Tag: emirate

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-Top News Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah unveils vibrant ‘Market Focus’ at LBF

The emirate is also being honoured as ‘Market Focus’, becoming the first representative of an Arab country to receive this honour, reports Asian Lite News

Sharjah will highlight the rich and vibrant legacy of Emirati and Arab literature and leading discussions on the current and future challenges impacting the global publishing sector at the 49th London Book Fair (LBF) taking place until 7th April.

The emirate is also being honoured as ‘Market Focus’, becoming the first representative of an Arab country to receive this honour.

Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman, Sharjah Book Authority

As part of Sharjah’s Market Focus programme, eminent authors and intellectuals will lead a robust programming agenda of 15 discussion panels, workshops and poetry recital sessions designed to highlight the thriving cultural heritage of the UAE during the 3-day event.

The eminent authors will include Omar Saif Ghobash, author and Assistant Minister of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation; Mohammad Al Murr, author and Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation; Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, novelist, writer, and Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; author Dubai Abulhoul; award-winning poet and researcher Khalid AlBudoor; and Emirati spoken-word poet Dr. Afra Atiq.

ALSO READ: Sharjah Showcases Cultural Talent

Khawla Al Mujaini, Director of Exhibitions and Festivals at Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and general coordinator of Sharjah’s Market Focus programme at LBF, emphasised that the Authority has designed a cultural agenda that will serve as a bridge between Arab and European cultures and showcase the Emirati literature movement in line with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

During its participation at LBF, Sharjah showcases the achievements of different cultural entities and initiatives that represent the emirate’s vision to promote the book industry and enrich the cultural movement in the UAE and the Arab world.

Participating entities at the Sharjah Market Focus pavilion include the Sharjah Book Authority – the entity that is overseeing Sharjah’s Market Focus programme agenda, Emirates Writers Union, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Emirates Publishers Association, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, Al Qasimi Publications, Sharjah Department of Culture, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, UAE Board on Books for Young People, University of Sharjah, Kalimat Group, House of Wisdom, Knowledge without Borders and the 1001 Titles initiative.

Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman, Sharjah Book Authority
Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

UAE prepares for weekend switch

UAE prepares for weekend switch

The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) has announced that starting from 1st January, 2022, there will be a change in the official working system at its offices and customer happiness centres…reports Asian Lite News

The new working days will be from Monday to Friday, with the extension of the weekly holiday to be on Saturday, Sunday and half-a-day of Friday, in line with the Dubai Government’s resolution, which is in accordance with the new system of the Federal Government.

UAE prepares for weekend switch

The corporation circulated the new announcement about changing its working hours at the level of employees and customers, in line with the direction of the Emirate of Dubai, which aligns with the vision of the UAE and aims to enhance its competitive position globally, especially in the economic and business sectors.

As of 1st January, the corporation will reduce the weekly working days from five days to four and a half days, from 7:30 until 15:30, except for Friday, which will be a half-working-day from 7:30 until 12:00.

The Corporation will implement these timings in its offices and customer happiness centers in its departments and its affiliated authorities, represented by the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees, the Dubai Maritime City Authority, the Dubai Ports Authority, the Marine Agency for Wooden Ships, and the Security and Investment Departments.

The Corporation affirmed the continuation of work in the contact centre 800990 around the clock, seven days a week, to receive inquiries and comments from the customers of the PCFC, its business units and from the society in general, to ensure its presence to serve them according to their needs and requirements.

Dubai Chamber

Dubai Chamber has announced that it will shift to a 4.5-day working week starting 3rd January, 2022, in a move that falls in line with a newly approved work week for UAE federal government employees.

The official working hours will be 9 working hours per day Monday-Thursday, from 8:00 until 17:00, and four working hours on Friday (8:00-12:00).

ALSO READ: UAE begins next 50 with major plans

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources proposed the new workweek following comprehensive benchmarking and feasibility studies reflecting potential impacts of the move on the economy, social and family ties and the overall wellbeing of people in the UAE.

Currently, the Chamber offers 50 smart services to Dubai’s business community through its website and mobile applications. These services cover everything from certificates of origin, attestation, ATA Carnets and credit reports, economic research, market intelligence, policy advocacy, business mentorship, business matching, mediation, to training, seminars and workshops related to e-commerce, startups, sustainability, CSR, legal matters and international expansion.

