Day: June 23, 2021

ABU DHABI, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, has launched the “Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Centre of Excellence”.

The Centre highlights the UAE’s commitment and support to the active participation of women in peace and security and all sectors.

The launch of the Centre is in line with the goals of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative, a joint project with the General Women’s Union, with technical support from UN Women.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak highlighted the UAE’s commitment to building national, regional, and global capacities of women in peace and security to contribute to an enabling environment for women, raise public awareness about gender roles in peacekeeping and enhance the role of women decision-makers in the Arab region and globally.

She said, “The Centre represents a significant opportunity and model in consolidating international cooperation in sharing knowledge and promoting the exchange of information and best practices on the women, peace and security agenda. It will strengthen the capabilities of relevant authorities working in government entities related to the women, peace and security agenda to support women’s participation in leadership positions across local and international peacekeeping operations. And to gain valuable benefits of creating a new reality and spaces to empower women to be leaders and decision-makers in peace and security.”

She added, “The UAE is a pioneering model in supporting the full, equal and effective participation of women in all vital and developmental fields with a focus on the security sector.

“This Centre also embodies the efforts of our wise leadership, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, His Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council of the Union, Rulers of the Emirates and His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to raise the aspirations of Emirati women who were behind many successes in various fields such as in global indicators of gender balance, participation in the labour market or championing leadership positions across various sectors.”

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, affirmed that UAE, under the vision of its leadership, continue the journey started by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to provide unlimited support to Emirati women’s empowerment. “Emirati women are key contributors to national achievements and the UAE’s vision for the future.”

He noted that Emirati women have been the leading figures in the inspiring success stories across various sectors. He expressed his delight at the launch of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Centre of Excellence, highlighting its vital role in promoting women’s empowerment and building the capacities of women to sustain peace, prosperity and progress, while giving them the opportunity to perform their duties in their homelands and across the world.

Sheikh Abdullah emphasised that the initiative is the result of limitless support and care from H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, for women in the UAE and the world. As Her Highness continues to encourage them to succeed and excel in various sectors with priority given to peace and security.

Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, said that the Centre, launched in collaboration with the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC, builds on the UAE’s extensive efforts to achieve the strategic objectives of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

“We are thankful for the support of our wise leadership and Her Highness’ vision, directives and generous efforts that led the UAE to make pivotal progress on the women, peace and security agenda.”

Al Suwaidi added that the Centre aims to exchange experiences of multiple sectors to address ongoing and emerging challenges and to provide the necessary operational approach to support gender equality in various sectors, strategic international partners and peacekeeping missions.

The Centre will also promote analysis, research and innovation on women, peace and security challenges and will signify the efforts of the General Women’s Union, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, supported by UN Women, on the women, peace and security agenda, she noted.

Al Suwaidi stated that the Centre will be housed inside the General Women’s Union complex in Abu Dhabi and will offer a range of training courses; locally and internationally. Participants will be able to engage in face-to-face courses, which will combine presentations, interactive activities, and group discussions to exchange knowledge. Virtual self-education will be also available to allow participants to access information and resources from around the globe.

The Centre will also offer blended learning opportunities, which will combine online and face-to-face learning.

Dr. Mouza Al-Shehhi, Director of the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC, said that the new Centre “is unique for our region and the world, as it provides various opportunities to share experiences and build capacities to support the women, peace and security agenda, in line with the objectives of Security Council Resolution 1325. The integration of in-person and virtual training methods represents a real opportunity to reach the largest number of women around the world, and to maximize the impact of the Center beyond geographical barriers, and the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic on movement and travel.

The launch of the Centre is in line with the UAE’s efforts to promote gender equality as an essential policy in the nation and to underline the important role of women in the peace and security sectors by unifying the efforts of 14 national bodies including federal, local and civil society committee members who prepared the National Action Plan headed by the General Women’s Union.

In September 2020, the UN Women announced the launch of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative to train and build women’s capacities in the military, security and peace sectors. Sponsored by the UAE government and hosted by Khawla bint Al Azwar School, the initiative included 357 participants from several Arab, African, and Asian countries in its two rounds of training during 2019 and 2020. The second round coincided with the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, 3iQ Corp., Canada’s largest digital asset investment fund manager with more than C$2.5 billion in assets under management, today officially listed “The Bitcoin Fund”, (Trading Symbol: QBTC), on Nasdaq Dubai, the region’s international exchange.

