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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 ...

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 signi...

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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

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 ...

 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 a...

  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...

The UAE is poised for robust economic expansion in 2025 according to new projections from global research firm BMI. While the outlook also points to potential challenges on the horizon for oil markets, the nation remains well positioned thanks to successful diversification strategies. BMI forecasts the UAE's real GDP will jump to an impressive 6.7% growth in 2025, up significantly from an estimated 3.8% rise this year. This stellar performance would place the UAE among the fastest growing economies in the region. John Ashbourne, BMI's Global Economist for Emerging Markets, stated the firm is "quite optimistic" about the UAE's prospects. He attributed the projected surge in growth to the country's efforts to diversify beyond oil through sectors like tourism and trade. The UAE boasts a large thriving tourism industry as well as robust trade ties with neighboring countries like Iran, which Ashbourne cited as major contributors supporting strong expansion. The p...

The UAE has just presented an overview of its finances for 2023. Revenues came in at 66.2 billion dirhams while expenses were 58.2 billion dirhams. Total assets rose to Dh391.7 billion.  Federal National Council has signed an annual report showing transparency in government money matters. Looking ahead, planned spending for 2023-2026 is around 252 billion dirhams.  Next year budget itself is 192 billion dirhams up from previous estimates. Expenses are projected at 64.1 billion with income of 65.7 billion.  The Finance Minister said the budget represents the strength of their economy. The goal is balancing what comes in vs. goes out through smart fiscal policy.  Data also showed a surplus last year as revenue jumped a huge 31.8% while spending rose 6.1%. This extra cash shows financial stability in the UAE. By keeping tabs on spending and planning for the future, the government aims to keep supporting the countrys continued growth in a responsible way. All in all a po...

The trade volume between Russia and the United Arab Emirates is projected to surpass $10 billion annually by 2024. According to Sergey Gorkov of the Russia-UAE Business Council, this would more than double current trade levels. At a recent economic forum, Gorkov said numerous Russian companies have expanded into key UAE sectors like IT, pharma, manufacturing, energy and petrochemicals. Bilateral political and economic ties have deepened in recent years across many industries. In 2021 Russian exports to the UAE totaled around $4 billion, including wheat, fertilizers and machinery. Major UAE imports from Russia include petrochemicals and construction materials. Hitting $10 billion in trade within two years would signify the growing strength of the economic relationship. It shows how cooperation is broadening across high value industries. Both governments and businesses will need to jointly pursue closer supply chain and market relationships. Russia and the UAE will become each other'...

Astronomers at the Al Khatam Astronomical Observatory in the United Arab Emirates have released a highly detailed new image of the Cassiopeia's Ghost Nebula providing an unprecedented view of this emission nebula. Located approximately 550 light years from Earth in the northern constellation of Cassiopeia, this cosmic wonder owes its distinctive name to its ghostly skull like shape when viewed from certain angles. Composed primarily of glowing hydrogen gas and dust illuminated by the ultraviolet radiation from nearby star Gamma Cassiopeia, the nebula takes on a dramatic reddish glow. Blues patches within the image result from the reflection of starlight off cosmic dust particles scattered throughout the region. To capture this level of detail observatory scientists employed the facility's state-of-the-art 36 cm diameter telescope and advanced multi narrow band imaging techniques. They accumulated over 450 exposures totaling 23 hours of observation time through hydrogen, sulfur...

  On World Environment Day, highlight the important work the UAE is doing to protect our planet through ambitious climate action and sustainability initiatives. As one of the regions most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the UAE has long recognized both the risks of global warming and the transition to renewable energy and the opportunities for green growth. Over the past decade the country has steadily ramped up its climate commitments under visionary leadership In 2023. UAE hosts COP28 the UN climate summit, where it aims to accelerate global responses to the climate crisis. Some of the UAE most significant climate initiatives currently underway include: Net Zero by 2050 : Through the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE has pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050 aligning its economic development plans with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. $30 Billion Climate Fund : The UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed launched this majo...

The United Arab Emirates has strengthened its financial crime prevention efforts, with its risk of money laundering decreasing substantially according to a new index. The Basel Anti-Money Laundering Index, an influential rating that assesses countries' systems and controls, has improved the UAE's ranking by 16 spots over the past two years. This reflects impressive progress enhancing anti-money laundering protections across government agencies, businesses and other stakeholders. The improvement comes amid continued implementation of the UAE's robust national strategy for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. Coordinated by the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy and its Executive Office, multi-sector reforms aim to optimize defenses at every level. Key developments supporting the upgraded ratings include establishment of the Executive Office in 2018; introduction of Federal Decree-Law 20/2018 imposing tougher criminal penalties such as life impri...

  Another shipment of critical humanitarian assistance has reached the Gaza Strip thanks to efforts led by the UAE. The latest delivery included over 1,166 tons of essential food supplies donated by the UAE to help alleviate suffering in the region. Coordinated by the UAE in partnership with USAID and other international organizations the aid voyage demonstrated the UAE strong commitment to supporting the Palestinian people. The food supplies which were transported from Cyprus via Israel, will help address severe shortages and lack of access to basic goods faced by many Gaza residents on a daily basis.Community leaders expressed deep gratitude towards the UAE for this consistent lifeline of humanitarian and developmental support.As one of Gaza largest aid providers the UAE plays a vital role in addressing both immediate and long term needs. This recent donation underscores the UAE compassion and serves as an example of how global partnerships can deliver critical relief to those i...

