From Foreign Waters

  Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the vice president and the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as the minister of the presidential court, has attended an iftar banquet hosted in his honour by Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan, the advisor to the President of the UAE. On the auspicious occasion of Ramadan, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan exchanged greetings with guests and other leaders. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the minister of finance and industry of the United Arab Emirates; Rear Admiral Pilot Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan, the Commander of the UAE Naval Forces; and other senior officials of the UAE attended the iftar banquet. Recently, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , President of the UAE, named Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Vice President and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan would serve alongside Sheikh Mohammed

  Emirates Airlines and United Airlines have officially activated their codeshare partnership, providing their customers with more options to access destinations across the globe. This partnership between two of the world's leading airlines aims to improve travel experiences and make it easier for customers to connect with the world. One of the key benefits of this codeshare partnership is that customers can now access a broader network of destinations with ease. Emirates and United Airlines are both known for their vast network of global destinations, and this collaboration will further enhance the reach of their networks. This means that travelers will now have more options when it comes to planning their trips, whether for business or leisure. Another significant advantage of this partnership is that customers will enjoy seamless travel experiences with convenient connections. Emirates and United Airlines have designed their schedules to offer customers easy connections, which

  The recent announcement by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan naming his eldest son Sheikh Khaled as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, and his brother Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan as vice president of the UAE has been met with congratulatory messages from Arab leaders across the region. The appointment of Sheikh Khaled as the crown prince has been seen as a strategic move by the UAE's leadership to ensure a smooth transition of power and consolidate their hold on the oil-rich country. Sheikh Khaled has been groomed for this role for many years, having held various positions in the government and military, and is expected to continue the legacy of his father and the ruling Al Nahyan family. Arab leaders have hailed the appointment as a positive development for the UAE and the region, with many expressing their confidence in Sheikh Khaled's abilities to lead Abu Dhabi and the country forward. The UAE has played an important role in promoting stability and pro

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been known for its strong family ties and dynastic leadership. This week, we saw this tradition continue as UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed his eldest son, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This significant move not only ensures that the next leader of the federation will come from Sheikh Mohammed's immediate family but also puts to rest the rumors that were circulating about the potential appointment of one of his brothers as the next heir. This decision highlights the importance of family in the UAE' s political landscape, as Sheikh Mohammed chooses to concentrate power within his immediate family circle. This move is likely to bring about a new era of continuity and stability in the nation's governance, emphasizing the significance of family ties in maintaining a strong and cohesive leadership structure.  The appointment of Sheikh Khaled as Crown Prince als

  A Russian man, identified only as Yuri, will be deported from Indonesia for posing with his pants around his ankles in a photo taken atop Mount Agung, a sacred peak in Bali. Although the tourist has apologised, he will be barred from re-entering the Asian country for at least six months. The highest point in Bali, Mount Agung is believed by Hindus to be the home of the gods. In a video posted on Instagram, Yuri was seen blaming the incident on his "personal ignorance". He later took part in a special cleansing ceremony - ritual locals often hold after such incidents. CNN Indonesia quoted Wijaya, Russia's honorary consul general in Bali, as calling the tourist "crazy" and agreeing with the decision to deport him. A number of locals on social media also supported Yuri's deportation. In recent months, the paradise in Indonesia has increased efforts to crack down on foreign tourists behaving inappropriately. Last year, Canadian actor Jeffrey Craigen was depo

  In honor of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, the General Pension and Social Security Administration (GPSSA) has authorized early pension distributions for the second quarter of 2023. The GPSSA estimates that the pension payments for April 2023 will be made as early as Tuesday, April 18; for May 2023, the payments will be made on Friday, May 26; and for June 2023, the payments will be made on Friday, June 23. Together with the ongoing humanitarian and social initiatives of the UAE government, the Pension Authority of the UAE continues to pay close attention to the lives of its clients. It is important to note that the value of disbursed pensions for the month of March 2023 totals Dh689,776,900.32, representing a rise of Dh46,248,072 when compared to March 2022, when it was Dh643,528,828.09.

  As evidenced by its participation in the most recent signing ceremony of the Regional Framework Programme for Arab countries, the UAE continues to set the bar high for the promotion of a secure and healthy society for all. Launching initiatives to avoid and lessen the risks that drugs pose to Arab society is an essential first step in ensuring everyone has a safer and healthier future. In this procedure, Mariam Al Kaabi, who represented the UAE at the signing ceremony, was essential. Al Kaabi has been a steadfast supporter of the UAE's young as its Minister of Culture and Youth, seeking to create possibilities for them to prosper. Aboul Gheit expressed his satisfaction at reaching two significant milestones during the signing ceremony. The signature of the Regional Framework of Arab States between members of the Arab League and the UN office on drugs and crime was the first accomplishment. Undoubtedly, our partnership will result in a future where everyone is safer and healthier

