RAK Ruler pardons 368 prisoners ahead of Ramadan


RAS AL KHAIMAH: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has ordered the release of 368 prisoners ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan, and pledged to settle their financial liabilities on the advent of Ramadan.

The prisoners’ release comes as part of Shaikh Saud’s keenness to give pardoned inmates an opportunity to start a new life and bring about stability to their families.

On this occasion, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, gave his directives to proceed with the necessary legal procedures to implement Sheikh Saud’s decision.

The Attorney-General of Ras Al Khaimah, Hasan Saeed Mehaimed, said that this noble gesture of Sheikh Saud reflects his keenness to give the inmates the opportunity to reintegrate into society and bring happiness to their families and loved ones during the holy month.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Crown Prince of Ajman launches ‘Ajman Vision 2030’


AJMAN: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council, has launched “Ajman Vision 2030”, which marks the culmination of collaborative efforts from various governmental and societal entities within the emirate, crafting a comprehensive roadmap toward the future.

The vision underscores the alignment of all policies and strategies with the national agenda, federal objectives, and readiness for the future, firmly anchoring the emirate’s commitment to a people-centric future. It delineates the emirate’s aspirations and goals, including developing skilled human capital to fulfil Ajman’s ambitions, enhance its appeal and liveability, and foster an inclusive society.

The launch event, held at the Ajman Stud on Thursday, was attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs
at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development; Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Representative of the Ruler of Ajman for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Ajman (Ajman DED); Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development; Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Municipality and Planning Department, a number of sheikhs, officials, and members of the Ajman community.

The occasion featured presentations outlining the vision’s principles and strategic directions, offering attendees insights into the transformative projects envisioned for the emirate.

In his address during the event, Sheikh Ammar highlighted the UAE government’s commitment to future-preparedness and individual development under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Min
ister and Ruler of Dubai. He highlighted the government’s emphasis on harnessing innovative technologies and ensuring a skilled workforce to make the UAE one of the world’s best countries in its golden jubilee.

He added that the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Ajman, inspired by the spirit of union, are committed to building a sustainable future economically, socially, and environmentally, focusing on human development, participation, and prosperity.

The Crown Prince underscored that Ajman Vision 2030 is a collective endeavour shaped by the contributions of over 3,000 individuals representing various community segments.

Sheikh Ammar continued, “We have developed several tools that have helped us sense the community’s priorities and understand its needs and aspirations. The results have shown a desire for more social, sports, cultural, and artistic activities, and more facilities designed for children and People of Determination.”

He added that studies have also shown the need for framework
s supporting entrepreneurs to attract an elite of global and local companies to establish their offices in Ajman to become key partners in economic and human development.

Sheikh Ammar outlined that the Ajman Vision is based on eight fundamental principles: sustainability, inclusivity, community centrality, governmental agility, future preparedness, accountability, cooperation, and the spirit of union. The Ajman Executive Council will ensure adherence to them and disseminate their culture.

The eight principles serve as the foundation for planning and implementation until 2030, encompassing diverse aspects of balanced development and have spurred collaborative efforts to design impactful projects.

Sheikh Ammar added, “Looking ahead, there will be a significant emphasis on community programmes, with a target to increase artistic, cultural, and sports activities by 400 percent by 2030.

As the youth segment represents 36 percent of the emirate’s population, the vision will work on developing policies t
hat harness this vital energy to maximise the emirate’s economic and social stature. In the coming days, we will launch a programme for ambitious young leaders, aiming to empower them with skills and knowledge to realise their potential.”

Sheikh Ammar reiterated the commitment to providing policies and programmes for children and women, fostering a modern institutional system guided by core principles, and accelerating development through partnerships with the private sector.

“Updating the urban plan of the emirate will be among our priorities, and we have already commenced work on the coastal development project for Ajman in recent months. This project will increase the public beaches by 300 percent and equip them with integrated urban facilities.

The coming months will witness the commencement of the “Heart of Ajman” project to double the emirate’s regional and global trade logistical capabilities.

The Crown Prince stated that the vision will increase spending on leisure and tourism activities i
n the Masfout area by 200 percent over the next four years.

He also lauded the efforts of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his team in the “Emirates Villages” project, which began in the Masfout area to enhance people’s lives.

