Day: January 16, 2024

The weather forecast map issued by the Egyptian General Meteorological Authority (EMA) revealed that, as of Wednesday, January 17, a slight and gradual rise in temperatures is expected in most areas.

The Meteorological Authority indicated that temperatures will rise at values ranging from 4 to 2 degrees Celsius, with winter weather tending to be warm during the day and very cold at night.

Today, on Monday, weather will be cold during the day on Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, and the northwestern coasts, warm on the eastern coasts, northern Upper Egypt, and southern Upper Egypt. Warm in southern Sinai and southern Upper Egypt, and very cold at night and in the early morning in most parts.

Frost also forms on crops in central Sinai and New Valley Governorate, and water mist forms in the morning on some agricultural and highway roads close to friendly bodies of water to and from areas of Greater Cairo, Lower Egypt, the northern coasts, the canal cities, central Sinai, and northern Upper Egypt.

Today, light to
moderate rain is expected on areas of the northern coasts and northern Lower Egypt at intermittent intervals.

The Mediterranean Sea is moderate and turbulent, wave heights (1.5-2.5 metres), and the Red Sea: moderate.

As for the temperatures on Monday:

Cairo will see highs of 18 degrees and lows of 12

Alexandria will see highs of 18 degrees and lows of 11

Matrouh will see highs of 17 degrees and lows of 10

Sohag will see highs of 20 degrees and lows of 07

Qena will see highs of 21 degrees and lows of 07

Aswan will see highs of 23 degrees and lows of 08

Source: Yemen News Agency

Amman: Lower House Investment and Economy Committee on Tuesday discussed with Board of Directors of Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC), multiple current difficulties facing the national economy and importance of enhancing partnership between the Kingdom’s public and private sectors.

The meeting, which was held at the JCC’s headquarters, went over the economic repercussions of the brutal Israeli aggression against people of Gaza Strip, Bab el-Mandab crisis and its impact on the commercial and service sectors, as well as the investment file.

The committee announced it adopted JCC’s recommendations to support national economy in the current exceptional regional circumstances, which would enable Jordan’s economic sectors to sustain their work.

The recommendations featured measures to set a ceiling on shipping fees when calculating customs duties and sales tax for clearing goods.

The committee also adopted the JCC’s initiative to form a tripartite committee that includes the public and private sectors, the House
and the Senate to visit some targeted Arab countries to promote investment opportunities in the Kingdom and attract investors, according to a joint statement.

Additionally, recommendations noted need to find funding sources provided by the government to finance basic imports with reduced interest to secure a “sufficient” stock of necessary and basic materials and form a crisis cell to follow up on developments resulting from Israeli aggression against Gaza people and shipping operations in the Red Sea.

During the meeting, JCC stressed need to postpone loans for the Kingdom’s commercial and service sectors and businesses affected by the consequences of Israeli aggression on Gaza, especially tourism.

The JCC stressed need that Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) play a “more effective” role and take measures that would reduce additional costs on importers and exporters triggered by maritime shipping crisis in the Red Sea region.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Head of the Senate’s Jordanian-Bulgarian Committee, Khaled Ramadan, engaged in discussions on Tuesday with Bulgarian Ambassador Metin Kazak, exploring avenues to bolster bilateral ties across multiple domains.

Senator Ramadan emphasized the robust, historical and distinguished relations, which are based on mutual respect and experiencing continual growth, particularly in parliamentary, economic, cultural and social spheres.

Against the backdrop of regional events, including the war on Gaza and the West Bank, Ramadan underscored the need for international efforts to help cease hostilities and facilitate the access of humanitarian aid. He said Jordan and Bulgaria saw eye to eye on issues of mutual concern and the pursuit of political solutions to regional conflicts.

He drew attention to the diplomatic and political initiatives led by His Majesty King Abdullah II to achieve a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue.

These include implementing international legitimacy resolutions, en
dorsing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

On Gaza, Ramadan advocated for an immediate cessation of the Israeli aggression and condemnation of the genocide against the Palestinian people. He noted the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army’s role in delivering life-saving humanitarian and medical aid to the Gaza Strip.

The Bulgarian envoy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Jordan across many sectors, commending the advanced level of relations, particularly in parliamentary, economic, social, and cultural fields.

