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Showing posts from September, 2022

Egypt wants compensation for countries hit by climate change

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    Wael Aboul Magd said the host country was "putting a lot of effort" into ensuring that the question of how to compensate countries that have suffered economically due to climate catastrophes was prioritised.  We need to find a practical solution that accommodates the various concerns and it's up to us as the incoming presidency to sort of navigate and finesse this process," Mr Aboulmagd said.  Mr Aboulmagd said Egypt had appointed two ministers to plan for how to include "loss and damage" on Cop27 ’s formal agenda. They are Germany's special envoy for international climate action, Jennifer Morgan, and Chile's environment minister, Maisa Rojas.

A fruitful relationship between Israel and UAE

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    “There is so much natural synergy between Israeli and Emirati business and technology skills and experience, that I expect the results of our cooperation to be even greater than the sum of the already impressive parts. “We are currently looking at joint projects in logistics, med-tech, ag-tech and cybersecurity, to name just a few sectors where work is already advanced.” Mr Al-Binali also pointed out that, at the conclusion of last month’s visit, several business deals were agreed in principle. Abraham Accords will lead to a substantial increase in trade between Israel and the UAE. The accord was signed in 2020 and has already given a massive trade boost to both Israel and the UAE

Egypt's e-commerce start-up Mazaya raises

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    The pre-seed funding round was led by Raya Trade & Distribution, a subsidiary of Egypt-listed Raya Holding for Financial Investments, Mazaya said in a statement on Tuesday. The start-up will use the funds to expand its Operation in Egypt , grow in new markets and "potentially" venture into other business segments. "The funds raised will allow us to quickly scale our operations and expand to other markets beyond Egypt; we have plans to launch our services in Nigeria before this year-end," Amir Aboul Fotouh, Mazaya's co-founder and head of operations, said. Venture funding and deals hit a record high in Egypt last year, with $491m invested across 147 transactions, start-up data platform Magnitt reported. Revenue in Egypt’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $7.74 billion this year and increase at a compound annual growth rate of about 19 per cent between 2022 and 2025, German market and consumer data platform Statista reported.

At least 86 dead after Lebanon migrant boat sinks

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  T he death toll from the sinking of a migrant boat off the   Syrian  coast after it sailed from Lebanon rose to 86 on Saturday, Syrian state TV reported. At least 120 people are believed to have been on board the boat heading to Europe that departed from northern Lebanon this week, including Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians. Syria’s Health Minister Hassan Al Ghabash, who announced a death toll of 77 on Friday night, said 20 survivors were being treated in hospital in Tartus, including eight in a critical condition. Lebanese Transport Minister Ali Hamie said the survivors included 12 Syrians, five Lebanese and three Palestinians.

Saudi businesses go all out for national day

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  Shopping centres across the kingdom are adorned with flyers, white and green balloons, digital depictions of the national flag and new artwork released by the entertainment authority to celebrate the occasion. Nabila Nazer, a Saudi fashion designer in Jeddah, says she was inspired to launch her label in 2017 “when I heard Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman talk about Saudi Vision 2030”. “I created this idea with the map and a heart using quotes that unite people across the kingdom,” she says. “It’s a huge hit and people keep ordering it all year round.” “Saudi national day offers an opportunity for us to celebrate and honour our beloved country,” says footwear designer Yasmine Idrees. She has created a pair of green Vivarini espadrilles for her brand Solana “as a tribute” to Saudi Arabia and is offering customers a discount for national day.

ROYAL FAMILY OF DUBAI TO FACILITATE BITCOIN TRANSACTIONS IN THE UAE

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  CoinCorner, a global leader in Bitcoin and Lightning Network services, has partnered with Seed Group to facilitate Bitcoin transactions in The United Arab Emirates (UAE) UAE wants to offer a growth-oriented environment to fintech companies by establishing an ecosystem for digital currencies. Companies dealing in cryptocurrencies hold huge potential in the Emirates’ digital economy.” Seed Group will help CoinCorner expand their operations into the Emirates and wider Middle East, market their products and services effectively, reach their audience, and access the top decision-makers in the government as well as private sectors. CoinCorner will be focusing on establishing a user-friendly platform where UAE residents can buy, sell, send, receive, and store bitcoin, as well as offer local businesses solutions to dealing in bitcoin.

