Sharjah, Edinburgh to boost ties in culture and investment

SHARJAH, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, and Simon Penney, UK Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Consul-General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, have discussed ways to expand trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between Sharjah and Edinburgh, capital of Scotland in the UK.

Al Qasimi emphasised that Edinburgh, the second-most populous city in Scotland, drives its international reputation and economic success from its unique identity as a cultural, heritage, and tourism destination. He also reinforced Sharjah’s keenness in strengthening cultural and economic ties with Edinburgh, and host joint events that highlight the rich history of the Scottish capital.

During the meeting, Al Qasimi highlighted DGR’s role in implementing Sharjah’s goals of building a knowledge-based community and economy that meets the aspirations of the emirate’s citizens and residents. This strategy is achieved through cooperation with global cities that have a vibrant and thriving cultural history.

He also shed light on the trade and economic opportunities available for investors to expand their portfolios from Sharjah.

The DGR Chairman affirmed the emirate’s reputation as a trade and investment gateway in the region, its focus on diversified economic sectors, and the advanced infrastructure that are serving as primary drivers in attracting European investments in the region.

Penney, in turn, hailed the strong bonds of friendship and economic ties between Sharjah and the UK across various sectors. He also underlined UK’s keenness in boosting and advancing its cultural, economic, and investment relationships with Sharjah.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE hotel occupancy rates hit 63 % in Q1’21

ABU DHABI, The UAE tourism sector has continued to recover during Q1, 2021, with the average hotel occupancy rates across the country nearing 63 percent, according to initial data released by the local tourist authorities.

Average length of stay in hotels during Q1 increased 27.6 percent to 4.3 nights as compared to the same period last year, with March recording a growth of 34 pct in the number of hotel guests comparatively with March 2020.

UAE nationals accounted for 25.6 percent of total guests in the reference period -one million guests- with March seeing a thumping 112 pct growth in the Emirati hotel guests as compared to the same month last year. Dubai proved to be the preferred destination for Emiratis, followed by Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah then Sharjah.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, who is also the Chairman of the The Emirates Tourism Council, enunciated the distinctive performance of the UAE domestic tourism sector, commending the tireless efforts made by various local departments concerned to position local attractions as the favourite destination for Emiratis and residents alike.

“The UAE continues to enhance its coveted position on the global tourism scene, with domestic tourism now proving to be a significant catalyst for economic growth and a key contributor to GDP in implementation of the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership,” added the minister.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Mohammed bin Rashid issues law on human resources management policies for CEOs, DGs in Dubai Government

DUBAI, In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued Law No. (8) of 2021 pertaining to Dubai Government’s Human Resources Management for Chief Executive Officers.

The new Law is applicable to civil Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) working in all departments that are subject to Dubai Government’s Human Resources Management Law No. (8) of 2018. The new Law is valid from its date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

His Highness also issued Law No. (10) of 2021 partially amending Law No. (8) of 2013 concerning Dubai Government’s Human Resources Management for Director Generals. The new Law is valid from its date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

According to Law No. (8) of 2021, the CEO is appointed by a resolution issued by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The Law also specifies the financial benefits, performance indicators and holidays for CEOs and the procedures for their transfers and secondment.

Pursuant to the new Law, the CEO does not hold any civil liability for any action or negligence related to the performance of his duties, and the department holds the sole civil liability for such action or negligence without prejudice to the department’s rights to file a case against the CEO if the actions or negligence have been committed intentionally or due to grave fault.

The new Law substitutes Law No. (2) of 2015 on Dubai Government’s Human Resources Management for Chief Executive Officers, annuls Decision No. (1) of 2015 pertaining to the salaries and incentives of CEOs in Dubai Government and any other legislation that contradicts or challenges its articles. The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue the resolutions required to implement this Law.

Source: Emirates News Agency