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13th Group of Wounded Palestinians Arrive in UAE

The initiative is a clear embodiment of the UAE’s steadfast humanitarian approach to standing by its brothers and extending a helping hand to them in various circumstances….reports Asian Lite News

The 13th group of wounded Palestinian children and cancer patients arrived in the UAE on early Saturday in response to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide medical treatment for 1,000 wounded children, and 1,000 cancer patients from the Gaza Strip, in the UAE’s hospitals.

The initiative is a clear embodiment of the UAE’s steadfast humanitarian approach to standing by its brothers and extending a helping hand to them in various circumstances.

Departing from Al Arish International Airport, a plane landed at the Zayed International Airport, carrying 98 Palestinians, including 40 children in need of urgent medical assistance for severe injuries and burns, as well as cancer patients requiring intensive treatment. They were accompanied by 58 family members.

With the arrival of this new group of wounded and injured people, the total number of patients and companions received by hospitals in the United Arab Emirates has reached 1,154. This includes 585 wounded children and cancer patients, as well as 569 companions.

ALSO READ: UAE President, World Central Kitchen CEO discuss boosting Gaza aid

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UAE, Qatar Stress Unified Approach in Gaza

The UAE Foreign Minister visited Doha, on a working visit, and met with Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim and Qatari Prime Minister….reports Asian Lite News

Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday welcomed UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The UAE Top Diplomat conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his best wishes to the State of Qatar and its people for more prosperity and progress. His Highness Sheikh Tamim reciprocated the greetings.

During the meeting, which was held as part of the UAE Foreign Minister’s working visit to Doha, the fraternal relations and ways to support and develop bilateral cooperation were reviewed, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international issues of common interest.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the depth of the fraternal UAE-Qatar relations and the two countries’ continuous efforts to invest in all available opportunities to expand the paths of bilateral cooperation in a way that achieves their mutual interest and the higher good of their peoples.

Sheikh Abdullah also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Emir of Qatar for the warm welcome, expressing his best wishes to Qatar and its people for more progress and prosperity.

Later, Sheikh Abdullah also met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

The two ministers also discussed the latest developments in the Middle East region, especially in the Gaza Strip.

They reviewed the efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire, especially with the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the urgent need to intensify the regional and international efforts made to provide sufficient humanitarian assistance to the brotherly Palestinian people, in a way that would contribute to alleviating their suffering.

They touched on the outcomes of the recent ministerial meeting on the maritime corridor initiative aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and the importance of such initiatives in opening humanitarian corridors to transport aid at a sufficient and sustainable pace and without obstacles to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Sheikh Abdullah pointed out during the meeting that the Middle East region is going through exceptional difficult circumstances and many challenges that, he stressed, necessitate the need to intensify cooperation and multilateral work at all levels to end extremism, tension and escalating violence in the region and reach a sustainable ceasefire.

The UAE FM added that a ceasefire, securing the safety of all civilians and bolstering the humanitarian response to the brotherly Palestinian people is an urgent priority.

“To ensure the success of these endeavours, a unified approach combining all available efforts is imperative,” Sheikh Abdullah stressed.

He also appreciated the continuous efforts made by Qatar to reach a ceasefire that would contribute to meeting the urgent humanitarian needs of civilians in Gaza. He reiterated the importance of finding a serious political horizon to resume negotiations with the aim of achieving comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar hosted an Iftar banquet in honour of Sheikh Abdullah and his accompanying delegation.

ALSO READ: UAE President, World Central Kitchen CEO discuss boosting Gaza aid

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Expo City Celebrates Diversity With ‘Dubai Iftar’

The third edition of ‘Dubai Iftar’ brings together people from various faiths at Expo City Dubai….reports Asian Lite News

The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, in collaboration with Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, today hosted the third edition of ‘Dubai Iftar’ at Expo City Dubai.

The interfaith iftar event saw people from different faiths, including religious leaders, gather together for a special iftar meal. The event was also attended by Muslim scholars, UAE officials, senior officials from various organisations, as well as representatives from consular and diplomatic bodies in the country.

