Day: June 26, 2022

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Dubai’s Yiwu Market opens on Tuesday

DUBAI, Dubai’s new Yiwu Market is all set to open its doors on 28th June. As the first smart free zone market in the Middle East, it will cater to the retail and wholesale industries.

Yiwu Market is the first phase of the Dubai Traders Market in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) that aims to revolutionise the trading experience for traders and consumers through its unique offerings.

Spanning over an area of 200,000 square metres, the market houses 1,600 mainland showrooms, out of which 99 percent of them are already occupied. These showrooms are spread across two floors and are categorically divided into different sections, namely, electronics and appliances, furniture and lighting, beauty and accessories, tools and hardware (including auto spare parts), kitchen & bath, bedding, curtains, and clothing.

The market comprises 324 warehouses spread across two floors. The warehouses are located right behind the showrooms, enabling the easy supply of products to the showrooms, thus eliminating the impact of low-stock-delays on outbound trade. Additionally, each warehouse has a dedicated loading dock, providing complete logistical support for the seamless movement of goods.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World UAE and Jafza, said, “Our innovative initiatives, and advanced trade and logistics solutions have successfully cemented Jafza as an ideal destination for traders and businesses. Yiwu Market is one such solution we devised for our local traders and consumers. We saw the need for a marketplace where goods can be stored, sold, imported, and exported; all in one place, without additional charges and with the greatest possible ease. We are very optimistic about how it will enhance the trading experience for our traders and shoppers.”

One of the most prominent advantages Yiwu Market offers to its customers is its close proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport. This enables customers to easily transport goods to and from their warehouses through multiple channels in a cost and time-efficient manner.

Yiwu Market also offers significant value-added services to its tenants and shoppers. For the first 27 months after the opening of the market, tenants will not be required to pay a management fee. This is in addition to the relatively low license cost due to the market’s location within Jafza, and the reduced logistics costs for import and export due to its proximity to sea and air transport channels. This results in lower shelf prices for consumers, making Yiwu Market ideal for both, traders and buyers.

What truly helps Yiwu Market stand out is ‘Yiwu Connect’, a dedicated area that allows cross-border networking and information exchange between traders in Dubai and factories in China. In addition to directly connecting local traders with Chinese factories without the need of a middleman, ‘Yiwu Connect’ will also allow these traders to inspect the goods for quality assurance before importing them to the Dubai Yiwu Market. This service, at a time of unprecedented supply chain problems, will give customers a new level of quality assurance.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Dubai Culture’s digital library provides wealth of reading materials across various fields

DUBAI, The book-borrowing service expanded by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) through its digital library enabled around 1,500 users from March until May 2022 to access a wealth of reading materials available in the library’s database.

As part of its efforts to facilitate access to knowledge and allow students, researchers or readers to access knowledge sources from around the world, Dubai Culture expanded the book-borrowing service in its Dubai Public Library network in cooperation with Overdrive to make its knowledge materials available in several forms, including digital books, audiobooks and videos.

Dubai Public Library members benefited from rich content in Arabic and English, borrowing a total 462 materials, whose topics varied between literary, entertainment, professional and academic books, and continuing-education books. The Authority invites all readers to become DPL members and benefit from this knowledge infrastructure.

This comprehensive digital knowledge platform currently provides 3,788 books, distributed between digital books, audiobooks and videos, all of which are available to DPL members via Dubai Culture’s website, the DPL app, and the Libby app. Members can borrow up to five knowledge materials for seven days (digital and audio-books), and five days (videos).

Dubai Culture manages the Dubai Public Library network, which includes eight libraries for adults and seven for children, in addition to the digital library, multi-purpose halls and classrooms, providing community members with sources of knowledge in the light of efficient services and advanced technologies. All the library’s branches are linked to each other and to other modern libraries through the latest connectivity and networking technologies, allowing easy access to a wide range of books covering a wide range of topics, in both Arabic and English.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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DEWA urges customers to follow safety measures before travelling

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has urged its customers and society members to follow safety measures in their homes before going on holiday or leaving their homes for long periods. These include switching off lights, unplugging electrical appliances and electronics, using a timer for any floodlights in gardens and fences, shutting off the water supply, and using a specialised technician to check water connections to ensure there are no leaks. Such measures reduce waste, protect property, and save natural resources.