“Ajman Vision 2030 symbolises the emirate’s aspirations and ambitions over the next six years, aiming to establish Ajman as a beacon of success and a model of inclusive development for all its residents,” he said.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that providing a decent life for citizens is a strategic goal for the country’s leadership, which always ensures that the citizens enjoy all means of social stability, livelihood, and quality of life.

He commended the launch of the Ajman Vision 2030, which aims at achieving sustainable development, and emphasised the significant care given to the Masfout region by providing infrastructure, quality service systems, and creating job opportunities for its residents.

Sheikh Theyab poin
ted out that the Emirates Villages project aims to develop tourist, heritage, and service facilities in the Masfout region with a focus on empowering the residents of these villages with economic opportunities and integrating them into the development process.

For his part, Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi hailed the Ajman Vision as a guiding framework that embodies the objectives and aspirations of the wise leadership towards comprehensive and sustainable development. The vision stands poised to draw the future landscape based on national values and visions, leveraging the emirate’s resources, energies, and youth optimally.

He said, “This ambitious vision unfolds promising horizons and opportunities, accelerating the trajectory towards desired growth, development, and boosting the emirate’s competitiveness and attractiveness while preserving the UAE’s national identity. It focuses on economic, human, and cultural advancement, advanced infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, positioning Ajman
as a sustainable haven for happiness, societal well-being, and a hub for innovation and prosperity.”

Highlighting teamwork as pivotal in achieving this visionary agenda and its future goals, he affirmed the Department of Finance’s commitment to fostering flexibility, innovation, and efficiency in financial performance. It will continue its collaborative approach with partners to enrich the emirate’s developmental milestones, ensuring its sustained evolution and flourishing for decades to come.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi said that Ajman is poised for a bright and unified future, based on the values of the union and the spirit of cooperation.

He stated that the Ajman Vision 2030 epitomises commitment to sustainable economic and social development, achieved through effective integration and coordination with the national agenda and federal strategies.

The vision calls for building a flexible and sustainable society, where economic development is balanced with caring for the social dimensio
ns and preserving the environment, he noted. “We will work hard to achieve this ambitious vision, with a focus on meeting the aspirations of the emirate of Ajman and achieving the main goals of our sustainable vision.”

Sheikh Abdulaziz concluded, “We prepare for the future by keenly analysing trends and adopting cutting-edge technologies to ensure readiness for forthcoming challenges. Through Ajman Vision, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to comprehensive development and provision of high-quality community services, fostering communication and cooperation with all stakeholders to achieve these noble objectives.”

For his part, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi expressed pride in Ajman’s insightful visions, applauding the inspiring plans and comprehensive strategy formulated by the wise leadership. These initiatives, he noted, are geared towards empowering individuals and ensuring societal happiness.

He praised the Ajman Vision 2030, which sets out clear frameworks to enhance integration between
departments and institutions and activate partnerships to achieve optimal results.

“The emirate of Ajman has evolved into a paradigmatic city providing ideal living conditions, attracting investors and tourists, and embodying leadership, excellence, and prosperity under a leadership committed to supporting human advancement, fostering sustainable development, and pursuing a brighter future for all,” Sheikh Rashid concluded.

Dr. Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Ajman Executive Council, affirmed that Ajman Vision 2030 has placed human development at the forefront of its priorities and is concerned with achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, which enhances social stability for current and future generations, and leads the emirate towards doubling its development plans.

He added, “With the directives and visions of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, the emirate has drawn a path of leadership and excellence in various fields,
and Ajman Vision 2030 comes to enhance these gains and create a new renaissance in which the efforts of all government entities and the private sector are shared, and led by qualified national cadres capable of keeping pace with future developments.”

Ajman Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan that outlines the emirate’s goals for the next decade. The vision is based on eight strategic principles:

– Spirit of the Union: Ajman is committed to a unified future. The emirate will align its policies and strategies with the national agenda, federal strategies and objectives, and coordinate effectively with other emirates.

– Cooperation: Ajman is committed to a collaborative future. The emirate will increase strategic cooperation with the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and the community.

– Accountability: Ajman is committed to fulfilling its commitments and being accountable to the community. The emirate will promote transparency in developing and monitoring commitments.

