This came as the Saudi Crown Prince welcomed Sheikh Mohamed and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, on Monday explored avenues for enhancing the flourishing relations and strategic cooperation between their countries.
This came as the Saudi Crown Prince welcomed Sheikh Mohamed and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh today.
The two leaders exchanged Eid Al Adha greetings and wished continuing development, progress and prosperity for the Islamic nation and the whole world and prayed to Allah Almighty to rid humanity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PIc credits Twitter@MohamedBinZayed
Sheikh Mohamed conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, wishing him continued good health and wellbeing, which Mohammed bin Salman reciprocated by conveying the greetings of King Salman to the UAE President.
The sides discussed cooperation and acceleration of joint efforts to ensure the higher good of the peoples of their countries and the whole region, and reviewed the latest regional, Arab and international developments of mutual concern and efforts to eliminate political challenges towards achieving peace and stability.
In attendance during the meeting were H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council.
Attending the meeting from the Saudi side as well were HRH Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State; HRH Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Defence Minister; and Dr. Masa’ad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, Minister of State and National Security Advisor.
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that prospects of regular exports of these typically local flowers to Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
A new pathway to business development between Dubai and the South Indian city of Madurai has opened up with the export of a consignment of Geographical Indications (GI) certified traditional local flowers from this ancient Indian city to the emirate.
India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that prospects of regular exports of these typically local flowers to Dubai, put in place now, has provided regular employment opportunities to 160 persons, of whom 130 are women and 30 are skilled workers.
Distinctive local flowers exported to Dubai under the new business development initiative are button roses, lilies, chamanthi, marigold and Madurai malli. Of these, Madurai malli carries the name of the South Indian city because it has acquired GI certification prescribed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Chamanthi is a local variant of chrysanthemum, while malli is a highly fragrant variety of jasmine, which is native to Madurai.
The GI tag is described by WIPO as belonging to products “that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”.
Flowers that are native to Madurai are culturally symbolic to South Indians, millions of whom live in the Gulf. These flowers are in demand at South Indian social functions, such as marriages.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said scientists at the floriculture department of the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University in another South Indian city, Coimbatore, have developed packaging technology to increase the shelf life of flowers. This technology was used in the consignment exported to Dubai.
“The flowers for the consignment sent to Dubai were sourced from Nilakottai, Dindigul and Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu state,” the Ministry said.
During the fiscal year 2020-2021, which ended in March, India exported world-wide, fresh cut flowers and bouquets comprising jasmine and other traditional flowers valued at Indian rupees 662 million (AED32.59 million). “Out of this, flowers worth rupees 118 million (AED5.81 million) were exported from Tamil Nadu state.”
Madurai is Tamil Nadu’s third largest city, whose history is recorded as far back as 3rd century BC.
The Opening Ceremony will feature stunning visuals and world-class acts, and will take place at Al Wasl Plaza, an architectural marvel featuring world’s largest 360-degree projection surface….reports Asian Lite News
As tickets to Expo 2020 Dubai are now on sale, among the plethora of reasons to book a Season Pass for the world’s biggest cultural gathering is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the historic, invite-only Opening Ceremony.
All UAE residents aged 18 and above who purchase an Expo 2020 Season Pass or Family Package before 14th August will be entered into a draw for the chance to win a prized place for themselves and a guest at the star-studded Opening Ceremony on 30th September 2021.
Fifty lucky winners will be announced first week of September 2021 via Expo 2020 Dubai’s social-media channels, followed by a personal invitation to attend the ceremony, according to a press release issued by the organisers on Sunday.
The Opening Ceremony will feature stunning visuals and world-class acts, and will take place at Al Wasl Plaza, an architectural marvel featuring world’s largest 360-degree projection surface.
The ceremony draws inspiration directly from Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and its three subthemes, joining humanity’s journey of Opportunity, rising to the highest heights of Mobility and exploring the spectrum of Sustainability.
Sholto Douglas-Home, Chief Sales and Marcomms Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “We look forward to welcoming the winners of our draw to join the making of a new world in a dynamic work of unfettered imagination. We are also proud to share our all-encompassing events and entertainment programme that guarantees that no two days will be the same at Expo.”
