Day: November 29, 2021

DUBAI, Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the organisers of the Taqdeer Award announced the opening of nominations for the fifth edition of the Award for the year 2022.

All stages of registration and evaluation in the 2022 edition will be conducted virtually following the implementation of a new smart system.

At a press conference organised at the Expo 2020 Dubai Media Centre, Major-General Obaid Muhair bin Suroor, Deputy Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) and Chairman of the Taqdeer Award, announced the start of the preliminary electronic registration process for the 2022 edition of the award. Representatives of companies and distinguished workers who were recognised for excellence in previous editions were present at the event.

Guided and supported by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Patron of the Award, the Award is driven by the goal of embedding world-class labour welfare standards in the culture of companies in Dubai, he said.

The Award will start receiving applications from companies that employ at least 50 workers. Calling on eligible companies to register for the fifth edition, Bin Suroor said their participation will help Dubai raise the profile of its labour welfare standards internationally and support the leadership’s aim to make Dubai the world’s best city to live and work in. Furthermore, a performance evaluation report provided by Award evaluators will enable companies to understand their strengths and improve labour welfare practices. The Award, he noted, represents an opportunity for companies and factories to build a solid foundation for future success by implementing best practices and enhancing the commitment of employees.

Lt. Colonel Khaled Ismail, Secretary-General of the Taqdeer Award, said applications will continue to be received until April 2022 when evaluators will start the screening process. The Award will recognise distinguished workers, engineers and supervisors in addition to companies and factories that demonstrate outstanding labour welfare practices. “The registration process for the fifth edition will be further streamlined with the introduction of a new smart system designed to efficiently complete evaluation processes virtually,” he said.

Ahmed Al-Khatib, CEO of Real Estate Development and Delivery at Expo 2020 Dubai, underlined the role of the Taqdeer Award in enhancing Dubai’s reputation and achieving its vision of becoming the world’s best city to live and work in. “Expo 2020 Dubai expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the workers by creating a memorial that pays tribute to their contributions to building the infrastructure for the global event. We are proud of our support to the Taqdeer Award, and we wish the organisers success in achieving its lofty goals. We encourage all eligible companies to take the initiative to compete for the Award,” he said.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has ordered the release of 672 prisoners from punitive and correctional establishments in Dubai, ahead of the UAE’s 50th National Day.

On this occasion, the Attorney-General of Dubai, Essam Issa Al Humaidan, said that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s order to pardon the prisoners reflects his keenness to give the convicted inmates a chance to start a new life and alleviate their families’ hardship, as well as provide them the opportunity to reintegrate into society. He said the gesture also reflects one of the UAE’s key national values of tolerance.

Dubai Public Prosecution will immediately commence the legal procedures required to implement Sheikh Mohammed’s order.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired the UAE’s delegation participating in the 3rd Government Forum hosted by Saudi Arabia, which discussed the challenges in combatting human trafficking in the Middle East.

In his speech at the event, Gargash highlighted the importance of similar regional and international forums that focus on the keenness of countries working together to eliminate this crime.

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the forum, as well as Bahrain for performing the duties of its standing secretariat-general. He affirmed the UAE’s commitment to assist in the efforts to ease the suffering of victims of human trafficking, ensure their rights, and end this crime, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

“The UAE’s hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai is a key opportunity to implement the programmes that will support the global efforts aimed at protecting human rights, most notably combatting human trafficking,” he added.

He lauded the country’s programmes implemented in cooperation with United Nations (UN) agencies, such as the regional workshop on combatting human trafficking through international airports, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Gargash then pointed out countries in the region, including the UAE, have accepted domestic and international obligations to help combat human trafficking and protect potential victims.

“The UAE has been keen to enhance its cooperation with many countries to combat this crime and protect victims. Under this framework, the country signed eight bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoU). Moreover, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation signed over 15 MoUs and protocols with countries that export workers, to organise the employment process according to policies aimed at protecting them from fraud,” he said.

The UAE, represented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, released its annual report that highlights all national efforts to combat human trafficking, he added. He stresses that the country organised several training courses in 2020 benefitting over 2,560 specialists in judiciary, police and border control departments, in addition to raising the awareness of nearly 1.6 million people representing various segments of the community.

The world is going through unprecedented conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the UAE has taken all possible procedures to protect the community from its spread, including human trafficking victims, Gargash stressed. He noted that the UAE launched initiatives that include providing monthly financial aid in shelter centres, and performing COVID-19 tests and offering vaccines.

