Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai can plan their visit to the Emirates Pavilion and book their preferred date and time slots in advance…reports Asian Lite News
Expo 2020 Dubai’s must-see aviation attraction is gearing up to open its doors to the public on 1 October. Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai can plan their visit to the Emirates Pavilion and book their preferred date and time slots in advance.
“The Emirates Pavilion is ready to welcome Expo 2020 Dubai visitors on 1 October. From today, you can plan your visit and book your preferred date and time slots in advance to experience the Emirates Pavilion,” the Emirate said in a tweet on Wednesday.
Located in the Opportunity District, and within walking distance of the Al Wasl Dome, the Emirates Pavilion offers a preview for the future of commercial aviation, reframing the role that science and technology will play in the next 50 years of air travel, as it welcomes visitors to experience two floors of interactive multi-sensory installations.
Construction on the Emirates Pavilion began in March 2019 and was completed in June 2021. During its design and construction phases, the Emirates Pavilion followed a number of sustainability principles, using non-hazardous, regional, reusable and recyclable materials in its overall structure, and incorporated different design solutions to reduce energy and water consumption.
Expo 2020
The Emirates Pavilion’s towering four storey design and façade are modelled around an aircraft’s wings taking flight, with 24 aluminium cladded fins that curve around two sides of the building structure. The Emirates Pavilion’s exterior lighting includes an 800 metre LED system, which illuminates in vibrant colours at night. The interior’s bright, ultramodern design lets in ample natural light and serves as a backdrop for the immersive experiences, and can welcome 120 people an hour.
The Emirates Pavilion is open every day during Expo 2020 Dubai from 10am to 10pm.
The unveil of the new Bloomsbury’s store under the franchise model represents the first in the bakery and artisan café venture for Airinz…reports Asian Lite News
UAE’s home-grown boutique café and artisan bakery brand Bloomsbury’s is further expanding its presence across UAE, by recently entering a strategic alliance with Airinz, a restaurant management company, to scale the brand and further the segment. Bloomsbury’s, a brand with a proven business model by Abu-Dhabi based Tablez Food Company, inaugurated the first franchised store of this much-loved brand with Airinz, amidst much fanfare at Dubai’s foremost iconic mall Al Ghurair Centre.
Bloomsbury’s cafe and bakery
The unveil of the new Bloomsbury’s store under the franchise model represents the first in the bakery and artisan café venture for Airinz. The partnership is a result of the rising demand of the sector, a lucrative business, functional and operational model with unmatched corporate support and commitment, making it possible for Airinz to plug into a streamlined business with fully automated functions.
As part of the franchise agreement, Tablez will continue to forefront the brand building and marketing activities, product R&D and supply chain management for the new store in addition to staffing and operations. Airinz will play the lead role in fulfilling the evolving needs of the market and expanding the business in the region to meet new untapped opportunities.
MS. SABNA MOHAMED, CEO, AIRIZ RESTAURANT COMPANY: “We are delighted to partner with Tablez Food Company for – Bloomsbury’s at Al Ghurair Centre. Being a mature business model, it was an easy decision to invest into a franchise for a brand I truly believe in. We felt there is an opportunity for a café concept to be positioned within the mall that is approachable, affordable, one that is constantly evolving to stay relevant with consumer needs and stands for quality and excellence. The stature and reputation enjoyed by Tablez Food Company makes for an excellent partnership between both parties. We are excited about this venture and look forward to scaling the brand regionally.”
Additionally, Bloomsbury’s also aims to cater to the ‘delivery only’ market for sweet treats and affordable casual dining meals through its dedicated online platform and brand kitchen that delivers all orders in less than 60 minutes. The chef driven recipes are created from scratch using the finest ingredients available seasonally. Under the franchise model of Bloomsbury’s, every franchise unit will also be able to take advantage of the e-commerce platform, an additional channel to drive sales to their respective units via catchment deliveries. The brand continues to invest in its online marketplace that will host a range far and beyond its core offerings to include retail products, gift hampers and much more to fulfill market needs.
SHAFEENA YUSSUF ALI, FOUNDER, CEO, TABLEZ FOOD COMPANY: “We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Airinz. Our aim is to continue reaching new customers and members and our franchise alliance with Airinz is an example of how our new model can flex to work across different locations, tapping into new segments and fulfilling customer demands. The brand aims to expand horizons through the store at Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai. We also aim to franchise the brand further and ensure that it meets its full potential of serving customers in UAE.”