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Arab News UAE News World

Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah receives Mayor of Rotterdam

Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah receives Mayor of Rotterdam

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah received yesterday evening, Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received yesterday evening, Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam, in the presence of Lody Embrechts, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE, along with the delegation accompanying them.

Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah receives Mayor of Rotterdam

The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah welcomed the guest and exchanged with him talks about promoting cooperation relations between the Emirate and the city of Rotterdam at various levels.

ALSO READ: RAK economy set for healthy post-pandemic growth

For his part, the Mayor of Rotterdam expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah for his warm welcome and hospitality.

  • Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah receives Mayor of Rotterdam
  • Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah receives Mayor of Rotterdam
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-Top News Arab News UAE News

RAK economy set for healthy post-pandemic growth

The agency expects a broad-based recovery in RAK, supported by increased demand for RAK’s mining sector as global demand picks up…reports Asian Lite News

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) can look forward to a surging economy post-pandemic, with growth expected to return to around 2.5% between 2021-2024 – that is the assessment of credit rating agency S&P Global in its latest rating report for the emirate released this week.

Awarding the emirate a rating of A-/Stable/A-2, S&P Global says that its forecast is predicated on the expectation that RAK’s government will continue to maintain its prudent fiscal stance over the next two years, with its optimistic growth assessment supported by the relatively high levels of wealth generated by Ras Al Khaimah’s diversified economy.

S&P Global also points to the success of local and federal initiatives in combating the pandemic as a factor for a positive economic outlook, highlighting those new cases of COVID-19 and related deaths have been low in the UAE compared to the rest of the region and globally.

“This is extremely good news for Ras Al Khaimah, with S&P Global’s latest credit rating report injecting new confidence into the economy. The positive outlook is a result of fiscal prudence and also of the progressive measures we have taken over the years to diversify our economy. It can also be attributed to the strong local and national efforts to address Covid-19, with the UAE having fully vaccinated about 85% of its population so far,” commented an official spokesperson from the Government of Ras Al Khaimah.

S&P Global estimated RAK’s economic growth at 3% in 2021, with the first half of the year showing a strong rebound from 2020, buoyed by real estate transactions, mining volumes, cargo trade, and tourist arrivals.

ALSO READ: UAE, Bahrain Cement Ties

In the near term, the agency expects a broad-based recovery in RAK, supported by increased demand for RAK’s mining sector as global demand picks up. They highlighted increased demand from Stevin Rock, one of the largest quarrying companies in the world, which is supplying rock to build artificial islands for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s Al Hail and Al Ghasha gas projects, which produce gas from the Al Hail and Al Ghasha offshore concessions, as well as the contract the company signed in April 2021 to supply material for the construction of Etihad Rail’s, the developer of the UAE’s National Rail Network, rail network from RAK to Abu Dhabi.

S&P Global also pointed to Ras Al Khaimah’s position in the federation as an inherent strength underpinning stability. The agency said that its rating assessment takes into account the government’s low revenue base supported by UAE federal expenditure within the emirate, stating that the advantages of UAE membership include low external risks and the likelihood that the UAE would provide support to RAK if needed.

Categories
-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

‘Abu Dhabi energy sector to achieve sustainable development’

DoE has taken many initiatives to involve society and spread awareness about the significance of energy, water and natural resources…reports Asian Lite News

Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), has said that the energy sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is moving towards developing its potential, thanks to the support and directives of the wise leadership.

“We aim to increase the efficiency of the energy system, secure the supplies, and contribute to preserving the environment in a way that will help achieve sustainable development goals and provide further opportunities in support of the national economy,” he added.

Awaidha Al Marar,

In a statement to mark the World Energy Day celebrated every year on 22nd October, Al Marar said that DoE has adopted a number of policies and plans that aim to help achieve the goals of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. “We want to boost the efficiency of the energy and water sector and improve the quality of its services. In addition, we want to find innovative solutions to monitor consumption, enhance clean and renewable energy, increase its contribution in the energy mix of Abu Dhabi, as well as preserve natural resources from waste to meet the current and future demand,” he said.

