Day: March 21, 2024

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates ranked first regionally in the 2023/2024 Human Development Index report issued by the United Nations Development Programme, advancing nine places in the global ranking from the previous report, to rank 17th globally out of 193 countries covered in the report, ahead of countries such as Canada, the United States, and Japan, thereby attaining a prestigious status and becoming the only Arab country among the top 20 globally.

Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, said, “Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE government is walking with firm and ceaseless steps towards serving humanity, happiness, and welfare.”

He added, “The UAE has proven its leadership at the regional level and its global excellence in the field of human development, thanks t
o successful policies aimed at achieving prosperity in education, health, economy, living standards, and quality of life, and to ensure sustainable development in all areas to guarantee a promising and sustainable future for future generations.”

Hanan Mansour Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre, said, “The UAE aspires to be among the best performing countries in global competitiveness reports, as competitiveness has a human and societal dimension focusing on human welfare. Under the wise leadership’s directions, we are working to establish the foundations of decent life in the country to ensure the welfare of its society.”

Ahli added, “The UAE’s achievement of ranking 17th globally in the report to be among the leading countries in the field of human development is due to the combined efforts of federal and local entities in the health, education, and economic sectors, where it has topped the first place regionally over several years, advancing globally this year by
nine places compared to last year. We are all continuing in the competitiveness race to achieve honorable performance for our country.”

According to the report titled “Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World” this year, the UAE’s score reached 0.937, advancing from last year by 0.026 points, while Switzerland, which ranked first globally, scored 0.967. The UAE’s score in the life expectancy at birth indicator reached 79.2 years, contributing to the third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (Good Health and Well-being), adopted by the United Nations member states for the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The UAE’s score in the Expected Years of Schooling indicator was 17.2 years, while the Mean Years of Schooling was 12.8 years, reflecting on the fourth goal (Quality Education), while the Gross National Income per capita was US$74.104.

It is worth mentioning that the Human Development Report is issued annually by the United Nations Development Programme since 1990, and it is a composite index t
hat reflects the well-being of peoples in the world through three dimensions (health, knowledge, and living standards), represented in four indicators: life expectancy at birth, expected years of schooling, mean years of schooling, and per capita gross national income.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan arrived in the UAE today on a fraternal visit.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II and his accompanying delegation upon their arrival at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi.

Welcoming His Majesty King Abdullah II alongside His Highness were His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Humaid Obaid Abu Shabas, Chairman of the UAE Accountability Authority.

Accompanying His Majesty King Abdullah II is a del
egation that includes His Excellency Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh, Prime Minister of Jordan; His Excellency Dr. Jafar Hassan, Director of His Majesty King Abdullah’s Office; and His Excellency Nassar Ibrahim Al Habashneh, Ambassador of Jordan to the UAE.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai: Alfardan Group announced its contribution of AED 50 million towards the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to honour mothers by establishing an AED 1 billion endowment fund to sustainably support the education of millions around the world.

Alfardan Group pledged AED50 million over a period of 5 years, as a contribution to the campaign, which is inspired by the fact that mothers are their children’s first teachers. They nurture generations and provide them with essential knowledge needed throughout life. The contribution is part of a wide response to the campaign.

Dr Mahdi Al Fardan, Vice Chairman, Alfardan Group, said, ‘The Mothers’ Endowment campaign is a new inspiring initiative from the leading philanthropist, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This blessed campaign is a continuation of other humanitarian campaigns we have come to expect every Ramadan.’

‘It is an honour to
contribute to the Mothers’ Endowment campaign which honours mothers. The move reflects our continued collaboration with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and support of UAE’s humanitarian efforts,’ he added, praising the campaign’s role in supporting education across underprivileged communities.

Launched under Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, the campaign allows contributors to honour mothers by making donations in their names, acknowledging their role in nurturing their families and supporting the education of their children.

Additionally, the campaign seeks to revive the culture of endowments as a development tool that ensures sustainable impact and giving, while establishing the values of honouring parents, kindness, compassion and solidarity in the community.

The Mothers’ Endowment campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across six main channe
ls including the campaign’s website (Mothersfund.ae), as well as a dedicated call centre via the toll-free number (800 9999).

Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates Islamic Bank (AE790340003708472909201).

Donations via SMS are possible by sending the word ‘Mother’ to the following numbers (1034, 1035, 1036, 1038) for Etisalat by e and users. Other possible platforms for donating to the campaign are the DubaiNow app by clicking the ‘Donations’ tab, and Dubai’s community contributions platform Jood (Jood.ae).

