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Showing posts from February, 2023

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Malaysian King oversee a joint military exercise

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  The President of the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the King of Malaysia, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, oversaw a joint military exercise held by the land forces of the two nations. The Desert Tiger 6 military exercise was concluded on Monday. According to the WAM news agency, the military exercise was aimed at expanding the scope of cooperation in military capabilities and improving performance, efficiency and teamwork. Major General Saeed Al Shehhi, the commander of the UAE Land Forces, lauded the efforts of the UAE and the Malaysian Armed Forces. Lieutenant General Mohamed bin Abdulrahman, the deputy commander of the Malaysian Land Forces, expressed his pride in the joint military exercise and mutual understanding between the UAE and Malaysia. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court and Malaysia's Crown Prince Tengku Alam Shah also witnessed the Desert Tiger 6 military exercise

In the Face of a Humanitarian Crisis, the UAE's Commitment to Yemen Through Aid, Economic Support, and Reconstruction Efforts

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  Yemen's ongoing conflict has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions facing starvation, displacement, and disease. Throughout this crisis, the UAE has been a staunch supporter of the Yemeni people, providing humanitarian aid, economic assistance, and investment in reconstruction efforts. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, reaffirmed the UAE's vision of 2023 being a year of peace in Yemen at a donor conference organized by Sweden and the Swiss Confederation in collaboration with the UN in Geneva. This vision is not just a wishful thinking, but a concrete plan that the UAE is determined to make a reality.   One way the UAE is assisting Yemen is by deploying the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan. This plan aims to provide critical assistance to Yemen's most vulnerable citizens, such as food, water, and medical care. The UAE's dedication to this plan demonstrates its unwavering support for the Yemeni people. Yemen has received a total of $6.6

A New Chapter in Middle East Relations

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  The recent Abraham Accords signed by Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain have sparked an international uproar. While some see the agreements as a historic step toward regional peace and cooperation, others see them as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and a legitimization of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. The Abraham Accords, named after a biblical figure revered by Jews, Muslims, and Christians, seek to establish diplomatic relations, trade, and tourism among signatories. They were signed in September 2020 at the White House in Washington, DC, with US government mediation led by former President Donald Trump.  Israel, which has been in a state of war with many Arab countries since its establishment in 1948, sees the Abraham Accords as a strategic achievement that enhances its regional security, economy, and legitimacy. The UAE and Bahrain, both Sunni Arab monarchies, see the accords as a way to strengthen their ties with the West and cou

Dubai public transport saw 621 million journeys in 2022

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  Dubai public transport witnessed an increase in 2022. Reportedly, over 621 million journeys were made on Dubai public transport in 2022, which is an increase of 35% from the previous year. According to the Dubai Statistics Centre's live population counter, the population in Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates, crossed 3.5 million in April 2022. It led to an increase in public transport and a robust recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Public transport also witnessed a boom during the November 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Dubai officials laid on extra taxis and metro services to transport people, especially tourists, to fan zones across Dubai. Expo 2020 Dubai — which started in October 2021 and concluded on March 31 of last year — also saw an increase in visitors. They used public transport across Dubai. The Museum of the Future also attracted visitors in 2022. The Museum of the Future, an exhibition space for innovative services and products located in the Financial District o

The protection and safety of Emirati children from the dangers of using the internet and smart devices.

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In the era of the digital world, children's safety on the internet has become a critical issue. With the growing use of smartphones and other devices, children are more exposed than ever before to the dangers of the internet. In recognition of this, the Emirates Safer Internet Society, under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has organized the first international conference on "Children's Well-Being in the Digital World" to discuss the protection and safety of Emirat i children from the dangers of using the internet and smart devices. The conference focuses on three key axes: the safety of children in the digital world, the well-being of children and families in the digital world, and the role of participation and civil partnerships in promoting digital well-being. These axes highlight the importance of collaboration between various parties in creating a responsible and conscious digital society. The conference

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Smart Farms in the UAE Combat Food Insecurity with Advanced Technologies

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  Smart farms in the UAE are revolutionizing the way we grow and consume vegetables. These farms utilize advanced technologies such as hydroponics and vertical farming to grow fresh, nutritious vegetables in the middle of the desert. With the help of innovative techniques, smart farms are proving that it's possible to grow to produce in arid regions and combat food insecurity. Hydroponics is a soil-free method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water. This technique allows farmers to grow vegetables in a controlled environment, free from pests and diseases that commonly affect soil-based crops. Hydroponic farms use up to 90% less water than traditional farming methods, making them an ideal solution for water-scarce regions like the UAE. Vertical farming, on the other hand, involves stacking layers of plants on top of each other in a controlled environment. This technique allows farmers to maximize the use of space, reducing the need for land and lowering carbon emissions

What is the truth about Germany's skilled-labor shortage?

