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Dubai shaping future of AI

By investing in the metaverse and establishing partnerships, the Higher Committee aims to boost Dubai’s digital economy…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Government has formed the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy.

This is in line with the launch of the Dubai Metaverse Strategy by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a leading global economic hub.

Chaired by the Crown Prince of Dubai, the Higher Committee aims to help shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) by investing in the metaverse and establishing partnerships to boost Dubai’s digital economy.

Commenting on the launch of the Higher Committee, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s far-sighted vision consolidated the status of Dubai as a leading global hub for innovative new concepts and disruptive economic and technological models by deploying advanced technology in vital sectors to improve people’s standard of living.

Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai is a global testbed for technology and future business models aimed at creating new economic opportunities, establishing Dubai as a hub for the global digital economy.

He added, “We are working as a team to enhance Dubai’s position as a global birthplace and research laboratory for future technologies and one of the world’s top 10 metaverse economies, in line with the Dubai Metaverse Strategy.”

The members of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy include Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and Vice Chairman of the Committee; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Dubai Digital Authority; Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation; Ahmed Bin Byat, Vice Chair of the board of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy; Malek Al Malek, Director-General of Dubai Development Authority; Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority; and Maha Al Mezaina, General Rapporteur of the Committee.

The Committee will design policies and analyse trends for the digital economy and future technologies, including the metaverse, AI, blockchain, Web3, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), data centres and cloud computing in Dubai. The Committee will supervise the implementation of strategies related to the digital economy and future technologies in Dubai.

The Committee will work to identify the future skills needed for the digital sectors and advise the economic sectors about the digital economy. The Committee will also follow up on the digital economy’s performance and ensure that its contribution to the economy of Dubai is on a par with global benchmarks.

The Committee will also plan to attract international companies and conferences specialising in future technologies and the digital economy. Further, it will build strategic partnerships with entities working in the field of digital economy worldwide.

Sheikh Hamdan launched the Dubai Metaverse Strategy to position Dubai among the world’s top 10 metaverse economies. The strategy aims to make Dubai a global hub for the metaverse community and build on Dubai’s achievement of attracting more than 1,000 companies in the fields of blockchain and metaverse. It also promotes Dubai’s ambitions to support more than 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030. This would further boost Dubai’s economy and support the UAE government’s vision of increasing the number of blockchain companies by five times the present number.

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UAE Rulers Discuss National Issues

The President and Vice President have discussed efforts to drive the country’s development and renaissance and achieve aspirations of the people for a brighter future, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday received Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, at Qasr Al Bahr Palace.

The Vice President was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

During the meeting, both leaders have discussed on a number of issues related to the UAE and its citizens, especially efforts to drive the country’s development and renaissance and achieve the aspirations of the UAE leadership and people for a brighter and more prosperous future.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also exchanged greetings and engaged in talks with attending guests.

The meeting saw the attendance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region; Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, as well as a number of sheikhs, senior officials and UAE citizens, were also present at the meeting.

Two weeks ago, President Sheikh Mohamed said that the people of the UAE, and striving to empower them, has always been and continues to be the nation’s top priority.

“Ensuring our people have everything they need to live fulfilled, comfortable, and happy lives, remains the basis of all our future plans,” he said, while addressing the nation.

He said the UAE’s policy will continue to champion peace and stability in the region and the wider world, supporting others and advocating for wisdom and cooperation for the good of mankind.

He stressed that the UAE will continue its work to strengthen cooperation and enable positive, respectful dialogue between countries to achieve stability and prosperity for all.

He also said that “the sovereignty and security of the UAE will remain a foundational principle that we will abide with, and we will not tolerate anything that could affect it. We extend the hand of friendship to all countries that share our values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, to achieve progress and prosperity.”

He also highlighted that the UAE is fortunate to have a nation of people, who, before and after the union, and even through difficult times, have proven their spirit and determination to overcome the toughest challenges.

“Our pride in our people is infinite. Equally, we deeply appreciate the valued role of our residents who consider this country their second home, and their continued contributions in building and developing the UAE since its union,” the President added.