The UAE hosted the second edition of the Government Forum in October 2020. Saudi Arabia is now hosting the third edition on 29th and 30th November, 2021, via video conferencing, with the participation of Jordan and Egypt. It is attended by the Ambassador-at-Large of the United States to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Investment Authority (EIA), the authority announced the launch of a new strategy aimed at achieving the UAE’s development goals, in line with the “Principles of the 50”.

In his speech on this occasion, Sheikh Mansour said the launch of the new strategy is part of the authority’s efforts to realise the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Founding Fathers and continue their approach, in light of the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 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, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.

He also noted that, as it celebrates its Golden Jubilee, the UAE is committed to the foundations established by the Founding Fathers, and will continue its process of development and support its efforts to shape a prosperous future.

The EIA plays a key role in strengthening the country’s prominent economic stature and pioneering process of development. Since its launch in 2007, the authority has created a federal investment establishment that handles assets allocated by the federal government.

Through its new strategy, the EIA aims to increase future levels of investment, thus contributing to driving the country’s development.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Cabinet ministers have lauded the launch of the UAE’s National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries today by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.

The strategy is aimed at promoting the growth of the cultural and creative industries sector and placing it among the top ten economic sectors in the country with the aim of contributing 5% of the national GDP.

The strategy, a first-of-its-kind in the region, aims to strengthen the country’s position on the global cultural and creativity map and enhance global competitiveness indicators in this field. It highlights the UAE’s pivotal role in empowering and inspiring creative thinking, and as a destination of choice for cultural practitioners and creative entrepreneurs from around the world.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth stressed the importance of the cultural and creative industries as a major driver of sustainable development. It is in line with the UAE’s strategy to diversify the economy and increase the economic contribution of the cultural and creative industries to at least 5% of the GDP in the next ten years. Also on the agenda is a plan to double the number of enterprises operating in the sector as well as creating new jobs and raising the average income of workers, considering the 22 free zones around the different emirates that cater to and attract freelancers and creative start-ups to set up, live, and work in the UAE.

To achieve these objectives, the strategy focuses on 40 initiatives covering three main segments including talents and creatives; professionals and business environment; and enabling the business environment. These include 16 initiatives aimed at talents and creatives; 10 initiatives for professionals and the business environment; and 14 initiatives for enabling the business environment.

She explained that the strategy of the Ministry of Culture and Youth is based on the partnerships between the public and private sectors to implement comprehensive programs to develop the cultural and creative industries sector. The launch of this strategy reflects the interest of the government of the UAE and its leadership in this vital sector. Their efforts for the success of these industries will ensure that the creative sector supports our vision for the future and acts as a pillar of our country’s economy.”

Noura Al Kaabi has been leading the efforts to realize the vision of 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 the Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to develop the infrastructure needed to enable and promote the cultural and creative industries, which will help achieve the UAE’s ambition of becoming a global center of creativity.

She said: “Given the critical importance of the cultural and creative industries on the global economy, the United Nations declared 2021 as the ’International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development’ which underlines the strong link between these industries to achieve global sustainable development despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Her Excellency explained that the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries is working to unite efforts at the federal and local levels to achieve the strategic objectives of institutions operating in this sector, in partnership with the government and private sectors, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced technology said: “Under the direction of the UAE’s leadership and in line with the strategic targets of the Principles of the 50, the UAE focuses on enabling its economy to be one of the strongest and among the most active economies in the world. The launch of the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries will support the cultural and creative sector and lead to more growth opportunities that enhance the UAE’s competitiveness globally.”

“The partnership between the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Ministry of Culture and Youth comes as part of the efforts to drive growth in the economic sectors for the next fifty years, and we are committed to supporting the cultural and creative industries as part of the government’s strategy. We offer our support through the standards and technical regulations sector within the ministry, to ensure sustainability of cultural and creative industries through policies, regulations and legislation, as well as a combination of culture, creativity and advanced technology, to facilitate the availability of these products in global markets. We will also review and strengthen policies and legislation and support technological progress in the field of cultural and creative industries, while also supporting research and development in these industries.”

“We are confident that working together is part of the commitment as we move forward towards the UAE Centennial 2071. As we progress on the road towards the next fifty years, we are supported by efforts on a national level for the UAE’s bright future, especially through the national industrial strategy and advanced technology, which focuses among its objectives on: transforming the UAE into a regional and global center for future industries and enhance its value in the national economy.”

