Tag: Expo 2020 Dubai

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Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan lands in Dubai; to visit Expo 2020

Consul General of India in Dubai Dr Aman Puri has received the chief minister, who landed in Dubai on Saturday morning, reports Asian Lite News

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was scheduled to return from the US after his treatment on Saturday, will now spend few days in Dubai before heading home.

Consul General of India in Dubai Dr Aman Puri has received the chief minister, who landed in Dubai on Saturday morning. The CM is expected to visit various Emirates during his 8-day stopover in the United Arab Emirates.

Consul General of India in Dubai Dr Aman Puri received Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Dubai airport. (Photo via Twitter@HaridasKishore)

He is scheduled visit India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and inaugurate the Kerala Week on February 4. The chief minister is also understood to have lined up meetings with the top echelons of power in the UAE.

There was no mention of his change of plan even when he presided over the on-line cabinet meeting a few days back.

ALSO READ: Kerala Literature Festival 2022 postponed to March

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

Expo drives efforts to address world’s greatest challenges

Expo 2020 Dubai(Photo credit_Twitter@Expo2020Dubai)

The Global Goals Week has culminated with a promise to keep driving efforts to address the world’s biggest challenges, reports Asian Lite News

Expo 2020 Dubai has ended its Global Goals Week on Saturday with a promise to keep driving efforts to address the world’s biggest challenges.

“It is up to each and every one of us, individually and collectively, to turn this engagement into partnerships and investments that tangibly improve people’s lives everywhere,” Amina J Mohammed said at the launch at Al Wasl Plaza last week. “With the Global Goals woven into the fabric of Expo 2020, I cannot think of a more appropriate place for us to renew our shared commitment to keep the promises that we made in 2015.”

Since then, Global Goals Week – held in association with the UN, and staged outside New York for the first time – has hosted a myriad of special hybrid events, activations and unforgettable visitor experiences, each highlighting our collective, urgent need to address the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before the end of 2030.

Speakers at headline event ‘Global Goals for All’ at the Nexus for People and Planet in Expo’s Opportunity District included Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director, UN Global Compact; Jerome Foster II, US climate justice activist and youngest-ever White House Climate Advisor; the Rt Hon Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; and SDG advocates British screenwriter Richard Curtis and US actress Robin Wright.

Joining virtually, Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said, “If we’re going to reach the critical goals by 2030, we need 2022 and every year after to be a year of action. It’s going to take all hands on deck – governments, philanthropies, non-profits and the private sector; a committed focus to working together to reach the SDGs in the next years.”

Expo

UN Global Compact’s Sanda Ojiambo said, “We need business leaders to make bold business decisions for the future, we need businesses to integrate the [SDGs] into their corporate strategies, and we need businesses to account for their externalities in the same way they account for their business losses.”

Similarly, innovations that tackle the 17 SDGs need partnership, accountability and collaboration if they are to scale up and make an even bigger impact in communities all over the world, speakers agreed at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Best Practice Assembly.

The inaugural Water-Food-Energy (WFE) Summit saw the UAE, Jordan and the Netherlands issue a trilateral declaration affirming their commitment to supporting a nexus approach that optimises the use of water, food and energy, and called on other governments to acknowledge the inter-dependent relationships between these three critical resources.

Three separate World Majlis sessions throughout the week brought together leaders from government, social enterprises, academia and inter-governmental organisations, discussing the numerous risks and honing in on emerging technologies and renewable energy – sharing different approaches on how to overcome barriers, from value-driven partnerships to debunking stereotypes.

Underpinning all these efforts, the need to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment was highlighted as essential, not only for the sake of fulfilling a human right but also for the advancement of humankind.

ALSO READ: Expo 2020 Dubai visits cross 10 million

Rt Hon Helen Clark said, “If we can’t achieve SDG 5 [Gender Equality], then we can’t achieve the SDGs. When women have less access to healthcare and education, and are more numerous among the poor and hungry, you just can’t make progress. Turn that around: if women are fully supported, then you are not only fulfilling their right to equality, but it’s also a huge contributor to prosperous societies, families and economies.”

