Its Xavier Blog

  Expo 2020 Dubai was not just a spectacular showcase of innovation, culture, and ideas, but also a significant contributor to the UAE's economy. According to a recent report by consultancy EY, the Expo and its legacy are expected to generate Dh154.9 billion ($42.2 billion) in gross value added (GVA) to the UAE economy from 2013 to 2042. This figure highlights the long-term impact of the Expo and how it has paved the way for economic growth and sustainability in the UAE. The report also indicates that the Expo is expected to create more than a million full-time equivalent (FTE) job years, providing opportunities for people from all walks of life. This is equivalent to more than 35,000 FTE jobs per annum in the UAE over the same period. The sectors contributing most to GVA are events and business services, followed by construction and restaurants and hotels. This indicates that the Expo has not only generated direct revenue through ticket sales and tourism but also created a ripple ...

  The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreemen t (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel, which comes into effect on April 1, 2023, marks a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two nations. The agreement is an important milestone in the normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel, which began with the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. The CEPA is a significant development for both nations, as it is expected to enhance their trade relations and promote economic growth. Under the agreement, the two nations will reduce customs duties and other trade barriers, and facilitate the movement of goods and services between them. The CEPA also provides for the protection of intellectual property rights and the promotion of investment between the two nations. The agreement is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both nations. It is estimated that the CEPA could increase bilateral trade between the UAE and Israel by up to $4 bi...

The world we live in is changing at an unprecedented pace. New technologies, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and global crises are transforming every aspect of our lives. In the face of these changes, forecasting the future has become an inevitable obligation. The World Government Summit, a decade-long collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and nations and entities worldwide, has emerged as a powerful forum for envisioning the future. Led by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 2023 summit attracted over 10,000 global leaders, including presidents, ministers, experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers. Together, they explored the challenges and transformations that lie ahead, transcending the issues that had been previously predicted. The success of the World Government Summit attests to ...

  Dubai has always been at the forefront of innovation, and their latest breakthrough in water technology is no exception. A plant in Dubai is now turning seawater into drinking water using the power of the sun. The device, located in waterways at Zayed Port and on Reem Island, is generating fresh water from the ocean without electricity. This breakthrough could revolutionize the way clean water and food are produced in the Arabian Peninsula. Manhat, an Emirati-founded start-up, launched in 2019, is using proprietary natural water distillation technology to capture the evaporation of ocean water on the surface. By speeding up this natural process, the device is able to generate fresh water without using any electricity. This innovative solution not only provides clean drinking water to the people of Dubai, but it also has the potential to change the way crops are grown in the region. Founder Dr Saeed Alhassan has plans to use this invention to build floating farms that use the fre...

Dubai has always been known for its luxury lifestyle, high-end shopping destinations, and stunning architectural marvels. But now, it has emerged as the most attractive emirate for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). According to the Africa Wealth 2023 Report by New World Wealth and Hanley & Partners, Dubai is the top destination for millionaires, attracting more than any other city in the world. The report stated that between 2012 and 2022, approximately 18,500 HNWIs left Africa, and most of them migrated to the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. The UAE, with Dubai as its crown jewel, has become a top choice for the wealthy due to its tax-friendly environment, business-friendly policies, and diverse lifestyle offerings. Dubai is home to several globally renowned brands, such as the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the world's largest shopping center, the Dubai Mall. Apart from that, Dubai's tourism and hospitality sector ha...

  In a significant move for the United Arab Emirates, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed his eldest son, Khaled, as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. This appointment solidifies Khaled's position as the next in line to lead the UAE federation, paving the way for a new era of leadership that will concentrate power within Sheikh Mohammed's immediate family. Khaled's Appointment: A New Generation of Leadership The announcement of Khaled's appointment as the crown prince of Abu Dhabi has been met with widespread attention, as it represents a clear shift in focus towards the next generation of UAE leadership. As the eldest son of Sheikh Mohammed, Khaled is now set to take over the federation's leadership when his father steps down, ensuring continuity in the country's policies and vision. Rumors Cleared: Sheikh Mohammed's Brothers No Longer in the Running Prior to Khaled's appointment, there were rumors circulating that Sheik...

