Day: March 28, 2024

Amman: Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Saud, engaged in discussions with Australian Ambassador Bernard Lynch to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration in water projects within Jordan.

In their meeting, Abu Saud provided an overview of Jordan’s current water landscape. Despite efforts by the nation to bolster its water resources, challenges persist. Factors such as climate change, population growth, and the influx of refugees have contributed to an increasing gap between water demand and availability, said the minister.

Abu Saud emphasized the proactive measures undertaken by Jordan’s water sector to address these challenges. These include the integration of alternative energy sources for water facilities and the implementation of comprehensive programs to mitigate losses, improve supply efficiency, and maximize the utilization of treated water. Additionally, he highlighted significant long-term initiatives like the national carrier project aimed at providing sustainable solutions to Jordan’s
water woes.

Acknowledging the Australian government’s ongoing interest in fostering robust cooperation with Jordan in water and sanitation domains, Abu Saud expressed optimism about bolstering Australian support. Specifically, he looked forward to Australian assistance in implementing renewable energy initiatives within the water sector, alongside strategic water projects vital for Jordan’s water security.

Lynch commended the proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. He reiterated Australia’s commitment to collaborating closely with Jordan to ensure the success of the nation’s pioneering water projects.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Senate greenlit the 2024 General Pardon Law in a session chaired by Speaker Faisal Fayez and attended by Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, clearing criminal and misdemeanor records up to March 19th and absolving individuals of fines and fees tied to their crimes while allowing civil obligations to proceed.

The proposed legislation omits 38 offenses, notably those related to state security, terrorism, weapons, explosives, drugs, and various forms of violence, fraud, and criminal activity. This includes crimes against public authority, forgery, assault, theft, arson, espionage, economic crimes, slavery, human trafficking, and money laundering, among others. Additionally, it exempts individuals from fines related to income, sales, and customs taxes.

The Senate also endorsed the amended Queen Alia International Airport agreement, which stretched its duration to 2037. The extension resolves financial disputes and mandates expansion efforts.

Nancy Namrouqa, the Minister of State for Legal Affairs, clar
ified that the extension of the agreement was part of a settlement. In this settlement, the investor relinquished financial claims worth millions of Jordanian dinars against the government due to its breach of the agreement regarding civil aviation fees and the imposition of an increased departure tax. Additionally, the settlement involved the investor’s commitment to undertake expansion projects.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Doha: The International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha Qatar, hosted by Qatar for six months, drew to a close in Doha on Thursday, marking a historic milestone as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.

Jordan participated in the exhibition, which commenced on October 2nd. The Jordanian pavilion emerged as a focal point of interest, showcasing the nation’s rich tapestry of tourism, agriculture, archeology, and heritage. Its presence served as a beacon, casting a spotlight on Jordan throughout the exhibition’s duration, ultimately fostering increased tourist inflow and foreign investment interest in various sectors such as hotels, restaurants, and entertainment establishments.

Throughout the six-month expo, the Jordanian Pavilion welcomed a diverse array of visitors, including members of the Jordanian community in Qatar, as well as individuals from various Arab and foreign nationalities, alongside numerous officials and delegates from other participating countries. The pavilion attracted an
estimated 90,000 visitors over the duration of the event, averaging approximately 5 visitors daily.

Participation in Expo Doha afforded Jordan a platform to showcase its investment promotion strategy for 2023-2026, highlighting the Kingdom’s investment environment, its advantages, developmental regions, priority sectors, and the potential returns on investment for both public and private sector stakeholders.

The Jordanian pavilion showcased an array of iconic landmarks, monuments, and indigenous crops from across the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes, alongside promoting Jordan’s renowned tourist and archaeological sites.

Designed in the form of a tent, blending modernity with ancient traditions and Jordanian culture, the pavilion featured native plants such as wormwood and aloe vera, complemented by traditional artifacts including robes, lanterns, mahabish, coffee pots, handmade rugs, pillows, and tables made from sheepskins.

The Jordan Valley region, celebrated for its lush forests and towering trees includi
ng cypress, oak, pine, and acacia, stood as a cornerstone of the Jordanian Pavilion, representing the nation’s agricultural wealth.

Visitors were treated to a mosaic floor from Madaba spanning 42 square meters, alongside elaborate models depicting landmarks like the Roman Theater, Petra, and the majestic hills of Wadi Rum, leaving a lasting impression of Jordan’s natural beauty and architectural marvels.

Many visitors expressed that their experience at the Jordanian pavilion sparked a desire to explore Jordan firsthand. Guests had the opportunity to indulge in traditional Jordanian cuisine, notably Mansaf, a dish renowned across the Arab world.

