schools project, which will hold an investment of over AED 580 million in the coming years. These projects, in addition to many other strategic partnerships have shaped a qualitative leap in the development process across the emirate, which is aligned with Expo 2020 Dubai’s axes of mobility, sustainability and opportunities, such as: operation and maintenance of the Dubai Metro, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, independent power plant projects, in addition to Expo 2020 Dubai, the event that has brought the world back together in Dubai.
During the two-day DIPPPC, which concludes tomorrow, DoF is hosting a co-located exhibition featuring Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Health Authority. The four entities will present their proposed PPP projects to an international, regional and local audience of more than 600 decision-makers and officials from ministries, government entities, banks and companies working in the fields of investment, contracting, consultancy and infrastructure development.
Tomorrow, DIPPPC will focus on achieving the vision of the Government of Dubai to shape a dynamic PPP ecosystem by building a strong governance framework that can help generate sustainable financing for government development plans.
The first conference hosted by the Government of Dubai in the field of PPP, and the first-of-its-kind in the region, DIPPPC sheds light on global and regional opportunities and challenges facing infrastructure project financing and the important role played by the PPP ecosystem in achieving sustainability in project financing.
The suspect, who has a criminal record in his country, has confessed to the crime and was referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action…reports Asian Lite News
In an operation codenamed ‘Scorpion’, the Dubai Police has recently thwarted a smuggling attempt of 500 kilogrammes of pure cocaine into the country for selling and promoting purposes. The narcotics, worth more than AED 500 million (US$136m) in street value, were well-hidden within the structure of a cargo container.
According to Dubai Police, the operation is the region’s largest drug seizure, as it resulted in the arrest of a Middle Eastern gang member operating as an intermediary inside the country for an international drug syndicate and the seizure of drugs he possessed.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL ABDULLAH KHALIFA AL MARRI, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, DUBAI POLICE: “Op ‘Scorpion’ is another example of their continuous keenness on combating all types of transitional organised crimes and bringing their perpetrators to justice as well as protecting the community against all harms, as constantly directed by H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.”
Lt. Gen. Al Marri further added that Dubai Police would seize every opportunity to preserve the local, regional and international security and safety in coordination and cooperation with international counterparts.
Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, said “Op ‘Scorpion’ is a new achievement added to the proud record of Dubai police in combating and thwarting the schemes of drug dealers and promoters.
“It’s a proof of Dubai Police’s highly qualified experts and criminal investigators, as well as the advanced methods and technologies utilised by the Force to combat transitional crime.”
Meanwhile, Brigadier Eid Mohammed Thani Hareb, Director of Anti-Narcotics Department at Dubai Police, said they had placed the suspect under close surveillance round the clock before they raided his place and made the arrest.
“We received a security tip on an international drug syndicate attempting to smuggle a huge amount of pure cocaine hidden in a cargo container into a seaport with the assistance of a Middle Eastern accomplice in the emirate,” Brig. Hareb revealed.
Dubai Police seizes cocaine worth 136m
“An investigating team was immediately formed to verify and respond to the security tip” they monitored the suspect’s movements until he received the expected narcotics shipment. Once the shipment arrived, the suspect transported the illegal drugs to another emirate and stored them in a warehouse with the aim of selling and promoting the harmful toxins,” Brig. Hareb added.
Colonel Khalid bin Muwaiza, Deputy Director of the General Department of Anti-Narcotics, revealed the raid’s details and explained that the suspect had rented an SUV and bought angle grinders and other cutting tools to unload the container.
“At the zero hour, our officers raided the warehouse, caught the man red-handed and seized the narcotics,” Col. bin Muwaiza added.
He confirmed that the suspect, who has a criminal record in his country, has confessed to the crime and was referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal action.
Col. bin Muwaiza noted that drug cases require great experience, judgment and accuracy with individual and collective work, they also require patience and deliberation when making decisions.
“This is why Dubai Police always seeks to hon the skills of anti-narcotics officers and constantly provides them with the latest tools and capabilities to deter every criminal who attempts to trade, smuggle or promote the harmful toxins,” he concluded.
