Day: April 5, 2023

ABU DHABI, 5th April, 2023 (WAM) — The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the specialised agency of the United Nations for tourism development, and the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation around common interests in tourism-related investments. The two parties will work together to harness the power of tourism to drive global development and to accelerate the implementation of the agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). UNWTO and AIM, through this new MoU, have formally committed to jointly support the following goals: the effective implementation of the agenda 2030 and the 17 SDGs through tourism investments, and the promotion of innovation and technology. UNWTO and AIM’s collaborative works related to investment facilitation and promotion will see them share and disseminate knowledge regarding investment policies among their stakeholders and networks and maximize foreign direct investments’ positive economic impact on the sector. UNWTO is the leading international organisation in the field of tourism. It promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, environmental sustainability and aims to drive the digitalisation of tourism and to create an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Organisation offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. IM provides an invaluable and unparalleled opportunity for public and private entities to come together to achieve their shared vision of growth and sustainability. Anchored around the theme of “The Investment Paradigm Shift: Future Investment Opportunities To Foster Sustainable Economic Growth, Diversity and Prosperity,” this year’s AIM edition will focus on 10 key sectors that include Tourism and Hospitality, among others. In line with the two organisations’ commitment to cooperate in the implementation of projects as stipulated in the MoU, UNWTO will spearhead the “Tourism Investment Forum” to be held on the framework of the upcoming AIM Global 2023 in Abu Dhabi on May 8-10, 2023. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commented, “UNWTO has recognised investments as our key priorities for tourism right now and into the future. Investments are essential for the tourism sector to grow. And in turn, a thriving tourism sector can also attract investors. UNWTO is proud to collaborate with AIM around our shared goal of boosting investments into tourism and into the projects that will deliver greater sustainability and resilience for the sector.” IM President Dawood Al Shezawi stated, “It has been AIM’s mission to provide an interactive platform where investment opportunities can be formed, thereby not only strengthening economic relations among nations but also addressing issues that have profound effects on a global scale.” He added, “AIM takes pride in its belief that keeping abreast of the latest changes and issues while at the same time making available the best venue where the brightest minds, from all sectors, can converge to find solutions and scale up development ideas is of utmost importance. We welcome this great chance to cooperate with the UNWTO, and we are certain that this collaboration will be fruitful.” IM Global 2023 has engaged in several technologically driven initiatives as part of its commitment to build the global economy roadmap and bolster the five key pillars, which include Foreign Direct Investment, Small and Medium Enterprises, Future Cities, Startups, and Foreign Portfolio Investments. Besides Tourism and Hospitality, the other key focus sectors are Agriculture, Energy, Technology, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Transportation and Logistics, Finance, Healthcare, and Education.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

BRUSSELS, 5th April, 2023 (WAM) — Europol has launched a joint analysis report with the Security Steering Committee of the ports of Antwerp, Hamburg/Bremerhaven and Rotterdam that looks into the risk and challenges for law enforcement posed by criminal networks in EU ports. The EU’s critical infrastructure – notably highways, railways and ports – enable the EU way of life, where free movement of goods and people is a foundational and major factor for economic growth, personal freedom and prosperity. Criminal networks however, driven by the constant desire of growing profits and expansion of their illegal activities, are increasingly working toward the infiltration of and control over major logistical points. EU ports are examples of such major hubs, which is why the Security Steering Committee of the ports of Antwerp, Hamburg/Bremerhaven and Rotterdam, together with Europol, agreed to draft a joint analysis report assessing the threat of infiltration of port infrastructure by organised crime in the EU. Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Home Affairs, said, “The Europol report on criminal networks in ports illustrates what we are up against. It lays bare the sophistication of criminal drug gangs, their strength, and their savagery. The drug traffickers promote corrupt actions and practices sometimes by bribery, sometimes by intimidation. We are working with authorities at all levels to strengthen systems in the fight against the criminal activity this report outlines.” Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle added, “Criminal networks work closely to evade security at land borders and at air and maritime ports. They have one thing in mind profit. An effective response is closer collaboration between the public and private sector; this will make both sides stronger. This report, the first ever created in cooperation with the ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg/Bremerhaven, is part of building this common front. This information exchange has led to deeper knowledge, which is the most effective weapon against organised crime.” Maritime ports in the EU handle some 90 million containers each year, but authorities are able to inspect only between 2 percent and 10 percent of them. This logistical hurdle represents a challenge for law enforcement and an opportunity for criminal networks needing to access logistical hubs to facilitate their criminal activities. Such criminal networks have therefore infiltrated ports in all continents. In order to focus their efforts and minimise the risks of losing merchandise, organised criminals are seeking new modus operandi that require the corruption of far fewer individuals. Europol’s analysis report on criminal networks in EU ports looks into one specific technique, which exploits misappropriated container reference codes. This requires the corruption of just one individual, along with either the corruption or a Trojan horse style infiltration of extraction teams, who are then paid between 7 and 15 percent of the value of the illegal shipment.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

