Day: December 30, 2022

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Dubai International Chamber launches ‘Invest in Dubai’ campaign

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has launched a new ‘Invest in Dubai’ campaign in Baku, Azerbaijan. The campaign, which will be extended to other international markets, is aimed at attracting foreign investment, talent and new businesses to the emirate.

In a luncheon organised together with the UAE Embassy in Baku, the chamber engaged with C-level executives from Azerbaijan’s key economic sectors to provide an update on the latest economic initiatives in Dubai and the UAE. In attendance was H.E. Mohammed Murad Al Blooshi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Azerbaijan and several representatives from Dubai International Chamber as well as Azerbaijan economic sectors, mainly CEOs and Board Members of financial institutions, insurance companies, asset managers and real estate companies.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Omar Khan, Executive Director, International Offices at Dubai International Chamber, said, “The ‘Invest in Dubai’ campaign is one of our key initiatives in attracting foreign investments and international companies to the emirate. It is a strategic step in reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading commercial and investment hubs. Dubai has a supportive, enabling and world-class business environment that promotes innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Campaigns and events such as this help showcase the emirate’s competitive advantages, promoting trade and investment opportunities to business communities in the international markets of strategic importance to us.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mohammed Murad Al Blooshi, added, “The UAE is a leading global destination for doing business. The country enjoys investor-friendly legislations and a stable, secure environment that makes the UAE truly a perfect destination for investment. With its strategic geographic location, the UAE is directly connected to more than 250 cities around the world. As a major player in international trade, the UAE is home to 10 civil airports, 27 airline licenses, 105 cargo companies, 12 commercial ports. I am confident that the discussions and networking that happen at events like these will yield positive results.”

Dubai International Chamber plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and leverages its global network and presence to promote Dubai as a global business hub and support local businesses as they expand beyond borders. The Chamber currently operates 15 representative offices across Africa, Eurasia and Latin America and is planning to expand its global presence to 50 offices within the next three years.

Source: Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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Dubai records AED9.6 billion in weekly real estate transactions

DUBAI, A total of 2,790 real estate transactions worth AED9.6 billion were conducted during the week ending 30th December, 2022, according to figures released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

The DLD report showed that 179 plots were sold for AED 1.39 billion, while 2,071 apartments and villas were purchased for AED 5.64 billion.

The top three transactions were land in Marsa Dubai sold for AED 229.71 million, followed by land sold for AED 175 million in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1, and a land sold for AED 95 million in Palm Jumeirah.

Al Hebiah Fifth recorded the most transactions for this week with 95 sales transactions worth AED 237.14 million, followed by Jabal Ali First with 24 sales transactions worth AED 79.4 million, and Al Yufrah 2 with 10 sales transactions worth AED 12 million.

The top three transfers for apartments and villas were an apartment sold for AED 336 million in Trade Centre, Second an apartment sold for AED 133 million in Island 2, and thirdly an apartment sold for AED 127 million in Island 2.

The sum of the amount of mortgaged properties for the week stood at around AED2 billion, with the highest being a land in Jumeirah First, mortgaged for AED 511.5 million. Meanwhile, 94 properties were granted between first-degree relatives worth AED 538 million.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Dubai International Chamber supports Zimbabwean agriculture company expand in Dubai

DUBAI, Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has facilitated the expansion of Nhimbe Fresh Exports, one of Zimbabwe’s largest vegetable and fruit exporters.

Based in Zimbabwe, Nhimbe is one of Africa’s premier exporters of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and peas. The company predominantly exports to the US and Europe and has recently entered Dubai.

It currently exports strawberries to the emirate and is scaling production with the support of the Dubai International Chamber to increase the visibility of its products in the market while also benefiting from Dubai’s strategic location to expand to the Far East market.

“In addition to helping local businesses expand to global markets, Dubai International Chamber also attracts and facilitates foreign direct investment from key markets of strategic importance to Dubai to the emirate. We support companies through every stage of the international expansion journey, connecting them with trusted stakeholders and potential partners that can help them access new markets and scale their operations. We are very pleased to have supported Nhimbe Fresh Exports with their international expansion plans into Dubai and beyond,” said Omar Khan, Executive Director of International Offices at Dubai International Chamber.

Dr. Edwin Moyo, Chairman of Nhimbe Fresh Exports, commented, “We are aggressively talking to Dubai International Chamber to see how we can be present in that market. Our choice of Dubai is based on its popularity, both as a tourist and financial centre and in our view, it was befitting to add it to our destination as our food distribution centre, not only for the region but other international destinations.

