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Arab News UAE News

Amazon. ae announces collaboration with young local Emirati artist

Just in time for Eid Al Fitr, Amazon.ae announced a collaboration with young local Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi, who has created two special edition black-and-white artworks, designed exclusively for Amazon’s electronic Eid Gift Cards collection…reports Asian Lite News

The electronic Amazon.ae Eid Gift Cards are now available for purchase at a variety of balance amounts on Amazon.ae/giftcards or through the Amazon app.

Marking the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr is centred around togetherness, with celebrations including family visits, feasts, and gifting between family and friends. The electronic Amazon.ae Eid Gift Cards offer a modern twist on ‘eiddeyyah’, the popular gift-giving Eid Al Fitr custom between family and friends. Amazon.ae Eid Gift Cards give shoppers the chance to choose what they want or need this Eid, from a selection of millions of local and international products across over 30 categories such as home, kitchen, fashion, electronics, and more, while conveniently using the electronic gift cards to pay for their purchases.

Abdulla Lutfi – who goes by the artistic signature ‘A.L.’ – is a dynamic Emirati artist on the autism spectrum who began creating art since he was a child, using his drawings as a means of communication before he could speak. His unique interpretation of the world is reflected in distinct black-and-white drawings bringing to life UAE landscapes and everyday scenes from Emirati life, all infused with Abdulla’s refreshing honesty and comical sarcasm. Abdulla’s passion for art stems from attention to detail, a black-and-white view of the world, and his sharp sense of humour. To celebrate Eid Al Fitr with audiences across the UAE, he created two intricate black-and-white designs which adorn the exclusive Amazon.ae Eid Gift Card collection this season.

On his collaboration with Amazon, Abdulla describes his work from an autistic artist’s point of view, explaining how he views and interprets the world in a unique way. Abdulla considers autism to be an advantage, giving him a non-conventional outlook on life which he enjoys translating through his art. The Emirati artist hopes to bring happiness to all through his contribution to Amazon’s electronic Eid Gift Cards, as he connects with millions of Amazon.ae customers through his designs.

Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President for Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA): “At Amazon, we always look to bring diverse backgrounds, ideas, and points of view into everything we do, committed to fostering an inclusive culture. With Eid being one of the most important celebrations of the year for audiences across the UAE, we are excited to be joining in on the celebrations while introducing customers to Abdulla Lutfi’s incredible talent as a local Emirati artist on the autism spectrum. Our electronic Amazon.ae Eid Gift Cards collection this year embraces his unique talent, while offering customers more ways to gift each other ‘Eiddeyah’ and shop during this joyous occasion.”

Further celebrating Eid, Amazon.ae is also launching its Eid Sale for customers in the UAE, running from April 21st to April 27th, with thousands of deals to explore. Prime members on Amazon.ae will also enjoy a full 24-hour early access to the sale, starting from midnight on April 20th. Customers can use Amazon.ae Eid Gift Cards to shop the incredible Eid Sale, while enjoying deep discounts and savings, to make the most of their Gift Card balance.

ALSO READ: ‘Who am I?’ Captures Emirati spirit of giving

When purchasing the electronic Amazon.ae Eid Gift Cards online, customers can directly email them to loved ones with a personalized message, selecting the design of their choice from two beautiful artworks created by Abdulla Lutfi. Amazon.ae Eid Gift Cards are redeemable against millions of items sold on Amazon.ae, and are available in denominations between AED 1 and AED 6,000 when purchased online.

All Amazon.ae Gift Cards are valid for up to ten years and when purchased online, delivery to the recipient can be scheduled to a future date, the recipient can also instantly redeem the value directly into their Amazon.ae account once they receive the Amazon.ae Gift Card. Customers can make their shopping experience even easier by downloading the Amazon app to browse and shop, or shop directly on the website at Amazon.ae.

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Dubai Events UAE News

Emiratis chasing a career in Diplomacy urged to apply at Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

The Academy has launched the 2022/2023 future diplomats’ admissions campaign, which concludes on 13 March 2022…reports Asian Lite News

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), the region’s leading centre of excellence for the development and training of future diplomats, announced the launch of its admissions campaign today and calls on all aspiring diplomats to apply prior to the deadline, on 13 March 2022.

