Category: News

Dubai Customs highlighted its outstanding experience and advanced systems in enhancing security and protecting society and the economy from the dangers of smuggling prohibited and counterfeit materials to a delegation from Ras Al-Khaimah Customs Department.

Mohammed Abdullah Al-Suwaidi, Acting Director of Intelligence Department and Saleh Al-Hammadi, Manager of Control Room received the delegation, which included Saeed Abdullah bin Dhawi, Customs Intelligence Expert, and the Control and Communication Exports: Saif Mohammed Al-shihi, Muntasir Ahmed Al-Amiri, and Ghanim Salem Al-Hassouni.

The visiting delegation was briefed on the Rafid program; the leading service in reporting risks and customs violations, or any wrong commercial practices that may harm the economy and trade or prejudice the security and stability of the country. The service enjoys a high degree of confidentiality and security. Rafid won wide praise at the local and international levels, as the Customs Compliance Committee of the World Customs Organization highlighted the importance of the service and its role in detecting erroneous practices.

The Control Room at Dubai Customs receives information and reports from employees, clients and different segments of society through dedicated channels. This information is sent to Intelligence Operations Team who analyze it and share it with the relevant authorities.

Dubai Customs is currently working on developing the service so that the information is immediately sorted, and the levels of importance and priority are determined.

The delegation also visited the control room and listened to an explanation from Saleh Al Hammadi about the room’s features and the programs it includes. The Dubai Customs’ control room is the first customs operations room in the region and the Arab world. It monitors the security customs work around the clock, and it performs many tasks, including monitoring the 500 surveillance cameras distributed at the land, sea and air freight customs ports. The control room also uses 23 customs security programs around the clock to follow up on inspections and shipments, inquire about containers, receive phone calls and inquiries from customs centers, and publish security circulars at various ports.

” In line with its strategic plan 2021-2026, which aims to lead safe customs globally, Dubai Customs adopts an integrated series of advanced procedures and programs to address all smuggling attempts, starting from the early warning technology represented by the intelligent risk engine system to complicated inspection operations, “said Mohammed Abdullah Al-Suwaidi. “The Customs Intelligence Department receives and analyzes information, and monitor all suspicious shipments. The department’s procedures and efforts to enhance security and protect society are a major supporter in maintaining the position of Dubai as a pivotal and leading hub in global trade, consolidating its position as the safest city in the world.”

Source: Dubai Customs

DUBAI, On the occasion of International Day for Women in Maritime, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) participated in a virtual roundtable that highlighted the role of women in enhancing the capabilities of the regional and global maritime industry, and the opportunities for them in the sector.

Titled ‘Women in maritime: preserving a legacy of resilience towards achieving a barrier-free working environment’, the roundtable was organised by IMOGENder NETWORK, AWIMA. In line with the United Nations’ (UN) 5th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), Gender Equality, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) established 18th May as International Day for Women in Maritime to celebrate the role of women in the industry, promote their recruitment, retention, and sustained employment and raise their profile in the sector.

Speaking during the roundtable, Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, said, “Women are an integral part of the maritime industry. Their contribution has enabled the sector to grow globally. In the UAE itself, women have truly helped the UAE’s maritime sector increase its competitiveness. We are currently ranked 3rd globally in Bunker Supply Index as well as Transport Services Trade, and 5th worldwide as a key competitive maritime hub. Our female professionals have played a massive role in building this reputation for the nation and cementing its position as a leading global maritime hub. Our aim now is to continue fuelling this progress by consistently increasing female participation.”

Essam M. Alammari, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the International Maritime Organisation, commented, “Over the years, the maritime industry has evolved rapidly in the recent past. With the kind of advanced digital solutions being adopted nowadays in addition to automated systems, there has been a spike in the need for competent professionals, irrespective of their gender. We need such professionals to catalyse the progress of the industry through efficient operations. Hence, we have seen a significant increase in women’s participation in the industry, despite that, a lot more needs to be done to bridge the gender gap in the sector.”