BRUSSELS 5th April, 2023 (WAM) — NATO Foreign Ministers discussed over the last two days threats and challenges in the Middle East and North Africa, including instability, terrorism and the crisis in Ukraine. ”We will continue to work closely with our partners, including Mauritania and Tunisia, to help them build up their defence institutions and stabilise their countries,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said during a press conference following the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs today. “To keep our people safe in a more dangerous world, it is essential that we invest more in our defence. So today, Ministers also addressed progress on defence spending.” t the Vilnius Summit next July, he said “I expect Allies to agree an ambitious new defence investment pledge, with 2 percent of GDP as a floor not ceiling.” Tariq Al Fahaam/ Khoder Nashar

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

DUBAI, 5th April, 2023 (WAM) — Dubai real estate market recorded 464 sales transactions worth AED827.14 million, in addition to 80 mortgage deals of AED236.13 million, and 9 gift deals amounting to AED14.26 million on Wednesday, data released by Dubai’s Land Department (DLD) showed. The sales included 417 villas and apartments worth AED687.67 million, and 47 land plots worth AED139.47 million. The mortgages included 60 villas and apartments worth AED212.13 million and 20 land plots valued at AED24 million, bringing the total realty transactions of today to over AED1 billion. Khoder Nashar/ Muhammad Aamir

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

DUBAI, 5th April, 2023 (WAM) — The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced its sponsorship of the 20th edition of the Dubai International Property Show (IPS 2024), which will take place from 27th to 29th February 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event aims to bring together real estate and property development experts, specialists, and industry leaders to showcase local and global real estate projects and solutions, and discuss investment opportunities in the real estate sector. By sponsoring IPS 2024, the DLD seeks to strengthen the real estate industry’s position as one of the pillars of the national economy and boost investor confidence in the UAE’s real estate sector. The event has previously attracted strong interest from global participants, with over 120 real estate exhibitors from more than 40 countries participating in its last edition. The DLD remains committed to supporting the real estate sector and enabling real estate professionals to share experiences and discuss investment opportunities. The IPS 2024 provides a unique platform for these professionals to connect, and the DLD’s sponsorship demonstrates its dedication to promoting growth and innovation in the real estate industry. Tariq Ramadan, Executive Director of Dubai IPS, said, “The 19th edition of the exhibition succeeded in maintaining its leading position in the real estate industry, attracting nearly 10,000 visitors. “IPS represents an exceptional opportunity for real estate developers, architecture and consulting companies, and those interested in learning about the latest innovative services offered by diverse real estate companies. This contributes to enhancing Dubai’s real estate ecosystem, and realizing the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” Ramadan added. Ramadan also pointed out that the 20th edition of IPS aims to double the exhibition space and increase by 50 percent its target visitors to 15,000, in addition to expanding international investors and professionals’ delegation to 2,000 from existing and new markets. The three-day exhibition provides participants, which include government officials, senior real estate developers, and leading real estate companies within and outside the UAE, financial institutions, banks, and investors with the venue to closely examine and explore the investment opportunities provided by the real estate sector in Dubai and in the world. IPS 2024 has in its agenda several events and activities comprising the main exhibition, business meetings, workshops, and training sessions for those interested in and working in the real estate sector. The exhibition will also organise the Property Think Tank Programme in collaboration with its strategic partner, Property Network Partnership; as well as other activities together with the Young Professionals Network.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)