Expo 2020 Dubai’s stellar global entertainment line-up includes – so far – Oscar-winning AR Rahman’s pioneering women’s ensemble the Firdaus Orchestra; Bollywood sensation Sonam Kapoor; celebrated Emirati singer Ahlam; the famously slick Russian Bolshoi; and the compelling Expo Beats programme – a monthly music festival.
Sports fans will have the opportunity to witness the world’s largest Brazilian jiu-jitsu lesson, get to grips with exciting football-based sport teqball, meet their sporting heroes, and sign up to one of the many complimentary runs, fitness activities and wellness events.
With up to 60 live events a day – including film nights, poetry readings, art activations, musical concerts, cultural tours, parades and interactive journeys for all ages – as well as more than 200 food and beverage options, the site will be alive with sounds, rhythms and flavours from across the globe.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s Season Passes, Family Packages and Multi-Day Passes will ensure visitors make the most of everything the world’s biggest cultural gathering has to offer.
Season Passes, which allow holders unlimited entry for the entire six months of Expo 2020 Dubai, cost AED 495 (US$135), with Mastercard debit and credit holders receiving a 25 percent discount – and also doubling their chances of winning in the Opening Ceremony draw.
Family Packages are priced at AED 950 (US$258), Multi-Day Passes, with unrestricted entry for 30 consecutive days are priced at AED 195 (US$53); and 1-Day Tickets are priced at AED 95 (US$26).
The Family Package includes unlimited access for two parents plus a nanny, with additional benefits in the shape of discounts on food and beverage, a 25 percent discount on five additional tickets, and an advance purchase photograph voucher worth AED 125 to eternalise magical memories.
Children under the age of 18 and students holding a valid student ID from any academic institution in the world will be given free entry; complimentary tickets will be available for people of determination, with their companion receiving a 50 percent discount; and visitors ages 60 years and above can also enter for free.
Tickets are available now at www.expo2020dubai.com and through more than 2,500 authorised ticket resellers, including online travel agents, tour operators, hotel groups and airlines from 100-plus markets around the world, said the press release.
According to statistics, 54 percent of the visitors came from within the UAE while the rest were foreign tourists….reports Asian Lite News
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi received 65,500 worshippers and 126,000 visitors during H1 2021, totalling 235,700 people.
According to statistics, 54 percent of the visitors came from within the UAE while the rest were foreign tourists. In Q2, the mosque witnessed a 53 percent growth in the number of visitors compared to Q1, reaching 142,600.
Males comprised 54 percent of the visitors while females accounted for the rest. The age group of 25 to 35 years constituted the majority with 41 percent. During the first half of the year, 44,000 people used the Jogging Trail.
Over the first six months of 2021, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) conveyed the mosque’s message of tolerance, stemming from the true teachings of Islam, through 1,700 cultural tours, led by official Cultural Tour Specialists and attended by 4,918 visitors from around the world. In addition, the centre organised 75 virtual tours in Arabic and English via Instagram and Microsoft Teams, recording 7,382 views. This included 20 pre-booked tours with the participation of 797 followers. Three tours were conducted in sign language as part of the RE’HAAB ALHEMAM programme that caters to people of determination to include them in various initiatives organised by the centre as part of its commitment to social responsibility and in recognition of their influential role within the community.
The mosque plays a pivotal role in presenting a positive image of the Islamic religion to the world in line with the vision of the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He sought for the mosque to become an important bridge between different cultures, a platform for global dialogue, and a vehicle for promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between religions of the world. Since its establishment, the mosque has fulfilled this goal, following the directives of the leadership to embrace diversity, openness and respect in a country that is home to more than 200 nationalities.
Rebecca Costel, a visitor from the United States (US), said, “I was pleased to visit the mosque, which I had previously seen through websites and read about its message calling for openness to the cultures of the world, which is embodied in its construction and the artworks that bring together various civilisations in one place.”
