Dubai, Hamburg to expand strategic partnership

DUBAI, Dubai Chamber and Hamburg Chamber of Commerce have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to renew their strategic partnership, initiated in 2007, and foster closer ties between the UAE and German business communities.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the 12th World Chambers Congress (WCC) in Dubai, focused on the common goals of innovation, with a strong focus on energy, mobility and new technologies.

Under the agreement, the two chambers agreed to extend their cooperation, and share knowledge and best practices on membership-related services through institutional exchange, including exchange and cooperation in other countries where the organisations maintain a presence.

The chambers will jointly coordinate future initiatives and foster cooperation in the healthcare sector between both regions and co-organise meetings between companies.

Commenting on the partnership, Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, said, “Both Chambers realise the importance of cooperation to drive innovation and to provide effective solutions to boost energy, address environmental concerns and promote sustainability and mobility.”

He noted that Dubai and Hamburg are remarkably similar in terms of logistical prowess, strategic geographical location and a strong emphasis on being a trade hub. Therefore, this MoU with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce seems like a natural next step to tap into existing trade and investment potential.

“In line with our strategic vision, Hamburg 2040′, the cooperation with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will provide new opportunities for our member companies in Dubai and beyond. Thanks to its openness for new ideas, Dubai provides an excellent launch pad for innovation from Hamburg. Furthermore, as a global hub Dubai is a great starting point for Hamburg-based companies to spot the latest trends in business and innovation and develop new markets in the region,” Dr. Malte Heyne, CEO of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, noted.

This partnership has created new channels of fruitful cooperation over the last decade, with the Dubai-Hamburg Business Forum serving as an important platform for business exchange under this partnership.

 

Source: Emirates News Agency

Investopia investment summit to link economy of present to future, with UAE leading the way: Economy Minister

ABU DHABI, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, has announced that the first edition of the Emirates Investment Summit ‘Investopia’ will take place on 28th March 2022, featuring the attendance of more than 50 leaders and change-makers from around the world. It will witness the participation of 300 government officials, investors and the private sector experts and academics.

The announcement came during a press conference organised by the Ministry of Economy at its headquarters in Dubai, attended by a large number of local and international media.

The summit will host the largest global business incubators and accelerators, to launch 100 innovative ideas and new business opportunities in the world, the region and the UAE.

Speaking at the press conference, Bin Touq said, “The UAE is an ambitious young country with a unique vision and leadership, boasting a most flexible and active economy that is capable of generating opportunities in the region. The country is also working continuously to invest in future sectors and attract and embrace talent from all over the world to be partners in our transformation towards an economic model based on knowledge and advanced technology and capable of driving sustainable growth.”

He continued, “We have come together here to mark the launch of Investopia – a global summit from the UAE to the world – which will be a platform for dialogue on the future of world economies. Investopia is not a summit based in the UAE alone; it is a global summit that begins from the UAE. Through this platform, we are offering a new space to formulate innovative models for the future business environment and partnership patterns that will generate new investment opportunities, capable of promoting growth to unprecedented horizons.”

He explained that Investopia is one of the main strategic initiatives within the first set of the ‘Projects of 50’ that was announced by the UAE government. It is designed to provide a new space for dialogue on future investment opportunities.

It also supports national economic priorities and investment-attraction programmes with an ambitious goal of strengthening the flow of inward investments and attracting AED550 billion worth of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UAE over the next nine years, to eventually reach AED1 trillion by 2051.

He added that Investopia consolidates the country’s position as a thriving global hub for business, capital and foreign investments and is the first platform that unifies all national investment opportunities and development projects from all emirates in line with the vision and ‘Principles of the 50.’ These prospects are spread across the main priority sectors, including information and communication technology, education, health, transportation, and supply and supply chains, logistics, entertainment and media, financial technology, energy, water and space.

The UAE has successfully attracted foreign investments totalling AED420 billion over the last 10 years at an average growth of 11 percent. Meanwhile, the total value of the country’s outward flow of investments amounts to AED450 billion during the same period, with an average growth of 36 percent.

 

Source: Emirates News Agency

Expo 2020 Dubai: Pakistan’s Punjab launches two new initiatives to promote investment

DUBAI, As part of its participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai, Pakistan’s Punjab government has launched two new initiatives in the UAE to promote and facilitate investments and growth of start-ups.