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation lauded the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries launched by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, for its potential role in enhancing the quality of the workforce in the UAE by greatly improving the competencies and talents. This, in turn, would contribute to improving market competitiveness, which would positively reflect on the country’s global competitiveness.

His Excellency stressed the Ministry’s keenness to support this strategy, and to actively participate in its implementation on a national level to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for the nation, is in line with the Ministry’s mandate within the government’s framework.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, affirmed that the activities of the creative economy are a way to proactively advance comprehensive and sustainable economic and social development in the UAE and prepare for the future. It contributes to achieving the vision of the wise leadership in line with the objectives of the ‘UAE’s principles of the fifty’.

bin Touq Al Marri added: “The UAE is leading the Arab world and is second globally in the field of creative goods and services. It ranks sixth in the world in the creative goods exports index, according to the results of the Global Innovation Index 2021. The launch of the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries represents a huge leap in the development of the creative economy. It plays a key role in enhancing the country’s position as a leading destination in this promising, diversified and rich sector full of opportunities,” noting that the outcomes of this pioneering strategy will lead to the development of industries related to culture, heritage, creativity, arts and entertainment, including digital and new media, and support the new economic sector in the country.

The strategy will enhance the UAE’s position as a global destination for the knowledge economy based on creativity, innovation, talent and technology.

He reiterated the keenness of the Ministry of Economy to contribute effectively to achieving the objectives of the strategy by developing a legislative system for cultural and creative industries to make the UAE an attractive destination for talent and investments. It will also facilitate more businesses in the cultural and creative sector and develop the intellectual property rights system to provide protection for creative industries in all its forms, including individual creators and entrepreneurs. It will also encourage and support the exports of cultural and creative products and services, opening new global markets, and improving the work environment for small and medium-sized companies operating in this area through policies and measures that support economic growth.

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, said: “The Ministry of Community Development is keen to support the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries prepared by the Ministry of Culture and Youth. We will be launching several initiatives and programs to promote sustainable development in this vital sector, most notably, we will be monitoring closely the work of non-governmental organizations and institutions operating in the cultural sector, and improving the mechanism for classifying and publicizing associations (technical service).

We will enable the formation of associations and non-governmental organizations in the cultural and creative sphere and help them play a more central role in the economic development of the nation. We will work to establish more such institutions for greater impact by developing the legislative system to support this sector.”

She added: “Implementing the strategy’s objectives reflects our keenness to achieve the vision of our wise leadership, and our national agenda to support the cultural and creative community in the UAE and enhance its role in the nation’s economic growth. This will also open new horizons and help us build a stronger creative community as we move ahead towards the UAE’s Centennial 2071.”

Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of education said: “The Ministry of Education is working on several plans to achieve the objectives of the National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries. These include designing cultural and creative education programs for early childhood, to identify creators from an early age, discover their talents, and nurture them as future creators.

It also includes developing educational policies to ensure we provide world-class education that supports the cultural and creative industries. We will also focus on the qualifying cadres and educational methods and enhance the facilities and tools necessary to produce future creators.

The ministry is also working on initiatives to stimulate creativity in the educational system and enhance creative skills development programs by reviewing curricula, to identify gaps and keep pace with recent developments in the field of cultural and creative industries.

“We will also organize programs that enhance future skills and global citizenship in cultural and creative industries. Development of grants for cultural studies and research is also part of these initiatives that will provide a balanced approach to develop the cultural and creative industries sector and align it with the needs of the labor market.” He concluded.

Hanan Ahli, Director of the Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics said: “The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center works to support the National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries, as well as other national strategies. Our leaders pay special attention to the various industrial and economic sectors in the UAE as they play an integral role in boosting our national economy. These sectors, based on a strong foundation and supported by innovation and advanced technology, are recognized globally.

She added that the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center entered a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Youth to launch the national program to develop the economic statistical framework for the cultural and creative industries, in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the national statistical centers. These entities jointly worked to prepare and implement an action plan for collecting, analyzing and assessing the statistical data that serves the objectives of the project within an integrated statistical framework at the federal and local levels. They are also preparing a comprehensive statistical methodology to measure the contribution of the cultural and creative industries sector in the national economy.

The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center will also measure the economic and social indicators of the cultural and creative industries to share it with decision-makers and relevant government agencies to measure the contribution of the cultural and creative industries sector to the country’s GDP.

Source: Emirates News Agency