– Future Prepar
edness: Ajman is committed to being prepared for the future. The emirate will analyse and anticipate future trends and challenges in all development areas and harness modern technologies and innovative solutions.

– Agility: Ajman is committed to a flexible future with a responsive community that adapts quickly to change, with high levels of participation.

– Community Centrality: Ajman is committed to a people-centred future. The emirate will focus on the health and social well-being of individuals and communities, and consult with people and businesses to ensure their participation in government decision-making.

– Inclusivity: Ajman is committed to an inclusive future. The emirate will empower people to ensure their full integration and participation in society, promote equal opportunities for all, and enhance youth and elders integration and well-being.

– Sustainability: Ajman is committed to a sustainable future. The emirate will promote economic activities with high added value and specialised
knowledge, meet the economic and social needs of the population while ensuring environmental sustainability, become a results-based government, and shift spending towards achieving the most important long-term results.

Ajman Vision 2030 has identified a set of strategic directives and objectives, including:

– Enhancing the competitive business environment and investment climate that drives economic development: This will be achieved by creating a business-friendly environment, encouraging and facilitating investment, strengthening the commercial infrastructure, and facilitating trade and the commercial environment. In addition, the vision aims to develop a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, start-ups, and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to enable increased private sector participation in public projects and services.

– Building human capital capable of achieving the emirate’s aspirations: This will be achieved by ensuring world-class education that drives academic
achievement and prepares for the future, encouraging research and development (R and D) and innovation in the emirate, and strengthening workforce skills and lifelong learning.

– Enhancing the emirate’s attractiveness and liability: This will be achieved by improving the performance of city operations and public services, creating active urban centres, facilitating access to green and blue spaces, sports and recreational facilities, and community facilities, and promoting health, safety, and well-being.

– Transforming Ajman into a centre for arts and culture: This will be achieved by protecting cultural heritage, highlighting and developing it, supporting community participation in artistic and cultural activities, and supporting the development of the arts and cultural sectors.

– Achieving integrated and sustainable transportation: This will be achieved by improving the quality of the road infrastructure, improving the quality of the public transportation network, and encouraging active transportati
on by providing an environment conducive to walking and cycling.

The Ajman government is committed to achieving these goals through a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves all stakeholders.

One of the vision’s goals is to improve environmental sustainability by achieving sustainable waste management, reducing pollution, improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of alternative energy, protecting biodiversity, and preserving natural resources.

Additionally, the goals also include building a comprehensive, cohesive and empowered society by empowering the social services system and its effectiveness, promoting gender equality, empowering women, children, youth, People of Determination and the elderly, preserving the Emirati national identity, and enabling the contribution of the private sector and society to the social sector agenda.

The vision is concerned with transforming the government into a pioneering government characterised by agility, innovation, efficiency, and focus on
results. This is an approach that requires increasing agility, innovation, and efficiency in government structures, ensuring the readiness of plans, policies, laws, and regulations for the future, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, and ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of physical and digital assets.

This also requires improving financial performance and increasing focus on results through preparing a results-based budget and measuring performance, involving the community and stakeholders in decision-making, and facilitating their access to information.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed visits Bassam Freiha Art Foundation


ABU DHABI: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has visited the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) in Saadiyat Cultural District. The newly opened institution aims to enrich the local cultural and artistic landscape by showcasing global art collections.

During the visit, His Highness toured the gallery and explored the foundation’s artistic masterpieces, praising the distinguished 50-year cultural and literary career of Bassam Saeed Freiha, which Freiha dedicated to collecting rare paintings and artworks, underscoring his commitment to supporting the creative and cultural movement across various disciplines.

His Highness highlighted the contribution of arts foundations in enriching the local cultural scene by providing a new platform through which to support and nurture emerging talent, inspire dialogue, and promote and foster arts education and public engagement with the arts.

His Highness was accompanied by Moham
ed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi; and Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

BFAF is a non-profit institution exhibiting a curated private collection of artworks and paintings from around the world. Its inaugural exhibition, Echoes of the Orient, features 25 works juxtaposed with 19th-century photography and works by renowned contemporary and modern Arab artists.