President  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has asserted that the UAE is keen on bolstering cooperation between countries in the region and coordination with partners to achieve peace and further stability in the region and the world, as well as tackle global challenges.

The UAE President explained that the UAE’s foreign policy is founded on a balanced approach and efforts to broaden the base of interests it shares with other countries to further contribute to realising national development goals, as well as global peace and stability.

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Dubai gears up to host World Green Economy Summit

The WGES annually attracts several local and international VIPs, including heads of state and government leaders, in addition to a large number of international speakers…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) are organising the 8th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) on 28 and 29 September 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The WGES will be held in conjunction with the 24th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS), organised by DEWA from 27 to 29 September 2022.

The WGES annually attracts several local and international VIPs, including heads of state and government leaders, in addition to a large number of international speakers, officials, representatives of government institutions, media representatives, experts and academics.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of the World Green Economy Summit, noted that the WGES represents the UAE and Dubai’s efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation, achieve climate neutrality and accelerate the transition to a green economy. This aims to ensure economic growth, and sustainability of natural and environmental resources.

This WGES aims to create an effective change and find out the means to fulfill the climate change commitment, in line with the outcomes of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26). It also paves the way to the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Egypt and the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) that the UAE will host at Expo City Dubai in 2023. WGES reflects the UAE’s effective and influential role in achieving sustainable, low-carbon economic growth and ensuring a better future for humanity.

“The WGES is a global platform that aims to promote partnerships, exchange experiences between decision-makers and support collaboration among regional and international organisations from the public and private sectors. It provides a platform for experts and academics to discuss the latest plans and policies, shed lights on the progress that the climate neutral initiatives have achieved, promote dialogue to implement the national defined contributions of climate action, enhance the collaboration between government and private organisations to achieve the major KPIs. WGES is one of the most important initiatives of the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, to support the international community efforts towards sustainable green growth that meets current and future needs,” added Al Tayer.

The 7th WGES was held at the Expo 2020 Dubai, under the theme ‘Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery’. WGES comprised high-level panel sessions and seminars on developing innovative sustainable solutions and promoting innovation to support sustainable development. This is through four main pillars: Youth; Innovation and Smart Technology; Green Economy Policies; and Green Finance. The Dubai Declaration 2021 underlined that the climate crisis constitutes an urgent global threat whose effects extend beyond the environmental agenda to include economic, social and environmental challenges.47850

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Bahrain joins industrial partnership for sustainable growth

Bahrain, a major producer of raw aluminum and iron ore, will increase the partnership’s total industrial manufacturing value add from $106.26 billion to $112.5 billion…reports Asian Lite News

The second Higher Committee meeting of the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development kicked off on Sunday in Cairo in the presence of Dr. Nevin Gamea, Egypt Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Yousef Al Shamali, Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply.

At the meeting, the Higher Committee announced and welcomed the Kingdom of Bahrain as a new member of the Partnership represented by Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Bahrain.

Bahrain, a major producer of raw aluminum and iron ore, will increase the partnership’s total industrial manufacturing value add from $106.26 billion to $112.5 billion. Bahrain boasts a strong industrial sector with more than 9,500 companies and 55,000 employees and $4.3 billion in industrial Foreign Direct investments.

The Partnership aims to establish large joint industrial projects, create job opportunities, contribute to increasing economic output, diversify the economies of the partner countries, support industrial production and increase exports.

The Higher Committee also reviewed a presentation by the Executive Committee, delivered by Abdullah Al Shamsi, Assistant Under-Secretary, Industry Growth, at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dana Alzoubi, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Supply as well as Hatem Alashry, Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Industry and head of the Executive Committee.

As a result, 12 projects worth US$3.4 billion have been shortlisted and will move into the feasibility studies phase. In total, the Executive Committee received 87 industrial project proposals focused on fertilizers, agriculture and food. In the next phase, the Partnership will focus on the metals, chemicals, plastics, textiles and clothing sectors.