Moderated by Effat Mostafa, Executive Director, Tactics Marketing Management and Managing Editor of Marasi News, the roundtable highlighted the skills, both hard and soft, that are critical to ascend the career ladder in corporate and government environments, and those for succeeding as an entrepreneur. Through its insightful discussions, it also reinforced the idea of leading by example aiming to maximise the impact of the qualified ‘Women of Caliber’ to the industry.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ISLAMABAD — Officials in Pakistan are making arrangements to allow the country’s ailing former military leader Pervez Musharraf to return home from self-imposed exile, highly placed government sources said Monday.

An air ambulance will bring Musharraf back from a Dubai hospital in line with consent of his family and doctors, the sources told VOA. The exact date of arrival in Pakistan for the 79-year-old retired four-star general was not immediately disclosed.

The country’s powerful military institution “stands fully behind” the decision to facilitate the repatriation of its former chief, the sources said.

Musharraf’s family tweeted on Friday that he had been hospitalized for the last three weeks “due to a complication of his ailment.” The former dictator has been suffering from amyloidosis, a chronic metabolic disease in which abnormal proteins build up and damage organs such as the heart, kidney and liver, according to the statement.

On Saturday, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, a vocal critic of Musharraf, said the general should face “no obstacle” for him to return home in view of his ill health.

“Past events should not be allowed to stand in the way. May Allah help him recover so he can spend his remaining life with dignity,” Asif tweeted.

On Twitter, Musharaf’s family wrote: “Going through a difficult stage where recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning. Pray for ease in his daily living. The family refuted media reports that Musharaf was on a ventilator.

Musharraf has been living in the United Arab Emirates since 2016, when he was allowed to travel abroad on bail for medical treatment. He was being tried on treason charges in a Pakistani court at the time.

The general seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1999, ousting the then-elected government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Musharraf later declared himself president and went on to rule Pakistan until after his political allies lost the 2008 general elections, forcing him to step down to avoid impeachment by the new parliament.

In 2020, a high court overturned the death sentence handed down to Musharraf in the long-running case, dismissing the legal process against him as unconstitutional.

The treason charges related to the suspension of the constitution and the imposition of emergency by the military leader in 2007, when he also placed several top Pakistani judges under house arrest in his bid to cling to power.

Musharraf won much-needed international legitimacy for his military in late 2001 when he quickly aligned himself with the U.S.-led war on terror in neighboring Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.

Pakistan allowed the United States and allied nations to use its air and ground routes as well as bases to stage the military action against landlocked Afghanistan and later transport supplies to thousands of Afghan-based international troops in the ensuing years.

Source: Voice of America

Dubai Customs is certified among the best workplaces in the UAE for the second year in a row in the large-size company category. The annual report is compiled by management consultancy Great Place to Work, which compiles the survey in 60 countries.

Researchers send out a ‘trust index’ to employees of companies, which measures how they are being treated at the company, if they are being fairly paid and if they feel informed about management decisions, among other issues.

Dubai Customs is the first customs authority in the world to gain this recognition. The government department received the certificate for the first time in January 2021 based on an assessment of the work environment, including trust, innovation, organization and leadership values, the positive results achieved by the department through internal communication between the leadership team and employees, and the employee’s sense of pride in the work they perform.

His Excellency Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said; “Receiving this prestigious international accreditation for the second year in a row makes us proud of what we do. It is in line with the efforts we are making in the department in pursuit of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in developing work environments, making them attractive to employees, upgrading them and providing them with all means of comfort and happiness.”

His Excellency stressed that Dubai Customs has become an important reference for many authorities locally and globally, which urges us to continue the march of achievements to enhance the competitiveness of the United Arab Emirates and reach number one in all fields.

Musbih thanked Dubai Customs employees for their dedication in performing the duties assigned to them, which in turn contributes to supporting the department’s vision of being the leading customs administration in the world in support of legitimate trade.

Ibrahim Mougharbel, Great Place to Work’s managing director for the Middle East said Dubai Customs is the first customs authority to rank among the best workplaces.

“The department embarked on its journey to bring about changes in the work culture, which was reflected in the quality services their employees provide to clients in pursuit of excellence in their work.”