Preserving the environment and achieving sustainability of resources are of key significance to Abu Dhabi’s energy sector, he said, adding that it will also help lessen carbon emission and contribute to UAE’s climate and environmental commitments.

ALSO READ: ‘Providing citizens with decent life UAE’s top priority’

DoE has taken many initiatives to involve society and spread awareness about the significance of energy, water and natural resources.

“The World Energy Day is an important opportunity to cooperate and find practical solutions that will help build an integrated model for deploying the sector’s capabilities in societal development and contribute to the UAE’s journey for the next 50 years and build a sustainable future for next generations,” he added.

Categories
-Top News Technology UAE News

du records major milestone as 5G becomes fastest in UAE

du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has recorded a significant milestone in its 5G rollout strategy to date…reports Asian Lite News

The telco provider’s 5G network has become the fastest in UAE. This achievement is the result of du’s efforts to drive the 5G agenda in recent times, with huge investments allocated to develop the 5G network, enhance performance and efficiency, and ensure customers avail the very best communication services.

5G is fundamental for enhancing the telecommunications sector and raising the country’s global competitiveness, with sustainable infrastructure advancements and world-class connectivity for all topmost priorities. Today’s announcement reaffirms du’s commitment to driving the 5G agenda, and the telco provider now anticipates achieving 90 percent nationwide population coverage by the end of 2021 with the UAE’s fastest 5G network.

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO, EITC, said, “5G is a key enabler to support telecommunications sector development, advance business sectors, and enhance the UAE’s position in various global competitiveness indicators. Today, as we announce these prestigious accomplishments, du is proud to be catering to the needs of our customers, communities, and country through the fastest and most capable 5G network in the UAE. In line with our continuous efforts to improve national digital infrastructure and ensure all segments of the UAE avail the best experiences in the world of communication, we pledge to continue building on recent progress and deliver even greater value moving forward. Our ambition of network coverage for 90 percent of the UAE population ultimately means that more individuals and companies are benefiting from the capabilities and potential of this technology.

“The prestigious position of du’s 5G network in terms of median throughput has also been reaffirmed for six months running with Q2 and Q3 2021 independent 5G benchmarking reports conducted by independent entities.”

ASLO READ: UAE pledges to work closer with African nations

Al Hassawi added, “Our efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of our network have resulted in us delivering the fastest network speeds in the UAE, which is a testament to our commitment to providing the best connectivity experiences for our customers across the country. We look forward to continuing with these efforts and expanding 5G coverage to all residents of the UAE in the near future.”

Backed by a comprehensive roadmap for success, du’s ‘on our network, your experience is always exceptional’ campaign has demonstrated efficiency, effectiveness, and robustness since its introduction, building confidence and showcasing reliability at key moments in consumer’s daily routines.

Categories
-Top News Ajman World

Ajman celebrates the world’s Greatest Show

Ajman celebrates the world’s Greatest Show

The official opening ceremony was also streamed live from the Ajman Corniche area…reports Asian Lite News

The emirate of Ajman participated in celebrating the launch of Expo 2020 by broadcasting the official opening ceremony live on big screens located at the Ajman Heritage District, with fireworks launched in sync with the kick-off of the world’s greatest show in Dubai.

The official opening ceremony was also streamed live from the Ajman Corniche area.

Expo 2020

The emirate of Ajman, through its governmental pavilion, is participating in this global event that includes more than 192 countries, all vying for showcasing the latest innovations and a wide array of cultures and arts to enrich the quality of the exhibition.

Adding to the evening’s magic, viewings took place at various locations in Umm Al Quwain, Yas Plaza in Abu Dhabi and across various locations in Ras Al Khaimah, including the Corniche, Al Marjan Island and Manar Mall.

The Fujairah Fort, which hosted a live broadcast, was accompanied by an evening of other festivities that include a mini village, folklore bands, traditional crafts, heritage displays and traditional food.

ALSO READ: THIS IS OUR TIME

Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Muwaiji, Chairman of the Ajman Chamber for Commerce and Industry, has stated that the UAE is reinforcing its leading position as a global pioneer in organising major international events, by hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, which represents qualitative shift in the country’s sustainable development journey.