‘Dubai Iftar’ was organised as part of the #RamadanInDubai campaign that was launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council. Organised annually, the iftar event aims to celebrate the values of generosity and sharing, while also promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.

Commenting on the occasion, Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said the ‘Dubai Iftar’ event reflects the spirit of tolerance and compassion that characterises the Holy Month, while also showcasing the religious and cultural diversity within the UAE society.

“Our society is distinguished by its commitment to coexistence and religious freedom. These values are rooted in mutual respect and a dedication to safeguarding and integrating all members, irrespective of their cultural or religious backgrounds. Ramadan offers us the chance to renew our commitment to advancing our society’s development, strengthening bonds within our community and enhancing the quality of life of all society members,” Buhumaid said.

She added: “This iftar, uniting representatives from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, underscores our shared goal of safeguarding our society’s ongoing development. Social progress isn’t solely the duty of governments or organisations; it’s a collective endeavour that requires active involvement from all members of society. Whether through ideas, volunteerism, charitable actions, or supporting programmes addressing societal needs, everyone plays a crucial role.”

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, said that the ‘Dubai Iftar’ event embodies the essence of Emirati culture, which embraces coexistence and diversity. He emphasised the unique social fabric of the UAE, particularly in Dubai, which is known for its rich cultural diversity, with residents hailing from over 200 nationalities and speaking numerous languages.

He added that the event aligns with the vision of the UAE leadership and exemplifies the peaceful coexistence found in the UAE. “This initiative has gained substantial regional recognition for bringing people of diverse faiths, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds together. Through this gathering, we convey a message of love, tolerance, and peace from Dubai to all sects and religions worldwide,” Al Muhairi said.

Ahmed Khalfan Al Mansouri, Cultural Communication Advisor and General Coordinator of Ramadan Activities in Dubai, said that Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City Dubai was selected once again as the venue for ‘Dubai Iftar’ due to its symbolic significance as a beacon for connecting minds and civilisations worldwide. Additionally, the invitation was extended to include a broader array of representatives from various sects, religions, and members of the country’s consular and diplomatic corps, he noted.

Launched by the Dubai Media Council, the #RamadanInDubai campaign brings the public and private sectors together for the first time for a unified celebration of the Holy Month.

The Dubai Media Council has tasked Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), with overseeing the campaign’s execution. The campaign has been designed to bring to the community the unique spirit, beauty and warmth of Ramadan and share the rich cultural heritage and traditions that are an integral part of celebrations during the Holy Month. The initiative also aims to create a unique ambience across the city that captures the true essence of Ramadan, reflecting the authentic Emirati customs and traditions that make the occasion truly special.

ALSO READ: UAE President, World Central Kitchen CEO discuss boosting Gaza aid

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GITO Summit Explores Trade Across India, Africa, MENA

H.H. Sheikh Nahyan said GITO Summit in Dubai explores investments, boosts trade among India, Africa, Middle East, North Africa, reflecting UAE’s global cooperation efforts….reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, affirmed that the Genetic International Trade Association (GITO) Summit in Dubai carries great importance in exploring investment opportunities and enhancing trade exchange between India, African countries, the Middle East and North Africa region, which reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and strengthening the global economy, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“Growth has become one of our most important priorities, in light of the UAE’s close trade and economic relations with most countries of the world, which emphasises our role in promoting development and regional and global cooperation, in order to provide an economic model that everyone can adopt, because the Emirati model confirms that economic prosperity is the foundation of a successful society and is necessary to improve the quality of life of its people,” he said.

This came during Sheikh Nahyan’s participation in the Dubai International GITO Summit, in the presence of more than 600 economic figures from more than 18 countries. Abdullah Al Hashimi, Executive Director of Operations at Parks and Zones and DP World for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries; Sanjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, and a large number of international figures, also spoke at the summit.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak honoured Vinod Adani, Chairman of Adani Global, with the Jeetu Ratna Award for his outstanding contributions to national growth and promotion of Jeetu.