Bloomsbury’s stores are located in Al Ghurair Centre in Dubai and Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. The café and bakery serves a range across viennoiseries, cakes, cupcakes, cookies & desserts, brownies, Keto & sugarfree products including all day dining. Online delivery is available throughout Dubai and Abu Dhabi on www.bloomsburys.ae and all delivery platforms such as Zomato, Talabat, etc. Newly registered users on the website get 25% off on their first transaction and additionally they get loyalty benefits as well with each transaction made on the website, that can later be exchanged for cash on all subsequent orders for being returning patrons
UAE’s forward-looking vision and strong human resources were among the key factors in ensuring the success of country’s digital transformation programmes…reports Asian Lite News
UAE’s forward-looking vision and strong human resources were among the key factors in ensuring the success of country’s digital transformation programmes, according to experts.
They pointed out the vital role of a robust infrastructure, service providers and IT services in facilitating the digital transformation journey of public and private sector enterprises.
The opinion was shared by a number of participants who convened for the second edition of the NexTech technology dialogue series, organised by Sahab Smart Solutions, in partnership with the Sharjah Digital Office on Monday. Titled ‘The Future of Information Officers’, this edition was hosted at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and comprised four discussion sessions, which focused on empowering Chief Information Officers (CIOs) with knowledge of latest trends and challenges in the ICT sector.
The forum highlighted emerging digital strategies and technological advancements vital for public sector institutions to improve their internal processes and end-user services, in addition to investing in qualified cadre who would handle the entities’ big data analysis to elevate and customise their digital strategies.
Amin Al Zarouni, CEO of Sahab Smart Solutions, said, “The second edition of NexTech’s discussions covers several vibrant topics in the technology sector ranging from the future of CIOs and Chief Digital Officers (CDOs), and explores the impact managed IT services can create for enterprises and their ambitions to innovate and excel in the digital front. The event also identified the growing importance of unique tech tools, such as the establishment of Digital Excellence Centres as a platform which IT leaders can benefit from within their digital transformation strategies.”
UAE flag
He added, “The world is progressively becoming digital, and CIOs have become one of the most vital components that help businesses and enterprises navigate forward through some of the complex challenges that arise from this sector. That said, NexTech functioned as a key guide to present the wide range of opportunities which present and future CIOs can benefit from through their mission of establishing digital excellence through transformation projects.”
During the event, Abdelrahim Al Zarouni, Business Development Manager at Sahab Smart Solutions, noted that as the world ushers in the post-COVID era, enterprises who are eager to lead the digital front and stay ahead of competition and exceed expectations of their stakeholders and customer base, will require the necessary guidance to explore the limitless opportunities the technology map has to offer.
'Natural gas to play pivotal role in UAE's economic growth'
Natural gas is set to play a pivotal role in powering economic growth in the UAE over the next 50 years…reports Asian Lite News
Natural gas is set to play a pivotal role in powering economic growth in the UAE over the next 50 years, according to Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Delivering the opening address of Gastech 2021, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the UAE’s leadership in natural gas and said “natural gas will support the nation’s vision for economic growth as set out by the Leadership in the ‘Principles of the Fifty’.”
UAE flag
“The Principles of the Fifty is a mandate for progress driven by 10 guiding principles aimed at making the UAE the most dynamic economy in the world. Gas will play a pivotal role in this blueprint for growth, as the essential fuel stock for our downstream hub in Ruwais and our industrial joint venture, TA’ZIZ,” Dr. Al Jaber said.
Speaking virtually, he explained that the UAE is strengthening its position as a regional leader in natural gas and the emerging blue Hydrogen market. He attributed this leadership position to the foresight of the Founding Founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognised the enormous potential natural gas offered and the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
“Our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to the environment and truly sustainable development was the key driver. In 1973, at his direction, ADNOC stopped burning the associated gas from all its operations, and instead captured it and shipped it.
“In short,” Dr. Al Jaber added, “we turned an environmental liability into a commercial opportunity. From that moment, when it came to gas, we never looked back. For almost fifty years the UAE has viewed gas in all its forms as one big opportunity, and we’ve built our gas business on a number of firsts.”
He pointed out that the country was the first in the region to stop flaring and find economic uses for gas, the first to build a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant, the first to produce ultra-sour gas at an industrial scale, and the first to store carbon dioxide and use it in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) to liberate more gas.
