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DEWA, Stanford Uni to develop new system for PV production

It is the largest single-site solar park in the world using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model with a planned capacity of 5,000MW by 2030….reports Asian Lite News

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA), using its Space-D programme, has collaborated with Stanford University to develop an advanced system to forecast Photovoltaic (PV) production in the short term at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

It is the largest single-site solar park in the world using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model with a planned capacity of 5,000MW by 2030.

The new system reduces errors in the forecast to less than 10 percent. This supports DEWA’s efforts to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75 percent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, said a DEWA press release on Thursday.

The system uses modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, high-density cameras on the main satellite and a network of metrological stations to predict irradiance, dust and cloud movement, which can affect PV performance.

“We are collaborating with Stanford University at DEWA’s R&D Centre through our membership in the Energy 3.0 programme from the university. The R&D centre focuses on enhancing partnerships, especially among the academic community and harnesses all capabilities to anticipate the future, develop long-term proactive plans to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and innovate disruptive technologies to provide world-class services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai,” Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said.

Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, said that the collaboration also exchanges knowledge and experience to resolve critical energy issues worldwide, accelerate innovation, research and studies in advanced renewable and alternative energy.

“The R&D Centre supports DEWA’s efforts to overcome challenges in the energy sector when generating electricity from solar and clean energy. This supports the Centre’s goals to become a global platform for promising solutions that enrich the scientific community in the UAE and the world,” said Dr. Saif Saeed Almheiri, Vice President of Research & Development at DEWA.

“I am pleased and honoured to be able to collaborate with DEWA on this world-leading solar project. Improving the ability to forecast solar PV output will help not only Dubai but the entire world, as we shift increasingly to a clean solar-based economy,” said Prof. Adam Brandt, Associate Professor of Energy Resources Engineering at Stanford University.

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Dubai cops reach extreme emergency sites in 2.33 mins

These statistics were revealed during the Operations Department performance appraisal meeting, headed by the Major General Mohamed Saif Al Zafin…reports Asian Lite News

The Dubai Police’s emergency hotline 999 have received around 1.2 million calls during the second quarter of 2021, while the force’s non-emergency hotline 901 received 379,122 calls during the same period.

These statistics were revealed during the Operations Department performance appraisal meeting, headed by the Major General Mohamed Saif Al Zafin, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, in the presence of Major General Kamel Butti Al Suwaidi, Director of Operations, and several Dubai Police senior officers, according to a press release issued on Thursday.

The Emergency Hotline – 999 Officials of Dubai Police’ Command and Control Centre said, during the second quarter of 2021, Dubai Police’s emergency hotline 999 received 1,177,347 calls, of which 99.6 percent were answered within 10 seconds, compared to 1,094,373 calls received during the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the average time for police patrols to reach extreme emergency scenes was only 2.33 minutes, where the targeted response time was six minutes, and 10.17 minutes for emergency cases when the target was 15 minutes. Similarly, the average time for police patrols to reach non-emergency scenes was 10.45 minutes during the same period, where the targeted response time was 30 minutes.

The Non-Emergency Call Centre – 901 Furthermore, Dubai Police’s Commander-in-chief also reviewed the statistics of 901call centre, where the total number of received calls reached 168,949 calls during the second quarter – of those 94.42 percent were answered within 20 seconds.

At the end of the meeting, Al Marri called upon staff members to fulfil their job requirements in a timely and accurate manner, to improve business quality and performance to upgrade work standards to the highest levels. He also urged the public to understand the difference between 901 and the emergency hotline 999 and be more mindful of the calls they make to the hotline.