He said, “Your summit is a call to the business communities in India, African countries, the Middle East and North Africa region to partner for success, and it is important to realise that managing large-scale investment and capital flows between India and those countries requires steadfastness and hard work, through appropriate social initiatives and emphasising ethical and transparent deals, and expanding individual and institutional participation in all joint projects and investments.”

He added, “I look forward to your discussions on how to achieve greater integration between India, the countries of Africa, the Middle East and North Africa region, and in particular, how to build stronger trade and economic ties to enhance regional trade and investment, also how to strengthen the private sector in each aspect and increase its participation in national and regional development, and in the global economy respectively. How to manage globalisation while sharing the benefits of modern technology, how to build and strengthen the institutions that make economic cooperation possible, and how to benefit from the growing and the special status of India, Africa, the Middle East and North Africa region in the global economy.”

Sheikh Nahyan directed the audience to the importance of everyone considering how to train and develop the business leaders that India, Africa, the Middle East and North Africa region need in order to achieve their full potential in terms of economic and social and human development, so that such leaders have the ability to adapt to changes in business environments, and that they must develop the skills necessary to overcome obstacles and build relationships across borders.

He concluded, “I certainly wish you a successful summit. I also look forward to our esteemed guests from abroad enjoying their time in Dubai and the UAE. I take this opportunity to wish all of you and all the people of India prosperity and continued luxury in the years to come. “We, in the United Arab Emirates, deeply values our friendship with India and hopes that the excellent relations between our two countries will develop and become more productive.”

Sheikh Nahyan also extended a special greeting to the African ambassadors who attended the summit, expressing his deep appreciation for the close and lasting relations between the UAE and all African countries.

ALSO READ: UAE President, World Central Kitchen CEO discuss boosting Gaza aid

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UAE President, World Central Kitchen CEO discuss boosting Gaza aid

Gore noted her appreciation for the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and the role of the UAE in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, referencing the fruitful cooperation witnessed between WCK and the UAE…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today met with Erin Gore, Chief Executive Officer of World Central Kitchen (WCK), a US nonprofit organisation that specialises in providing food to people impacted by humanitarian crises.

During the meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, both sides explored ways to strengthen collaboration between key UAE entities and WCK, aiming to address the urgent humanitarian need in the Gaza Strip and maximise the delivery of aid to the area by land, air and sea.

The two sides discussed the UAE’s contribution towards mobilising support for the Amalthea maritime corridor initiative to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, including the recent arrival of the first ship, carrying 200 tonnes of food and relief supplies, in cooperation with the UAE, WCK, and Cyprus, through the maritime corridor between Cyprus and Gaza.

His Highness expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian role played by World Central Kitchen around the world, especially in areas suffering from crises and disasters, and its efforts in delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. He reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast commitment to work with the organisation and other regional and global partners to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents and enhance humanitarian support by all means possible.

Gore noted her appreciation for the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and the role of the UAE in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, referencing the fruitful cooperation witnessed between WCK and the UAE.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court and Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.

UAE announces arrival of first aid ship to Gaza

The UAE has announced the arrival of the first ship carrying 200 tonnes of food and relief supplies to the Gaza Strip. The aid was delivered via maritime corridor launched from Larnaca Port in Cyprus to Gaza in collaboration between the UAE, World Central Kitchen (WCK), and the Republic of Cyprus.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) underlined the UAE’s endeavours to mobilise efforts within the “Amalthea” maritime corridor to successfully deliver relief aid to the northern Gaza Strip.

The Ministry commended the vital efforts of the leadership of Cyprus, World Central Kitchen, and international partners to strengthen the humanitarian response to civilians of northern Gaza.

Furthermore, the Ministry affirmed that the exacerbating humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip requires adopting a collective international approach to immediately mitigate harm to innocent civilians, by ensuring urgent, safe, unhindered, and sustainable delivery of aid.