  On World Children's Day, the Dubai Police introduced a new educational initiative called "Our Children are Our Responsibility," which aims to increase public understanding of children's rights and safeguard vulnerable children. The initiative, which attempts to highlight how important it is to protect children's rights, was supported by over 100 kids and their families who marched. The campaign is a significant step toward defending the rights of children and ensuring their protection, according to Brigadier Saeed Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the General Department of Human Rights at the Dubai Police. He further stated that the police would keep up their relentless efforts to safeguard society's most defenseless citizens. The Dubai Police have added more channels of communication to aid abuse victims in addition to the awareness campaign. This includes a specialized hotline and online forums where anyone can file reports of child abuse. Additionally, the

  Protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned judicial overhaul have affected a flight from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Tel Aviv, a city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. An Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv returned back due to unplanned industrial action at Ben Gurion International Airport, the main international airport of Israel. Reportedly, the protests in Israel can affect tens of thousands of people because Israel’s Airports Authority announced the suspension of flights due to an unplanned industrial action. An Etihad Airways representative reportedly told The National, “Etihad flight EY593 from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv on March 27 has returned to Abu Dhabi because of an unplanned industrial action.” Etihad Airways flight EY593 from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv and EY594 from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi on Monday also got cancelled. Protests also blocked a main highway. Thousands of Israelis took to the streets in rece

  The United Arab Emirates ( UAE) has developed into a global investment hub over the past ten years. The nation has established itself as one of the most desirable locations in the world for investment thanks to its advantageous location, challenging business environment, and unmatched infrastructure.  A record $19.9 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) was drawn to the UAE in 2020, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Given the issues the global economy is facing as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, this ranks the nation as the 15th largest beneficiary of FDI internationally.  The UAE 's world-class infrastructure is one of the key elements that has helped it succeed in luring foreign investment. The nation has made significant investments in the growth of its energy, telecommunications, and transportation sectors, fostering a climate that is favorable to business expansion.  The UAE is renowned for its fiercely competitive busines

  One of the most important components of daily living, particularly for people who live in cities, is transportation. The cost of transportation can significantly affect a city's citizens' quality of life and overall financial health. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has some of the most reasonably priced transportation alternatives in the world, according to a recent analysis by the online retailer Picodi. In more than 100 major cities throughout the world, Picodi's study examined the costs of single tickets and monthly passes provided by public transportation operators. The cost of traveling by ferry, bus, monorail, tram, and metro was compared by the researchers. According to the survey, the UAE is one of the nations with the lowest transportation costs. The UAE's people' quality of life has been significantly enhanced by the country's affordable transportation options. The government is helping people to access greater job prospects, education, and healthca

A five-vehicle pile-up on Friday afternoon near the Kwun Tong tunnel entrance on Tseung Kwan O Tunnel Road left more than 85 people injured, with a government spokeswoman saying at least 70 people sustained minor injuries in the incident and another 15 were seriously hurt. The collision, which occurred shortly before 1 pm, involved a truck and four coaches. While some of the injured were rushed for emergency treatment to United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong, schoolchildren were seen receiving care from paramedics at the scene. The accident occurred on the second lane of the four-lane carriageway when the five vehicles were shunted into each other. One of the drivers whose coach was part of the pile-up said he was following the lead vehicle when it came to an abrupt stop, but those behind him had failed to bring their vehicles to a halt and slammed his bus into the one in front. The man, who was unhurt in the accident, was bringing pupils back to school from an outing in Ma On

  His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, prime minister, and minister of defence of the United Arab Emirates as well as the current ruler of Dubai, met Klaus Werner Iohannis, the President of Romania, on Tuesday.  The two leaders held talks. They discussed various opportunities to expand ties between the UAE and Romania. They agreed to expand ties between the two countries across trade, the economy, renewable energy, sustainability and food security. During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed regional and international issues. The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State for International Co-operation. The UAE Prime Minister wrote on Twitter, “During my meeting today with the visiting Romanian President, we discussed the overall relations, and agreed on the importance of developing communication between the two

  As part of its aid effort, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has announced plans to provide 10,000 school bags and stationery sets to students in Syria . The project aims to aid education in the nation and offer students the materials they need to complete their study despite the ongoing violence.  Some 1500 school bags and stationery sets have already been given out by the ERC to students in the province of Latakia, where the assistant director of education has lauded the UAE's humanitarian initiatives and support for Syrian education. The project has received positive feedback from the neighborhood, and many people have thanked the UAE and the ERC for their assistance. According to Ms. Ahmed, the UAE and the Red Crescent have supported Syria since the second day's dawn, and this most recent endeavor is again another illustration of their unwavering dedication to providing aid to those in need. The UAE is improving the lives of those impacted by the violence through projects