Renowned for its diplomatic capacity development, research and thought leadership initiatives, the Academy has launched the 2022/2023 Post-Graduate Diploma Programme admissions process for Emiratis who wish to embark on careers in diplomacy that will allow them to represent the UAE on the world stage.

AGDA, which kicked off its campaign to recruit potential diplomats under the theme ‘Diplomats of the Future,’ expects to receive an all-time-high number of applications this year, following last year’s record-breaking recruitment campaign, as more young Emiratis are now choosing to pursue careers in diplomacy and foreign affairs.

His Excellency Abdulnasser Alshaali, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), said: “Over the years, we have seen a growing number of Emiratis showing interest in pursuing diplomatic careers. This is a clear indication of the UAE’s pivotal role globally and its effectiveness in achieving its foreign policy objectives.”

His Excellency added: “It is important for us at the Ministry to expand the Emirati diplomatic corps by providing those with a keen interest in foreign affairs with unsurpassed knowledge and skills that will enable them to further consolidate and enhance our nation’s international standing.”

AGDA students during an interactive session

“I thus urge aspiring diplomats to join AGDA, as it not only prepares them to serve and represent their nation, but also provides them with the opportunity to explore some of our world’s most pressing challenges in a stimulating learning environment,” he concluded.

His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov, the newly appointed Acting Director General of AGDA, said: “The UAE today is a country that has taken the lead on a series of global issues – combating climate change and environmental disasters, to providing relief and humanitarian aid to those in need. It is hosting Expo 2020, and will host the Cop28, both during its two-year membership of the UN Security Council.”

“Such achievements require elite diplomats with immaculate knowledge and top-notch skills who can represent their nation with honour, strength and integrity – particularly during testing times and moments of unprecedented global turbulence.”

His Excellency added: “That is why our Academy provides vital policy direction, with insights on contemporary regional and global issues that impact the UAE and the region. AGDA firmly supports the objectives of the UAE’s foreign policy, by equipping future diplomats with fundamental knowledge and skills, to effectively serve their nation on the international arena.”

ALSO READ: The Museum of the Future: A new beacon for knowledge and innovation

Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, the newly appointed Deputy Director General of AGDA, said: “With more than 245 graduates of AGDA’s Post-Graduate Diploma Programme since its inception in 2014, the Academy is proud to support the UAE’s vision in preparing skilful diplomats, who can further enhance the nation’s position on the international stage – especially as we prepare for the next 50 years. The Academy has become the driving force of worldwide strategic initiatives that elevate the UAE’s diplomatic presence and strengthen its international standing.”

Dr Al Dhaheri, who is an AGDA alumni, pointed out that the UAE’s foreign policy is based on pursuing peace and security, and building bridges of tolerance, coexistence, and cooperation – despite the country’s position in a rather turbulent and challenging region.

“This is exactly why we need well-rounded diplomats who have the finest skills, in addition to a thorough understanding of the importance of strengthening and shaping relations with nations around the world. The UAE is built on a transparent policy of tolerance and cooperation – and this is what our students and diplomats must represent.”

The Academy offers courses in in diplomacy and international relations that prepare aspiring professionals for a career in foreign policy and diplomacy. AGDA provides a range of theoretical and skill-building courses, as well as third language training in Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Russian and Spanish.

The admissions campaign is open to all Emiratis who are 35 years old or younger, hold a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, or who will receive their diploma by June 2022 with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Candidates must also have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, or take the IELTS exam before starting their studies. Male applicants must provide a letter that indicates they have completed their national service.

Emiratis interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy are encouraged to apply before the 13th of March 2022, on AGDA’s website: https://apply.agda.ac.ae/.

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-Top News Arab News UAE News

Cabinet approves requirements to clear housing loans for Emiratis

The meeting, held at EXPO 2020 Dubai, was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and other officials…reports Asian Lite News

Chaired by  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Cabinet approved the requirements and conditions to clear housing loans for Emiratis, a step that aims to enhance social stability and ensure an adequate standard of living for Emiratis.

The meeting, held at EXPO 2020 Dubai, was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and other officials.