BFAF, which is free and open to the public, takes visitors on a journey through history, culture and creativity, through art galleries housed in a building designed by architect Rasha Gebran. BFAF neighbours cultural institutions the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Berklee Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Sheikh Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Source: Emirates News Agency

European Commission, Cyprus, UAE, US issue joint statement endorsing activation of maritime corridor to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza


ABU DHABI: The European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States have issued a joint statement endorsing the activation of a maritime corridor to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Following is the full text of the statement:

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with innocent Palestinian families and children desperate for basic necessities. That is why today, the European Commission, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the Republic of Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States announce our intent to open a maritime corridor to deliver much-needed additional amounts of humanitarian assistance by sea.

Cyprus’ leadership in establishing the Amalthea Initiative-which outlines a mechanism for securely shipping aid from Cyprus to Gaza via sea-was integral to enabling this joint effort to launch a maritime corridor. Together, our nations intend to build on this model to deliver significant additional aid by sea,
working in coordination with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag – who is charged with facilitating, coordinating, monitoring, and verifying the flow of aid into Gaza under UN Security Council Resolution 2720. The dedicated efforts of the UAE to mobilise support for the Initiative will result in the initial shipment of food by sea to the people of Gaza.

Cyprus will soon convene senior officials to discuss how we can accelerate this maritime channel supporting those in need, supplementing land and air routes, including from Egypt and Jordan. The United States announced an emergency mission led by the U.S. military to establish a temporary pier in Gaza, in coordination with humanitarian partners and other countries, to enable the delivery of significant quantities of assistance by sea. These efforts will be closely coordinated with the Government of Israel.

The delivery of humanitarian assistance directly to Gaza by sea will be complex, and our nations will continue
to assess and adjust our efforts to ensure we deliver aid as effectively as possible. This maritime corridor can-and must-be part of a sustained effort to increase the flow of humanitarian aid and commercial commodities into Gaza through all possible routes. We will continue to work with Israel to expand deliveries by land, insisting that it facilitate more routes and open additional crossings to get more aid to more people. We affirm that protecting civilian lives is a key element of international humanitarian law that must be respected. And together, we must all do more to ensure aid gets to people who desperately need it.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

Mohammed bin Rashid pardons 691 inmates ahead of Ramadan


DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has ordered the release of 691 prisoners of different nationalities from Dubai’s correctional and punitive establishments, ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai, said the pardon reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s keenness to reunite the pardoned individuals with their families during the Holy Month. The pardon gives the released prisoners an opportunity to get a fresh start in life and reintegrate into the community, he added.

Dubai Public Prosecution, in collaboration with Dubai Police, has already commenced the legal procedures to implement HH Sheikh Mohammed’s order, said Al Humaidan.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Sharjah Ruler inaugurates Hanging Gardens in Kalba


SHARJAH: H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Hanging Gardens in the city of Kalba, located on the Sharjah-Kalba Road, featuring more than 100,000 trees.

Upon arrival, His Highness unveiled the opening of the garden, touring its sections with attendees. The total area of the garden spans 1.6 million square feet, reaching a height of 281 metres above sea level. His Highness inspected the aesthetic elements of the garden, including green spaces, flowers adorning the terraces, and waterfalls. His Highness enjoyed a musical performance by school students expressing their love and appreciation.

The people of Kalba also expressed thanks to His Highness, praising his support for the developmental projects he initiated in the area. His Highness took commemorative photos with the children and toured the central restaurant in the garden, which can seat 215 people. The restaurant features a classic semi-circular architectural design and provide
s views of the gardens and waterfall.

His Highness also visited the designated recreational areas for children, which are divided into three sections based on age groups. He carefully inspected the mountain climbing routes with three varying difficulty levels, showcasing agricultural terraces, waterfalls, lush trees, and colourful flowers along the way. The performances presented by professional skiers were witnessed by His Highness in the designated arena, which covers an area of 24,000 square feet and includes three levels for children, beginners, and professionals.

Furthermore, His Highness inspected the track for the excursion train, which can carry 55 people and has a length of 820 metres, passing through 4 stations. One station can be found at the upper cafeteria, while the other three are situated within the garden. Train stations offer waiting areas, providing visitors with a great opportunity to explore different parts of the garden and its recreational and service features. Moreover, the park
includes a 760-metre running track encircling its landmarks from the interior.