The UAE is on track to achieve gas self-sufficiency as ADNOC leverages advanced technologies to expand into unconventional gas, tap into gas caps and unlock new reservoirs, as part of the company’s integrated gas strategy launched in 2018.
“At the heart of this goal, is the expansion of our producing assets, like Shah and the development of new ones, like the unique Umm Shaif gas cap and the Hail, Ghasha and Dalma project,” Dr. Al Jaber stated, as he provided an update on ADNOC’s progress.
“Construction of artificial islands is underway and we are leveraging our experience in world-class developments to ensure costs are minimized and commercial benefits maximized for all our partners. Together, these projects will deliver over 3 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, enough to power several million homes.”
‘Natural gas to play pivotal role in UAE’s economic growth’
He went on to share his perspectives on natural gas markets and the role natural gas will play in the energy transition.
“As the world consolidates its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, LNG and broader gas markets globally are tightening, with demand outpacing supply. Longer-term, the outlook is also robust, driven particularly by markets in Asia. Today, gas provides almost one-quarter of the world’s energy supply and will continue to play a critical role in the global energy system. No other fuel source can reliably supply the baseload power to heat and cool homes, drive heavy industry and expand economies, all while keeping emissions at a minimum.”
Dr. Al Jaber added that as innovations are helping to make gas even cleaner and more sustainable, the UAE is applying technology to create zero-carbon fuels from gas such as Hydrogen. “Already at ADNOC, we produce about 300,000 tons of hydrogen a year. By leveraging our existing gas infrastructure and commercial-scale CCUS capabilities, the UAE can and will become a major player in the emerging blue hydrogen market.”
With less than 10 days to go until it opens its doors to the world, Expo 2020 Dubai today launched its official song…reports Asian Lite News
Titled, “This Is Our Time,” the song highlights pride in the UAE’s culture, celebrates the future and brings together nations from around the world, while conveying the story of Expo’s overarching theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” through the universal language of music.
The song features Hussain Al Jassmi, one of the UAE’s biggest artists and Expo 2020 Ambassador, accompanied by Lebanese-American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mayssa Karaa, who is also Artistic Director of Expo’s all-female Firdaus Orchestra, as well as 21-year-old Emirati singer-songwriter Almas, named in Spotify’s Best Female Talent in the Middle East.
Expo 2020 Dubai
Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Experience Officer at Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “World Expos bring people together, and we are pleased to welcome a collection of incredible talents to lend their voices to the official Expo 2020 Dubai song – combining the past, present and future, and providing an inspiration to all. In less than 10 days, we look forward to welcoming the world and creating once-in-a-lifetime memories for millions of visitors.”
Al Jassmi said, “This Is Our Time is a tribute to the UAE for all it has been, is today and will achieve in the years to come. It’s a song about pride, faith and unity, and I hope that it brings a smile to the faces of everyone who hears it, wherever they may be in the world. Being a part of such an iconic event in the UAE’s history is extremely exciting and rewarding.”
Almas, in turn, commented, “I’m so proud to be Emirati and play a role in a moment that will be forever part of my country’s history. The song is an embodiment of hope and the belief that collaboration will yield a better future for all.”
Karaa said, “It’s truly an honour to collaborate on this song with such phenomenal Arab talents. Expo 2020 is a significant moment for the entire Arab world and Arabs around the rest of the world. Through this song, I hope we can inspire people of all ages and from all walks of life to follow their dreams – the possibilities are endless.”
Meanwhile, Chief of Staff to the Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai said Expo 2020 Dubai is looking forward to bring together countries and communities to draft a roadmap for their future, by leveraging the participation of more than 200 countries and international organisations to enable participants and visitors to play a part in making a positive change.
Over six months, Expo 2020 Dubai’s ‘Programme for People and Planet’ will help achieve these objectives through 10 Theme Weeks, 18 International Days and more than 220 events – including forums, conferences and workshops – that explore key issues of global significance, Nadia Verjee, who is also responsible for the programme, said.
Expo 2020
“Spanning crucial topics including climate change, biodiversity and the future of healthcare and education, the programme is underpinned by the need for serious action, leveraging the convening power of Expo 2020 Dubai to support global efforts to enhance the quality of life for future generations,” she added.
Verjee stressed that Expo 2020 Dubai would showcase experiences and innovations from around the world, inspiring future generations to adopt solutions to global challenges and catalysing a one-of-a-kind movement to shape the legacy that Expo 2020 Dubai leaves the world.