Other stand-outs throughout the week included an inspirational ‘H2O Sounds of Earth’ session, which showed how communities in Paraguay are promoting sustainable values and good citizen practices through music. The week culminated with a stunning ‘Cultures in Conversation’ performance by Sima Dance Company, which, like the Goals themselves, was driven by dignity, a desire for peace, and sensitivity to the planet and its inhabitants.

Driving action towards achieving the Global Goals will continue throughout the rest of Expo 2020 Dubai, catalysing a movement that will help create a blueprint for our collective future that positively impacts people and the planet.

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-Top News Dubai India News

Pandemic scare fails to drain Dubai Expo spirit

Dubai is defying the pandemic scare unleashed by Omicron. The visitors numbers are reaching a million and more prominent visitors are attending events at Expo.

“The UAE has defied the global pandemic with Expo 2020 Dubai, gathering 192 countries while applying strict precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved,” said Francisco Andre, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

He was attending an event to celebrate Portugal’s National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai in the presence of Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director-General for the Expo 2020 Dubai.

Portugal celebrated with a packed itinerary of cultural shows, attended by Andre, Luís Castro, Portugal’s Commissioner-General to Expo 2020 Dubai, and several Emirati and Portuguese officials.

The celebration featured Portuguese folk music performances, which the attendees appreciated.

During the event, Andre commended the vision of the UAE’s leadership, stating, “The UAE and Portugal share deep-rooted diplomatic ties and relations, and we aim to boost our economic and investment relations in the near future.”

“Expo 2020 Dubai is an outstanding opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to share cultures, opinions and opportunities with a large audience. The Portuguese pavilion invites visitors to an unlimited journey to explore Portugal,” he added.

“The major international event is taking place during a critical time. We aim to promote Portugal as a modern and sustainable economy that links cultures and maintains excellent relations with the entire world. We are enthusiastically establishing new partnerships with the UAE in all areas,” he further added.

India Pavilion

India Pavilion is one of the most popular venues at the event. The Pavilion was inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, on October 1, 2021, and has so far clocked over 7 lakh visitors as of first week of January. The India Pavilion had crossed 6 lakh footfalls on December 22, 2021.
The India Pavilion is currently hosting the Goa Week. Mr. J Ashok Kumar, Secretary, Industries & Tourism, Government of Goa inaugurated the event in the presence of Consul General of India Dr Aman Puri besides Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary – Revenue, IT, Labour & Employment and Ms. Swetika Sachan, CEO, Goa-IPB, Mr. Gavin Dias, General Manager, Goa Tourism Board.

Gala performance by Gems Modern Academy Choir Strings UAE at the inaugural ceremony of the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

In December, the India Pavilion saw high-profile visits including Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, B.S. Yediyurappa, Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, and India’s Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla among others.
Indian tennis star, Sania Mirza, renowned fashion designer, entrepreneur and film maker, Manish Malhotra and noted Indian singers Hariharan, Benny Dayal, Jonita Gandhi among others also visited the India Pavilion recently.

States such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and UT of Ladakh among others have successfully showcased their business ecosystem along with rich cultural heritage and sourced investment opportunities from leading global investors. Additionally, sectors such as New and Renewable Energy, Space, Urban and Rural Development, Oil & Gas, Textile, Knowledge and Learning have held respective weeks to highlight the growth and investment opportunities in these areas.

The upcoming weeks at the India Pavilion will witness participation from states such as Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu among others and sectors such as Steel, Healthcare, Electronics and Information Technology, Energy Conservation, Environment & Sustainability, Tribal Affairs to name a few.

ALSO READ: SPECIAL: Dubai’s Premiere Fashion Week

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-Top News Dubai UAE News

Dubai’s Real Estate Boom

Dubai recorded 84,772 real estate transactions worth Dh300 billion in 2021, according to the Dubai Land Department…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai’s real estate market continues to serve as a key driver for the growth of various sectors and economic activities in the emirate, with the sector recording 84,772 transactions representing a value of AED300 billion in 2021, according to the annual transaction report issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Guided by the leadership’s directives and strengthened by the government’s economic stimulus packages and the emirate’s hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai, the sector was able to achieve a high volume of transactions last year. Additionally, the strong fundamentals and attractiveness of Dubai’s real estate market and flexible and transparent procedures continued to draw investors from around the world.