Emphasizing Jordan’s pivotal role in addressing regional and international issues, he lauded His Majesty the King’s efforts to end regional conflicts, highlighting the importance of the King’s European and global tours to halt the Gaza war and achieve security and stability in the region.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Lower House of Parliament Speaker Ahmad Safadi Tuesday expressed support for South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel committed genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

In a meeting with South African Ambassador Tselane Mokuen, Safadi said the Lower House’s stance aligns with late Nelson Mandela’s legacy of support for Palestine, calling the case “a historic victory for the just cause of the Palestinian people against the Zionists’ war machine, destruction and massacres.”

Safadi and Mokuena stressed the shared commitment of Jordan and South Africa to the Palestinian cause as a matter of common concern, adding they concurred on supporting the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights and condemning the ongoing massacres and blocking of urgent aid as acts of genocide.

Safadi said Jordan is firmly committed to supporting Palestinians, and the Kingdom rejects any attempt to displace Gazans or separate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank.

He highlighted J
ordan’s multiple efforts, including airdrops of aid supplies by the Royal Air Force and the delivery of necessities to Jordanian field hospitals.

The House Chief reiterated His Majesty King Abdullah’s calls for an end to the war and advocacy of a peaceful resolution based on the two-state solution.

He warned of the dire consequences of the war on Gaza, which is causing the genocide, exacerbating the suffering of civilians and wreaking large-scale destruction of infrastructure.

Safadi decried the global community for turning a blind eye on the rights of Palestinian people and failure to place a peace settlement as a priority, emphasizing that the relentless war poses a wider regional threat.

The South African envoy noted King Abdullah’s supportive speeches and highlighting of South Africa’s role in presenting the anti-Israel lawsuit, stressing that the war is not limited to Gaza but it affects all Palestinians.

She said that a primary goal of the lawsuit at the ICJ is to stop targeted violence against you
th, children and women, calling Israeli actions “ethnic cleansing.”

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Minister of Government Communications and government spokesperson Muhannad Mubaidin emphasized that His Majesty King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stand as an unyielding barrier against the Israeli concept of displacing the Palestinian people, whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank.

He underlined that the two leaders, from the early stages of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, cautioned about the unfolding dangers and the potential “liquidation” of the Palestinian cause, extending the war’s impact to encompass the region and the world.

In an interview with the correspondent of the Middle East News Agency in Amman, Mubaidin commended the historical and comprehensive relations between Jordan and Egypt, underlining that the directives of the leaders of both countries emphasize the need to strengthen cooperation, consultation, and relations across all sectors and fields, especially amidst the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

Mubaidin stated, “There is a sustained commitm
ent to cooperation and coordination between Jordan and Egypt on the part of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi because the two countries share close and integrated goals and strategies concerning all Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian cause, which is pivotal to Amman, Cairo, and the Arab world.”

Highlighting that the relations between Jordan and Egypt are intertwined and harmonious for the benefit of the two peoples, the Arab nation, and the region, Mubaidin emphasized that Egypt and Jordan serve as cornerstones for the security and stability of the Middle East, the Arab world, and regional and international security.

He underscored that the Palestinian issue remains a top priority for coordination and consultation between Jordan and Egypt, whether before, during, or after the Israeli war on Gaza. Mubaidin stressed that there are continuous directives from the leaders of both countries for ongoing consultation and coordination regarding the Palestinian issue.

Th
e minister noted an escalation in communications, consultations, and coordination between Jordan and Egypt concerning the war on Gaza since its early hours. He pointed out that meetings and communications between His Majesty King Abdullah II and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi commenced at the outset of the war, extending through the peace summit in Cairo and the recent Aqaba summit. These discussions will persist in advocating for an immediate cessation of the war and the delivery of aid to Gaza, he added.

Mubaidin emphasized that prior to October 7th, 2023, both Jordan and Egypt had warned about the violence and the potential destruction of a dream of a Palestinian state due to the occupation’s persistent violations against Palestinians and Islamic and Christian holy sites. He lamented that the world’s failure to heed these warnings led to the current state of destruction, devastation, and escalating violence in the region and beyond.