The first initiative is the Investment Portal, an online resource centre to aid investors and businesspeople in Pakistan and abroad. This is being launched in parallel with the start-up moot and project exhibitions being displayed at the Pakistan Pavilion.

The second initiative is the UAE Help Desk, an office space being set up in the Emirates, by the Government of Punjab that aims to attract investment to Punjab from the UAE business community.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Industries, Commerce, Investment, and Skill Development Department of Punjab, Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal at a ceremony in Dubai. The Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, Afzaal Mahmood was also present.

 

Source: Emirates News Agency

Saudi Arabia’s Expo Pavilion launches ‘16 Windows’ programme to highlight Kingdom’s thriving cultural scene

DUBAI, Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai launches today its “16 Windows” programme to introduce visitors to the Kingdom’s diverse culture.

Each Wednesday for the next 16 weeks, a specific cultural sector will be celebrated through a series of events that highlight the success, opportunities and future of the country.

The programme will convene at KSA’s Pavilion and offer Saudi talent a global platform to engage and connect. Each week, visitors can expect enriching experiences that will leave them coming back to learn more about Saudi culture.

The “16 Windows” programme begins later on Wednesday, 24th November, focusing on books and publications, shedding light on the literature, publishing and translation sectors in Saudi Arabia. On the first day, the KSA Pavilion will host Tariq Khawaji, Ithra’s Chief Librarian and Cultural Consultant; Abdullah Al Ghubain, Founder and Managing Director of Dar Athar Publishing and Distribution; Arwa Khomayyis, author and novelist; and Maajeb Al Shammari, writer and General Manager of Tashkeell, an innovative literary platform and Saudi publishing house.

Hussain Hanbazazah, Commissioner-General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion, said, “The Kingdom has a long cultural and creative history, encompassing diverse art forms and modes of self-expression. We are delighted to launch the “16 Windows” programme at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. This new initiative is one of many that we have been carefully curating to enrich visitors’ journey to our pavilion and to ensure that our guests can always look forward to a new experience.”

Upcoming editions cover multiple cultural sectors, including literature, publishing and translation, film, architecture and design, cultural festivals and events, theatre and performing arts, natural heritage, fashion, and archaeological and cultural landscapes.

Over six months in Expo 2020 Dubai, which is taking place under the theme “Connecting Minds, Building the Future”3, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion is hosting a plethora of events, including discussions, panels and symposiums on various topics, as well as vibrant, diverse and powerful cultural shows that include dance, poetry, art and music.

 

Source: Emirates News Agency

Mohammed bin Rashid inaugurates third ordinary term of 17th legislative chapter of FNC

ABU DHABI, On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al NahyanHis Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today inaugurated the third ordinary session of the 17th legislative chapter of the Federal National Council (FNC), attended by the Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, ministers and senior civil and military officials in the country.

The inauguration event began with the arrival of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who was received by Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the FNC. The UAE National Anthem was then played, followed a guard of honour performance. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed then saluted the members of a committee formed by the FNC to receive him.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers then headed to Zayed Hall, and the ceremony started with the recital of verses from the Holy Quran. Afterwards, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the third ordinary session of the FNC’s 17th legislative chapter.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed read the FNC’s decree of invitation to convene its third ordinary term of its 17th legislative chapter, which is Decree No. 134 for 2021 issued by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which stated, “The FNC is invited to convene its third ordinary session of its 17th legislative chapter today on Wednesday, 24th November, 2021. The Speaker of the FNC will implement this decree, which will be published in the national gazette.”

Ghobash delivered the following speech: I am honoured to extend, on my behalf and on behalf of FNC members, thanks and gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, for supporting the FNC and enabling it to continue its consultancy approach, as a true platform for expressing the aspirations of citizens, and as an establishment that supports government work and protects its achievements.

I am honoured to extend my welcome and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for inaugurating the third ordinary session of the 17th legislative chapter of the FNC, which reiterates the support for the FNC to continue its efforts to perform its constitutional duties.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the honourable audience.

