Category: Entertainment

ABU DHABI, Expo 2020 Dubai is looking forward to bring together countries and communities to draft a roadmap for their future, by leveraging the participation of more than 200 countries and international organisations to enable participants and visitors to play a part in making a positive change, said Chief of Staff to the Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Over six months, Expo 2020 Dubai’s ‘Programme for People and Planet’ will help achieve these objectives through 10 Theme Weeks, 18 International Days and more than 220 events – including forums, conferences and workshops – that explore key issues of global significance, Nadia Verjee, who is also responsible for the programme, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an interview.

“Spanning crucial topics including climate change, biodiversity and the future of healthcare and education, the programme is underpinned by the need for serious action, leveraging the convening power of Expo 2020 Dubai to support global efforts to enhance the quality of life for future generations,” she added.

Verjee stressed that Expo 2020 Dubai would showcase experiences and innovations from around the world, inspiring future generations to adopt solutions to global challenges and catalysing a one-of-a-kind movement to shape the legacy that Expo 2020 Dubai leaves the world.

“Our world continues to change rapidly, and we need to move forward and collaborate to keep pace with rapid developments.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is one of the first in-person global gatherings to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers the world a golden opportunity to work together to overcome future challenges,” Verjee said.

She added that that the programme’s Theme Weeks will explore solutions to humanity’s most critical challenges, kicking off with Climate and Biodiversity Week, held in association with DP World and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, that will host discussions around five key issues of climate change, disaster risk management, circular economy and green economy, endangered areas, and protecting natural resources and biodiversity.

Later in October, Space Week will explore the space sector across three topics, namely space exploration, governance, and laws on space and space data, in association with the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

Urban and Rural Development Week will see the participation of UN-Habitat, Siemens and the Aga Khan Development Network and will focus on the five key topics of cities and informal settlements, access to services, urban planning, infrastructure, transport and comprehensive rural development.

In association with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, Tolerance and Inclusivity Week will focus on cultural pluralism, coexistence and understanding between different religions, communities and cultures, inclusivity of people of determination, peace and security, comprehensive dialogue and media credibility.

Knowledge and Learning Week, co-curated with Dubai Cares, will probe the future of education, labour, skills, informal education and knowledge-based systems.

Looking to 2022, Travel and Connectivity Week, in association with Emirates and Etisalat, will cover digital communication, digital government, smart transport, supply chains, trade and travel.

The United Nations will co-host Global Goals Week, which will see an emphasis on women and social development.

Health and Wellness Week will bring together participants, including the World Health Organisation and the Mohammed bin Rashid Medicine and Health Sciences University, to discuss healthcare systems, medical tech solutions, healthcare services for local communities, and wellness and happiness. Attention to these issues is especially important in a pandemic world.

Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods Week will shed light on key topics including food systems, food waste, food safety, small agricultural projects and food security, held in association with PepsiCo, the Minister of State’s Office for Food and Water Security and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

The series will end with Water Week, co-curated with the Minister of State’s Office for Food and Water Security, Ministry of Energy and Industry, and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Topics will include water management, oceans and the ocean economy, water-based environmental systems, water supply networks and sanitation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, Mansour Abdullah Khalfan Belhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK, has said that Expo 2020 Dubai symbolises the hopes and aspirations of youth throughout the world and represents an inspiring platform for connecting minds and reinforcing international cooperation.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the occasion of the launch of Expo 2020 Dubai on 1st October, 2021, Belhoul stressed that hosting the Expo with the return to normalcy highlights the UAE’s cooperation with international partners in drafting the goals of the future, with a focus on overall sustainability, health and safety.

The bilateral ties between the UAE and the UK are witnessing progress in all areas, most notably in investment, trade, health, energy, education, space, food security and technology, he added.

It has been noted that the design of the British Pavilion at the Expo was inspired by the “Breakthrough Message” project of the late Stephen Hawking and will invite visitors from around the world to think deeply about the important message of expressing ourselves as one planet, he added.

The pavilion, which is located in the Opportunities Area, under the slogan, “Innovation for a Shared Future,” aims to showcase the scope of the UK’s cooperation with other countries in creating solutions to global issues.

