UAE leaders condole Chinese President on death of former President

ABU DHABI, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a cable of condolences to Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, over the death of Former President Jiang Zemin.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has dispatched similar cable of condolences to President Jinping.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE President grants Thai Ambassador Medal of Independence of First Order

ABU DHABI, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the Medal of Independence of the First Order on Waravuth Pouapinya, Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE, in recognition of his contributions in enhancing UAE-Thai relations in various fields.

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, received His Excellency Pouapinya at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and presented him with the medal. Al Sayegh also lauded the Thai Ambassador’s role in bolstering relations between the UAE and Thailand during his tenure.

For his part, Pouapinya affirmed his pride at receiving the medal, which reflects the depth of bilateral relations and cooperation between the UAE and Thailand. He also underscored his country’s aspiration to strengthen cooperation with the UAE to benefit the UAE and Thai peoples. Moreover, Pouapinya expressed his appreciation to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commending his leadership and that of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

He concluded by thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and all UAE government agencies for their cooperation, which contributed to the success of his efforts to enhance relations between the two countries.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Details of 51st National Day Show revealed

ABU DHABI, The Organising committee of the 51st National Day Celebrations just released its first briefing, revealing some aspects of the upcoming 51st National Ceremony on December 2, and the subsequent celebrations that will be open to everyone who calls the UAE home from the 3rd of December until the 11th at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Rawdha Al Qubaisi, Creative Executive Producer, starts the briefing by introducing the main concept of the upcoming National Day show, inspired by UAE’s rich culture and its present-day ambitions. She notes that the show will offer a glimpse into a bright future that brings together everyone who calls the UAE home, noting that this year’s ceremony would be the most significant post the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, Al Qubaisi reveals in the briefing that the ceremony will see the participation of one thousand students from different nationalities in a special children’s parade.

The research carried out for the show looks into the narratives of generational pioneers – their stories inspiring the concept of the show, explains Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Co-Founder of Bani & Al Culture. Additionally, the show is informed by examples of how the country has contributed to the environment as well as draws inspiration from how traditional costumes are a significant part of Emirati heritage. Al Mansoori, along with her partners Saeed Al Suwaidi and Randa Omar Bin Haider, has worked closely with the content development and creative teams to ensure that all visual material is aligned with the UAE’s culture and values, and draws inspiration from the country’s natural environment. The researchers also include Arwa Abdulla Al Nuaimi and Noora Abd Al Aziz Khamis.

Speaking about the show’s creative direction, Artistic Director Ayesha Hadhir Al Mheiri reveals that the show will take the audience on a generational journey of pioneers who have made significant contributions to seven main fields: marine sciences, environment, agriculture, space, transportation, solar energy and education. These narratives aim to inspire the next generation, and hope to instil a strong sense of national identity.

This year’s brand, developed by Tinkah, is inspired by Al Sadu, the traditional form of weaving. Hadhir explains that the visual identity features several variations, including elements inspired by the ceremony and those representing the key themes of this year’s show.

Preparations for the celebrations in Abu Dhabi started in June 2022, says Butti Al Muhairi, Head of Operations. More than 6,900 individuals from over 100 nationalities, including top engineers, creatives and technicians from around the world, are working together on the much-anticipated 51st National Day ceremony.

Signifying poetry’s prominent role in UAE’s culture, this year’s show features 11 new poems paying ode to the UAE’s accomplishments and inspiring stories. The show features works by Juma’a Bin Mane’e AlGuwais, Ali Al Khawar, Saif Al Saadi, and Salim Bin Kadeh Al Rashidi. Abdulla Al Qubaisi from the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee notes that the ceremony will also include a poem from the anthology of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

This year, the musical direction of the show presents a fusion of traditional Emirati songs with international music. Music Director and Composer Mohammed Al Ahmed said that the celebrations will see The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Emirati composers present a live musical show. Furthermore, Al Ahmed details that the show will also include a military performance mixed with the traditional art of Taghrooda, in addition to Al-Ayyala – an important traditional performance art and an essential element of Emirati culture.

It is worth noting that the music team also includes Music Director Pierre Mussche from Musicom, and Adam Miller, who directs the show’s music output. In addition, Engineer Ali Al Amir and Maestro Nicholas Dot will lead the orchestra. The Maestro Haitham Sa’adoon leads the Arabic recording of the chordophones and solo instruments. The Emirates Choir plays a significant role as they will sing all the scenes and orate the poems in this year’s 51st National Day official ceremony.

Speaking about the role of communications, Mariam Al Meraikhi highlighted the importance of local media outlets, government entities and private companies in making the celebrations befitting for the nation’s milestone.