The report revealed a 65 percent growth in the number of transactions and a 71 percent increase in value compared to 2020. A total of 52,415 investors concluded 72,207 new investments in 2021 worth AED148 billion representing a 73.7 percent growth in the number of investments, a 65.6 percent rise in the number of investors, and a 100 percent increase in the value of investments compared to 2020. Reflecting the sector’s ability to achieve progress despite the current exceptional circumstances, the results further reinforce its leading regional and global position.

Commenting on the results, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said, “The directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,  Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the world’s best city to live and work has served as a key driver in increasing its attractiveness as a global investment destination.

“Dubai’s robust infrastructure, flexible legislations that have kept pace with evolving market conditions, and its safe environment have all contributed to deepening investment confidence in its real estate sector. The rise in investments and the increasing interest shown by global investors in Dubai is testament to the effectiveness of the emirate’s strategic economic initiatives that have sought to strengthen its leadership in various sectors and enhance its global rankings in development indicators. Dubai has a clear vision for the future, and its partnership with the global investment community continues to be vital to its ability to accelerate growth and meet its ambitious goals for the future,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Director-General of DLD, said, “Dubai’s real estate sector has once again proven its resilience, attractiveness and ability to achieve sustainable growth even during the exceptional circumstances being witnessed globally. The results highlighted in the report bode well for the future as the country ushers in another 50 years of economic development. The real estate sector represents a major catalyst for the growth of various other sectors.”

Bin Mejren added that the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the follow up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have contributed to strengthening the capabilities of Dubai’s real estate sector and establishing it as the preferred destination for investors both regionally and globally and among the world’s the best cities to live and work.

“We are committed to continue working to achieve our strategic objectives in 2022 to becoming regional and global leaders in the real estate market as well as providing exceptional integrated services to all customers in the sector. We will also continue to develop legislations that will help regulate, encourage and manage investments in the real estate sector, in addition to enhancing knowledge of the real estate culture in the emirate.”

The report revealed that there were 6,897 investors from the GCC that registered 8,826 investments worth over AED16.88 billion.

ALSO READ: Dubai to enhance its status as a leading creative city

A total of 6,097 Arab investors recorded 7,538 investments, with a value exceeding AED12.4 billion. Dubai’s real estate sector also attracted 38,318 foreign investors, who concluded 51,553 new investments worth over AED99 billion.

DLD’s statistics also revealed that 17,705 women registered 22,165 investments worth over AED38.4 billion in 2021, a 72 percent increase compared to 2020. The results indicate that businesswomen have great confidence in Dubai’s real estate market.

The Dubai Marina area saw the highest number of transactions, with 7,968 transactions, followed by Business Bay (5,687), Al Thanyah Fifth (5,092), Al Barsha South Fourth (4,813), Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid (4,352), Burj Khalifa (4,279), Wadi Al Safa 5 (3,536), Al Hebiah Fourth (3,261), Al Merkadh (3,150), and Palm Jumeirah (2,803).

Dubai Marina also saw the highest value of transactions with over AED28.6 billion, followed by Palm Jumeirah (AED26.6 billion), Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid (AED15.8 billion), Burj Khalifa (AED14.2 billion), Business Bay (AED13.19 billion), Al Thanyah Fifth (AED8.19 billion). Wadi Al Safa 5 (AED8 billion), Al Yufrah 1 (AED7.3 billion), Al Thanyah Fourth (AED7.2 billion), and Al Hebiah Fourth (AED7.19 billion).

The report also revealed that 3,171 new brokers entered the market, increasing the total number of registered real estate brokers to 8,002. According to the report, 2,715 brokers in Dubai’s real estate market are women. A total of 1,421 brokerage offices were registered in the emirate.

In 2021, DLD issued 4,230 real estate licenses.