The Ministry reaffirmed that the maritime corridor is part of a sustained and dedicated effort to increase the flow of humanitarian aid and commercial commodities through all possible routes.

As part of its unwavering commitment to the brotherly Palestinian people and efforts to implement humanitarian initiatives aimed at providing relief, the UAE has delivered 21,000 tonnes of urgent supplies, including food, water, and medical items. The country dispatched through 213 flights, 8 airdrops, 946 trucks, and two ships.

The UAE has also inaugurated a number of sustainable relief projects, and provided medical care to civilians from Gaza by establishing a field hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, in addition to a floating hospital anchored in Egypt’s Al-Arish Port.

ALSO READ-UAE Seeks More Aid Corridors For Gaza

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BP, UAE suspend $2 bn gas deal in Israel

BP declined to comment beyond confirming the content of the NewMed statement. Adnoc declined to comment. NewMed Energy’s shares fell as much as 7% in Tel Aviv…reports Asian Lite News

BP and an oil company owned by the United Arab Emirates have shelved talks to buy a 50% stake in Israel’s leading natural gas producer, judging the $2 billion deal too risky as the war in Gaza rages.

NewMed Energy said Wednesday that all three companies had agreed to “suspend discussions” on the deal “due to the uncertainty created by the external environment.”

BP (BP) and Abu Dhabi’s state oil company Adnoc had “reiterated… interest in the proposed transaction,” it added in a statement, without detailing the conditions under which talks might resume.

“There can be no certainty that discussions will resume or that an agreement will be reached in the future, nor as to the terms of an agreement should one be reached,” NewMed Energy said.

BP declined to comment beyond confirming the content of the NewMed statement. Adnoc declined to comment. NewMed Energy’s shares fell as much as 7% in Tel Aviv.

The development highlights the impact the war in Gaza is having on companies doing business in the Middle East. Several Western brands, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut, have faced boycotts in the region by customers who perceive them as supporting or having ties to Israel’s war in Gaza.

BP announced the proposed investment in NewMed Energy just under a year ago as part of a plan to form a joint venture with Adnoc to extract natural gas in “areas of mutual interest,” including in the eastern Mediterranean.

The proposed transaction was widely seen as evidence of deepening financial ties between Israel and the UAE following the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2020. But the war has strained those ties, and the UAE has repeatedly called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.

In the days immediately following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which triggered the war, a BP executive told investors that the company remained “optimistic” about the prospects for the NewMed deal, according to media reports.

BP and Adnoc were to acquire 50% of NewMed Energy by buying the company’s publicly traded shares, plus part of a stake held by Delek, an Israeli energy conglomerate.

NewMed owns 45.34% of the Leviathan Reservoir, the largest gas reservoir in the Mediterranean and the location of one of the world’s biggest deepwater gas discoveries. Chevron holds a 39.66% stake in the reservoir.

Separately, BP was one of six companies awarded licenses by Israel’s energy ministry in October to explore for natural gas off the country’s Mediterranean cost.

The British oil company and Adnoc continue to work on other projects together. Last month, they announced a joint venture to develop natural gas assets in Egypt.

UAE-US non-oil trade reached $31.4 bn in 2023

Danny E Sebright, President of the US-UAE Business Council, said that the volume of non-oil trade between the UAE and the United States reached USD 31.4 billion in 2023, and is expected to continue growing at the same pace in 2024.

Sebright added, in statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), that US exports to the UAE reached $24.8 billion last year, exceeding 2022 exports of USD 20.8 billion, by 19 percent, noting that the UAE remained the top US export destination in the Middle East and Africa for the fifth consecutive year.

The President of the US-UAE Business Council highlighted that US exports to the UAE support 125,000 jobs in the US, while UAE exports to the US totaled USD 6.6 billion last year.

Sebright said that UAE investments in the US market continue to grow, focusing on various sectors including real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. He pointed to three areas with greater potential for further cooperation between the two countries in 2024: healthcare and life sciences, financial services and private equity, and technology and artificial intelligence.