ABDULLAH AL MUWAIJI, CHAIRMAN, AJMAN CHAMBER FOR COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY: “Thanks to the UAE leadership’s futuristic vision, Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as a key economic driver in the coming period, especially as it coincides with the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which created many challenges that required communities to utilise innovation to over and find effective solutions that will ensure the growth and development of the business and economic sectors,” he said.

Al Muwaiji then commended the efforts of the action teams and all entities involved in organising Expo 2020 Dubai.

EXPO 2020

Salem Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Chamber, stressed that Expo 2020 Dubai is a unique human gathering that will create incredible opportunities for all sectors to forge partnerships, make major strides, and connect minds from different cultures.

He then highlighted the chamber’s keenness to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai and introduce the world and the international business community to Ajman’s economic potential and investment opportunities, as well as showcase it as one of the world’s most competitive business hubs.

Al Suwaidi called on investors and business leaders to visit Expo 2020 Dubai to leverage from the endless opportunities it will provide.

Categories
-Top News Abu Dhabi Environment and WIldlife

First ever ‘Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species’ launched

First ever 'Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species' launched

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently launched the first ever Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species (AD-RLS), which is an assessment of the threat status of the emirate’s terrestrial and marine species….reports Asian Lite News

A total of 244 species were assessed, including 101 plants, 49 birds, 9 marine species, 32 terrestrial mammals, 25 invertebrates, 26 reptiles and 2 amphibians. Out of the 244 species assessed, 74 are under different threat categories, such as critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable.

First ever ‘Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species’ launched

“The Abu Dhabi Red List is a welcome addition to our knowledge on the threat status of species found in Abu Dhabi,” said Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’s Secretary-General. “The List is based on the internationally recognised Red List Criteria, developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the assessments of threat status have gone through extensive external review from a team of experts from the IUCN, the Red List Authority, and independent experts.”

Ahmed Al Hashmi, Acting Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, said, ‘‘The Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species has been long overdue, and it is an important addition to our understanding of the threats to the species in line with the global standards of IUCN.

First ever ‘Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species’ launched

“The Abu Dhabi Red List also complements the National Red List development undertaken by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and is consistent with the development of such lists at local, national and regional levels.”

ALSO READ: New species of Jurassic era hybodont shark discovered in Jaisalmer

EAD has undertaken some of the most ambitious and successful projects to reintroduce species that were on the brink of extinction such as the Arabian Oryx and Scimitar-horned Oryx, and Abu Dhabi now houses the largest herd of Arabian Oryx in the world.

First ever ‘Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species’ launched

The Shaikh Zayed Network of 13 terrestrial and six marine protected areas, managed by the Agency, provides protection to some of the most threatened and important terrestrial and marine species and their habitats.

Furthermore, EAD has a plant nursery with a production capacity of nearly 500,000 plants annually and has more than 70 different native plant species propagated to date. These plant species include many rare and threatened species and are used for habitat restoration efforts across the Emirate.

First ever ‘Abu Dhabi Red List of Wildlife Species’ launched

The Agency has successfully rehabilitated important plant species such as the Al Sarh, Ghaf and Samar trees in their natural habitat to ensure that they continue to remain part of the Emirate’s landscape and its cultural heritage.

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Education Events UAE News

Jumeirah Group launches UAE National Internship Programme

JG Internship

Designed for third- and fourth-year university students, the programme provides hands-on training across all disciplines, nurturing local talent in the tourism and hospitality sector…reports Asian Lite News

Jumeirah Group, the leading luxury hospitality provider and a member of Dubai Holding, has launched its UAE National Internship Programme to drive Emiratisation and nurture local talent to become future industry leaders and experienced innovators in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

JG Internship

Designed for UAE National undergraduates and under the guidance of Jumeirah Group’s world-class hospitality experts and teams, the programme offers participants hands-on training across several aspects and departments of the group’s hotel operations, before completing their dedicated training plan with a specific team. To further familiarise the undergraduates with the brand and the industry, Jumeirah Group’s Chief Human Resources Officer Ellen Dubois du Bellay recently hosted an afternoon tea at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where she equally shared insights about Jumeirah’s culture of uncompromising spirit, generosity, flair and diversity.