The Women’s Inclusion Toolkit was launched virtually in collaboration with Dalberg Advisors recently at a webinar titled, ‘From Talk to Action: How the private sector wins when it advances women’….reports Asian Lite News
Continuing their longstanding efforts towards creating a more level playing field for women in economy, the NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) has launched the Women’s Inclusion Toolkit, presenting the private sector in the UAE, MENA and beyond a set of strategic recommendations that businesses across sectors can apply to take concerted actions to achieve concrete and sustainable women’s economic inclusion in line with the global Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
Irtiqa Toolkit Launch Webinar
A key initiative under NAMA’s Irtiqa platform to advance women’s equality in the workplace in the Global South, starting with the MENA region, the Women’s Inclusion Toolkit was launched virtually in collaboration with Dalberg Advisors recently at a webinar titled, ‘From Talk to Action: How the private sector wins when it advances women’.
A toolkit that will enable business entities to leverage the female workforce
NAMA is supporting businesses’ sustainability efforts with this action-oriented and practical toolkit, and emphasises that women need to be fully supported as they chart their professional journeys. Through the introduction of the toolkit, NAMA has made a strong call-to-action to business leaders, CEOs, HR leaders and women’s rights advocates to turn the workplace into vibrant examples of inclusivity, diversity and equality.
NAMA’s toolkit is a comprehensive yet easy starting point to understand where a company lies in their journey to gender equality. With tailored recommendations optimised to fit within the MENA region’s specific contexts, case studies and additional resources required for businesses to continue making improvements, the toolkit will offer customised guidance as private sectors companies take their next steps towards addressing the most pressing workplace challenges women face, build on existing best practices and create action plans to accelerate an organisation’s journey towards gender equality.
Those who adopt the toolkit will be offered deeper support from NAMA’s Irtiqa team to ensure it is consistently applied.
HER EXCELLENCY REEM BINKARAM, DIRECTOR, NAMA: “If you look closely, you will notice the gaps and pick apart the injustice women face during their work for most of them are hired into junior positions. These gaps not only limit the growth of individuals but are also responsible for stunting the advancement of entire institutions. That is why we are here today, to launch ‘Irtiqa Women’s Inclusion Toolkit’, which is a small step into creating a greater platform that fully integrates women, and in the long run, shall contribute to an increase in sustainable growth and economic prosperity in the global south.”
Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA Women
The toolkit is poised to create lasting change with company leaderships pledging their commitment to the success of women’s inclusion, especially in the context of post-pandemic recovery during which the toolkit will assist senior management create a framework within which their male and female employees will be equal partners. Also, the toolkit’s framework based on fact-finding would go a long way in producing real-time data and research on both common and unique gaps that prevent private companies in the Global South achieve inclusion and gender equality, particularly enabling those that are not actively tracking or accumulating this critical data, to resolve the issue.
In the first phase of the toolkit’s rollout, NAMA will collaborate with large private firms and business associations in the UAE, working closely with them to identify the right course of action, provide the right recommendations apply gender equality practices customised to their needs, and finally, help them maintain regular checks through assessing their tangible progress in the journey towards closing the gender gap at the workplace.
Drawing successful examples and practical experiences of the UAE-based businesses in applying the ‘Women’s Inclusion Toolkit’ to their workplace, NAMA will mobilise its adoption and uptake in more nations across the MENA region and beyond.
Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), the region’s only dedicated event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry, to return to Dubai as an in-person event next year…reports Asian Lite News
Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), the region’s only dedicated event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry, will return to Dubai as an in-person event next year. Scheduled to take place at the World Trade Centre on 1 & 2 February 2022, the event has witnessed significant growth over the years.