Of particular importance has been the role played by the chamber; Dubai International Chamber has brought strategic partners who will make it easier for Nhimbe to implement this export programme.”

He added that by providing logistics and funding partners, Dubai International Chamber enables foreign companies such as Nhimbe to leverage Dubai’s extensive land, sea and air logistics to open up new trade routes across the region and beyond.

“We anticipate moving 500,000 tons of produce into the UAE market through Dubai, some of which will go into supermarkets, wholesale and others as exports from Dubai to neighbouring countries. This is expected to create more than US$150 million of exports to Dubai every year, and Dubai itself will earn about US$200 million in exports to other international markets. This win-win situation is Nhimbe’s vision of Dubai as a gateway to international markets,” Dr. Moyo stated.

Nhimbe’s business expansion supports Dubai’s vision to increase foreign trade from AED1.4 trillion to AED2 trillion between 2021 and 2026.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Dubai Courts, Moro Hub to enhance their collaboration in cyber security

DUBAI, Dubai Courts signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, to enhance their collaboration in digital transformation and cybersecurity. Leveraging on Moro’s capabilities in the digital security field, the MoU will serve the society’s interest in providing a comprehensive legal framework to combat cybercrime’s activities.

Signed by Abdul Rahim Hussain Ahli, CEO, Institutional Support and Communication Sector, Dubai Courts and Marwan Salem Bin Haidar, Vice Chairman – Digital and Group CEO of Digital DEWA, the MoU comes in line with the efforts of enhancing awareness among society through building a unified and secured technology infrastructure to combat cybercrimes.

Moreover, this agreement reflects the commitment of Dubai Courts to enhance collaboration and partnerships with internal and external organisations as well as exchange knowledge and leverage on expertise as per its mission of ‘achieving precise and swift justice and presenting judicial services accessible to all’ and its vision of being ‘pioneering and internationally distinguished courts’.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said, “To achieve the directives of the wise leadership to improve government performance and enhance cybersecurity, and in line with the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the Dubai Electronic Security Strategy, we are pleased to cooperate with Dubai Courts to promote digital transformation and cybersecurity as well as deal with the challenges and threats that are increasing with the tremendous technical development and the rapid growth in smart transformation and the use of Internet of Things.

“We aim to achieve this by utilising the capabilities of Moro, as cybersecurity is one of the key requirements for smart cities. This cooperation will contribute to providing comprehensive protection against cybersecurity risks, establishing Dubai’s position as the safest city in cyberspace, and making it a benchmark for smart cities.”

Tarish Eid Al-Mansoori, Director-General of Dubai Courts, highlighted the importance of enhancing cybersecurity to create a safe environment. This contributes to the establishment of an advanced electronic setting that enables individuals and companies to achieve their ambitions, in line with the UAE’s National Cybersecurity strategy that enhances digital environments in light of the technological development.

Al-Mansoori added that exchanging knowledge and benefiting from Moro’s expertise and services in leading the digital transformation process will help in developing security capabilities internally and externally.

Marwan Salem bin Haidar, Vice Chairman – Digital & Group CEO of Digital DEWA, noted that Moro provides cybersecurity services to government and private customers to proactively protect them from various security attacks and threats. Moro’s services include Cyber Defence, Cyber Exposure Analysis, Security Operations and managed Identity & Access Management. Moro Hub leverages next generation security monitoring platforms powered by advanced analytic capabilities, including machine learning, threat behaviour modelling and threat intelligence. Moro provides end-to-end security monitoring and threat management for IT, Internet of Things (IoT) and OT/Critical Infrastructure from Moro Hub’s state-of-the-art Cyber Defence Centre.

Abdul Rahim Hussain Ahli, CEO of the Institutional Support and Communication Sector, Dubai Courts, said that the signing of this MoU comes within the framework of action to reduce cybercrime gaps and combat the potential of electronic threats that negatively affect the safety and security of society. He added that spreading security awareness will contribute to improving the quality of digital life and responding to any security emergency to ensure cybersecurity and safety.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Empower achieves re-certification of ISO standards

DUBAI, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) announced that it has successfully completed the re-certifications of ISO 9001:2015 for Quality management systems, ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety, and ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental management systems.