He pointed out that some entities tended to end their journey as soon as they obtained the accreditation, while Dubai Customs exerted more effort as soon as they obtained it to maintain their distinction and outstanding performance.

Source: Dubai Customs

SHARJAH, The Expo Centre Sharjah has announced that the second edition of the ‘HIVE Furniture’ Show, the region’s first dedicated event focusing on big box retailers and wholesale traders, is set to kick off tomorrow, and run until Thursday, 16th June.

The new exhibition is part of the Expo Centre’s strategic plans to support the furniture industry, create new investment opportunities in the emirate, meet market demands, and provide a platform for leading international and local furniture companies to forge business relationships and penetrate new markets.

While its first edition in Dubai exclusively catered to big-box retailers and wholesale traders, the second edition at Expo Centre Sharjah is set to have a broader B2B and B2C focus, with the first two days dedicated to trade visitors and the latter two days dedicated to general visitors.

Furthermore, for its second edition, the event has doubled in size, hosting more than 100 exhibitors, including 50 global participants, and is projected to attract over 2,000 visitors from approximately 25 countries to explore global manufacturers’ inventory. Aside from an increase in the number of participants, the event’s duration has also increased from three to four days.

In his comments, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said, “Within a year of its launch, the Hive Furniture Show has seen tremendous growth, with a 100 percent increase in the number of exhibitors. This demonstrates the sector’s vitality, and we expect a similar increase in industry interest. We are delighted to be a part of such a remarkable success story, and I believe the event will help to attract more foreign investment and contribute to the expansion of the country’s manufacturing sector.”

Speaking about the exhibition, Gautam Mulani, Co-Founder of Hive Furniture Show, maintained, “The Hive Furniture Show showcases the finest and latest in the furniture industry, making it an important meeting place for professionals, wholesalers, buyers, architects, designers, industry players, and end consumers interested in investing in high-quality furniture products. With its very first show, the event promised increased visibility and more meaningful interactions, and we are taking it to the next level this time.”

“From sourcing the best ideas to emerging trends, partnerships, and game-changing inventions, the Hive Furniture Show is providing a curated experience for its visitors. Visitors may find a wide range of products that cater to every budget and style, including furniture for offices, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor furniture,” noted Manish Bhatia, Executive Director of Hive Furniture Show.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Higher Committee of the Al Quoz Creative Zone Development Project held a meeting, presided over by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, to review the Project’s progress and achievements in its first year.

As part of the meeting, the Committee also set its priorities for the next phase to enhance the emirate’s competitiveness and ensure the completion of the Project, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as the global capital of the creative economy, a preferred destination for talent, and the world’s best city to live and work in.

New members The Project’s Higher Committee announced that it has been expanded to include three new members representing Dubai Police; Digital Dubai Authority and the Government of Dubai Media Office. The decision seeks to ensure the participation of a wider set of relevant government entities who will support the implementation of the Project’s plan.

During the meeting, Sheikha Latifa highlighted the importance of the Project in enhancing Dubai’s status as a leading destination for talent from all over the world. “We will continue to strengthen our efforts to enhance the emirate’s position as a global creative hub that develops innovative and inspiring creative projects. We have been studying various international best practices for the establishment of creative zones, and we aim to make the Al Quoz Creative Zone an exceptional model for a creative zone in line with our leadership’s vision.”

Her Highness expressed her appreciation for the efforts being undertaken to implement the initiative.

The meeting was attended by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Vice Chairman of the Committee; Lieutenant-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Director-General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority; Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture; Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai; Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO); and Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, CEO of Wasl Asset Management Group (Wasl AMG).

Commenting on the occasion, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Vice Chairman of the Committee, said, “What has been achieved in Al Quoz Creative Zone in the last year is a crucial step towards realising the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into a global capital for innovation and an attractive hub for talent from all over the world. This will help transform the Zone into an artistic and cultural destination for tourists from the UAE and abroad. RTA will add creative and aesthetic touches to public transport and flexible mobility vehicles and infrastructure so that they will be in harmony with the beautiful design of the zone.”