BBME Exhibition
More than 1700 companies from over 70 countries including industry leaders, government officials and specialists from the private sector are expected to participate and engage in discussions related to post-COVID recovery and challenges and opportunities in the industry, including supply chain disruptions, economic development and innovation. The event’s 2020 in-person edition witnessed the attendance of Arab transport ministers and government officials from Syria, Sudan, Egypt, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In 2021, Breakbulk Middle East was held as a virtual event under the patronage of UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. It provided critical continuity between the two physical events, building a strong foundation as Breakbulk Middle East prepares to return to Dubai in 2022.
The exhibition floor will include major industry players DP World, UAE as the Host Port, Abu Dhabi Ports, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, Al Faris, Mammoet, Volga-Dnepr and MICCO, along with others to represent the project cargo supply chain throughout the Middle East and its connections around the world.
H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, The UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure
H. E . SUHAIL AL MAZROUEI, UAE MINISTER OF ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE: “Over the past year, we have faced unprecedented health and economic challenges that have disrupted nearly every business, including the breakbulk industry and global supply chain. We are now moving into a post-COVID world where disruptive innovation and productive cooperation will define the industry for decades to come. Despite the disruption, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence the freight and logistics market in UAE is expected to reach USD 30.33 billion growing at a CAGR of 10.21% until 2026. The consistent growth and the expected outcomes are only due to the support we have received from industry stakeholders including the ports of the UAE. Furthermore, as part of our endeavours to establish the UAE as one of the leading centres for trade in the world, we recently organised an assembly of leaders from the government and private sector within the industry to prepare the UAE’s candidacy for its Category-B membership at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As a leading industry event in the UAE, Breakbulk Middle East has become a networking hub for decision-makers from the government and public and private sectors to forge business relationships and promote collaboration. We are confident that 2022 will support us in our efforts to help the country retain itsleading status despite market challenges.”
Supply chain innovation
H.E Sheikh Nasser Majid Al Qassimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Infrastructure and Transport Sector at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure emphasized, “The breakbulk and project cargo sector that represents a complex market, encompassing commodities as varied as steel and forest products, to heavy-lift shipments for wind turbines and equipment for construction work, plays an essential role in the Middle East. The UAE is a front-runner in this sector, occupying a predominant position as a trans-shipping centre. Several factors such as the quality of the port infrastructure and the country’s strategic location that enables it to serve as a link between the East and West, have led the UAE to achieve a leading status. According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the total output for the logistics services sector reached AED219 billion and the sector is expected to see an increase despite the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic. The continuous initiatives of the government clubbed with efforts of events like Breakbulk Middle East play a significant role in reinforcing the industry by uniting industry players and providing a platform to discuss the hardships faced.”
H.E Sheikh Nasser Majid Al Qassimi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Infrastructure and Transport Sector at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Post-COVID growth opportunities
Owing to UAE’s vision and quick action to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, Breakbulk Middle East will prove to be a key event that will help the UAE prepare for the next 50 years. The 2022 edition capitalises on the region’s innovation and technological advancement, infrastructure and government policies and incentives to help attendees generate leads for new business across the project supply chain.
The UAE has been among the fastest growing economies in the MENA region to resume commercial activities previously halted to curb the spread of COVID-19. Precautionary measures and safety protocol has been formulated to ensure business continuity. As port development in the region reaches new heights, capitalising on opportunities is what a successful future will remain dependent upon. With Abu Dhabi Ports owning, managing and operating 10 ports in the UAE, they are aware that a robust and advanced infrastructure is vital for success in today’s market. One of the directives as an organisation is to support Abu Dhabi’s efforts to foster a sustainable and diversified economy.
As well as 1st class infrastructure and superb service levels, Abu Dhabi Ports believes in customer choice as they do provide complete end-to-end supply-chain support solutions to their increasing list of global customers, and help them realise competitive advantage and growth, especially during challenging times. Therefore, Breakbulk Middle East has also demonstrated its ability to align with the industry’s best interest, and as a result, they too have been able to grow year in and year out.