On the role of the event in encouraging collective action, Belhoul highlighted the fact the Expo will host 200 participants from 192 countries, as well as many multilateral organisations, companies and educational establishments.

He noted that the post-COVID-19 era will impose a range of economic, development and cultural challenges that must be solved with international partners, noting some of these challenges are in line with the Expo’s pillars, which include opportunities, transport and sustainability.

On the Expo’s international role in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity, he affirmed that tolerance, coexistence and peace are values instilled in the Emirati community, which the country is keen to promote through interactions and collective work.

“As with the Emirates Mars Mission and the Hope Probe, Expo 2020 Dubai is the symbol of youths’ aspirations and their hopes for the future,” Belhoul said, stating its educational programme and the schools programme will witness a series of tours for school students from high schools and universities in the UAE and throughout the world.

Youth will be able to explore the best inspiring innovations in all areas, including sustainable agriculture, artificial intelligence and robotics, he added.

Speaking about climate change, which is a key pillar of Expo 2020 Dubai, he said climate change is a key challenge that requires a unified global response based on innovation, cooperation and inspiration, explaining that the UAE plays a pivotal role in this regard and has implemented many leading initiatives in the field of sustainability, such as hosting the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), organising Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, building the largest solar power plant in the world, and developing Masdar City.

The hosting of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Abu Dhabi in 2023 will be an ideal opportunity to encourage international collective action to address climate change, he said, adding that hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, coinciding with the country’s Golden Jubilee, is also an ideal opportunity to contemplate the country’s journey and leading achievements.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, The UAE’s tourism sector recorded 62% occupancy rate in H1-2021, outperforming 10 other major global tourism destinations including China (54%), United States of America (45%), Mexico (38%), the United Kingdom (37%), and Turkey (36%).

The country’s hotel and tourism establishments attracted nearly 8.3 million guests during this period, recording 15% growth compared to that of H1-2020. During the reference period, guests spent nearly 35 million nights in the UAE hotels reflecting a growth of 30%, while the average length of their stay increased to 4.1 nights at a 12.5% growth. This’s accompanied by a 31% growth in hotel establishments’ revenues to reach AED11.3 billion. Domestic tourism accounted for 30% of the total number of guests at these hotel establishments.

Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, affirmed that the positive results achieved by the tourism sector in the first half of this year reflect the soundness of the vision and directives of the wise leadership on the importance of the tourism sector as a major driver of the economy. They highlight the strength and flexibility of the national tourism sector, the development of the UAE’s tourism market and the diversity of its products, and the efficiency of national campaigns in highlighting the tourism components that characterize the country. In addition, they shed light on the unique and diverse destinations housed by the seven emirates of the country; and the continuous development and excellence of their hospitality features and services. He noted that the latest achievement is a result of concerted government efforts aimed at developing domestic tourism to attract larger numbers of domestic and foreign tourists.

He pointed out that these results are of great relevance in light of the tightening of travel restrictions in some major tourism markets around the world due to the impact of COVID-19. It reflects guests’ trust in the national tourism products, and their competitiveness in establishing themselves as preferred choices for the country’s citizens and residents, compared to other foreign tourist destinations.

He explained that the qualitative development witnessed by the UAE’s domestic tourism landscape and the growing demand for tourism destinations and hotel facilities within the country confirm the effectiveness of government initiatives to boost domestic tourism.

Furthermore, the minister underlined the UAE’s continued efforts to consolidate its leading position on the global tourism map, and to achieve progress on various international indicators for tourism and hotel services, noting that the growth of tourism in the country confirms the growing global confidence in the preventive measures taken to ensure the health and safety of hotel guests and visitors.

He also noted that the high vaccination rates in the country, which is at 80% now, is one of the highest in the world, which has contributed to raising the level of safety and confidence in the UAE’s tourism sector.

