Scottish Prime Minister: Israeli occupation practicing racial cleansing in Gaza


Tripoli: Scottish Prime Minister Hamza Yusuf called on the British government to take action to stop indiscriminate attacks by the Israeli occupation forces in Gaza.

Hamza Yousef said in a press statement on Saturday: ‘The British government’s refusal to do so is shameful. It is time for Britain to make it clear to the occupying power that its actions in Gaza went far beyond the legitimate response to the attacks of the resistance movement Hamas on October 7 last.’

In his response to calls by occupation government ministers to encourage immigration from Gaza and establish settlements there, he said: ‘If that is not equivalent to ethnic cleansing, I do not know what is. Gaza is a Palestinian territory occupied and will be part of the Palestinian future state. The residents of Gaza should not be displaced or forcibly transferred from Gaza.’

Source: Libyan News Agency

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi signs MoU with PureHealth

ABU DHABI: Following the recent conclusion of COP28, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and PureHealth signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to conduct specialised studies and research programmes to explore the effect of environmental impacts on public health.

The MoU mandates the cooperation of both entities on the preparation of environmental studies that explore the interconnection with public health in Abu Dhabi, and aim to address critical environmental challenges and their implications on community well-being.

Working groups will be formed to identify specific collaboration areas based on EAD’s focus areas and priorities, ensuring that the research efforts support government policies and objectives of ensuring a healthy environment for all. Both organisations will also share data and research expertise as well as capacity building initiatives through training programmes and knowledge exchange.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said, ‘Signing this MoU with PureHealth
is extremely exciting and relevant because it’s vital that we explore the link between the environment and public health in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. With our expertise in conducting scientific research and our knowledge of the environment, intertwined with PureHealth’s knowledge of public health, we will be able to develop research of the highest scientific standard while applying best practices. We will be conducting specialised studies that shows the expected impacts of public health based on projections of environmental elements.’

She added, ‘Most importantly, we will be able to explore the relationship between the effects of climate change on public health – a very pertinent and immediate topic. The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, which we launched in July of this year, identified that health is one of the most vulnerable sectors for climate change impacts in the UAE. Therefore, through the strategy we address public health under adaptation to climate change.’

She elaborated, ‘We know that high temp
eratures have a detrimental impact on public health and scientific literature indicates a strong link between climate change and health-related issues. Therefore, the research we will undertake in collaboration with PureHealth will help us to better assess the situation and implement programmes to reduce the harm of climate change.”

Farhan Malik, Founder and Managing Director of PureHealth, said, ‘We recognise the impact of climate change on public health and are committed to not only accelerating climate action but also promoting a new model of care through sustainable methods. Our vision is a future in which sustainability and longevity go hand in hand, aligning with the UAE leadership’s vision. We are proud of our partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to support specialised research on changing weather patterns and its impact to shape policies and programmes for the benefit of public health. This is part of our endeavour to engage with local and international communities to raise awareness a
nd support action for a healthier and greener world, where everyone can live longer, healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.’

As part of the collaboration both parties will develop detailed whitepapers that outline the current and expected states of heat stress and its implications on public health, and to identify any recommended initiatives and projects to mitigate this issue. The outcomes of the whitepapers will be used to raise public awareness about the impacts of environmental changes on the health of Abu Dhabi residents, helping to create a well-informed and inclusive society.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UPDATE: Dragon Oil signs MoU with Turkmenistan Oil to expand investments

ABU DHABI: Dragon Oil Company, wholly owned by the Government of Dubai, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkmenbet Company (Turkmenistan Oil).

The agreement included expanding Dragon Oil Company’s investments in the promising Turkmen oil and gas sector, which includes three new oil fields within Block 19.

The signing of the agreement was attended by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan; Meredov Rashid, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Amanov Batyr Amanglidievich, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Turkmenistan; Biglev Acherguli, Advisor to the President of Turkmenistan on Oil and Gas Issues; Babayev Maksat Mamitsaparovichß and Agaganov Jovansh, Head of the Service.

Also present from the UAE side were Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dragon Oil; Ahmed Al Hai Al Hameli, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Turkmenistan; Ali Rashid Al Jarwan, CEO of Dragon Oil; and Saeed Salem Al Sha
msi, General Manager of Marketing and Government Communications, Dragon Oil Company.

At the beginning of the meeting, Saeed Al Tayer, welcomed the presence of the Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan and conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. During the meeting, he also thanked the Turkmen government for supporting the company over the years and also praised For the wise leadership and support for the company’s various projects.

On the sidelines of the signing, the Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan met with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dragon Oil Company. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation and explore the possibilities of advancing the energy sector and oil and gas industry in Turkmenistan, given Dragon Oil’s extensive experience and notable achievements in these areas.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow extended his thanks and great
gratitude to Dragon Oil Company for its support of the Turkmen health sector with health equipment and medicines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the company provided about 19 ambulances and three clinics equipped with all medical equipment intended for Covid patients, in addition to the clinics it provided. Integrated in the company’s fields to serve its employees.

Al Tayer said, ‘Signing the memorandum of understanding with Turkmenistan reflects the great confidence that the company enjoys with the government of Turkmenistan, whose presence in this hospitable country dates back more than 20 years.’

