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The New Frontier | The UAE-US Partnership is Pushing Technologies for Space Exploration

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The United Arab Emirates has ambitious plans to diversify its economy beyond oil and become the world’s best tech talent hub. A major focus of this transformation is developing expertise in areas like artificial intelligence in healthcare innovations and the growing space economy. Through visionary policies and significant investment, the UAE is establishing itself as a center of technology and talent. Major factors include its clean energy sources, access to capital and government support for public-private collaboration. As these plans advance, the UAE most important partner is the United States. Their relationship, based on security, trade and cultural ties, now includes strategic cooperation on accelerating technological progress. Several joint initiatives demonstrate this partnership in action. Organizations like G42, Mubadala, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center are working with American counterparts such as Microsoft, IBM, and NASA to launch new businesses, initiatives and

Ensuring Stable Living for Citizens | UAE Cabinet approves $457.9 million housing aid package for Eid

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The Eid season is always one filled with celebration family gatherings and festivities across the UAE. But for some Emirati families the high costs of housing can cast a shadow during this otherwise joyous time.  To help alleviate these stresses and ensure citizens can fully enjoy Eid, the UAE Cabinet recently approved a new AED 1.68 billion housing support package. Over 2,160 Emiratis will receive assistance through the respected Sheikh Zayed Housing Program.  The program has aided countless families over the decades in gaining access to affordable long-term housing. However navigating the various steps and entities involved in applying can be cumbersome.  To simplify this process, the Cabinet also launched the "Manzili" housing bundle. It brings 18 essential services together onto one coordinated platform through 24 different government bodies.  Most notably, applicants now only need to provide two documents, down from ten previously.The timeline for securing significant ba

The UAE's humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in Gaza | A Helping Hand in Gaza

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The plight of the Palestinian people continues as the conflict ravages the Gaza Strip for another painful chapter. Amidst the turmoil, one voice in the UAE has continued to show compassion. Under wise leadership, the UAE recently reiterated its sincere commitment to meet the most urgent needs of Gaza. Fresh shipments of food, medicine and drinking water are lending aid where hardship rules. For young patients facing serious illness, the UAE remains their pillar of funding life-saving healthcare with no expense spared so suffering families can find solace. While relief efforts alleviate immediate woes, healing peace will take tenderness of another nature. The UAE comprehends this deep truth and engages diplomatically for the long haul. Meeting with partners, thoughtful talks explore solutions respecting all peoples basic rights to live freely in a land of their own. No path is without obstacles yet through patience and goodwill solutions emerge where division is once won. As long as the

The UAE-US Alliance Takes AI Growth and Impact to Greater Heights

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  A Ground breaking Initiative That Will Change Lives. The UAE has once again demonstrated its commitment to using technology for the greater good with this pioneering partnership. In a $1.5 billion investment, Microsoft has joined hands with G42AI to further compassionate, safe AI development. Brad Smith, Microsoft President said, Together with G42, we aim to establish global standards for ensuring AI upholds principles of trust, transparency and fairness . Through collaborative efforts and shared values, the allies hope to make advanced technologies accessible to all. " This partnership is about uniting minds and resources to use innovation as a force for empowering communities ," added G42AI CEO Peng Xiao. Running G42's applications on Azure's robust infrastructure while working under an ethical framework will allow uplifting lives through inclusive progress, they believe. By bringing together talented problem solvers from around the world, we hope to create facili

RICS Expands Cooperation Agenda at Foreign Ministers Meeting in Russia

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  The expanded bloc of BRICS nations convened in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia this week for their first foreign ministers meeting since admitting new members the UAE, Egypt and Iran earlier this year. Against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, representatives recommitted to deepening collaboration across a wide range of economic and political issues. Attended by foreign ministers and senior diplomats from 22 countries, the two-day gathering featured robust discussions on conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. In their joint statement, the ministers called for greater cooperation in areas like energy security, climate action and food supply chains. They also pushed for "comprehensive reform" of international bodies like the UN Security Council to increase developing nation representation. On the sidelines a number of important bilateral meetings took place. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed his country's support for Iranian sovereignty, while Russia propose

