From 21 January, the airline will reinstate its Boeing 777 operations to Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Miami, Newark, Orlando and Seattle…reports Asian Lite News
As a result of telecommunication operators delaying the roll-out of 5G networks around US airports, the US Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing have issued formal notifications that lift the previous restriction on aircraft operations, enabling Emirates to safely restore full scheduled operations to all its US destinations by Saturday.
From 21 January, the airline will reinstate its Boeing 777 operations to Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Miami, Newark, Orlando and Seattle.
Emirates services to Los Angeles, New York JFK, and Washington DC remain unimpacted. Flights to Boston, Houston and San Francisco, on which the airline had temporarily deployed A380 aircraft on 20 and 21 January, will return to Boeing 777 operations on Saturday 22 January.
The airline also operates Boeing 777 freighter aircraft to Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Columbus and Aguadilla, carrying exports and essential cargo such as food and life-saving medicines and pharmaceuticals.
Earlier this week, Emirates suspended its services to some US destinations based on the FAA advisory and Boeing recommendations on possible interference between the 5G antennas and aircraft systems, as safety of operations is the top priority.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers by the temporary suspension of flights to some of our US destinations. Safety will always be our top priority, and we will never gamble on this front. We welcome the latest development which enables us to resume essential transport links to the US to serve travellers and cargo shippers. However, we are also very aware that this is a temporary reprieve, and a long-term resolution would be required. Emirates will continue to work closely with the aircraft manufacturers and relevant regulators to ensure the safety and continuity of our services.”
“We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding, and express appreciation to our teams and partners who have worked round the clock to minimise impact on customers and help us return to service quickly.”
Nicole Smith Ludvik on top Burj Khalifa (Credit: Nicole Smith Ludvik Instagram)
The advertisement for the Expo 2020 Dubai A380 flypast around Burj and Expo site took months of planning…reports Asian Lite News
The Dubai Emirates advertisement for Expo 2020 has received so much appreciation from people across the world, it had led the company to release its behind-the-scenes footage.
In the video, the carefully choreographed flypast involved the A380 flying at an altitude of only 2,700 feet, the exact height of Burj Khalifa. And the behind-the-scenes footage shows the planning, execution, and safety protocols that went into making it. It also shows stuntwoman and skydiver Nicole Smith-Ludvio preparing for the amazing stunt.
Nicole Smith Ludvik on top Burj Khalifa (Credit: Nicole Smith Ludvik Instagram)
For the shoot, the aircraft flew at a speed of 145 knots, while the average speed of an A380 is around 480 knots. But because of the low speed, the aircraft could efficiently fly around the Burj Khalifa, said the company. The aircraft flew 11 times in total, to get the expected shot for the advertisement.
During the planning of the advertisement, Emirates pilots, Flight Operation teams, Air Traffic Controllers, helicopter pilots, drone operators, and the filming teams, the Emirates marketing team, the Emaar team, regulatory teams as well as the UAE GCAA and DCAA discussed and worked closely every aspect and detail of the project. It included discussions around the risk factors, air traffic, areas overflown, and even an estimate of the potential of wind and weather conditions.
We did it again…only better! Watch behind the scenes to see how we took our A380 for a spin around the @BurjKhalifa for the making of our new advertisement. pic.twitter.com/cnjeeHc7VO
The pilots were also trained multiple times in A380 to ensure every visual reference point was covered and tested and every aspect was checked in prior.
In addition, the team closely liaised with Dubai ATC to ensure that all activity was protected by blocking the airspace through a Temporary Restricted Area during all of its holding patterns.
Dubai Expo A380 (Credit: Nicole Smith Ludvik Instagram)
The filming was conducted on October 13 and 14, 2021, and the timings of the flights were scheduled outside of the peak departures window at Dubai International as a further measure to reduce any risk.
The campaign will run in 12 languages, debuting across 19 countries covering TV, cinema, social and digital platforms. The advertisement is part of a wider USD 20 million commitment Emirates has made to build awareness and to attract more visits to Dubai Expo 2020 Dubai.
The airline has also promoted Expo 2020 Dubai, running until March 31, 2022, through several campaigns, including complimentary day passes for every ticket booked, earning Skywards Miles for time spent in Dubai during the Expo period, early-bird discounts, family and SME offers, amongst other special promotions.
Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace on Tuesday announced a new agreement with Manchester City, which establishes the legendary hotel as the Club’s Official Luxury Hotel Partner…reports Asian Lite News
The partnership will see the Emirates Palace brand featured across Manchester City’s facilities, including Etihad Stadium, its training ground, and the team’s training kit.
The hotel has previously been used by Manchester City’s first team as a base during warm weather training visits to the country. In addition, City Football Schools based in Abu Dhabi currently use the pitch facilities at the hotel to host educational and community sessions with children in the region.
“The partnership with Manchester City reinforces Emirates Palace’s position as the ultimate destination for sports, leisure and recreational facilities in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. With our FIFA-approved football pitch and other award-winning facilities, we are excited to be the training ground for the English Premier League Club and to host educational and training sessions for sports enthusiasts and children and of the region,” said Michael Koth, General Manager and Area Vice President Operations Middle East, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi.
In addition, as part of its community outreach programmes, Emirates Palace will continue to welcome Abu Dhabi-based City Football Schools to use the resort’s pitch facilities, and will host educational and training sessions for children of the region.
The flypast is being conducted to celebrate the UAE’s 50th Jubilee during the Emirates Dubai 7s…reports Asian Lite News
Emirates will be performing a low level flypast over the Sevens Stadium on 3 December between 1540-1545hrs DXB time with its special 50th anniversary livery. The flypast is being conducted to celebrate the UAE’s 50th Jubilee during the Emirates Dubai 7s.
Media and the general public will be able to take photos and videos of the flypast during that time along the aircraft’s flight path, but are also reminded to comply with GCAA safety guidelines to ensure no disruption to the aerial display.
Emirates Steel, the leading integrated steel manufacturer in the Middle East, takes part in in the 4th Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS 2021), the first global platform for shaping the future of the industrial sector…reports Asian Lite News
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the GMIS 2021 is currently held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo 2020 from 22nd to 27th November, 2021.
SAEED GHUMRAN AL REMEITHI
During its participation, Emirates Steel showcases its high-quality finished products including wire rods, rebars, heavy and jumbo sections, and sheet piles. The company also highlight its cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, optimized operations, processes, and latest innovations and digitalisation plans.
Under the general theme of the GMIS 2021 ‘Rewiring Societies: Repurposing Degitalisation for Prosperity’, Emirates Steel showcases its integrated digitalisation strategy, keeping pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and benefiting from its disruptive technologies. It aims to improve operations and performance in terms of sustainability, environment, energy efficiency, health and safety, supply chain, and other aspects related to increased productivity, enhanced quality, optimised assets utilisation, process improvement, cost savings and more.
Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of Arkan and CEO of Emirates Steel, participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Operation 300 Billion: Make it in the Emirates’ as part of the GMIS Day 2 agenda.
The discussions shed light on the national initiative ‘Operation 300bn’, the UAE’s Industrial Strategy, and its impact on developing the industrial sector and positioning the UAE as a global industrial hub by 2031, while increasing the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP from its current AED 133 billion to AED 300 billion.
Other topics included how the strategy will improve the UAE’s knowledge and innovation-based economy, serve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as the in-country value (IVC) programme and its role in supporting the UAE’s national industry and products.
SAEED GHUMRAN AL REMEITHI, GROUP CEO, EMIRATES STEEL: “Emirates Steel has always been at the forefront of capturing the latest digital transformation opportunities across its operation, from procurement of raw materials to steel production. As a major contributor to UAE’s economic diversification, we are pleased to participate at GMIS 2021, and we look forward to having more discussions on digitisation and innovation in the steel industry for more sustainable and green steel. We seek to make the most of the incredible capabilities of data management by adopting artificial intelligence solutions, accurately forecasting the best ways to operate plants and maintain their superior operating condition, while achieving the highest levels of asset availability and quality management, among others.”
Emirates Steel has recently completed its strategic combination with Arkan Building Materials Co. PJSC, which created the UAE’s largest steel and building materials company, which is listed at Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the symbol (ADX: ARKAN).