This adds to Empower’s successful track records and highlights company’s commitment to adopt the best practices, standards and management systems for quality, environment, occupational health, and safety, and to make its more than 110,000 customers happy and satisfied by providing the best district cooling services.

Empower achieved these re-certifications by the successful completion of audits conducted by Bureau Veritas on various aspects including Empower’s Integrated Management systems, district cooling plants, new project sites, customer service centres as well as all critical processes, in order to verify its compliance with international standards.

Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said, “Our success in the re-certification of ISO is a confirmation of the sustainability of our work, and the continued development of our organisation. It confirms our strong performance indicators which were reflected in the integrated administrative systems audit.

“Moreover, it stresses our commitment to international standards. The re-certification for the Quality management systems, ISO 9001:2015, accredited by the UKAS Management System, is the result of the continuous improvement in the efficiency of our quality management system to ensure providing comprehensive quality services to customers and promoting their happiness.”

As for the re-certification for the Environmental management systems, ISO 14001:2015, Bin Shafar stressed that Empower continues its efforts to preserve the environment, according the international standards adopted in this regard. This is based on its social and economic responsibility to protect natural resources and preserve them for future generations and constantly developing its services in an environmentally friendly manner.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Dubai’s specialised executive committee completes preparations to ensure safe and secure New Year’s celebrations

DUBAI, The Executive Committee for Securing International and Local Events in Dubai announced at a press conference that it has completed the final preparations for ensuring safe and secure New Year celebrations in the emirate.

The press conference, held at the Emaar Operations Room, was led by Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Acting Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police and Acting Chairman of the Executive Committee for Securing International and Local Events in Dubai; Ahmad Thani Al Matrooshi, Board Member, Emaar Properties PJSC; Brig. Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director General of Dubai Civil Defense for Fire and Rescue; Mishaal Abdul Karim Julfar, Executive Director of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services; Badr Al Sayiri, Executive Director of Traffic Department at the Traffic and Roads Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); and Ahmed Al Ghafli, Director of the Security Department at Nakheel, in addition to members of the Committee and various police officials.

Al Mazrouei said the Committee is working closely with 48 entities to ensure the highest safety, security and accessibility during the New Year celebrations. A total of 10,597 personnel, 5,800 security guards, 1,420 volunteers, 3,651 patrols and vehicles, and 45 marine boats, have been deployed across the 30 locations where celebrations and fireworks will take place.

The Committee’s preparations were based on a smart plan created by the Dubai Police in conjunction with the RTA to ease traffic movement and mobility during the New Year celebrations. About 10,000 cameras will be used by the Enterprise Command and Control Centre of the RTA for smart surveillance of roads.

Major General Saif Al Mazrouei urged the public to cooperate with the police and adhere to traffic instructions to avoid congestion. Members of the public requiring assistance can call Dubai Police on 999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergencies.

Public routes

The Executive Committee for Securing International and Local Events has created three dedicated routes for the public to reach the Burj Khalifa area using Dubai Metro. The first route from the Burj Khalifa station is divided into two paths, one for families heading to the Island Park and the area behind the Tower View, and the second for other groups heading to the South Ridge from where New Year revellers can enjoy the fireworks.

The second route is from the Financial Centre station with a path dedicated for families heading to the Boulevard area, and another path for other groups heading to the South Edge area. The third route provides a direct path from the Business Bay station.

Maj. Gen. Al Mazrouei said the Committee has developed an integrated plan to streamline access for metro users to the locations of fireworks. The plan includes separated paths for families and after-show exit routes and fire exits for emergencies.

“The Burj Khalifa station and the metro link, which connects to the Dubai Mall, will be closed at 17:00 or when the numbers exceed the capacity of the station. Specific routes have been set out for shoppers and spectators inside the Dubai Mall,” he noted.

Emaar celebrations

Ahmad Thani Al Matrooshi, said as part of Emaar’s preparations for its fireworks at Burj Khalifa, the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard will be closed at 6.00 pm, which requires people who have bookings that include parking at hotels or restaurants to arrive before that time. He also said that Dubai Mall’s parking will be available till it reaches its maximum capacity. Members of the public will not be able to access parking areas after the closure of the surrounding roads.

Dubai Civil Defense preparations

Brig. Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director General of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) for Fire and Rescue, said that DCD teams have divided the sites of festivities into three main sectors – Deira, Bur Dubai, and Jebel Ali and the Waterfront.