“Our world continues to change rapidly, and we need to move forward and collaborate to keep pace with rapid developments.
“Expo 2020 Dubai is one of the first in-person global gatherings to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers the world a golden opportunity to work together to overcome future challenges,” Verjee said.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said Dubai’s position as a global economic capital has been supported by clear goals, flexibility and speed in responding to changes, as well as consistent legislative development, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Dubai is expected to record 3.1% economic growth in 2021 and 3.4% in 2022, according to the latest economic outlook announced by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED).
It said the economic growth for next year will be driven mostly by hosting of the 6-month long Expo 2020 Dubai, which is scheduled to start on October 1.
Meanwhile, effective management of pandemic, adaptability to change and economic support packages will pave way for accelerated growth, it added.
In a series of tweets, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, announced the growth projection and stated that Dubai has overcome the pandemic’s global shockwaves.
“Dubai has managed to overcome the consequences of the current exceptional global situation thanks to the directives and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, where the emirate’s economy is expected to achieve a growth of 3.1% this year, rising to 3.4% in 2022,” said Sheikh Hamdan.
“Our vision for the future is supported by loyal national energies. And strong partnerships with the world,” he added.
In a following tweet, he said: “Dubai’s position as a global economic capital has been supported by clear goals, flexibility and speed in responding to changes, as well as consistent legislative development. We have created an attractive investment environment for creative energies who match our ambitious path.”
Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development Sami Al-Qamzi said Dubai is a shining example of an economy that has rapidly and skillfully managed to move from a COVID-19 induced closure and protection phase to recovery and growth.
“The Emirate has resumed its development journey guided by a strategic vision that seeks to enhance domestic demand and exports, open new markets, and attract investors and talent,” he said.
Al-Qamzi recalled the five consecutive stimulus packages that the Government of Dubai has launched during the period from March 2020 to September 2021, which contained a number of support measures, such as the suspension and reduction of various fees, reduction of customs duties, water and electricity bills, postponing rent payment, and cancelling fines.
Expo 2020 Dubai
The total financial cost of the five packages amounted to AED7.1 billion, or 1.6% of Dubai’s GDP. These packages came on top of economic support measures launched by the UAE Federal Government, including the ‘Targeted Economic Support Scheme’ that the Central Bank of the UAE launched in March 2020 to ease the financial burden on firms and help many of them to avoid bankruptcy.
Al Qamzi pointed out that growth is expected to accelerate in 2022 and reach 3.4%, driven by the continuous recovery of activities that were most affected by the pandemic, such as tourism and international transport, which will also benefit from Expo 2020 activities in the first months of 2022.
Earlier, Sheikh Hamdan stated that rapid response measures from the government and decisive adaptive changes in the face of COVID-19 have enabled Dubai to successfully contain the pandemic and maintain its robust economic growth.
Meanwhile, the UAE has ranked the first Arab country, 3rd among 27 emerging global economies, and 23rd globally among 123 countries in the Future Readiness Index report, issued by the Portulans Institute in partnership with Google.
The report commended the UAE’s performance on the future readiness indicators, where it ranked third among 27 emerging economies representing the best performance on the overall index.
The index measures four main pillars namely, institutions and infrastructure, technology, talent, and innovation. The main pillars include 15 sub-pillars that monitor governments’ ability to prepare for the future, embrace digital transformation, invest in human capital, attract talent, and invest in research and development, among others.
Compared to the 27 emerging economies on the index, the UAE achieved leading positions in the four main pillars, ranking second in both “Institutions & Infrastructure” and “Talent” pillars, third in “Technology” and fourth in “Innovation”, making it ahead of China, Russia and India.
The award highlights the significant role that librarians play in instilling reading and enhancing the educational process…reports Asian Lite News
The search is on for the UAE’s top school librarians with the return of the prestigious annual School Librarian of the Year Award. Now in its sixth year, the award is given by the The General Secretariat of Executive Council of Dubai and Emirates Literature Foundation to those individuals who have shown exceptional commitment in championing literacy in their schools and sharing their passion for books. It will be awarded in two categories, school librarians working in public (government) schools in the UAE and school librarians working in private schools in the UAE.
UAE flag
The year award is now open for nominations and will close on 10 November 2021. The winners will be announced in February 2022.