BEN BLAMIRE, EVENT DIRECTOR, BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST: “The events business was one of the most impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry faced immense challenges that were addressed by technology, thus allowing us to take our event virtual. However, as we move to a post-pandemic phase, we are excited to go back to hosting the Breakbulk Middle East physically. Over the years, we’ve been able to build some great partnerships with industry leaders and experts that have helped Breakbulk Middle East maintain its strong position in the market as one of the most sought-after events in the breakbulk and project cargo industry. Post-COVID, Breakbulk Middle East will be one of the first events to unite leaders and experts, that will facilitate collaborations and partnerships in the sector and lead to rapid growth and transformation. Its placement during Expo 2020 will ensure greater participation from experts and decision-makers from the GCC and beyond, resulting in numerous new project opportunities.”
Ben Blamire, Event Director of Breakbulk Middle East
Leslie Meredith, Marketing Director of Breakbulk Events & Media concluded, “Dubai has always been the ideal venue for Breakbulk Middle East, and because of the nation’s resiliency, it is one of only a few countries in the world to lift its travel restrictions. The UAE’s strategic location and excellent reputation will further enable the participation of industry professionals, key decision-makers, experts and enthusiasts from around the globe in the highly anticipated elite gathering.
At Breakbulk Middle East, our primary aim is to facilitate greater exposure for participants in our quest to bring innovative solutions and a progressive culture for the benefit of the regional and international supply chain industry. With our upcoming edition, we will strive to realise this vision.
As the fastest growing event in the industry, Breakbulk Middle East will continue to be a key contributor to the region’s economic development by allowing participants to discover new project opportunities.”
Last night saw the Israel Pavilion officially celebrating its opening at Expo2020 Dubai, welcoming visitors from all 191 countries….reports Asian Lite News
The Inauguration event was hosted by the Minister of Tourism Mr. Yoel Razvozov, and Mr. Elazar Cohen, Commissioner General of the Israel Pavilion and attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises; Najeeb Mohammed Alali, Executive Director of the Commissioner General Office, Expo 2020 Dubai; and Eli Cohen, Corporate secretary general, KKL-JNF.
Israel opens its pavilion at Expo
Minister Razvozov said in his opening remarks: “I’m truly delighted to be standing here as a representative of the Israeli people and the Israeli government at the opening of Israel’s National Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Many things are happening here for the first time.”
“For the first time in history, the Expo fair is being held in an Arab country. It is also the first time there is an Israeli pavilion in a major fair on Arab soil. It is one of the most sound and robust steps toward cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Israel in history.”
“Peace allows us to forge a new reality in the Middle East that will bring prosperity, security and stability to all. We believe that in order to reach a better tomorrow, one should choose practical and positive actions today.”
“So, I’m delighted to invite each and every one of you and each and every visitor, participant and host at this Expo to come and visit our country. Come and see for yourself what Israel is really about. Tourism allows us to explore, learn from and accommodate each other. Tourism will build a human bridge to peace!”
The event began with a traditional Mezuzah ceremony performed by Rabbi Levi Duchman. The Mezuzah Case was made and designed exclusively for the Dubai Expo 2020 by famous Judaica Artist David Roytman.
Hanging a mezuzah on a doorpost is an ancient Jewish practice that fulfils a biblical commandment from Deuteronomy to write the words of the Lord on the doorposts of one’s home. This was followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony, performed by the Minister of Tourism and Commissioner General.
Cohen said of the ceremony: “I have been dreaming of this day for many years and at this historical moment, I wish to thank Israel and the UAE governments, for making this dream come true. Our pavilion is open to everyone, and while many things divide us, common challenges and the hope for “tomorrow” unite us. Together we can and will make our future, our tomorrow, better.”
Israel opens its pavilion at Expo
Mr. Eli Cohen, Corporate secretary general, KKL-JNF concluded with: “This is the time to come together to fight the climate crisis as one.”
The event concluded with a performance by Hamalgezot, an Israeli band playing traditional Israeli music for the 250 attendees which was followed by an Israeli D.J. Abass who wrapped up the inauguration with an Israeli party scene.