He further explained that the authorities concerned with tourism development in the country continue their joint efforts and coordination to increase the growth of UAE tourism in the next phase through qualitative projects and initiatives, including preparation for the internal tourism campaign during the next session. It will also see the launch of external tourism promotional campaigns with the aim of opening new markets to attract tourists to the country. In addition, he highlighted the importance of hosting the global event Expo 2020 Dubai in October and world delegations from more than 192 countries, which will give a great boost to the country’s tourism sector, leading to further progress in hotel sector growth indicators, hotel occupancy rates and tourism activity in general.

In this context, Haitham Matar, President of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Group for India, Middle East and Africa, explained that thanks to the support of the UAE government and the clear vision it adopts in developing the tourism sector and enhancing its leadership, competitiveness and sustainability, the sector has achieved remarkable growth and recovery in the past period, which is confirmed by the strong performance of the portfolio of the Group’s hotels in the UAE.

Matar also emphasised on the distinguished role of the tourism authorities in the country and the distinctive national tourism initiatives such as the ‘Coolest Winter in the World’ campaign, which greatly supported local tourism, fuelling a growth in demand and an increase in reservations.

For his part,, Mohammed Jassim Al Rayes, Executive Vice President of Al Rayes Travel, highlighted the increased demand for domestic tourism in the UAE over the past period. “This increase in demand for domestic tourism has sparked a healthy competition among tourism companies to provide distinctive tourism offers aimed at promoting domestic tourism in nationwide,” he said.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) hosted a virtual forum for stakeholders and partners, to provide them with an opportunity to obtain updates and key insights on the upcoming Expo 2020 and share an overview of the industry and key developments and initiatives for further accelerating Dubai’s tourism growth.

The forum is part of an ongoing programme of industry engagements initiated by Dubai Tourism to further enhance collaboration with its stakeholders and partners, and to build on the growing industry momentum in the run up to the region’s first World Expo, to be held from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Sumathi Ramanathan, Vice President, Market Strategy and Sales, Expo 2020, joined the virtual event to deliver a detailed presentation that covered key aspects of the mega event, including its innovative features, country pavilions, events and entertainment, ticket categories and prices, transportation within the sprawling site and the health and safety protocols that will be in place, in line with international standards and practices.

“We regularly host these strategic stakeholder engagements to make sure that the industry is always up to date and aligned with the various initiatives that are launched to showcase Dubai as a safe destination that provides international travellers the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of experiences. The latest forum assumed greater significance, as it enabled Dubai Tourism to share a positive industry outlook and highlight the optimism prevailing across the city, just as it readies itself to welcome the world to Expo 2020. In leading the global tourism recovery under the guidance of our visionary leadership and with the support of our stakeholders and partners, Dubai has been extremely proactive, creative and focused on ensuring the city remains at the forefront of the world’s leading travel destinations. Now that we are heading into a history-making period with Expo 2020 and the UAE Golden Jubilee, we are counting on the continued support of our stakeholders, as we further enhance Dubai’s position as a global tourism destination.”

Participants at the forum were also encouraged to take advantage of major festivals and events, with the aim of greatly enhancing the quality and diversity of the destination’s offerings and events, paving the way for Dubai to reinforce its position as a must-visit destination. It was pointed out that a variety of partnership opportunities could be leveraged by stakeholders from the diverse festivals and events, such as the fifth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge from 29 October to 27 November, celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of the UAE on 2 December and the next edition of the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival, which kicks off in December.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will host the 18th International Roads Federation (IRF) World Meeting & Exhibition during 7-10 November 2021. The event, which is themed ‘Roads to tomorrow’ will see the participation of 250 speakers among road experts and specialists. It is expected to attract 1500 visitors from 60 countries.

“Hosting IRF World Meeting & Exhibition, one of biggest and time-honoured events in the field of roads and infrastructure worldwide, is an endorsement of the high quality and efficiency of UAE’s roads, which had been ranked number one internationally from 2013 till 2017 in the Global Competitiveness Report of Davos Economic Forum. It echoes the confidence reposed by international organisations in the standing and reputation of Dubai and its ability to stage highly successful global events. It is great that edition coincides with Dubai’s hosting of Expo 2020 as well,” said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.

