Category: Industry

ABU DHABI: Researchers from Trends have engaged in discussions with officials from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. The primary focus was exploring opportunities for cooperation and supporting the upcoming World Trade Conference in Abu Dhabi. .

The dialogue also aimed at fostering a strategic partnership between the two entities.

Trends’ researchers and WTO officials exchanged views on possible ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides in scientific research and economic analysis, exchange of information and expertise, joint workshops and conferences.

During the meeting, representatives from Trends and the WTO deliberated on various avenues for collaboration, including scientific research, economic analysis, information and expertise exchange, and the organisation of joint workshops and conferences.

The participants explored the potential for a comprehensive strategic dialogue to advance cooperation in research and knowledge, thereby contributing to economic development and sustainability.

Expressing optimism about the potential partnership, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of Trends Research and Advisory, emphasised the significance of strengthening collaboration to “disseminate sound knowledge for analysing events and providing forward-looking visions, especially in the economic realm.”

Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy-Director General of the WTO, welcomed the prospect of collaboration with Trends in scientific research and economic analysis. He commended Trends for its ‘forward-thinking vision, research initiatives, and diverse publications.’

The meeting took place at the WTO headquarters in Geneva and is part of an ongoing series of discussions with global research centres. These dialogues aim to enhance cooperation and establish knowledge partnerships.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ISTANBUL: The Ax-3 space mission began its journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, blasting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre with its four-person crew, including Trkiye’s first spacefarer Alper Gezeravci.

It launched from SpaceX’s Cape Canaveral, Florida facility at 4:49 pm Eastern Standard Time (ET) (2149GMT) on a Falcon 9 rocket of private space exploration company SpaceX.

Around 150 seconds after the launch, the main engine cut off, and stage separation was realised.

The crew is expected to dock at the ISS at approximately 5.15 am ET (1015GMT) on Saturday.

The Ax-3 mission is being led by Michael Lopez-Alegria, representing the US and Spain, while the crew also includes Walter Villadei as the pilot from the Italian Air Force and Marcus Wandt of Sweden, representing the European Space Agency.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: The Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre (TAHKEEM) has concluded the first edition of the Urban Arbitration Forum. This event – organised to familiarise investors, suppliers, contractors, and service providers with TAHKEEM and its instrumental role in supporting economic sectors – coincided with the launch of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “ACRES 2024.”

Under the theme, “The Role of Arbitration in Supporting Economic Development,” the forum delved into the concept of economic development and the essential conditions for preserving investments.

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Executive Director of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), emphasised the significance of the real estate sector in the UAE, citing the remarkable growth it has witnessed. Al Qaseer highlighted the Maryam Island project as a pioneering initiative constructed using solar energy and equipped with smart systems for a sustainable experience.

The project, progressing through advanced stages, includes a
hotel and a water park in the second phase and is slated for full completion in 2025, boasting high-quality materials and a comprehensive system of activities.

Obaid Abdul Rahman Al Mazloum, Director of the Real Estate Projects Regulation Department in the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, underscored TAHKEEM’s expertise in managing arbitration operations. Al Mazloum emphasised that arbitration provides an alternative to traditional judiciary, allowing parties to control the arbitration procedures, especially in disputes that may transcend the municipal framework.

Dr. Hassan Arab, arbitrator at TAHKEEM, outlined that the arbitration rules align with international standards, supported by an administrative staff dedicated to overseeing cases from initiation to the issuance of the final ruling.

The second session, titled “The Role of Arbitration in the Construction Sector,” featured discussions led by industry experts, including Mohammed Al Hammadi, an arbitrator at the Sharjah Centre for Internati
onal Commercial Arbitration, Tariq Al Hammadi, an architect, and Hussein Thanoun Mohammed, Director of the Legal Affairs Department at Alef Group.

They highlighted the importance of contracts, penalty conditions for delays, client awareness of executive matters, and the need for specialised consultants in contracting affairs. Also, they praised TAHKEEM for its flexible, time-saving, and cost-effective approach to problem-solving in the construction sector, emphasising confidentiality, privacy, and speed.