More than 50 locations across the seven emirates will broadcast the much anticipated 51st National Day official ceremony on December 2nd.

People around the UAE can watch the live stream of the ceremony starting from 6pm on National day from different locations across the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, citizens and residents can watch at Majalis Abu Dhabi, located in Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, in addition to Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Zayed Festival, The Founder’s Memorial, and Liwa Festival. In Dubai, people can join the celebrations in Al Wasl Plaza at Expo City and Hatta Dam. As for Sharjah, the ceremony will be streamed at the Sharjah National Park, Al Dhaid Fort and Khorfakkan, while Ajman residents can enjoy watching the show in Flag Park and Marina Ajman.

In addition, different cinemas across the UAE, including Novo Cinemas, VOX Cinemas, Roxy Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, Star Cinemas, and Oscar Cinema, will broadcast the live show on December 2nd at 6pm.

This year’s show will feature moving vignettes across generations through breathtaking performances, unique technologies, and exceptional storytelling inspired by the UAE’s rich culture and present-day ambitions. Audiences across the UAE will be able to also watch the official celebration live starting at 5:30 pm on the official website of the UAE National Day and all local TV channels. The spectacular show is open to the public at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), starting from the 3rd of December until the 11th. Tickets are available on www.UAENationalDay.ae

Source: Emirates News Agency

Rashid Rover launch postponed to tomorrow

DUBAI, The launch of the Emirates Lunar Mission (ELM) has been postponed, according to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

Previously scheduled for today, the mission is now to take place on Thursday, December 1, at 12.37pm GST with the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Florida, carrying the UAE’s Rashid rover.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai Chamber of Commerce organises webinar on opportunities, challenges of UAE’s e-commerce sector

DUBAI, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, in cooperation with Amazon.ae and Taylor Wessing LLP (Dubai Branch), recently organised a webinar on the legal and practical aspects of e-commerce.

The webinar, titled “Legal and Practical Aspects of E-Commerce”, was attended by 144 participants.

The agenda focused on recent developments and trends that are shaping e-commerce from both legal and commercial perspectives as well as insight into the laws and legal considerations that need to be front of mind for any business operating in the sector.

Jehad Kazim, Vice President – Legal Services at Dubai Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are committed to ensuring our members have access to the expertise they need to maximise the opportunities of an ever-changing business landscape and protecting their interests. E-commerce is transforming the world at an incredible rate and the chamber organised this event to provide businesses with the insight they need to understand the possibilities, complexities and challenges of this exciting sector.”

Speakers at the webinar were Abdullah Mutawi, Partner, and Julia Ofer, Senior Counsel at Taylor Wessing LLP (Dubai Branch), as well as Farah Abu Saleh, Head of Seller Services, who leads the Consumer Goods division at Amazon.ae.

Abdullah Mutawi said, “As one of the fastest growing e-commerce sectors in the world, the UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs and established operators to the e-commerce environment along with traditional retailers and brands developing e-commerce as part of their digital transformation strategies. Dubai Chamber of Commerce provides very valuable support to the business community in the UAE, assisting entrepreneurs and established businesses with keeping up with the legal and practical developments that are crucial to successfully run their businesses and get ready for future challenges.”

For her part, Farah Abu Saleh commented, “At Amazon, we are committed to empowering businesses across the UAE – their success is our success, and we have a range of programs and tools available to them. Events of this nature, alongside key stakeholders such as the Dubai Chamber, and the Taylor Wessing team, are truly integral as we support sellers and small to medium-sized businesses on their journey.”

Dubai Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing the practical insight businesses need to thrive and grow in new commercial landscapes – such as e-commerce – as well as protecting their interests in a sector that is constantly evolving.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai records over AED4.8 bn in weeklong real estate transactions

DUBAI, A total of 1,600 real estate transactions worth over AED4.8 billion were conducted during the week ending 30th November, 2022, according to figures released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

The DLD report revealed that Dubai saw the sale of 176 plots for AED998.19 million, as well as 1,052 apartments and villas for AED 2.32 billion.

Jabal Ali First recorded the most transactions for this week with 81 sales worth AED285.43 million, followed by Al Hebiah Fifth with 50 sales transactions worth AED141.87 million, and Al Yufrah 2 with 6 sales worth AED8 million.

The top three transfers for apartments and villas were an apartment was sold for AED38 million in Jumeirah Second, and another for AED 37 million in Palm Jumeirah, with a third being sold for AED35 million in Al Barsha First.

The sum of mortgaged properties for the week stood at AED1.37 billion. Meanwhile, 38 properties were granted between first-degree relatives worth AED 113 million.

Source: Emirates News Agency