The Ruler of Sharjah then moved to the upper area of the Hanging Gardens, where a restaurant building was built using traditional wooden architecture to serve visitors. The restaurant, located 270 metres above sea level, accommodates 100 guests and provides a stunning panoramic view of the three sides of the Hanging Gardens.

The project offers various amenities for visitors, such as 262 parking spaces, facilities for disabled parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. Moreover, the facilities include restrooms, prayer rooms for both genders, and a cafeteria offering light meals.

The launch of the Hanging Gardens project is a key component of a holistic development strategy in line with the vision of His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, to enhance and improve the economic, tourism, and cultural landscape of Kalba city. The project is designed to offer a top tourist and recreational destination for local residents, visi
tors from nearby areas, and tourists.

The garden provides a wonderful opportunity for leisure and enjoyment, acting as a central location for entertainment, sports, and appreciating the beautiful natural surroundings. This helps boost tourism and economic activity, adding value to other projects in the city.

During the opening ceremony, His Highness was accompanied by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, and several senior officials including heads and directors of local departments and dignitaries of the city.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Sharjah Ruler pardons 484 prisoners ahead of Ramadan


SHARJAH: H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the release of 484 prisoners of various nationalities from Sharjah’s correctional and punitive establishments, ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

On this occasion, Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, extended his deepest gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah for the generous pardon, which reflects His Highness’ keenness to support the family entity in Sharjah, bringing joy to the hearts of the convicts’ families in these holy days.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai’s assets in endowment sector reach AED10.3 billion, further strengthing its leadership: Hamdan bin Mohammed


DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, said that under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate has achieved remarkable success in expanding endowment assets and enhancing service endowments. Dubai witnessed an impressive 18 percent increase in endowment assets compared to the previous year, with total endowments reaching 948, His Highness noted. The assets represent a combined value of AED10.3 billion.

His Highness made these remarks during a reception hosted for the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai (Awqaf Dubai) team, led by Essa Al Ghurair, Chairman of Awqaf Dubai. During the meeting, His Highness was briefed on key developments in the field of endowment work in Dubai. He also praised the Foundation for its efforts in supporting the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 (D33).

‘Dubai has created a supportive
environment for endowments to deliver benefits to various segments of the community and drive sustainable development. The growth in the number of endowment assets in Dubai reflects the community’s growing awareness of the importance of endowments and their positive impact on society,’ he said.

Highlighting the importance of leveraging smart services to improve endowment management, he noted that Awqaf Dubai deploys comprehensive smart services to develop sustainable endowment projects and drive progress in the sector.

The Crown Prince of Dubai expressed his gratitude to citizens, residents and institutions for their inspiring initiatives in the field of endowments. He highlighted their positive contribution to addressing the diverse needs of society, including the significant impact of endowments in supporting education, scientific research, healthcare and research centres. Additionally, he noted the key role of these initiatives in supporting the requirements of mosques.

Commending the remarkable p
rogress achieved by Dubai in spearheading innovative endowments, he said these projects have offered entrepreneurs the chance to fulfill their social responsibility.

At the end of 2023, Awqaf Dubai registered a total of 948 endowments, with the value of its endowment assets reaching AED10.3 billion. These endowments are associated with 532 registered contributors.

The 948 endowments include 857 real estate endowments and 91 financial endowments (financial assets, shares, licences, and companies). A total of 798 endowments have been allocated to charitable purposes, 99 to family endowments, and 51 to joint endowments. Contributors to the endowments include 647 men and 169 women, while entities and institutions provided 132 endowments.

Essa Al Ghurair, Chairman of Awqaf Dubai, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing Dubai’s comprehensive and sustainable development in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He also noted the Foundation’s efforts to ensur
e the sustainability of endowments and their benefits through a robust governance framework.

Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of Awqaf Dubai, expressed the Foundation’s commitment to implementing Dubai’s endowments strategy and ensuring the sustainable growth of the sector. He highlighted the Foundation’s efforts to establish a digital infrastructure for endowments and promote the adoption of best practices within the sector. Awqaf Dubai continues to encourage individuals and institutions to participate in the growth and development of endowment initiatives, he noted.