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, praised the launch of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to transform Dubai into a global destination for creativity and the capital of the creative economy by 2025, an objective that reflects the vision of His Highness to ensure Dubai’s future economy relies on sustainable knowledge and creativity.

Lt. Gen. Al Marri also praised H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, for endorsing the Al Quoz Creative Zone Project, which aims to establish an integrated creative community that responds to the needs of local and international talent and creative business owners seeking to invest in various fields of the creative economy.

The Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police commended Sheikha Latifa for strengthening the creative ecosystem in the emirate and enhancing its position as an international and regional hub for the creative economy.

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, said that since its launch, the Project was being developed in accordance with a 100-day plan that was approved by the Higher Committee in its first meeting after its formation. “The initiative to develop the Al Quoz Creative Zone is part of the framework of achieving the objectives of the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which seeks to establish Dubai as the global capital of the creative economy. The Project has witnessed great interest from all partners since its launch, reflected in the various steps that have been taken so far. We are proud of everyone’s commitment and look forward to completing the next phases as planned.”

Al Quoz Creative Zone Dashboard Badri stressed that to coordinate efforts, track all projects and take the necessary decisions, an effective system was developed to monitor the Project’s progress via the ‘Al Quoz Creative Zone Dashboard’, which is the first of its kind that includes inputs from several governmental and semi-governmental entities. Badri said the Dashboard has enabled partners to get a comprehensive view of the Project’s performance through a set of indicators on the progress of the implementation plan.

The Dashboard was developed to provide data and insights on the Project and follow up on its development. The Zone’s performance is measured through several pillars that compare the achieved results with the targets. Indicators cover the infrastructure; management of the creative zone, the development projects of the creative zone; governance frameworks; activation of the creative zone; facilities, their diversity, events and opportunities; and the impact of the Zone on creative community interaction and satisfaction and its economic and social impact within the emirate.

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said that the Dubai Municipality has completed an urban analysis of Al Quoz Creative Zone and developed an economic study and comprehensive vision, including planning alternatives. “We have also identified the next steps, which include preparing the final masterplan, defining the developmental requirements, setting the executive plan and its stages, and proposing some quick solutions to attract artists and investors.

“Dubai Municipality is working in cooperation with relevant government and private entities to ensure that the final masterplan of the Project would take into consideration key matters including: renovation to benefit from existing facilities instead of undergoing complete redevelopment; integrating efforts with existing initiatives in the area and setting development programmes to ensure a comprehensive and integrated response that supports the current and future contributions of these sectors.”

Al Hajri added, “The master plan will also identify a spatial system and a clear vision that will contribute to meeting the needs of the Al Quoz community through a gradual approach, enabling current investors to engage in existing creative activities. The Al Quoz Industrial Area witnessed a remarkable development on a creative level when art galleries began to establish themselves there, with the area becoming one of Dubai’s most important cultural and artistic centres.”

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, commented, “Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism is committed to supporting Al Quoz Creative Zone to further grow the city’s cultural and creative offering by driving forward efforts to attract talent from all nationalities and communities. With Dubai returning to normality, a key focus will be on leveraging the strategic, legislative and regulatory enablers that are being constantly rolled out including multiple visa categories that create pathways for deeper engagement in Dubai. These initiatives give more flexibility and options for a new generation of creative talent, entrepreneurs and innovators to come and remain in the emirate while bringing Dubai closer to its goal of becoming the most sought-after destination to visit and the best city in the world to live and work in.”

Mona Al Marri, Director-General of GDMO, highlighted the media’s vital role in raising the profile of the Al Quoz Creative Zone Project in the country and across the world. The Project is a vital element in Dubai’s creative economy strategy that seeks to transform the emirate into a destination of choice for creatives from around the globe and accelerate its growth as a cultural hub and the capital of the global creative economy by 2025, she said.

Mona Al Marri added, “With the emirate creating one of the world’s most conducive environments for creative talent to thrive, the growth of the sector is set to enter a new phase. Al Quoz Creative Zone will serve as the nucleus of a vibrant creative ecosystem that can generate new value for the economy and transform Dubai’s cultural landscape.”

Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said, “We are honoured to be working with all concerned partners to develop Al Quoz Creative Zone as we progress to the next phase following one year since the Project commenced.”

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director-General of Digital Dubai, said, “Supporting the Al Quoz Creative Zone Project is at the heart of Digital Dubai’s strategy to enable all sectors to produce knowledge – particularly, digital knowledge, given its potential to promote happiness among individuals in light of digital transformations transforming various aspects of our lives. This resonates with our support for the creative economy strategy launched by our leadership to promote Dubai on the world stage and cement its position as the global capital of the creative economy.”

Al Mansoori added, “The Al Quoz Creative Zone Project is a notable addition to the creative economy sector as it embodies the spirit of integration and cooperation between government entities and cultural and private institutions. Digital Dubai is delighted to be providing our support for this Project, which relies on digital data and on-ground impact to drive continuous development.”

Supporting the plan Within the framework of meeting the objectives of the Project’s plan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued directives to exempt tenants rebuilding or renovating their properties to benefit the creative community in Al Quoz Creative Zone from rent for up to two years. Dubai Culture has also provided the opportunity for artisans, creatives and manufacturers in Al Quoz to apply for the long-term cultural visa approved by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2019.

Project’s master plan As part of the Project’s master plan, the urban analysis of the area was completed and the economic study was drawn up. Additionally, the comprehensive vision for the area and the planning alternatives were also developed.

The next steps were also identified, which include preparing the final master plan; defining the development requirements; setting the executive plan and timeline; and proposing quick solutions, which would make the area attractive to artists, tenants and investors.

The Project’s final master plan will take into account several carefully considered aspects, including: utilising existing facilities instead of redeveloping them; building on the existing elements of success; integrating efforts with existing initiatives in the region, and setting an economically feasible development programme.

The master plan will include designing the urban space to meet the development needs for activities, investment and individuals; studying the financial model for Al Quoz in light of the real estate market, and developing a detailed programme on the uses and floor areas. The plan will also include preparing the building development standards, the public space development plan, implementation programme, development priorities, spatial stages, and spatial indicators.

As part of the plan, there were studies conducted on the activation of Street No. 6 as an attractive destination and a pedestrian-friendly environment and the provision of meeting spaces that allow for a unique exploration experience.

By 2026, the master plan is expected to support Al Quoz Creative Zone with facilities that will house 6,800 creatives.

Infrastructure and flexible mobility As for the infrastructure, a new bus service was formed linking Al Safa Metro Station to Al Quoz Creative Zone. Work on the external bus wrapping for busses on the route was also completed, with the service becoming operational in June. Furthermore, designs for the area’s street signages are now complete, including those at the area’s entrance.

The flexible mobility and transportation integration project aims to promote the integration of flexible mobility means and provide a stimulating and friendly environment for walking and cycling. The project will be implemented across two phases. In the short term, Al Safa Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station will be linked to Al Quoz Creative Zone through pedestrian and bicycle paths and individual means of transportation spanning 3.5 km, providing three transportation centres, in addition to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge on Al Manara Street.

In the long term, the Project will include the provision of pedestrian and bicycle paths and individual transportation spanning 13 km to connect all the area’s major destinations, in addition to the setting up of multi-use yards for all kinds of activities and events as well as the addition of new mobility centres, shading elements and landscaping.

Supporting the creative community Within the portfolio of projects to support the creative community, the ‘Creatives’ Journey’ was launched as part of the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform to allow creative and talented individuals to launch their businesses within minutes. Since the initiative’s launch in October, the platform has recorded an 82 percent increase in the number of creative licenses issued in Al Quoz, and a 76 percent increase across Dubai as a whole. The initiative has also contributed to shortening the number of steps needed for creatives to establish their work.

Other projects to support the creative community included a set of incentives and benefits, including supporting the change of land uses from industrial to creative purposes and facilitating tenants’ processes for obtaining approvals and licenses. Al Quoz Creative Zone has also been added to Dubai Land Department’s Rental Index, allowing customers to calculate the rent increase and the average rent in the real estate market by entering the area’s data.

Source: Emirates News Agency