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With landmark decisions, Arab culture conference concludes

With landmark decisions, Arab culture conference concludes

The 22nd session of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Youth along with Arab League Cultural, Educational and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), concluded today with several key takeaways for the development of Arab culture…reports Asian Lite News

Held at Expo 2020 Dubai from 19th-20th December, 2021, the session hosted 18 ministers in charge of cultural affairs from different member countries of the Arab League and more than 88 delegations with representatives of intergovernmental organisations such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS), the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the Arab Theatre Authority.

With landmark decisions, Arab culture conference concludes

The discussions of the 22nd session reviewed and updated the draft of the comprehensive plan for Arab culture, based on an analytical review of the most important developments of the Arab cultural scene in past 20 years, and the circumstances that led to those developments. The discussions also covered the political, economic and social repercussions of these events and the challenges that the Arab world is facing today.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and Chair of the 22nd Session of the Conference of Arab Culture Ministers, said, “The Conference of Arab Culture Ministers is a major platform to forge cultural cooperation among Arab nations and to discuss ways to develop it further. Therefore, the UAE is keen on strategic cooperation with ALECSO in all aspects related to its fields of work. Hosting this conference is a translation of the vision of our wise leadership in supporting Arab culture as a bridge that links the people of the Arab region.”

ALSO READ: VP launches UAE Declaration of Arabic Language

She added, “The 22nd session of the conference achieved an ambitious Arab cultural vision encompassing a number of topics relevant to the development and growth of Arab culture. I must mention the ministers’ conversation with Arab Youth, it’s an important example of what communication between decisionmakers and our target groups can achieve in the cultural sector.”

Al Kaabi noted the event culminated in the signing of the UAE Declaration for the Arabic Language launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Dr. Mohammed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, said, “We opened a new phase of work in the field of culture in Arab countries thanks to the updated plan for Arab culture, and thanks to joint Arab cultural projects that will strengthen our cooperation. The plan will provide the necessary support to cultural institutions in many areas and give Arab states the opportunity to be at par with other countries in the upcoming regional and international events.”

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-Top News Dubai

‘Serbia’s participation in Expo 2020 underscores profound ties with UAE’

HH-Sheikh-Nahyan-bin-Mubarak-Al-Nahyan

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said that Serbia’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai underscores its profound ties with the UAE, supported by their leadership…reports Asian Lite News

He stated this while welcoming Gordana Čomić, Serbian Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, at Expo 2020 Dubai.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to reinforce their overall cooperation and benefit from the UAE’s experience in promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and human fraternity.

Sheikh Nahyan also stressed that Serbia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai showcases the country’s level of technological development and future vision. Its participation in the event will help reinforce the partnership between the two friendly countries, he noted.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is an inspiring international platform that boosts the convergence between countries based on the values of tolerance, peace and coexistence. It aims to address social challenges and find collective solutions, to achieve global prosperity and stability, he added.

ALSO READ: Nahyan bin Mubarak attends UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebration at Expo 2020

Čomić highlighted her country’s keenness to strengthen its overall cooperation and partnership with the UAE, notably in tolerance, peace and coexistence.

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Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 records 500,000 visits

Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 records 500,000 visits

The Spain Pavilion in the heart of the Sustainability District at Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded a total of 500,000 visits since its opening on October first…reports Asian Lite News

Themed “Intelligence for life”, the pavilion aims to become an example of intelligent creativity, capable of uniting people around sustainable projects in the fields of science, technology, education, and art.

In a recent survey carried by the pavilion in regards to how much visitors would recommend on a scale from 1 to 5, stopping by (being 5 highly recommended), the pavilion reached an average score of 4.7.

Expo

Moreover, since Expo was inaugurated, 33,976 children from the kinder garden to C3 have visited the Spain pavilion. When speaking with Expo school guides about the reaction among the pupils and teens, responses were very positive being ‘The forest of intelligence’ the most sought-after attraction for children of all ages. For the little ones, the second most popular exhibit is the August Moon movie, while for older students (15+ y/o), is divided between the dynamo sculpture and the giant chessboard.