Al Tayer added, ‘The company is moving to expand investment in three oil fields with the aim of raising and increasing production in the near future. Turkmenistan is a very important oil country and has great oil and gas capabilities. We are seeking to strengthen our presence there through new investments that will reflect positively on both parties on the one hand, Enhancing the state’s income from
revenues and creating new work jobs, especially since the company counts more than 2,000 employees in Turkmenistan alone.’

Touching on the agreement, Al Tayer explained that the memorandum will enable the company to transfer technology and modern technology in the oil sector while making technical and financial investment to develop the fields covered by the memorandum, pointing out that the memorandum is only the first of the excellent relations that we have brought together with Turkmenistan.

Al Tayer stated that Block 19 includes the three new fields close to the Chelken field in which we operate the concession, where we conducted a seismic survey at a cost of US$35 million, and the results of the analysis we conducted showed that Block 19 is promising, adding, ‘Our expansion plans in Turkmenistan are located in An area close to the Chilken field is a promising area, and we know it well.’

He pointed out that the next stage after signing the goodwill agreement is to drill two to three wells, while the th
ird stage is the stage of developing production when exploring for oil.

At the end of the meeting, the agreement was signed on the Emirati side by Ali Rashid Al Jarwan, CEO of the company, and Aghajanov Jovansh, Head of the State Administration ‘Turkmenneft’ on the Turkmen side.

Dragon Oil has been engaged in oil and gas cooperation with Turkmenistan on the basis of a production sharing agreement since 2000. Its primary focus is on the extraction of hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian Sea, in the Chilikin Contractual Area.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Shanghai plans hundreds of intelligent factories to reinforce manufacturing leadership

SHANGHAI: Shanghai plans to build 200 new smart factories and 20 demonstration sites by end of 2025 after 70 intelligent plants in 2023, officials announced, solidifying its intelligent manufacturing stronghold, according to China Daily report.

Covering auto, equipment and IT, this year’s batch features life-cycle, process and supply chain enhancements. As the nation’s largest smart solutions provider and a core equipment hub, the city sees such innovation as vital for industrial competitiveness.

“Intelligent manufacturing plays a key role in new industrialization and is pivotal for Shanghai’s digital economic transition,” said Vice Mayor Chen Jie. Over 19 national-level intelligent factories now operate alongside 100 municipal and 1,000-plus smart applications, with over 70 percent of firms passing evaluations.

Benefits abound – average efficiency exceeding 50 percent higher, costs 30 percent lower and energy consumption cut nearly 14 percent. “With government support, we’ve achieved automation heights,”
said parts maker Aptiv Electrical’s Ops Director Xu Xiaoying.

Output value of Shanghai’s world-class system integration segment has topped US$8.5 billion. Its 383 robots per 10,000 workers also leads globally. Accelerated nurturing of marquee clusters reinforces the upgraded, tech-driven industrialisation push.

“By integrating innovation, Shanghai exemplifies next-gen manufacturing led by technology,” said Chinese Academy of Engineering Academician Qian Feng.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE President receives Prime Minister of Qatar

ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, who is on a working visit to the UAE.

At the beginning of the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, along with his wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE. In return, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his warmest greetings to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wishes for further development and prosperity for Qatar and its people.

During the meeting, His Highness and the Qatari Prime Minister discussed the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to enhance cooperation and joint work for the benefit of both nations and the achievement of t
heir mutual interests.

The two sides also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on them.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; and Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhboot Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the State of Qatar

Also present was the accompanying delegation of the guest, which included Khalifa bin Hamad b
in Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Interior; Dr. Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UAE; and a number of senior officials.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier in the day, where he was received at Al Bateen Airport by H.H. Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser.

Source: Emirates News Agency

 The Top 5 Best Places to Work in UAE for 2023 Revealed

DUBAI, UAEMedia OutReach Newswire5 January 2024 – BSH, MoneyGram Novo Nordisk, Globalpharma and Middle East Specialized Cables are recognized as the top 5 best places to work in UAE for 2023 according to the annual prestigious “Best Places to Work” certification program. Best Places to Work is an international certification program, considered as the ‘Platinum Standard’ in identifying and recognizing top workplaces around the world, providing employers the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and the satisfaction of their employees and honour those who deliver an outstanding work experience with the highest standards in regards to working conditions.

BSH Home Appliances Middle East was awarded the top position followed by MoneyGram. Novo Nordisk UAE came in the third position followed by Globalpharma, a leading pharmaceutical company in the UAE. MESC, a supplier of choice for instrumentation and control cables by Oil and Gas companies and EPC contractors in the region, came in the fifth position.

Findings from this year indicated that the top performing organizations in UAE continued to invest in creating a highly-engaged workforce, with an average engagement score of 81%,1 point higher compared to last year average and 2 points higher compared with the region average engagement score. In additional, the insights indicate that employees in the UAE have increased expectations regarding their day-to-day work experience, and while other employees have expressed more positivity around areas such as long-term career aspirations and virtual work arrangements within their organisations.

Every year in UAE, the program partners with over 100 organizations, across different industries, to help them measure, benchmark, improve their HR practices and have access to the tools and expertise they need to deliver effective and sustainable change in their organizations.

For more information about the program, please visit www.bestplacestoworkfor.org. Join our community on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Contacts : Hamza Idrissi | hamza@bestplacestoworkfor.org | +44 208 895 6562