The Jordanian pavilion at Expo Doha offered visitors a virtual journey through Jordan’s most iconic tourist destinations and historical sites, capturing the essence of the kingdom’s cultural heritage and natural wonders, inspiring countless individuals to plan future visits to Jordan.

Source: Jordan News Agency

DUBAI: The third edition of The Most Noble Numbers online charity auction, organised by Abu Dhabi Police, in collaboration with Emirates Auction, has successfully raised more than AED78.3 million, which will go towards supporting the Mothers’ Endowment campaign.

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the campaign aims to establish an AED1 billion endowment fund to sustainably support the education of millions of individuals around the world.

The online charity auction showcased a collection of 555 license plates for regular vehicles in Abu Dhabi, featuring an array of distinctive numbers such as category 1’s number 80, category 16’s number 111, and category 11’s number 14. The auction also includes a special assortment of plate numbers specifically curated for motorcycles and classic cars.

The third edition of The Most Noble Numbers online charity auction has witnessed participation from businesses and leading philant
hropists, to support the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, aimed at galvanising societal engagement in opening up educational opportunities for millions across the globe.

Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi Police Commander-in-Chief, said: ‘The robust turnout for the 3rd edition of The Most Noble Numbers online charity auction underscores the UAE community’s commitment to fostering values of social cohesion and solidarity by extending aid to the most vulnerable groups’.

Al Mazrouei noted that the outcome of the auction reaffirms that the values of giving and generosity are deeply rooted and ingrained in UAE culture.

He pointed out that the proceeds from this year’s auction will bolster the objectives of Mothers’ Endowment campaign, dedicated to honouring mothers and providing educational opportunities to millions in underserved communities.

Abdullah Matar Al Mannai, Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates Auction, said: ‘The Most Noble Numbers charity auction showcased a remarkable
humanitarian engagement and exemplified a shining example of philanthropy in the UAE, where humanitarian leaders and benefactors rush to support and back the Mother’s Endowment campaign’.

He emphasised the Emirates Auction’s adherence to manage and conduct the auction according to the highest global standards, utilising its expertise, state-of-the-art technologies, and advanced bidding systems to ensure widespread participation, enhance bidder numbers, and expand avenues for supporting the campaign.

Al Mannai also emphasised that auction’s success serves as a catalyst for the Emirates Auction to continue its constructive contributions towards enhancing charitable and humanitarian work in the UAE. He reiterated the Emirates Auction’s commitment to maintaining its leading position in all charitable initiatives and campaigns spearheaded by the UAE.

He expressed gratitude to Abu Dhabi Police General Command alongside benefactors and philanthropists for their pioneering efforts in helping the auction achieve it
s objectives of supporting the Mother’s Endowment campaign. He asserted that the establishment of the AED1 billion endowment fund to support the education of millions around the world help achieve the campaign’s noble humanitarian goals of honouring mothers.

Standing as an innovative platform that reinforces the culture of generosity and corporate social responsibility, the Most Noble Numbers charity auction, which supports the Mother’s Endowment campaign, actively motivates community members to engage in addressing social challenges and leave an impactful legacy that contributes to improving the quality of life for millions of individuals from the most vulnerable communities.

The campaign offers an innovative avenue for empowering benefactors to contribute to initiatives aimed at providing quality educational opportunities for the disadvantaged across various nations worldwide.

The Mother’s Endowment campaign seeks to advance education and instill values of filial piety, affection, empathy, and community
solidarity. It aims to highlight the pivotal role of mothers in fostering a nurturing and supportive family environment conducive to their children’s education.

It seeks to bolster the UAE’s standing in the charitable and humanitarian landscape by establishing a sustainable endowment. This initiative ensures the provision of educational opportunities and empowerment for underprivileged individuals or those facing barriers to accessing essential resources across various parts of the world.

Proceeds from the Mother’s Endowment campaign go towards supporting the education of millions worldwide, providing them with the necessary tools and skills to lead independent lives that preserve their dignity and ensure their wellbeing, and this is accomplished through partnerships with various humanitarian organisations and institutions.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, has announced the inauguration of Saadiyat Marina and Ferry Terminal and Rabdan Marina; state-of-the-art facilities providing exceptional services and amenities for local mariners and boat owners. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in enhancing maritime connectivity and infrastructure in the Emirate.

Saadiyat Marina and Ferry Terminal, designed as a versatile marine hub for different types of vessels, includes a range of amenities including 64 floating pontoons for vessel mooring, a 10-metre-wide slipway,12 dry berths, 6 commercial outlets, 70 parking spaces, and modern administrative buildings. It also features a state-of-the-art ferry terminal with 2 ferry ramps, providing crucial links between Saadiyat and neighbouring islands, catering to both the maritime community and visitors alike.

