UAE leaders congratulate Mauritanian President on Independence Day

ABU DHABI, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day, which is observed on 28th November.

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, dispatched similar messages to President Ghazouani and to the country’s Prime Minister Mohamed Ould Bilal.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Details of official UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations in Hatta revealed

DUBAI, Set against the scenic landscape of Hatta’s dams, lakes and valleys; a briefing video prepared by the UAE Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee was released ahead of the UAE National Day. It highlighted the main aspects of the 50th National Day celebrations planned on December 2.

Eisa Alsubousi, Head of Communications of the UAE 50th National Day Executive team, started the briefing by introducing the different facets covered in the video. From the celebration’s brand identity and the role of distinguished UAE figures in shaping the history of the UAE to the celebratory music and dance and the captivating features of the official celebration ceremony.

Saeed Al Suwaidi, Head of Research from Bani & Al Culture of the UAE 50th National Day team, said the celebrations will focus on the relationship between the people and their homeland by emphasising aspects related to the UAE’s agricultural, desert, mountain and marine environments. He also noted that the show will include stories heard for the first time about some of the distinguished figures, including women, who played a role in shaping the history of the UAE.

On operations, Butti Al Muhairi, Head of Operations of the UAE 50th National Day Executive team said that preparations for the celebrations in Hatta started more than 142 days ago. More than 1,400 individuals from over 100 nationalities worked for a total of more than one million and 500 thousand man hours on site.

By fusing Emirati traditional song with international music, music composer Mohammed Al Ahmed, of the UAE 50th National Day team, said that this year’s celebrations will include orchestral performances and the tribal vocal art of Al-Nadba and Al-Ruwah, traditionally performed on national and celebratory occasions. He added that the celebrations will also include music from traditional dance performances such as Al-Ayala, Al-Harbiya and others. The show will also include poetry which will be featured prominently during the festivities signifying its prominent role in UAE culture.

On the artistic direction front, the official celebration is managed by Rawdha Al Qubaisi, Creative Executive Producer and Artistic Directors, Shaikha Al Ketbi and Es Devlin. One of the extraordinary features of the theatrical show is that it will be set on a floating stage in the middle of the Hatta dam amidst the breathtaking landscape using state-of-the-art technology. The Artistic Directors of the show noted in the briefing that the show will include state-of-the-art techniques that have never been seen before. One particular technique used this year in the firework display is the use of drones to lift the fireworks higher in the air, thus reducing the use of pyro material and creating a new breathtaking illusion and mesmerising experience.

The show also uses mid-air projections by utilising water screens and a large sculpture to bring to the audience a floating theatrical experience, staged in Hatta Dam and surrounded by the Hajar mountains.

Kholoud Sharafi, Brand Designer from Tinkah of the UAE 50th National Day team, spoke about the design journey of creating the brand identity of the UAE National Day. Sharafi mentioned how she was inspired by archival materials such as postage stamps, television footage, celebratory letters published in newspapers and even street signage and decorations from around the country.

Audiences across the UAE will be able to watch the official celebration live starting 17:30 on the official website of the UAE National Day and on all local TV channels. The spectacular show is open to the public, starting from the 4th until 12th December. Tickets are available on www.UAENationalDay.ae

Source: Emirates News Agency

Virtuzone launches MENA region’s first e-commerce accelerator programme

DUBAI, Virtuzone, UAE’s company formation specialists, alongside Etisalat, Aramex and Launch DXB, have announced the launch of AMP – the first accelerator programme dedicated to fast-tracking the growth of e-commerce startups in the country, amplifying their presence across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and further strengthening the UAE’s fast-growing digital economy.

The AMP e-commerce-focused accelerator is run in collaboration with industry leaders such as Etisalat, Aramex, Launch DXB, HotDesk, Tasjeel.ae, HyperPay and more. The core objective of AMP is to accelerate the growth process for aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs, minimise the risks and challenges involved, and put them in a position to succeed. Startups that join the AMP programme will get AED60,000 worth of premium benefits and subsidies that cover the bulk of operating costs for trade licencing, bank account opening, e-commerce website development, payment gateway, digital marketing, shipping, warehousing, logistics, office space, and mentorship, among other e-commerce business requirements.

Neil Petch, Chairman and Co-founder of Virtuzone, said, “We have launched AMP by Virtuzone with a vision to create a space that enables creative collisions to occur among e-commerce founders that can lead to phenomenal outcomes. With the tremendous growth of the UAE’s digital economy, which now accounts for 4.3 percent of the nation’s GDP, we felt that it is our duty to create the perfect opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to harness this potential, while supporting the vision of the UAE government to build a robust digital economy and facilitate digital transformation across all sectors. Our goal is to enable the success of new e-commerce businesses, and not just to see them survive, but to thrive.”

Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, SMB, Etisalat, said, “Building an enabling environment for e-commerce businesses aligns with our vision at Etisalat to make e-commerce easier and more accessible. We are excited to collaborate with Virtuzone on the ‘Amplify programme’ AMP to create a holistic startup ecosystem in line with Etisalat’s strategic objectives of empowering the business ecosystem in the UAE and enabling digital transformation among SMBs, while equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need in one comprehensive business solution.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

ENOC Group records robust performance in first year of partnership with Japan’s Idemitsu

DUBAI, ENOC Group, the official integrated energy partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, announced the results of its successful partnership with Japan’s Idemitsu for the supply and distribution of lubricants to the Japanese company’s customers in the UAE and the wider region.

