Author: Web Desk

DUBAI, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) announced license upgrade of Societe Generale, one of Europe’s pre-eminent financial services groups, that applies diversified and integrated banking model based on financial strength and proven expertise in innovation combined with a strategy of sustainable growth.

Societe Generale’s license has been upgraded to Category 2 by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The upgrade authorises the company to book lending locally and is a testament of Societe Generale’s commitment to grow their regional business from DIFC.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said, “DIFC continues to successfully deepen its existing relationships with financial institutions that aspire to expand their business. These institutions have confidence in DIFC’s offering and benefit from our leading financial services ecosystem, as well as our legal and regulatory framework. We would like to congratulate Societe Generale, a long-standing DIFC client on obtaining their license upgrade and look forward to their continued success.”

Aymeric Arnaud, Group Regional CEO of Societe Generale Middle East, said, “Societe Generale Middle East takes a natural step forward after 25 years of on-ground presence, reflecting the maturity of our set-up and our expansion ambitions across the GCC and Egypt. We appreciate the trust and confidence that DIFC places in us. The upgrade of our regulatory license is in line with our regional growth strategy, focused on advising and arranging large-scale financings, among others. It will allow us to better serve our regional clients as we collectively shift to a more sustainable future.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Member of the Dubai Council, attended the third day of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD).

The event brought together leading international charitable and humanitarian organisations to address vital humanitarian issues, share local and international experiences and ideas and shape new vision for the global humanitarian sector.

Her Highness attended a panel discussion titled Children of DIHAD featuring a group of students from the International School of Creative Science in Dubai. During the discussion, the children shared their vision and ideas to advance sustainable development and harness initiatives to help developing countries formulate innovative solutions to reduce poverty and illiteracy.

She toured the humanitarian exhibition accompanied by Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation, and Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC; Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director-General, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), and Gennaro Migliore, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM); and Sara Al Madani, Board of Trustee – DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation.

Sheikha Latifa visited the pavilions of The Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, International Humanitarian City, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, DIHAD Glasshouse, the UN Pavilion, Noor Dubai Foundation, the Norwegian Pavilion, Zayed Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Works, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.

On its last day, the conference discussed a number of important topics such as Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which were presented during a session chaired by Dr. Luay Shabaneh, Regional Director for the Arab States and North Africa (UNFPA), and attended by Dr. Shereen El-Feki, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, UNAIDS, Dr. Dorothee Klaus, Director of Relief and Social Services, UNRWA, and Fairuz Taqi-Eddin, Chief of Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation, UNICEF Gulf Area.

A session titled Life below Water and Life on Land, which discussed Goal 14 and 15 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), was chaired by Elise d’Epenoux, Senior Director for Public Affairs and International Communications at the non-governmental organisation – SeaCleaners. The panel also included Dr. Sayeda Ali Ahmed Khalil, National Climate Change Expert and REDD+ Coordinator, Sudan, Laurens de Groot, Social Entrepreneur and Environmental Activist from Amsterdam, and Raabia A.K. Hawa, Founder of Ulinzi Africa Foundation – Kenya, and Founder of Walk with Rangers Initiative.

On its third day, DIHAD Glasshouse announced the winners of the first edition of the incubator startup programme, which aims to empower young talent in the humanitarian field and strengthen healthcare systems, education, and professional empowerment in developing countries. The DIHAD Glasshouse panel of judges included Abdulrahman Al Mansouri, CEO of Waterfalls Global Initiative, Dr. Waleed Al-Ali, Advisor at Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives, Khaled Alattar, Chairman of GADHA, and Sara Al Madani, Board of Trustee – DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation who were assisted by the Dubai Future Council for Humanitarian Aid, Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives and GADHA, an international training agency operating as a hub to empower individuals. Two innovative projects were selected as winners – one serving humanity by harnessing the power of art and technology and the second project focused on sport and physical activity.

Khaled Al Attar, Chairman of GADHA, stated, “In line with the UAE’s humanitarian ethos and its efforts to empower youth, DIHAD Glasshouse provides a platform for creating opportunities for the youth and meeting the needs of vulnerable groups. I was very pleased with the quality of projects featured in the DIHAD Glasshouse, which rely on cooperative partnerships to serve humanity across the world.”