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Mohammed bin Rashid amends DHA law

The establishment of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation will contribute to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for medical and life sciences…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (13) of 2021 establishing the Dubai Academic Health Corporation, and Law No. (14) of 2021 amending some clauses of Law No. (6) of 2018 pertaining to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

According to Law No. (13), the Dubai Academic Health Corporation aims to advance health services in Dubai through a new academic system that integrates healthcare, medical education and scientific research. The Corporation aims to improve the efficiency, quality and accessibility of Dubai’s healthcare services in accordance with the highest standards and best practices. It will also seek to strengthen Dubai’s leadership in academic education and scientific research in the fields of medicine and health sciences, as part of the broader strategy to strengthen the knowledge economy.

The other key goals of the Corporation include attracting and retaining medical and research talent, enhancing Emiratisation in various healthcare fields and providing a supportive environment for scientific and clinical research. It will also work to enhance the capabilities of Dubai’s healthcare sector to prevent and treat diseases and epidemics.

The Dubai Academic Health Corporation is tasked with managing and operating health facilities including hospitals, primary healthcare centres, specialised care centres, medical fitness centres, and public health and occupational health centres, either directly or through contracted third parties. The Corporation will provide curative and preventive healthcare services and medical fitness and occupational health examination services across Dubai and in special development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Furthermore, the Corporation will develop the services and programmes of its health facilities so that they can obtain international certifications. It will also develop educational and professional programmes for healthcare personnel and promote strategic public-private sector partnerships to meet its objectives.

The establishment of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation will contribute to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for medical and life sciences, a healthcare and medical tourism destination and a leading centre for medical education, research and scientific innovation.

According to the Law, the following entities will integrate and form the new Corporation once the Law is issued and published in the Official Gazette: DHA’s Dubai Healthcare Corporation, including the hospitals and organisational units under it; the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dubai Dental Hospital; Al Jalila Foundation; Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, and any other entities mandated to be part of the Corporation as per legislations issued by the Ruler of Dubai. The above entities will retain their legal status as specified in the legislations and regulations governing their activities for a period of six months starting from the date of issuance of the Law.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also issued Law No. (14) of 2021 amending clauses (2), (5), (6), (9), (10), and (11) of Law No. (6) of 2018 pertaining to the Dubai Health Authority. The amendments replace the clauses in the original Law relating to DHA’s objectives and tasks and the responsibilities of DHA’s Director-General, subsidiaries and executive team.

Clauses (7) and (8) of Law No. (6) of 2018 will be annulled, in addition to any legislation that may contradict this law.

Law No. (13) and Law No. (14) of 2021 are effective from their date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

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Dubai steps up plans for digital transformation

The framework aims to create a secure digital environment by establishing cybersecurity to protect data, information systems and the communication network…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Digital Authority (DDA) has held the first meeting with the four affiliated entities under its umbrella to discuss the unified vision for Dubai’s comprehensive digital transformation.

Hosted at the Dubai Statistics Centre, the meeting, chaired by Hamad Al Mansoori, Director-General of DDA, was attended by Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre; Arif Obaid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Dubai Statistics Centre; Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data Establishment, and Wesam Lootah, CEO of Smart Dubai Government Establishment.

During the meeting, the representatives discussed the framework of DDA and its entities during the next phase, and the mechanisms for digitalising life in Dubai through providing an integrated and innovative smart services ecosystem that would contribute to building a pioneering digital economy for the emirate.

The framework aims to create a secure digital environment by establishing cybersecurity to protect data, information systems and the communication network, thereby preserving the wealth of data that Dubai has achieved over the years.

Ultimately, the framework has the goal of ensuring the happiness and well-being of members of our society through the use of digital technologies.

The meeting also discussed the importance of partnership with various institutions and companies working in the field of technology, as well as with academic institutions in the emirate, with collaboration being an important pillar of DDA to ensure integration in the plans to make Dubai a fully digital city.

Al Mansoori confirmed that the four entities of the authority will work together and in line with Dubai’s strategy to accelerate the rate of digitialisation.

He affirmed that they will collaborate to meet the visions and aspirations of our wise leadership and ensure the transition of Dubai into a globally leading digital hub, by adopting innovation and best practices and by providing a safe environment for all systems and tools that support this transformation.

