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UAE Ministry of Defense delegation visits Lockheed Martin’s Centre

Major General Al Jabri noted the wise UAE leadership’s dedicated efforts to empower national cadres with opportunities to continue competing in the high-tech global economy…reports Asian Lite News

A delegation from Ministry of Defense, headed by Major General Dr. Mubarak bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Support and Defense Industries at the Ministry of Defense, visited Lockheed Martin’s Centre for Security Solutions and Innovation (CISS) – located in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.

Robert Bob S. Harward, Lockheed Martin’s Chief Executive in the Middle East, received the delegation and expanded on the Emiratisation and human capital development efforts undertaken by the company to develop highly skilled UAE engineers.

During the visit, Major General Al Jabri received a detailed briefing by Hala Al Zargani, Lead Engineer and the first Emirati employed by the CISS, on the progress of Lockheed Martin’s efforts to develop Emirati talent and help build sovereign capabilities within the UAE’s defense and space industry.

Major General Al Jabri noted the wise UAE leadership’s dedicated efforts to empower national cadres with opportunities to continue competing in the high-tech global economy, including the defense sector. He pointed out that continued training and mentoring of young engineers to run and operate advanced defense-related systems will serve as vital elements for the UAE defense and aerospace industry’s future.

Efforts are currently underway to onboard the summer cohort for Lockheed Martin’s CISS internship programme for UAE university students. The merit-based internship programme complements the UAE’s human capital development goals, by offering talented Emirati students the opportunity to focus on key defense industry imperatives, such as operations analysis, unmanned systems, and artificial intelligence.

Since 2017, Lockheed Martin’s CISS has trained more than 100 Emirati engineers, developing their skills through specialised training programmes. The programmes provide training in artificial intelligence development and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle design, defense simulation exercises, business administration skills, software development and IT networking, allowing students to work on real-world projects that positively impact the industry.

ALSO READ: Political dialogue only viable solution to Libyan crisis: UAE

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Two Kerala Ayurveda docs get UAE Golden Visa

A Golden Visa enables foreigners to live, work and study in the country without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business on the UAE mainland…..reports Asian Lite News

Two Ayurveda doctors, who are originally from India’s Kerela state and now based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have received the Gulf nation’s coveted Golden Visa, according to a media report on Saturday.

A Golden Visa enables foreigners to live, work and study in the country without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 per cent ownership of their business on the UAE mainland.

They are issued for five or 10 years and are renewed automatically.

Both Shyam Vishwanathan Pillai and Jasna Jamal were granted the Golden Visas by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

Vishwanathan, CEO of Vaidyashala at the Burjeel Day Surgery Centre in Abu Dhabi, received it under the medical professionals and doctors category on June 17.

“My sincere gratitude to the rulers and policymakers of UAE for the kind support to Ayurveda and Ayurveda practitioners,” said Shyam, from Kollam.

“I truly appreciate their vision in integrating the Ayurveda for the wellbeing of UAE residents and at the same time keeping in place strong measures to ensure the quality delivery of Ayurveda practice,” he added. Shyam came to Dubai in 2002.

A resident of Al Mamzar in Dubai, Jamal, from Thrissur, was given the Golden Visa on June 24. She moved to the UAE 12 years ago soon after getting married.

With over 16 years of experience in Ayurveda, Jamal established her own Ayurveda clinic in Al Mamzar.

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup set to be played in UAE from Oct 17

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Ban on flights from India, Pakistan to continue

Under the new changes, entry of UAE citizens from India and South Africa will be allowed only if the individual is fully vaccinated with a UAE-approved shots…reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will continue to ban entry from India and 13 other countries, the federal aviation authority announced on Sunday. Cargo flights, business and charter flights will be exempted from this ban.

In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Sunday, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority said flights from India, Pakistan, Liberia, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic Of Congo, Uganda, Zambia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and South Africa will remain suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) authority had suspended all flights from India on April 24 when the country was in the throes of a brutal second wave of coronavirus. However, UAE citizens and diplomats were exempted from the ban.