DEWA considers environmental protection and the sustainability of natural resources as one of its top priorities. It has an integrated set of awareness initiatives, programmes and activities throughout the year to encourage society members to adopt a conscious and sustainable lifestyle.

Source: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority

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Hamdan bin Mohammed chairs first meeting of ‘Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs’

DUBAI, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, chaired the first meeting of the ‘Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs’, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approved an increase in the financial support for limited-income citizens by 58 percent compared to 2021, to reach AED438 million. The amount will be distributed to the beneficiaries registered with the Community Development Authority (CDA), as well as new beneficiaries.

Sheikh Hamdan said that the priority of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is to provide the best quality of life for our citizens, the best environment to raise our families, and the best economic opportunities for our youth.

He added, “The Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs will submit within 60 days, a comprehensive vision for the social sector to His Highness the Ruler of Dubai. Our social sector is a priority during the coming period.”

Sheikh Hamdan called on all government entities to focus on this vital sector. He also called on all economic and commercial activities to participate in its development. “The social sector is the most important sector during the coming period. All government entities should focus on this vital sector. I call on all economic and commercial activities to participate in developing it,” he added.

Sheikh Hamdan further said, “My brother Sheikh Maktoum and I have a mission entrusted to us by Mohammed bin Rashid … Emiratis are our priority.”

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s statement came during the first meeting of the ‘Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs’ that reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to advance the development of Emiratis in Dubai, according to a comprehensive approach that includes ensuring long-term social, family and demographic stability and raising the quality of life for citizens in all aspects.

Sheikh Hamdan approved a 42 percent increase in financial benefits for low-income citizens this year, to reach a total of about AED394 million.

According to the additional needs of the families, the increase ranges from 20 to 67 percent, depending on the situation. The aim is to support more families with senior citizen providers, widows and divorced females.

As for families that have a young provider able to work in the age group of under 40 years, sums have been allocated for their inclusion in the Dubai Financial Empowerment Programme with the aim of supporting their financial independence.

The Committee, during its meeting, approved seven aspects of work, with the participation of 10 government entities, in addition to a comprehensive plan for the social sector within two months. Also, an integrated platform will be developed, which will be dedicated to all services provided to citizens in Dubai.

The Higher Committee will begin immediately to develop model neighborhoods for citizens in Dubai, starting with the areas of Al Mazhar 1, Al Khawaneej 2, Al Barsha 2 and Hatta, in addition to a comprehensive plan for the development of rural and remote areas.

The committee is also working on an integrated plan to raise living standards and quality in the countryside and residential neighborhoods, in addition to a set of initiatives and development policies that aim to meet the needs of retirees in Dubai by providing them economic opportunities.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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EHS, Johnson & Johnson sign MoU to strengthen healthcare sector

DUBAI, Emirates Health Services (EHS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Johnson & Johnson Middle East to strengthen collaboration towards developing more advanced health services, as well as innovative hi-tech solutions to support the sector and boost its regional and international competitiveness.

The MoU outlines various areas of cooperation for EHS to work on with Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. and Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC. It was signed by Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director-General of Emirates Health Services, and Loai Abu Elhawa, General Manager – MedTech Gulf at Johnson & Johnson, in the presence of Dr. Abdulaziz Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of the Financial Sector and Support Services at EHS; Dr. Kulthum Al Balushi, Chief Innovation Officer, Director of the Training and Development Centre at EHS; and Jimmy Farris, Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC.

Yousif Al Serkal said, “The Memorandum of Understanding we are signing today is consistent with our plans and strategic directions at Emirates Health Services, and supports our efforts to provide innovative and sustainable health services that boost efficiency across the entire health system and set the stage for more ambitious advancements in healthcare systems at the local and international levels. The areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include developing a structured educational curriculum that guarantees the transfer of knowledge and allows healthcare professionals to upgrade and refine their skills through training programmes and advanced digital learning tools, including simulations and virtual reality applications.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Al Zarooni explained that signing the agreement aligns with EHS’ aspirations to advance the health services sector and foster collaboration across all medical specialties, paving the way for new accomplishments that cement the UAE healthcare sector’s leadership.

