Syria participates in the opening of the Gulfood 2023 exhibition in Dubai

Dubai, With the participation of Syria, the 28th edition of the Gulfood 2023 exhibition, which is one of the largest food exhibitions in the world, was launched on Monday at Dubai World Trade Center in UAE.

The exhibition, which lasts until February 24th, is among the international exhibitions specialized in food and beverage industries, with the participation of 125 countries and more than 5,000 companies specialized in the food industry and marketing, in addition to 150 spokespersons presenting their scientific expertise through conferences and seminars taking place during the exhibition in the presence of the most important businessmen.

Director General of the Local Production and Exports Support and Development Authority, Thaer Fayyad, said in statement to SANA reporter that the allocated area of the Syrian pavilion has increased this year amounting to 336 square meters, along with the number of the participating companies which are 45 food ones from the public and private sectors.

Fayyad noted that the Syrian participation affirms the importance and distinction of the products as they are popular in Arab and international markets in terms of kinds and specifications according to the latest international standards.

It is noteworthy that Syria participated in the activities of the Gulfood 2022 exhibition, with a pavilion of 318 square meters, with the participation of 25 Syrian food companies.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

First ever World Padel League to be held in Dubai

DUBAI, The world’s top-ranked padel players will convene with the biggest entertainers in the world to present the ‘Greatest show on court’ with the inaugural World Padel League (WPL) to be held in association with Dubai Sports Council at Coca-Cola Arena from 8th to 11th June 2023.

The World Padel League will feature 4 teams, 24 of the world’s biggest players and 4 concerts with internationally renowned artists.

The four-day sportainment experience comes to Dubai by the same team that recently concluded the World Tennis League, which proved a huge success.

Rajesh Banga, Chairman of the World Padel League, said, “After the success of the World Tennis League and with the incredible growth we see in padel specifically regionally, we are excited to live up to promise for another blockbuster event.”

Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, stated, “The World Padel League will increase the popularity of sport more locally and globally with local and International players showcasing their talent, highlighting tournament rules and standards and cementing the commitment we made to grow and develop the sports by fostering interest in residents and visitors to pursue active sports. We believe the WPL will attract more talent to our shores.”

The World Padel League will bring together the best global talent to the centre court, surrounded by a line-up of sports stars and music artists.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Sharjah Taxi discusses joint cooperation with IAPT

SHARJAH, Sharjah Taxi, a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management Company, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, received a delegation from the International Association of Public Transport (IAPT), to exchange views and experiences on various issues related to the transport sector.

The meeting also discussed of joint cooperation between the two entities and the latest developments and modern strategies followed by Sharjah Taxi.

Khalid Al Kindi, Executive Director of Sharjah Taxi, and Mustafa Shalabi, Director of Operations and Drivers Affairs in the Emirate of Sharjah received the delegation which included Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, Member of the Board of Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai and President of the UITP Executive Committee for the MENA Region, and Abdul Aziz Malik, Member of the Executive Council of the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai and Vice President of the International Union of Public Transport in the Middle East and North Africa.

The visiting delegation was briefed on the latest developments and innovative and sustainable modern technologies used in Sharjah Taxi that have yielded increased customer satisfaction.

The delegation was also briefed on strategies adopted by Sharjah Taxi in supporting trends that promote the concepts of sustainability and environmental consciousness, most notably of which includes increasing the number of hybrid vehicles in the Sharjah Taxi fleet. This contributes to providing a safe, clean and sustainable environment that highlights the eco-friendly reputation and values of the Emirate of Sharjah, under implementation of the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who envisions excellency in sustainability across all fields and sectors in the emirate, in accordance with the highest standards and specifications.

The Sharjah Taxi fleet includes 750 different types of vehicles, equipped with reservation and distribution devices (IVDs) to efficiently communicate with the company Reservation and Distribution Centre. The centre serves as a direct and easily accessible link between customers wishing to book a ride and the taxi itself, receiving and processing requests electronically.

Source: Emirates News Agency

80 Pakistani companies showcase their products at Gulfood2023

DUBAI, The 28th edition of Gulfood, the world’s largest food and beverage trade event, is currently taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with over 5,000 companies from more than 125 countries participating in the event.