The Cabinet also approved the UAE National Medicine Policy seeks to promote and protect health and wellbeing. It aims at achieving equitable availability and affordability of essential medicines, ensuring the quality, safety and efficacy of all medicines.

The policy that involves all main actors in the pharmaceutical field, provides a framework within which the activities of the pharmaceutical sector can be coordinated. It encourages R&D in the sector including operational research, drug development and clinical research.

The policy also aims at increasing local production of medicine, while further improving the quality of medicine in the UAE, in addition to attracting and facilitating investments in the pharmaceutical sector.

The cabinet adopted the UAE cultural and creative industries strategy to maximize the sector participation to be among the top ten performing sectors in the national economy and to account for 5% of the GPD.

The strategy, the first of its kind in the Arab World,combines efforts of all key players of the sector, and adopts performance indicators to measure the progress achieved. The strategy aims at fulfilling the UAE aspirations to be a globally recognised centre of creative talents and a leading producer and exporter of creative and cultural content.

The three-layer strategy includes 40 initiatives that target three segments: talents, professionals and enablers business enablers.

Legislative Affairs

The Cabinet approved the issuance of a federal law regarding rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents and vulnerable to delinquents. The law aims at reintegrating this category into the community and turns them into empowered and safe children who are aware of their rights.

The Cabinet approved the issuance of a federal law regarding rehabilitation. The law aims at accelerating the integration of convicts into society as it deals with restoration of former rights, authority, or abilities. The process of rehabilitating also involves restoring the credibility.

The Cabinet approved the amendments to the federal decree on the Common Customs Law of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf and its executive regulations.

The amendments seek to further develop the customs procedures and contribute to the enhancement of cooperation in the customs field among the Gulf States, as well as apply legislations and regulations for the protection of the intellectual property rights.

The Cabinet approved the issuance of the executive regulations of the Federal Law concerning Credit Information and its amendments.

The executive regulations enable Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) during the process of credit data exchange and integration to enrich credit reports and increase credit awareness in the UAE.

ALSO READ: UAE leaders pay tribute to martyrs

The list of chemical precursors, which is annexed tothe law on Medical Products, Pharmacy Profession and Pharmaceutical Establishments, has been amended.

The Cabinet approved the reformation of the Emirates Fatwa Council Chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah. The Council is the official reference for fatwas and Islamic rulings, which oversees all work related to fatwas.

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Dubai UAE News World

Emirati to Lead Interpol

The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has announced that the UAE candidate, Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior, has won its presidency for a four-year term…reports Asian Lite News

The announcement was made in a tweet via the INTERPOL’s official twitter account.

Emirati to Lead Interpol

The 89th General Assembly of Interpol was held in Istanbul, with the aim to address global security threats.  This General Assembly discussed “the highest strategic direction of the organization and global threats that make Interpol’s action so needed.”

ALSO READ: Dubai launches 5-year multi-entry visa

Tuesday was the first General Assembly meeting of Interpol since the Covid-19 outbreak lured ministers, police chiefs, and top police officers from more than 160 countries.  Addressing the meeting via a video message, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey, located in the middle of Asia, Europe, and Africa, is facing multiple security risks.  “Turkey has been one of the most affected countries by armed conflicts, especially in our neighbours Syria and Iraq,” Erdogan pointed out.  Interpol’s General Assembly meets once a year to take “decisions affecting general policy, the resources needed for international cooperation, working methods, finances, and programs of activities”, according to Interpol.

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Arab News Sharjah UAE News

SCCI organizes Sharjah-Malaysia business forum

The forum featured bilateral business meetings between businessmen from both sides…reports Asian Lite News

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) stressed its keenness to step up efforts to deepen the ties of Sharjah with Southeast Asian countries, by finding joint mechanisms to enhance trade, investment and exports between the emirate and Malaysia, in order to increase the shares of Emirati products in the Malaysian markets, which are a gateway to the markets of Southeast Asia.

This came during the Sharjah-Malaysia business forum organized recently by the SCCI at its premises on the sidelines of the visit of a commercial delegation from Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

SCCI organizes Sharjah-Malaysia business forum

The forum was attended by Abdulaziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector, and Sharimaton Mat Salih, Executive Vice President of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Abdulaziz Shattaf said that the SCCI is eager to develop economic cooperation relations between the business communities in both sides and encourage them to build constructive and fruitful long-term partnerships.