Sebright said that the UAE and the United States continue to build on the tremendous progress made last year in the lead-up to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the areas of renewable energy, food security, and sustainability, in addition to the continued strength of traditional foundations of the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries in sectors such as space, defence, and energy. (ANI/WAM)

ALSO READ-UAE Achieves New Milestone in Gender Equality

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UAE Achieves New Milestone in Gender Equality

UAE climbs to 7th globally in Gender Inequality Index 2024, a remarkable advancement from its 2015 and 2022 rankings…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has achieved a new global milestone in the field of gender balance by advancing to the seventh rank globally in the Gender Inequality Index 2024, issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), rising significantly from its 49th place in 2015 and 11th place in 2022.

The United Nations Development Programme announced this new global achievement of the UAE during the meetings of the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, being held until 22 March in New York. The UAE Gender Balance Council is participating in the event.

H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council (UAE GBC), wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attributed the UAE’s global position in the field of gender balance to the wise leadership’s vision, and the continuous support extended by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, (the Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

Sheikha Manal said: “Our wise leadership’s profound commitment and support for gender balance and their eagerness to enhance women’s representation across economic, political, and social fields through pioneering legislation and initiatives have led made this exceptional achievement possible.”

“Improving the UAE’s ranking in global reports and indicators strengthens its position as a global and regional model for gender balance,” she stressed that the strong partnership between all state departments and the cooperation of the private sector have played key roles in this achievement.

She highlighted the UAE’s commitment to empowering women and giving them extensive opportunities to excel as indispensable partners in shaping the future. “Our wise leadership’s belief in women’s abilities and the supportive environment created for their success have propelled Emirati women to influential roles across vital sectors. Today, they are key decision-makers in pivotal sectors, supporting our nation’s global leadership aspirations,” she noted.

Sheikha Manal said: “Thanks to the insightful vision of our wise leadership, women in the UAE have received considerable attention, propelling the nation to a prominent international position in gender balance.”

She praised the pivotal role played by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in championing women’s empowerment through numerous national programmes and targeted initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable opportunities in education, employment, and various other domains.

She expressed her pride in the UAE government’s commitment to supporting women. She pointed out that Emirati women continue to play a tangible and influential role in the country’s development process, bolstered by the unlimited support of the wise leadership.

She reaffirmed the UAE Gender Balance Council’s commitment to broadening its global partnerships, as part of its efforts to raise the nation’s leading position and foster gender balance achievements not only regionally but also globally. Stressing the UAE’s dedication to supporting international endeavours for sustainable development goals, she highlighted the Council’s engagement in global forums as a crucial avenue for forging partnerships and sharing best practices in empowering women and promoting gender balance—a cornerstone for building inclusive and prosperous societies and economies.

Sheikha Manal said: “We place high priority on active participation in the meetings of the Committee on the Status of Women of the Economic and Social Council, which is one of the major international forums that the UAE attends annually. These meetings offer extensive opportunities to bolster the Council’s partnerships, as they represent the largest annual gathering at the United Nations focused on gender balance, women’s advancement, and empowerment. With the participation of representatives of Member States, United Nations entities, non-governmental organisations, experts, and advocates for women’s empowerment, it serves as a vital platform for advancing global excellence in gender balance.”

The UAE Gender Balance Council is actively participating in the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which is being held at the United Nations headquarters in New York from 11 to 22 March. An official UAE delegation headed by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, which includes Hanan Ahli, Council Member, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), participated in several events of the session and held important meetings and gatherings with representatives of various participating countries and officials of international organisations.

This year’s session of the Commission on the Status of Women is held under the slogan “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective”. The session is a vital platform to strengthen global partnerships and highlight the UAE’s achievements in gender balance, social and economic empowerment of women, and the nation’s international efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.

On the sidelines of the activities of the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Mona Al Marri met with Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at the United Nations Development Programme. The two sides discussed potential cooperation and the Human Development Report for 2024.

