UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work discusses national environmental goals, explores key issues and projects

DUBAI, 29th March, 2023 (WAM) — Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, chaired the first meeting of the UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work for 2023, where members discussed a range of critical and environmental issues, as well as partnership with the private sector. The meeting sought to support and advance the Council’s efforts to drive sustainability at the national level and across various key sectors. ttendees at the meeting included Abdulla Sultan Alfan Al Shamsi from the Ministry of Economy; Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Ministry of Health and Prevention; Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Ministry of Education; Ali Khalifa Al Qamzy, Department of Municipalities and Transport – ABU DHABI, Al Ain City Municipality; Dr. Khalifa bin Musabah Al Tunaiji, Sharjah’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock; Dr. Sulaiman Abdullah Al Zaabi, Municipal Affairs Department in the emirate of Sharjah; Abdul Rahman Muhammad Al Nuaimi, Municipality and Planning Department – AAJMAN; Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi, Umm Al Quwain Municipality; and Munther bin Shukr Al Zaabi, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality Department. “Our wise leadership’s ambitious vision is in a relentless race against time, and in constant competition to assume global leadership,” asserted Almheiri. “The ‘We the UAE 2031’ strategic vision strives to streamline federal and local government work as an integrated system, in a bid to strengthen the country’s leadership on all national indicators.” “The UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work is confidently moving forward towards greater achievements and plans, with the end-goal of shaping a sustainable future for the UAE,” she added. “The Council’s essential contribution can be seen in the full cooperation between all relevant authorities in every emirate, who are working in synergy to accomplish the best possible results in the period ahead, where the UAE will be hosting the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), during the ‘Year of Sustainability’. The Council will remain a role model for joint national action and will keep making a positive impact on the UAE’s journey towards sustainability.” The Council discussed a range of topics, following up on the recommendations from its previous meeting, and tracking progress on the National Framework for Sustainable Development, the National Integrated Waste Management Agenda, the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2022-2030, and the Industrial Census Project of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The meeting also included a detailed explanation of the Sharjah Pastures project, National Plan to Adopt the Green Education Framework, National Mosquito Control Programme, and success stories in sustainability from private sector companies. The Council issued a series of recommendations regarding the issues it discussed, most notably calling for adopting the National Framework for Sustainable Development as part of local authorities’ plans; following up on the National Integrated Waste Management Agenda on an annual basis; forming a national taskforce to implement the action plan of the National Strategy to Combat Desertification; and supervising the Council to follow up on the implementation of strategic programmes and projects.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Breakbulk Middle East unveils dates for 2024 edition in Dubai

DUBAI, 29th March, 2023 (WAM) — Following the success of Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) 2023, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), organisers have announced dates for the 2024 edition. Scheduled to be held on 12th-13th February next year at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will yet again reunite the sector to reinforce its growth and power economies in the Middle East. The 2023 edition of the event concluded successfully last month with 6,496 attendees, a 93 percent increase in the number of visitors in comparison to 2022. With an 84 percent increase in the number of organisations, BBME attracted professionals from the full industrial project supply chain including freight forwarding, maritime transport, ports and terminals, equipment and air and road transport. The conference touched upon every development within the sector, charting its progress over the last year. It featured insightful sessions, including discussions on business outlook, rates, capacity, and sustainability and the role of mega projects in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and beyond to key initiatives such as Women in Breakbulk Networking Breakfast and Education Day. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “At MoEI, in line with our vision to aid the UAE’s and the region’s diversified and sustainable economy, we are committed to ensuring the development of the project cargo sector that has witnessed several changes in the last couple of years due to advancements in industries such as oil and gas, construction and renewables, among others. More importantly, digitalisation and the deployment of new technologies have enhanced the value chain of companies in the UAE and beyond. Thus, to enhance competitiveness in the sector, we are always looking at providing the best ports and shipping infrastructure for the smooth functioning of the sector. The end goal is to support industry stakeholders in transforming the UAE into a nerve centre for global logistics. Our steadfast support to BBME over the years is one such endeavour to power the sector’s success in the UAE and the Middle East. As a vital contributor to economies in the region, the event has played a strategic role, bringing together governments and industry experts for knowledge exchange and high-value collaborations. We are confident that the 2024 edition will continue helping us realise our aspirations for the sector and the country.” Ben Blamire, Event Director, Breakbulk Middle East, added, “Year after year, industry professionals look forward to attending BBME as it is a niche event that focuses on the project cargo and breakbulk sector. The response we received this year was outstanding. We saw participation from 98 countries, the top few being the United Arab Emirates, India, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Singapore, and the United States among others. What was interesting is that 32 percent of the attendees held key roles with the final purchasing authority. These are quite literally the movers and shakers in the industry. With more than 90 percent of exhibitors rebooking for 2024, and in many cases, taking more space than in 2023, we have added a third hall to meet the market demand for 2024.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

Careem participates in ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ campaign, enables donations through its smart app