Another visitor from the US, Brett Hopkins, agreed that the mosque is one of the most significant cultural and tourist destinations in the UAE, which is full of world-leading landmarks. “There is no doubt that our visit to the mosque left us with an impression of its importance due to the architectural design, inspired by its rich history,” he added.
A group of Brazilian tourists shared their admiration for the magnificent architecture of the mosque with its domes, columns and creative artistic elements. Bruna Gomez, a member of the group, said, “The mosque is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the UAE. We visited many other sites in the country, but our visit to the mosque was the highlight of our trip here.”
A French visitor indicated that he was happy to visit the mosque and see the Islamic architecture and traditional art in harmony with modern designs. He expressed a wish to return to explore the external architectural details in greater depth.
Visitor Sarah Mahmoud praised the excellent organisation that meets the needs of visitors of all ages, starting from entering the visitors’ centre and touring the mosque’s courtyards and corridors, and continuing to Souq Al Jami.
Despite the increase in the numbers of worshippers and visitors to the mosque, the SZGMC continues to apply precautionary measures and the highest standards to health and safety The mosque offers a unique Tolerance Path experience that takes visitors on an unforgettable journey of exploration, in addition to its role as a place of worship.
The centre fulfils its role as a beacon of enlightenment through its library, which supports the intellectual movement in the country and enhances the cultural significance of the mosque by providing access to content that sheds light on the cultural, Islamic and Arab heritage and the intrinsic values of the UAE.
The SZGMC, an affiliate of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, enjoys the support and the follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
The establishment of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation will contribute to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for medical and life sciences…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (13) of 2021 establishing the Dubai Academic Health Corporation, and Law No. (14) of 2021 amending some clauses of Law No. (6) of 2018 pertaining to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
According to Law No. (13), the Dubai Academic Health Corporation aims to advance health services in Dubai through a new academic system that integrates healthcare, medical education and scientific research. The Corporation aims to improve the efficiency, quality and accessibility of Dubai’s healthcare services in accordance with the highest standards and best practices. It will also seek to strengthen Dubai’s leadership in academic education and scientific research in the fields of medicine and health sciences, as part of the broader strategy to strengthen the knowledge economy.
The other key goals of the Corporation include attracting and retaining medical and research talent, enhancing Emiratisation in various healthcare fields and providing a supportive environment for scientific and clinical research. It will also work to enhance the capabilities of Dubai’s healthcare sector to prevent and treat diseases and epidemics.
The Dubai Academic Health Corporation is tasked with managing and operating health facilities including hospitals, primary healthcare centres, specialised care centres, medical fitness centres, and public health and occupational health centres, either directly or through contracted third parties. The Corporation will provide curative and preventive healthcare services and medical fitness and occupational health examination services across Dubai and in special development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Furthermore, the Corporation will develop the services and programmes of its health facilities so that they can obtain international certifications. It will also develop educational and professional programmes for healthcare personnel and promote strategic public-private sector partnerships to meet its objectives.
The establishment of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation will contribute to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for medical and life sciences, a healthcare and medical tourism destination and a leading centre for medical education, research and scientific innovation.
According to the Law, the following entities will integrate and form the new Corporation once the Law is issued and published in the Official Gazette: DHA’s Dubai Healthcare Corporation, including the hospitals and organisational units under it; the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences; Dubai Dental Hospital; Al Jalila Foundation; Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, and any other entities mandated to be part of the Corporation as per legislations issued by the Ruler of Dubai. The above entities will retain their legal status as specified in the legislations and regulations governing their activities for a period of six months starting from the date of issuance of the Law.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also issued Law No. (14) of 2021 amending clauses (2), (5), (6), (9), (10), and (11) of Law No. (6) of 2018 pertaining to the Dubai Health Authority. The amendments replace the clauses in the original Law relating to DHA’s objectives and tasks and the responsibilities of DHA’s Director-General, subsidiaries and executive team.
Clauses (7) and (8) of Law No. (6) of 2018 will be annulled, in addition to any legislation that may contradict this law.