The delegation also included UAE ambassador to Egypt, Maryam Al Kaabi, Jordan ambassador to Egypt, Amjad Al-Adayla, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Egypt Dr. Khaled Fahad Alalawi among others.

In her remarks, Dr. Nevin Gamea stressed the significance of the industrial partnership in confronting the economic consequences of the global crises and highlighted the importance of the private sector engagement in sustainable development for the Arab World.

“This partnership is key to ensuring value and supply chains, reaching industrial self-sufficiency, and creating more jobs,” said Jameh, adding, “We welcome Bahrain to join this partnership, which will help maximise the benefit of the industrial capabilities of the four countries.”

“To make use of this initiative, partners shall exchange science and technology expertise, set up industrial partnerships, and take advantage of the partners’ markets to promote multilateral trade,” she further said.

“Egypt’s government is very keen to do what it takes to support this partnership and pave its way so that it can achieve its targets,” she added.

Meanwhile, Yousef Al Shamali said, “Today’s meeting is a continuation of the executive committee meetings held over the past two days and a culmination of weeks’ long sectoral workshops of experts in the fields of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, fertilizers and food.” He noted that this progress has been achieved two months after the launch of the partnership in Abu Dhabi.

Jordan, he pointed out, is keen on supporting all aspects of joint Arab work, as instructed by King Abdullah II, and today’s gathering shows how the leaders of the three countries share a common vision about joining efforts to create a comprehensive economic project.

“The meeting highlighted the political and economic ties binding our nations, and ushers in a new era of joint action and effective economic integration with tangible impacts,” the minister added.

He further noted that Bahrain’s joining in the partnership will give a boost to the initiative, accelerating the pace of achieving the desired economic integration.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber highlighted the UAE’s commitment to the partnership, and said, “Today, we welcome Bahrain as a vital and dynamic addition to the partnership. Bahrain’s industrial sector plays a crucial role in sustainable economic development. I would also like to thank the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting this second meeting of the Higher Committee. We look forward to reviewing these joint projects and assessing the next steps required from private sector companies, government agencies and supporting bodies to ensure the projects’ feasibility to ensure rapid implementation,” Al Jaber said.

“I call on companies to leverage the competitive advantages and opportunities for partnership available in each of the participating nations and to conduct their own feasibility studies to maximise their projects’ chances of success. As government agencies, we must identify the key enablers these projects require to succeed and do everything in our power to help companies overcome potential obstacles. Rest assured, we will provide support to ensure that industrial companies can be confident in investing in and implementing successful projects. This combination of government support with private sector commitment will help the partnership achieve maximum sustainable economic and social benefits,” he added.

He concluded, “The Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development is open to any party who wishes to contribute to the development of the industrial sector, promote integration across industries, and leverage the competitive advantages offered by the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and now Bahrain. Our combined efforts and teamwork will enhance the development of the companies and countries involved in this partnership by reducing costs, safeguarding supply chains, creating more jobs, boosting self-sufficiency, planning for the future and applying the latest technology.”

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DEWA keeps pace with Dubai’s development

DEWA keeps pace with the growing demand for energy and water in Dubai and plays a key role in the Emirate’s efforts to increase the share of clean and renewable energy..reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) provides electricity and water services to 3.514 million people living in Dubai according to the highest standards of reliability, availability, efficiency, and quality.

This number is expected to reach 5.8 million by 2040. DEWA’s capacity has reached 14,117 megawatts (MW) of electricity and 490 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of desalinated water.

DEWA keeps pace with the growing demand for energy and water in Dubai and plays a key role in the Emirate’s efforts to increase the share of clean and renewable energy in line with the Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai’s Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 which aims to provide 100% of Dubai’s energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. 

