Its Xavier Blog

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has officially commenced his visit to the Republic of Singapore, a significant diplomatic engagement that underscores the strengthening ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Singapore. His arrival at the Singapore Parliament House marked the beginning of this important visit, welcomed warmly by Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong. A Warm Welcome at Parliament House Upon his arrival, Sheikh Khaled was greeted with an official reception ceremony, a customary practice that highlights the significance of high-level diplomatic visits. Prime Minister Wong personally escorted Sheikh Khaled to the ceremonial platform, where the national anthems of the UAE and Singapore were played, symbolizing mutual respect and camaraderie between the two nations. Following the anthems, Sheikh Khaled and Prime Minister Wong reviewed the guard of honour lined up in the Parliament's reception hall, a cerem...

 In a significant diplomatic engagement, H.E. Abdulla Ali AlHmoudi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Bangladesh, recently met with Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary, Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dhaka. This meeting underscored the mutual commitment to advancing the longstanding relationship between the UAE and Bangladesh. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, exploring investment avenues, and fostering cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest. Deepening Bilateral Relations: A Foundation of Trust and Cooperation The UAE and Bangladesh have shared a friendly and cooperative relationship over the decades, one marked by common goals, economic growth, and mutual respect. During the meeting, Ambassador AlHmoudi and Foreign Secretary Uddin revisited the historical bonds between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of building on these foundations to ensure a productive and forward-looking partnership. Their di...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly emerged as a global leader in genomics and precision medicine, championing transformative healthcare initiatives aimed at enhancing disease prevention, early detection, and individualized treatment. Through key programs like the Emirati Genome Programme (EGP) and Abu Dhabi Biobank, the UAE is not only creating a robust infrastructure for healthcare innovation but also setting a standard for personalized medicine on a national scale. The UAE’s commitment to harnessing genomics has placed it in the global spotlight, demonstrating how nations can leverage science and technology to achieve substantial health improvements. The Emirati Genome Programme (EGP): A Blueprint for National Health The Emirati Genome Programme (EGP) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at sequencing the genomes of Emirati citizens, ultimately building a comprehensive genetic database that will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare advancements. This large-scale genomic...

In an extraordinary show of support for Lebanon, the UAE, led by Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, joined the Paris-hosted International Conference for Support of Lebanon and Its Sovereignty. Called by the French Presidency and attended by over 70 countries alongside international bodies like the UN, EU, and regional organizations, the conference aimed to address Lebanon’s mounting political and humanitarian crises. In her speech, Minister Al Kaabi expressed the UAE’s deep concern over Lebanon’s deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions, which she noted risk stability in the broader region. She emphasized the UAE's firm commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity, underscoring the importance of supporting Lebanon’s people as they face ongoing challenges. UAE’s Humanitarian Assistance and Aid to Lebanon To address the escalating humanitarian needs in Lebanon, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered an urgent reli...

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, has recently convened with a diverse group of world leaders at the 2024 BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia. This summit, under the chairmanship of the Russian Federation, serves as a crucial platform for addressing significant global issues and strengthening international cooperation among emerging economies. Among the distinguished attendees were prominent figures such as His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt; His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran; His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of China; His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa; His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India; and His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Their presence at the summit underscores the collective commitment of these nations to collaborate on vital matters affecting their regions and beyond. Fostering Cooperation and Development ...

  The UAE's labour market continues to lead the global labour markets in the most prominent international competitiveness indicators for 2024, which monitor the progress and development in various aspects of the labour system. Data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation's ‘ Labour Market Observatory ’ showed that the UAE ranked first globally in four indicators in the Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, namely employment rate, lack of labour disputes, low termination compensation costs, and workforce ratio. The UAE ranked first in the Arab world in the  Global Labour Resilience Index (GLRI) 2024 , issued by the global consultancy firm Whiteshield, while it ranked second globally in workforce growth, absence of bureaucracy, and third globally in the main labour market index, flexibility of residency laws, and employment growth, in the  World Competitiveness Booklet 2024. According to the same report, the UAE ranked four...