UAE Issues New Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Workplace Policies

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  The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has called on companies to strictly enforce tobacco free workplace policies and take disciplinary action against employees who violate the smoking bans. According to new guidelines companies should first inform smokers about the no-smoking rules and issue a written warning. Repeat offenders can then face penalties recorded in their employee file. The guidelines were released to help both government and private sector workplaces prohibit smoking in all areas, both indoor and outdoor. UAE law already bans smoking in enclosed public spaces. Now workplaces must clearly display no-smoking signs and remove all ash trays. The tobacco-free policy applies to all on-site, including workers, managers, contractors and visitors. Strict implementation is backed by health warnings. According to the Ministry, second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 toxic chemicals and significantly raises risks for diseases like lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory ill

Dubai Appoints Chief AI Officers to Advance Government Innovation

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  Dubai has taken a major step towards realizing its vision of becoming a global leader in AI-enabled government with the appointment of 22 Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers across various government bodies. The announcement was made by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. He said the initiative is part of Dubai's forward-looking strategy to leverage artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. The newly appointed Chief AI Officers will play a pivotal role in driving specialized AI plans and programs within their respective entities. Their efforts will serve to boost Dubai's progress and expertise in the AI sector, cementing its position as a pioneer in technology adoption and smart city solutions. The appointments support Dubai's commitment under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Presid

UAE-China Relations | A Model of Multilateral Cooperation.

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The UAE and China celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations in 2024. This milestone anniversary reflects a renewed commitment to further strengthen the enduring partnership and comprehensive relationship between the two countries. In an OpEd published in major Chinese media, the UAE Ambassador to China Hussain Al Hammadi highlighted key aspects of the UAE-China partnership. He said that these ties date back to thousands of years of the ancient Silk Road which laid the foundation for cultural and economic exchange between the regions. Establishing formal diplomatic ties in 1984 set the countries on a path of collaboration across multiple areas.In 1990, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates, made an important inaugural visit to China, the first GCC head of state to do so. It helped strengthen strong ties between leaders and establish a framework for cooperation. Over the past four decades, more than 130 bilateral agreements have been signed, with 19 new

Abu Dhabi and Microsoft Expand Strategic Alliance to Advance Digital Transformation

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 His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Advisor today met with Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, at the company headquarters in Seattle. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Microsoft and exploring new opportunities for partnerships across emerging technologies. Sheikh Tahnoon and Mr Nadella had an in-depth discussion on harnessing artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other digital innovations to fuel economic growth and social progress. Both sides emphasized the need to establish joint projects and initiatives that take advantage of these advanced technologies. The objective is to enhance business efficiency, public services and quality of life both within Abu Dhabi and globally. Areas of potential collaboration that were examined include using AI and cloud solutions to advance healthcare, education, sustainability and other key sectors. Sheikh Tahnoon and Mr. Nadella also

Driving Change | How Investments are Paving the Way for Clean Mobility in the UAE

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  The mobility sector has come a long way in expanding access and opportunity through enabling the transportation of people, goods, and services. However with a growing global population comes rising demands for energy and the need for sustainable transportation solutions long-term. While all modes of transport face challenges personal mobility is most affected. Rapid Transformation: As seen at the recent Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit in Abu Dhabi, the sector is undergoing rapid transformation to become more intelligent, efficient, and clean - releasing fewer emissions and pollutants. This requires a viable business model for sustained investment and innovation. Investing in Change: Investment is a key driver of change in mobility. The UAE's National Smart Mobility Strategy aims to be a global leader in smart intermodal mobility by 2030 through compatible infrastructure, integrated systems, and dynamic policies. Major initiatives like joining Etihad Water and Electricity su