Day: May 30, 2021

ABU DHABI, The inaugural UAE-Netherlands Week began virtually today, hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of the Netherlands from May 30 until June 5, 2021.

The week comes against the backdrop of the two countries’ celebration of nearly fifty years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, as well as the UAE’s fiftieth anniversary since its founding as a nation.

In the opening session of the forum, titled “The UAE-Netherlands Friendship – 50 Years in the Making,” officials from the UAE and the Netherlands discussed the political, economic, and cultural ties that link the two nations.

Taking part in the session, Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Public and Cultural Diplomacy at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stated: “Today’s convening of high-level officials from government and civil society in the UAE and Netherlands reflects our strong desire to strengthen bilateral ties in all areas. For nearly half a century, our two countries have served as committed partners, and the activities of the UAE-Netherlands Week will enable us to continue building upon this enduring friendship.”

Hissa Abdulla Alotaiba, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, remarked: “The UAE and the Netherlands have much to offer each other. Historically, our peoples have long valued cultural, educational, and tourism exchange, and at the governmental level, our two countries have worked together in times of crisis to address challenges to food security and boost scientific innovation for the betterment of our societies. It is our genuine honour today to explore additional pathways of Emirati-Dutch cooperation, and we look forward to hosting future iterations of the UAE-Netherlands Week.”

For his part, Lody Embrechts, Dutch Ambassador to the UAE, commented: “The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UAE is grateful for this wonderful chance to highlight the width and depth of our longstanding relationship. Covering issues such as food production and energy efficiency, arts, sciences, entrepreneurship, women empowerment and trade at large, the UAE-Netherlands Week is another milestone as our friendship goes from strength to strength. I am also elated to see more engagement between our youths and have them discuss a number of important subjects. I look forward to our shared future.”

The first day also offered a session on youth in the UAE and the Netherlands, wherein speakers from Abu Dhabi Youth Hub and the Dutch Embassy discussed efforts to generate opportunities for youth and empower them in key fields.

Other sessions throughout the week will address diverse topics, including ways to strengthen cooperation in the arts and cultural sectors, promote food security and energy efficiency, empower women in STEM fields, and foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

Attendees will also discuss Dutch participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, where the Netherlands will host a microclimate pavilion focused on the nexus between water, food, and energy security.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has issued the Council’s Resolution No. (18) for 2021 forming the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning in Dubai. The Resolution aims to regulate and ensure the governance of urban planning in Dubai as well as implement the deliverables of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in March this year.

The Committee has been entrusted with the oversight of the urban planning sector in the emirate, including the implementation of the Dubai Urban Master Plan. The Committee will ensure the plans of related government entities in the emirate are aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and ensure the integration of major infrastructure and urban projects as part of realising the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed to make Dubai the best city in the world to live in.

Under the Resolution ‘The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning’ will be formed under the chairmanship of Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, the General Commissioner of the Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Wellbeing Pillar.

Members of the Committee include the Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; the Director General of Dubai Municipality; the Director General of Dubai Development Authority; the Director General of Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation; the Director General of Dubai Land Department; the CEO of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance and the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Energy. Other members, will include an urban planning expert and economic expert to be named by the Chairman of the Committee.

The Resolution details the roles and responsibilities of the Committee, which include endorsing the vision and strategic objectives of the Urban Master Plan, under the supervision of the Chairman of The Executive Council and ensuring that the Urban Master Plan progresses according to deliverables and in line with government priorities and directives. The Committee is also responsible for ensuring the integration of the roles of the entities responsible for urban planning in the emirate and directing the provision of support to facilitate coordination between various parties.

The Committee will also resolve any issues or differences between concerned bodies in case the parties fail to reach an agreement. It will report such issues to The Executive Council when required. According to the Resolution, the Committee will propose policies, strategies and legislation to ensure the objectives of the Urban Master Plan are met, as well as empower concerned bodies in the emirate to carry out their respective tasks and roles.

The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning will also be responsible for endorsing the recommendations made in strategic studies, masterplans and major infrastructure and urban projects related to urban planning in conformity with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and informing the Chairman of The Executive Council about them. It will also issue directives for carrying out major changes to the approved Urban Master Plan, in line with the developments and directives of the Dubai Government in this regard.

Under the Resolution, the Committee is responsible for reviewing the strategic performance indicators for the implementation of the Urban Master Plan. It will also direct measures and solutions to enhance the efficiency of implementation. The Committee is also authorised to issue directives with regards to challenges encountered in the implementation of all phases of the Plan.