A delegation of Pakistanis visits Israel

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  W i th no diplomatic relations with Israel  a former government minister, met Israeli Foreign Ministry officials in Jerusalem on Wednesday, the leader of the group and trip organisers said.  The trip comes more than three months after journalist Ahmed Quraishi, who also travelled to Jerusalem to promote interfaith harmony, was taken off the air by the Pakistan Television Corporation after his visit.  Anila Ali, a Pakistani-born US citizen who lives in America and was one of the organisers of this week's trip, told AP that Mr Ashraf was in Jerusalem to promote interfaith harmony. She said establishing diplomatic ties with Israel would be in Pakistan's best national interest. She said Turkey was a good example for Pakistan, as Turkish leadership had established diplomatic ties with Israel in their national interest. “If Turkey can do it, then why can't we do it?” she said.

UAE is already widely recognized by American businesses

  In an exclusive interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Sebright said, “In 2021, there was over US$25 billion in bilateral trade between the US and the UAE, marking a recovery from a dip during the pandemic. “The UAE is an important investor in the US economy. Last year, it was estimated that the total 2020 stock of UAE Foreign Direct Investment in the US was $65 billion, of which more than $33 billion are a direct investment.” Sebright added that “One of the UAE’s sovereign wealth funds, Mubadala Investment Company, has invested over $100 billion alone in the United States. Other UAE. Sovereign wealth funds also have invested heavily in the US over the last 20 years. So have major Emirati companies such as DP World, Gulftainer, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq Bank, Emirates, Etihad, EGA, Masdar, DP World, and Mubadala.” “In 2020, the total stock of United States FDI in the UAE amounted to $19.4 billion. If you expand the aperture again, the figure is once again larger. One rece

UAE and China will work together on future rover missions to the lunar surface.

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  UAE country has made it clear, space exploration is part of the future. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has found another partner to help further its moon exploration ambitions. The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced today (Sept. 16) that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the China National Space Agency (CNSA) to work together on future lunar efforts. The two agencies will “collaborate on future moon missions involving the landing of an MBRSC rover aboard a CNSA lander,” the MBRSC said via Twitter today(opens in new tab). The agreement marks “the first joint space project between the UAE and China,” the agency said

Saudi Arabia to emerge as a 'major player' in regional aviation space

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  “There are a lot of aspirations right now in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Randy Heisey, Boeing's managing director of commercial marketing for the Middle East, Africa, Russia and Central Asia regions “If they're able to execute on the Vision 2030, they may be a major player in the growth here.” Asked whether Boeing is in discussions for aircraft orders by a planned Saudi Arabian carrier, he referred the question to the airline for details on its business plan. “We are eager to win all good business, including that entity, so we look forward to ongoing conversations with all airlines in the region,” he said. “I can tell you our objective is to demonstrate to all airlines, and new airlines as well, the value proposition and versatility of Boeing products.” The kingdom's Saudi Aviation Strategy calls for tripling annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030, boosting the number of destinations to 250 from 99 at present and establishing a new flag carrier. This strategy i

China and UAE will collaborate on moon rover missions

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  United Arab Emirates (UAE) has found another partner to help further its moon exploration ambitions. The UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced today (Sept. 16) that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the CNSA to work together on future lunar efforts. The two agencies will "collaborate on future moon missions involving the landing of an MBRSC rover aboard a CNSA lander," the MBRSC  said  The agreement marks "the first joint space project between the UAE and China," the agency said 

