Day: June 7, 2022

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HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer discusses strengthening cooperation with Consul General of Denmark

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), welcomed a high-level Danish delegation headed by HE Jens Martin Alsbirk, Consul General and Head of Mission of the Kingdom of Denmark. The delegation included Nicolas Jøns Larsen, CEO of FrontDesk ApS.

The meeting was attended by Eng. Waleed Bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, and Eng. Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future at DEWA.

Al Tayer welcomed the Danish delegation and emphasised DEWA’s eagerness to consolidate the levels of cooperation, friendship, and joint action with all diplomatic and consular missions in the UAE.

Al Tayer discussed DEWA’s ambitious initiatives and pioneering development projects it is implementing to achieve the vision of the wise leadership. DEWA is expanding its clean energy projects. It is also increasing the use of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and digitisation. DEWA is committed to enriching customer experience with smart services that saves time and effort using the latest disruptive technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. DEWA has transformed all of its customer happiness centres into self-service centres; becoming the first government organisation to allow its customers to conduct all their transactions themselves using smart devices at these centres. Customers can also communicate with DEWA staff through video.

Al Tayer stressed the importance of cooperation between DEWA and Danish companies, the exchange of best practices in the energy, water, and sustainability sectors; and the sharing of experiences from both sides. During the meeting, Al Tayer showcased DEWA’s programmes and projects that aim to achieve the vision of the wise leadership and strengthen the position of the UAE and Dubai worldwide.

The Danish Consul General praised DEWA’s efforts and its role in promoting sustainable development in Dubai. He thanked Al Tayer for providing both sides an opportunity to discuss joint cooperation while enhancing bilateral relations.

Source: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority

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South Africans React to Arrest of Zuma Allies Accused of Stealing Billions

JOHANNESBURG — South Africans were relieved Tuesday to learn that two businessmen who’ve been fugitives since being accused of looting billions of dollars from the state have been arrested in Dubai. But their extradition and prosecution could be a complex and drawn-out legal battle.

Atul and Rajesh Gupta are two of the most notorious household names in South Africa.

The Indian-born siblings were close friends of former president Jacob Zuma and are believed to have used that connection to influence cabinet appointments and win lucrative government contracts — a scandal that’s become known here as “state capture.”

The siblings, along with third brother, Ajay, fled South Africa in 2018. Zuma is facing charges in a separate corruption case.

On Monday night, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the two brothers had been arrested in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai police released a statement saying they’d made the arrest “after receiving a red notice for the Gupta brothers by Interpol.”

Karam Singh, the executive director of South African non-profit organization Corruption Watch, welcomed the arrests of the fugitives, who’ve been indicted in South Africa.

“The arrest of the Gupta brothers in Dubai is a significant development in South Africa’s fight against corruption and seeking accountability for state capture,” he said.

The National Prosecuting Authority said in its statement that it is now engaging with authorities in the UAE on the matter but cautioned that “extradition is a complex process involving many role players.”

So what do ordinary South Africans think of the arrests?

Fifty-seven-year-old Thabo Mamiane, who has a shop with his wife in Johannesburg’s Parkview neighborhood, said he was thrilled.

“This is the beginning of justice, whatever Jacob Zuma and his cronies and all that, what they did in the past there, I mean this puts some kind of confidence in our government,” he said.

His wife Susan agreed.

“I also think it’s great. I think’s it’s time. It’s been long overdue,” she said.

But Mfanafuthi Tsela, walking down Tyrone avenue, was more circumspect.

“I’m not sure whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing because usually people get caught but still like they’re not convicted. So long as the state is capable of punishing them I will be happy. I think that is what people are expecting because they’ve done a lot of damage,” said Tsela.

Some, however, like grocery store worker Mark, were highly skeptical.

“Until we see them in handcuffs at the airport we won’t believe it,” he said.

For her part, Ntaoleng, a 25-year-old going to a local café, said justice wasn’t enough and wouldn’t fix the country’s ailing economy anyway.

“I think my concern really is that, ok cool, we find they come back, they get extradited and then we do the whole prosecution process, but then like, are we going to get the money back because if we don’t get the money back what’s the point?” she asked.

Mostly, South Africans want to have hope, and want to safeguard their democracy, but are fatigued by the slow-moving wheels of justice.