The forum, aimed at familiarising stakeholders with TAHKEEM’s pivotal role in serving economic sectors, provided insights into construction and arbitration fundamentals. It explored TAHKEEM’s support for business sectors, discussed potential collaborations, and addressed the legal nature of construction contracts, factors causing disputes, and amicable dispute resolution methods.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), whereby WAM will be a media partner for the second edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award.

The agreement was signed by Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director-General of ADAFSA, and Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director-General of WAM, in the presence of Dr. Mariam Hareb Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director-General for Operational Affairs at ADAFSA, and the head of the organising committee for the award, along with officials from both sides. The signing took place at the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in the Al Wathba area of Abu Dhabi.

Under the agreement, the Emirates News Agency will provide media coverage for various activities of the award in all languages. Additionally, WAM will supply its partners with coverage to ensure the broadest dissemination of the award’s media content.

On this occasion, Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri emphasised that the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, launched under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADAFSA, embodies the wise leadership’s commitment to supporting and appreciating distinguished farmers and breeders. It provides an ideal platform to encourage them to adopt sustainable and innovative agricultural practices that support the country’s efforts in achieving food security and enhancing the quality of local production.

He affirmed that the signing of the media partnership agreement with the Emirates News Agency comes from the belief in the distinguished role played by WAM as a national media institution in highlighting the importance of this award and its role in consolidating the achievements of the country in the fields of agricultural sustainability, food security, and biodiversity.

He added that this collaboration provides an opportunity to leverage the global media partnerships established by the Emirates News Agency with numerous international media institutions to spotlight the award and its prominent role. He pointed out that with the successive developments at WAM and the expansion of its news services, now available in 19 languages, the award is given the opportunity to benefit from a distinctive media platform to showcase its objectives and highlight the agricultural achievements of the country.

In turn, Al Rayssi expressed his pride in the Emirates News Agency being a media partner for the award. He affirmed that the award reflects the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for farmers. This support is in line with the wise leadership’s belief in the importance of the agriculture and livestock sector, considering it a fundamental pillar supporting efforts to achieve sustainable economic prosperity across all sectors.

He emphasised the commitment of the Emirates News Agency to providing distinctive and innovative media coverage for all events of the award, culminating in the announcement of the winners in its second edition. He praised the efforts of the ADAFSA for encouraging farmers and breeders to compete and participate in the second edition, aiming to receive the honour of winning this prestigious award.

The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, launched by ADAFSA, aims to stimulate the agricultural sector in both plant and animal aspects. It seeks to honour outstanding farmers and livestock breeders in the country, highlighting their role in achieving agricultural sustainability, food security, and enhancing the quality of local production. The award also aims to promote a spirit of positive competition among farmers and livestock breeders.

ADAFSA received 621 applications from all emirates of the country to participate in the second edition of the award and the accompanying festivals and competitions. This includes 328 applications competing for the main award and 293 applications for participation in the associated competitions.

The second edition of the award is distinguished by an increase in its total prize value to AED10 million. Additionally, a new category has been introduced within the award’s classifications this year. The event also includes the organisation of 9 diverse festivals and 21 accompanying competitions held as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba.

The award has been divided into four main categories. The first category includes 8 subcategories for outstanding farmers and breeders. Four awards have been designated for plant-related categories, specifically the Best Open Field Farming, Best Greenhouse Farming, Best Fruit Farm, and Best Organic Farm. The remaining four awards in the animal-related category include the Productive Livestock category, Small Producers category, Beekeepers category, and Aquatic Life category.

The second category is dedicated to agricultural innovation and includes two awards: one for plant-based agricultural innovation and the other for innovation in animal production. The third category is specifically allocated for commercial farms and consists of two awards-one for commercial plant farms and the other for commercial animal production farms.