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  IT specialists, nurses, and even hairdressers - Germany lacks skilled personnel seemingly everywhere. Is the skills gap homemade, and ultimately an issue of wages and conditions? Bonn's labor market seems broken these days. Employers, not workers, are desperately seeking employees. Cafes in the town center display "employees wanted" notices. A local shoemaker told DW that he is unable to find an apprentice, as his children prefer to study at university. The blacksmith at the nearby equestrian center is similarly desperate because the apprentice he trained for several years did not want to stay on. In the current economic situation, finding an adequate replacement is nearly impossible. One of his neighbors who works for a large corporation, the shoemaker said, is also looking for staff — but even larger organizations cannot find the IT specialists they need. According to a recent report from the Economy Ministry, Germany's shortage of skilled workers is "acutel

How the Cyber Security Council is Paving the Way for a More Secure Future

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  The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) is one of the most significant defense industry events in the world. This year's event, held in Abu Dhabi from February 20 to February 24, 2023, is bringing together defense stakeholders from around the globe to showcase the latest in technology and innovation. One of the standout participants at IDEX 2023 is the Cyber Security Council. This group of cybersecurity professionals is dedicated to promoting better cybersecurity practices at the local level and driving collaboration between stakeholders in the industry. The Cyber Security Council's participation in IDEX 2023 is critical to promoting the importance of cybersecurity in the defense industry. With cyber threats increasing in sophistication, it's essential that we work together to create effective defenses. The council's presence at IDEX 2023 will undoubtedly help drive better collaboration and awareness of cyber threats. One of the initiatives that th

Made-in-India Eicher's Middle East and UAE debut Pro 2000 series trucks

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The brand-new Pro 2000 series of light-duty vehicles has been introduced by Eicher Trucks and Buses in the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates . The Eicher Pro 2000 series is equipped with cutting-edge innovations that, together with best-in-class fuel efficiency and better uptime, are intended to greatly increase revenue for owners. According to the company, this new line of vehicles has undergone extensive testing to provide clients in the UAE with best-in-class performance. The contemporary Eicher Pro 2000 series features variants of the Eicher Pro 2055XP, Pro 2065XP, Pro 2075XP, Pro 2080XP, Pro 2095XP, and Pro 2080XPT to satisfy application-specific customer needs. It can produce up to 150 HP. According to Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO of VECV, "We are pleased to announce our new range of Eicher Pro 2000 trucks in accordance with our mission of promoting modernization in the CV business. These trucks have a variety of smart technologies that improve operational efficiency

India-UAE intend to speed up cargo shipments with virtual trade corridor

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According to the Indian financial daily Mint, India and the UAE are attempting to create a virtual trade corridor to enable quicker processing of cargo shipments. The action will hasten bilateral trade while lowering the price and duration of customs processing. In the first five years following the implementation of the complete free trade agreement on May 1, 2022, the two nations anticipate non-oil commerce to reach $100 billion. "A virtual corridor is intended to expedite goods. According to India's ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, "it will investigate whether we can do clearances online, particularly for extremely key hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which connect India and the rest of the world. According to the newspaper, the customs officials of the two nations would look into the possibility of gaining access to pre-arrival information for cargo movement, which would speed up cross-validation of information and facilitate pre-clearance of goods.

Sultan Al Jaber's Call for Strong UAE-India Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Development and Climate Action Goals

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Sultan Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technologies of the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), has been making headlines in the international sustainability community as the President of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) on climate change. He most recently participated in the World Sustainable Development Conference in New Delhi, where he stressed the value of strong collaborations between the UAE and India to advance climate action and sustainable development objectives.   One of the most notable statements made by Al Jaber at the summit was the UAE's commitment to exploring all partnership opportunities with India to help in its low carbon plans of adding 500 gigawatts of clean energy in the next seven years. This ambitious goal is a clear indication of India's determination to shift away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources, and the UAE is eager to support this transition in any way it can.  The partnership between the UAE and India extends f