Meeting demand forecasts

“We work in line 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 provide an advanced infrastructure that contributes to Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for living, working, investing, and visiting,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

“It also meets the growing demand for electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, efficiency, and quality. DEWA has outlined expansion plans for the energy and water infrastructure based on demand forecasts until 2031. We will continue to implement pioneering projects to diversify Dubai’s clean and renewable energy sources to include all available technologies in Dubai to achieve the wise leadership’s vision for a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Solar Park

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which DEWA is implementing, is the largest single-site solar park in the world using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, with a planned capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. The current production capacity of the Solar Park has reached 1,627MW using PV panels. DEWA is implementing other projects at the Solar Park with a total of 1,233MW using PV and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). Clean energy share in Dubai’s energy mix has reached 11.5% and is expected to reach 14% by the end of 2022.

Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex

DEWA’s Jebel Ali Power and Desalination Complex is one of the key pillars to providing Dubai with high-quality, efficient and reliable electricity and water services. The Complex has been confirmed by Guinness World Records as the largest single-site natural gas power generation facility in the world, at a capacity of 9,547MW. DEWA currently has 43 Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) water desalination units with a total production capacity of 427 MIGD of water at the D-, E-, G-, K-, L, and M Stations. It also has 2 SWRO plants with a production capacity of 63 MIGD. DEWA’s total production capacity of desalinated water is 490 MIGD.

H-Station Power Plant in Al Aweer

The H-Station Power Plant in Al Aweer is one of DEWA’s key projects to meet the reserve margin criterion set for peak electricity demand in Dubai. The station’s current installed capacity is 1,996MW of electricity.

Hassyan Power Complex

The current production capacity of the Hassyan Power Complex, which runs on natural gas, has reached 1,800MW, using the IPP model. A further 600MW will be added in 2023. This will raise the capacity of the Complex to 2,400MW.

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‘UAE succeeded in developing distinguished media sector’

The Global Media Congress, in its agenda, highlights the latest methods and practices carried out by international media, which will open more prospects for cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, affirmed that the UAE has succeeded in developing a distinguished media sector that, with its professional and creative expertise acquired over many years, has managed to top the regional and global media scene.

The audio-visual, print and digital media system provided a model that enabled the country to become a suitable environment for major international media institutions, she further said.

In her statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Minister Al Kaabi stated that Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the inaugural Global Media Congress consolidates UAE’s position and leadership across the media landscape, as it provides a platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise between various regional and international media.

The Global Media Congress, in its agenda, highlights the latest methods and practices carried out by international media, which will open more prospects for cooperation and partnership between major media institutions that benefit from the country’s position in accessing new markets in the region, she explained.

The Congress brings into focus a number of themes and topics, including digital communication, impact of artificial intelligence on contemporary media, and the integration of advanced technologies and innovation in the media sector.

The Global Media Congress will host a series of dialogues, witness the launch of new innovations, interactive workshops and discussion sessions, in addition to allocating a number of areas for holding bilateral meetings between various participants on the sidelines of the event, which will include a group of specialised sessions in the fields of press, radio, television, Internet, social communication and global influencers.

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Emirates Health Services raises efficiency through PaCE

The PaCE platform enhancements include the setup of smart screens in healthcare facilities for clinical monitoring and updates….reports Asian Lite News

As part of its digital transformation efforts to enhance medical services, Emirates Health Services (EHS) has further developed the efficiency of services in its hospitals through its award winning, proprietary Performance and Clinical Excellence (PaCE) platform.

The PaCE platform enhancements include the setup of smart screens in healthcare facilities for clinical monitoring and updates. PaCE also works to proactively monitor medications, pathogens, and vulnerabilities in health care plans, by using the smart application linked to the electronic medical record, which focuses on individual health, amongst other functions.

The platform has recent-ly received two awards, EHS announced, at the Global Business Intelligence Symposium by INFOSOL in California, USA for ‘Best Electronic Dashboard for Unlimited Business Intelligence System for 2022’, and the BES project and “Best Electronic Board of Value” for the platform’s Covid detection project.

Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General of EHS, noted that the health system in the UAE pioneers the region and the world in innovative health care projects and initiatives, given the UAE’s strategy based on looking ahead and preparing proactively to confront crises, which contributed to the leadership of the sector in managing the Covid-19 crisis at the height of its escalation.