Red Arrows bring colour, daredevil displays to Dubai skies
The Red Arrows, the UK’s famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, enthralled crowds along Abu Dhabi Corniche and Expo 2020 Dubai with their spectacular flying display…reports Asian Lite News
Featuring BAE Systems Hawk T Mk1 aircraft, the two-seater training jet has been used by the Red Arrows since 1979, eight years after the formation of the UAE, according to a report from Arabian Aerospace.
Meanwhile, pilots and engineers of the future have been inspired by an interactive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) event held at the UK Pavilion in partnership with the RAF aerobatic team the Red Arrows, and Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Red Arrows bring colour, daredevil displays to Dubai skies
Drones, robots, 3-D printing, and Formula One-style car building were featured during the learning session, providing an in-depth look at the field of engineering and the scale of opportunities for new generations.
Tadgh O’Donovan, Professor, Deputy Vice Principle and Head of Engineering, Heriot-Watt University Dubai told Expo News: “Sometimes people think engineering is all about maths and science, but there is so much more to it – and it’s so much fun. Engineers don’t do things twice. I always encourage my classes to play with the technology – it’s not an assignment. If students are not excited to get involved, then we’re doing it wrong! It’s for all ages; you’ll see kids here today as young as three years old looking up at the skies and seeing the amazing Red Arrows fly and they’ll wonder ‘how does that happen?’ and ‘how can I be a part of that?’”
O’Donovan added: “We have 60 members of the RAF here today; this entourage includes engineers and technicians – it’s not just one person flying the aircraft. It’s a great example of precision engineering.”
Abdulomonem Mohamed, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) student from the British University was on hand to help younger visitors tap into the possibilities: “I’m demonstrating how to drive drones, print 3-D cars and help them to connect the small pieces of the electric cars together.”
“I love the robots here,” Seth Garrity, an eight-year-old from Australia, told Expo News. “And I can’t wait to see the Red Arrow that’s being 3-D printed. They said it would be finished by 6pm, so we’ll come back later to see it.”
Red Arrows bring colour, daredevil displays to Dubai skies
O’Donovan hailed Expo 2020 as the best stage in the world to display innovation, predicting that sustainability will be Expo’s most significant outcome: “It’s the biggest challenge that engineers face; it’s also the biggest challenge that society faces, but I believe engineers have a key role to deliver sustainability. We talk about how much energy is used taking a flight, but the question is that if we are to decarbonise, does that mean we fly less? I don’t believe that. I think engineers are going to come up with solutions in a sustainable way. There will be a development in sustainable fuels. The UAE is going to be a leader in hydrogen and how that is going to impact and support aviation in the future. Sustainability is what all aspects of engineering will be addressing in the next few years.”
The MPP Initiative will be on display at Expo from 2 December 2021 to 2 January 2022…reports Asian Lite News
Urgent action is needed to prioritise mountain ecosystems in order to protect them from the current climate crisis and empower mountain people to build resilient livelihoods, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said today at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The Director-General was speaking in a video message to the event ‘Reaching for the stars: Sustainable and climate resilient mountain development’, taking place as part of Expo 2020’s Climate and Biodiversity Week.
Expo 2020
Mountains provide freshwater, regulate the climate and conserve biodiversity, while contributing to sustaining the livelihoods of 1.1 billion people living in mountains as well as many more living in the lowlands.
However, fragile mountain ecosystems and mountain communities are among the most vulnerable to climate change and land degradation, with some 346 million rural mountain people in developing countries at risk of hunger.
“The climate crisis is making mountains and mountain communities ever-more fragile,” Qu said. “They must be at the center of our decision-making processes. We need solutions and innovations that respect values, cultures and traditions.”
Qu called for collective actions to combat land degradation, adapt to climate change, strengthen agri-food value chains and promote economic development, which he said are fundamental to reducing food insecurity, alleviating poverty and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Director-General also pledged that FAO would help to scale up sustainable mountain development through the Mountain Partnership, by advocating for mountains in United Nations processes, promoting sustainable food systems in mountainous regions, and building local economies through the promotion of mountain products and services.