Law No. (13) and Law No. (14) of 2021 are effective from their date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.
During his visit, Dr. Gargash met with senior Biden Administration officials and Members of Congress to discuss regional matters of mutual interest…reports Asian Lite News
Concluding a weeklong visit to Washington, D.C., Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, called the UAE-US relationship as strong as it has ever been and noted that the US is the UAE’s “most important and enduring strategic partner”.
During his visit, Dr. Gargash met with senior Biden Administration officials and Members of Congress to discuss regional matters of mutual interest and underscored the strength of the UAE-US partnership.
He was accompanied by Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Minister of State and Ambassador to the US; and Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Assistant Minister of Political Affairs.
PIc credits twitter@AnwarGargash
“The US is one of our most important relationships. It is as close and as strong as it has ever been with the Biden Administration,” Dr. Gargash said. “In our 50th year, the UAE’s shared vision and values with the US are well appreciated.”
At a White House briefing with National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk and other senior officials, Dr. Gargash underscored the UAE’s renewed emphasis on diplomacy and de-escalation. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to work closely with the US on regional matters and explored ways to build upon the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement between the UAE and Israel to bring about greater regional prosperity and stability.
The senior UAE diplomat also met with Wendy Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State, to discuss ways the UAE and US can intensify cooperation to resolve regional conflicts and pressing global challenges like climate change, COVID-19 pandemic and nuclear proliferation.
During meetings at the US Capitol, Dr. Gargash highlighted the UAE’s forward-looking approach to building a more tolerant, prosperous and peaceful region that advances collective UAE-US interests and values, and grows the bilateral trade and investment relationship.
PIc credits twitter@AnwarGargash
He also met with Senator Bill Hagerty (TN), Senator Todd Young (IN) and Senator Jeff Merkley (OR).
Dr. Gargash and the other senior UAE officials also announced a new partnership between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies to train the next generation of young leaders in international relations.
Dr. Gargash concluded his visit by meeting with senior leaders at the Smithsonian Institution. The officials discussed areas of collaboration and preparations for the 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, where the UAE will be the featured guest country. The annual event takes place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and attracts over one million visitors.
A two-week evaluation on 6,175 Covid-19 patients in Abu Dhabi revealed that a 100% prevention of death among recipients and 99% prevention of admission to ICUs, reports Asian Lite News
High-risk patients including adults, pregnant women and children 12 years old and above with mild to moderate COVID-19 infections – and who were at risk having their symptoms progress to severe ones – were saved from possible death by having the anti-viral medicine Sotrovimab.
A two-week evaluation, wherein 6,175 Covid-19 patients in Abu Dhabi received Sotrovimab, showed that a 100 percent prevention of death among recipients and and 99 percent prevention of admission to intensive care units, UAE health officials said in a report from state news agency WAM.
They also noted that 97 percent of the patients fully recovered within 14 days.
About 52 per cent of the patients were aged 50 or above, and almost all recipients had multiple comorbidities including obesity, cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody treatment delivered through intravenous therapy, is being produced by global biopharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has approved the use of Sotrovimab after conducting local evaluation. It has also been approved for emergency use by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The UAE was one of the first countries in the world to receive a shipment of Sotrovimab in mid-June.
Meanwhile, additional 1,565 new Covid-19 infections and four deaths were reported overnight, bringing the UAE’s caseload to 659,449 cases including 1,896 fatalities.
MoHAP also reported that 1,508 individuals had fully recovered from the coronavirus disease, for a total number of recoveries of 637,267.
The total number of administered Covid-19 vaccine doses is now at 16,341,613, for a rate of vaccine distribution of 165.23 doses per 100 people, after 78,028 jabs were done during past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, announced the opening of a new COVID-19 drive-through services centre in the Rabdan area in Abu Dhabi.
The new centre is composed of 6 tracks; 2 for vaccination and 4 for nasal swabs and DPI laser-based testing with a capacity of 200 vaccinations and 1,000 nasal swabs and laser tests per day.