Source: Voice of America

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UAE arrests Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta in response to international request

DUBAI, The UAE Ministry of Justice can confirm the arrest of Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta by the Dubai Police, pursuant to an international Red Notice request issued by Interpol.

The suspects were arrested on 2nd June, 2022, in accordance with the two agreements in extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters between the UAE and the Republic of South Africa. Both agreements were signed on 25th September, 2019 and entered into force on 10th July, 2021.

The case involved close coordination between the UAE authorities to make the successful arrests, including the Dubai Police, Dubai Public Prosecution and the UAE Ministry of Justice, in line with the Red Notice issued against them by Interpol on charges of money laundering and corruption.

Together, the UAE authorities took the lead in developing strong evidence on the case before making the arrests in response to the requests issued by Interpol, which also involved close cooperation with their South African counterparts to share the relevant intelligence.

The extradition request between the authorities in the UAE and South Africa is under procedure and further information will be made available in due course.

Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, said, “The UAE does not rest in preventing international financial crime. The arrest of Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta, two individuals wanted by South Africa and pursuant to Interpol’s international Red Notice request, is the latest example of our commitment and sustained efforts to combat illicit finance.

“I am thankful to the UAE authorities who have led this case with expert skill and compiled the requisite evidence to make the arrests possible. The arrests send a clear statement of the UAE’s proactive efforts to work in close collaboration with its international partners and organisations. This is clearly reflected in the response to the Interpol request for Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta, as well as the UAE’s extradition and legal assistance agreements with South Africa, which came into force in July 2021.

“The UAE Ministry of Justice, alongside all competent UAE authorities, is determined to prevent financial crime in all its forms to protect the UAE and uphold the integrity of the global financial system as a top national and international priority.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Dubai Police Save Woman Marriage, Help Couple End Disputes

Al Barsha Police Station officers have amicably resolved a family dispute between a married couple and provided them with advice and guidance.

According to Sergeant Menwa Fahd, from the Victim Support Section at Al Barsha Police Station, the wife had resorted to the police station for advice and guidance, especially since she is an expatriate and has no family members residing in the country to seek help.

“The wife explained that her marriage was in trouble due to constant arguments and disagreements with her husband on a number of topics “, Sgt. Fahd said.

Sgt. Fahd confirmed that they pay great attention to all cases they receive at the Victim Support Section. “This is part of Dubai Police’s commitment to consolidating social harmony and ensuring the happiness of society,” she said.

Sgt. Fahd further noted that despite the incident happening almost two years, she frequently contacts the woman to check on her status. “I often call the lady to check on her and her marriage as I strongly believe in the importance of our role in ensuring all community members’ happiness, ” she continued.

Sgt. Fahd urged members of society not to hesitate to reach the Victim Support sections at the nearest police station. She stressed that all reports are handled professionally and confidentially.

Source: Dubai Police

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DUBAI CHAMBER OF DIGITAL ECONOMY LAUNCHES ROADSHOW SERIES TO ATTRACT GLOBAL SCALEUPS TO DUBAI

Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has launched a new roadshow series to attract global scaleups to Dubai that can support the growth and development of the emirate’s digital economy.

The first roadshow, organised in collaboration with GITEX, took place in Ethiopia and Kenya where a delegation from the Chamber met with 20 promising African scaleups specialising in advanced technologies and digital business solutions, in the fields of fintech, health-tech, mobility and agricultural technology and e-commerce.

During the roadshows, Faisal Al Shehhi, Manager of Digital Economy Acceleration at the Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy, took part in meetings in Addis Ababa and Nairobi that were joined by 60 participants and provided an opportunity for African entrepreneurs and businesspeople to learn more about the competitive advantages and growth opportunities offered to digital scaleups in Dubai, and the type of support that Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy can offer for the ones keen to enter the Dubai market.

For their part, the scaleups expressed their interest in Dubai as a hub to expand their global reach and test out cutting-edge business solutions. At the same time, the discussions offered an opportunity for them to pose their questions to the experts and seek guidance.

Khalid Al-Jarwan Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy, said that the roadshow is one of the new initiatives that have been adopted by the Chamber to support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to elevate Dubai’s position as a global digital economy hub and make the emirate a preferred market for promising digital companies.

Aljarwan pointed out that attracting digital foreign investments is among the highest objectives of the roadshow, especially since the strategy of the Dubai Chamber for the Digital Economy focuses on attracting about 300 digital startup companies within two years. He noted that the first roadshow achieved their objectives of boosting interest in Dubai among African scaleup and said the series would continue with several events in India and Europe where the Chamber will connect with promising scaleups in those markets.

