Day: October 4, 2021

ABU DHABI, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a UAE national airline, will commence seven new routes in the upcoming weeks bringing its third aircraft to full capacity after the eased travel restrictions were introduced in the Abu Dhabi Emirate recently.

The national airline will operate routes to (Sarajevo) Bosnia and Herzegovina, Odesa (Ukraine), Muscat (Oman), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Sohag (Egypt), Baku (Azerbaijan) and Kutaisi (Georgia).

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will be ramping up its operations further in the coming months by adding additional frequencies to Alexandria (Egypt), Belgrade (Serbia), Kyiv (Ukraine) and Tirana (Albania). The airline plans to add another aircraft to its existing three aircraft by the start of the new calendar year.

Additionally, Wizz Air Hungary announced that it will move its flights destined to Abu Dhabi as of April 2022. The airline will commence shortly with operating its already announced flights to Dubai from Catania (Italy), Katowice (Poland) and Cluj-Napoca (Romania).

Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said that Wizz Air Abu Dhabi continues to demonstrate the popularity of its services by adding more routes to its network. “Our network from Abu Dhabi will expand rapidly as travel restrictions ease up, getting a significant boost when Wizz Air Hungary will start operating its flights to Abu Dhabi as of April 2022,” he noted.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, ICOMIA World Marinas Conference (IWMC) will facilitate the growth of the leisure marine industry with its much-awaited debut conference in Dubai and the Middle East, between 12th-14th October, 2021 The primary goal of the conference is to unite industry players in a secure environment, stimulating the UAE’s post-pandemic economic success.

The event will be hosted by Leisure Marine Association MENA (LMA) and is supported by key players including P&O Marinas as the lead sponsor, Dubai Tourism and D-Marin Dubai Harbour Marinas as main sponsors and Emaar as a supporting sponsor. Other leading organisations supporting the conference include Exalto Emirates, Nakheel, Navi Safe Engineering Services L.L.C., Gulf Craft, Plus Marine, Alemco, ATM and Torqeedo.

With its stellar line-up of industry experts, the conference will be moderated by Shirley Robertson, a successful British sailor and a Double Olympic gold medalist. Robertson is now considered one of the sport’s most successful broadcasters and an accomplished presenter across multiple channels. Her knack to enthral the audience with her engaging public speaking skills and her knowledge about a variety of topics within sailing will give attendees access to insight-rich sessions.

The three-day event will feature key speakers who will highlight the industry challenges and opportunities, help professionals and organisations in the sector to make informed business decisions, setting the stage for a successful future.

Talks and panel discussions will focus on subjects such as the future of the leisure boating industry, social and economic trends, and their impact on marinas, the role of marinas for a sustainable and resilient coastal and maritime tourism, business opportunities in the marina industry, state of the global cruise sector, use of concrete for sustainable coastal construction, environmental sustainability of nautical tourism and infrastructures, circular economy, interconnection of marinas through digital transformation, and the use of electric systems and solar energy in the sector.

The conference will open with a keynote speech by Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism. Other speakers include global industry experts such as Abeer Alshaali, Deputy Managing Director of Gulf Craft; Alessandra Priante, Regional Director for Europe, World Tourism Organisation; Hamza Mustafa, COO of P&O Marinas; Dean Smith, CCO of D-Marin; Andrew Pindar, Chairman of Pindar Yacht Management; Idan Cohen, Founder of Pick a Pier and COO of Tel Aviv-based Atarim; Captain Gary Groenewold, Vice President of US-based Westrec Marinas and Krešimir Žic, an accomplished Croatian marina professional, among others.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Superstar Thai sisters Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn will line up alongside compatriot Atthaya Thitikul, Europe’s victorious Solheim Cup skipper Catriona Matthew and English legend Dame Laura Davies to compete under the floodlights at the 15th Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA).

Former World No. 1 Ariya, and elder sibling Moriya, currently 23rd and 34th, respectively, in The Rolex Rankings will take to the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club from 27th to 29th October, 2021, alongside World No. 28 Thitikul, two-time LET 2021 winner, with Scottish star Matthew, a six-time LET career winner, and Davies, a four-time Major champion.

The 2021 tournament returns with fans at the centre of the action on- and off-course on Thursday and Friday. In addition to free entry for all, golf taster sessions run by the Peter Cowen Academy will be available for all age groups and abilities, providing family fun under the floodlights.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, said, “The Dubai Moonlight Classic presented by EGA is one of the most highly anticipated, inclusive events on Dubai’s social and sporting schedule. We look forward to welcoming fans on Thursday and Friday to celebrate world-class sport, food, and entertainment set against the stunning Dubai Marina backdrop.

“Golfing legend Davies, a seven-time LET Order of Merit winner and 20-time LPGA event champion, said, “It is always a pleasure to return to Dubai; the players love to come here and tackle the Faldo. The weather and conditions are perfect for golf, and the atmosphere is always excellent. Playing under floodlights is something unique, and it gives the event an attractive dimension for new fans.”

Matthew, the first European captain to mastermind back-to-back Solheim Cup wins after orchestrating a thrilling 15-13 triumph at the Inverness Club in Ohio last month, said, “Dubai has always been a favourite destination for women’s golf as the city is a long-term supporter of the Ladies European Tour. Once again, the strong field and the tournament will inspire more interest in the game with a female audience. It would be great to see more young Arab girls playing the sport.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, The Abu Dhabi Government is set to participate for the 10th time in GITEX Technology Week, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, from 17th to 21st October, 2021.