In the second edition of the award, a new category has been introduced, specifically tailored for the best women farm and livestock owners. This category includes two awards: one for the best distinguished female farmer and the other for the best distinguished female livestock breeder. The aim is to support and highlight the role and efforts of women in the agricultural sector and their contribution to enhancing the food security system.

Source: Emirates News Agency

BEIJING: China’s economy is poised for steady first-quarter growth after expanding 5.2 percent in 2023, with momentum expected to strengthen further in the second half, said economist Wang Yiming.

“Favorable conditions have set the stage for a firm start this year,” said Wang, Vice-chairman of the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

Infrastructure investments driven by 1 trillion yuan ($139 billion) of special treasury bonds approved in October will spur first-quarter growth, Wang added.

He foresees growth accelerating in the second half, with consumption potentially making up around 70 percent of 2023’s GDP expansion, down from 82.5 percent last year, as investment and trade strengthen.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: In a step towards becoming one of the largest global pre-hospital services providers, Response Plus Medical (RPM) has announced the strategic acquisition of UK-headquartered Prometheus Medical, a well-respected healthcare training and consultancy services company. Prometheus is part of Safeguard Medical, a global provider of innovative emergency medical technologies and specialized training for first responders.

RPM is part of Response Plus Holding PJSC, the largest pre-hospital medical services provider in the UAE and KSA, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. Prometheus focuses on equipping combat service providers and emergency responders with training and consultancy services, empowering emergency service personnel since 2005. This acquisition brings together two leading healthcare providers forming a credible Global healthcare platform for Energy and Defense companies.

Presently, RPM operates 500 clinics catering to the oil gas and industrial sectors, boasting a tier-one client roster
that includes prominent names such as ADNOC, Schlumberger, Oxy, TOTAL, and Halliburton. Prometheus acquisition will provide opportunity to extend its coverage to Global Oil majors and reputed Defense provider serviced by Prometheus, including Shell, Chevron, ACKER BP, DCAS, the United Kingdom’s Military and Royal Flight of Oman, and the UK Security, Defense and NHS emergency services.

By acquiring the UK company, RPM is set to strengthen its training capabilities, while expanding the company’s portfolio to cover health consultancy for emergency preparedness and response. The acquisition also accelerates RPM’s market entry into the UK and Nordic region. Integration of the two companies will offer one stop solutions for offering emergency consultancy and training services, remote health (including emergency) services tailored to needs of Energy and Defense companies, VIPs medical coverage, and other health needs.

Dr. Rohil Raghavan, CEO of Response Plus Medical, reinforced the importance of this acquisition i
n implementing the company’s global expansion strategy. He said, ‘The strategic acquisition of Prometheus not only enhances our capability to deliver top-tier healthcare services to valued clients in diverse and innovative fields but also expands our global footprint. This move further solidifies our position as the preferred healthcare provider for leading energy and defense entities worldwide. We eagerly anticipate integrating Prometheus’s expertise into our offerings as part of our ongoing mission to deliver exceptional healthcare solutions.’

As part of the acquisition, RPM will become a distributor for US-based Safeguard Medical’s innovative trauma care and simulation products in GCC and India, bringing the most advanced range of trauma products to the region.

Steven Wines, President of Training and Consultancy at Prometheus Medical, said, ‘This is a pivotal moment for both organizations, paving the way for an integrated healthcare solutions provider encompassing pre-hospital services and specialised tr
aining and consultancy services. Our track record and diverse specialties, including Pre-hospital Care Protocols, Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, International Major Incident Management, and innovative medical training, position us as key contributors to this transformative partnership. We are poised to deliver exceptional and cutting-edge healthcare solutions that transcend boundaries and elevate standards across industries.’

Following the acquisition, RPM is pursuing a robust strategy of integrating all aspects of pre-hospital healthcare services under one umbrella. The acquisition is planned to be funded through a combination of debt and internal accruals, and estimated to contribute early teen inorganic revenue and EBITDA growth to RPM on a run-rate basis.

Source: Emirates News Agency