Among these, 80 companies from Pakistan are showcasing their products, including 45 companies under the umbrella of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

The Pakistan Pavilion was inaugurated today by M. Zubair Motiwala, the Chief Executive of TDAP, accompanied by Hassan Afzal Khan, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, and Adeem Khan, Commercial Counsellor.

Pakistan is showcasing a diverse range of food products at the event, such as rice, confectionery, beverages, poultry, and spices.

The country’s participation in Gulfood provides an opportunity for Pakistani exhibitors to explore new buyers for a wide range of food and agro sector products, including fresh and frozen foods, fruits and vegetables, sauces, nuts, sweets, confectionery, and tea.

This event is an important platform for Pakistan, as the UAE is among the country’s top export partners and largest trading partner in the MENA region.

Through regular participation and constant efforts, Pakistan has successfully expanded its market for processed meat, herbal products, and fruits and vegetables in the region, said a press release of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai.

The Pakistani products showcased at Gulfood assure quality and freshness, and buyers can leverage Pakistan’s cost-competitiveness, lower transport costs, and short delivery time, it added.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan attends Meeting of Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change to discuss COP28

ADDIS ABABA, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, attended the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) Meeting in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, where he discussed climate action and the preparations for the upcoming 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be held in Dubai starting in November.

Speaking at the Committee meeting, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan joined his counterparts from many African countries to exchange views on the optimal ways the UAE and the African region can align to address climate change, how COP28 will build momentum to keep the targets of the Paris Agreement within reach, and to ensure that no country gets left behind.

In his remarks, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to combating climate change and underscored the country’s aim to collaborate with African countries to ensure tangible outcomes. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan also stressed the importance of the participation of African countries in COP28 and highlighted that policies should encourage inclusive progress. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan underlined that the COP27 event in Sharm el Sheikh had seen important progress made.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan stated, “The UAE seeks to build on this important legacy and is committed to driving concrete action across all priority areas of the Paris Agreement – mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage.”

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan added, “This inclusive approach extends to all stakeholders and includes support to young people, entrepreneurs and private sector companies, women, and civil society groups. Young people in particular must be supported and empowered to engage by adding their voice into the equation.”

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan emphasised, “The UAE is committed to addressing the findings of the Global Stocktake with a clear plan of action to keep 1.5 C within reach. This includes accelerating the adoption of renewables, promoting a just and equitable transition, and addressing necessary food security, land and water systems within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai Health Authority and Tarahum Charity sign a contract to serve patients with financial difficulties.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) signed today a contract for joint cooperation with the Tarahum Charity Foundation, to advance humanitarian aid in the health sector for patients with financial difficulties.

The partnership is in line with the UAE’s vision of promoting the values of giving and human solidarity through local and global humanitarian and charitable initiatives.

It also provides an opportunity for community members to contribute towards helping patients with financial difficulties.

The partnership contract was signed by H.E. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority and H.E. Khalid Abdullah Al Qassim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tarahum Charity Foundation in the presence of a number of officials from both sides.

Al Ketbi highlighted the importance of this cooperation. He said: “ The contract facilitates the DHA to promote its vision of supporting humanitarian and charity organisations and enabling them to serve the community. The contract provides an opportunity for both sides to work together with an aim to reach out to patients in need and provide financial support and assistance.”

He praised the role of the charity, businesses and donors that contribute towards humanitarian initiatives.

He emphasized that such humanitarian initiatives are in line with the UAE’s values and principles and that the country has always been at the forefront of supporting humanitarian and charitable initiatives.

For his part, H.E. Khalid Abdullah Al Qassim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tarahum Charity Foundation, expressed his happiness with this partnership, which will work to strengthen the scope of strategic partnerships between charitable initiatives and organizations in the fields of charitable, humanitarian and health work and contribute positively to serving patients and praising the great efforts made by the authority in terms of providing a high-level health service, and to provide excellent medical care to patients, especially those who are insolvent.

Al Qassim expressed his personal appreciation for this fruitful cooperation, stressing that the memorandum of understanding will open a wide field for the implementation of other qualitative initiatives in the next stage.

The Foundation is keen to help patients in need and is working to develop the list of humanitarian aid year after year to include more medical, humanitarian and social services, and spares no effort in response and initiative to help patients.

Source: Dubai Health Authority