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Louvre Abu Dhabi attracts over 1.2m visitors in 2023

International visitors represented 72 percent of footfall, with the majority coming from key growth markets including Russia, India, France, the USA, China, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, and the UK….reports Asian Lite News

In 2023, Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors, driven by a combination of factors including prominent exhibitions enhancing the museum’s permanent collection, increased visitation to the Children’s Museum, and unprecedented engagement with Louvre Abu Dhabi’s educational programs. Notably, various outdoor activities and activations held on the museum premises also played a significant role, contributing 10 percent to the total visitor count.

International visitors represented 72 percent of footfall, with the majority coming from key growth markets including Russia, India, France, the USA, China, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, and the UK. The remaining 28 percent of visitors were residents of the UAE. The museum also hosted visits by more than 500 officials and dignitaries, including Heads of State, ministers, ambassadors, internationally recognised artists, and world-renowned celebrities. As of 19th March, 2024, the museum achieved a momentous milestone by surpassing 5 million visitors since its grand opening, further solidifying its status as a cultural landmark of unparalleled distinction and global significance.

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “Louvre Abu Dhabi was established as part of our duty to deliver exceptional cultural institutions and experiences for all residents and visitors to the emirate. We are proud to see the impact that this museum has had in its six years of operation, with continually increasing visitor numbers reflecting the strength of its collection, special exhibitions, and community programmes.”

Manuel Rabaté, Director, Louvre Abu Dhabi, said, “It is inspiring to witness such growth in visitation, a testament to how Louvre Abu Dhabi is showcasing Abu Dhabi’s rich and diverse cultural landscape. Our museum weaves together the power of collaboration and intercultural dialogue, offering our visitors a glimpse into diverse civilisations and artistic traditions. The interest from our visitors, reflected in the numbers achieved, combined with our unique storytelling, showcases our commitment to excellence in the global cultural landscape.”

Curatorial Craftsmanship

2023 saw the opening of five exceptional exhibitions at Louvre Abu Dhabi, including Bollywood Superstars: A Short Story of Indian Cinema, Letters of Light, Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design, Picturing the Cosmos in the Children’s Museum, and Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2023.

In addition to exhibitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi expanded its collection with notable acquisitions and loans, enhancing the diversity of its offerings. Notable additions include two Picasso paintings (Woman Holding a Mandoline, 1911, and Portrait of a Seated Woman, 1923), Les Marionnettes by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1770), and four sculptures titled Four Parts of the World on loan from Château de Versailles. Additionally, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the UAE and the Republic of Malta, the museum received two remarkable loans known as cippi from the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta, and Musée du Louvre.

Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Children’s Museum, created to spark creativity in young minds, also saw significant activity in 2023, with as many as 231,493 visitors attending the two exhibitions that took place, Picturing the Cosmos and Emotions! The New Art Adventure. The vibrant space served as a dynamic educational playground, fostering a love for art and culture in the hearts of young visitors.

Educational and Cultural Programming

In 2023, the museum engaged with over 45,000 students and teachers through school and university programmes, marking an incredible 75 percent increase in comparison to 2022. Special initiatives like “Schools Take Over the Museum” and “University Take Over the Museum” provided unique learning experiences, encouraging students to explore Louvre Abu Dhabi and draw inspiration from the permanent collection and the museum’s core values to create their own artistic interventions.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi calendar also included 31 cultural programmes, including talks, performances, film festivals, celebrations around special days and outreach to community centres. The museum curated a programme around the maritime tradition for UAE National Day on the theme “Tales from the Sea” and supported COP28 with a series of talks. It also hosted a series of educational programmes, such as family weekends, workshops, masterclasses and ArtLabs.

Several exciting athleisure and sports activities were organised over the year to invite people to experience the museum in new ways, with activities such as kayaking around the museum and the electric catamaran experience. The museum also celebrated International Yoga Day with a relaxing yoga session under the iconic dome, welcoming 300 participants. Additionally, the museum launched its first Louvre Abu Dhabi Run and its first triathlon in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Events for People of Determination and senior citizens were also held, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and ensuring a welcoming space for all guests.