Cooperation in Renewable Energy between the UAE and India: A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

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  With significant investments in solar and wind energy projects, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a pioneer in the field of renewable energy in recent years. The nation is now trying to collaborate with India to boost their aims for renewable energy. According to sources, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technologies, has expressed interest in working with India on renewable energy efforts. This is a step in the right direction for both nations' sustainable future. India, a country that is rapidly industrializing, has been struggling with serious environmental issues as a result of its reliance on fossil fuels. The nation ranks among the top producers of greenhouse gases, and the air pollution in its major cities has alarmingly reached high levels. By collaborating with  This relationship may have advantages that extend beyond India. The UAE may gain from working with one of the world's economies that is expanding the qui

UAE's Crescent Petroleum Agreements with Iraq - A Win-Win Situation for Both Countries

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  The recent signing of three 20-year agreements between Crescent Petroleum, a leading energy company based in the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ), and Iraq's Ministry of Oil to appraise, develop, and produce oil and gas from two blocks in Diyala governorate and one in Basra governorate is a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between both nations. However, the benefits of this collaboration extend beyond mere diplomacy and can be felt in the economic growth and job creation opportunities it provides to Iraq. The agreements are expected to deliver much-needed natural gas to fuel nearby power plants and improve government services, particularly in Diyala and Basra. The power plants in these regions have suffered from fuel shortages, which have led to electricity outages, causing significant disruptions to essential services such as hospitals, schools, and businesses. By providing a reliable source of natural gas, these agreements will help to address the electric

UNSC Presidential Statement on Occupied Palestinian Territory: A Crucial Step Towards Peace Facilitated by the UAE

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  The recent adoption of the United Nations Security Council Presidential Statement opposing unilateral measures in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with the support of all Council members, marks a significant step towards promoting peace and security in the region. This important decision was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, which currently serves as an elected member of the Council. The statement affirms the Council's commitment to the vision of an independent Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace, and reiterates the danger posed by continued Israeli settlement activity to the two-state solution. This is a crucial message that must be heeded by all parties involved in the conflict. The Presidential Statement also condemned all acts of violence against civilians and called on all parties to condemn acts of terrorism, refrain from incitement to violence, and pursue accountability for all acts of violence targeting civilians. The Council's reference to d

The Blurring Lines: General Atomics and UAE's President Emphasize the Vital Role of Strong Public-Private Relationships in a Globalized Worl

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 The recent meeting between General Atomics and the president of the UAE emphasizes the significance of strong ties between countries and the private sector in a world where distinctions between the public and private sectors are becoming more hazy. Executives from General Atomics met at the IDEX in Abu Dhabi to talk about the company's continued business partnerships with the UAE.  General Atomics, a US-based defense contractor, has had a long-standing relationship with the UAE. The company has sold drones and other military equipment to the country for several years, and the recent meeting between General Atomics and the UAE's President is a testament to the strength of this relationship. This partnership between General Atomics and the UAE not only benefits both parties but also has the potential to create positive change on a global scale. As the world faces complex challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity threats, and global pandemics, the need for international pa

EWEC's Mirfa 2 project awarded to ENGIE and TAQA, providing sustainable water solution for 210,000 households in Abu Dhabi

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  Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) is setting an impressive example for sustainable infrastructure with its Mirfa 2 Reverse Osmosis (M2 RO) Independent Water Project. In collaboration with TAQA and ENGIE, the project will desalinate seawater using low-carbon intensive RO technology to produce up to 120 million imperial gallons per day of potable water, reducing carbon emissions by over 85 percent compared to traditional thermal desalination plants.  EWEC's investment in RO projects will help the UAE meet its water security and carbon reduction goals, and their strategic initiative of decoupling water desalination operations from power generation is a key part of this. With over 90 percent of their water production expected to come from RO by 2030, EWEC is reinforcing its position as a leader in advancing sustainable, secure water and power supply in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. TAQA and ENGIE's involvement in the project reinforces their commitment to environmen

Abu Dhabi delegation's visit to Israel signals milestone in UAE-Israel cooperation since Abraham Accords