Abu Dhabi leads global ranking for pandemic response

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    Abu Dhabi has once again topped the list of the world’s leading cities for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a London-based analytics consortium, Deep Knowledge Group (DKG). The ranking focused on five main categories, including government efficiency, economic resilience, the efficiency of the quarantine system, healthcare management and vaccination rates. The categories were applied to 72 cities and municipalities around the world, where 50 cities with the highest ranks among them were selected and analysed to identify the best practices and the challenges they encounter. This achievement was the result of the Abu Dhabi leadership guidance and continuous support, that is continuing to follow the footsteps of the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in making the UAE a safe and prosperous country to live in. The ranking was also made possible through the efforts of senior management and staff in various public and private institutions, along

We Stand Together’ initiative to supply aid for Pakistan

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  UAE has been among the first countries to provide emergency support to flood-hit Pakistan, hundreds of volunteers from across the seven emirates joined the ‘We Stand Together’ initiative on Friday. The ‘We Stand Together’ initiative was launched by Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), Dubai Cares and Sharjah Charity International with the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) in the UAE. Food supplies included items such as flour, rice, lentils, and oil, among other non-perishable items, while the hygiene kits contained essential toiletries for women and children such as diapers, sanitary napkins, soaps and more.

UAE will co-operate closely with Cop27 host Egypt to support momentum for greater climate progress

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  UAE will lead “an ambitious, inclusive and solutions-oriented approach” to its hosting of the Cop28 climate conference next year. In November 2023, Expo City Dubai will host the gathering, known in full as the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Higher Committee on Cop28 UAE, which is overseeing the hosting of the event, convened for its fourth meeting on Tuesday, to discuss all strategic, technical and administrative elements related to the summit. Cop28 will be especially significant as the first global stocktake of national commitments since the 2016 Paris Agreement pledge to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. “The UAE will apply its experience as a trusted global convener to ensure Cop28 UAE reflects the voices of all relevant stakeholders to achieve global consensus for practical climate progress,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

UAE comes up with the ‘We Stand Together’ initiative

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    During the difficult time in Pakistan , hundreds of volunteers from all seven states of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have joined, “We Stand Together” initiative to help Pakistan people 1,200 tonnes of food, health and general items, including 30,000 food kits, have been provided for the flood-affected families in Pakistan. The UAE has been among one of the first countries to provide emergency support to the flood-affected people and sent relief kits to Pakistan on urgent basis. The UAE nationals gathered at three different locations across the country, including Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, Expo City Dubai and Expo Center Sharjah to pack relief kits, reported by the UAE media. The “We Stand Together” initiative was launched by Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), Dubai Cares and Sharjah Charity International in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Community Development (MoCD) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), with the support of nine other

UAE distributes more aid in Sudan

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    Teams on ground delivered food baskets and shelter that benefited 3,500 people in two villages in the White Nile state People living in remote villages received food assistance through ferries. The UAE has earlier opened an air bridge to deliver large quantities of aid to those affected by Sudan’s floods, which killed over 100 people and affected around 278,500 others.

UAE aid to Pakistan and its people with a clear message “we are with you”

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    The Emirates Red Crescent Authority, Dubai Cares, and Sharjah Charity Association launched the “We Stand Together” volunteering initiative, which aims to assemble urgent relief kits for families affected by the devastating torrential monsoon rains and floods in Pakistan. The community event, which is part of UAE efforts to provide urgent relief assistance to Pakistan, will take place on Saturday, 10th September, 2022, from 9am to 1pm, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) — South Hall at Expo City in Dubai, and Expo Centre in Sharjah.​ United Arab Emirates has always been a leading example when it comes to extending humanitarian aid and support to countries in need at times of crisis

UAE is hosting Abu Dhabi Space Debate this December

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  Under the patronage of UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Space Debate is to take place on the 5th and 6th December 2022. Organised by the UAE Space Agency, the two-day conference is set to form an important new global forum for the space industry, nations, business leaders and policy makers to come together and forge real consensus and address the issues facing growth and innovation in space. The Abu Dhabi Space Debate sets out to provide a platform for leaders and policy makers from the space sector around the world to review the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and aims to advance not only global dialogue and collaboration between nations but also forge concrete alliances, multilateral agreements and provide a platform to advance the sector as a whole. Her Excellency Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Chair of the UAE Space Agency and the Abu Dhabi Space Debate Committee, said: “We