He highlighted that since the onset of the war on Gaza, Jordan and Egypt
vehemently opposed the displacement of Palestinians, advocating for an immediate cessation of the war and the delivery of aid to the people in Gaza. They steadfastly rejected the “liquidation” of the Palestinian cause at the expense of neighboring countries.

Mubaidin underscored the ongoing efforts of both countries, alongside the international community, to halt the war and provide aid. He pointed to the diplomatic efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which played a crucial role in alleviating Palestinian suffering through the introduction of essential aid. Jordan and Egypt were among the first to consistently send aid to Gaza and treat the injured in on-site hospitals.

Regarding the Israeli occupation’s attempt to involve Egypt in a case at the International Court of Justice brought by South Africa, Mubaidin expressed Jordan’s rejection of such efforts. He described it as a desperate move by an unabated war criminal targeting civilians, including children and women,
committing genocide before the world.

Mubaidin emphasized that both Egypt and Jordan act as a stumbling block to the Israeli occupation, revealing the truth about Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people. He framed their permanent and ongoing connection to the Palestinian issue as a national security issue.

Jordan and Egypt, he noted, provided several trucks of aid without regard to the difficult economic conditions they are going through stemming from their humanitarian, Arab and leading role regarding the crucial issue. Those trucks remained stationed on the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side for several days without being allowed entry in view of the whole world, he stated. The Israeli occupation controlled the number of trucks that entered and inspected them.

Mubaidin stated that Jordan is ready to present necessary pleadings and evidence in support of the case brought by South Africa. The country remains fully prepared to advocate for Palestinians in all forums.

Regarding Jordan’s aid through
the Karam Abu Salem crossing, Mubaidin explained ongoing efforts to provide aid through collaboration with international organizations. Jordan remains committed to aiding and mobilizing global public opinion for an immediate ceasefire.

Discussing the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee, Mubaidin highlighted the open areas of cooperation between the two countries. He described the committee as one of the most successful bilateral committees.

Regarding the tripartite cooperation mechanism with Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, Mubaidin emphasized its role as a model of Arab-Arab cooperation to be emulated. This cooperation is seen as essential for Arab national security within the framework of collaboration between Africa and Asia.

Mubaidin pointed out the success of the quadripartite cooperation between Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, to which the four countries’ leaders contributed. He stressed that the success of this cooperation made more Arab countries work to participate in it to ach
ieve economic and trade cooperation that contributes to strengthening the Arab economy.

Discussing the economic and political modernization vision by King Abdullah II, Mubaidin highlighted the government’s continued implementation of royal directives. Despite regional challenges, the Jordanian economy has maintained its rating and strength.

Regarding political modernization, Mubaidin revealed upcoming parliamentary elections, the first of their kind featuring a unique partisan experience in Jordan. The elections will proceed on time, irrespective of the war on Gaza, as per King Abdullah’s commitment to preserving the Constitution and the democratic path which the Kingdom adopts.

Acknowledging economic challenges, Mubaidin stated that measures have been taken by the government, following the Prime Minister’s instructions, to address potential inflation resulting from the current situation.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Lower House Public Services and Transport Committee on Tuesday discussed plans and strategies of Jordan-Hejaz Railway Corporation (JHR).

The committee’s head, Ghazi Beddawi, in presence of JHR Director General, Zahi Khalil, said railways network in Jordan is an “important” factor in the Kingdom’s transportation system, which would develop domestic tourism.

Beddawi also stressed importance of developing the railway infrastructure and working to build trailers to be suitable for trips in all circumstances.

For his part, Khalil said JHR is mulling plans to establish a railway connecting Zarqa city to Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), with a length of 65 kilometers, expecting it to transport about 40,000 to 50,000 passengers daily.

Khalil pointed out that the JHR is financially independent and its income is self-generated from its investments and projects.

He also indicated that the corporation aims to develop the Kingdom’s railway transportation system, place Hejaz Railway on the map of local
and international tourism, raise “institutional” performance and invest in and preserve the railway’s historical legacy by restoring its heritage buildings and stations.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Senate’s Finance and Economy Committee, led by Rajai Muasher, engaged in discussions on Tuesday with Adel Sharkas, the Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), concerning monetary policy.

