Category: Industry

ABU DHABI, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting, which was held at Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

The meeting approved a number of initiatives, strategies and legislations aiming at further developing UAE government work.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “I chaired the Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi, where we adopted the UAE Digital Economy Strategy. Our goal is to increase the contribution of this sector to the GDP by 20 percent over the next 10 years. We formed a Council for Digital Economy chaired by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications.”

His Highness added, “During the meeting, we adopted a regulatory framework to support the foreign humanitarian work of the UAE, including the establishment of coordination offices in the country missions. Our Humanitarian work is continuous and the UAE will always remain the capital of generosity and goodness.”

“At the Cabinet meeting, we adopted unified standards for licensing and encouraging family counseling professions. The goal is to increase efficiency and provide families with the best specialists in all family matters. We also approved the restructuring of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), chaired by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs. Education needs to be developed continuously, for a better future”, he further said.

His Highness continued, “Also, we adopted a number of international agreements, including an agreement to link the payment systems of the GCC countries, and agreements with the United States, Denmark and Brazil. We approved the country’s accession to the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy.”

During its meeting, the Cabinet approved the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to double the contribution of the digital economy to the GDP from 9.7 percent to 19.4 percent within the next ten years. It also aims to enhance the position of the UAE a hub for digital economy in the region and globally.

The Strategy includes more than 30 initiatives and programmes targeting 6 sectors and 5 new areas of growth. It will define the digital economy in the country, with a unified mechanism for measuring its growth while measuring its indicators periodically. The strategy will define the priorities of digital economy in the country, ensuring the contribution of all other economic sectors to promote and support the digital economy.

The UAE Government Cabinet approved the establishment of the UAE Council for Digital Economy chaired by Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications.

The UAE Council for Digital Economy will support the directions of the country, to double the contribution of the digital economy to the UAE’s GDP in the year 2031, and enhances the implementation of the Digital Economy Strategy initiatives in all economic sectors.

The UAE is among the top 25 percent of countries in the most important global digital indicators, where the contribution of the digital economy to the economic sectors of the UAE’s GDP is 9.7 percent, and to the non-oil GDP 11.7 percent.

The Cabinet approved a federal law about the public finance which obligate federal authorities to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to achieve the financial strategy’s objectives approved by the Cabinet.

The Cabinet approved executive regulation of the federal decree-law on private education aimed at regulating the work of private schools in the country in accordance with the objectives of the private education law, the provisions of which apply to all private schools in the UAE. The executive regulation aims to strengthen a high-level educational system that regulates the licensing mechanism for private schools, to ensure the quality of education and to place students among the best in the world in knowledge assessment tests.

The Cabinet also adopted a unified framework to coordinate and organise the humanitarian and development work of the charitable institutions. It includes a guide that organises the seasonal work of all UAE donors concerned with foreign aids, in accordance with international standards, and in line with the UAE foreign aid policy and strategy. This framework approved by the Cabinet, includes the establishment of coordinating offices in the country’s missions abroad for foreign aid. This will contribute in regulating financial transfers to donors, and the UAE charitable institutions in the beneficiary countries.

During the meeting, the Cabinet adopted new standards for licensing of Family Therapy professionals, which includes specific criteria and procedures for licensing family counselors and professionals. The decision constitutes a reference for all parties in evaluating documents, qualifications and experiences of professionals, and ensures that the same unified licensing standards are applied nationwide.

The Cabinet adopted a decision to cancel the registration fees in Federal Supplier and Contractor Register, to encourage suppliers to enhance their participation, and increase their registration in the federal government. The decision will positively affect price rates, improves the quality of government services provided, and increases supplier interaction by registering in the Federal government’s digital procurement platform.

The Cabinet approved the restructuring of Board of Trustees of the Higher Colleges of Technology HCT, chaired by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs.

The Cabinet also agreed on the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to be the restricting authority for petroleum hazardous materials, the entrusted with the issuance of approvals for the import of these materials, and to follow up their circulation in coordination with licensed local authorities.

In addition to reviewing and discussing a number of reports, the Cabinet approved an agreement on linking payment systems between GCC countries; an agreement with the Federal Republic of Brazil; two agreements with the Kingdom of Denmark; and an agreement with the United States of America.

