Day: March 7, 2023

DUBAI, 7th March, 2023 (WAM) H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Tuesay met with Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith.

The meeting, which was held at DIFC, focused on bilateral collaboration between the UAE and Microsoft.

Sheikh Maktoum and Smith discussed exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the IT sector, which is a crucial industry for the UAE as the country transitions towards a digital working environment. Additionally, the meeting covered the ambitious objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to generate AED100 billion annually for the Dubai economy over the next 10 years through digital transformation.

The meeting delved into Microsoft’s current operations at its headquarters located in Dubai Internet City, which covers the UAE and the wider region. Microsoft was one of the first companies to join Dubai Internet City when it was launched 20 years ago. The meeting also explored Microsoft’s plans for future operations in the region, particularly in light of the rapid pace of digital transformations across the GCC and the increasing adoption of smart solutions in various sectors as part of comprehensive development efforts.

The meeting was attended by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre, Malek Sultan Al Malek, Chairman of TECOM Group, and Saqr Binghalib, Executive Director of the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications in the UAE Government.

Source:Emirates news Agency

ABU DHABI, 7th March, 2023 (WAM) — A delegation from the UAE, headed by the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) and participants from Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority (ADAA), has visited the Audit Bureau of Jordan and the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission, with the aim of sharing experiences, exchanging knowledge, and identifying best practices in joint fields of interest.

The parties discussed building future strategic relations in the areas of training, development, and capacity-building of national citizens, as well as competencies in the field of auditing and anti-corruption.

The delegates shared the UAE’s experience in financial and administrative monitoring and reporting systems, combating corruption and promoting the principles of integrity and transparency to protect public funds and resources for future generations.

The UAE delegation discussed its initiatives including platforms created for reporting financial and administrative violations and the financial disclosure platform, in addition to mechanisms built to enhance the concepts of accountability and community involvement in combating any administrative and financial indiscretions.

Commenting on the visit, the official spokesperson of the Supreme Audit Institution said, “Our visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was an excellent opportunity for us to familiarise ourselves with their experiences in the fields of auditing, combating corruption and strengthening the foundations of integrity and transparency. We discussed the best audit and accounting methodologies, mechanisms of instilling accountability in the management of resources of subordinate institutions, and verification methods for correctness and accuracy of financial accounts and general budgets. We also talked about the mechanisms involved for submitting crisis reports on the performance of subordinate institutions in the management of financial resources.”

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority spokesperson added, “Our participation stems from our determination to learn about the various experiences and practices in the fields of work that fall within the jurisdiction of ADAA and our interest in building strategic partnerships with various regulatory authorities around the world who can support the building of a solid monitoring system based on best international standards and practices.”

The Supreme Audit Institution’s participation is based on its vision and mission to be a leading supervisory authority in the protection and sustainability of public resources, at both the local and international level, by acting in accordance with the values of objectivity, integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Source:Emirates news Agency

ABU DHABI, 7th March, 2023 (WAM) — Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in cooperation with the Central Bank of the UAE, and in coordination with national banks, has started implementing a facilities package for borrowers participating in its housing programme to reduce their financial burdens.

The housing facilities implemented under the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme require borrowers to pay a down payment for their housing unit and raise the credit limit of borrowers from 50 to 60 percent. This is the debt burden ratio or the percentage that beneficiaries or customers can afford to pay in the form of monthly instalments out of their total salary or any income from a known specific source, while the credit limit for retirees has been raised from 30 to 50 percent, so they can benefit from housing loans.

The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure stressed that the monthly deductions to housing loans are very low and do not exceed 16.75 percent of total monthly income.

“These housing initiatives and facilities underscore the UAE Government’s efforts to make people happy, as well as enhance their housing stability and quality of life,” he added.

The Central Bank of the UAE sent a circular in the middle of 2022 to banks and financing companies around the country about the housing loans provided to Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme beneficiaries ensuring the facilities mentioned above.

Khoder Nashar/ Hazem Hussein

Source:Emirates news Agency

ABU DHABI, 7th March, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and the “Mother of the Nation”, has approved the formation of the seventh Supreme Committee for the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Programme for Excellence and Societal Intelligence, Chaired by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, with H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Media Office, as Vice Chairman.

The other committee members are Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Family Development Foundation; Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Police; Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director-General of the Family Development Foundation; Abdullah Abudalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination; Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, Under-Secretary of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; Yasir Ahmed Al Naqbi, Director-General of Government Capabilities and Competencies Development at the Department of Government Support; and Ousha Salem Al Suwaidi, Senior Developer at the Experts and Consultants Office at the Family Development Foundation.