SHUMOUS BIN FARIS, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR AT THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT, EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF DUBAI AND COORDINATOR OF READING INITIATIVES, DUBAI: “We believe in the role of reading. It enriches our culture, and our students have so much to gain from books, in all fields of knowledge. That’s why we continue to support the award since its launch. And we continue to instill the habit of reading in future generations, especially as our students go back to the corridors and libraries of their schools.”
“The role librarians play in encouraging reading has never been more important than in the last 18 months, where the pandemic has meant that many children have been learning from home for long periods of time,” said Isobel Abulhoul, OBE, CEO and trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation. “Many of our school librarians have gone above and beyond in imparting their enthisuisam and by making sure that their students have had the right books to enable them to flourish during this uncertain time. This has not only been important for their education, but also in making them appreciate the huge benefits reading can have on our wellbeing, offering escape, insight and entertainment.” ALSO READ:Jumeirah Group launches UAE National Internship Programme
Nominations
Nominations can be put forward by any individual, including colleagues, head teachers, students, governors and parents. Self-nominations are also welcome and encouraged. Librarians will be assessed by a panel of judges through a sifting process and the shortlisted nominees will be visited in their school libraries. All nominees will be offered Professional Development opportunities.
SLOY winners 2021
Eligibility Criteria
All schools are eligible, whatever their language, but nominations must be entered online in either Arabic or English. Shortlisted nominees from both public and private schools will be judged on the library’s role within the school and wider community in line with the following criteria:
• How does the library environment promote reading?
• Does the library make the best use of the resources available to it (including the physical library collection and use of technology)?
• What is the librarian’s, and the library’s role in raising academic and literacy standards in the school?
• How does the librarian promote reading for pleasure?
• What is the library’s role within the school and the wider community?
The closing date for nominations is 10 November 2021.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation
Minister Al Hashimy congratulated Guterres on his re-election as the UN Secretary-General for a second term…reports Asian Lite News
The United Arab Emirates delegation has met with the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Secretary-General Guterres discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and the UN.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation
Minister Al Hashimy congratulated Guterres on his re-election as the UN Secretary-General for a second term. In her capacity as the Director-General of Expo 2020, she also thanked him for the UN’s participation in the upcoming event.
The meeting was attended by Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Special Envoy for Climate Change; Sheikh Shakhbout Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN in New York; and Mohamed Abushahab, UAE Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York.
Youth will be able to explore the best inspiring innovations in all areas, including sustainable agriculture, artificial intelligence and robotics…reports Asian Lite News
Expo 2020 Dubai symbolises the hopes and aspirations of youth throughout the world and represents an inspiring platform for connecting minds and reinforcing international cooperation, Mansour Abdullah Khalfan Belhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK, has said.
In an interview with WAM, Belhoul stressed that hosting the Expo with the return to normalcy highlights the UAE’s cooperation with international partners in drafting the goals of the future, with a focus on overall sustainability, health and safety.
Mansour Abdullah Khalfan Belhoul
The bilateral ties between the UAE and the UK are witnessing progress in all areas, most notably in investment, trade, health, energy, education, space, food security and technology, he added.
It has been noted that the design of the British Pavilion at the Expo was inspired by the “Breakthrough Message” project of the late Stephen Hawking and will invite visitors from around the world to think deeply about the important message of expressing ourselves as one planet, he added.
The pavilion, which is located in the Opportunities Area, under the slogan, “Innovation for a Shared Future,” aims to showcase the scope of the UK’s cooperation with other countries in creating solutions to global issues.
On the role of the event in encouraging collective action, Belhoul highlighted the fact the Expo will host 200 participants from 192 countries, as well as many multilateral organisations, companies and educational establishments.
He noted that the post-COVID-19 era will impose a range of economic, development and cultural challenges that must be solved with international partners, noting some of these challenges are in line with the Expo’s pillars, which include opportunities, transport and sustainability.
On the Expo’s international role in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity, he affirmed that tolerance, coexistence and peace are values instilled in the Emirati community, which the country is keen to promote through interactions and collective work.
“As with the Emirates Mars Mission and the Hope Probe, Expo 2020 Dubai is the symbol of youths’ aspirations and their hopes for the future,” Belhoul said, stating its educational programme and the schools programme will witness a series of tours for school students from high schools and universities in the UAE and throughout the world.
Youth will be able to explore the best inspiring innovations in all areas, including sustainable agriculture, artificial intelligence and robotics, he added.