The accompanying exhibition is anticipated to attract 1500 visitors from 60 countries as well as 100 international firms and start-ups. About 250 road and infrastructure experts and specialists will deliver speeches in 70 discussion panels. Their research papers will highlight strategic directions and present a roadmap depicting key policies and research in the fields of roads, smart mobility and the use of artificial intelligence in designing and managing highways. Discussion topics also include infrastructure guidance for smart driving, innovative paving materials, surveying techniques, and zero-fatality strategies.

The event includes 66 sessions including 8 masterclasses, 15 executive sessions, and 34 scientific sessions in addition to workshops presented by 250 speakers from 42 countries. The programme will review the expertise of speakers in topics related to the design and management of highways, guidelines for smart driving infrastructure, innovative paving materials, surveying techniques, and the zero-fatality strategy. As such, it will contribute to offering an opportunity for investments in research and development of roads, smart mobility, product marketing, and support for profitable strategies. Such strategies contribute to expanding the scope of business for researchers, manufacturers, consultants, and decision-makers in the field of roads and infrastructure across the UAE.

Mr. Patrick Sankey, President and CEO of IRF, said, “IRF and Dubai RTA share a common vision of roads and mobility at the service of a longer-term agenda of growth and sustainability. It is with this shared spirit that we have worked together to develop the programme of the 18th IRF World Meeting & Exhibition, which evolves around the the idea that the roads we design today will serve an increasingly diversified range of uses and vehicles. Is our road network ready? These questions require a level of cross-industry consensus which the IRF World Meeting is perfectly situated to generate”.

VIPs and ministers’ session will host Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Eng. Abdullah Al Mogbel, Chairman of the IRF. Speakers also will include Jernej Vrtovec, Minister of Infrastructure, Slovenia, and Mrs. Dagmawit Moges, Minister of Transport of Ethiopia.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, As a sign of its commitment towards the vision of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) will be participating in the country’s largest expo ever – Expo 2020 Dubai. Based in the Sustainability Pavilion, EAD will be screening four of its prominent documentaries that reflect the hard work undertaken by the Agency, including the conservation of biodiversity, (namely Scimitar Horned Oryx and Turtles), the battle against climate change and team Zayed trip to Antarctic and saving Abu Dhabi fisheries.

EAD’s audience will be able to dive deeper into the science and marvels of Abu Dhabi’s oceans and terrestrial environment, and watch remarkable footage presented by a collection of scientific expertswithin Abu Dhabi Wildlife Inspiration series by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. Viewers will see engaging and entertaining nature and wildlife screenings of marvelous documentaries by the Agency.

In addition, EAD will participate during Expo 2020 in a number of side events with partners during the exhibition. Through these partnerships, environmental challenges and issues facing the world will be reviewed, in addition to projects implemented by the Agency. These are projects that aim to contribute to preserving biodiversity, air quality, groundwater, marine water quality and soil, as well as the latest technology that is utilized for several EAD initiatives.

EAD will also be sharing its short, medium and long term plans during Expo 2020, especially with its vision for the future that is embodied in its strategic priorities. Looking forward, EAD is eager to combat climate change, encourage optimal waste management, conserve land, air and marine environments, conserve biodiversity, manage ground water and fisheries, encourage clean energy and reducing the carbon footprint – which the audience of Expo 2020 can view during theside events.

For the occasion, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri EAD’s Secretary General, said: “The UAE has always been a nation that is blessed with leadership that has ambitious and an extremely progressive vision. We are always striving to be the best and we do this by appreciating our past and always gazing far into the future to prepare our upcoming generations to take the lead. An example of the UAE’s astute vision is Expo 2020 – an event that is like no other in the world and where more than 190 countries will display their latest innovations, initiatives, and concepts of the future in one location within Dubai. At EAD we want to be part of this glamorous event because we are dedicated to our leadership and this great nation.”

She added: “Because we know multi-media and visuals are the language of today, we will be participating in Expo 2020, showcasing our documentaries which are stunning and educational. I am very proud of my team who produced these documentaries, and I am sure our audience will highly appreciate and enjoy them.”

Source: Emirates News Agency