Source: Emirates News Agency

RAS AL KHAIMAH: A leading Indian manufacturer of power cable joining kits, Al Yamuna Densons is expanding its facility in Ras Al Khaimah with an investment of AED35 million to boost its regional operations. The construction in the Al Hamra Industrial Zone is set to be completed by May, taking the total area to 15,000 m2 and annual production capacity to half a million kits.

Founded over 50 years ago, Al Yamuna Densons established its assembling unit in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) in 2013. Since then, the company has provided innovative solutions for the power distribution industry, catering to markets in the UAE, Oman, KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algeria, Egypt and Malaysia. Some of the UAE clients the company caters to include Abu Dhabi Distribution Co., Al Ain Distribution Company, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Etihad Water and Electricity, and Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority. Other major clients in the region are – Saudi Electricity Company, Sonelgaz in Algeria, Electricity and Wat
er Authority Bahrain, Ministry of Electricity and Water in Kuwait, Electricity Distribution Company in Jordan, and Muscat Electricity and Distribution Company in Oman, among others.

This major expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s operational capabilities as the Ras Al Khaimah unit was earlier assembling the imported goods from its facilities in India. It is now manufacturing all cable parts and assembling kits on-site. The company is set to create an additional 120 jobs, enhancing its existing workforce.

Al Yamuna Densons’ CEO Ravi Sardana said, ‘We chose Ras Al Khaimah for our expansion due to its business-friendly environment and superior infrastructure. RAKEZ has provided us with unmatched support and offered us the perfect platform to scale our operations effectively. The team’s proactive and swift assistance in meeting our needs over the years has played a crucial role in our growth.’

With nearly AED20 million invested in construction and an additional AED15 million in machinery, t
he company is set to target new markets in the MENA region while maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, ‘We are proud to witness the remarkable journey of Al Yamuna Densons in RAKEZ. Their expansion is a testament to the conducive business ecosystem we strive to provide for our clients in all the industrial zones. It also highlights the success that companies can achieve in Ras Al Khaimah through the right support and infrastructure. We are thrilled to support their journey towards increasing production capabilities, reinforcing our commitment to fostering industrial excellence and economic diversity in the region.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Deliveroo announced its contribution to the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, which aims to celebrate and honour mothers by establishing a AED 1 billion endowment fund that supports the education of millions around the world, through a dedicated donations page on the app, Deliveroo customers can support the campaign by donating an amount of their choice starting from AED 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 up to 500.

The campaign, empowering users to honour their mothers through donations made in their names, highlights the essential role mothers play in nurturing families and supporting their children’s education.

The Mothers’ Endowment campaign aims to support underprivileged communities by enhancing the educational system across all levels and vocational tracks. To drive the stability and development of such communities, the campaign will allow them a chance to improve their quality of life, build their skills and prepare for the job market.

Anis Harb, General Manager at Deliveroo Middle East, said, ‘We ar
e honoured to have the opportunity to enable our customers to support the Mothers’ Endowment campaign. Embodying the UAE’s humanitarian mission and leading philanthropic role which empowers, underprivileged communities to build a better life.”

‘The Mothers’ Endowment campaign is an expression of the wise vision to highlight and stress the role of mothers in our communities, as they provide their children with the core knowledge needed for life. This endowment campaign helps sustain charity efforts to implement educational projects for underprivileged populations, allowing them to finish their education and benefit their nations,’ he added.

Organised under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives umbrella, the Mothers’ Endowment campaign helps establish the values of honouring parents, kindness, compassion and solidarity, while also strengthening the UAE’s humanitarian role. It raises the bar of community initiatives as it builds on the success of Ramadan humanitarian campaigns launched under th
e directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid over the previous years.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) announced today that it is supporting leading Arabic mobile games publisher Tamatem Games in relocating its headquarters to Abu Dhabi, fuelling its next growth phase and reinforcing the emirate’s gaming ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi’s gaming landscape has over 70 content-creating companies, and ADIO aims to support this ecosystem through strategic collaborations in line with Abu Dhabi’s focus on innovation and technology. ADIO recently collaborated with Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video gaming companies which develops, publishes and distributes games for consoles, PCs and mobile.

ADIO is providing growth-enabling support including setup enablement, connections to the Abu Dhabi ecosystem and international trade opportunities.

Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said, “With an enabling environment, world-class ICT infrastructure and a vast pool of skilled talent, Abu Dhabi is becoming a global destination for the brightest minds in technology and design i
n the wider region. This is evident, especially in sectors such as gaming, in which Abu Dhabi is steadily building an epicentre for developers, publishers and the industry’s top talent. Our collaboration with global leaders in the sector adds further depth to this growing and exciting ecosystem, and it also enables us to nurture the growth of Arabic content games from Abu Dhabi.’

Tamatem Games specialises in bringing culturally relevant and localised games to the Arabic language gaming community, with a diverse portfolio of over 50 games and 150 million downloads. Through its collaboration with ADIO, the company is looking to establish its centre of excellence in the emirate. It will join a growing ecosystem that is steadily working towards establishing itself as a regional e-gaming centre, and, to date, is the largest community of gaming companies in the region. The company will employ over 40 gaming specialists in Abu Dhabi and will collaborate closely with local universities on internship and training opp
ortunities.

Hussam Hammo, CEO of Tamatem Games, said, ‘We are thrilled to choose Abu Dhabi as our strategic partner for growth and innovation. This expansion marks an exciting phase for Tamatem Games as we extend our reach and elevate our games to new horizons. With Abu Dhabi’s dynamic ecosystem and commitment to nurturing talent, we are confident in our ability to make a lasting impact on the global gaming landscape.”

MENA gaming revenues are projected to hit US$6 billion by 2027. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt’s combined gaming markets are expected to reach more than $3 billion in revenues by 2025.

Source: Emirates News Agency

RAS AL KHAIMAH: The second edition of the RAK Energy Summit will be held on 27th-28th November 2024 at Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Hosted by RAK Municipality, the summit is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The summit, themed “Create and Contribute to the Sustainable Energy Goals of the Future,” is expected to provide a platform for dialogue and partnerships among thought leaders, trailblazers, and decision-makers from the government and private sectors.

The second edition also features Etihad Water and Electricity as the lead partner, underscoring the utility company’s support for the largest sustainable energy event in the Northern Emirates.

Munther Mohammed bin Shekar, Director-General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, said, “Building on the success of the inaugural edition, we are excited to announce the second edition of RAK Energy Summit. Sustainable energy is more important than ever for
contributing to climate change mitigation, individual well-being, and business competitiveness. At the summit, we aim to facilitate productive conversations with international and local industry players to bring progress in the energy transition of Ras Al Khaimah and the broader region.”

Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity, said, “We are proud to be the Lead Sponsor of Ras Al Khaimah Energy Summit, reflecting our deep commitment to enhancing the future of clean and sustainable energy in the UAE, in line with the insightful vision of our wise leadership in this sector.”

Al Ali commended the strategic partnership between EtihadWE and RAK Municipality, affirming that it supports achieving sustainable development goals and economic well-being and drives development in Ras Al Khaimah.

The summit features a well-rounded programme that dives into critical topics such as the concrete actions taken by major global economies to advance the energy transition and meet net-zero targets, focusing on
the role of the private sector.

The summit will include examples of leadership and discussions on crucial contributors to national and regional decarbonisation pathways: smart technologies, AI, fuels and energy grids of the future, energy and carbon markets, and others.

The summit will also hold structured networking sessions and live demonstrations to showcase the next big opportunities in sustainable energy.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai announced that it has launched two initiatives aimed at extending a warm welcome to visitors arriving through the city’s air and land ports during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Upon their arrival in Dubai, immigration officers are marking visitors’ passports with a special stamp featuring the ‘Ramadan In Dubai’ logo. The logo has been designed by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office.

Officers are also providing visitors with complimentary SIM cards, distributed in collaboration with GDRFA’s strategic partner, du, to ensure seamless communication during their stay. Additionally, visitors receive a QR code that they can scan to access Brand Dubai’s Dubai Destinations guide titled ‘Ramadan Events in Dubai’.

The initiatives were launched as part of the ‘Ramadan In Dubai’ campaign that was announced by the Dubai Media Council under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Makto
um, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council (DMC). The campaign, implemented by Brand Dubai, merges the efforts of more than 20 entities in Dubai to bring the vibrance and joy of Ramadan celebrations to people across the city.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, said that the launch of these initiatives is part of GDRFA’s efforts to create memorable experiences for visitors as part of the ‘Ramadan In Dubai’ campaign. The initiatives also seek to enhance the spirit of hospitality and extend a heartfelt welcome to visitors arriving in Dubai, he noted.