He explained that the gains made by the health care sector in the country came as a result of the forward-looking policies that covered all sectors, which directed the need to employ artificial intelligence, encourage innovation and leadership, and establish research centres for medical sciences that work with technological solutions.

Dr. Essam Howayyer Al Zarouni, Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector, said that the PaCE platform is one of the most important innovative models in preventive health practices. “The system has proven its efficiency, as the ‘Beds Management platform’ contributed to monitoring the occupancy rates of beds at hospitals and centres and intensive care units in real time.”

“Furthermore, an ‘Emergency Department Management platform’ was equipped as live performance indicator system that issues detailed, up to date data that appears on display panels, and provides predictive. The use of these advanced systems resulted in reducing patient waiting time and triage time, as well as improving communication methods, especially during peak hours, while maintaining productivity, safety, quality and managing waiting times,” he added.

For her part, Dr. Noor Al Mehiri, Director of Performance and Clinical Excellence (PaCE) Committee, stated that the platform is continuously being developed, as several interactive smart platforms have been updated and included, most notably ‘Beds Management platform’, ‘Emergency Departments Management platform’, ‘outpatient clinics management platform, ‘the intensive care and inpatient departments management platform’, and the ‘Quality Outcomes programme platform’ for diabetes and Maternity, adding that new dashboards are to be announced later this year.

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UAE astronaut picked for 6-month ISS mission

Sultan Al Neyadi will become he first Arab astronaut to spend six months aboard the International Space Station, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE is strengthening its stature in the space sector, due to its people’s determination and ambition, noting that Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi represents an honourable model for the Emirati and Arab youth.

They made this statement during the announcement of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the selection of Al Neyadi to participate in the first long-term mission to the International Space Station (ISS), as part of a NASA, Space-X and Crew-6 mission that will launch in spring 2023.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed congratulated the Emirati people on Al Neyadi’s selection for the mission, noting that the UAE has become the 11th country in history to participate in a long-term mission to space.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted that Al Neyadi is a role model for the Emirati youth who we are proud of, and will be an ambassador for all Arabs in the space race, stressing that the country is establishing the foundations of this vital sector by supplying it with qualified national cadres, launching further scientific projects related to space exploration, and supporting related industries.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said Al Neyadi was selected among several Emirati astronauts to be the first Arab astronaut to engage in a long-term space mission to the ISS.

Al Neyadi will spend six months aboard the ISS, during which he will conduct many in-depth and advanced scientific experiments as part of the UAE Astronaut Programme, which aims to train and prepare a team of Emirati astronauts and send them to space to carry out various scientific missions. Al Neyadi’s mission came after the signing of a strategic partnership agreement last April between the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and Axiom Space, a US company specialising in space flights and the development of space infrastructure.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MBRSC, said the UAE’s National Space Programme is based on the proactive vision of the country’s leadership aimed at foreseeing the future, noting that it will help boost the UAE’s regional and international stature in the space sector.

Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of the MBRSC, said Al Neyadi completed intensive training courses as a substitute astronaut during the Zayed Ambition mission in 2018, and he has received an astronaut badge from NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.

After the agreement’s signing in April 2022, Al Neyadi was selected to participate in a six-month mission to the ISS.

The UAE Astronaut Programme launched by the MBRSC aims to establish the infrastructure of the UAE’s space sector and is one of the most inspiring programmes that aims to meet the aspirations of young people with unique scientific capacities and personal skills.

It also aims to develop the capabilities of Emirati astronauts and enable them to operate the ISS.

Al Neyadi ‘s selection is part of a new mission, for which he intensively prepared at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.

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UAE reports 3 more monkeypox cases

MoHAP urged all community members to follow appropriate preventive and safety measures and precautions while travelling and moving in large crowds…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced three new cases of monkeypox, in line with the UAE health authorities’ policy on the early detection and monitoring of the disease.

MoHAP urged all community members to follow appropriate preventive and safety measures and precautions while travelling and moving in large crowds.