Speaking of the occasion, Carmen Bueno Executive Commissioner of the Pavilion said, “We are delighted with the great reception we have had since the very beginning but especially, with the response that visitors are showing. With all the wonderful pavilions at Expo not to mention all the incredible attractions that the UAE has to offer, reaching such incredible feedback, is something we definitely feel very proud of. I welcome everyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to visit us yet, to experience all the different attractions that make our pavilion unique as well as, to discover all the actions Spain is taking to champion sustainability in an innovative way.

Commissioned to Amann-Cánovas-Maruri studio, the Spain Pavilion is an eco-friendly exhibition that seamlessly blends ancient heritage and cutting-edge innovation. The Pavilion stands out for its enormous colourful cones, partially covered with ultralight and flexible photovoltaic panels that led visitors to an airy ground floor containing several, naturally cooled plazas featuring, ‘Glimpses’, a series of exhibitions synthesizing some of the most relevant contributions of Spain to the global culture and highlighting some of the historical links between the country and the Arab culture.

Connecting the old and the new, is Dynamo, an audio-visual sculpture by renowned artist Daniel Cologar. The artistic installation hangs inside the Atrium and is surrounded by the ramps that descend visitors into the Theatre and the underground exhibition area. It consists of three sculptural screens in the form of an interlaced ringlet that show constantly changing generative audio-visual content thanks to the visitors’ interaction with the handrails along the ramp. As the handrail detects more contact, the content on the screens of Dynamo become more dynamic and saturated; and the sound intensifies.

Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 records 500,000 visits

At the Pavilion theatre, visitors have also the opportunity to enjoy ‘August Moon’, an 8-minute movie by one of the most creative minds in the Spanish film industry today, Nacho Vigalondo. Following Expo 2020 Dubai theme, ‘Connecting minds, Creating the future’, and the slogan of the Spain Pavilion, ‘Intelligence for life’, the film presents Spain as a dynamic, lively country, brimming with talent and creativity, that is committed to a sustainable and inclusive future.

On the lower floor, visitors can find the most sought-after attraction at the pavilion, ‘The forest of intelligence’. A 3D printed artificial forest capable of producing oxygen and an interactive tree that reacts to the sustainable habits of the public. A mix of design, art and technology to create a unique immersive experience in which the richness of the Spanish heritage, science, biodiversity, innovations in sustainability and the circular economy are highlighted.

ALSO READ: With 5 lakh visitors, India Pavilion stands tall at Expo

The exhibition ends with a ramp that accompanies visitors along a 100-m long corridor with pictures of Spaniards of all ages, classes and backgrounds smiling at visitors while texts appear with some of the highlights that make Spain one of the countries with the best quality of life.

During the six months of the Expo, a total of 32 Spanish companies, including 200 artists, will present their work in Dubai. Around 100 shows will take place in the Spain Pavilion and on the main stages in the Expo venue. Inside the pavilion, numerous activities ranging from arts to sports are taking place with thematic weeks and international days, along with, business forums and activities organised by its sponsors. (WAM)

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-Top News EXPO 2020 India News

UP makes strong pitch to global investors at Expo

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, through a video message kickstarted the proceedings at the inauguration of UP floor at the India pavilion, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

The state of Uttar Pradesh will be showcasing its business attractiveness, sectoral developmental growth journey and investment opportunities across key sectors like food processing, tourism, textiles, MSMEs, healthcare, education and start-up at the India Pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai, as the state week commenced from Friday.

Manish Chauhan, Director Industries, Government of Uttar Pradesh, set the objectives of Uttar Pradesh’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai to showcase its growth story and explore areas of collaboration with our investor partners and the diaspora in the UAE. The state has seen tremendous improvement in infrastructure and business environment, under the visionary guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and our dynamic Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he further added.

The chief minister, through a video message kickstarted the proceedings at the inauguration of Uttar Pradesh floor at the India pavilion. He stated that ‘Uttar Pradesh is one of the biggest industrial market. Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, by following the principle of ‘Reform-Perform-Transform’, the state has taken numerous initiatives to transform its industrial landscape.’

The state launched Nivesh Mitra; one of the largest single window system and sectoral policies, complimented by ideal law & order environment, which helped the state to achieve the 2nd rank in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in 2019-20, in comparison to 14th rank in 2015-16.