Source: Emirates News Agency

MoHRE urges private companies to take caution, necessary measures during weather fluctuations


DUBAI: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) said in light of the exceptional weather conditions in the UAE and after coordinating with relevant authorities, ‘we call on private sector companies to take caution and all necessary occupational safety measures to maintain the safety of its workers during periods of weather fluctuations’.

It added in a circular on Friday, ‘We urge private sector companies to apply remote work for those whose nature of work allows, as well as comply with the directives issued by the relevant local authorities in each Emirate regarding the exceptional weather conditions and their impact on business.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

Trends participates in Gulf Studies Forum in Washington, discusses energy issues


WASHINGTON DC: Trends Research and Advisory participated in the Gulf Studies symposium organised by the Gulf International Forum, the Gulf Research Centre, and the Centre for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

The symposium discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the Arab Gulf countries in various fields, with an emphasis on energy policy and the transition to the post-oil era.

Trends presented a research paper on the transition to the post-oil era, which addressed the policies and strategies of countries in the region on energy diversification and the transition from dependence on oil and gas revenues to a more diversified economy.

The paper highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by the GCC in their energy transition, including the need to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons, address the social and economic impacts of the transition, and promote innovation in the energy sector.

The GCC states are progressing in their energy transition by incr
easing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, investing in new technologies and industries, and maintaining their role as important players in global energy geopolitics.

The Trends delegation, consisting of Sultan Al Rubaei, Deputy Head of Research and Advisory, Jena Bou Serhal, and Dr. Serhat Çpokoglu, Senior researcher at Trends Research and Advisory, made some recommendations on these challenges. They highlighted increasing spending on education and training, localising and stimulating the private sector, and increasing the share of renewable and nuclear energy in the energy mix.

In a second working session at the forum, Dr. Christian Alexander, an expert in strategic studies at Trends, discussed the evolution of small states’ foreign policy and its transition from traditional behaviour to a daring and more diverse strategy based on the concept of “complete networking.” He highlighted the main regional events that influenced the foreign policy decisions of small states and examined their sh
ift towards proactive engagement in regional geopolitics.

The Gulf Studies Forum is held annually in Washington and focuses on studies related to the Gulf region. The workshops focus on seven areas: geopolitics, Gulf-US politics, defence, Gulf foreign policy, energy policy, economy, society and culture.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Team ensures relevant entities’ readiness to respond to atmospheric depression


ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Team has held a coordination meeting at its premises in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting was chaired by Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Authority, to discuss preparations and proactive measures to enhance readiness to respond to the atmospheric depression and its expected impact across the emirate.

The team also discussed plans to enhance Abu Dhabi’s response teams’ readiness to respond to any emergency as well as mechanisms to enhance the joint efforts of relevant entities in the emirate to ensure a rapid response by coordinating the roles of response teams, standardising measures to respond to the atmospheric depression and its impacts, in order to more effectively respond to emergencies, crises and disasters across the emirate.

The team reviewed the roles and responsibilities of relevant teams in accordance with their
specialities. Plans to ensure business continuity of key entities across the emirate were also reviewed as well as mechanisms to activate Abu Dhabi Police’s early warning ecosystem by sending proactive alerts to Abu Dhabi residents on safety measures to be taken and followed to ensure public safety, and to protect individuals and property during adverse weather conditions.

Major General Al Mazrouei praised the wise leadership’s directives and continuous support to enhance the capabilities of response teams and enhance their leading role in protecting lives and property. He assured the team’s readiness to achieve anticipated objectives and aspirations thanks to the comprehensive plans in place, and the cooperation with relative local and federal entities.

The emergency readiness coordination meeting was attended by representatives from Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, The Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Department of
Energy, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Emirates Red Crescent, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Tadweer Group, the National Centre for Metrology, and ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, and the Department of Government Enablement.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Team is working to develop an ecosystem to manage emergencies and crises through coordination with various entities to enhance competency, ensure capacity building and utilise the latest technologies to enhance Abu Dhabi’s as a leading centre of responding to emergencies and crises.

Source: Emirates News Agency