Central News Hub

Tag: global

  • Mubadala, G42 partner to setup biopharma campus in Abu Dhabi

    Mubadala, G42 partner to setup biopharma campus in Abu Dhabi

    The agreement reflects Mubadala’s ambition of developing a sustainable and resilient healthcare and life science ecosystem within Abu Dhabi…reports Asian Lite News

    Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala) and G42, the leading UAE-based AI and cloud computing company, signed an agreement to establish a world-class biopharmaceutical manufacturing campus (Biopharma Campus) in Abu Dhabi that will tap into global state-of-the-art vaccine and therapeutic products to strengthen regional supply chains, and drive forward the nation’s diversification and economic growth agenda.

    Mubadala, G42 partner to setup biopharma campus in Abu Dhabi

    The Biopharma Campus will invest in and establish multiple biopharma initiatives, leveraging the expertise of Mubadala’s advanced manufacturing companies as well as G42’s leading capabilities in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The agreement reflects Mubadala’s ambition of developing a sustainable and resilient healthcare and life science ecosystem within Abu Dhabi, further advancing the UAE’s socio-economic growth and diversification while also improving health outcomes across the nation and the wider Middle East region.

    Global supply shortages and the limited amount of advanced manufacturing activity within the region has resulted in biopharmaceuticals becoming a high growth market (with 10 percent CAGR over the past five years) and a priority investment area for Mubadala within the life sciences sector. The ability of biopharmaceutical products to address previously untreatable conditions has also inspired confidence in the market’s long-term and future growth potential.

    Commenting on the agreement, Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of UAE Investments at Mubadala, said, “Through the establishment of this campus in partnership with G42 and our group companies, we are investing in innovation and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s rapidly developing life sciences ecosystem. Bringing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to the UAE will not only strengthen our nation’s biopharma supply chain and pandemic response, but provide opportunities for local talent development and long-term, sustainable economic growth.”

    Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42, said, “Over the years, AI and cloud computing technologies have come of age. From their humble origins in the tech sector a decade ago, today these technologies are leveraged across a wide array of industries that value speed, scalability, innovation and resilience. There is a massive opportunity for pharma and healthcare companies to leverage AI and cloud technologies to improve their processes and we at G42 are very pleased to be partnering with Mubadala to build on the respective strengths and further accelerating the development of the UAE’s life sciences ecosystem.”

    ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week returns in January

    The world-class Biopharma Campus will focus on end-to-end manufacturing of state-of-the-art biologics and host anchor partnerships with Contract Manufacturing and Development Organisations (CDMOs). A CDMO model enables manufacturers to work with multiple innovators, reducing product risk and enabling economies of scale.

  • Second generation of ‘Masar Cars’ launched

    Second generation of ‘Masar Cars’ launched

    The launch of the cars will support the road management system and the country’s efforts to improve road traffic safety…reports Asian Lite News

    Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, has launched the second generation of “Masar Cars”, which are equipped with smart systems for monitoring roads, road quality and security requirements.

    Abdul Rahman Al Mahmoud, Director of the Federal Roads Assets Department, Khamis Al Shehiari, Head of the Roads Development and Traffic Safety Department, Sogha Al Samahi and Habiba Aflatoun, briefed Al Mazrouei about the cars, which will help advance the UAE’s road system and ensure traffic safety.

    Second generation of ‘Masar Cars’ launched

    He also highlighted the future role of these cars in achieving the country’s goal of realising the highest levels of road traffic safety and reducing accidents and achieving the UAE Centennial 2071.

    The launch of the cars will support the road management system and the country’s efforts to improve road traffic safety, Al Mazrouei said. The project is in line with the ministry’s approach to utilising advanced technologies and the latest innovations, he added.

    ALSO READ: Hyundai brand value rises in Interbrand’s Global ranking

    Hassan Mohammed Juma Al Mansoori, Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry, said the UAE’s road sector had witnessed ongoing developments over many years, which has helped improve traffic safety. This has resulted in the UAE securing top global rankings in terms of road quality in global competitiveness reports.