He further highlighted the vision & achievements of the state and said:
Approximately INR 3.5 lakh crore worth of private investment actualized on-ground, as part of investment outreach; Highest number of MSMEs in the country; Launch of the One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme in 2018 to promote the indigenous craft of each district ;4 functional expressways i.e. Yamuna Expressway, Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway and Delhi Meerut Expressway. The foundation laying for the Ganga Expressway; one the longest expressway in India, to be done by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 18th December 2021.

Concluding his address, the chief minister said, ‘Despite highest population in India, the state’s effective Covid-19 management and vaccination of 17 crore population is indicator of the preparedness of the administration. He also highlighted the cultural richness of the state, birthplace of Lord Rama and Krishna, land of Lord Shiva and River Ganga, which continue to guide the people.’

K Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce), in his address spoke about Uttar Pradesh being the land of varied cultures, highest registered MSMEs in India, ideal agro-climatic conditions, inspiring youth eager to contribute to the economic growth and nation building. He added, UAE & India had a trade of USD 60 billion pre-Covid and the recent economic partnership will further bolster the bilateral trade.

Cabinet Minister – NRI, MSME & Textile, Shri Siddharth Nath Singh, in his keynote address stated UAE being the 3rd largest trading partner and 9th largest FDI contributor to India, in infrastructure, power, tourism, metallurgical and services sector. Also, the large Indian community based in the UAE is a key contributor in the economic development. He highlighted the achievements of the state and performances indices as the testimony of the highly effective policy driven governance and business environment.

He further added the remarkable growth of the MSME sector in Uttar Pradesh. With ~9 million MSMEs, Uttar Pradesh is the hub of MSMEs in the country, contributing ~14% to the total MSME population in the country. He spoke about the new MSME Act which facilitates operations of MSME units within 72 hours of application, banks loan disbursement worth ~US$ 33 billion to state’s MSMEs, in the last four years (2017-18 to 2020-21) and the aspiration ‘One District One Product (ODOP) Programme’ to develop the indigenous craft & artisans of the state by creating an effective value chain, market linkages and export opportunities. In addition, he highlighted global private sector investment of over ~US$ 59 billion through MoU implementation and dedicated helpdesk, across sectors.

Concluding his address, he stated that Uttar Pradesh is one of the major suppliers of manpower to most of the gulf countries, including UAE. The NRI Department has taken steps like a dedicated recruitment agency – UPFC Overseas Manpower Recruitment Agency (OMRA), to help sourcing employees for potential employers aboard; hosting a ‘Migrant Resource Centre (MRC)’ at OMRA, which is committed to ensure safe and legal migration of UP labour; and setting up ‘UP NRI Grievance Redressal System (GRS)’, a single window to resolve all the issues faced by the diaspora.

Uttar Pradesh high-level delegation will be meetings potential investors and global companies to explore trade and investment opportunities for the state. The delegates from Uttar Pradesh will participate in incubator Meet & Mock Pitching Sessions, panel sessions on ‘India’s Strength in Education: STEM, Medicine and Business’ & ‘Liberal Arts Education in the making of a Global Citizen: The India Advantage’, industry visit to Allanasons Factory in Sharjah & DP World Jabel Ali Port, business meetings with industry associations (Dubai, Sarjah & Abu Dhabi) and many more business and cultural engagements.

ALSO READ: India-Bangladesh Maitri Flourishes at Dubai Expo

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-Top News EXPO 2020 India News

With 5 lakh visitors, India Pavilion stands tall at Expo

“Delighted to see the response from the visitors who wish to immerse themselves in Modern India’s confluence of opportunities and potential,” Indian envoy to UAE Sunjay Sudhir said, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has achieved another milestone by recording half a million visitors’ mark since its inauguration on October 1, 2021 by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles.

In his tweet message on this landmark achievement, Goyal said, “#IndiaAtDubaiExpo stands tall, showcasing our capabilities in achieving ambitious goals for global good, which reflects India’s Partnerships, Pride & its People.”