In the first year, ENOC Group recorded strong growth in sales volumes and plans to achieve a five-fold growth in sales volume through further expanding its geographical reach to cover in Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen, Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan by end of 2021.

Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC Group, said: “Our successful partnership with Idemitsu underlines the Group’s strong competencies in the lubricants business. We offer products of the highest quality while adhering to all international safety and quality standards. It also highlights the trust and confidence instilled by our partners in our ability to seamlessly produce, supply and distribute lubricants to serve customers in the UAE and beyond.”

Ensuring a seamless production, supply and service, the lubricants are blended at ENOC’s state-of-the-art ENOC Lubricant and Grease Manufacturing Plant (ELOMP) in Fujairah. One of the single largest plants in the region, ELOMP features a fully automated blending facility that enables the production of a full range of lubricants and greases for a comprehensive application line.

In 2020, ENOC signed an agreement with the Japanese conglomerate to produce, distribute and manage the supply of lubricants for Idemitsu and Japanese OEM clients.

Idemitsu, established in 1911, is a 110-year-old Japanese conglomerate that provides petroleum, lubricants, petrochemicals renewable energy, agri-bio business and resource development, and has a strong global presence driven by innovative products and best-in-class services.

Source: Emirates News Agency

WGEO receives Observer Status from the UNFCCC at COP26

DUBAI, In a new global achievement for the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of WGEO, has received the Observer Status on behalf of the Organization, from United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), held recently in Glasgow, UK.

Al Tayer received the certificate from Waleed Bin Salman, Vice Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization, and Abdul Rahim Sultan, WGEO’s Director.

Al Tayer said: “I am honored to congratulate His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE 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, for WGEO receiving the Observer Status from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.”

“WGEO’s accreditation as a Non-Governmental Organization with observer status, is an important milestone in our journey. This represents a key commitment towards the world in promoting the adoption of a green economy and the achievement of sustainable development. With the observer status, WGEO can now start developing position papers and making formal submissions in response to calls for information and views by negotiating bodies. WGEO also looks forward to the opportunities this Observer Accreditation will bring to the Organization to further the climate action agenda and support the global transition to a greener economy, “added Al Tayer.

“This important achievement supports the UNFCCC’s decision to organise the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in the UAE in 2023. We congratulate our wise leadership for hosting the largest international conference on climate action with the participation of world leaders. Hosting the COP28 is in line with the UAE’s initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

”It is also in line with Dubai’s commitment to sustainability and its proactive role in supporting the future of energy and the efforts to combat climate change. Dubai aims to achieve carbon neutrality (Net Zero Emissions) by 2050 through a strategy and a clear roadmap to transform Dubai into a carbon neutral economy by 2050 by achieving net zero emissions and reaching 100% clean energy by 2050 using renewable and clean energy solutions and technologies, creating investment opportunities in the field of green economy, and achieving a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. This is in line with Dubai’s firm commitment to sustainability and enhances its proactive role in supporting energy and climate change concerns.” “Our aim for WGEO is to be part of international coalitions, alliances and partnerships to promote ambitious climate action. WGEO is a unique organization with a focus on both Governments and non-Party stakeholders. The establishment of the Organization is an example of our commitment and leadership to contribute to strengthened ambitions and actions. We look forward to collaborating in the near future to support the global agenda on climate action,” Al Tayer concluded.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Mohammed bin Rashid meets with Dubai Media Council members on sidelines of Arab Journalism Award ceremony

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today met with members of the Dubai Media Council on the sidelines of a ceremony held to honour winners of the Arab Journalism Award at Expo 2020 Dubai.

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid issued directives to further enhance efforts to develop the emirate’s media sector to ensure it keeps pace with advancements in different sectors, as the country prepares for the next 50 years.

The meeting was held in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

His Highness said: “We place the highest priority on the development of the media, which plays a key role in the UAE’s development journey. To support the UAE’s march towards greater progress, the media needs to keep pace with the various transformations taking place across industries.”

His Highness added that new technologies can help the media advance its capabilities. However it should not come at the expense of its ethical principles. The UAE media continues to receive recognition for its objectivity, Sheikh Mohammed said, noting that any media’s power is measured by the positive impact it has on people’s lives.”

“Media organisations today are leveraging technology to expand their audience and their reach, but they should also invest in developing their talent to better tap the power of new advancements,” His Highness said.

Sheikh Mohammed praised the UAE media for its coverage and contributions amidst the challenging global circumstances over the last two years. The UAE media has demonstrated exemplary professionalism in highlighting the country’s efforts to combat COVID-19 and sharing positive stories on the UAE’s recovery from the global pandemic.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was briefed on the Council’s overall strategy to accelerate the development of the media sector and ensure it stays ahead of a rapidly evolving environment.

His Highness was also briefed on the Council’s plans focused on developing the media industry in Dubai.

Source: Emirates News Agency