As we are approaching the end of the first 50 years of our country, we proudly commemorate the Founding Fathers of the nation led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Nahyan, who established the foundations of the UAE and overcame challenges and difficulties, enabling the country to become a strong nation that the world recognises for its achievements, due to these solid foundations.

Today, as the country welcomes the next 50 years of its existence, it is hosting a major international event gathering over 190 countries at Expo 2020 Dubai.

This distinguished event is showing the entire world is watching the country during its Golden Jubilee, and it is starting the next 50 years equipped with modern and advanced tools, as well as the values of peace, compassion and openness. The UAE began the next phase of its existence by announcing ’10 principles’ governing the process of developing and strengthening its advanced position in competitiveness indexes, therefore, ensuring the achievement of sustainable development, making citizens happy and guaranteeing a better future for generations to come.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the honourable audience.

As we reiterate our pride and appreciation for the advanced performance of our distinguished government, we vow to our leadership and loyal people to always support the government in its efforts to perform its duties to serve the country and the city. We also vow to remain loyal to the country and its leadership and people, and to be always open to peace, constructive cooperation and giving, may Allah Almighty help us and protect us, peace be upon you.

The opening session was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance;  H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah; H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Qaiwain; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah; and H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Also present were H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; and a number of senior officials.

 

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai Police, AASTS-Sharjah organise Professional Diploma in Maritime Security

SHARJAH, The study programme for the Professional Diploma in Maritime Security from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport Sharjah branch (AASTS) has started this week.

Twenty Dubai Police personnel are taking part in the programme, which is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Dubai Police and AASTS to promote cooperation in education, training and specialised studies in maritime security, as well as training personnel and exchanging expertise.

Major General Dr. Mohammed Ahmed bin Fahd, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Academic and Training Affairs at Dubai Police, said, “Global competitiveness reports confirm that Dubai is one of the safest cities worldwide. This includes the maritime sector. Dubai is a world-leading leisure and maritime tourism destination. Its ports receive the largest cargo ships, cruise ships and yachts from all over the world. This poses many challenges for us to prepare our personnel and train them according to the highest international standards to be aware of the latest developments in maritime security and to use the latest technologies and innovative tools, including artificial intelligence.”

We are pleased to cooperate with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport to offer this leading training programme to obtain a Professional Diploma in Maritime Security from its Regional Maritime Security Institute. The Academy is known for its specialised staff who have graduated many leaders in the maritime sector across the Arab world. The training programme for the police personnel from the Ports Police Station and the departments concerned with maritime security and safety in Dubai Police will help enhance the maritime security and safety in Dubai and the UAE, he added.

Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, said, “Dubai is one of the best maritime hubs in the world, and Dubai Police plays a leading role in maintaining maritime security and enhancing maritime safety. Our cooperation with the Department of Academic and Training Affairs at Dubai Police in providing a study programme for Dubai Police personnel to obtain a Professional Diploma in Maritime Security, supports our shared vision on the importance of enhancing maritime security based on modern scientific foundations that keep pace with the latest developments, international standards and best practices in maritime security training.

Brigadier Badran Al Shamsi, Director of the General Department for Training at Dubai Police, said, “At the General Department of Training, we cooperate with partners from prestigious regional and international universities, colleges and specialised training institutes, to provide advanced training for Dubai Police personnel according to the highest international standards. This supports Dubai Police’s efforts for the continuous development of its personnel. The cooperation with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, where 20 Dubai Police personnel will obtain a Professional Diploma in Maritime Security, is part of Dubai Police’s keenness to prepare and train its personnel to be aware of the best technologies in maritime security, the latest developments in regulations and laws related to maritime safety and techniques on how to deal with maritime accidents. This is done within a comprehensive system that supports the UAE’s directions and strategic plans.”

Dr. Capt. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean, College of Maritime Transport and Technology, AASTS, explained that the study programme lasts for 14 weeks. It features both virtual classes and practical training in Jebel Ali Port, Port Rashid and the Academy’s branch in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah.

He added that over the course of the programme, trainees obtain a total of seven specialised certificates in maritime security. After completing the programme, graduates will obtain a Professional Diploma in Maritime Security accredited by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, one of the specialised organisations of the League of Arab States, and a member of the Association of Arab Universities and the International Association of Universities.

 

Source: Emirates News Agency