Jordanian aid plane jets off to Turkiye

Under royal directives, a Jordan Armed Forces / Air Force plane loaded with 14 tons of foodstuffs departed to Turkiye to help those affected by a major earthquake that rocked the country earlier this year. According to a Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) statement on Monday, the organization, which is the only entity in the Kingdom responsible for raising and delivering aid, continues to help those affected by the devastating earthquake that hit Turkiye and Syria last February, said the JHCO Secretary General Hussein Shibli. The plane, he noted, is the 14th dispatched to Turkiye since the earthquake hit, claiming the lives of thousands and injuring nearly as many others and causing severe damage to buildings, neighborhoods and roads. Shibli pointed to the private sector’s role in supporting the emergency response campaign as well as their ongoing donations.

Source: Jordan News Agency

UBF spotlights effectiveness of UAE’s efforts in combating fraud at 2023 ACFE Fraud Conference Middle East

ABU DHABI, 15th May, 2023 (WAM) – UAE Banks Federation, the representative body and voice of UAE banks, highlighted the effectiveness of the UAE’s efforts in combating financial fraud supported by the many initiatives and measures being implemented by the sector under the guidance and supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), which is taking proactive steps to combat financial fraud, at the 2023 ACFE Fraud Conference Middle East. The CBUAE is constantly taking proactive steps to combat financial fraud and is developing laws and regulations and employing advanced technology to prevent and detect fraud. The conference hosted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), with support from strategic partners, including UAE Banks Federation, took place in Dubai on 8-9 May and was attended by more than 300 experts and professionals in the field. Participation in this important annual conference is part of the Federation’s efforts to help member banks build and develop competitive and sustainable business models that benefit customers and economic and social development by combating fraud and providing a secure and streamlined banking and financial system. The conference discussed the key challenges and topics in dealing with fraud, especially in the digital age, which is witnessing a remarkable rise in fraud cases that threatens the security of financial and banking institutions as well as individual and institutional customers. The UAE has been proactively improving compliance and fraud-related laws and regulations, raising awareness of fraud risks, and providing training and support to all banking employees to enhance their knowledge and skills in fraud prevention and detection. Jamal Saleh, Director General of UAE Banks Federation, delivered the opening address and said, “Our participation in the ACFE Fraud Conference Middle East is part of our continuous efforts to create and maintain the safety and security of the thriving banking system in the UAE. The conference discussed the latest trends in combating and monitoring financial fraud and ways to collaborate with stakeholders in the region and the rest of the world.” He explained that the UAE’s focus on digital transformation and innovation in adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and biometrics is helping to enhance fraud detection and control capabilities and that the “Tasharuk” information sharing and analysis platform, established by UAE Banks Federation and the first of its kind in the country, is playing an influential role in helping to detect cyber risks through the exchange of critical information. He added, “The UAE is well positioned to further strengthen its leadership in combating fraud, with continued investment in technology, training and collaboration. Besides, the National Cybersecurity Strategy contributes to enhancing the integrated system by implementing many initiatives, evaluating their results and evolving them in line with global changes.” The conference was attended by experts and high-ranking officials in the regional banking and finance sector. Panel discussions on the first day of the conference included ‘Changes in Operations and its Implications for the Banking Industry’, ‘Fraud Risk Management in Sustainability Initiatives’ and ‘The Evolution of Fraud in Global Financial Markets’. The second day covered various topics, including “Leveraging the power of Technology in combating fraud”, “Compliance challenges and ethical standards related to fraud”, and “The behavioural pattern of fraudsters – the difference between traditional and cyber fraud”. Participants stressed the importance of continuously improving systems and technologies to create a safe and secure banking environment. They lauded the UAE banking sector’s experience in continuously developing its legal and regulatory framework in line with The Central Bank of the UAE guidelines to ensure compliance and implementation of fraud prevention measures by financial institutions.