Al Mansoori explained that the authority is currently working on developing its strategies and digital projects to ensure high efficiency in government performance, enabling government agencies to automate their internal and external operations, as well as services and activities, thus enhancing people’s confidence and dependence in Dubai’s digital services.

The meeting also saw the presentation of operational plans aimed at frameworking the strategic objectives for digitialising life in the emirate, which are to meet the needs and requirements of the new digital transformation, enhance the digital economy, qualify digital human competencies, preserve Dubai’s digital wealth and transform Dubai into a city entirely managed by smart digital transactions.

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Record increase in private-jet movements in Dubai

The top four destinations that contributed to the increase during H1 2021 were Russia, India, the Maldives and Turkey…reports Asian Lite News

Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH), based in Dubai South, announced that private-jet movements continued their impressive growth in 2021, with more than a 346 percent increase in H1 2021, reaching 8,088 compared to 1,811 in H1 2020 and 3,056 in H1 2019.

The top four destinations that contributed to the increase during H1 2021 were Russia, India, the Maldives and Turkey, according to an MBRAH statement on Wednesday.

Tahnoon Saif, CEO of MBRAH, said, “The booking velocity is attributed to a diverse range of factors, including the Dubai government on one hand, which has been extremely active in working with all sectors to successfully instil confidence, empower businesses and foster development. On the other hand, Dubai, given its quick recovery post-pandemic, proved to be the ideal destination for tourism, living, and, most importantly, conducting business.

“The continuous growth in jet movements is a testament to the farsighted leadership that ensured the emirate emerged as one of the most resilient cities in the world. Furthermore, the stringent protocols pertaining to the hygiene and safety measures that we have taken paved the way to enticing international travellers to visit Dubai,” Saif said.

He added, “At MBRAH, we will spare no effort in consolidating Dubai’s position on the global travel map. We are truly dedicated to setting in place the required ecosystem for our valued passengers, leaving no room for error; their safety is part and parcel of our mandate, and, thus, we will deliver what we promised.”

MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading private-jet companies and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is home to maintenance centres as well as to training and education campuses and seeks to strengthen engineering industries.

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Dubai ruler inaugurates series of new road networks

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said “UAE continues to implement strategic initiatives that support the country’s aspirations for the next 50 years and boost the competitiveness of its vital sectors.”…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated a series of road networks and strategic development projects implemented with the aim of shortening the distance and transportation time between various regions and emirates in the country.

Completed at a total cost of AED1.95 billion, the projects are part of vital development initiatives that are expected to facilitate commercial growth and encourage domestic tourism.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said “UAE continues to implement strategic initiatives that support the country’s aspirations for the next 50 years and boost the competitiveness of its vital sectors.”

He said the country’s infrastructure projects are designed to provide an environment where both individuals and institutions can achieve their fullest potential.

“We are constantly seeking to implement new strategic projects that can generate economic value by more closely integrating various regions in the country, enhancing productivity and creating fresh investment prospects, which in turn can bring new opportunities for the country’s people and institutions,” he stated.

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“Our infrastructure initiatives aim to strengthen the country’s status as a global model for sustainable development and provide its people with a quality of life that rivals the world’s best,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

Featuring a total gross road length of 112 kilometres, the road projects inaugurated include a network of tracks, roads, intersections and bridges in three main axes.

The first axis, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, is a new route that represents an extension of the Sheikh Khalifa Road (E84) leading to the Emirate of Fujairah. This axis extends from the intersection of Sheikh Khalifa Road with Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102) and continues through the Mleiha area and Al Madam area in the Emirate of Sharjah and ends in the Al Shuwaib area in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The 52 km route has three lanes in each direction, with a design speed of 140 km/h.