  A new fulfillment center opened by Amazon in the UAE on Monday, March 20, increasing storage capacity by 70%. The facility is in Dubai South and was officially opened on that day. A greater choice of products will be supported by the opening in time for Ramadan, and the fulfillment network will be improved to increase delivery and customer service. The new facility has a 2.1 million cubic foot storage capacity and five storeys with over three kilometers of conveyance equipment. The increased capacity will also make it possible for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs to use Amazon's logistics and fulfillment services. This action is in accordance with Sheikh Hamdan's declaration that he supports Amazon's aspirations to feature 100,000 firms on its e-commerce website by 2026 as part of the Dubai Economic Plan D33 to transform Dubai into a major digital hub. “At Dubai South, it is our responsibility to support the government's efforts at economic diversif

  By the end of this year, the UAE hopes to obtain 50% of some essential food requirements from local farmers and producers, with the goal of boosting that percentage to 100% by 2030. The UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCE), Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, made this announcement on Tuesday during the first National Dialogue for Food Security (NDFS), a special initiative by MoCCE designed to increase local farms' production and marketing efficiency in order to guarantee the food security of the UAE. In accordance with the effort, a number of public and commercial organisations, including certain eateries and caterers, will purchase 50% of 10 staple goods, like meat, chicken, eggs, dates, green leaves, and tomatoes, locally. According to Almheiri, "We see food security as a national security concern and a driver of economic development, inspired by the vision of our leader, His Highness SheikhMohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. She continued, &q

  The World Happiness Report, which is published every year, evaluates the level of happiness around the world while taking into account elements like money, social support, and the freedom to pursue one's goals in life. The UAE , Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain were the happiest Arab nations, according to the report's findings for the years 2020 to 2022, placing 21st, 27th, and 35th, respectively.  Because to its investments in social infrastructure and amenities including top-notch healthcare, education, and entertainment opportunities, the UAE has continuously rated well on the happiness index. The population of the nation is diverse, with residents hailing from more than 200 different nations, which also contributes to its harmonious and welcoming culture. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia's standing has significantly increased recently as a result of the government's ongoing initiatives to modernize the nation and make it more appealing for both citizens and tourists. The

Dubai hosted the UAE-China Economic Forum, which brought together delegates from the two countries to talk about their mutual relations and potential cooperative investment prospects in a range of economic areas. The purpose of the gathering was to fortify the strategic alliance between the two countries, which has fostered remarkable advancement over the last 40 years.  With FDI of US$9.3 billion, China is the third-largest foreign investor in the UAE. China received information on the UAE's economic policies and how to improve the competitiveness of the investment environment and growth during the UAE-China Economic Forum. The UAE highlighted its strategic connection with China, which has resulted in considerable growth and cooperation in many fields.  The summit underscored the significance of the UAE's economic relationship with China as both countries look to increase potential for bilateral investment in a range of industries, including infrastructure, energy, technology

  Bashar Assad, the President of Syria, arrived in the UnitedArab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, marking a continuation of the ongoing thaw of relations between Syria and other Arab countries.  It was Assad’s second trip to a Gulf nation in a month since the devastating earthquake struck Turkey and Syria last month. It was also Assad's third visit to the UAE since the civil war broke out in Syria. Assad arrived in the UAE with his wife, Asma, and a few Syrian officials. The Syrian president was received by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a statement from Assad’s office. The Syrian leader received a canon salute as his convoy entered the royal palace in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, as reported by the official news agency WAM. The UAE and the Syrian leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation between the two countries and accelerate stability and progress in Syria. The UAE President reportedly said in a statement, "Syria has been

In order to strengthen cooperation and jointly foster innovation in financial goods and services, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates( CBUAE) inked an MoU for innovation in financial products in Abu Dhabi. In accordance with the Agreement, the two central banks will work together on a number of cutting-edge fintech projects, particularly those involving central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and investigate the interoperability of the CBDCs of CBUAE and RBI. According to a statement from the RBI, CBUAE and RBI will work together to perform the proof-of-concept (PoC) and pilots of a bilateral CBDC bridge to make cross-border CBDC commerce and remittance operations easier. The RBI stated on Wednesday that this bilateral testing of CBDCs' cross-border use case was expected to lower costs, improve the effectiveness of cross-border transactions, and strengthen ties between India and the UAE on the economic front. Moreover, technical cooper

The right to a decent standard of living is a fundamental human right that the UAE takes very seriously. The country is committed to providing the highest levels of welfare to its citizens and all residents within its borders, and it strives to do so through a variety of initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and achieving welfare and happiness.   The United Arab Emirates has implemented the "National Happiness and Wellness Program," which aims to improve policies and services that improve people's quality of life. It collaborates with all government agencies and sectors to implement numerous initiatives and projects to improve quality of life, in collaboration with 70 government agencies and through 700 national initiatives. The program is built around four main pillars: a healthy lifestyle, positive psychology, social support, and a balanced lifestyle.  The UAE is ranked first in the Arab worl d and 21st globally in the People's Happiness Index as a result