Digital Innovation

In 2023, the museum introduced a new version of its museum app, incorporating innovative Artificial Intelligence-powered features that recognise artworks and enhance the visitor experience. The number of app downloads used for the visitor audio guide saw an increase of 46 percent compared to 2022, reaching 123,720 in 2023. The museum also launched a series of podcasts related to the exhibitions, along with a specific series for children in Arabic called Adventures in the Museum.

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UAE, Czech FMs discuss economic, investment ties

The two minister reviewed avenues of developing the UAE-Czech cooperation in a number of fields…reports Asian Lite News

UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský in Prague.

During the meeting, which was held as part of Sheikh Abdullah’s working visit to Prague, the two sides discussed ways of boosting bilateral relations and joint cooperation.

The two minister reviewed avenues of developing the UAE-Czech cooperation in a number of fields, including economic, investment and development, in a way that serves the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed that the UAE attaches great importance to strengthening its ties with the Czech Republic across various domains, praising the continuous development in the levels of joint cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic welcomed the visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and his accompanying delegation, expressing his country’s aspiration to develop cooperation relations with the UAE at various levels.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Jan Lipavský touched on recent developments in the Middle East region, especially in the Gaza Strip, and its humanitarian repercussions.

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the importance of consolidating all regional and international efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire, which contributes to protecting the security and safety of all civilians and enhances relief efforts made to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

He further highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation to end extremism, tension and violence in the region, in addition to the urgent need to protect the lives of all civilians and intensify humanitarian support for the people of Gaza in a way that contributes to alleviating their suffering.

The meeting was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Dr. Ghalia Ali Al Humaidan, Chargé d´Affaires at the UAE Embassy in the Czech Republic.

The meeting was also attended by Jiří Kozák, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

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UAE joins global push for near-zero emission buildings

The forum brought together ministers and officials responsible for decarbonisation and resilience in the construction…reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, participated in the first Buildings and Climate Global Forum 2024, which was recently held in the French capital, Paris.

The forum brought together ministers and officials responsible for decarbonisation and resilience in the construction, real estate, and construction sector for the first time after the COP28 conference.

It was co-organised by France and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with the support of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.

The Ministry’s participation was represented by attending the first global ministerial segment to endorse a joint ministerial declaration that defines the common principles and cooperation framework for global efforts to achieve the goal of “Near-zero emission and resilient buildings by 2030”. Thus, the UAE announced its joining the international cooperation to decarbonise the building sector and enhance its resilience.

Eng Nusaiba Al Marzouqi, Director of Studies and Research and Chief Innovation Officer at MoEI, actively participated in the high-level sessions accompanying the forum by highlighting the country’s efforts in developing clear and measurable methodologies to reduce the carbon footprint in the building and construction sector and the mechanism for updating the targets of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) based on the capabilities of the current situation to be a model to be followed by other countries.

The forum followed the annual meeting of the World Green Building Council Committee, which the Ministry attended as a member representing the UAE.

The meeting aimed to follow up on the implementation of the Council’s strategies, activities, and initiatives, the latest of which is Buildings Breakthrough, and to review and approve the Buildings Global Status Report 2023.

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Abu Dhabi Chamber, Investors Council partner to boost investment

Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Council will exert their best efforts to eliminate any obstacles that may hinder the growth of investments locally…reports Asian Lite News

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has proudly announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with the UAE International Investors Council, laying the groundwork for their strategic collaboration in investment and futuristic economic sectors.

According to the agreement, the Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Council will exert their best efforts to eliminate any obstacles that may hinder the growth of investments locally and internationally while promoting Abu Dhabi as an investment destination for global investors.

Attended by representatives of both parties, the collaboration agreement was signed by Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and Jamal Saif Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the Council, at the Chamber’s tower in Abu Dhabi.