The Cabinet also approved the country’s accession to the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), and approved the issuance of necessary decisions to implement the provisions of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) agreement between the UAE government and the US government.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Dubai real estate market recorded 403 sales transactions worth AED1.12 billion and 80 mortgage deals of AED414.07 million, in addition to 10 gift transactions amounting to AED18.32 million Monday, data released by the emirate’s Land Department (DLD) showed today.

The sales included 345 villas and apartments worth AED759.06 million, and 58 land plots worth AED360.89 million, while the mortgages included 71 villas and apartments worth AED210.82 million and 9 land plots valued at AED203.25 million, bringing the total realty transactions of today to over AED1.5 bn.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, dnata has inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art cargo centre at London Heathrow airport (LHR). Part of the company’s ‘dnata City East’ complex, the bespoke facility further increases dnata’s capacity at LHR, ensuring continued smooth handling of a broad range of goods amid rapidly increasing demand for reliable and safe air cargo services in the UK.

The ground services provider’s expansion makes dnata City East comfortably the largest off-site cargo handling operation at the UK’s largest commercial aviation hub. The new, 10,500 square metre facility (Phase II) was designed to operate in conjunction with dnata City East’s existing 22,500 square metre facility (Phase I) which opened in September 2019.

dnata will handle all air freight of Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo at dnata City East. Exports will remain at dnata’s Phase I facility while the new Phase II facility will cater for all imports, offering the airlines significantly increased handling capacity.

Located immediately south of LHR, both dnata City East facilities were specifically designed to accommodate the operational requirements of dnata and the two airlines. They incorporate the latest carbon reduction initiatives in design and operation, including the use of solar PV panels, air-source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging. dnata City East has already achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ environmental rating for its design stage, with the same status also expected to be achieved for the construction process.

Including dnata City East, dnata now offers cargo services from eight facilities at LHR with a team of over 750 highly-trained employees, all of which bringing high-end cargo handling infrastructure and services for over 30 international airlines at one of the world’s leading cargo destinations. In 2021 dnata handled in excess of 500,000 tonnes of cargo in London.

Alex Doisneau, Managing Director of dnata UK (Airport Operations), said, “We are excited to announce the completion of dnata City East, a truly world-class facility. Our newest cargo complex offers bespoke solutions, industry-leading technology and enhanced cargo capacity supporting our customers in achieving sustainable growth at the UK’s busiest airport.

Philip Wardlaw, Managing Director of Virgin Atlantic Cargo, commented, “We’re delighted to inaugurate the ‘dnata City East’ complex, with the completion of the new Phase II facility.

“The opening of the import facility comes at a time where we have extended our cargo handling contract with dnata for a further five years, signalling our continued strong and highly valued partnership.”

Vishal Bhatnagar, Managing Director – Cargo Operations, Delta Cargo, said, “Our U.K. cargo operation, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, is a critical part of our global network. The opening of this dnata facility furthers our ability to provide customers with a one-stop experience to pick-up and deliver shipments for both partners – making it easier to do business with us.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Peru’s Trade, Tourism, and Investment Office in the UAE and GCC, has lauded the country’s deepening ties with the UAE, following a bumper year in which the Latin American nation recorded US$1 billion in total exports to the UAE.

Export levels from Peru to the UAE have increased substantially in the past decade, reaching an aggregate total of more than US$4.1 billion for the 10-year period from 2012 to 2021.

Amidst the worldwide halt, after reaching for the first time the billion-dollar mark in 2019, numbers are on path towards the same. A readaptation to new structural market demands, refocusing of activities and strategies as well as repositioning synergies between stakeholders have kept Peruvian exports to the UAE on a sustainable trend.

The UAE imports significant quantities of goods from the South American country including avocados, quinoa, berries, mangoes and asparagus, amongst many others, as well as gold, high-quality craft products and clothing.

The data also reveals a substantial flow of capital between the two nations, with Peru being the second-biggest investment destination of the UAE in South America, and the third-biggest investor in the UAE from Latin America, according to official figures from the UAE’s Ministry of Economy.

Alvaro Silva-Santisteban, Director of the Trade, Tourism & Investment Office of Peru-GCC, commented, “The UAE and Peru may be 14,000 kilometers apart and nine time zones difference, but ever-deepening trade ties have brought our nations closer together, and this path is only the beginning.