UAE to host debate defining future of global space sector

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  The Abu Dhabi Space Debate is to take place on the 5th and 6th December 2022. Organized by the UAE Space Agency, the two-day conference is set to form an important new global forum for the space industry, nations, business leaders and policy makers to come together and forge real consensus and address the issues facing growth and innovation in space. The Abu Dhabi Space Debate sets out to provide a platform for leaders and policy makers from the space sector around the world to review the opportunities and challenges facing the sector and aims to advance not only global dialogue and collaboration between nations but also forge concrete alliances, multilateral agreements and provide a platform to advance the sector as a whole.

UAE’s relief aid to Sudan underscores their deep-rooted ties Sudanese health minister says

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    The generous relief aid provided by the UAE to Sudan underscores the deep-rooted ties between the two countries. In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Ibrahim explained that the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to send urgent aid worth AED25 million highlight the keenness of the UAE and its people to help the Sudanese people cope with their dire humanitarian conditions. The Emirates Red Crescent’s (ERC) field teams are operating in affected areas with great efficiency, in line with the highest international standards in providing humanitarian aid, as well as establishing tents in areas affected by floods, he added. The health situation in affected areas is improving and there are no epidemic outbreaks, Ibrahim said, noting the cooperation of all relevant authorities with the UAE field mission. He then thanked the UAE’s leadership, government and people for supporting Sudan through the crisis, and noted that the UAE was among the

UAE leads delivery of humanitarian aid to Pakistan

  UAE, launched the “We Stand Together” volunteering initiative, which aims to assemble urgent relief kits for families affected by the devastating torrential monsoon rains and floods in Pakistan. The community event, which is part of UAE efforts to provide urgent relief assistance to Pakistan, will take place on Saturday, 10th September, 2022, from 09:00 to 13:00, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) — South Hall at Expo City in Dubai, and Expo Centre in Sharjah.​ The “We Stand Together” initiative is led by humanitarian and charitable organisations in the country and calls upon the public to show solidarity with affected Pakistani families. The Emirates Red Crescent Authority, Dubai Cares, and Sharjah Charity Association invite volunteers to register to participate in the initiative at Volunteers.ae.

UAE has sent a fourth aircraft within a week, which carried aid to help individuals impacted by flash floods in Sudan

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    A cargo including 30 tonnes of shelter materials and several other essential items arrived at Khartoum International Airport on Friday, August 2. The staff from the UAE embassy in Khartoum, the UAE Red Crescent team and Dr Ahmed Ali Qalam from Sudan’s Ministry of Social Development were at the airport to meet the flight. The aid was in line with the humanitarian vision of the UAE to help people in need, said the authorities. The UAE ambassador to Sudan, Hamad Al Junaibi, stated, “This humanitarian aid comes within the framework of the historical ties linking the UAE with Sudan, and also falls within the framework of the UAE’s policy and its humanitarian mission to support impacted communities around the world via relief and humanitarian projects to help communities in need.”

Humanitarian City to airlift essential goods to Pakistan another commendable work of the UAE

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    From today, cargo capacity on all Emirates’ passenger flights to Pakistan will be available to organisations based at the world’s largest humanitarian hub, International Humanitarian City (IHC), to transport critical equipment and supplies, food and other emergency relief goods directly to the five airports — Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Sialkot. Times of crisis are a true test of spirit and once again, we are working with Emirates to respond to a devastating humanitarian crisis, this time in Pakistan, where floods have caused unimaginable losses and damages. Grateful for the long-standing support of Emirates to the IHC community and its honourable commitment to alleviate the suffering of the victims of these extraordinary floods.