Expressing his pleasure at signing the agreement, Al Qubaisi said, “The signing of the collaboration agreement with the UAE International Investors Council comes in alignment with our ongoing endeavour to extend bridges of cooperation with investors worldwide, fulfil their aspirations, and provide them with more investment opportunities, enabling them to thrive locally and internationally. This agreement is also integral to our plans and ambitious objectives of bolstering local initiatives, expediting growth, and sustaining the competitiveness of the national economy, fostering Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier international investment destination.”

Al Jarwan stated, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey of collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber. The signing of the agreement comes to understand the needs of the private sector, thereby enabling decision-makers to make educated strategic decisions. It also underscores the seamless coordination between us, reflecting positively on the success of our shared endeavours. At the Council, we are keen to extend bridges of cooperation and forging strategic partnerships that contribute to promoting the economic landscape and facilitate the sustainable growth of Emirati companies internationally.”

According to the agreement, both parties will work collaboratively to assess growth opportunities in strategic priority markets, provide consultations, and share studies and information, serving their best interests and joint objectives and realise their investment ambitions.

Both parties will also execute several initiatives, including the formation of specialised economic delegations of representatives of private companies operating in Abu Dhabi to targeted markets worldwide.

They also agreed to organise joint international events that foster communication and networking between investors, as well as workshops, orientation sessions, and meetings to facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and knowledge to create business opportunities and support the expansion of the Chamber’s members globally.

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UAE condemns Israeli seizure of land in Jordan Valley

The UAE has expressed its categorical rejection of all practices in contravention of resolutions on international legitimacy, which risk further escalation and instability in the region….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has strongly condemned the Israeli government’s announcement to confiscate 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and expressed its rejection of all measures aimed at changing the historical and legal status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed the UAE’s categorical rejection of all practices in contravention of resolutions on international legitimacy, which risk further escalation and instability in the region, and impede endeavours to achieve peace and stability.

The Ministry stressed the need to support all regional and international efforts to advance the peace process in the Middle East, as well as end illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Ministry reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to fostering peace, justice, and the realisation of the rights of the Palestinian people.

Furthermore, the Ministry called on the international community to intensify efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire to avoid further loss of life, prevent fueling the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to advance all efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also strongly condemned the announcement of confiscation.

The Kingdom emphasised that such actions violate international laws and relevant resolutions, and undermine the chances of a just and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. Saudi Arabia called on the international community to halt the systematic violations by Israeli settlers and to ensure the return of confiscated Palestinian lands.

UAE welcomes wounded Palestinians

The 14th group of wounded Palestinian children and cancer patients arrived in the UAE on Wednesday 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.

Departing from Al Arish International Airport, the plane landed at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, carrying 32 Palestinians who were accompanied by 64 family members.

Families of the patients expressed profound gratitude to the UAE for its significant humanitarian assistance, which aimed at easing the plight of the Palestinian people.

Upon arrival, medical teams swiftly transported the patients to hospitals for immediate care, while the remaining cases and their companions were taken to the Emirates Humanitarian City for accommodation.

Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has been a steadfast supporter of Gaza, launching “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3” in November 2023 to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

The UAE has strengthened its humanitarian response to the crisis by continuously providing food, humanitarian assistance, and emergency medical assistance to the Palestinian people. The country established a 150-bed field hospital in Gaza and the Floating Hospital in Al Arish port, which has a capacity of 100 beds, operating rooms, intensive care, radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, and medical cabinets.

Additionally, the UAE launched six desalination plants in Rafah, Egypt, to address the dire water infrastructure situation in Gaza and ensure the Palestinian people’s access to safe drinking water. These plants desalinate about 1.2 million gallons per day, pumping them through pipes extending into Gaza.

The competent authorities in the UAE implemented the ‘Tarahum – for Gaza’ campaign to provide relief aid to the Palestinian people impacted by the war in the Gaza Strip, mainly targeting vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly.

These initiatives exemplify the UAE’s long-standing dedication to supporting the Palestinian people, alleviating their hardships, and fostering solidarity and cooperation through impactful humanitarian efforts.