Thirty-one government and academic entities will be part of the Abu Dhabi Government pavilion to showcase more than 100 innovative initiatives and projects in digital transformation to create a unique experience for visitors through a unified platform for all government entities.

The Department of Government Support – Abu Dhabi (DGS), represented by the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA), the government entity that leads the digital transformation of the Abu Dhabi government, organised a virtual preparatory meeting with representatives from the participating government entities to coordinate efforts and finalise preparations. The meeting emphasised the importance of taking into account COVID-19 precautionary measures, including social distancing and the compulsory wearing of face masks.

The Abu Dhabi Government’s participation is part of the UAE’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, where the nation will be celebrating its remarkable journey over the last 50 years and begins preparing for the next 50.

This participation comes under the supervision of the Higher Committee of Digital Government as part of its efforts to implement a governance framework across the Abu Dhabi Government and make a fundamental change in the concept of government services, moving towards a digital future.

Ali Rashid Al Ketbi, Chairman of DGS, commented, “GITEX Technology Week 2021 is a unique opportunity to emphasise the readiness and development of Abu Dhabi’s digital infrastructure, shedding light on its digital capabilities and resources that support and enhance customer confidence, including citizens, residents, visitors and investors.”

The Abu Dhabi Government participation focuses on four key pillars: “Government Services”, providing a smooth and seamless experience designed to meet the needs of customers through digital channels and service centres; “Government Solutions”, promoting cooperation and supporting joint initiatives across various governmental entities and institutions to maximise the value of the initiatives’ output; “Data and Artificial Intelligence”, taking advantage of the safe and effective sharing of data to support the decision-making process and enhance government pro-activeness; and “Ecosystem Enablement”, driving socio-economic growth by accelerating integration with digital systems, applications, stakeholders, customers, and business partners.

Dr. Mohamed Abdelhameed Al Askar, Director-General of the ADDA, said, “This year, the Abu Dhabi Government celebrates its 10th participation in GITEX Technology Week 2021, one of the biggest technology events to showcase the latest innovations and technology. The event is an important platform to showcase more than 100 innovative initiatives and projects in the fields of Government Services, Government Solutions, Data and Artificial Intelligence, and Ecosystem Enablement, all of which have been carefully developed to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s digital capabilities, enabling, supporting and delivering a digital government that is proactive, personalised, collaborative and secure.”

By participating in GITEX Technology Week 2021, the Abu Dhabi Government aims to bolster strategic public-private partnerships, explore new areas of collaboration, and leverage the capabilities of major technology companies to support the emirate’s digital agenda.

The Abu Dhabi Government has also introduced the Abu Dhabi Government Virtual Pavilion Experience, which will give users the ability to make virtual visits to the pavilion from anywhere in the world. This is in addition to introducing the Virtual Assistant service to enable users to connect and interact with the 31 participating government entities, and partners from the academic sector and access details about events and activities taking place at the pavilion.

Throughout GITEX Technology Week 2021, the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion will host a series of special events, including the launch of innovative digital initiatives and the signing of Agreements and MoUs.

The Abu Dhabi Government participation complements its participation last year with 24 government and academic entities, in addition to global technology companies, when the pavilion attracted more than 10,000 visitors. In 2020, the pavilion witnessed the signing of 12 agreements and MoUs and showcased 88 innovative projects and initiatives in digital transformation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, on his re-election as prime minister.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sent similar messages to the Ethiopian Prime Minister.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The 6th edition of Annual Radiology Meeting (ARM) returns to Dubai from 10th to 12th October, 2021, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year, ARM, a physical event with a virtual component, will discuss key topics and the most recent innovations in radiology.

The three-day pivotal annual radiology gathering will attract more than 2,000 visitors and participants, including some of the most prominent radiologists, radiographers and industry professionals from across the UAE and abroad. They will explore critical advances in radiology through 70 scientific sessions.

Dr. Usama Al Bastaki, ARM Chairman, said, “The 6th edition of the Annual Radiology Meeting will be held in Dubai with the participation of some of the most notable pioneers of radiology in the world, including professors from Harvard University, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, and Lund University in Sweden. Additionally, ARM will witness the participation of a selection of lecturers and professors from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, and several distinguished radiology experts and professors from United Arab Emirates University and various hospitals in the UAE. Furthermore, the conference programme will be full of discussions through which the Radiology Society of the Emirates hopes to facilitate the continuous development of the practice of radiology both locally and regionally.”

He added, “The event will include a parallel conference dedicated to radiology technicians under the Radiographers Society of the Emirates supervision, and a competition titled ‘the Emirates Radiology Cup’ where radiology residents will present their best-case research for a chance to be awarded the Emirates Radiology Cup. Furthermore, there will be an exhibition on the sidelines of the conference at which prominent companies will showcase their latest technologies, which will be available in the UAE market.”

Samar Al Farra, Chairperson of the Scientific Board of the Radiographers Society of the Emirates (RASE), Manager of Higher Colleges of Technology Assessment Unit Dubai, said, “The Annual Radiology Meeting has been a widely anticipated event that provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and networking with field professionals.”

She added, “This edition will include various scientific sessions discussing key topics in the field. Additionally, we will witness noticeable participation from students this year, where they will get the opportunity to actively learn and interact with field professionals.”

There will also be a rich exhibition featuring the latest technologies showcased by leading brands in the field.

ARM is organised annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding in collaboration with the Radiology Society of the Emirates (RSE) and the Radiographers Society of the Emirates (RASE).

Source: Emirates News Agency