The regulated Bitcoin-based exchange-traded product is the first listed digital asset-based fund in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The listing of the fund, which leverages Dubai’s world-class regulatory environment that supports the new economy business and investment growth, reinforces the city’s position as a driving force for capital market transformation.

Managed by 3iQ, the Fund offers investors indirect exposure to Bitcoin by trading its units within a world-class regulated and transparent exchange environment as well as the opportunity for long-term capital appreciation through a convenient alternative to a direct investment in the cryptocurrency.

To celebrate the listing, Frederick Pye, Chairman and CEO of 3iQ Corp. rang the Nasdaq Dubai market opening bell in the presence of Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Deputy CEO of DFM, as well as other senior representatives of 3iQ and its advisory firms.

“Our expansion into the Middle East is now official as ‘The Bitcoin Fund’ has been listed on Nasdaq Dubai as of today. When we launched the fund in Toronto last year, an expansion into the Middle East was always on the cards and we are extremely proud to have achieved that milestone here today in Dubai. We believe that The Bitcoin Fund is poised to offer tremendous value to regional investors looking to diversify their portfolio with this asset class through a regulated listing,” Pye said.

The dual-listing enables investors to transfer their units from the Toronto Stock Exchange to Nasdaq Dubai (and vice versa) as well as to acquire units directly on Nasdaq Dubai. 3iQ has appointed Dalma Capital and Canaccord Genuity as the joint-lead arrangers for the regional offering of the Fund (subject to regulatory approval). BHM Capital has also been appointed as the Fund’s Liquidity Provider.

Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, Chairman of Nasdaq Dubai, said, “Nasdaq Dubai, a leader in the capital market transformation of the MENA region, is committed to maintaining the highest international standards and best practices for the benefit of market participants.”

Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Deputy CEO of DFM, stated, “This significant step is a push forward for Dubai’s relentless efforts to meet and exceed the evolving needs and requirements of investors, who are looking for seamless accessibility to this new asset class as well as to diversify investment opportunities for investors in the UAE and beyond.”

“We were always confident in The Bitcoin Fund from 3iQ and have seen strong support from key institutions in the region. We remain steadfast in our belief in The Bitcoin Fund as a broader alternative investment vehicle that will offer a more efficient and regulated option for regional investors to access the asset class,” commented Zachary Cefaratti, CEO, Dalma Capital.

“Our firm has been part of the journey with 3iQ since inception, in Canada, having led or co-led all of its public offerings on the Toronto Stock Exchange to date. Today we are proud to be able to partner with them on this landmark moment in the UAE,” said Sachin Mahajan, Head of MENASA, Canaccord Genuity.

3iQ has also appointed several other advisors in various capacities to support the listing such as 01 Capital, a London-based corporate finance advisor for the origination and execution of the listing, Razlin Capital a London-based investment firm for advice on the listing, and Pinsent Masons LLP as its legal counsel for the listing process.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The United Nations has selected the United Arab Emirates to host the 18th UN Public Service Forum in October, coinciding with celebrations of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.

This global forum aims to support governments’ efforts around the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, as it explores opportunities for governments to deliver seamless digital services, embrace innovation, and find proactive solutions.

The Forum, which will be held in the UAE with the support of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), will feature high-level ministerial meetings and welcome over 1,000 government leaders, ministers, and officials from around the world as they work together to address global challenges and developments, highlighting innovative policies and initiatives that elevate the impact of government work.

Further, the Forum will honor the winners of the 2020 and 2021 UN Public Service Awards, a prestigious award in the field of public administration.

The announcement of hosting this event in the UAE was made during the participation of Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and The Future, in a virtual meeting organised by the United Nations as part of UN Public Service Day celebrations recognising public servants worldwide, under the theme: “Innovating the Future Public Service: New Government Models for a New Era to Reach the SDGs”.

The high-level meeting focused on the importance of achieving resilience and government preparedness, as well as the ability of institutions to embrace innovation, and in turn deliver world-class services.