Rafah operation looms

The Israel government is bracing for a final operation in the Rafah region in Gaza bordering Egypt where it believes that most of the Israeli hostages and their handlers are.

According to sources in Israel’s defence ministry, the country is gearing up for such an operation and it was all along its plan B, if talks in Qatar failed.

Indirect peace talks in Qatar had hit a roadblock after Israel refused most of the demands put forward by negotiators on behalf of Hamas.

After the talks failed, Israel activated its Plan B and would conduct a military operation three days after the end of Ramadan month.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israeli intelligence have briefed the war cabinet on the outcome of the incursion as well as the logistics involved.

Rafah is a densely populated area and an expected 1.3 million Palestinians are living in this region in makeshift tents and regular buildings.

Most of the displaced Palestinians from north and central Gaza have moved to the Rafah region which is the southernmost tip of the Gaza Strip.

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UAE Boosts Air Cargo Sector With New Data Platform

CARDS is the first platform of its kind to provide an analytical view of air cargo movements to, from and through the UAE by analysing the performance of national airlines…reports Asian Lite News

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched the Cargo Data Reporting System (CARDS), which provides a range of technical services to government entities, national airlines, ground handling agents and express service providers.

CARDS is the first platform of its kind to provide an analytical view of air cargo movements to, from and through the UAE by analysing the performance of national airlines, ground handling agents and express service providers, and sharing results and market share with each entity. This helps stakeholders identify strengths and weaknesses and enhances their competitiveness.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GCAA, said that the UAE enjoys globally competitive status as one of the most advanced countries in terms of air cargo efficiency, with a strong infrastructure of airports, cargo companies and world-class logistics services. “In addition to the UAE’s continuous investment in developing its capabilities and potential in this key and important sector, the CARDS platform represents a new step towards the UAE’s global leadership in this vital sector. It provides a data repository to monitor challenges and identify obstacles that may face air cargo movements to, from and through the country, which supports the UAE’s development and economic plans, in line with the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to make the UAE a global centre for the new economy and the transition to future sectors such as aviation and logistics.”

He added, “The new platform will contribute to strengthening the existing partnership between the Authority and representatives of the air cargo sector, by providing them with periodic and updated data on a monthly basis, which helps in decision-making, planning for the future and enhancing the competitive environment for the civil aviation sector in the country.”

For his part, Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said, “We are proud today to launch CARDS, which is characterised by accuracy, privacy and ease of use, and which will allow relevant government agencies to view the cargo movement in the country, which enhances the capabilities of the stakeholders to identify the areas of development for air cargo movement.”

Al Suwaidi stressed that the platform will be subject to continuous development and updating to ensure the expansion of the scope of the information included in it to include the major cities from which and to which goods are exported and imported, and the most prominent categories of goods that are shipped by air to provide a complete picture of air cargo movement and trade exchange in the country.

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32% of SMEs Attracted by Dubai in 2023 Were From ME, Eurasia

The growing number of SMEs setting up in Dubai from countries around the world underlines the emirate’s importance as a key global hub for trade and investments….reports Asian Lite News

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has revealed that 32 percent of the total number of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) attracted to Dubai during 2023 were from the Middle East and Eurasia, with Asia and Australia following close behind at 29 percent.

The growing number of SMEs setting up in Dubai from countries around the world underlines the emirate’s importance as a key global hub for trade and investments.

The figures highlight the diverse range of SMEs from various nationalities and markets that the chamber has attracted to Dubai through its network of international representative offices around the world. Latin America and Europe accounted for 26 percent of the total number of SMEs attracted during 2023, while African markets represented 13 percent of the total.

The chamber also revealed that 17 percent of these SMEs operate within the trade and logistics sector. Additionally, 13 percent operate in the IT sector, specialising in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, and software.

The food and agricultural sector ranked third, accounting for 10 percent of the total number of SMEs attracted. Healthcare and pharmaceuticals followed with nine percent of the total, while the public services sector came fifth, representing seven percent of the SMEs attracted. The financial services sector, which includes banking, asset and wealth management, fintech, insurance, and consulting firms, ranked sixth at six percent.