Emirates will showcase its four-class configured A380 at Dubai Airshow 2021, which will run from 14th to 18th November…reports Asian Lite News
The aircraft on display will feature the airline’s recently introduced Premium Economy Class cabin, in addition to refreshed interiors and enhancements across all cabins onboard its newest A380 aircraft.
Emirates to showcase four-class A380 at Dubai Airshow
Always a popular draw for aviation enthusiasts and trade visitors, Emirates’ latest generation Airbus A380 will be decorated with the unique ‘United Arab Emirates 50’ livery, celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the UAE.
“The Dubai Airshow has long been one of the most important events in the aviation and aerospace calendar,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
“This year, all eyes will be on Dubai as the industry bounces back with global aviation and aerospace players reconvening in person to forge new partnerships and engage in strategic dialogue. The event will be seen as a bellwether for the industry’s pace of recovery, and a showcase for technologies that will drive its future progress. As a leading player in commercial aviation, Emirates will be setting the stage with its latest products and services on display, and engaging with its partners on various activities at the show.”
The Emirates Group today announced its half-year results for its 2021/2022 financial year…reports Asian Lite News
Group revenue was AED24.7 billion (US$6.7 billion) for the first six months of this year, up 81 percent from AED13.7 billion ($3.7 billion) during the same period last year.
Emirates
This strong revenue recovery was underpinned by the easing of travel restrictions worldwide and the corresponding increase in demand for air transport as countries progressed their COVID-19 vaccination programmes.
The Group also reported an EBITDA of AED5.6 billion ($1.5 billion), illustrating its strong return to operating profitability.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said, “As we began our 2021-22 financial year, COVID-19 vaccination programmes were being rolled out at unprecedented scale around the world. Across the Group, we saw operations and demand pick up as countries started to ease travel restrictions. This momentum accelerated over the summer and continues to grow steadily into the winter season and beyond.
“Our cargo transport and handling businesses continued to perform strongly, providing the bedrock upon which we were able to quickly reinstate passenger services. While there’s still some way to go before we restore our operations to pre-pandemic levels and return to profitability, we are well on the recovery path with healthy revenue and a solid cash balance at the end of our first half of 2021-22.”
Sheikh Ahmed also thanked the customers for their continued support, as well as all the aviation and travel industry stakeholders and partners for their efforts that have made it possible for international air travel to resume safely and smoothly.
“Our ability to pivot and pull through the toughest period in our history to date, can be attributed to Emirates’ and dnata’s strong brands, high quality products and services, digital and innovation capabilities, and our amazing people. We intend to continue investing in these core areas to take our business into the future, together with the leaner processes and new technology capabilities that we’ve implemented in the past months,” Sheikh Ahmed added.
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UAE’s aviation activity rose 24.5 percent
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that the average aviation activity in the country rose from 1,238 flights at the end of 2020 to 1,538 flights in September 2021, an increase of some 24.5 percent.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General, said that the aviation activity in the UAE witnessed a significant increase prior to the Expo 2020 Dubai, as it is a major global event that showcases the UAE to the entire world.
In his statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Suwaidi stressed the national civil aviation sector has recovered and the aviation activity figures recorded in recent months are promising. They are expected to rise further during the expo and the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebration and the start of the winter holidays, despite the strict preventive measures adopted by the country to ensure everyone’s safety.
The GCAA’s report also showed the country’s national carriers travel to 108 countries, benefitting from the logistical services provided by ten registered airports. It also highlighted the significance of the national aviation sector, which contributed US$47.4 billion to the national economy, accounting for 13.3 percent of the country’s GDP, in addition to creating 800,000 jobs.
According to the report, the Emirati aviation market is among the world’s leading markets to attract capital and investments. It also confirms that the GCAA supported the strategic partners and national carriers during the critical period when the COVID-19 pandemic affected the entire world, which allowed the sector to regain its previous operational levels. For example, Emirates Airlines and flydubai are now operating in 90 percent of their destination networks.
The UAE’s civil aviation safety system, considered the best globally, performs a key role in ensuring cooperation between all national strategic partners. Under this context, the UAE has accomplished several unprecedented achievements, most notably achieving a 98.86 percent compliance rate in aviation safety monitoring by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The UAE has consistently maintained the first position in ICAO audits of 133 countries until 2021, by utilising innovation and development and focussing on performance.