The second axis is Al-Watan Road, which represents a direct connection route between various regions, with three lanes in each direction, featuring a length of 42 km and a design speed of 120 km/h. This axis extends from the Hatta area, passing through the Masfout area in the Emirate of Ajman, the Almunaee area and the mountains of Wadi Al Qor in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and intersects with the first axis in the Mleiha area in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The third axis of the project is the Dubai-Hatta Road, which includes the development and improvement of the current Dubai-Hatta road between Nizwa and Al Madam areas within the Emirate of Sharjah, with three lanes in each direction instead of two lanes, at a speed of 120 km/h. The length of this lane is 18 km.

The road includes the construction of an upper crossing for vehicles in the Madam area and two bridges over the Madam roundabout. The project also includes the development of the current lower crossing leading to Al Nizwa area and the construction of four pedestrian bridges in the Madam area. The project aims to improve traffic safety and the flow of vehicles on the road.

ALSO READ: Dubai sees AED5.3 bn of weeklong real estate transactions

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Dubai sees AED5.3 bn of weeklong real estate transactions

102 plots were sold for AED628.89 million, 1,164 apartments and villas were sold for AED2.35 billion…reports Asian Lite News

A total of 1,705 real estate and properties transactions valued at AED5.3 billion were recorded in total during the week ending 8th July 2021, according to Dubai Land Department (DLD).

102 plots were sold for AED628.89 million, 1,164 apartments and villas were sold for AED2.35 billion, the DLD weekly report noted.

The top three transactions were a land in Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid sold for AED86 million, followed by a land that was sold for AED61 million in Island 2, and a land sold for AED86 million in Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid in third place.

Nad Al Shiba First recorded the most transactions for this week by 17 sales transactions worth AED39.06 million, followed by Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid with 16 sales transactions worth AED 204.95 million, and Jumeirah First with 12 sales transactions worth AED102 million in third place.

The top three transfers for apartments and villas were an apartment was sold for AED374 million in Marsa Dubai, an apartment was second in the list sold for AED216 million in Burj Khalifa, and thirdly it was an apartment sold for AED200 million in Palm Jumeirah.

The sum of the amount of mortgaged properties for the week was AED1 billion, with the highest being a land in Business Bay, mortgaged for AED250 million.

97 properties were granted between first-degree relatives worth AED984 million.

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DP World broadens logistics reach in Africa

This will enhance DP World’s capabilities, particularly in Africa, building on its extensive infrastructure of ports, terminals and economic zones….reports Asian Lite News

DP World announced an offer to acquire JSE-listed Imperial Logistics, an integrated logistics and market access company with operations mainly across the African continent and in Europe.

This will enhance DP World’s capabilities, particularly in Africa, building on its extensive infrastructure of ports, terminals and economic zones.

DP World’s cash offer of ZAR66 per share implies an equity consideration of around ZAR12.7bn (around US$890mn).

It represents a premium of 39.5 percent to the Imperial share price as of 7th July 2021 on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and a 34.2 percent premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price.

This transaction is subject to Imperial’s shareholder approval and other customary completion conditions including regulatory approvals.

Imperial is an integrated logistics and market access solutions provider with a presence across 25 countries, including a significant footprint in the high growth Africa market.

The Group focuses on fast-growing industries including healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals, industrial and commodities.

“The acquisition of Imperial will help DP World to build better and more efficient supply chains for the owners of cargo, especially in Africa,” said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World.

“Imperial’s operations are complementary to our network of ports, terminals and logistics operations on the continent. Like DP World, Imperial’s biggest asset is its people, and we look forward to welcoming employees of Imperial into the DP World team on successful conclusion of the transaction.”

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Dubai high-rise construction makes a comeback

The Business Bay tower will include an Olympic-size infinity pool and an outdoor winter cinema, the developer said in a stock exchange filing….reports Asian Lite News

Deyaar Development has revealed plans for a 1 billion dirham ($272 million) skyscraper in Dubai as high-rise construction in the emirate revives.