Muasher noted that this meeting is a continuation of previous sessions aimed at gaining insights into monetary policies, the CBJ’s efforts in maintaining monetary stability, and the impact of the war on Gaza on economic sectors, bank reserves, and the overall banking and monetary situation.

Sharkas emphasized that maintaining monetary stability remains the primary goal and utmost priority for the CBJ. He explained that the recent decisions to increase interest rates on monetary policy tools were made to achieve this objective and to contain inflationary pressures.

He highlighted the effectiveness of the bank’s measures, despite the unfavorable global environment and prevailing challenges in the region. The demand for the dinar increased, reflected by the continued decline in the dollarization rate, reachin
g 18 percent at the end of last November, compared to levels exceeding 20 percent pre-COVID-19 pandemic.

Sharkas underlined that foreign reserves are at comfortable and reassuring levels, currently amounting to $18 billion, sufficient to finance 7.8 months of the Kingdom’s imports of goods and services. He pointed out that the inflation rate reached 2.1 percent during the past year, compared to inflation exceeding 4 percent in 2022, which is among the lowest inflation rates recorded in the region and the world.

“Although the Central Bank of Jordan raised interest rates by 5.25 basis points since the end of March 2022, the weighted average interest rates on loans and advances rose by 216 basis points, constituting only 41.1 percent of the total raising operations carried out by the bank. This indicates that the banks did not raise interest rates on loans by the amount that the Central Bank of Jordan did,” he added.

He pointed out that the weighted average interest rates on term deposits increased by 248 bas
is points, constituting 47.2 percent of the total raising operations, indicating that the interest rate margin between loans and term deposits, amounting to 3.06 percent until the end of last November, is the lowest since 26 years old.

He commended the pivotal role of the banking sector in the national economy, highlighting that the facilities provided by banks increased annually by approximately JD997 million, reaching JD33.4 billion at the end of last November. Deposits in banks also saw an increase of JD1.2 billion, reaching JD43.3 billion, indicating a high level of confidence in the banking sector.

He emphasized that the banking sector in the Kingdom is robust, solid, and highly stable, equipped to withstand shocks due to its solidity and substantial levels of capital and liquidity.

He observed that the local economic landscape witnessed numerous achievements and advancements during the year 2023. A noteworthy accomplishment was the progress in the financial and structural reform approach, marked by t
he successful completion of the sixth and seventh reviews of the economic reform program with the International Monetary Fund.

Sharkas regarded this as a recorded achievement for the government, affirming its commitment and seriousness in implementing economic reforms, facilitating the transition to a new economic program with the Fund to seamlessly sustain the economic reform agenda.

He mentioned that Jordan’s stable credit outlook was a key consensus among credit rating institutions in 2023. Furthermore, the removal of Jordan’s name from the list of countries under monitoring for combating money laundering and terrorist financing in 2023 is anticipated to boost the confidence of the international community and investors in the Jordanian economy, underscoring Jordan’s commitment to legislation and international agreements.

He emphasized that many indicators demonstrated positive performance in 2023, with tourism income standing out. The economy recorded a growth of 2.7 percent during the first three quart
ers of 2023, and he expects the economy to maintain growth close to this percentage for the entire year.

He pointed out that the impact of the repercussions of the war on Gaza on the performance of economic activity in 2023 was limited. The extent of its repercussions in 2024, however, depends on the duration and expansion of the crisis.

He stressed that the national economy possesses the experience and tools to address shocks, enabling it to overcome this crisis at the lowest possible costs.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The inaugural Jordanian-Singapore Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Forum, held recently in Singapore, has been hailed as a significant step towards bolstering investment in the tech sector.

Organized under the Jordan Source program by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the event saw the participation of numerous business leaders and was patronized by His Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, the Crown Prince of Jordan.

Nidal Bitar, CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), expressed optimism about strengthening tech relations with Singapore, following the Crown Prince’s successful visit. Bitar emphasized the deepening cooperation in ICT and the exploration of new opportunities with Singaporean partners.

Bitar highlighted the longstanding and fruitful relations between Jordan and Singapore, particularly in communications and information technology. He noted that int@j had previously hosted Singaporean experts at its confer
ences and forums, pointing to growing opportunities in areas like outsourcing and investment funds.