“The UAE is a catalyst to amplify our reach onto new markets whilst setting trends for new sectors to develop, thus a prominent base for economic drivers to further expand. Forward thinking, pragmatism, planning, strategy and flexible decision making are fundamentals that have allowed us to believe even further on our relations and contribute to new levels and scaling in the coming years.”

The UAE-Peru relations have enhanced since the opening of Peru’s Trade, Tourism and Investment Office in 2011. In recent years, the two nations have witnessed a remarkable increase in official visits to further solidify commercial exchange.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Emirates Islamic bank has announced that it has contributed AED 5 million to the 1 Billion Meals initiative, the largest of its kind in the region to provide food to underprivileged and vulnerable groups suffering from food insecurity in 50 countries.

The contribution of the Emirates Islamic bank helps provide basic foodstuffs to individuals and families in lower-income communities in the countries covered by 1 Billion Meals. The initiative is organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in cooperation with United Nations agencies, regional networks focused on providing food security to vulnerable groups, and local humanitarian institutions and charities, in coordination with the relevant authorities in the targeted countries.

By donating to the campaign, the bank joins a long list of charity and humanitarian pioneers, including institutions, companies and individuals who have announced their support for the 1 Billion Meals initiative since its inception. Their contributions, starting at the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan, form part of a comprehensive social movement that includes various entities, institutions and community groups acting in solidarity with the needy and the hungry, and that embody the value of giving, which is firmly rooted in Emirati society.

Commenting on the contribution, Salah Amin, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Islamic, said, “As we observe the holy month of Ramadan, we are delighted to contribute to the One Billion Meals initiative, one of the largest campaigns to fight hunger in the world. Through this noble initiative, we will continue to support the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in elevating the quality of life worldwide. At Emirates Islamic, we have a long-term commitment to contribute to the UAE’s efforts in addressing global humanitarian challenges and advancing charitable work that reflects the true values of Emirati culture.”

Donors can contribute to the 1 Billion Meals campaign through the following donation channels – the campaign’s official website:

https://ddei5-0-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=www.1billionmeals.ae&umid=85AEC5C3-DC4B-0E05-A8D8-AF72DCC4B618&auth=d95b31bf228f812d834cf2cf03f5e34fa7215184-6afb74bb001ab8b2f03cc7c897cfed29f593d782; bank transfer to the campaign’s account at Emirates NBD, number: AE300260001015333439802. Donors can also opt to donate AED1 a day through a monthly subscription by sending “Meal” or “????” via SMS to 1020 on the du network or 1110 on the Etisalat network. Donations can also be made through the campaign’s call center via toll-free number 8009999.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has said that the Abu Dhabi’s markets are completely free of Kinder products suspected of being linked to food poisoning in a number of European countries due to salmonella infections.

In a statement, ADAFSA explained that as soon as they receive an alert from the European Rapid Alert System of precautionary withdrawal of some batches of one of Kinder’s suspected products, the Authority’s inspectors checked Abu Dhabi’s markets to ensure whether suspected products were identified in the alert or not.

The Authority also coordinated with suppliers and food facilities and contacted the local agent “Ferrero” in UAE – producer of this type of chocolate – which confirmed that the products currently in the Abu Dhabi’s market are safe.

ADAFSA also checked shipments of Kinder products entering Abu Dhabi throughout the all borders and confirmed that they were not suspected batches, noting that the company – producing this type of chocolate – has withdrawn the products in European countries as a precautionary measure.

The Authority assured the consumers in Abu Dhabi that it is taking all necessary measures to prevent any improper and unhealthy products from reaching the emirate’s markets. In doing this, ADAFSA relies on technical regulations, systems and legislation.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority stressed the importance of the consumer’s confidence in the quality of food sold in local markets, whether from the local production or from abroad, where all food products traded are strictly controlled across the supply chain.

AFAFSA indicated that it participates in several national, regional and international systems to alert, warn rapidly and exchange information about any food accident or any information concerning the safety of any food or agricultural substance or product, and takes appropriate measures accordingly.

The Authority highlighted that there are many channels of communication dedicated to receiving any relevant inquiries and observations from the public and is keen to respond to them after verification, analysis and study.

ADAFSA called on the public not to get caught up in rumors or circulate any anonymous information about food safety, and to communicate with them in the event of any information or complaints related to food safety through its social media platforms, or through the Abu Dhabi Government Call Centre on the number 800555, and that inspection teams of the Authority shall take the necessary measures.

Source: Emirates News Agency