  • Expo to offer round-the-clock New Year celebration

    Expo to offer round-the-clock New Year celebration

    Aligned with numerous global time zones across 13 hours of festivities, Expo’s site-wide New Year’s celebrations will begin at 15:00 on Friday, 31st December, and last until 4:00 the following morning…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

    Expo 2020 Dubai invites the world to ring in 2022 in electrifying style, with round-the-clock entertainment featuring a slate of world-class DJs, two stunning fireworks displays and a midnight ‘ball drop’ at Al Wasl Plaza, held against a backdrop of extensive safety measures that will ensure an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.

    Expo to offer round-the-clock New Year celebration

    Aligned with numerous global time zones across 13 hours of festivities, Expo’s site-wide New Year’s celebrations will begin at 15:00 on Friday, 31st December, and last until 4:00 the following morning. Standout must-sees include DJ star Dimitri Vegas, who is set to thrill crowds at Expo’s Jubilee Park from 23:30 in what will be an unmissable celebration for the senses, and a spectacular set at 1:30 from Armin Van Buuren, one of the world’s biggest DJs and producers in electronic music. Numerous Arab, Filipino and Indian DJs will feature throughout the evening too.

    Tareq Ghosheh, Chief Events and Entertainment Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “Celebrated by every country in the world, New Year’s Eve is a unique moment in time – celebrations made ever more poignant over these past two years as we address the pandemic together. As we continue to safely host 192 nations over 182 days, as the largest event ever held in the Arab world, we are thrilled to host a spectacular celebration of top class entertainment and activations, welcoming 2022 with open arms and renewed optimism for a brighter future.”

    Effortlessly connecting Expo 2020 to the city of Dubai, Dubai Metro will also run continuously throughout New Year’s Eve, ensuring every visitor to Expo can enjoy the bevy of world-class experiences on offer. More than 70 restaurants and 120-plus food concepts will also be to hand on New Year’s Eve.

    The newly-opened Festival Garden in Expo’s Jubilee Park, featuring communal seating, a main stage, food trucks, kiosks and carts, offers a perfect place to enjoy music and entertainment for the entire family, while a variety of exclusive restaurants across Expo will offer set menus, DJ performances and entertainment throughout New Year’s Eve.

    The largest major global event to be held since the start of the pandemic, Expo’s latest COVID-19 measures include the expansion of the number of on-site PCR testing facilities to four, and free testing for all Country Pavilion staff. While all frontline workers and entertainers continue to be tested on a regular basis, some close contact events, such as parades and roving entertainers, have been temporarily suspended as a short-term precautionary measure.

    ALSO READ: Expo 2020 Tightens Covid Rules

    Visitors aged 18 and above are required to present proof of any vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours. In addition, Expo 2020 maintains on site sanitisation stations and mandatory face masks both indoors and outdoors.

    With more than 90 percent of the UAE population fully vaccinated, Expo 2020 Dubai has required mandatory vaccination and boosters of all Expo and International Participant staff, volunteers, contractors and service providers.

    Ensuring safe celebrations

    The Steering Committee of the College of Commissioner Generals of Expo 2020 Dubai has held its third event-time meeting, doubling down on its united commitment to continue hosting an exceptional and safe World Expo in a manner that is engaging, exciting and full of learning.

    Expo

    The meeting of the committee, which represents Expo’s 192 participating nations, was attended by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Dimitri Kerkentzes, Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the governing body of World Expos. It was chaired by Manuel Salchli, Chair of the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee and Commissioner General for Switzerland at Expo 2020.

    Al Hashemy said, “As we approach the three-month mark, having welcomed millions of people from around the world, we are humbled by the depth of pride, learning and exploration that visitors are enjoying on site. We will continue to ensure that the health and safety of all visitors and staff alike remains our number one priority. In coordination with our partners in both the local and federal levels, we will continue to be agile, proactive and factual to ensure an unforgettable and safe Expo 2020 experience for all.”