It also reassured the public that the UAE’s health authorities are taking all necessary measures, including investigation, examination of contacts, and monitoring their health, as well as continuing its tireless efforts to ensure the health sector’s readiness to deal with all communicable diseases.

The Ministry called on members of the public to obtain information from official sources in the UAE, and to refrain from spreading rumours and false information, highlighting the importance of staying updated on developments and guidelines issued by UAE health authorities.

Looking at the expanding monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries, the World Health Organization on Saturday declared the virus a public health emergency of international concern.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern.”

 Speaking at the press conference on the report of the 2nd meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee regarding the monkeypox outbreak, Ghebreyesus said that he convened the emergency committee, a month ago, to assess whether the monkeypox outbreak represented a public health emergency of international concern.

He further said that during that meeting, the committee came to the conclusion that monkeypox was not represented as a public health emergency of international concern.

“At that meeting, while differing views were expressed, the committee resolved by a consensus that the monkeypox outbreak did not represent a public health emergency of international concern,” WHO chief said.

Underlining the five elements that are used over deciding whether the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, Ghebreyesus said that firstly, the information provided by countries shows the rapid growth of the virus.

“Second, the three criteria for declaring a public health emergency of international concern under the International Health Regulations, which have been met.” He further added that the third one was the advice of the Emergency Committee, which has not reached a consensus.

The fourth one was the scientific principles, evidence and other relevant information, which are insufficient and the last one was the risk to human health, international spread and the potential for interference with international traffic.

“So in short, we have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little and which meets the criteria in the International Health Regulations,” he added.

The WHO chief noted that the risk of monkeypox is moderate globally and in all regions except in the European region where we assess the risk as high.

“There is also a clear risk of further international spread, although the risk of interference with international traffic remains low for the moment,” he added.

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Dubai approves allocation of 2K residential plots

The directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum cover the allocation of 2000 residential land plots at Umm Nahad Fourth…reports Asian Lite News

The Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, approved immediate allocation of 2000 residential land plots at Umm Nahad Fourth area.

The step comes as part of the Housing Programme for Dubai Citizens, to meet the requirements and needs of Emirati families.

“Under the directives and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we approved during the meeting of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, the immediate allocation of 2000 residential land plots at Umm Nahad Fourth area, as part of the Housing Programme in Dubai. We continuously follow up on the housing programme files to implement His Highness’ directives to provide all the needs of citizens and enhance their quality of life. The Higher Committee’s priorities are to provide proactive and fast support for citizens,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said.

The directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum cover the allocation of 2000 residential land plots at Umm Nahad Fourth. These plots will be distributed starting from 27th July, 2022, to eligible citizens who have got approvals from Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment through the Maskani App, which allows citizens to select the sites of plots that suit them. Priority will be given to accommodating family members within the same district, while providing the facilities and services that ensure the wellbeing of residents will be provided as per the growth plans in the area.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had approved raising the value of the housing loan for citizens in Dubai to AED1 million with no interest rate applicable to eligible categories, as part of His Highness’s keenness to enhance family stability and provide the highest standards of living for citizens. Moreover, the package also included reducing the monthly deduction for housing loan repayments to only 15 percent of the borrower’s monthly income, eliminating the condition that required a certain balance to obtain residential land, and reducing the prices of some the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment’s houses by about 10 percent to facilitate the purchase for citizens.

A variety of initiatives have been endorsed to assist citizens to build their residential villas in Dubai. It includes exemption from mortgage fees applicable to approved housing loans, and exempting citizens building homes for the first time from electricity connection fees, provided that the construction cost does not exceed AED4 million. Priority is given to accommodating members of the same family within the same area to enhance family links and social cohesion.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had previously approved housing budget amounting to AED65 billion for the next 20 years for housing citizens in Dubai. These directives are part of efforts to supplement the development model of the emirate under the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan, to ensure the highest standards of living for citizens and realise the vision of His Highness to make Dubai the best city for living in the world.

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