EHS to integrate healthcare plans, improve services
The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has discussed ways of integrating healthcare plans and improving services…reports Asian Lite News
The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has discussed ways of integrating healthcare plans and improving services, as well as the prospects of entering into local and international partnerships to promote public health and realise its goals within the specified timeframe.
During its 5th annual meeting, the EHS has also reviewed the latest developments concerning strategic, financial and human resources planning and ways to align operational indicators with efficiency and performance quality.
EHS to integrate healthcare plans, improve services
Chaired by Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and Head of EHS Board of Directors, the 2021’s fifth meeting was organised at the headquarters of the establishment in Dubai in the presence of Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General of the EHS, and other board members.
The board meeting kicked off with the members congratulating the UAE leaders on the occasion of Flag Day, lauding the country’s exceptional milestones and thanking the wise leadership for its unstinted support to the health sector. They discussed several topics including action plans for the upcoming period and key recommendations submitted by competent committees.
The meeting also reviewed the organisational achievements over the past and the extent of EHS facilities’ readiness to provide innovative health services that would improve the community’s quality of life and health.
The members stressed their commitment to supporting the EHS and enhancing its performance efficiency in accordance with the highest international standards, adding that the EHS will always be there to meet the growing needs and aspirations of patients and advance the UAE’s healthcare sector towards a brighter future.
“From developing healthcare services to launching innovative initiatives, the Emirates Health Services will do all it can to introduce advanced services and enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s health sector in line with the country’s vision towards the next 50,” Dr. Al Olama said.
Al Olama called on members to redouble their efforts to help the EHS achieve its desired goal.
“The meeting also reviewed the progress made on the way to implement the entity’s strategy as well as its digital transformation plans, ways of improving customers’ journey, and mechanism of implementing and developing governance within the EHS,” Al Serkal said.
“In addition to entering into partnership agreements, the EHS will constantly improve the capabilities of its medical cadres across all specialities to deliver the best healthcare possible to all patients. We are striving to re-innovate the treatment journey at our facilities and are investing in advanced digital techniques to bring about a radical change in the way healthcare services are provided,” Al Serkal stated.
“To that end, we are committed to making the most of the latest artificial intelligence techniques to perfectly meet each patient’s needs and develop cutting-edge digital infrastructure while following the international best practices. We are seeking nothing but excellence and leadership,” he added.
The law supports the Emirate’s leadership by issuing the first civil law governing non-Muslim family matters in line with international best practices…reports Asian Lite News
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a law to regulate personal status matters for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi to provide a flexible and advanced judicial mechanism for the determination of personal status disputes for non-Muslims.
The decision, which is the first of its kind in the world, will enhance the Emirate’s position and global competitiveness as one of the most attractive destinations for talent and skills.
UAE FLAG
The law supports the Emirate’s leadership by issuing the first civil law governing non-Muslim family matters in line with international best practices. It also guarantees the right of non-Muslims to be subject to an internationally acknowledged law that is familiar to them in terms of culture, customs and language, as well as to protect the best interests of children, particularly in the case of parental separation.
Youssef Saeed Al Abri, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), noted that the new legislation deals with the smallest details regarding non-Muslims’ family life, and reflects Abu Dhabi’s legislative leadership and the global status it has achieved, following the wise vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Al Abri added that the Judicial Department has been working according to the inspiration of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of ADJD, to provide innovative solutions to non-Muslims’ personal status issues that are brought before the courts, after studying and analysing them.
The new law applies civil principles in the regulation of family matters, explained ADJD Under-Secretary, who also announced the establishment by the Judicial Department of the first court dedicated to non-Muslim family matters.
All the procedures of the new court will be bilingual in Arabic and English to facilitate the understanding of judicial procedures by foreigners and to improve judicial transparency.
In detail, the law consists of 20 articles divided into several chapters covering civil marriage, divorce, joint custody of children and inheritance.
ENEC continues to deliver clean energy vision with Barakah Unit 3
The Barakah Plant continues to set new benchmarks for new build nuclear programmes…reports Asian Lite News
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) continues to deliver on the clean energy vision of the UAE with the successful completion of the construction of Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the Arab World’s first multi-unit operating nuclear energy plant located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.