Co-curated by the Government of Italy, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at FAO, and the Aga Khan Development Network, the daylong event examined ways to enhance the resilience of mountain communities, livelihoods and ecosystems to galvanize action in line with the SDGs.
The Mountain Partnership Products (MPP) Initiative is one of two FAO projects selected for Expo 2021 Dubai’s Global Best Practice Programme out of 1,175 submissions from around the world.
Expo 2020
The Global Best Practice Programme showcases projects that have provided tangible solutions to the world’s biggest challenges, highlighting simple but effective initiatives that localize the SDGs and can be adapted, replicated and scaled to achieve an enhanced global impact.
With the backing of FAO and funded by the Italian Development Cooperation, the MPP Initiative is a certification and labelling scheme for traditional mountain products to strengthen the resilience of mountain peoples, their economies and their environments.
Currently, the initiative works across eight countries – Bolivia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Panama, Peru and the Philippines – and involves around 10 000 farmers, 60 percent of whom are women. Twenty products currently carry the MPP Initiative label, including a stingless bee honey from the Bolivian Andes and pink and purple rice cultivated by farmers in India’s Himalayas, as well as tea, coffee, pulses and textiles.
Mountain farmers and producers have seen sales increases of up to 49 percent, production increases of up to 40 percent, and selling prices increase by up to 25 percent as a result of the initiative.
A new phase of the initiative was recently approved by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, securing funding for the project until 2024 and expanding it to Pacific Small Island Developing States.
The MPP Initiative will be on display at Expo from 2 December 2021 to 2 January 2022.
Dubai Municipality to celebrate World Migratory Birds Day
The Environment Department is organizing various environmental events on Saturday, 9th October 2021, at Creek Park – Gate No. 1, from 4 pm to 6 pm…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai Municipality will celebrate the World Migratory Birds Day, which falls on 9th October. Observing this international occasion is part of strengthening the Municipality’s leading role in raising environmental awareness for the emirate’s community and its quest to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems in the emirate.
Environment Department of Dubai Municipality will organize various awareness programs in an interesting and attractive way for all segments of society with the aim of educating them about the importance of migratory birds and their different types, the threats they face and how the community can contribute to mitigating them.
Dubai Municipality to celebrate World Migratory Birds Day
This year’s global event, with the theme, “Sing, Fly, Soar, like a Bird,” focuses on the phenomena of the birds’ voices and flight as a way to inspire and connect people of all ages in their shared desire to celebrate migratory birds and unite in a joint global effort to protect birds and the habitats they need to survive.
World Migratory Bird Day has a global reach and is an effective tool for sharing best practices in contributing to the protection of migratory birds from the threats they face on their journey in search of food, temperate climate or escape from predators.
The Environment Department is organizing various environmental events on Saturday, 9th October 2021, at Creek Park – Gate No. 1, from 4 pm to 6 pm. This occasion is an opportunity for all family members to participate in environmental workshops that will be presented in cooperation with various private companies.
The workshops include environmental messages related to migratory birds and how to preserve them. One of the most prominent educational workshops offered by the Environment Department is how to make bird nests that the participants will be able to place in their homes to attract birds, specifically migratory birds, that they will take as a resting place before completing their journey. The public can enjoy unique experiences, including getting to know some of the birds that will be present at the event site, such as falcons. Visitors can take photos with them, with the need to adhere to all precautions during their visit to the event.
One of the most prominent projects that will be presented to the public is the program for tracking migratory birds by satellite, where a tracking device will be installed, equipped with a satellite positioning device, to follow the movement of the bird without the need to catch it again and study its migration path, which contributes to programs for the protection and proper management of these birds. In addition, everyone will be able to participate in the various environmental competitions that will be organized and an environmental Yoga workshop in which participants will be able to enjoy the birds singing while exercising. Art enthusiasts will be able to showcase their creativity by coloring a 15-meter long environmental painting of migratory birds, and watch the environmental art exhibition in which 15 artists of different nationalities will participate to embody the importance of birds through their paintings.