Real estate companies ranked seventh in terms of SMEs attracted, representing four percent of the total. The retail, fashion, travel, hospitality, and tourism sectors also accounted for four percent of the SMEs attracted.

Commenting on the figures, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasised Dubai’s reputation on the global stage as a destination for high-value investments. He stated that Dubai’s competitiveness stems from the wise and forward-thinking vision of its leadership, the emirate’s business-friendly environment, the ongoing development of services, favorable legislation, and the diverse range of investment opportunities available.

Lootah added, “Our network of international representative offices in key global markets has effectively promoted Dubai’s business community and highlighted the emirate’s value for companies seeking global expansion. We remain dedicated to contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), with a primary focus on attracting foreign direct investments in both traditional and emerging sectors.”

Dubai International Chamber successfully attracted 104 SMEs to the emirate during 2023, achieving a remarkable year-over-year (Y-o-Y) growth rate of 550 percent. This impressive increase reflects the chamber’s ongoing contribution to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the coming decade and consolidate Dubai’s position among the top three global cities.

The Dubai International Chamber operates 31 international representative offices, with 16 new offices launched in 2023. This growing network is part of the Dubai Global initiative, which seeks to establish 50 representative offices worldwide by 2030 to support efforts to attract international investments and companies to Dubai.

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ATM 2024: 100+ Top Travel Tech Exhibitors

ATM 2024’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56% bigger than last year with 33% more exhibitors participating this year…reports Asian Lite News

More than 100 of the world’s leading travel technology companies will be exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the UAE from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May.

ATM 2024’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56% bigger than last year with 33% more exhibitors participating this year, thanks to unprecedented demand from companies looking to showcase their innovations in front of a global audience.

Sponsored by Sabre, the ATM Future Stage – formerly known as the Travel Tech Stage – will host over a hundred expert speakers from across the global travel and tourism industry, plus a diverse selection of cutting-edge innovations designed to improve efficiency and profitability within the sector. Delegates will explore how advanced tech can be leveraged to drive improvements across a range of segments, including payment, professional development, accessibility, sustainability and more.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted to introduce the ATM Future Stage, which will harness the ever-increasing levels of innovation our industry is witnessing while building on the long-standing success of our Travel Tech offering.”

The global travel technology market was valued at $9.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $21 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. The ATM Future Stage will host a selection of presentations and sessions designed to highlight opportunities within this space.

These include; Navigating the Future: A Futurist’s Prediction, Strategic Capabilities and Implications of AI within Business, Putting the Traveller First with AI and Unlocking the Value of Travel: Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Traveler Journeys, which will be held in association with Amadeus.

This year’s show will see the return of the ATM Start-up Pitch Battle, which will be held in association with Intelak. The third edition of the competition will see a number of the region’s most promising startups take to the Future Stage to showcase a range of innovative and potentially industry-changing solutions in front of expert judges.

Several Travel Tech exhibitors also plan to get involved in other areas of ATM 2024. Tech giant Huawei, for instance, will sponsor this year’s Capitalising on China’s Predicted Tourism Surge summit on the ATM Global Stage.

“With an exciting combination of ambitious startups and well-established brands, this year’s Travel Tech space is perfectly aligned with ATM 2024’s theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’,” added Curtis.

ATM 2024 will also feature a ‘Best Use of Technology’ award at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibitors will be evaluated on how and to what extent they have embraced and deployed technology on their stands.

In line with its theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, the 31st edition of ATM will once again host policymakers, industry leaders and travel professionals from across the Middle East and beyond, encouraging them to forge new relationships, exchange knowledge and identify innovations that can reshape the future of global travel and tourism. From startups to established brands, the upcoming show will highlight how innovators enhance customer experiences, drive efficiencies, and accelerate progress towards a net-zero future for the industry.