He underlined that the SCCI strives to strengthen joint efforts in terms of commercial promotion of available investment fields, benefitting from the existing friendly relations between the two countries.

Shattaf also added that the SCCI is keen to develop bilateral relations and push them towards more advanced and prosperous prospects, highlighting the cooperation agreement signed between the SCCI and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation in 1994.

ALSO READ: Sharjah Publishing City facilitates 38 publishing companies

Sharimaton Mat Salih lauded the SCCI’s substantial role in consolidating economic and trade relations between the UAE and Malaysia, stressing the willingness of the Malaysian business community to develop prospects for cooperation with their counterparts in Sharjah, provide all means of support and facilities for Emirati businessmen wishing to invest in Malaysia, and coordinate for exchange of visits between business communities and introduce them to promising commercial and investment opportunities.

The forum featured bilateral business meetings between businessmen from both sides, which focused on discussing partnerships, cooperation and mutual coordination, and available investment opportunities.

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-Top News Saudi Arabia UAE News

UAE-Saudi joint military exercise continues

The joint Emirati-Saudi military exercise, dubbed “One Destiny,” which is taking place in the UAE, is continuing with the participation of Emirati and Saudi land forces…reports Asian Lite News

The military cooperation between the two countries aims to reinforce the combat readiness of their armed forces, as well as promote the exchange of defence and military knowledge and skills through organising training exercises, increasing the operational capacities of the units, and establishing the foundations of joint action and cooperation.

UAE-Saudi joint military exercise continues

The exercise is part of the joint training plans and programmes held between Emirati and Saudi land forces, aimed at sharpening their capacities and combat abilities.

ALSO READ: Royal Saudi Land Forces to hold exercise with UAE forces

The training has highlighted the level of training and organisation of participating units which carried out various combat exercises, and underscored the capacities of their human and technical resources, as well as their heightened combat readiness to address any threats to the region.

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-Top News Dubai UAE News

UAE Rulers attend weddings of 150 Emirati couple

The mass weddings were attended by Their Highnesses the crown princes and deputy rulers as well as sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries and high-ranking officials from all the emirates…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attended in various locations nationwide and via TV circuits group ceremonies held to celebrate the marriage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Sheikha Fakhra, the daughter of Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan as well as the wedding ceremonies of other 150 Emirati couples. The mass weddings were held in association with the Ministry of Community Development on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

UAE Rulers attend weddings of 150 Emirati couple

The mass weddings were attended by Their Highnesses the crown princes and deputy rulers as well as sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries and high-ranking officials from all the emirates.

Their Highnesses the UAE rulers, crown princess and deputy rulers conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the newlywed and underlined the UAE leadership’s keenness on cementing family bonds and social cohesion while preserving quintessential Emirati values and principles.

ALSO READ: UAE bids to host COP28 in 2023

The couples expressed their sincere appreciation to the UAE leaders and delight at seeing them attend their happiest moments in life.

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Arab News UAE News

RAK Ruler receives Ministers of Energy and Federal Supreme Council Affairs

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Minister of Federal Supreme Council Affairs…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today received Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Abdullah Muhair Al Ketbi, Minister of Federal Supreme Council Affairs, at his palace in Saqr bin Mohammed City.

RAK Ruler receives Ministers of Energy and Federal Supreme Council Affairs

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, were present.

Sheikh Saud was briefed about several issues related to energy, infrastructure, federal and national affairs, and the march of the overall development journey under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan that contributed to achieving prosperity and progress for the homeland and welfare for Emiratis.

ALSO READ: RAK Ruler receives U.S. Consul-General

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Dubai Events UAE News

Bodour Al Qasimi meets youngest Emirati publisher

Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), met with the youngest Emirati publisher, AlDhabi AlMheiri, owner of Rainbow Chimney…reports Asian Lite News

Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), met with the youngest Emirati publisher, AlDhabi AlMheiri, owner of Rainbow Chimney, and spoke to her about the future of local publishing, during a meeting with members of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) as part of a series of meetings with pandemic-hit publishing markets.