The leaders of the UAE and Qatar met yesterday in Abu Dhabi to discuss some important regional issues. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has created a great deal of suffering for innocent people living there. Both expressed a desire for an immediate ceasefire so civilians are protected from further harm.  The talks covered potential diplomatic solutions to end the crisis in a sustainable and long-lasting manner. This would involve a two-state solution granting Palestinians self-governance within agreed borders. Ideas put forth by American President Biden to de-escalate tensions were also examined. Beyond addressing the pressing humanitarian situation, the meeting focused on strengthening ties between the UAE and Qatar. They explored ways to boost cooperation across different sectors. By enhancing cooperation and understanding between neighbors, it helps foster greater stability throughout the Middle East region. After ...

The United Arab Emirates has long served as a pivotal trade partner for the United States. Since 2009, the Emirates have ranked as America's top export market in the Middle East, importing over $31.4 billion worth of goods in 2023 alone. This mutually-beneficial economic relationship supports close to 145,000 jobs across all 50 states through direct exports as well as indirect employment. States along the East Coast have particularly capitalized on opportunities afforded by trade corridors linking businesses to the vital Middle Eastern markets. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have emerged as leaders in leveraging commercial connections to the dynamic UAE economy. New York exports over $3 billion annually to the UAE, sustaining some 20,000 jobs locally in industries like finance, technology, and manufacturing. These exports are facilitated by major ports like NY-NJ that handle a significant portion of U.S.-UAE maritime trade. Further north, thousands of jobs in Connecticut dir...

China and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement this year strengthening cross-border collaboration. Key areas of focus included regulating cryptocurrency activities that could enable telecom fraud, online gambling and other illegal behaviors. Both countries underscored commitments to fight financial crimes like money laundering, human trafficking and drug trafficking which sometimes flow through digital assets. This coordinated effort tackles challenges at international borders in the emerging technology space. The statement also emphasized bolstering bilateral trade and investment ties. Through their Joint Economic and Trade Committee China and UAE will promote legitmate commerce, smooth investment processes and develop tourism partnerships. The latest announcement signals the two powers determination to curb crypto misuse while supporting economic relations. With illicit flows increasingly going digital coordinated oversight of crypto and traditional finance becomes ever...

The United Arab Emirates continues its continuous efforts to end the dire humanitarian crisis facing the residents of the Gaza Strip. Most recently the UAE has dispatched a substantial relief shipment of over 1,166 tonnes of essential food items to the region. The food aid departed from Larnaca Port in Cyprus onboard a vessel and arrived at the Port of Ashdod in Israel. From there it was coordinated to enter the Gaza Strip via the Beit Hanoun crossing, with assistance from American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), a longtime partner of the UAE in facilitating aid distribution. The latest shipment underscores the UAE commitment to ensuring a consistent flow of urgent and lifesaving relief reaches Gaza population. With over half of Gazans considered food insecure due to poverty Israeli blockades and the fragile economic situation donations of staple food items help offset shortages and humanitarian needs. In addition to coordinating sizeable food and provisions convoys, the UAE also contin...

The United Arab Emirates has made exciting progress in its efforts to become a top player in artificial intelligence with the opening of its first AI integration center. Located in sustainable Masdar City near Abu Dhabi, the new facility connects government and businesses to help realize the UAE's vision of advancing AI capabilities from research through real-world solutions. Worldwide Technology (WWT), a leading US-based technology integrator has partnered with UAEs NXT Global to build and operate a state of the art hub. Drawing on WWT extensive experience and NXT Global's in depth knowledge of the local market the collaboration aims to support the full lifecycle of AI development and deployment within the UAE. In a joint statement, officials from WWT and NXT Global said the integration center will advance the UAE's existing AI capabilities from research to production of real-world solutions. It is intended to serve as a hub for public and private sector organizations acro...

Looks like Styrofoam cups, plates and takeout containers are getting the boot in Abu Dhabi. The Environment Agency and Department of Economic Development just announced that all single-use Styrofoam will be banned starting June 1st.  Anything meant for drinks, food or just one-time use like cups, lids, plates and to-go containers made of Styrofoam are on the blacklist. Some things like reusable storage boxes and coolers made of it can stick around though.  This expands on Abu Dhabi's single-use plastic policy from a couple years ago. That led to plastic bags being 86'd from stores last summer, which supposedly caused usage to drop almost 95%! Pretty impressive. Seems the city is serious about sustaining sustainability as part of the whole "Year of Sustainability" campaign. And they're not alone - Dubai and Sharjah have also banned most single-use plastics beginning next January, with fines for anyone caught breaking the rules.  The whole country is on board with d...

 writr article  The UAE’s Ministry of Economy confirmed that the country is among the top 5 countries to achieve positive growth rates in the real economic growth index in gross domestic product (GDP) globally. According to His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, the country’s GDP grew by 3.6 percent (AED 1.68 trillion) in 2023, compared to 2022. Meanwhile, constant prices in the non-oil GDP sector grew by 6.2 percent (AED 1.25 trillion) compared to 2022. Moreover, His Excellency Bin Touq explained that this percentage of the non-oil sector’s contribution to the state’s GDP reached 74.3 percent by the end of 2023, achieving a growth of 2.5 percent compared to 2022, making it the first in history. Overall, the statistics rank the country among the top 10 economies in the world in a set of global competitiveness indicators related to domestic product.