ALSO READ: UAE Minister Meets UN Chief

Commenting on the initiative, Muneera Al Taher, Senior Director of Human Resources and Emiratisation at Jumeirah Group shared: “At Jumeirah we are focused on attracting top talent, introducing new development programmes and supporting the growth of Emirati colleagues within the company. Upon completion of the UAE National Internship Programme, high performing trainees will be eligible to apply for the Group’s National programme, which has seen many UAE Nationals take on roles within the organisation and build successful careers in hospitality. We look forward to welcoming all participants and believe that their experience with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts will give them an enticing glimpse into this dynamic industry.”

Categories
Arab News Dubai UAE News

Union Coop to strengthen Emiratization

Union Coop to strengthen Emiratization

Union Coop affirms its commitment to increasing Emiratization rates in all its branches and centers…reports Asian Lite News

Union Coop – the largest consumer cooperative in the UAE, confirmed that it is committed to its strategic plan to increase the Emiratization rate in all its branches, centers and malls in Dubai, in order to achieve the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and ruler of Dubai, may Allah protect him, who recently said that providing jobs for Emiratis is a permanent priority in all sectors, and so is attracting and retaining the best national cadres, noting that the percentage of Emiratization of senior positions in Union Coop has reached more than 72% so far, as it has implemented many of the initiatives that attract qualified Emiratis.

Union Coop to strengthen Emiratization

 In detail, H.E. Khalid Humaid Bin Diban Al Falasi, CEO of Union Coop confirmed that Union Coop has made great strides in the field of Emiratization, based on the directives of the wise leadership of the country, and in support of enhancement of its wise future aspirations that are in the interest of the nation and its citizens, and the development of the skills of young Emiratis and their abilities to engage in the job market, pointing out that Union Coop seeks to recruit and train national cadres to support the march of success and excellence in the country, as ‘Emiratization’ is considered one of the most important strategic goals that it places at the forefront of its own individual goals as a leader in the field of retail trade.

He revealed the number of national employees working under the umbrella of the Union Coop, has reached 453 Emirati employees, as employment was not limited to just numbers, but rather sought to localize senior job positions, which reached more than 72% so far, because the best way to adopt the idea of Emiratization is to localize the jobs that have the decision. He continued: Union Coop has been able to occupy dominant positions in the private sector thanks to its provision of job opportunities for the Emirati youth, and jobs with clear and accurate descriptions that suit their academic qualifications, as the percentage of jobs that are subject to Emiratization after excluding expat employment has reached 37% so far, as a result of the dedicated efforts to attract qualified young Emiratis to work in Union Coop.

And he indicated that Union Coop is working to attract national candidates of all categories for many roles in some of its targeted professions, such as Cashier, Treasurer, Customer service coordinator, data entry, and in consumer happiness services, to ensure the fulfillment of job aspirations for national candidates, they have been educated, trained and guided, and offer an attractive work environment for them within its integrated system and in all its branches and centers spread in the Emirate of Dubai.

ALSO READ: UAE Cabinet approves ‘Principles of the 50’

He added that Union Coop has set Emiratization as a basic pillar and sought to achieve this goal through the implementation of several programs and projects to attract Emirati talents, including the open day recruitment events that target Emiratis, and increase the percentage of Emiratization for bachelor’s degree holders and a high school diploma holders, as it prepared itself with all seriousness to achieve this goal, by adopting a policy for Emiratization that is reviewed and updated periodically, indicating that it provides Emiratis with all the incentives that encourage them to enter the private sector.

Union Coop to strengthen Emiratization

Al Falasi called on Emirati job seekers to continue developing the skills required for jobs offered by the private sector, whether in Union Coop or other private companies, and to continuously develop self-affirmation and raise the name of the nation high, and to constantly search for opportunities in the private sector to meet its multiple needs and obligations, stressing that the need of correcting the youth’s view of working in the private sector, and the necessity of competing entities and companies in the private sector to compete in the process of Emiratization and attract national talent to contribute to creating sustainable job opportunities for them.