More than 40,000 travel trade professionals, including 30,000 visitors, attended the 30th edition of ATM in May 2023, setting a new show record. The exhibition attracted more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 155 countries, providing a global platform for the unveiling of ATM’s net-zero pledge.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.

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UAE FM Meets Czech PM in Prague

Prime Minister Fiala welcomed the visit of the UAE Top Diplomat as the two sides discussed the bilateral relations…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, during His Highness’ working visit to Prague.

Prime Minister Fiala welcomed the visit of the UAE Top Diplomat as the two sides discussed the bilateral relations between the two nations, and ways to further enhance cooperation in a way that serves their common interests.

They also reviewed issues of common interest and the prospects of strengthening the friendship relations between the UAE and the Czech Republic.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the UAE’s commitment to strengthening cooperation across all sectors with the Czech Republic, fostering their development goals and achieving sustainable economic prosperity. He concluded by extending his sincere hope for the Czech Republic’s continued progress and the prosperity of its people.

The meeting was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Trade and Economic Affairs.

Visit to National Museum

Sheikh Abdullah also visited the National Museum in Prague, accompanied by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Trade and Economic Affairs, and was welcomed upon arrival by Dr Michal Lukeš, the National Museum’s General Director.

During the visit, the UAE Top Diplomat toured the museum’s sections and halls and viewed its diverse exhibits. The museum is the oldest and largest in the Czech Republic and one of the most prestigious such entities in the world.

During his visit, Sheikh Abdullah received an insightful explanation from Dr. Michal, who elaborated on the museum’s centuries-old history, its crucial role in documenting the country’s diverse past, and its dedication to highlighting the vibrant tapestry of Czech culture and its distinctive arts.

Sheikh Abdullah lauded the National Museum as a vibrant testament to the richness and diversity of the Czech Republic’s artistic and cultural movement, saying “Culture and arts hold a mirror to their respective people, reflecting their nation’s development and progress across all fields, and playing an important role in spreading the values of coexistence, tolerance, and human fraternity, which are the basic pillars for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development in societies.”

He also praised the growing relations between the UAE and the Czech Republic, pointing to the importance of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the cultural and artistic fields.

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Mothers’ Endowment Campaign Raises Dh770M

The campaign attracted donations from major contributors, individuals, businesses and institutions in the private and public sectors….reports Asian Lite News

The Mothers’ Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has raised AED770 million in donations, two weeks after its launch. Coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, the campaign aims to honour mothers by establishing a AED1 billion endowment fund that will support the education of millions around the world.

Receiving growing support from all walks of life, the campaign attracted donations from major contributors, individuals, businesses and institutions in the private and public sectors.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said raising AED770 million in two weeks shows how the Mothers’ Endowment campaign is on track to meet its target of helping millions of underprivileged individuals change their lives to the better through education.

“The strong community response to the Mothers’ Endowment campaign confirms how doing good has become an established way of life in the UAE community, which further solidifies the UAE’s humanitarian role,” he said.

“The campaign builds upon the success of previous charity and humanitarian initiatives launched in the UAE, which helped drive development across underserved communities through a series of sustainable programmes that improve quality of life and ensure wellbeing,” he added.

Organised under the MBRGI umbrella, the Mothers’ Endowment campaign allows contributors to honour their mothers by making donations in their name to help support underprivileged communities sustainably through education. The campaign also promotes the values of honouring parents, kindness, compassion and solidarity, while bolstering the UAE’s humanitarian role.

In partnership with humanitarian organisations, proceeds of the campaign will go towards supporting the education of millions of people around the world, providing them with the tools and skills necessary to lead independent, productive lives.

Donation channels The Mothers’ Endowment campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across six main channels including the campaign’s website (mothersfund.ae), as well as a dedicated call centre via the toll-free number (800 9999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates Islamic Bank (AE790340003708472909201). Donations via SMS are possible by sending the word “Mother” to the following numbers (1034, 1035, 1036, 1038) for Etisalat by e& users. Other possible platforms for donating to the campaign are the DubaiNow app by clicking the “Donations” tab, and Dubai’s community contributions platform Jood.

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