On a similar note, Dr. Kulthum Al Balushi noted, “The outputs we look forward to from this agreement will help cement Emirates Health Services as a pioneering health authority and a leader in providing services that adhere to international best practices in the medical field, and upskilling medical, nursing, and technical staff in healthcare facilities to deliver these services. EHS is committed to signing more and more agreements that achieve common goals.”

For her part, Marzina Collis, Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson, said, applauded the new partnership with Emirates Health Services, describing EHS as one of the leading health institutions in the UAE. “The Memorandum of Understanding will allow us to exchange expertise and work closely with outstanding healthcare professionals and use advanced technologies to help develop their skills and attract more talent to this vital sector.”

The MoU specifies three main areas of collaboration, namely, Educational Programmes and Training Courses, Strategic Solutions Programmes, and Public Awareness Programmes. The collaboration with Johnson & Johnson will set a framework for a more comprehensive data-driven partnership that aims to support hospitals and healthcare professionals, achieve better outcomes, improve patient experience, and reduce the total cost of care.

The agreement calls for collaboration to implement public awareness programmes and campaigns covering various diseases, such as obesity, cancer, and atrial fibrillation. The two parties will work together to launch the ‘Silent Noise Campaign’ to raise awareness about and destigmatise mental health conditions – focusing particularly on schizophrenia and depression. This campaign is in line with EHS’ strategy to drive positive change and combat stereotypes associated with mental health.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Dubai Silicon Oasis to host its first E-Sports event in October

DUBAI, Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has announced that Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – the integrated free zone technology park in Dubai – will host its first E-Sports event in October 2022.

The E-Sports event is a collaboration between DIEZ and Seed, a consultancy firm that specialises in ecosystem building with extensive experience in E-Sports, blockchain, and payments.

DIEZ and Seed will also partner with SiGMA, a major E-Sports, AI and blockchain event organiser, to bring to Dubai an annual E-Sports exhibition in DSO. Together, they will also evaluate the viability of building an E-Sports Campus Arena, which will serve as an educational academy for all stakeholders, including parents, gamers, and corporate entities. It will also act as a training facility for local, regional, and international gamers, and for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a referee or commentator. In addition to hosting E-Sports tournaments, the Arena will offer the youth a place to develop their technical skills and share their knowledge and passion in a monitored social environment.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, said, “The gaming and E-Sports industry is witnessing remarkable growth globally. The global gaming industry was valued at US$198.4 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach US$339.95 billion by 2027. In the Middle East, the gaming industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13.88 percent between 2022 and 2027. This growth presents a golden opportunity for stakeholders in the fields of gaming and E-Sports, including developers, entrepreneurs, and investors.”

Al Zarooni added, “DIEZ, through DSO, is taking a proactive step in developing Dubai’s E-Sports ecosystem and transforming the emirate into a global hub for E-Sports by proposing a vision, strategy, and regulations for the industry to contribute to the local economy. This endeavour is part of Dubai Silicon Oasis’s focus on developing modern technology-based industries at a time when technology is taking centre stage across sectors. Today, yet again, we are witnessing the future-proof character of Dubai and its ambitions to lead the world in a nascent but growing industry.”

Nicholas Gouder, Founder of Seed Consultancy, said, “Seed aims to build new economic realities through the development of E-Sports ecosystems, and as DSO acknowledges the future of gaming and E-Sports and commits to developing a holistic infrastructure for the industry, we are delighted to offer our expertise and lend our support in their endeavour. We are confident in DSO’s status as a lively hub for tech-focused companies, startups, and investors, who are the pillars of this industry. Seed is committed to support with laying the foundation, and bridge the gap between entrepreneurs, startups, and VCs, to drive the industry’s growth in the UAE, the wider region and the rest of the world.”

The E-Sports event, scheduled to take place at DSO in October 2022, is expected to attract major international companies involved in E-Sports, including professional teams, game developers, virtual reality platforms, sponsors, media, regulators, experts and investors.

Source: Emirates News Agency