The centre welcomes clients from Saturday to Thursday from 8 AM to 8 PM and on Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM. The centre was built utilizing shipping containers, similar to the centres recently opened in Al Sarouj in Al Ain and Al Manhal in Abu Dhabi. The shipping containers are more durable and adaptable and provide a very high level of heat and cold resistance. They are also easier to move, reuse, and maintain.
This brings the total number of Covid-19 drive-through services centres managed by SEHA to 7 in the city of Abu Dhabi; Al Madina, Al Manhal, Zayed Sports City, Al Bahia, Al Shamkha, Al Wathba, and the new centre in Rabdan; and a total of 22 across the nation. Those wanting to receive the vaccine or undergo covid screening can book an appointment through SEHA’s app.
In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment. As part of its intensified testing campaign, MoHAP announced 1,565 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 659,449.
According to the Ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and receiving the necessary care.
MoHAP also announced 4 deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 1,896.
The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery. It called on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.
MoHAP also noted that an additional 1,508 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 637,267.
This includes healthy food and physical activity to prevent obesity and chronic diseases, while building a work environment that is supportive of a healthy lifestyle….reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the second phase of the ”Healthy and Positive Work Environment” initiative, which provides public employees with the right information and skills to promote healthy lifestyles.
This includes healthy food and physical activity to prevent obesity and chronic diseases, while building a work environment that is supportive of a healthy lifestyle.
The launch ceremony, which was held virtually in the presence of more than 60 representatives of federal and local government agencies, included introducing MoHAP Health Promotion Department and its general and operational strategic objectives.
The initiative includes a number of activities and services, such as a healthy work environment guidelines, which provides practical steps on how to make work environments healthier and more productive for employees, a knowledge bag that contains awareness materials to educate employees, in addition to some services, educational workshops, virtual lectures, videos and educational materials among others.
Dr. Hussein Abdel Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, said, “The launch of the 2nd phase of ‘Healthy and Positive Work Environment’ initiative, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, comes as part of MoHAP’s commitment to achieving national resilience and business continuity, while approaching the recovery phase, thanks to government measures and the cooperation of community members, as well as the state’s leadership in containing the repercussions of the global health crisis.”
Al Rand noted that the initiative falls within the Ministry’s strategy to provide comprehensive and integrated health care in innovative and sustainable ways to prevent the spread of diseases in society in order to achieve significant outcomes in the activities and events of the national initiative “Promoting awareness of healthy lifestyles”, which contributes to improving the results of the national indicators of healthy lifestyles in the national agenda of the UAE vision.
He pointed to the fruitful results of the first phase of the initiative which has remarkably contributed to improving the behavior of employees to develop a health-enhancing work environment that positively reflects on their productivity and achieving well-being and happiness in the workplace. This is part of the ministry’s institutional culture in its endeavors to achieve the objectives of National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, Al Rand noted.
Dr. Fadila Sharif, Director of the Health Promotion Department, MoHAP, said, “The initiative was launched in 2017 and continued until the beginning of 2020, with the participation of 45 government agencies across the UAE and about 5,000 employees. It featured a general health survey for employees in their workplaces, including the most important vital signs, such as measuring blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and risk factors for cardiovascular and diabetes.”
The government has declared a four-day holiday in the UAE for public and private sectors, starting July 20 July 22….reports Joy Chakravarty
Anticipating a surge in COVID-19 cases, the UAE government has issued strict guidelines to be followed at mosques and those celebrating Eid Al Adha at home.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority allowed mosques to hold Eid Al Adha prayers, but said that these have to be conducted while following all social distancing norms and COVID-19 protocols issued by the government.
The government has declared a four-day holiday in the UAE for public and private sectors, starting July 20 July 22. This will be followed by weekend and offices will open only on July 25.
On the eve of the festival, the NCEMA tweeted: “Eid Al-Adha prayers will be conducted, provided that the maximum period of Khutbah is 15 minutes, while adhering to all previously applicable precautionary measures.
“Social distancing markers will be placed on prayer spots in outdoor spaces of mosques, public parking and parks adjacent to mosques.