The UN Public Service Forum serves as a key global platform for exchanging knowledge and experience, where governments share best practices and benefit from global perspectives. Furthermore, the Forum will be held against the backdrop of Expo 2020 Dubai, where the focus is on ‘connecting minds, creating the future’.

According to the 2021 IMD World Competitiveness Report, the UAE ranked first globally in the “Absence of Bureaucracy” and “Adaptability of Government Policy” indicators.

The UAE also ranked third on the “Government Responsiveness to Change” and fourth on the “Government Long-term Vision” indicators, in the 2019 World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. The 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer ranked the UAE third globally as the most trusted government.

Ohood Al Roumi stated that the selection of the UAE as host of the 2021 UN Public Service Forum reflects its leadership in creating a new model for future governments, having succeeded globally under the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. In developing new approaches for government innovation and services delivery, the UAE raised standards of government work and topped global government development indicators.

She also said that the UAE is actively building partnerships with other governments to accelerate future readiness and resilience in the face of global challenges. The UAE’s collaborations with governments and international organisations will continue to focus on innovation for a better future.

Ohood Al Roumi added that governments must embrace technology and flexible work to strike the right balance for sustaining productivity whilst delivering on government objectives.

She also noted, the future of work will be shaped by the lessons learnt, where governments will need to provide convenient, fast, and reliable services that meet and exceed expectations.

Al Roumi expressed her appreciation to public servants for their indispensable role and tireless work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they facilitated continuity and enabled remote working and learning.

The UN Public Service Day guest speakers list included Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori and Majed Sultan Al Mesmar from the UAE, in addition to Brendette Lewis, Secretary-General of Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization; Liu Zhenmin, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs; and Emma Theofelus, Deputy Information and Technology Minister of Namibia, Nele Leosk, Ambassador-at-Large for Digital Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Estonia, Dr. Julia Glidden, Microsoft Corporate Vice President for Worldwide Public Sector, as well as numerous government officials from the UAE and across the world.

Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations said: “The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is looking forward to continued collaboration with the government of the United Arab Emirates as it prepares to host the 2021 United Nations Public Service Forum in Dubai in October. The Forum provides a unique space for government officials to enhance their capacity to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the vast inequalities that exist both within and between countries. As we work together in this Decade of Action to implement the SDGs, let us ensure that tackling these inequalities is at the fore, so that no one is left behind.”

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori: UAE Government has successfully countered the negative impact of the pandemic Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori said: “We are proud of our successful efforts in managing the pandemic and mitigating its negative impacts. The UAE quickly adopted effective online tools such as telemedicine to provide non-emergency medical services and enable healthcare workers to provide services to those who need urgent medical care. The UAE also succeeded in shifting to distance learning and government entities continued to provide seamless, thanks to our telecommunication and information technology robust infrastructure”.

He also added: “Today, we see a light at the end of the tunnel, but we understand that this will not be the last pandemic. We must ensure that our civil servants are prepared and ready to face any future crisis. This requires international cooperation, sharing experiences, and developing the necessary plans to ensure business continuity and services delivery during emergencies”.

Since its launch in 2003, the United Nations Public Service Awards has served as a prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. The UN Public Service Awards promotes the role, professionalism, and visibility of public service and inspires young people to pursue careers in the public service.

The editions from 2015 to 2019 honored 53 winners worldwide who developed new government services and initiatives that reflected positively on their communities.

In 2020, the United Nations hosted a virtual event with the Government of South Korea. The Forum recognised seven winners for developing and delivering some of the most innovative initiatives in their regions.

The Forum was also hosted by Azerbaijan in 2019, Morocco in 2018, the Netherlands in 2017, and Colombia in 2015.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Gambian Para athlete Malang Tamba has thanked H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, for fulfilling his dreams of competing at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed directed the Dubai Club for People of Determination and concerned authorities to offer every possible support to Malang as he sought qualification for the Tokyo Paralympic, including the gift of a top-of-the-line specialised wheelchair.

Sheikh Mansour’s directive to support Tamba underscores the generous patronage and support of UAE’s leadership for sports in general and for Para athletes in particular. It is also further evidence of Dubai’s growing stature as key host and supporter of the Paralympic movement.