Reflecting Sheikha Fatima’s keenness to activate the roles of all community members, the Programme for Excellence and Societal Intelligence promotes social leadership and innovation, building capabilities to address social challenges and turn them into opportunities.

Khoder Nashar/ Hazem Hussein

Source:Emirates news Agency

DUBAI, 7th March, 2023 (WAM) — The 19th edition of the annual Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (DIHAD 2023), is set to take place on 13th-15th March at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with a main focus on energy and aid and how to capitalise on available resources.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, DIHAD 2023 brings together key decision-makers from leading NGOs, UN Agencies, Charity Organisations and governmental bodies, together with aid, education, and construction providers from the private sector to address the needs of people and countries affected by crises, disasters, and natural calamities.

More than 8,200 people from 110 countries are expected to attend DIHAD 2023, including 828 participating NGOs, charities, aid and relief suppliers, and many more. Additionally, there are 659 pre-arranged B2B meetings from 82 qualified buyers looking for the best equipment to help them perform their duties on the field.

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of INDEX Holding, stated, “DIHAD 2023 will again witness the important collaboration of leading humanitarian opinion leaders and the most influential organisations who share the common goal of providing the best in humanitarian assistance, aid, and support across the world. We are placing the spotlight on energy and aid this year as the requirements for operating safe and successful missions are challenging and putting people at a greater risk. Capitalising on available energy resources are vital, and we will reflect on the need to promote the concept that everyone around the world has access to clean and reusable energy.”

DIHAD 2023 conference will feature 50 of the most world-renowned specialists in the humanitarian field and hold vital topics of discussion over six key sessions and 16 innovative workshops that will give significant insights and training into the realm of energy and aid.

erhard Putman-Cramer, CEO of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation, commented, “During our three-day Conference and inspired by our most distinguished Opening and Keynote Speakers, we will focus on and outline the essential facts and figures around energy and aid: why energy is an essential pre-requisite to both our collective ‘saving lives and livelihoods’ mission and our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, and in this context, we will review key challenges to our agreed norms and principles, as well as to our field-based operations, if-and-when the energy crisis bites deeper. The idea is to make the necessary analyses, to plan accordingly and to be better prepared.”

The exhibition will host dedicated pavilions from Germany, Norway, Poland, Denmark, and the United Nations, in addition to local and international organizations exhibits from as International Humanitarian City, International Committee of The Red Cross, and many more, where they will showcase advanced technology and equipment to assist field operations on humanitarian missions.

DIHAD provides a platform where assistance providers can interface with relevant actors from the corporate and governmental sectors to forge meaningful collaborations in support of those in need. This year’s edition will be held in conjunction with the 14th exhibition edition of the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management IECM, which provides a platform for the emergency, disaster management and search and rescue community to showcase their equipment, technology and services during emergencies to a relevant audience.

DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is organised by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions Org. LLC., – a member of INDEX Holding and is proudly supported by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, the Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the UAE Red Crescent, the United Nations, and International Humanitarian City.

DIHAD 2023 is also supported by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Muslim World League, Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, MASHAV, IEC Telecom, and Life for Relief and Development, USA.

Source:Emirates news Agency

ABU DHABI, March 7, 2023 (WAM) — Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, said that the government would start rebuilding all the interrupted construction in the education field.

“US$4.4 billion worth of investments in infrastructure projects were already announced,” he told BandNews, the news channel of Band.

Lula, who was sworn in as the President of Brazil in January, stressed that the government would put the country to work. “We are reorganising society. We are going to take care of family agriculture, we are going to run the PAA (Food Acquisition Programme) again, we are going to do the PNAE (National School Feeding Programme), we are going to put money to circulate in the productive sector, investing a lot in small and medium-sized companies, in small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, in family farming, and in medium-sized agriculture.”

He also tackled the issue of the high interest rate in Brazil, stressing the need to lower the interest rate in the country.

International arena

Lula promised to recover what he called Brazil’s international prestige. “We will have more direct investment, foreign direct investment here in Brazil, and the economy will grow again.”

He also addressed the Ukrainian crises and proposed the establishment of an international group to discuss peace, stating that “it is necessary to create a group of countries that is willing to discuss the establishment of peace.”

Regarding the economic effects of the conflict, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stressed the need to find peace. “Brazil is taking the stand to discuss peace. We must first understand that we must stop the conflict. After that, we will negotiate what will happen”, Lula said.

Fake News

The Brazilian leader also mentioned the fight against fake news. “The world of lies is winning over the world of truth. We need to slow down, end this.”

He proposed to take the topic to the international sphere. “It is a debate that requires an international action, and will have to take place either at the G20, the G8 or at the United Nations; we will have to discuss this issue”, Lula concluded.

Source:Emirates news Agency