UAE consists of seven emirates that have been setting their individual travel policies since the pandemic started. Dubai is scheduled to reopen its borders to foreign visitors from July, while Abu Dhabi requires arrivals from most countries to quarantine.

Dubai, the most popular tourist and business hub among the seven emirates, announced on June 19 that restrictions on arrivals from India, South Africa, and Nigeria will ease from June 23. Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management tweeted an updated travel protocol on June 19 for inbound passengers from South Africa, Nigeria and India.

Under the new changes, entry of UAE citizens from India and South Africa will be allowed only if the individual is fully vaccinated with a UAE-approved shot, and entry from Nigeria will be allowed those who have tested negative for coronavirus in the past 48 hours, reported Reuters.

ALSO READ: UAE joins Central American Integration System

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Sheikh Mohammed revamps Dubai Chambers

The move is also part of efforts to catalyse Dubai’s economic transformation and further reinforce the city’s rise as a global business hub, reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, approved the new Board of Directors of Dubai Chambers, which was recently restructured into three entities – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Dubai Chamber of International Trade.

The decision forms part of restructuring the Chambers’ operations to enhance its contributions to Dubai’s economy, raise the level of support provided to emerging business sectors and accelerate Dubai’s innovation journey.

The move is also part of efforts to catalyse Dubai’s economic transformation and further reinforce the city’s rise as a global business hub.

His Highness said the three new chambers are integral to Dubai’s new drive to create a highly competitive, advanced investment environment geared for rapid growth. “In the light of the changes sweeping across the globe, we need to adopt new business models that enable us to raise our sustainability and attain continued success. Deploying innovative operational frameworks and developing flexible legislations will help us foster further growth and achievement in Dubai’s economy,” His Highness said.

“Dubai Chambers will be one of the organisations spearheading our efforts to further transform the emirate’s business environment and enhance its position as a dynamic regional and global centre for business, trade and finance,” His Highness said. “Dubai will continue to constantly offer new opportunities and facilitate the efficient flow of international trade backed by its advanced logistics hub, state-of-the-art ports and airport infrastructure, and its pro-growth business environment,” His Highness noted.

Speaking on the Chambers’ business plan, His Highness said: “The members of Dubai Chambers will be active stakeholders in executing Dubai’s international trade strategy which aims to expand our external trade to AED2 trillion in five years,” His Highness added.

His Highness also reviewed the objectives of all the three chambers and stressed on the need for them to work in close coordination and harmony under the Board of Dubai Chambers. His Highness further said the work of the chambers should be guided by a comprehensive strategic vision that reflects the directives of Dubai Government.

ALSO READ: UAE joins Central American Integration System

In March, His Highness approved the restructuring of Dubai Chambers into three separate organisations with unique functions – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and Dubai Chamber of International Trade.

Juma Al Majid was named as the Honorary Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry while Abdulaziz Al Ghurair was appointed as its Chairman. Sultan bin Sulayem was named Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of International Trade and HE Omar Al Olama was named Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.

The Board of Dubai Chambers is chaired by Abdulaziz Al Ghurair and its members include Omar Al Futtaim, Khalid Jumaa Al Majid, Rajaa Al Gurg, Omar Al Olama, Sultan bin Sulayem, Butti Saad Al Kendi, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Faisal Jumaa Belhoul, Patrick Chalhoub, Ghassan Al Kibsi, Dr. Amina Al Rustamani and Tariq Hussain Khansaheb.

The Board will work to create a comprehensive unified strategy for Dubai Chambers, set key priorities and objectives, propose major initiatives to advance Dubai’s strategic economic development, and ensure streamlined coordination and integration between the three chambers.

The Board of Dubai Chambers seeks to accelerate the growth of the Dubai economy by promoting Dubai as a global business hub and attracting multinational companies. The Dubai Chamber of International Trade will represent and support the interests of local companies with international presence and international companies based in Dubai. It will also support Dubai’s vision to expand to new global markets, forge new economic partnerships and support local companies in achieving global success, while also attracting promising talent and investors from across the world. The Dubai Chamber of International Trade seeks to cover 30 international markets that are considered important markets for Dubai through promotional projects.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is tasked with launching projects and developing studies on the new future economy, as part of efforts to build the world’s best digital infrastructure and transform Dubai into an international technology hub. With the objective of promoting the interests of technology companies and advancing the role of the digital economy in the emirate, the new chamber will build a network of relationships with local and international tech entrepreneurs and investment funds. It will also help draft legislations in Dubai and the UAE to create a growth-friendly environment for the digital economy.

