Dubai records over AED9.2 bn in weeklong real estate transactions

DUBAI, A total of 2,882 real estate transactions worth over AED 9.2 billion were conducted during the week ending 16th December, 2022, according to figures released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

The DLD report revealed that 199 plots were sold for AED1.33 billion, while 2,011 apartments and villas were purchased for AED4.61 billion.

The top three transactions were a land in Palm Deira sold for AED 47.38 million, followed by a land that was sold for AED40 million in Me’Aisem First, and a land sold for AED47.38 million in Palm Deira.

Al Hebiah Fifth recorded the most transactions for this week with 92 sales transactions worth AED244.61 million, followed by Jabal Ali First with 21 transactions worth AED147.11 million, and Al Hebiah Fourth with 15 transactions worth AED290 million.

The top three transfers for apartments and villas were an AED80 million apartment, an AED61 million apartment, and an AED59 million apartment all located in Palm Jumeirah.

The value of mortgaged properties for the week landed at AED2 billion, with the highest being a land in Al Qusais Industrial First, mortgaged for AED693 million. Meanwhile,157 properties were granted between first-degree relatives worth AED1 billion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UK, Dubai International Financial Centre issue joint statement on deepening data partnership

DUBAI, On behalf of the UK Government and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the UK Minister of State for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, Julia Lopez MP, and Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, issued a joint statement on a shared commitment to deepening their data partnership and the promotion of the trustworthy use and exchange of data between the UK and DIFC.

DIFC is the first financial centre in the MEASA region to engage with the UK Government on an adequacy assessment. DIFC welcomes the recent and noteworthy progress made by our respective officials to facilitate the free and secure flow of personal data between the UK and DIFC and will prioritise the successful conclusion of the assessment of DIFC in these discussions.

International data transfers underpin modern-day business transactions and financial services. They help streamline supply chain management and allow for financial inclusion, so that businesses anywhere, particularly those in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region with ties to the UK, can scale and trade globally. There are as many as 5,000 British companies operating in the UAE, many of which depend on safe data transfers.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: “DIFC is a destination for culture and commerce, but its key distinguishing factor is its legal and regulatory framework. The sound infrastructure built by our legislation is adaptable yet resilient enough to cater to essential, innovative legal principles and best practices that support key business activities in DIFC. The DIFC Data Protection Law 2020 is a prime example of that, and the joint statement issued today with the UK government confirms it.”

Jacques Visser, Chief Legal Officer and Commissioner of Data Protection at DIFC, added: “I am pleased to share that our team has been working in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) team to build a reliable, scalable yet robust “data bridge” between our jurisdictions. The joint statement issued today is a signal that the UK is taking its place as a leader in innovative data protection policy, and the evaluation of the DIFC Data Protection Law is a key part of the overall policy framework on international transfers. We look forward to completing the assessment in the near future.”

Julia Lopez, UK Minister of State for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, said: “Trusted data transfers can unlock huge potential for trade, investment and innovation around the world. The UAE has always been an important destination for UK businesses, and I look forward to strengthening our partnership through the free and secure flow of data in the future.”

The UK and DIFC share a deep commitment to high data protection standards fit for the digital age, which are underpinned by the trustworthy use of data. We are both working to ensure that our data protection laws facilitate responsible innovation, reduce burdens on businesses and deliver better, lower risk outcomes.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Role of Pakistani media in UAE is commendable: Ambassador Tirmizi

DUBAI, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi has said that role of Pakistani media in the UAE is commendable for always supporting the right cause and sharing our message with the world.

During an interaction with the Pakistani Media Community based in the UAE on Thursday evening, the Ambassador said, “We look forward to further enhancing this cooperation, especially the promotion of our cultural heritage and beautiful sites of Pakistan.” He urged the media to showcase Pakistan’s rich history, landscape, and vibrant culture through all mediums.

UAE is home to over 1.6 million Pakistanis. Pakistani community has contributed positively in the UAE through their hardwork and in Pakistan through their remittances, he said. “Please encourage and support these hardworking community members by highlighting their efforts.”

Numerous media members attended the event. Ambassador Tirmizi joined as Pakistan’s envoy to the UAE on 30th October, 2022.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE leaders congratulate President of Kazakhstan on Independence Day

ABU DHABI, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, dispatched a similar message to President Tokayev, and to Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, on the occasion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

28th edition of DSF opens with lighting ceremony at The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah

DUBAI, The 28th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DFS) opened with a dazzling lighting ceremony as part of Dubai Lights at The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah, followed by the night sky coming alive with a luminous firework display, awe-inspiring fountain show and immersive roaming parades on 14th December.

This season of the festival, which is on until 29th January, 2023, was inaugurated by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and Nakheel, including Ahmed Al Khaja, the CEO of Dubai Festival and Retail Establishment and Omar Khoory, Chief Assets Officer at Nakheel.

The festivities will continue at The Pointe with something for everyone this season. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the hypnotic “Sea-Wonder” carnival parade that will make its way around Palm Jumeirah to excite and entertain with larger-than-life underwater characters walking around the illuminated promenades.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai Cyber Innovation Park launches first NFT drop

DUBAI, Dubai Cyber Innovation Park (DCIP), the Research and Knowledge Arm of Digital Dubai, represented by the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, launched the “CyberMaster Trophy” as the first of its kind NFT drop of DCIP, as part of its efforts in cyber innovations and raising awareness in cybersecurity.

The raffle draw date will be on announced on 23rd December, 2022, with only one winner.

The holder of this NFT 1/1 trophy will receive special access to DCIP’s courses, events, programmes and more.

As part of its efforts in fostering innovation, DCIP aims to support digital economic growth and contribute to the development of technologies that support Dubai’s vision of achieving economic prosperity alongside its smart transformation.

The NFT Trophy will act as a symbol of cyber innovation and as a symbol of empowerment that represents the cyber workforce competing against the rapidly evolving cyberthreats. The design is a unique abstract that signifies growth, expert mastery and defence.

The CyberMaster Trophy is an expressive representation that abstractly captures the complexity of evolving cyber threats that exist in the cyberspace. The elements that make up the abstract trophy are radically twisted in a circular form that is in constant flux. The concept evokes capturing the notion of the rapidly evolving cyberspace.

Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, Strategic Advisor at Digital Dubai, said, “As Dubai is transitioning into the future of the internet, the idea of offering digital assets that can be used to transact and receive physical value of services and experiences will soon become the norm”

Source: Emirates News Agency