Day: August 29, 2021

Riyadh, The General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information participated in the 11th meeting of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM), which was held virtually between August 23 and 24, 2021, and on August 28, 2021.

The meetings discussed several subjects on the agenda and checked on the progress level of the five regional committees (UN-GGIM: Asia-Pacific, UN-GGIM: Americas, UN-GGIM: Africa, UN-GGIM: Europe, UN-GGIM: Arab States).

The discussions also included the technical reports on the meeting agenda, such as the Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (IGIF), Global Geodetic Reference Frame, and the report on using geospatial information for sustainable development, among other reports.

The meetings aim at providing a forum for consultation and dialogue on enhancing cooperation in the field of global geospatial information among member states and relevant organizations, permanent committees on basic structures of geospatial data, in addition to proposing action plans and steering principles necessary for encouraging the preparation of unified principles, policies, methods and mechanisms for geospatial data and services.

It is worth mentioning that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, heads the Arab committee of UN-GGIM and holds the secretariat general, in addition to its membership of the UN-GGIM.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

SHARJAH, As part of its agenda to assist Emirati publishers seeking to enter new markets, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) participated in the 18th Ghana International Book Fair, which ran from August 26 – 29, 2021.

The Ghana International Book Fair (GIBF) is one of the most important publishing forums and among the largest literary events in Africa, and the Emirates Publishers Association’s presence at this year’s fair will help Emirati publishers forge partnerships with renowned publishers worldwide and widen their market.

The EPA team, led by Rashid Al Kous, CEO of EPA, and Mariam Al Obaidli, Corporate Communication Director, EPA, held a series of meetings at the GIBF in Accra to explore new opportunities to expand their business worldwide, as well as consolidate strategic cooperation with Ghanian publishers.

The EPA delegation also visited the UAE Embassy in Accra and met HE Khalifa Yousif Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to Ghana. Apart from throwing light on EPA’s achievements in showcasing the UAE’s cultural successes globally through participation at book fairs and cultural events, they also discussed ways of initiating cultural exchanges between the UAE and Ghana and future plans to introduce UAE’s rich and diverse literature through contributing books to Ghanian libraries.

The EPA team also met with delegates from the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA), Ghana Book Development Council and the Ghana Library Association. The meeting was led by Asae Konadu Yamoah, President, GPA, Edward Yaw Udzu, Vice President, GPA; Benjamin Tawiah Klu, Executive Secretary, GPA; and Ernest Oppong, Assistant Executive Secretary, GPA, and Acting Executive Director, African Publishers Network (APNET), to discuss ways of collaborating between publishers from Africa and the Arab world.

Rashid Al Kous underlined the association’s dedication to fulfilling its objectives that align with the UAE’s national cultural project. He noted that the EPA endeavoured to help Emirati publishers represent the UAE at regional and international cultural events, showcase Emirati books and boost cultural exchanges.

“The Ghana International Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the African continent. Our participation in this event highlights our close relationship with Africa’s publishing sector, which has developed phenomenally. It is one more step forward in bolstering mutual coordination between the publishing markets in the UAE and Ghana, in view of the growing trade and economic relations between the two countries,” Al Kous added.

The EPA delegation expressed their gratitude to GPA for the opportunity to showcase the UAE’s flourishing book industry at GIBF 2021, in addition to exploring future avenues to advance the publishing sector in both countries.

The delegation also visited the Ghana National Library, Methodist Book Depot, Step Publishers, Winmat Publishers, and Adwinsa Publications in Accra.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Riyadh, Shura Council’s Saudi-Argentinian Parliamentary Friendship Committee, chaired by Council Member and Head of the Committee Dr. Ibrahim bin Mahmoud Al-Nahhas, at the council headquarters in Riyadh, here today held a meeting with Argentinian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Marcelo Gilardoni on the occasion of the end of his term.

The Head of the Committee praised the efforts of the Argentinian ambassador while in office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which contributed to enhancing bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Argentina and developing ties between the Shura Council and the Argentinian Parliament.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed several issues of mutual interest between the two countries in various fields, mainly at the level of parliamentary relations between the Shura Council and the Argentinian Parliament.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

ABU DHABI, Demand for hotel room reservations in the UAE is accelerating, supported by five key factors that will soon lead to their near full occupancy.

1. Tourist visas On Monday, the decision to accept tourist visas for people vaccinated with WHO-approved COVID-19 jabs from around the world will take effect.

The decision will enable many international tourists to visit the UAE and enjoy the distinguished tourism experiences and services it offers, especially as it came before the start of the country’s tourist season, which usually begins in October.

2. Expo 2020 Dubai The UAE is preparing to host Expo 2020 Dubai in October, which is one of the world’s largest and most influential events, and will ensure the country is a leading international tourist destination for six months. The UAE is expected to receive millions of tourists during this period.

The expo will play a key role in advancing the UAE’s tourism sector, and its effects will be reflected by the prosperity of many major sectors, most notably tourism, aviation and transport.

3. The country’s health situation The UAE is a safe haven for many tourists from around the world, given the world’s confidence in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant precautionary measures it adopted. It also leads the world’s countries in vaccine distribution rates and COVID-19 testing.

4. Prominent stature and confidence The UAE’s hotel and hospitality sector offers competitive prices that are suitable for all categories of people, enhancing the country’s attractiveness to tourists and its ability to host major global events.

Therefore, hotel reservations have witnessed growing demand, coinciding with the start of Expo 2020 Dubai, as many participating entities are keen to reserve rooms early.

5. Golden Jubilee Many tourists are keen to visit the UAE in December to enjoy offers and events coinciding with its Golden Jubilee celebrations. The country is expected to host entertainment, artistic and sports events and programmes during this period.

Source: Emirates News Agency