Lt. General Al Marri added that such community initiatives support GDRFA’s efforts to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global tourism destination. They also underscore the emirate’s commitment to providing exceptional services and experiences to all visitors, which reflect Dubai’s unique identity as a hub for creativity and innovation.

The ‘Ramadan Events in Dubai’ guide, developed by Brand Dubai, lists the city’s diverse destinations and experiences, offering valuable information to enhance visitors’ stay during the Holy Month. It also provides a comprehensive list of attractions and events across Dubai, including traditional Ramadan traditions, festivities, and family-friendly activities.

Available in both English and Arabic, the interactive guide can be viewed at https://dubaidestinations.ae/guides/PDF/Ramadan_Events_in_Dubai.pdf.

The ‘Ramadan In Dubai’ campaign seeks to showcase the city’s unique festive ambience during Ramadan, foster a sense of shared celebration and highlight the city’s customs and authentic social traditions.

Source: Emirates News Agency

BEIJING: China’s electricity consumption, a key indicator of economic activity, experienced strong growth in the first two months of 2024, China Central Television reported.

Power consumption rose by 11 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 1.53 trillion kilowatt-hours.

Specifically, the power consumed by primary and secondary industries increased 11.1 percent and 9.7 percent yearly, respectively, while the power used by the tertiary sector soared 15.7 percent.

The data revealed that from January to February, China’s residential power use registered a 10.5 percent increase from the same period last year.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has forged three new partnerships with leading international academic institutions focused on nurturing students’ educational experience through providing innovative teaching and learning approaches as well as dynamic exchange programmes.

This aligns with the university’s ongoing efforts to foster an exceptional academic journey for students.

The partnerships were confirmed through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with each of the universities, including the University of Essex, the Notre Dame University-Louaize, Lebanon (NDU) and Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada) (CU).

Over the past years, ADU has continued to offer students and community members cutting-edge and internationally accredited programmes in reflection of its commitment to academic excellence.

By collaborating with world-class academic institutions, the university seeks to equip students with opportunities to elevate their knowledge and skills to effectively navigate their future career
paths.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, said, “We are honoured to collaborate with three highly prestigious universities, the University of Essex, NDU, and CU. These partnerships will surely fulfil ADU’s mission to provide students, faculty, and community members with a unique academic experience, thus reinforcing our position as a leading academic institution in higher education in the UAE and beyond.

“At ADU, we remain focused on unifying global efforts and coordination between academic institutions to collectively impact academic excellence for generations to come.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, in Abu Dhabi.

Their discussions focused on current developments in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. They explored international efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire, ensuring civilian safety and security and increasing humanitarian aid flow to Gaza.

The ministers also reviewed the maritime corridor initiative for delivering aid to Gaza and its role in enhancing humanitarian support.

Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to deliver sufficient, safe, sustainable, and unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians, meeting their needs and alleviating their suffering.

He reiterated the importance of ending regional extremism, tension, and violence, protecting civilians, and enhancing all possible means of humanitarian support for the Palestinian people.

S
heikh Abdullah commended Singapore’s prominent relief efforts in Gaza and its cooperation with relevant parties to address the crisis and support Gaza’s civilians.

The meeting also addressed the friendship relations and comprehensive partnership between the UAE and Singapore, exploring opportunities for further collaboration across various sectors for mutual benefit.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the evolving and growing relations, highlighting both countries’ keenness to exploit available opportunities to enhance their partnership to support development and achieve sustainable economic prosperity.

The meeting was attended by Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, and Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak ‘Mother of the Nation’, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, expressed deep gratitude to the women who serve as the backbone of society and the embodiment of generosity, loyalty, and sacrifice. She also acknowledged their pivotal in fostering collective goodness and prosperity.

In her speech on Mother’s Day, Sheikha Fatima reiterated her commitment to continuing the legacy of supporting mothers, a journey initiated with the establishment of the nation’s union, thanks to the visionary leadership and unwavering belief in investing in the development of future generations.

Her Highness added, “As we mark Mother’s Day, we honour the epitome of benevolence, steadfastness, and the nurturer of generations. She stands as the bedrock of family unity, a beacon in society, and a beacon of ethical upbringing. A salute of appreciation and esteem to al
l mothers in the UAE and worldwide. May you embody the spirit of giving, loyalty, and prosperity every year.”

Source: Emirates News Agency