Bodour Al Qasimi meets youngest Emirati publisher

Al Qasimi praised the EPA’s journey over the past few years in growing its member network from five to 200, saying this was an indicator of the Emirati publishing industry’s willingness to seize new opportunities, be methodical, collaborate, and learn and grow.

She reinforced the IPA’s commitment to boosting the sector’s resilience and facilitating the publishers’ access to new markets and opportunities. She highlighted the fact that the profound disruptions in the past year prompted a new appraisal of the sector’s pre-COVID business model.

Bodour Al Qasimi meets youngest Emirati publisher

The IPA’s efforts are directed towards helping members build a new future for the sector. Among the latest initiatives and projects designed in response to publishers’ new and emerging needs worldwide are the International Sustainable Publishing and Industry Resilience (Inspire) Charter, and the soon-to-be-launched IPA Academy.

Through a series of training courses in several languages, the IPA Academy will be a global resource designed to close the skills gap in secondary markets by enhancing the publishers’ digital and technical capacities.

Bodour Al Qasimi meets youngest Emirati publisher

To promote the long-term development of the sector, Al Qasimi also highlighted the importance of dialogue, knowledge-sharing and cooperation between all active stakeholders in the publishing ecosystem, including publishers, printing houses, libraries, authors, distributors and designers. “Such a multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary approach will boost industry-wide solidarity and strengthen its capacity to face unprecedented challenges,” she said.

ALSO READ: Sharjah hosts 16 UNESCO World Book Capitals

She called on the EPA to participate in the IPA’s 33rd International Publishers Congress in November 2022 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The IPA president’s meeting with the EPA members follows a series of meetings this year with publishers’ associations in Spain, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Georgia.

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-Top News Arab News Dubai

2nd edition of Emirati Development Programme concludes

The programme offers participants access to internship opportunities with leading companies from the private sector…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber, and Dubai Technology Entrepreneurs Campus (Dtec), a Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority wholly-owned entity, recently concluded the second edition of the Emirati Development Programme, which saw Sherina Al Sowaidi of Liftoff named the winner of this year’s programme competition.

Dubai

Al Sowaidi competed with 26 other start-ups during the final stage of the programme. The finalists, who presented their smart business concepts to an expert panel, are now eligible to start and launch their businesses with support and guidance. She will receive additional business acceleration support from the organisers, including joining a Dtec programme for start-ups for a year to receive training, guidance and mentorship.

The programme offers participants access to internship opportunities with leading companies from the private sector, including DHL; Oliver Wyman, and International Consultant Law Office (ICLO); complimentary company setup with Dtec; Complimentary 3-month access to Dtec co-working; as well as the opportunity to exhibit at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Hans Christensen, Vice President of Dtec, said, “Our collaboration with Dubai Chamber on the Emirati Development Programme follows a series of joint initiatives between the two entities. It is also in line with the strategies of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Dtec to instil an entrepreneurial culture, especially in promising tech sectors that have gained traction recently with the spread of new digital-based work, education, and communication cultures.”

Since SMEs make up 94 percent of the companies operating in the UAE and employ more than 86 percent of the country’s workforce, the Emirati Development Programme will reflect positively on the national economy.

Hans highlighted the fact that the joint efforts of Dtec and Dubai Chamber support entrepreneurs and innovators to establish flexible start-ups that can attract investments and funding, helping them launch and expand.

ALSO READ: Emirati-Brazilian parliamentary friendship committees discuss enhancing cooperation

Natalia Sycheva, Senior Manager of Special Projects and Entrepreneurship, Dubai Chamber, noted that the Emirati Development Programme is a key strategy of the chamber’s efforts to support entrepreneurship, talents and innovative ideas from the Emirati youth. It contributes to establishing a new generation of entrepreneurs who can achieve their goals and business ideas successfully, she added.

The participants also took part in training sessions covering various topics of interest, which was led by experts from Dtec; LinkedIn; International Consultant Law Office (ICLO); Intelligent Finance Consultants (IFC); LPS Brands; and Think Media Labs (TMLs). The training focused on establishing and promoting the growth of technology businesses, the importance of sales to emerging entrepreneurs and how to develop and present an effective investor pitch presentation.