Pedro Conceição praised the positive results of the Gender Balance Index in the UAE, terming it a model for government initiatives aimed at creating a work environment that supports gender balance. He congratulated the UAE on its remarkable progress and achievements in recent years in the field of gender balance, which reflect the leadership’s vision and political determination and strong commitment to advancing development, progress and social and economic prosperity. He noted that the UAE is an inspiring global model for gender balance.

ALSO READ: Dubai Sees 21% Rise in International Tourist Arrivals

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Single-Use Plastic Cut by 18 Million in 2 Years

The initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Can, the citywide sustainability initiative, has seen a reduction in the usage of an equivalent of almost 18 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in just two years since its launch.

With the support of its partners and sponsors, Dubai Can has placed 50 public water stations in strategic locations across the city, including parks and popular tourist destinations. These stations have dispensed almost nine million litres of water.

Dubai Can was launched on 15th February, 2022, by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to reduce the utilisation of single-use plastic water bottles, empower residents and visitors to be active players in building a more sustainable future, and contribute to saving wildlife and the marine environment.

The initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into a leading sustainable destination. It is part of the wider efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics and encourage a mindset change in how the city’s residents and visitors view sustainability.

Dubai Can’s objectives are also supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan and Dubai’s commitment to helping the UAE achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UAE NetZero 2050 targets.

With the UAE’s “Year of Sustainability” extending into 2024, the Dubai Can initiative has plans to expand with 30 additional water fountains being installed by the end of the year in locations around the city. This will further motivate residents and visitors to undertake simple lifestyle changes such as using refillable water bottles and installing water filters in their homes, offices, and schools.

Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance Sector, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said, “The Dubai Can movement has been embraced by residents and visitors alike and we are proud of the considerable success it has achieved since its launch two years ago, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, to make Dubai a leading sustainable destination. We have seen consistent engagement with Dubai Can across the city, and the positive impact the initiative has made over the past two years.

“By reducing plastic waste, we are protecting our oceans, wildlife, and natural landscapes, and by choosing reusable options like our public water stations, we are promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing our carbon footprint. We will ensure that Dubai Can continues to encourage residents and visitors to adopt greener practices and lifestyle choices in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to consolidate Dubai’s position among the top three global cities for business and leisure over the next decade.

“As we strive to achieve Dubai’s sustainability goals, we look forward to the continued success of Dubai Can, particularly in the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’, which has been extended into 2024 and invites everyone to join in the collective effort to adopt sustainable practices. Dubai Can has driven the behavioural changes that are needed to tackle environmental challenges and the success of this initiative could not have been possible without the support of our valued city stakeholders and partners, as well as the overwhelming response from the public,” he added

Dubai has inspired many private companies to install water fountains in their offices, reducing single-use plastics in the workplace. Above all, the movement has encouraged residents and visitors to the UAE to adopt more sustainable behaviour and become conscientious consumers.

Driving a ‘Refill Culture’

All water stations throughout the city adhere to the highest hygiene standards and comply strictly with municipal, healthcare, and federal regulations. The stations provide clean and safe drinking water, which is tested in accordance with Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), Gulf Cooperation Council, and World Health Organisation standards. Driving a ‘refill culture’, the drinking water from the stations is kept cool at 10°C, offering people a refreshing, clean, and safe alternative.

A resident in the UAE typically uses 450 plastic water bottles on average in a year, which translates into 4 billion plastic bottles being used annually across the country. The Dubai Can initiative will continue to encourage residents and visitors to help reduce waste and prevent millions of plastic bottles from ending up in landfills and in our oceans.

A second Dubai Can project, the Dubai Reef, was also launched in December 2023. One of the world’s largest marine reef developments, Dubai Reef is part of the city’s efforts to increase fish stocks, support sustainable fishing, and contribute to boosting food security. It will also play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing marine biodiversity.

ALSO READ: UAE Seeks More Aid Corridors For Gaza

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Dubai Sees 21% Rise in International Tourist Arrivals

Dubai’s international visitor performance bolstered its ranking as the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai welcomed 1.77 million international tourists in January 2024, an increase of 21% compared to 1.47 million visitors in the same period of 2023.