Bird migration is a natural miracle. Migratory birds fly hundreds and thousands of kilometers to find the best environmental conditions and habitats for feeding, breeding and raising their young. When conditions at breeding sites become unfavorable, it is time to travel to areas where conditions are better.
The Emirate of Dubai and the UAE in general represent a major habitat for many migratory birds due to the availability of a safe haven for these birds during their migration. The country also represents one of the favorite resting places for many migratory birds due to the abundance of food sources and the availability of natural reserves within the country. The coastal shallow waters, inland waterways, mangroves and salt marshes are among the main important elements for birds escaping from the frozen icy areas in the Asian and Siberian poles during their quest for a warmer climate in Africa.
The UAE hosts annually large numbers of migratory birds, due to its location and the nature of its climate, in addition to the availability of suitable havens for birds, where two important paths of bird migration overlap, the path of bird migration from East Africa to West Asia, and the path of Central Asia, while birds of northern Europe and Asia visit the UAE as a breeding area to avoid harsh climatic conditions due to the extreme cold in the northern breeding areas which are associated with lack of food supply.
Reserves distributed in various regions of the Emirate of Dubai constitute important habitats for hundreds of species of migratory birds annually, such as Socotra cormorants, sooty gulls, white-cheeked terns, crested cats, black grouse, and yellow-necked sparrows, in addition to wading birds and birds of prey, such as the osprey and the peregrine falcon and small birds, in addition to types of storks, such as the beak, heron, and flamingo that are found in coastal areas and swamps, as well as different types of ducks.
Reserves provide safe havens that reduce the pressures on migratory birds and provide them with maximum protection in order to preserve biodiversity and enhance environmental sustainability. There are eight nature reserves in the Emirate of Dubai as protected areas to preserve wildlife within the emirate, covering approximately 1,297,82 square kilometers and representing various ecosystems – desert, marine, coastal and mountainous habitats, which are teeming with many types of plants, animals, fish and birds. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is also one of those key areas that provide a safe place for migratory birds and are of international ecological importance due to their unique biodiversity.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1985 and declared by Local Order No. 2 of 1998 as a protected area. In December 2003, His Highness the Ruler of Dubai issued Law No. 11 of 2003 to define the regulations related to nature reserves. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was added to the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2007, thus becoming the first nature reserve in the UAE to be recognized globally according to the Convention. It is also an important destination for birds for breeding and migration according to the Birdlife International.
Dubai Municipality to celebrate World Migratory Birds Day
The most beautiful thing that can be seen in Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the flamingo birds, especially when these migratory birds come to spend the period between autumn and spring, where many of these birds can be seen, and even when most of them return to Central Asia to spend the summer months. A group of them remain here to inhabit this area throughout the year.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by mangroves, which play a major role in the UAE ecosystem and are home to many living creatures and many resident and migratory birds. A large variety of organisms live and reproduce within the mangrove ecosystem. Therefore, the preservation and growth of mangroves is necessary to preserve these living creatures, especially the resident and migratory birds, because they provide a safe haven for life and reproduction in which food sources are available from small fish and mollusks.
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai annually hosts thousands of migratory birds that reside temporarily on the banks of salt flats, mud flats, mangroves and swamps that are widespread there. The reserve includes hundreds of species of birds, and is characterized by the richness and diversity of plant and fungal life, especially seabirds of various types and shapes, including flamingoes, which migrate to the UAE with the onset of winter and abound in January, preferring shallow waters.
The Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve also receives many migratory birds, with an area of more than 40 hectares of virgin shrubs. The reserve includes 204 species of local birds and 158 species of migratory birds. The Marmoom Reserve is considered the first unenclosed desert reserve in the country open to the public that combines the concepts of eco-tourism and nature protection and it has the highest concentration of big Alventer flamingoes in a desert area with a population of 500-2000 birds. The reserve has eight bird watching towers distributed in its lake areas, which include thousands of migratory and local birds for bird lovers and enthusiasts for watching. A bird watching platform is also built in the form of interlocking straps.