DUBAI, 29th March, 2023 (WAM) — Careem, the region’s leading multi-service platform, announced its support of the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, with the aim of launching the largest Ramadan sustainable food aid endowment fund. Users of Careem app, available on Google’s Play store, Apple’s App store and Huawei’s AppGallery, will be able to donate AED3 towards “1 Billion Meals Endowment” by choosing “Ramadan Car” every time they book a ride through the app. Careem app users in the UAE will also be able to donate any amount when ordering food, through a special feature in the Careem app, supporting the campaign and its objective of providing food aid to the world’s most underprivileged populations. Mudassir Sheikha, CEO and Co-Founder, Careem, said, “It is a privilege to collaborate with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives to promote the values of giving and generosity, and to support the ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment Campaign’ through the Careem app. We have a responsibility towards underprivileged communities, and it is a great opportunity to enable our customers to participate and pay it forward during the holy month of Ramadan through the campaign, which embodies the UAE’s humanitarian mission.” Further establishing the UAE’s leading position in humanitarian work, regionally and internationally, the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign helps establish the role of endowment as a development tool that ensures the sustainable charity, and contributes to the global endeavour to fight and eradicate hunger in line with Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to donating through the Careem app, the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across five main channels including the campaign’s website (www.1billionmeals.ae), as well as a dedicated call centre via the toll-free number (800 9999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates NBD (AE30 0260 0010 1533 3439 802). Donations via SMS give contributors the option to donate AED 1 daily through a monthly subscription, by sending the word “Meal” to 1020 for du users, or to 1110 for Etisalat by eand users. Those who wish to donate to the campaign through the DubaiNow app can do so by clicking on the “Donations” tab.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE Pro League Board holds its 8th periodic meeting

ABU DHABI, 29th March, 2023 (WAM) The board of directors of the UAE Pro League held its eighth periodic meeting for the 2022-2023 season on Wednesday. Chaired by Abdulla Naser Al Jneibi, the meeting was attended by Vice President Jamal Hamed Al Marri, and board members Mohammed Obaid Al Yamahi, Hassan Taleb Al Marri, Tariq Ali Al Shabibi, Saeed Obaid Al Kaabi, and Jawaher Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi. The UAE Pro League’s CEO, Waleed Ibrahim Al Hosani, Business Development Consultant Dr. Khalid Mohammed Abdullah, and directors of the UAE Pro League’s administrations were also present. During the meeting, the attendees reviewed the preparations for the ADIB Cup’s final and discussed the agenda for the 2023-24 season. The board of directors also discussed reports provided by the executive administration and relevant committees. Muhammad AamirHazem Hussein

Source: Emirates News Agency

Shamsheer Vayalil contributes AED10 million in support of ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ campaign

DUBAI, 29th March, 2023 (WAM) — Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of the UAE-based Burjeel Holdings, announced his contribution of AED 10 million in support of the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, which aims to launch the largest Ramadan food aid endowment fund to sustainably support underprivileged populations around the world. Dr. Vayalil pledged to contribute a total of AED 10 million over a period of five years to help support the campaign’s objectives of fighting hunger and providing a food safety net to tens of millions of people. Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the campaign welcomes the contributions of individuals, institutions and businesses, and represents a major shift in humanitarian work by adopting a model based on group contributions and long-term planning. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil said, “The 1 Billion Meals Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is a bright example of global charitable and humanitarian efforts, as it aims to provide a sustainable food safety net within an institutional framework. “I am honoured to be among the contributors to this endeavour to fight hunger and support underprivileged populations around the world. A food aid endowment fund is a great humanitarian initiative from a country that has become known for its values of giving and generosity, and for its exceptional Ramadan food drives that provide food to tens of millions of people across the globe,” he added. The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign welcomes donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across five main channels including the campaign’s website (www.1billionmeals.ae), as well as a dedicated call centre via the toll-free number (800 9999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates NBD (AE30 0260 0010 1533 3439 802). Donations via SMS give contributors the option to donate AED 1 daily through a monthly subscription, by sending the word “Meal” to 1020 for du users, or to 1110 for Etisalat by eand users. Those who wish to donate to the campaign through the DubaiNow app can do so by clicking on the “Donations” tab.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Sobha Realty rings Nasdaq Dubai Bell in support of ‘1’Billion Meals Endowment’ campaign

DUBAI, 29th March, 2023 (WAM) — In collaboration with Nasdaq Dubai, Sobha Realty rang the market opening bell to mark its support of “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The campaign aims to establish the largest Ramadan sustainable food aid endowment fund during the Holy Month of Ramadan, providing a food safety net for underprivileged populations in countries with food insecurity. Sobha Realty has pledged to contribute AED 50 million over a span of five years to support the campaign, which aims to mobilise regional, international, and local efforts to implement programmes that can eradicate hunger within an institutional framework. This initiative builds on previous successful food aid campaigns, including “10 Million Meals”, “100 Million Meals”, and “1 Billion Meals” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over the past few years. Hazem Hussein/ Muhammad Aamir

Source: Emirates News Agency