“We confirm that the doors of mosques will be closed directly after prayers. Also, service facilities, such as washrooms, Wudu places and water dispensers shall continue to be closed.”
NCEMA also urged all worshippers to bring their own prayer mats and all individuals living with those infected, or in contact with COVID-19 patients, are strictly prohibited to attend prayers. The authority also recommended that the elderly, children under 12 years and those suffering from chronic diseases to refrain from performing the Eid prayers.
NCEMA issued recommendations that gatherings should be restricted within the family members living together and on performing Al-Adahi (sacrifices).
“Kindly avoid all types of gatherings and shaking hands before and after Eid prayers, and limit greeting and congratulations from a safe distance,” NCEMA added.
“We recommend that gatherings should be limited to the same family living together with the same household and first-degree relatives. It is important to take the test and ensure that everyone is healthy before any visit.
“We recommend that performing Al-Adahi through delegating the UAE official charities to kill and distribute the meat, or via relevant smart apps. Also, avoid exchanging and distributing meat of Al-Adahi, gifts and foods among neighbours.
The number of new cases has remained below 1,600 for the past 10 days – a significant improvement from average 2,000 cases per day in June.
On Tuesday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, warned residents to remain vigilant and follow all guidelines to make sure that the situation did not get out of hand again.
Dr Hosnani cited data from Eid Al Adha last year, this year’s New Year’s Eve and the Eid Al Fitr holidays in May and how the numbers have surged after these celebrations.
Cases rose by almost 500 per cent last year after Eid Al Adha celebrations, jumping from an average of 300 daily to nearly 1,400. New Year’s Eve followed a similar trend, with cases averaging to nearly 3,700 from around 1,400 in December 2020.
“Your commitment to COVID safety measures, especially during festive seasons, will help reduce infection rates. Celebrate Eid safely and enjoy all its goodness. Just follow the safety protocols,” Dr Hosnani added.
The framework aims to create a secure digital environment by establishing cybersecurity to protect data, information systems and the communication network…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai Digital Authority (DDA) has held the first meeting with the four affiliated entities under its umbrella to discuss the unified vision for Dubai’s comprehensive digital transformation.
Hosted at the Dubai Statistics Centre, the meeting, chaired by Hamad Al Mansoori, Director-General of DDA, was attended by Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre; Arif Obaid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Dubai Statistics Centre; Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data Establishment, and Wesam Lootah, CEO of Smart Dubai Government Establishment.
During the meeting, the representatives discussed the framework of DDA and its entities during the next phase, and the mechanisms for digitalising life in Dubai through providing an integrated and innovative smart services ecosystem that would contribute to building a pioneering digital economy for the emirate.
The framework aims to create a secure digital environment by establishing cybersecurity to protect data, information systems and the communication network, thereby preserving the wealth of data that Dubai has achieved over the years.
Ultimately, the framework has the goal of ensuring the happiness and well-being of members of our society through the use of digital technologies.
The meeting also discussed the importance of partnership with various institutions and companies working in the field of technology, as well as with academic institutions in the emirate, with collaboration being an important pillar of DDA to ensure integration in the plans to make Dubai a fully digital city.
Al Mansoori confirmed that the four entities of the authority will work together and in line with Dubai’s strategy to accelerate the rate of digitialisation.
He affirmed that they will collaborate to meet the visions and aspirations of our wise leadership and ensure the transition of Dubai into a globally leading digital hub, by adopting innovation and best practices and by providing a safe environment for all systems and tools that support this transformation.
Al Mansoori explained that the authority is currently working on developing its strategies and digital projects to ensure high efficiency in government performance, enabling government agencies to automate their internal and external operations, as well as services and activities, thus enhancing people’s confidence and dependence in Dubai’s digital services.
The meeting also saw the presentation of operational plans aimed at frameworking the strategic objectives for digitialising life in the emirate, which are to meet the needs and requirements of the new digital transformation, enhance the digital economy, qualify digital human competencies, preserve Dubai’s digital wealth and transform Dubai into a city entirely managed by smart digital transactions.