The last day also saw the signing of a cooperation agreement between the DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation and the Islamic Food Security Organisation to achieve Sustainable Development Goals through strong global partnerships and cooperation between the two organisations. The agreement provides a framework for the development of general principles, establishing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and sharing humanitarian expertise.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa University, Zayed University celebrated its 2022 Graduation Ceremony under the theme “Future Makers”, with 618 Masters Graduates and Honours Undergraduate students during an exceptional event held today.

The university celebrated the graduation of seven colleges this week in five ceremonies held on 14th and 15th March, 2022. A total of 3,932 students, of which 95.5 percent are UAE nationals, were felicitated under the theme “Future Makers”, including the 19th and 20th Cohort of female undergraduates, 9th and 10th Cohorts of male undergraduates and selected cohorts of master graduates.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State, said during the ceremony, “Bear in mind that the world today is changing at a fast pace, that the future is full of unprecedented challenges, and that achieving success is not easy…but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

“Today, you take the first step with success and confidence, despite the circumstances and challenges. But with faith, will and ambition, you will overcome difficulties, achieve the best, and make the most for our beloved country. As graduates of Zayed University, you will begin the journey towards the UAE’s Next 50 leading to the UAE Centennial 2071. You are the pioneers of tomorrow and the nation’s Future Makers.”

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, extended her heartfelt thanks to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), for her boundless support to Zayed University since its inception. “Our warmest thanks to the ‘Mother of the Nation’ for her empowerment of Emirati women as partners of national growth, as educators of generations and as makers of transformation in our society,” Minister Al Kaabi said.

“On this occasion, we recall the unlimited care Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan had bestowed upon his people, granting them the best education and investing in building the national human capital, to significantly contributing to their country’s growth and prosperity. Year after year, the nation has penned its rocking milestones and branded itself as a competitive stellar nation worldwide,” she added.

“Adorned with the name of Zayed, our flagship university is the epitome of Sheikh Zayed’s impact and enduring legacy in education. Since its start, the university has dedicated itself to building minds, moulding the next generations capable of shaping the future of their nation, eagerly contributing to the growth and prosperity of the UAE, as it ushers in the “Next 50,” she said.

Throughout the week, the ceremonies included the participation of distinguished guests, such as Dr. Sonia ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdullah Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, and Iyore Olaye, Forbes 30/30 Technologist, Investor, and Philanthropist, Dr. Noura Al-Obeidli, member of ZU’s National Advisory Council and Research Fellow at NYUAD, and Hamed Al-Hamed, Founder and CEO of Gracia Group, who shared their advice and experience with graduates to better prepare them for future challenges.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) has partnered with the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to support Abu Dhabi Reads, an initiative designed to foster reading as a daily habit across many of the UAE capital’s communities.

Emirati author Noura Al Shemiri will read her own book series Hosn Al Emarat to children at Umm Al Emarat Park on 18th and 20th March as part of the UAE Reading Month celebrations. The jiu-jitsu-themed book collection was released by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation last year and teaches children about the UAE’s culture, traditions, and values through the sport.

The eight-part series transmits the noble ideals and traditions of jiu-jitsu to a younger generation in a unique and captivating way. Through fictional jiu-jitsu characters, Noura cleverly uses sports, particularly the UAE’s national sport of jiu-jitsu, to engage the younger population.

“Education is how the UAE’s traditions and heritage are preserved,” Al Shemiri said of her involvement in Abu Dhabi Reads. “My participation in Abu Dhabi Reads is part of a larger and more comprehensive effort to contribute in enhancing our youth’s knowledge of UAE culture, arts, and sports.

“It is our responsibility as adults to promote a reading culture among our children. They must realise the importance of reading. Our visionary leaders are constantly encouraging youngsters to read and develop a love for books and this month serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing a passion for reading among future generations.”

Hosn means “fortress” in Arabic and the series features one book for each of the UAE’s seven emirates, as well as a special finale. Hosn Abu Dhabi, the first book in the series, emphasises the importance of tolerance, while Hosn Dubai, the second, stresses the importance of excellence. On the other hand, Hosn Al Sharjah highlights the importance of respect, and Hosn Ajman shows the importance of honour.

Honesty and loyalty are taught in Hosn Umm Al Quwain and Hosn Ras Al Khaimah, while bravery is explained at Hosn Al Fujairah. The final part in the series, Hosn Al Salam, takes readers on a tour of Abu Musa Island, where they learn about the Grand Tunb lighthouse and the first Emirati martyr.

Source: Emirates News Agency