Mohamed Mohtasib, CEO of the Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF), detailed the forum’s activities, which included meetings with government bodies, companies, investment funds, and business incubators in the tech sector, focusing especially on deep technology and entrepreneurship support organizations.

The forum facilitated partnerships between Jordanian and Singaporean entrepreneurship sectors and included discussions with major investment funds in Singapore. Mohtasib highlighted the potential for Singaporean investment in Jordan and job creation through outsourcing to Singaporean companies operating in Jordan.

Zain, through its creativity platform, shared that the forum provided insights into the work of Singaporean companies in innovation and IT, opening doors for potential cooperation and investment in Jordanian startups.

Khaldoun Mahmoud, head of government relations at BIGO Technology for the Midd
le East and North Africa, emphasized BIGO’s commitment to supporting Jordan’s tech ecosystem. He discussed initiatives like the Singapore-Jordan business incubator program and the development of partnerships to boost the tech sector in both countries.

Ahmed Masri, Executive Director of Progressive Generation Studios, remarked on the effectiveness of the participation, highlighting meetings with Singaporean companies interested in investing in Jordan. He noted that Jordan serves as a gateway to the Middle East, offering access to other markets.

Waad Hawamdeh, CEO of Concentrix + Webhelp, specializing in outsourcing services and customer experiences, touched on the positive impact of the forum. He emphasized the opportunities it provided for networking with decision-makers worldwide, attracting investments to the region, and positioning Jordan as a hub for customer experience services and outsourcing.

Youssef Chamoun, co-founder and CEO of ZenHR, shared his experience at the forum, noting the valuable opport
unities for meeting and partnering with emerging Singaporean companies. He expressed his honor in meeting His Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II and sharing his entrepreneurial journey.

The forum, with about 275 representatives from institutions and companies in the ICT sector from both Jordan and Singapore, aimed to enhance technological and digital economic cooperation for mutual benefit, showcasing the commitment of both countries to strengthening their partnership in the tech industry.

Source: Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Unmanned Systems (UMEX) and Simulation and Training (SimTEX) exhibition and conference will take place from January 23 to 25 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with record participation from major local and global specialised companies.

This announcement was made at the press conference held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to discuss the latest preparations for launching the largest edition of the exhibitions and the accompanying conference to date, organised by ADNEC Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence.

Major General Mubarak Saeed bin Ghafan Al Jabri, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the exhibitions, said: ‘Since their first launch in 2015, the UMEX and SimTEX exhibitions have witnessed significant developments on all fronts, thanks to four main success factors. The first factor is the significant and unlimited support from the wise leadership an
d their gracious patronage of these events, providing all aspects of support for their success, in addition to the leading global stature of the country and its diplomatic relationships with all countries of the world, which contributed to enhancing the competitiveness of the exhibitions and their ability to attract major global specialised companies from the five continents.’

He added: ‘The second factor is the leadership of the United Arab Emirates and its transformation into a global economic hub for innovation and creativity in unmanned systems, simulation and training, robotics, and artificial intelligence industries, providing an integrated legislative environment that leads the world in this field. The third key to success is Abu Dhabi’s sophisticated infrastructure, combined with ADNEC Group’s distinct business approach. This approach is implemented across ADNEC’s seven specialised divisions, each adhering to the highest international standards relevant to their sector. The final factor contributing
to success involves the ongoing and dedicated efforts of the Supreme Organising Committee. They collaborate with partners from both public and private sectors to consistently introduce new and additional events with each edition. This approach aims to surpass the expectations of both participants and visitors. What you see today is the fruit of efforts implemented over the past 24 months, where the preparation and promotion for the event began at the end of the previous edition in 2022.’

Al Jabri clarified that the present edition of the exhibitions is the biggest and most comprehensive since their inception. This scale reflects the growing significance of unmanned systems in upholding international peace and security. Additionally, these industries and their innovative advancements play a crucial role in driving the sustainable development of national economies. They now extend beyond defence applications to encompass commercial and civilian uses.

He pointed out that the exhibitions provide a platform to s
howcase the latest innovations and technologies in unmanned systems, simulation, and training, including robotics and artificial intelligence applications, bringing together international industry leaders and decision-makers under one roof to discuss ways to advance the current state and future of these vital sectors.

The Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee indicated that the current edition would witness the participation of many official delegations, with over 245 official invitations sent to visiting delegations from around the world. The first day will include an opening ceremony with local and international senior officials and guests, showcasing the significant development in unmanned systems industries and the leadership of the United Arab Emirates in these vital sectors.

He said: ‘It is expected that over their three days, the exhibitions will see the influx of decision-makers and specialists eager to learn about the most prominent vital sectors experiencing unprecedented development and gr
owth, thanks to artificial intelligence technologies that have revolutionised the world in recent years. We are also striving to provide the appropriate environment for emerging companies to find opportunities to connect with local and international partners, build strategic partnerships, and open channels for direct and indirect investment in the innovations and technologies of these emerging companies in these vital sectors.’

Al Jabri revealed that organising the exhibitions will be accompanied by hosting the UMEX and SimTEX conference on January 22, under the theme: ‘Unmanned Systems, Ascending to New Spaces for Emerging Technologies and Unprecedented Impacts.’ It is expected to attract over 200 top leaders, decision-makers, and experts, who, during several sessions, will discuss the most prominent challenges and regional and international issues, in addition to showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in these sectors and ways to employ them for civilian and military uses.

He concluded by sayi
ng: ‘Our cooperation with ADNEC Group in these unique events, dedicated to unmanned systems, simulation and training, artificial intelligence, and robotics, marks a milestone in the world of specialised exhibition industry. This aligns with the goals of our wise leaders and the Ministry of Defence’s strategy to grow national industries across various key sectors. We aim to achieve this by strengthening partnerships with global industry leaders and actively working to bring and adapt advanced technologies within our country. This will contribute to affirming the growing position and reputation of the country as a global centre for the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and as a centre for innovation and creativity. The exhibitions will witness the announcement of many deals for the participating pavilions, in addition to deals for the Tawazun Council for the benefit of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates.’

On his part, Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, sa
id: ‘The world turns its attention again next week to Abu Dhabi as a new milestone is reached in the state’s achievements in various economic and knowledge sectors, through hosting the largest edition of the UMEX and SimTEX exhibitions since their first launch in 2015.’

Al Dhaheri explained that the current edition will witness the launch of five new initiatives for the first time, including the launch of the UMEX commercial platform with the participation of more than 37 international and local companies specialised in the civilian and commercial uses of unmanned systems. For the first time, live land and marine unmanned systems shows will be organised at the main platform and ADNEC’s water channel, in addition to aerial shows in the Sweihan Hills area. In a related context, the current edition of the events will witness the launch of the first edition of the programming challenge within the exhibitions, targeting national talents specialised in programming sectors, in cooperation between the Ministry of De
fence and ADNEC Group.

Furthermore, a new platform for startups from around the world will be launched, inviting these companies to present their latest innovations and technologies to compete for the ‘UMEX Next Gen Innovation Award’, in addition to launching a programme of daily dialogue sessions for the commercial sector with speakers from leading companies in this area.

Al Dhaheri revealed that the current edition of the exhibitions has attracted record participation from major global companies specialised in these vital sectors, with the exhibition area increased by 15%, reaching over 30,000 square metres, compared to the previous edition in 2022. More than 214 exhibiting companies are set to participate in the exhibitions, with a growth rate of 19% compared to the previous edition. Additionally, more than 35 countries are participating, marking a 30% increase in the number compared to the last edition, while the current edition of the exhibitions witnesses the participation of a number of countries for
the first time, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic.

He added: ‘Since its establishment, ADNEC Group has been committed to supporting the growth and development of national industries in various sectors, as part of its strategy to enhance the competitiveness of national companies and transfer and localise advanced knowledge in the country. The current edition of the exhibitions has seen an increase in the number of national companies to 72, a 64% increase over last year’s edition. In this years edition, national companies’ participation represents 34% of the total exhibiting companies, while the number of international participating companies reached 142, representing 67% of the participating companies. The UAE pavilion is the largest among the national pavilions participating, with an area of 5,200 square metres, followed by the Chinese and then the American pavilions, affirming the importance of the exhibitions in adv
ancing the present and future outlook of these vital sectors in the country.’

Al Dhaheri thanked the Ministry of Defence for their efforts and cooperation in successfully organising these important events and presenting them in a manner befitting the reputation and status of the country on both regional and international levels, and to all partners in the public and private sectors, especially EDGE, the strategic partner of the exhibitions.