    Salchli said, “During the near-three months of Expo, the outstanding commitment of International Participants and Organisers to offer a unique visitor experience has been on full display for the world to see. As we approach the halfway mark, heralding the new year with renewed optimism, I am confident such embedded international collaboration will continue to support International Participants’ national objectives, which includes addressing the global challenges shared by all.”

  • Global Covid caseload tops 276.2 mn

    Global Covid caseload tops 276.2 mn

    The global coronavirus caseload has topped 276.2 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.36 million and vaccinations to over 8.76 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News

    In its latest update on Wednesday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 276,200,632 and 5,368,422, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 8,767,449,046.

    Global Covid caseload tops 276.2 mn

    The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 51,272,854 and 810,045, according to the CSSE.

    The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (34,752,164 infections and 478,007 deaths), followed by Brazil (22,219,477 infections and 617,948 deaths).

    ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 275.4 mn

    The other countries with over 5 million cases are the UK (11,607,864), Russia (10,089,945), Turkey (9,211,710), France (8,818,154), Germany (6,869,505), Iran (6,175,782), Spain (5,585,054), Italy (5,436,143), Argentina (5,404,380) and Colombia (5,110,788), the CSSE figures showed.

    The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Mexico (297,916), Russia (293,329), Peru (202,295), the UK (147,896), Indonesia (144,024), Italy (135,931), Iran (131,167), Colombia (129,534), France (122,931), Argentina (116,953) and Germany (109,028).

  • Global Covid caseload tops 275.4 mn

    Global Covid caseload tops 275.4 mn

    The global coronavirus caseload has topped 275.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.36 million and vaccinations to over 8.72 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News

    In its latest update on Tuesday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 275,438,382 and 5,360,382, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 8,726,609,684.

    Global Covid caseload tops 275.4 mn

    The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 51,097,528 and 807,945, according to the CSSE.

    The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (34,746,838 infections and 477,554 deaths), followed by Brazil (22,215,856 infections and 617,873 deaths).

    ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 274.6 mn

    The other countries with over 5 million cases are the UK (11,518,116), Russia (10,064,290), Turkey (9,191,851), France (8,745,272), Germany (6,834,488), Iran (6,173,369), Spain (5,535,231), Italy (5,405,360), Argentina (5,395,044) and Colombia (5,109,022), the CSSE figures showed.

    The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Mexico (297,863), Russia (292,331), Peru (202,225), the UK (147,722), Indonesia (144,013), Italy (135,778), Iran (131,124), Colombia (129,487), France (122,702), Argentina (116,930) and Germany (108,484).

  • Global Covid caseload tops 274.6 mn

    Global Covid caseload tops 274.6 mn

    The global coronavirus caseload has topped 274.6 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.35 million and vaccinations to over 8.68 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News

    In its latest update on Monday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 274,692,249 and 5,354,148, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 8,680,566,482.

    Global Covid caseload tops 274.6 mn

    The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 50,846,828 and 806,439, according to the CSSE.

    The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (34,740,275 infections and 477,422 deaths), followed by Brazil (22,213,762 infections and 617,803 deaths).

    ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 274 mn

    The other countries with over 5 million cases are the UK (11,425,657), Russia (10,037,546), Turkey (9,173,089), France (8,730,140), Germany (6,812,746), Iran (6,170,979), Spain (5,455,527), Argentina (5,389,707), Italy (5,389,155) and Colombia (5,107,323), the CSSE figures showed.

    The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Mexico (297,835), Russia (291,336), Peru (202,154), the UK (147,679), Indonesia (144,002), Italy (135,641), Iran (131,083), Colombia (129,458), France (122,478), Argentina (116,903) and Germany (108,285).