The Resolution permits the Committee to form sub-committees and teams to assist it along with their roles, responsibilities, procedures and any other related issues. The Committee may seek the assistance of any experts and specialists, be it from employees of the concerned bodies in the emirate or others.

The Resolution tasks the Dubai Municipality to deliver administrative and technical support to the Committee to enable it to carry out its duties as per the Resolution.

The Resolution mandates all relevant government bodies in the emirate to fully cooperate with the Committee, Sub-Committees and teams and provide all information, statistics and documents required to carry out the tasks of the Committee under this Resolution.

Al Tayer said: “The Resolution issued by the Crown Prince of Dubai to form the Committee supports the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai the best city in the world to live in. The Committee will coordinate the efforts of all concerned bodies in Dubai to implement the deliverables of the 2040 Urban Master Plan in line with Dubai’s development plan. It will also focus on addressing strategic matters such as housing and regulation of the real estate sector and improving wellbeing and creating opportunities within these and other fields.”

“The Committee will work to enhance the government’s multi-level framework, endorsed as part of the deliverables of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, to ensure the implementation of infrastructure and urban development projects that support the economy and enhance Dubai’s status as the best city to live in. This framework has been developed as per an integrated and comprehensive technical study conducted according to global benchmarks,” added Al Tayer.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, and Singapore Airlines have expanded their long-standing partnership in the UAE, through the selection of dnata Representation Services, part of the dnata Travel Group, to provide a comprehensive range of sales, marketing and contact centre services to Singapore’s flag carrier as its general sales agent (GSA) in the Northern Regions.

The expanded partnership will see the team at dnata Representation Services act as the essential link between Singapore Airlines and local trade, supporting its commercial operations beyond Dubai, to extend across Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Qaiwain.

dnata Representation Services’ vast network, broad marketing, sales and operational expertise, and extensive experience in airline representation will help the carrier enhance its market presence in the UAE amidst a highly competitive business environment.

dnata also provides reliable and safe ramp and cargo handling services to Singapore Airlines at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Rashid Al Awadhi, Vice President, dnata Travel Group – Regional, said, “We are proud to be the representation services partner of choice for Singapore Airlines in the UAE. The expansion of our partnership is a testament to our excellent cooperation and outstanding results in Dubai over the past four decades. Our experienced team will work hard to ensure that Singapore Airlines achieves its business objectives and delivers on its growth plans in the country.”

Ryan Yeoh, General Manager Gulf and Middle East, Singapore Airlines, commented, “Singapore Airlines is proud to expand its partnership with dnata, building on a strong foundation of over 40 years of collaboration. Having resumed flights from Dubai to Singapore in January, we rely on dnata’s knowledge and professionalism to ensure the best experience for our mutual customers, based on our shared commitment to service excellence.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

RAS AL KHAIMAH, The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah ranks third globally in the World Bank Group’s report on ‘Doing Business in Ras Al Khaimah and Enforcement of Contracts 2021’, notching up the first position internationally in the report’s ‘Quality of Judicial Processes Index – Time Standards for Civil Cases, Adjournment and Continuances’.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of the emirate’s Judicial Council, attributed the achievement to the support provided by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose directives have reinforced the country’s pioneering position on the global competitiveness indexes and turned the country to a preferred global business destination thanks to its conducive investment and innovation-driven environment, as recognized by the global organisation.

“This global achievement achieved by the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah falls in line with the track record made by the UAE on the global stage thanks to the visionary vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to adopt best international practices across all fields,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud commented on the achievement.

Sheikh Mohammed in this regard highlighted the directives of H.H. Sheikh Saud to develop business friendly legislation that addresses the multifaceted challenges and rapid global changes in a way that ensures expeditious and fair settlement of legal disputes and ultimately bolsters investor trust in the country as a preferred global business destination.

“As we usher in the country’s developmental drive for the next 50 years, we are required to double efforts and continue to retain our prestigious and coveted position on global ease of doing business and competitiveness rankings through ensuring synergy and teamwork spirit and qualifying Emirati cadres capable of delivering the future and achieving the aspirations of our wise leadership to set a global model to be emulated for sustainable progress and development,” he added.

Sheikh Mohammed thanked all the teams and staffs of the RAK Courts Department, including the judicial and notary services executives who have contributed to this global achievement, affirming that human capital development remains at the heart of the social welfare and economic wellbeing drive in the emirate.

Source: Emirates News Agency