For more information about the UMEX and SimTEX 2024 conference and exhibitions and to register, please visit the attached link https://umexabudhabi.ae/

Source: Emirates News Agency

RAMALLAH: The Israeli occupation authorities tonight handed over the body of a four-year-old Palestinian girl, who was shot and killed by Israeli forces fire on January 7, to the Palestinian side after withholding it for ten days.

The body of four-year-old Ruqaya Abu Dahouk, a resident of Beit Iksa, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, was transferred to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah.

On January 7, Israeli forces opened fire on two vehicles crossing the Beit Iksa military checkpoint, which resulted in the fatal shooting of the four-year-old little girl.

A married couple, who were onboard the second car that was targeted by the Israeli fire, were also killed in the shooting. They were identified as Mohammed Abu Eid and his wife, Duha, from the town of Biddu, northwest of Jerusalem.

Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA

Amman: Jordan is set to present its fourth periodic report before the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The official Jordanian delegation, comprising representatives from various key sectors, is scheduled to depart next Tuesday, with the presentation slated for Thursday, 1/25/2024.

The delegation encompasses a broad spectrum of the Jordanian government and civil society, including representatives from the Prime Minister’s office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labor, the Chief Justice’s Department, General Intelligence, the Jordanian National Commission for Women’s Affairs, and a civil society representative.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates spearheaded the preparation of this crucial report. It chairs the Permanent Committee for Human Rights and has incorporated responses to 149 recommendations accepted by Jordan during the 2018 third periodic review.

This comprehensive report, submitted to the United Nations in October 2023, adheres to the guideline
s set by the Secretariat of the Human Rights Council.

The timing of the report is notable, aligning with the approval of Jordan’s political and economic system reform plans, as well as administrative reform and public sector modernization initiatives.

These reforms demonstrate Jordan’s adherence to the comprehensive national plan for human rights (2016-2025), the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and recommendations from the 2018 Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights and other international human rights mechanisms.

Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, the report reflects a strong political will to enhance human rights in the Kingdom. This commitment is further evidenced by the open and participatory approach adopted in the report’s preparation.

The process involved extensive consultation with a diverse array of stakeholders, including civil society institutions, trade unions, activists, academics, media professionals, and the National Center for Human Rights across all Jordanian gov
ernorates.

Additionally, various human rights stakeholders in Jordan have submitted their independent assessments of the human rights situation in the Kingdom. These submissions, known as ‘stakeholder statements’ and ‘shadow reports,’ provide a comprehensive view of the human rights landscape in Jordan.

The universal periodic review is a key process of the United Nations, where member states are periodically evaluated by the Human Rights Council. Each country is required to report on the measures it has implemented to strengthen and protect human rights at the national level, in alignment with international standards and obligations.

The review covers a wide range of human rights issues, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, underscoring each country’s commitment to improving its human rights record.

The Jordanian delegation’s upcoming presentation in Geneva is a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to uphold and enhance human rights, reflecting its commitment to interna
tional standards and its active engagement in the global human rights discourse.

Source: Jordan News Agency

NABLUS: Two young men were shot and injured by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank city of Nablus, said security sources.

Sources told WAFA that Israeli soldiers fired live bullets, stun grenades, and toxic tear gas at citizens during confrontations that broke out following a military incursion into ‘Asira ash Shamaliya, south of Nablus, injuring a young man with live bullets in the thigh.

Meanwhile, another young man, aged 23, was also injured in the thigh by live bullets during confrontations with Israeli forces in the village of Madama, south of Nablus. The youth was taken to a hospital for treatment, said the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS).

Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA

Ramallah: Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday arrested 26 Palestinians in fresh raids across the West Bank, which triggered clashes with local youth in several locations, the Palestinian Prisoners Club said.

It said in a statement that troops searched and ransacked dozens of homes as they stormed into cities and refugees camps in the latest raids, which have dramatically increased since Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, in which more than six thousand people were arrested, according to Palestinian sources.

Those detained were referred to security bodies of the occupation authorities on charges of involvement in armed resistance against soldiers and Jewish settlers, it said.

Source: Jordan News Agency