“The Dubai Civil Defence carried out several evacuation drills with various strategic partners at event sites to ensure the safety, protection and happiness of the public. The Dubai Civil Defence teams have also conducted inspections of buildings and facilities where events will be held to ensure prevention, safety and fire protection systems meet the highest benchmarks,” Al Mutawa said.

Traffic management

Badr Al Sayiri said the movement of traffic and transportation will be managed on New Year’s Eve from RTA’s Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3), one of the largest and the most sophisticated control centres in the world. He noted that teams from RTA, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defense and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services will be deployed at the EC3 on New Year’s Eve to streamline the movement of traffic and visitors on New Year’s eve in various key locations in Dubai, especially the Burj Khalifa area.

Road closures

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard will be closed at 18:00 or once its parking area reaches full capacity.

The Lower Deck of the Financial Centre Road and Al Sukook Street will be closed at 20:00. The Al Asayel Road, extending from Oud Metha Road and leading to Burj Khalifa district, is scheduled to be closed at 16:00 for the exclusive use of public buses and emergency vehicles.

During the event, Al Mustaqbal Street will gradually shut down between 2nd Za’abeel Road and Al Meydan Road starting from 16:00.

The Burj Khalifa Metro Station will be closed from 17:00 on New Year’s eve to 6:00 the next day.

He added that 210 buses will be deployed to facilitate the exit of visitors from the venues of celebrations, especially to nearby metro stations and parking lots. The bus service will be free of charge for commuters on the following routes:

• Sheikh Zayed Road in the direction of the Financial Centre to transport the public from Burj Khalifa Metro station to Al Wasl Club, MAX Fashion Metro Station, and Deira City Centre.

• Sheikh Zayed Road heading to Abu Dhabi to transport riders from Burj Khalifa Metro station to Al Safa Metro Station.

• Financial Centre Road to the parking area of Al Wasl Club, Deira City Centre and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

• Burj Khalifa Street heading to Deira City Centre Metro Station.

• Business Bay Metro Station (along Sheikh Zayed Road) to Deira City Centre Metro Station.

Parking

The public will have access to a total of approximately 1,500 parking spaces outside event areas for moving to and from event sites via the commuter bus service, which will be in operation starting from 15:00. A total of 1,000 parking spaces will be available at Al Wasl Club, while 500 will be allocated at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Al Jafiliya.

Taxi services

Parking lots for taxis have been designated at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and the Al Wasl Club, where the public can be transported from event locations by buses during departure and after the evacuation of the site.

Metro and tram services

Starting from 5:00 on Saturday, 31st December 2022, the red and green lines of the Dubai Metro will start operating continuously until 00:00 on Monday, 2nd January, 2023, for a period of 42 hours. The tram will operate continuously from 6:00 on Saturday 31st December 2022 to 1:00, Monday, 2nd January 2023, to provide the public access to event areas and facilitate their exit after the end of the shows.

Directional signage and Intelligent Traffic Systems

RTA will install directional signs within the Burj Khalifa District to ease the movement of pedestrians to and from the venue of events. For public safety, pedestrian bridges on the Dubai Water Canal will be closed, as well as the associated lifts. The pedestrian walkway on the Sheikh Zayed Road above the Canal will also be closed.

Nakheel preparations

Ahmed Al-Ghafli, Director of the Security Department at Nakheel, said Palm Jumeirah will welcome the New Year with dazzling fireworks displays in Palm West Beach, Club Vista Marie and The Point. Al-Ghafli invited the public to use free shuttle buses from Nakheel Mall to the waterfront destination, which will be available from 20:00 on 31st December 2022 to 3:00 on 1st January, 2023. The Palm Monorail will also available to move easily to different destinations in Palm Jumeirah for additional hours from 9:00 on 31st December 2022 to 2:00 on 1st January, 2023.

Ambulance readiness

Mishaal Abdul Karim Julfar, Executive Director of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, said, “We are working with our strategic partners in the Executive Committee for Securing International and Local Events, to ensure safe and secure New Year celebrations.

“This year we have allocated 1,200 well-trained staff and deployed 287 vehicles in four sectors. Our technical equipment and vehicles include ambulances, rapid responders, bicycles, boats and air ambulances operated in cooperation with the Dubai Police Air Wing Centre, in addition to supply vehicles for field support. Through its quality services, the Corporation is committed to ensure the highest preparedness of ambulances to tackle the most difficult cases.”

Source: Emirates News Agency