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup set to be played in UAE from Oct 17

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UAE joins Central American Integration System

Foreign Minister says the Emirate joining the group was an evidence of the extraordinary ties that bring together the UAE and Central American and Caribbean regions, reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has joined the Central American Integration System (SICA) as a Non-Regional Observer Member State. The state’s accession agreement to the organisation was signed during the Ministerial Council of SICA, which was held in San José, Costa Rica.

In a recorded speech, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasised the UAE’s contribution to the success of the noble endeavours of the Central American Integration System.

“On behalf of the UAE, I would like to thank the esteemed Members of the Central American Integration System, and their representatives, for the gracious invitation extended to the UAE to join SICA as a Non-Regional Observer Member State. I also thank the Republic of Costa Rica for the invitation, which represents the first participation of the UAE in the Ministerial Council of SICA under the presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

The UAE Foreign Minister stated that this achievement is evidence of the extraordinary relations that bring together the UAE and States in the Central American and Caribbean regions.

He added, “This cooperation between us is based on a solid foundation of historical diplomatic relations, and this step confirms the UAE’s commitment to continue developing comprehensive ties across various fields and elevating our relations to new heights through this platform.

“Proudly, the UAE plays a vital role in the region as a facilitator and catalyst for global business and trade. It’s a destination for cultural, scientific, political exchange, and a trusted partner to friends and allies around the world.”

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted that the economic relations between the UAE and the SICA Member States continue to grow and prosper and that over the past five years, the mutual trade relations have expanded by over 40 percent.

“The upward trajectory of our trade ties, coupled with over US$670 million in UAE investments in the region since 2003, reflects on our shared desire to build a constructive and mutually beneficial relation,” he explained.

H.H. continued, “The UAE shares many strategic interests with the Member States from SICA, ranging from human rights to climate change and biodiversity; from progressive economies to balanced development; and from peace and security to education and health. We are also at the forefront of urban and rural development, sustainable mobility and connectivity, renewable energy, tourism, supply chains and logistics, artificial intelligence, food security, youth and women’s empowerment.”

The UAE is a key international player in further developing cooperation with the Member States of SICA, and it has been a partner in addressing the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sheikh Abdullah said. “We look forward to utilising this platform to explore forms of cooperation and exchange expertise with our allies from the Central American region.”

The UAE will soon be hosting one of the most significant events Expo 2020 Dubai, “and we aspire to identify ways of capitalising on this global event, to serve our common goals to explore cooperation through SICA,” he said.

Sheikh Abdullah concluded by saying, “We are confident that this platform and its members will prioritise the importance of regional and global cooperation, and multilateral support. The UAE reaffirms its commitment to pursue these common goals, and its readiness to seize this opportunity to achieve our common vision.

“We also emphasise on the contribution of the UAE to the success of the noble endeavours of the Central American Integration System.”

Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Cultural Affairs, attended the Ministerial Council of SICA and signed the UAE’s accession agreement to the organisation as a Non-Regional Observer Member State.

ALSO READ: UAE-based Indian national sanctioned for smuggling Iranian oil

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Abdullah bin Zayed, US envoy to UN discuss strategic ties

During a video call, Sheikh Abdullah thanked the US Ambassador for congratulating him on the UAE’s election for the 2022-2023 term on the UN Security Council….reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has discussed with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Representative to the United Nations, the UAE-US strategic relations, the two countries efforts to maintain international peace and security, and means to strengthen cooperation in the international arena.

During a video call, Sheikh Abdullah thanked the US Ambassador for congratulating him on the UAE’s election for the 2022-2023 term on the UN Security Council.