Speaking about climate change, which is a key pillar of Expo 2020 Dubai, he said climate change is a key challenge that requires a unified global response based on innovation, cooperation and inspiration, explaining that the UAE plays a pivotal role in this regard and has implemented many leading initiatives in the field of sustainability, such as hosting the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), organising Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, building the largest solar power plant in the world, and developing Masdar City.
The Chinese Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to receive around two million visitors writes Binsal Abdulkader
The Chinese Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to receive around two million visitors, a top executive of the Chinese Business Council (CBC) in the UAE said, adding that the global event will also help “attract more overseas enterprises to the UAE and open new opportunities for Chinese businesses in the Emirates.”
“As the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) is actively innovating new forms of participation for Expo 2020 Dubai, we are hopeful that the total number of visitors to the China Pavilion to reach two million during the 6-month long event,” Wang Guihai, Chairman of the CBC, told WAM in a virtual interview on Monday.
China expects 2mn visitors at its Expo Pavilion
However, he clarified that this was the estimate before the pandemic – under the normal circumstances, and the actual number may wary, if the pandemic-induced travel restrictions and conditions come up in future.
Still, he stressed that, “The UAE has achieved impressive vaccination record, and with the improvement of the situation and further relaxation of travel restrictions, we expect more Chinese tourists to visit the Expo.”
Millions to visit Expo virtually
About the new forms of participation, Guihai explained that the China Pavilion is building a “China Pavilion on the Cloud”, which will allow millions of Chinese and foreign audiences to visit the pavilion virtually.
The official website of the Chinese Pavilion will also provide live online broadcasting services to attract more online and offline visitors, he added.
“The Expo 2020 Dubai will help attract more overseas enterprises to the UAE, provide broader opportunities for Chinese businesses in the Emirates, enhance our bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and seek greater progress in pushing the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership forward to the new era,” affirmed CBC chairman.
Themed “Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind – Innovation and Opportunity”, the China Pavilion will integrate the global focus on innovation and opportunity, communication and cooperation, development and sustainability; and showcase the latest achievements and culture of China in various fields, including Chang’e-5 lunar exploration mission, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), high-speed rail and related theme films,” he explained.
New trends: manufacturing and high-tech market
Talking about the new trends among Chinese businesses in the UAE, Guihai said many Chinese businesses have started production and manufacturing in the UAE whereas they were mainly into import and re-export in the past.
“The UAE government attaches great importance to developing its manufacturing industry and initiated ‘Make it in the Emirates,’ with a series of preferential policies, which have provided much convenience for Chinese enterprises to manufacture products in the UAE,” he pointed out.
In addition, the UAE’s well-developed infrastructure, continuous investment in the field of education and scientific research, and its unique geographical location also give advantages for manufacturing in the UAE, added chairman of the CBC that has been working to support the development of Chinese enterprises in the UAE for the past 17 years.
The 180-member council also reinforce the mutual coordination and cooperation between Chinese institutions and companies in the UAE, promote communication between local governments and the business community, and expand cooperation between the two countries, he said.
At present, Chinese enterprises have achieved sound development in oil and gas, new energy, infrastructure, communications, finance, and other fields in the UAE, and are actively exploring the emerging high-tech market in the Emirates, said Guihai, who is also President of CNPC Middle East. As a senior technical expert in oil and gas industry with 30 years’ experience, he has worked successively in CNPC’s Daqing Oilfield, CNPC’s Sudan projects and Iraq projects.
More than 5,000 Chinese enterprises are in the UAE and many of them are doing the business across the Gulf region, he said.
“The bilateral economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has developed rapidly and thus offering huge opportunities.”
Expo 2020 Dubai
UAE is China’s largest export, investment destination in Arab world
“The UAE continues to remain China’s largest export market and investment destination in the Arab world. The Chinese investments in the UAE are mainly in energy, steel, building materials, construction machinery, hardware and chemicals,” Guihai said.
Talking about the 50th anniversary of the UAE, he said, “the Emirates has made remarkable achievements, including a series of economic development miracles in the past 50 years.”
In recent years, the economic cooperation between China and UAE has become closer and the UAE has actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative, the chairman pointed out.
The UAE-China cooperation in developing a digital currency will “effectively improve efficiency, reduce costs and risks of business activities between the two countries and serve as a catalyst for bilateral economic and trade exchanges.”
He was referring to the UAE Central Bank and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) joining the m-CBDC (Multiple Central Bank Digital Currency) project in February this year, which aims to promote the application and development of CBDC-type digital currency in cross-border payment.