Source: Emirates News Agency

TDRA participates in SAMENA Summit on role of telecommunications in supporting digital economy

DUBAI, 15th May, 2023 (WAM) The annual SAMENA (South Asia – Middle East – North Africa) summit was held at the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, with the active participation and sponsorship of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). The event was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, as a guest of honour, and a group of decision-makers and workers in ICT from the public and private sectors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In his opening speech, Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of TDRA, emphasised the importance of regional cooperation to advance the telecommunications sector and promote digital transformation in order to contribute to creating a sustainable digital economy that serves the region. He noted that advanced digital ecosystems have had a significant impact on society, the economy, and government operations. Emerging technologies are a powerful driver of the transformation process toward a sustainable digital economy, whether in the UAE, the region, or the world. Al Mesmar acknowledged that the journey toward a sustainable digital economy has challenges that must be overcome by working together and turning them into opportunities. One such challenge is the legislative issue, as technology is constantly evolving, and to keep pace with it legislatively, we must be highly innovative. TDRA launched the first experimental legislative environment for the ICT sector, the ICT Regulatory Sandbox, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit held in Dubai last February to help meet this challenge. Al Mesmar also called for concerted efforts to support countries that are not connected to submarine cables, which deprive them of broadband internet services, and offered the UAE’s assistance in this context based on the country’s global trends. He said, “The UAE is ready to provide the necessary advisory and technical support to those countries to achieve the noble global slogan raised by the United Nations in the context of its development goals (Leave no one behind).” Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director-General for the Telecommunications Sector, participated in the activities of the 5.5G session. Al Ramsi presented the TDRA’s efforts to enhance the infrastructure of 5G and 5.5G, and the role of this technology in promoting innovation and increasing the speed of communication between devices and stations, which support the establishment and development of smart cities in education, health, transport, logistics, industry and others. Al Ramsi indicated that the TDRA had taken many necessary steps to facilitate the development of 5.5G, including allocating spectrum at 6GHz and mmWave scales. Among the TDRA’s participants in the summit sessions, Adel Al Mehairi, Director of CERT, participated in a discussion session on enhancing digital trust to reach a sustainable, connected and smart world. Khalid Al Awadi, Manager of Broadcasting and Space Services, also participated in a session on the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks and space platforms. The TDRA also saw active participation in the discussion session “Creating Digital Value and the Internet”, where Sultan Albalooshi, Manager of Spectrum Policy, touched on the importance of infrastructure in enhancing the role of the Internet in digital life and the digital economy. On the summit’s sidelines, the TDRA participated in the collective launch of the 5.5G open lab in partnership with Etisalat by eand and Huawei. This launch reflects the stakeholders’ keenness on the principle of partnership in preparing for the future and dealing smartly with new technologies.

Source: Emirates News Agency

32nd Al Gaffal Long Distance Race to be held from 26 to 28 May

DUBAI, 15th May, 2023 (WAM) H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the dates of the 32nd Al Gaffal Long Distance Race dedicated to traditional 60-feet sailing ships. The heritage sport event will take place from 26th to 28th May. Organised annually by the Dubai International Marine Club, the event takes place at the end of the marine sports season. Sheikh Hamdan noted that the iconic annual race has made significant contributions to reviving the UAE’s marine heritage. The race, which has grown in popularity over the years, celebrates the role the sea has played in the society, culture and economy of the nation throughout its past. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed directed the Higher Organising Committee of the event to ensure the seamless organisation of the tournament, which will chart a course of 50 nautical miles starting from Sir Bu Nair Island, passing through Crescent Moon Island, and ending on the shores of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed urged all those involved in the event to work together to ensure the success of the event. Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar, Chairman of the Dubai International Marine Club, and head of the event’s organising committee expressed his appreciation to Sheikh Hamdan for his patronage of the event, which was launched in 1991 by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event is one of a series of heritage sports tournaments conceived by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid that have led to traditional marine sports occupying a strong place in the UAE’s sporting calendar. Tariq Al Fahaam/ Muhammad Aamir

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE Pro League announces winners of ‘Fans’ League’ Awards during final matchweek

ABU DHABI, 15th May, 2023 (WAM) – The UAE Pro League announced the winners of the “Fans’ League” initiative during the final matchweek of the ADNOC Pro League. According to the UAE Pro League’s new amendments to the 2022-23 Fans’ League, the prizes will be awarded to the clubs, which had the highest average fan attendance after the end of every matchweek in a step aimed to boost fan attendance. Shabab Al Ahli claimed the first spot in the highest home attendance prize valued at AED 60,000, whereas Al Ain will receive AED 40,000 after clinching the second position. The UAE Pro League had set up two essential conditions to decide the Fans’ League winners: the minimum attendance must be no less than 2,500 fans for the hosts and 700 fans for the visitors. Tariq Al Fahaam/ Muhammad Aamir

Source: Emirates News Agency