He also stressed the UAE’s aspiration to work with the US to confront pressing global challenges, enhance partnership to consolidate security and stability in the region and the world, as well as achieving peace and prosperity for all peoples.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed re-affirmed the depth of the UAE-US ties and their continuous keenness to develop existing cooperation to serve their common interests and benefit their peoples.

The video call was attended by Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs and UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the foreign minister had participated in a high-level meeting on International Cooperation under the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) in the Asia-Pacific Region, which was organised virtually today by the People’s Republic of China.

The meeting, which was chaired by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, reviewed the prospects of strengthening international cooperation in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of accelerating economic recovery from the crisis.

ALSO READ: UAE sends 20 ambulances to Gaza

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Political dialogue only viable solution to Libyan crisis: UAE

The UAE minister commended the positive developments towards solving the Libyan crisis and welcomed the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2570…reports Asian Lite News

Political dialogue is the only viable solution to the Libyan crisis, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, UAE Minister of State, said as he led the UAE’s delegation to the Second Berlin Conference on Libya.

The international conference, held at the premises of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, brought together several foreign ministers, senior officials and representatives of regional and international organisations to discuss the latest developments in Libya.

Khalifa Al Marar stressed the importance of achieving progress in the security field in alignment with other tracks through implementing the Libya Ceasefire Agreement including opening the coastal highway and immediate withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries.

He called on Libyan and international parties to commit themselves to the political process and provide all factors to its success in order to realise security, stability and unity of Libyan institutions to fulfil the aspirations of the Libyan people for a more prosperous future.

The UAE minister commended the positive developments towards solving the Libyan crisis and welcomed the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2570 (2021), Resolution 2571 (2021) and Resolution 2510 (2021), which all support the implementation of the outcome of the Berlin International Conference on Libya and call for building on the momentum of achievements made towards the settlement of the Libyan crisis.

TRIPOLI, June 22, 2018 (Xinhua) — Illegal immigrants are transfered to Tripoli’s naval base in Tripoli, Libya, on June 21, 2018. Libyan navy on Thursday rescued 379 illegal immigrants in two separate operations off the western coastal town of Garrabulli, a navy spokesman said. (Xinhua/Hamza Turkia/IANS)
1594 illegal migrants rescued

At least 1,594 illegal migrants were rescued off the Libyan coast and returned to the country in the past one week, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

“In the period of June 13-19, 1,594 migrants were rescued/intercepted at sea and returned to Libya,” Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday citing the IOM as saying.

In 2021, 14,388 illegal migrants, including women and children, have been rescued, while 194 died and 492 went missing off the Libyan coast on the Central Mediterranean route, according to the Organization.

Libya has been plagued by insecurity and chaos since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making it a preferred point of departure for illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean Sea toward European shores.

Rescued migrants end up inside overcrowded reception centres across Libya, despite repeated international calls to close them.

The IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix has identified and located 348,372 internally displaced persons in Libya.

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UAE-based Indian national sanctioned for smuggling Iranian oil

According to the US Treasury, UAE-based Sabharwal is a maritime shipping professional who manages shipping operations for al-Jamal’s network…reports Asian Lite News

The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated India national, Manoj Sabharwal, among members of a smuggling network that helps fund Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and the Houthis in Yemen.

Led by Iran-based Houthi financier Said al-Jamal, this network generates tens of millions of dollars in revenue from the sale of commodities, like Iranian petroleum, a significant portion of which is then directed through a complex network of intermediaries and exchange houses in multiple countries to the Houthis in Yemen.

According to the US Treasury, UAE-based Sabharwal is a maritime shipping professional who manages shipping operations for al-Jamal’s network and advises al-Jamal on smuggling Iranian oil products.

Sabharwal is responsible for coordinating shipments of Iranian petroleum products and commodities throughout the Middle East and Asia while obscuring al-Jamal’s involvement.

Sabharwal is being designated for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of al-Jamal.

Since the onset of the conflict in Yemen, the Houthis have relied on support from the IRGC-QF to wage their campaign against the internationally recognised Yemeni government and the Saudi-led Coalition.