In March 2021, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the new structure for Dubai Chambers and the formation of three chambers for the emirate, namely Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai International Chamber, and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy – each of which have their own individual brands, strategies and specialised approach.

At the beginning of this year, the Board of Directors of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy approved its 2022-2024 strategy, which focuses on attracting global digital companies and specialised talent to Dubai, strengthening the emirate’s position as a leader in digital economy creating a stimulating environment that supports the growth of digital companies.

Source: Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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Dubai’s Yiwu Market eyes trade revolution as grand opening nears

DUBAI, Scheduled to open soon in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Yiwu Market will be the first smart free-zone market in the Middle East to cater to the retail and wholesale industries.

The market is a result of a partnership between DP World and the China Commodity City Group which built and manages the world’s largest wholesale market in China for small commodities, spanning over 6 million square metres, and attracting nearly 210,000 daily visitors.

Dubai’s Yiwu Market spans over 200,000 square metres, split between 324 customs-bonded warehouses and 1,600 mainland showrooms. Currently, 99 percent of the showrooms are already occupied.

The AED600 million investment is just the first phase of the Dubai Traders Market (DTM). It will enable businesses to access wholesale discounts with reduced supply chain costs and turnaround times by leveraging Dubai’s strategic location, and DP World’s advanced logistics solutions.

Ahmad Al Haddad, Chief Operating Officer, Parks and Zones, DP World UAE, said, “As one of the leading global trade and logistics hubs, Jafza has helped traders maximise opportunities by giving them access to 60 percent of the world’s GDP through air, sea, and road transport. It has also enabled efficiency in terms of procurement, fulfilment, and final sale. With DTM’s Yiwu Market, we hope to build on these strengths. On completion, the Market will catalyse trade and the seamless movement of goods, and lower supply chain costs. Additionally, since China is one of our key trade partners, the Market will reinforce economic and trade cooperation between the UAE and China.”

Qiuming Zhang, General Manager, Yiwu Market, said, “Here at Yiwu Market, it’s been an incredibly busy and exciting journey for us. We have recently been awarded the Building Completion Certificate from Trakhees and are now on the brink of the grand opening. We believe that businesses operating in Dubai’s trade sector will benefit greatly from the advanced end-to-end solutions of Yiwu Market. The market’s showrooms and warehouses make it an ideal solution for all trading needs. Companies can now benefit from storage and logistics facilities, as well as enhanced reach to their buying audience, thus connecting them to key markets around the world.”

The market offers a dual free zone and onshore environment to its customers. It allows the movement of goods directly from the airfield or quayside into storage areas, thus avoiding any additional customs charges. Yiwu Market will also establish a dedicated international logistics line between the Dubai Yiwu Market and the China Yiwu Market to allow competitive costs and seamless distribution across the region.

Through its collaboration with DP World’s Dubai Trade, Yiwu Market aims to digitise the trading process for its customers. The services include secure payment portals for e-transactions, maintenance of online inventories, custom declarations, as well as hassle-free cargo gate clearances.

The market offers a dual free zone and onshore environment to its customers. It allows the movement of goods directly from the airfield or quayside into storage areas, thus avoiding any additional customs charges. Yiwu Market will also establish a dedicated international logistics line between the Dubai Yiwu Market and the China Yiwu Market to allow competitive costs and seamless distribution across the region.

Through its collaboration with DP World’s Dubai Trade, Yiwu Market aims to digitise the trading process for its customers. The services include secure payment portals for e-transactions, maintenance of online inventories, custom declarations, as well as hassle-free cargo gate clearances.

Yiwu Market will serve as a trade bridge between the UAE and markets across the globe. By accommodating the facilities of international brands, the market will act as a regional buffer for their products in case of disruptions to the supply chain and ensuring demand for these products can continue to be satisfied.

The benefits offered by Yiwu Market also include 100 percent foreign ownership, 100 percent foreign repatriation of capital and profits, and no tariffs for re-export. Its proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport allows easy access to air and sea transportation.

Moreover, the Yiwu Market has emphasised its commitment to sustainability, installing over 11,835 square metres of solar panels on eight out of ten blocks of its warehouses. This will satisfy over 20 percent of the market’s power needs.

Source: Emirates News Agency