Situated in the Rabdan area of Abu
Dhabi, Rabdan Marina consists of 19 berths for leisure boats and jet skis, along with a 14-metre-wide slipway,18 dry berths, F and B outlets, utilities on the dock, and 24/7 security and CCTV surveillance. The marina also offers a range of services, including boat launching and recovery, washing and engine flushing service, and assisted berthing.

The marina features several retail venues catering to the boating community, residents, and tourists. Furthermore, its prime location offers an incredible view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The Integrated Transport Centre works in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Maritime to achieve the joint vision of DMT and AD Ports Group which extends beyond infrastructure developments; it also encompasses responsible management of marine ecosystems. Recognising the potential impact the development of Saadiyat Marina may have on the surrounding marine habitat, extensive research was conducted, in collaboration with AD Ports Group’s Environment and Sustainability department.

As a res
ult, seventeen ecological articulated concrete mattresses were installed on the Saadiyat Marina and Ferry Terminal seabed, alongside Eco Sea Wall Panels on the quay walls, each composed of unique materials that seamlessly integrate into the environment. The mattresses developed by a science-based company and panels developed by a pioneering tech company not only attract and promote the growth of organisms, but also improve water quality and biodiversity, contributing to the preservation of marine life and habitats.

Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, stressed: ‘The opening of Saadiyat Marina and Ferry Terminal and Rabdan Marina confirms our commitment to creating waterfronts that go beyond the concept of infrastructure alone, leading to the creation of a thriving marine ecosystem. Our continuous work to modernise Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector is in line with the rapid changes taking place in the world, to provide sustainable infrastructure that shapes the future of ma
ritime excellence in our emirate.’

He added: ‘Our goal is to maintain Abu Dhabi’s position among the ranks of the leading global commercial and maritime centres, and to strengthen our maritime sector and modernise it with high-level infrastructure and services, in accordance with our strategic vision to encourage the sustainability of the marine environment and stimulate positive interaction between the various components of the marine environment.’

Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime and Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said, ‘With the completion of the development at Rabdan Marina and Saadiyat Marina and Ferry Terminal, we are providing Abu Dhabi’s maritime community with access to modern infrastructure and services with the highest standards of health, safety and quality.’

AD Ports Group is proud to facilitate the realisation of our leadership’s vision to establish our emirate as a global maritime centre. We are committed to continued enhancement of leisure and commercial maritime facilities ac
ross Abu Dhabi.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has emphasised that the Zayed Humanitarian Day represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s humanitarian and development journey. It is an occasion to glean inspiration from the rich legacy left by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the giving and generosity fields.

Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement on the occasion of the Zayed Humanitarian Day: “While we have lost the champion of humanity, the Founder of the UAE’s charitable work, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, we renew our pledge and loyalty on this day of the Holy Month of Ramadan on the anniversary of his passing to continue his humanitarian legacy with many noble humanitarian stances and creative initiatives. The UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues on the same path to enhance its humanitarian message and bear its respons
ibility in alleviating the suffering of humanity.”

Sheikh Hamdan stressed that the UAE will not deviate from its unique approach to promoting charitable and humanitarian work. Through this approach, the UAE has achieved a qualitative leap and a significant breakthrough in improving the areas of relief aid, transforming it from mere temporary assistance in times of crises and disasters to development projects that contribute to advancing the development of less fortunate communities.

He added, “For us at the ERC, the Zayed Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, evaluate our progress, and push it forward. We actively contribute to mobilising support for programmes, developing partnerships with all sectors of society, and spreading the values and principles that we seek to achieve. We also work on harnessing resources and activating available mechanisms to achieve further expansion, adding new gains for the beneficiaries of our humanitarian and development activities inside the country a
nd abroad, and strengthening our ability to mobilise and prepare for disasters and respond quickly to calls of humanitarian duty everywhere. These are lofty goals that we always strive to achieve.”

He also praised the efforts of the ERC members and volunteers, stressing the great responsibility they bear and the vital message they carry in promoting the UAE’s humanitarian work.

In this regard, Sheikh Hamdan pointed out to the presence of the ERC volunteers in a number of troubled areas, especially in the Gaza Strip, where they provide support and assistance to those in need, alleviating their suffering from this ordeal.

The ERC Chairman also commended the role of philanthropists and donors in supporting ERC’s efforts. He stressed that their noble initiatives have enhanced the UAE’s stature in regional and international humanitarian forums, and have fulfilled the aspirations of many people affected by life’s misfortunes and helped them obtain their basic needs and improve their humanitarian conditions.

So
urce: Emirates News Agency