According to the Dubai Tourism Performance Report for January issued by the Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Western Europe ranked first in terms of source markets for international tourists to Dubai with a share of over 18% and a number of 327,000 visitors. The GCC countries followed with 311,000 visitors, representing nearly 18%, and South Asia ranked third with 294,000 visitors, accounting for about 17% of the total international visitors to the emirate.

The number of international visitors from Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe reached 262,000 or 15%, ranking fourth, while the number of visitors from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached 211,000 or 12% of the total number of tourists coming to Dubai, ranking fifth.

North and Southeast Asia ranked sixth with 149,000 visitors and a share of 8%, followed by the Americas in seventh place with 115,000 visitors or about 6% of the total number of international visitors, Africa in eighth place with 71,000 visitors representing 4%, and Australia in last place with 33,000 visitors representing 2% of the total number of international visitors.

Dubai’s international visitor performance bolstered its ranking as the No.1 global destination for an unprecedented third successive year in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, the first city to achieve this unique accolade. This was further reinforced at ITB Berlin after Dubai was named 2023’s highest-rated destination in the Destination Performance Index (DPI) by IPK International, one of the world’s leading tourism consultancies specialising in tourism research, marketing and planning. The annual study, taking into consideration global tourist trips, traveller satisfaction, recommendations, and the desire to revisit, highlighted Dubai’s outstanding performance in attracting and satisfying tourists.

Recently, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) showcased Dubai’s diverse attractions at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) trade show, accompanied by 56 partners. This marked Dubai’s 32nd participation at ITB Berlin, drawing nearly 100,000 attendees. DET, joined by co-exhibitors such as Address Hotels + Resorts and Atlantis Dubai, aimed to highlight Dubai’s tourism offerings to global industry leaders. Participation in such shows is integral to DET’s strategy to attract visitors from various markets. In 2023, Dubai recorded 17.15 million international visitors, with a significant contribution from the German market, which witnessed a 36% YoY growth. The Dubai delegation engaged with top politicians and industry leaders at the event.

ALSO READ: UAE Seeks More Aid Corridors For Gaza

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#RamadanInDubai Festivities to Enchant Residents & Visitors

Dubai’s culinary scene will also shine during Ramadan, with diverse gastronomy experiences available for everyone….reports Asian Lite news

The #RamadanInDubai campaign, orchestrated by the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE), promises a month-long extravaganza filled with captivating light displays, fireworks, musical performances, and culinary delights. This initiative aims to spread joy and magic across Dubai during the Holy Month, offering residents and visitors a plethora of experiences to cherish until Eid.

Every weekend during #RamadanInDubai, the city will be illuminated with enchanting fireworks shows presented by Al Zarooni Group at various locations such as Bluewaters, The Beach, JBR, Al Seef, and Dubai Festival City Mall.

Dubai’s culinary scene will also shine during Ramadan, with diverse gastronomy experiences available for everyone. From food trucks at Ramadan markets to lavish five-star buffets and traditional Iftar and Suhoor offerings at hotels, restaurants, and Ramadan tents, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget. Global Village will offer a feast of international flavors amid a festive atmosphere, while the Ramadan Garden by Winter Garden and Al Khawaneej Majlis provide unique dining experiences.

Roaming performances by musicians and artists will entertain crowds at Global Village, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Festival City Mall, City Walk, and JBR, enhancing the festive spirit across the city.

Launched under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the #RamadanInDubai campaign aims to unite the public and private sectors in celebrating the Holy Month. Spearheaded by the Dubai Media Council and executed by Brand Dubai, the initiative seeks to showcase the cultural richness and warmth of Ramadan while honoring Emirati customs and traditions. Through this campaign, Dubai aims to create a unique ambiance that embodies the essence of Ramadan, fostering a sense of community and togetherness among its residents and visitors.

ALSO READ: UAE President Receives Rulers, Crown Princes For Iftar