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  The recent visit of the Abu Dhabi delegation to Israel, comprising ten entities including the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), marks a significant milestone in the efforts of the UAE to build stronger business and innovation cooperation with Israel since the signing of the Abraham Accords.  During the visit, the delegation participated in the 2023 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit, where they showcased the Abu Dhabi Pavilion, highlighting the various investment and business opportunities available in the emirate. The summit was attended by CEOs and senior management from more than 50 leading Israeli companies, signaling the interest and enthusiasm for collaboration and partnership between the two nations. The visit of the Abu Dhabi delegation and their active participation in the summit reiterates the UAE's commitment towards peaceful co-existence and harmony, while exploring new opportunities for

A year after the India-UAE CEPA deal

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  On February 18, 2022, the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) and India signed the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) in order to boost the bilateral trade deal between the two countries. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, the President of the UAE, and His Excellency Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi witnessed the signing of the landmark agreement. What happened after the signing of the agreement? CEPA came into force on May 1, 2022. India’s non-petroleum exports to the UAE increased by 5% to $15.2 billion during the June-January period. The data showcased the impact of CEPA. Non-petroleum imports from June to January also increased by 3% to $16.8 billion. In the year since the signing, India’s total exports to the UAE grew 26 per cent and re-exports increased by 10 per cent. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, 11,000 new Indian companies registered in 2022. Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emira

Russia's Wagner Group has suffered over 30,000 casualties in Ukraine, US says

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Russia's mercenary company Wagner Group has suffered major losses since President Vladimir Putin launched the so-called special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, including more than 30,000 casualties and about 9,000 of those fighters killed in action, US officials said on Friday. The US estimates 90% of the private army's soldiers killed in Ukraine since December were poorly-trained convicts, White House National Security Council (NSC) spokesman John Kirby told reporters Friday at a regular briefing. Wagner is widely recognised as a proxy for the Russian military and is possibly financed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the group's founder and a friend of Putin. The group used to be much smaller before the invasion, with just 5,000 fighters, most of whom were former soldiers with plenty of experience. However, since February 24, it has recruited scores of fighters as Russia had trouble finding troops for the war. Most of the newly recruited fighters were largely from pris

UAE's Commitment to Protecting the Rights of Its Citizens: The Right to Nationality and Acquiring Emirati Nationality

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  The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) is a country that is committed to protecting the rights of its citizens, including their right to nationality. The UAE Constitution guarantees this right, along with the right of citizens to acquire Emirati nationality. However, nationality can only be revoked in accordance with the law. To regulate the granting of Emirati nationality, Federal Law No. 17 of 1972 was enacted. This law sets out the conditions and requirements for acquiring Emirati nationality, and it also establishes the procedures for revoking nationality. In 2021, the UAE made major amendments to the Nationality Law, which included changes to the implementing regulations of the Federal Law on Nationality and Passports.  The recent amendments to the Nationality Law have allowed for the granting of Emirati nationality to many non-citizens who are eligible under the law, along with their families. This is a significant step towards inclusivity and fairness, as it ensures that those who h

Seoul gets rid of women-only parking spaces

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  In a move critics say is the latest example of anti-feminist policies in South Korea , Seoul is getting rid of women-only parking spaces, 14 years after they were introduced following a spate of violent crimes in basement car parks. Such spots, initially instated as a protection for women, aren't necessary anymore, city officials say. They will be converted to family parking spots, with the city government planning to start the conversion at the end of March. "I feel safer when I use them, that there are not so many dangerous people close by," 55-year-old Chung Eun-Jung said. Her daughter expressed her disappointment at the fact that her mother would now feel less safe. "It is not like half the car park is dedicated to women; it is only a few spots," said 27-year-old Park Young-seo. In the capital city of Seoul, public car parks with over 30 spaces were required to allocate 10% to women. In an effort to prevent women from walking long distances through basemen

UAE’s Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Syria and Turkey: A Model of Compassion and Proactivity”

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  The UAE ’s recent efforts to provide humanitarian aid to earthquake-stricken countries in Syria and Turkey have been commendable. The country has shown its readiness to provide all forms of aid to those in need, regardless of their location. This is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian causes and its willingness to help those who are suffering. The UAE’s proactivity in responding to crises such as this is remarkable. It is one of the first countries to provide medical aid, relief aid, and field hospitals to the affected countries. This shows that the UAE is willing to take the initiative and act quickly in times of crisis. The visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed to Syria and Turkey as the first foreign minister to visit those affected by the earthquake was an important gesture. It showed the UAE’s keen interest in the arrival of aid and its commitment to being a part of the global community in providing humanitarian aid to those in need. The humanitarian pictures circul