  • Dubai: The Global Superyacht Capital

    Dubai: The Global Superyacht Capital

    Dubai has become the destination of choice for owners and captains of superyachts, especially in the winter season from October to April, reports Asian Lite News

    Building on a rich maritime heritage, Dubai has made rapid progress to emerge as a preferred destination for yacht owners, charters and cruise travelers from across the world and a leading multi-faceted global hub for the sector. With its world-class infrastructure, picturesque coastline, simplified access procedures, open anchorage areas, luxury marinas and diverse sea and land based experiences, Dubai has become a global yacht tourism magnet and the destination of choice for owners and captains of superyachts, especially in the winter season from October to April.

    Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, said the rapid growth of Dubai’s maritime tourism sector has contributed significantly to reinforcing the emirate’s status as one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations. His Highness called for further efforts to accelerate the pace of the sector’s growth and the development of its offerings, building on the successful start of Dubai’s cruise tourism season this year.

    He said: “Dubai’s leadership is committed to providing the world-class infrastructure, facilities and support necessary for maritime tourism to flourish in the emirate and for tourists to have a smooth, hassle-free and enriching experience. Dubai has a long and distinguished track record for providing exceptional services in this sector, which has made it a destination that is a favourite among both industry players and tourists worldwide.”

    Under the directives of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, a cross-governmental task force was established to ensure that all foreign-flagged yachts, whether shipped or sailing to Dubai, have a seamless experience on arrival and benefit from full access to modern infrastructure and advanced marina based facilities.

    Following the launch of Dubai Harbour in 2020, and the expansion of several marinas across the emirate in the last 18 months, Dubai is now home to 15 marinas with more than 3,000 berths, which can accommodate an array of pleasure craft and luxury yachts as well as superyachts and gigayachts.

    Dubai is particularly attractive as a hub for superyachts, with its world-class facilities and sophisticated infrastructure, and plethora of fine-dining restaurants, diverse experiences and tourism attractions, all within easy access of the marinas. According to Oxford Business Group, more than 200 superyachts (37 – 60m yachts) were registered across the Middle East as of 2019, with Dubai being the base for many of these vessels. The dock and dine options that are available at the marinas, in addition to its varied destination offerings, span many leisure touchpoints from heritage to entertainment, outdoor adventures to beach activities, gastronomy to family-oriented experiences, and from shopping to luxury.

    With the impact of the pandemic continuing to influence new travel trends globally, residents and tourists are now seeking more private and closed-group activities. As a result, yachting has become increasingly popular with both tourists and residents alike, with owners and captains seeking to berth their vessels in marinas along Dubai’s coastline, such as the new Dubai Harbour.

    Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority, said: “The Dubai Maritime City Authority is committed to promote Dubai’s position in the global maritime sector, by developing productive partnerships and innovative initiatives to elevate the leisure industry, create unique yacht tourism experiences and raise the sustainability of the sector in Dubai. In line with the futuristic vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we’re moving forward to advance marine leisure activities, tourist destinations, marinas, recreational places and yacht services to create a leading cluster for maritime activities in Dubai.”

    Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: “Dubai’s range of yacht tourism facilities that meet the highest international standards combined with its diverse destination proposition and commitment to prioritising the health and safety of people has enabled Dubai to build a thriving global yachting community and offer leisure and adventure activities featuring the most modern watercraft. Dubai’s ability to provide residents and tourists memorable maritime experiences is a testament to our strong collaboration with our stakeholders and partners.”

    ALSO READ: Dubai to bring accessible tourism back to the fore

    Hamza Mustafa, COO, P&O Marinas, said: “The UAE has a diversified economy with tourism as one of its core pillars. Capitalising on this, the country has established itself as an exclusive, luxury yachting destination. At P&O Marinas, through our collection of sought-after yachting and coastal destinations, our sole purpose is to develop and promote Dubai as a comprehensive maritime hub and a global destination for marine tourism. Our assemblage of marinas is one of the most comprehensive in the Middle East, with a total capacity of 1,200 wet berths, 600 dry berths, and an ability to accommodate 60 superyachts ranging between 25m and 160m. In addition to this, we are continually working to ensure that the Emirate remains the epicentre for yacht and superyacht owners.