Talking about the success of the India Pavilion, Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE said, “India is honoured to participate in Dubai EXPO – a global platform where different nations have congregated to showcase their business potential and cultural heritage. As India is an important and growing investment destination, EXPO2020 Dubai has given us a unique opportunity to network with global stakeholders and secure investments for our country.”

He added, “We are delighted to see the response from the visitors who wish to immerse themselves in Modern India’s confluence of opportunities and potential. The visitors have participated enthusiastically and have rejoiced in the festivities at the India Pavilion. We will ensure that the momentum is sustained, and our visitors get to experience the real essence of India as we move ahead in our journey at the Expo.”

CGI Dr Aman Puri and Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir

The India Pavilion has hosted various meetings and events pertaining to investments across focus sectors and states along with cultural events for the visitors since inauguration. Besides showcasing India as an attractive investment destination on an international platform, the Expo has been pivotal in strengthening the bilateral trade relations with the UAE and cultural ties between India and the rest of the world.

The India Pavilion has been recognized as one of the most iconic pavilions at the Expo by American Institute of Architects and is one of the most visited pavilions at the EXPO2020 Dubai. The Pavilion has played a key role in showcasing the Indian start-up ecosystem amongst global audience through the Innovation Hub bus.

Among the states, Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and UT of Ladakh have already showcased their business potential and have secured investment opportunities in key sectors. The Pavilion has also promoted India’s key sectors such as New and Renewable Energy, Space, Urban and Rural Development, Oil & Gas and Textile during their respective weeks.

Leading voices from the government and industry including Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, Darshana V Jardosh, Minister of State for Textile & Railways, Government of India, Shanti Kumar Dhariwal, Minister for Urban Development & Housing, Government of Rajasthan, Subhash Desai, Minister of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, Aditi Tatkare, Minister of State for Industries and Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Dr K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) & Secretary Department of Space have been a part of the sessions at the India Pavilion.

The India Pavilion has hosted several cultural activities during Dusshera and Navratri celebrations. These included folk dances, storytelling and music for countless visitors and dignitaries. It hosted Diwali Week from November 2-5 which was celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festival of Diwali was celebrated with colourful installations and lighting in the form of Swarangoli or LED Rangoli, virtual display of firecrackers and events including performances by leading Indian artists like Salim-Sulaiman, Vipul Mehta and bands like Rooh and Dhruv.

The upcoming weeks at the India Pavilion will witness participation from other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, UT of Jammu & Kashmir among others and sectors such as Healthcare, Electronics and Information Technology, Energy Conservation, Environment & Sustainability, Tribal Affairs, Spices & Tourism to name a few.

ALSO READ: UP makes strong pitch to global investors at Expo

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Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

Bill Gates visits Expo 2020 Dubai

Bill Gates visits Expo 2020 Dubai

Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder, philanthropist, and the world’s fourth-richest man visit Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, yesterday received Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder, philanthropist, and the world’s fourth-richest man at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Bill Gates visits Expo 2020 Dubai

Bill Gates’ visit is significant, as Expo 2020 Dubai and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation joined hands to support grassroots innovators with the ambition and potential to improve the lives of people across a variety of complex, fragile or marginalised humanitarian settings.

Accompanied by Reem Al Hashemy, Bill Gates toured the key projects of Expo Live, the global innovation and partnership programme that supports innovators who develop extraordinary low-cost solutions.

During the tour, Gates was briefed on the ‘Ideabatic’, a low-cost innovation developed by Kitty Liao of the UK, keeping vaccines and life-saving medicines fresh during long journeys to remote rural areas.

He was also impressed by ‘Desert Control’, a new technology developed by Atle Idland of Norway, to help create an agricultural revolution for arid regions. The invention uses Liquid NonoClay (LNC), a technology that converts poor soil into fertile land. It works more quickly and uses less water than conventional agricultural methods.

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After that, Gates toured the Sustainability Pavilion, which highlights technologies that consume zero energy. Speaking to Expo TV, Gates urged the world to speed up the implementation of its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, with the deadline just eight years away.

He also said that the world was going through a difficult stage in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the success achieved, and called for more efforts for a fair distribution of vaccines. (WAM)