The Emirate hosts a number of international sports competition for People of Determination throughout the year at Dubai Club for People of Determination, including the Fazza Championship in different sports. The Club is currently hosting more than 300 athletes from 62 different countries for the 11th edition of the Fazza International Powerlifting Championship – Dubai World Cup 2021, which started on June 19 and will continue until June 24.

The generous support of the leadership has also served as a huge incentive for Emirati Para athletes and two members of Dubai Club for People of Determination – powerlifter Mohammed Khamis Khalaf, a two-time Paralympic gold medal winner, and history-making shooter Aisha Al Muhairi – have already qualified for the Tokyo Paralympic Games, which will be taking place later this summer from August 24 to September 5.

Aisha Al Muhairi, who booked her ticket for Tokyo at the World Cup Shooting Championship in Peru, is the first Emirati Para shooter to qualify for a Paralympics.

Sulayman Colley, President of Gambia National Paralympic Committee, who is currently in Dubai for the 11th Fazza International Powerlifting Championship, paid tributes to H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed for his support and thanked him on behalf of Tamba.

“We are really grateful to His Highness for his generous support,” said Colley. “It came at a really crucial time for Tamba as he was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympic Games and it has certainly helped him. Now, as Tamba goes to Tokyo, it will serve as an incentive for him to do his best and try and make Gambia and H.H. proud.”

Colley also praised the role played by Dubai Club for People of Determination in the promotion and development of Para athletes, and encouraging them to aim higher.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Government of Dubai Media Office today launched the Knowledge Exchange Summit, a series of virtual conferences to discuss new approaches and best practices in strategic public communications. The Summit series will take an in-depth look at how public authorities can draw from a range of disciplines to develop effective communication approaches that can mitigate crises and promote positive economic and social outcomes.

Noora Al Abbar, Director, Strategic Media Affairs, GDMO said: “The Knowledge Exchange Summit is the latest in our series of initiatives to support government leaders in enhancing their strategic communications against the backdrop of a constantly changing global environment. The Forum provides a platform for senior officials of Dubai’s government organisations to share knowledge, insights and experiences with accomplished local and global experts on evolving best practices in the field.

“We will continue to work with our partners in various vital sectors to raise the practice and understanding of strategic communications to achieve Dubai’s vision for the future. Our current focus will be to enhance public communication approaches to mitigate the repercussions of the ongoing global crisis.”

The first virtual session of the Summit held today took a deeper look at strategic public communication during the pandemic and how governments can use behavioural science frameworks to foster community actions and habits that support counter-pandemic measures.

Senior leaders from government and semi-government organisations attended the session remotely.

The session examined a range of theoretical and practical issues related to social behaviour and communication during the pandemic. Furthermore, it assessed the vast change in social behaviours caused by the onset of the pandemic and the role of motivation in guiding desirable social actions.

Featuring a detailed look at communication strategies during the pandemic, the session also addressed a range of related issues including dealing with misinformation, drivers of trust in government and encouraging positivity narratives in the current environment.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, welcomed the step of re-opening Terminal 1- Dubai International Airport as of Thursday 24 June, and said it is an important step to accommodate the increasing number of flights and passengers in the coming period.

Musabih reaffirmed customs’ readiness to deal with the passenger and cargo traffic and to provide passengers with an outstanding experience cementing Dubai’s position as a preferred hub for trade and tourism.

Dr. Abdullah Busnad, Executive Director of Customs Inspection Division at Dubai Customs, accompanied Ahmed Musabih in his visit to Terminal 1 on Wednesday. They were received by Ibrahim Kamali, Director of Passenger Operations Department, and Khalid Ahmed, Senior Manager, Passenger Operations Department, Terminal 1.

Musabih gave directions for easier passenger traffic in the world’s busiest airport and ordered all services and smart procedures be provided in the terminal consolidating Dubai’s strategic role in leading recovery and tourism activity worldwide.

Along the same line, Ibrahim Al Kamali said terminal 1 is ready to reopen after a partial suspension of operations at Dubai International Airport taken to contain and prevent the spread of covid-19. Now all customs systems related to declarations and passengers and clients, and safety and inspection equipment are operational.

Relatedly, Khalid Ahmed said Terminal 1 is staffed with 120 inspectors working around the clock to ensure streamlined passenger and cargo traffic, with the airport prepared to return to full capacity in a few months.

Source: Emirates News Agency