The Business Bay tower will include an Olympic-size infinity pool and an outdoor winter cinema, the developer said in a stock exchange filing.

Deyaar CEO Saeed Al-Qatami said the project would “set a new benchmark for high-end urban living in the heart of the city.”

Dubai developers have been encouraged to announce new projects amid rising demand for luxury real estate in parts of the emirate and despite a continuing glut of new homes due to be completed.

The developer, which is majority-owned by Dubai Islamic Bank, said units in its tallest ever project will be offered with a 10 percent down payment and a seven-year repayment plan.

Meanwhile, most economic and commercial activities in the UAE showed positive signs in May, recording their best performances since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighting the solid recovery of key sectors that support the national economy.

Registered activities in May 2021 suggested a growing demand, amidst signs suggesting that demand will further increase in the coming months.

Statistics from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC) reported increases in price indexes covering the seven sectors that constitute the UAE’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), led by the culture and entertainment sector, whose index rose to 106.36 points in May 2021, compared to 103.68 points in April.

The clothing and footwear sector recorded 115.02 points compared to 114.03 points during the same reporting period in April, while the food and beverage sector recorded 107.57 points in May compared to 106.82 points in April.

The other goods and services sector rose to 115.75 points from 114.77 points, including the restaurants and hotels sector rising to 115.85 points from 115.09 points, the health sector increased to 106.31 points from 106.17 points, and the transport services sector recorded 110.80 points, rising from 110.33 points.

The tobacco and education sectors also witnessed steady performances, while other indexes that comprise the CPI declined.

In light of these performances, the CPI in the UAE surged to 106.49 points in May 2021, a growth of 0.25 percent compared to April.

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Dubai ruler aims to leverage Dubai as first economy capital

Sheikh Mohammed recently approved the new Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers as part of efforts to enhance their contributions to Dubai’s economy…reports Asian Lite News

”Economy has priority in the next stage, and we must mobilise all our creative minds and our exceptional efforts to catapult Dubai’s economy to new heights,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

He was speaking during a meeting with the Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers after the major restructuring where he formed three entities – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Dubai Chamber of International Trade.

Sheikh Mohammed recently approved the new Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers as part of efforts to enhance their contributions to Dubai’s economy, and to catalyse Dubai’s economic transformation and further reinforce the city’s rise as a global business hub.

”Establishing a solid and prosperous economy is at the center of our priorities,” Shiekh Mohammed added.

“The global economy has undergone a tremendous change.. Dubai has developed and made great leaps.. Today we are the global capital of economy,” he further added. “Today, we are thinking about the next fifty years, and we are also thinking for future generations. This is a duty for all of us.”

“Our goal is to leverage Dubai as the first economy capital in the world,” he concluded.

The Board will work to create a comprehensive unified strategy for Dubai Chambers, set key priorities and objectives, propose major initiatives to advance Dubai’s strategic economic development, and ensure streamlined coordination and integration between the three chambers, the WAM reported.

The Board of Dubai Chambers seeks to accelerate the growth of the Dubai economy by promoting Dubai as a global business hub and attracting multinational companies. The Dubai Chamber of International Trade will represent and support the interests of local companies with international presence and international companies based in Dubai, it added.

It will also support Dubai’s vision to expand to new global markets, forge new economic partnerships and support local companies in achieving global success, while also attracting promising talent and investors from across the world

The Dubai Chamber of International Trade seeks to cover 30 international markets that are considered important markets for Dubai through promotional projects.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is tasked with launching projects and developing studies on the new future economy, as part of efforts to build the world’s best digital infrastructure and transform Dubai into an international technology hub.

With the objective of promoting the interests of technology companies and advancing the role of the digital economy in the emirate, the new chamber will build a network of relationships with local and international tech entrepreneurs and investment funds. It will also help draft legislations in Dubai and the UAE to create a growth-friendly environment for the digital economy.

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