    The growth potential of the UAE’s yachting industry is demonstrated by the presence of world-class companies in the field such as Gulf Craft, manufacturers of luxury and superyachts and the opening up of more companies that are dedicated to promoting yacht tourism including The Yacht Brothers and Hero OdySEA. Demand for yachting has grown increasingly over the past year with yacht operators reporting an increase in bookings across day and weekend trips and new luxury boats and equipment have been added to their fleet.

  • Global Covid caseload tops 274 mn

    Global Covid caseload tops 274 mn

    The global coronavirus caseload has topped 274 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.34 million and vaccinations to over 8.65 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News

    In its latest update on Sunday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 274,184,518 and 5,349,532, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 8,657,495,880.

    Global Covid caseload tops 274 mn

    The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 50,772,786 and 806,265, according to the CSSE.

    The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (34,733,194 infections and 477,158 deaths), followed by Brazil (22,204,941 infections and 617,395 deaths).

    ALSO READ: Covid-19 death toll crosses 800,000

    The other countries with over 5 million cases are the UK (11,343,594), Russia (10,009,866), Turkey (9,138,535), Germany (6,788,556), France (8,681,667), Iran (6,169,011), Spain (5,455,527), Argentina (5,386,453), Italy (5,364,852) and Colombia (5,105,285), the CSSE figures showed.

    The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Mexico (297,568), Russia (290,340), Peru (202,120), the UK (147,634), Indonesia (143,998), Italy (135,544), Iran (131,033), Colombia (129,399), France (122,403), Argentina (116,899) and Germany (108,138).

  • Global Covid caseload tops 272 mn

    Global Covid caseload tops 272 mn

    The global coronavirus caseload has topped 272 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.32 million and vaccinations to over 8.54 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News

    In its latest update on Thursday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 272,146,742 and 5,328,975, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 8,547,694,355.

    Global Covid caseload tops 272 mn

    The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 50,374,099 and 802,502, according to the CSSE.

    The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (34,710,628 infections and 476,135 deaths), followed by Brazil (22,201,221 infections and 617,271 deaths).

    ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 271.4 mn

    The other countries with over 5 million cases are the UK (11,073,455), Russia (9,927,150), Turkey (9,102,294), France (8,504,074), Germany (6,656,270), Iran (6,162,954), Argentina (5,371,341), Spain (5,393,268), Italy (5,282,076) and Colombia (5,099,746), the CSSE figures showed.

    The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Mexico (296,984), Russia (287,135), Peru (201,902), the UK (147,249), Indonesia (143,969), Italy (135,178), Iran (130,883), Colombia (129,256), France (121,968), Argentina (116,857) and Germany (106,934).

  • 2021 record year for global IPO market: EY

    2021 record year for global IPO market: EY

    Global IPO issue volume went up 67 per cent to $453 billion…reports Asian Lite News

    The number of new initial public offerings (IPOs) worldwide in 2021 increased 64 per cent year-on-year to 2,388, according to a study published by the consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY).

    Global IPO issue volume went up 67 per cent to $453 billion, according to the study published on Tuesday.

    2021 record year for global IPO market: EY

    Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, “investor sentiment worldwide was very positive, volatility was contained and there were no new economic downturns,” said Martin Steinbach, partner and head of IPO and Listing Services for EY Germany.

    The highest number of IPOs was again registered in China, where 593 companies went public 2021, up 11 per cent year-on-year, the study found.

    Europe’s IPO market also developed particularly well. Compared to 2020, the number of IPOs on Europe’s stock exchanges more than doubled from 191 to 485, and issue volume almost tripled to $81.1 billion, Xinhua news agency reported.

    ALSO READ: Simplex Papers’ stocks deliver 6,700% returns this year

    Tech companies in particular attracted the interest of investors as these accounted for one in four IPOs worldwide and for 33 per cent of the aggregate issue volume.

    “The digital transformation of the economy has received an enormous boost from the pandemic,” Steinbach said, adding that this trend is expected to continue as “large numbers of fast-growing companies from the technology and healthcare sectors will be attracted to the stock market.”