Despite growing calls for peace, the Houthis have continued to escalate their lethal attacks inside Yemen and in the region, with dire consequences for Yemeni civilians and Yemen’s neighbors. The Houthis have used ballistic missiles, explosives, naval mines, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to strike military targets, population centres, infrastructure, and nearby commercial shipping in Saudi Arabia, along key international trade routes.

ALSO READ: UAE sends 20 ambulances to Gaza

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Mohammed bin Rashid announces countdown for Expo 2020 Dubai

UAE economy on track towards recovery in 2021

In 100 days, the UAE will be the first country in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region to host a World Expo in the largest global gathering since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the countdown for Expo 2020 Dubai, the world’s largest cultural event to convene the global community towards creating solutions for a better future.

In 100 days, the UAE will be the first country in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region to host a World Expo in the largest global gathering since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Expo 2020 Dubai, set to begin on 1st October, is expected to attract more than 25 million visitors from all over the world to discover life-changing innovations. The mega event aims to drive collaboration and innovation to develop real-life solutions as the world heads into a post-pandemic economic recovery.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum tweeted, “100 days to go for Expo 2020 Dubai, the world’s largest cultural event. 100 days to go for the gathering of 192 nations in Dubai in the biggest global event since the outset of the pandemic to usher in a new phase of recovery.”

“50,000 employees have set up 192 pavilions and 30,000 volunteers are ready to welcome the world at Expo 2020 Dubai.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added, “Expo 2020 Dubai will provide the space for the largest and most inclusive cultural and knowledge exchange in the world,” noting that, “Expo 2020 Dubai will pave the roadmap for key economic, development and cultural trends of the post-COVID-19 era. Our success in hosting the world’s largest cultural event reflects the power of human solidarity in overcoming the pandemic.”

He added, “the global community is preparing for a new stage of collaboration by harnessing science and technology to combat the pandemic. Expo 2020 Dubai provides the platform for sharing knowledge and innovations. Through Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE is bridging cultures and galvanizing efforts and aspirations towards creating a better future for everyone. People from every corner of the globe are welcome to join the once-in-a-lifetime inspiring and enlightening experience that pays testament to human creativity. We will meet at Expo 2020 Dubai.”

Expo 2020 Dubai sets multiple milestones as the first World Expo to be held in the MEASA region in the 170-year history of the mega-events. It will also be the first global event since the advent of the coronavirus outbreak.

In another first, every participating nation will have its pavilion. Countries will be clustered not by their geography, but under Expo 2020s three subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability– areas seen as essential to building a better future for humanity.

More than 200 nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational establishments will come together to develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges facing the world. The diversity of participating nations and organisations makes Expo 2020 Dubai the most inclusive and international World Expo ever to be organised.

The UAE will host the mega event with tight Covid-19 precautionary measures and a safe environment where about 90 percent of the population have been vaccinated against Covid-19, positioning the country among the top five nations in the vaccine distribution rate.

Expo 2020 Dubai coincides with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, presenting an excellent opportunity to share the UAE’s successful experience and inspiring story with the world.

Over its six-month duration, Expo 2020 Dubai showcase the latest innovations in a variety of fields that will have a meaningful and positive impact on people’s lives.

ALSO READ: UAE sends 20 ambulances to Gaza

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Asia News UAE News

UAE sends 20 ambulances to Gaza

The shipment of the aid was organised by the country’s humanitarian arm, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC)..reports Asian Lite News

The UAE on Monday sent 20 ambulances equipped with essential emergency, security and safety equipment to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Border Crossing.

The shipment of the aid, which was organised by the country’s humanitarian arm, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), aims to support Gaza’s health sector and improve local humanitarian conditions.

The UAE always seeks to support the humanitarian efforts to assist the Palestinian people under the current circumstances, which require everyone’s solidarity to enable them to overcome their harsh social conditions, through providing for their needs, especially for women and children.

The UAE is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and sent 960 tonnes of urgent medical and food supplies to some 20,000 local families in June, as part of its humanitarian and relief programmes aimed at assisting the people of Palestine.

The country also sent 808 tonnes of urgent relief aid in January, through 29 trucks that passed through the Rafah Border Crossing, to support 20,000 families, provide for the basic needs of Palestinians and improve their living conditions.

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