  The UAE 's National Genome Strategy has caught the attention of scientists and researchers worldwide for its ambitious goal to collect genetic material from one million of its citizens. This project aims to produce a profile of each individual's genome, which is their complete set of genetic material. The collection of this vast amount of genetic data is a groundbreaking initiative that has the potential to revolutionize healthcare and genetics research. With more than 400,000 samples already collected, the UAE is well on its way to achieving its goal and becoming a hub for cutting-edge research. The potential benefits of this project are numerous. The insights gained from analyzing the genetic material of such a large and diverse population will be invaluable in advancing our understanding of human health and disease. By identifying the underlying genetic causes of diseases, researchers will be better equipped to develop personalized treatments and more effective medicines. ...

  As I reflect on my recent experience planting mangroves at Jubail Mangrove Park, I am filled with a sense of pride and hope for our planet's future. Alongside my fellow EU Member State Ambassadors, EADTweets, and ArabYouthCenter, we took a small but impactful step towards mitigating climate change. Mangroves may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of climate change, but these amazing trees have a carbon-storing superpower. Mangroves absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Not only do mangroves store carbon, but they also provide crucial habitat and nursery grounds for a vast array of marine life. Mangrove forests are vital ecosystems that help support the health and wellbeing of our planet's oceans. As we look ahead to COP28_UAE , our actions at Jubail Mangrove Park demonstrate the power of collective action against climate change. Each of us has a role to play in pr...

  Dubai Airports has recently been recognized as one of the Best Employer Brands in this year's LinkedIn Mena Talent Awards for companies above 1,000 employees. This is a great accomplishment for the company and a testament to their dedication to building a strong employer brand. In today's competitive job market, having a strong employer brand is essential to attract and retain top talent. Dubai Airports has recognized this and has made it a priority to display their culture and values across LinkedIn, engaging with their following of over 814,600 users. By focusing on their employer brand, Dubai Airports has set an excellent example for other companies. They have shown that building a strong employer brand is not only important for attracting and retaining employees, but it can also improve overall business success. A strong employer brand can help a company stand out in a crowded marketplace, attract top talent, and improve employee engagement and loyalty. Dubai Airports...

  The launch of the National Genome Strategy by the Emirates Genome Council is a significant development towards advancing healthcare and promoting well-being in the UAE . The strategy, which is expected to cover the next 10 years, provides a comprehensive framework of legislation and governance for genomic programs to support public health priorities. The five key pillars of the National Genome Strategy, which include legislation and governance, data infrastructure, genomic research and innovation, public health priorities, and strategic partnerships, are crucial components that will pave the way for groundbreaking research and innovation in the field of genomics. With the support of the Emirati Genome Programme, which will collaborate with various research and medical institutions across the UAE, the National Genome Strategy is poised to drive major advances in healthcare. The establishment of the Emirates Genome Council in 2021 underscores the UAE 's commitment to connecting and...

The recent announcement of the $2 billion acquisition of Israel's NewMed Energy by UAE' s ADNOC and BP is a significant development in the evolving relationship between the two countries. This move marks ADNOC's first venture into the eastern Mediterranean region, opening up new opportunities for economic cooperation and collaboration between the UAE and Israel. This deal is a direct result of the historic Abraham Accords signed in 2020, which paved the way for normalized relations between the UAE and Israel, and signaled a new era of peace and prosperity in the Middle East. Since the signing of the Accords, the two nations have made tremendous progress in forging deeper economic and cultural ties, leading to a number of collaborative initiatives and partnerships. The acquisition of NewMed Energy by ADNOC and BP is a major breakthrough in this growing partnership, as it not only strengthens UAE's energy diversification strategy but also opens up new markets and investm...

  According to a recent report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to spend $20 billion on digital technology including IT, telecoms, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and robotics over the next three years. This significant investment in emerging technologies is expected to have a major impact on the country's economic growth and productivity. Over the past decade, digital technology has accounted for more than two-thirds of productivity growth, and the BCG report projects that it will account for 25% to 30% of global gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade. The report also suggests that the UAE is well-positioned to double the contribution of its digital economy to GDP to 19.4% from 9.7% within the next 10 years. This significant investment in digital technology reflects the UAE's strategic vision to become a global leader in emerging technologies. By investing in AI, IoT, blockchain, a...