The Unit has now been handed over for operational readiness activities and is on track to start up and deliver clean electricity in 2023, joining Unit 1 which is fully operational and Unit 2 which is connected to the UAE grid and undergoing testing while raising power levels.
ENEC continues to deliver clean energy vision with Barakah Unit 3
The announcement, which was made on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP26) on climate change during Energy Day, demonstrates the UAE’s progress in transitioning to cleaner energy sources, rapidly decarbonising the power sector, cutting carbon emissions, and increasing power supply to meet the growing electricity demand.
As the UAE’s bid to host COP28 in 2023 is endorsed by the member states of the UN’s Asia Pacific group, the tangible efforts the Nation is making in cutting carbon emissions as part of its climate commitments and the recently launched 2050 Net Zero Initiative are clear. This milestone means that the Barakah Plant will soon deliver yet another 1400MW of zero emissions electricity, highlighting the UAE’s leading role as a clean energy leader.
With Unit 3 completing construction, ENEC is demonstrating the significant progress made in delivering climate solutions today and fulfilling the UAE’s promise of clean energy using nuclear technology to provide the baseload clean electricity needed to support intermittent renewable energy sources.
The Barakah Plant is leading large-scale decarbonisation of the UAE’s power sector with Unit 1 becoming the largest single electricity generator in the region in April 2021 and producing clean electricity 24/7. Unit 2’s connection to the UAE grid in September 2021 propelled Barakah to the forefront of the nation’s emissions reduction efforts, well on the way to doubling clean energy production.
By 2025, it is projected that the Barakah plant will have cut Abu Dhabi Emirate’s carbon emissions by 50 percent, demonstrating the significant abilities of nuclear energy in producing baseload electricity without generating carbon emissions. The focus of Unit 3 in the next phase will shift to complete the operational readiness preparations, testing, regulatory inspections, and international assessments required to obtain the Operating Licence for Unit 3 from the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, commented, “With Unit 1 already commercially operating and Unit 2 recently connected to the UAE grid, Unit 3 construction completion demonstrates the steady progress we are making with the development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. As the world gathers at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, the need for concrete actions to tackle climate change is indisputable and urgent. The Barakah Plant, with its rapid decarbonisation of the power sector, is delivering climate solutions today and with Unit 3 construction now complete, we are progressing smoothly towards supplying a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs completely carbon free.
“By developing nuclear energy in the UAE, ENEC is enabling sustainable growth and prosperity for the Nation through the provision of abundant, 24/7 clean electricity, whilst underpinning intermittent renewables and creating a bridge to other clean energy technologies like green hydrogen. We are tackling climate change directly today and will do for the next 60 years to come. We thank our Leadership for the vision in diversifying the UAE’s power sources 15 years ago, and their unwavering support as we deliver the four units of the Barakah plant and make history in this year of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee,” added Al Hammadi.
The Barakah Plant continues to set new benchmarks for new build nuclear programmes. The cumulative knowledge and expertise developed by the team that constructed Units 1 and 2 have been used to complete construction for Unit 3, whilst ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.
Unit 3 of the Barakah Plant has already successfully completed a number of individual and combined system tests, including Cold Hydrostatic Testing (CHT), the Structural Integrity Test (SIT), and Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT), and the Hot Functional Test as part of the first phase of its Initial Testing Programme (ITP). The ITP aims to ensure that the Unit’s systems operate in accordance with the highest industry standards and will continue to do so during the operation of the plant over the coming decades.
Prior to granting such approval via the issuance of the Operating License for Unit 3, FANR is carrying out detailed inspections and reviews of all aspects of the plant and the operating organization.
In addition to FANR’s extensive review process, and in line with the commitments made by the UAE in 2008 to adhere to the highest standards of safety, security, quality, non-proliferation and operational transparency, Unit 3 and its operating team will now undergo a number of assessments by independent international nuclear energy experts from the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).
The Barakah Plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest nuclear energy plants in the world, with four APR-1400 units. Construction of the Plant began in 2012 and has progressed steadily ever since. The development of the Barakah Plant as a whole is now more than 96 percent complete. When fully operational, the plant will produce 5.6 gigawatts of free carbon electricity for more than 60 years to come.