 

  The UAE and the Republic of Ireland signed two agreements in Abu Dhabi to enhance their judicial and legal cooperation in extradition and mutual legal assistance. The agreements were signed by Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, and Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice of Ireland. The signing ceremony was attended by delegations from both countries, including Alison Milton, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to the UAE.  Al Nuaimi commended the cooperation and close ties between the UAE and Ireland, highlighting the importance of boosting their cooperation in various judicial and legal fields. He underscored the Ministry of Justice's keenness to strengthen legal and judicial collaboration with countries worldwide, and its commitment to implementing the agreements and continuing joint work, particularly in areas including anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, drug trafficking, and organised crime.  For her part, the Irish Minister...

  GITEX Global 2024 , the world’s largest tech and startup event, hosted the Middle East’s largest data centre gathering on Thursday at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), showcasing the region’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the rapidly evolving data centre market. The conference programme underscored the far-reaching implications of AI in data infrastructure, a driving force behind the rapidly expanding billion-dollar global market, while leading enterprises captivated the audience with their innovative solutions, showcasing the future of hyperscale, modular, and edge data centres. As businesses increasingly turn to AI, the global data centre market is projected to reach US$256 billion by the end of this year and will rise to $775 billion by 2034. GITEX Global serves as a critical platform for industry leaders to engage in discussions that highlight the urgent need for enhanced and scalable data centres, essential for supporting the burgeoning AI-driven demand. At "...

  Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received today a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During the call, they discussed the close strategic relations between the two countries, ways to support and enhance them, and discussed the latest developments in the region, especially in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as the latest developments in the joint mediation efforts to end the war on the Strip, ways to reduce escalation in Lebanon, in addition to a number of topics of common interest, according to Qatar News Agency.

  The UAE has dispatched one more aircraft to Lebanon loaded with 40 tonnes of relief materials, including food and medical supplies, shelter equipment, and other essentials. This is the 12th plane sent to the country as part of the ongoing “UAE stands with Lebanon” campaign. The two-week campaign was launched on 8th October as per directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with follow-up from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and under the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, and Chair of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations and Member of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, explained that the ...

  Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), held a session of discussions with President of Italy's Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, at the Chamber’s headquarters here, as part of his official visit to Italy. The two sides stressed the importance of the distinguished relations between the two countries, which date back to 1972, and based on mutual respect and common national interests, on the one hand, and the convergence of visions regarding current regional and global issues and enhancement of international security and stability, on the other hand. At the outset of the session, the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies welcomed Saqr Ghobash and his accompanying delegation, stressing the importance of this visit, which he hoped would result into more cooperation and coordination in all fields, in a way that serves the two friendly countries and their peoples. Ghobash stressed the importance of strengthening the bilateral relations at the official an...

  The “UAE Stands with Lebanon” national campaign was launched today, with 200 tonnes of aid in 10,000 relief packages prepared by 4,000 volunteers as part of the UAE’s continuous efforts to provide relief and support to the brotherly Lebanese people, and to mitigate the current humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organizations, said, “Embodying the UAE’s humanitarian principles and its deep-rooted fraternal values that call for solidarity and cooperation, we extend a helping hand to provide aid and relief to all those impacted by wars and conflicts. Our wise leadership’s urgent response addresses Lebanon’s difficult circumstances and meets their critical needs.” He added, “The “UAE Stands with Lebanon” campaign affirms the solidarity of all parts of UAE society with the Lebanese people, and continuously works to provide relief to those in need, including the injured and wounded. This nati...

  Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot discussed on Friday the situation in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip during a phone conversation. The two top diplomats' discussions fall within the ongoing consultations between Cairo and Paris on the dangerous developments in the region, according to Egypt's Middle East News Agency (MENA) They also touched on the repercussions of the conflicts on the security and stability of the region, and ways to contain the escalation, it said. Abdelatty stressed that the Israeli army's unjustified escalation in Lebanon could have severe consequences, especially following Thursday's attack on sites and equipment belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. He urged the Israeli army to commit to the safety and security of the UN staff and property, and stressed the need to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, said the statement. He als...

United Arab Emirates has signed the first of its kind deal that would help it emerge as one of the leading players in advanced energy technologies in the Gulf region. After months of negotiations, United Arab Emirates and United States finally sealed off a 123 Agreement meant to govern peaceful nuclear cooperation. For many Western observers, this accord marks a positive step forward. The UAE made the significant move of subjecting its nuclear ambitions to international safeguards through the IAEA. Through its decision to be transparent and practice the best in nonproliferation, it set a real model for others in the Middle East to contribute to allaying all these global concerns that so often stall nuclear progress. The UAE, with seven emirates united under a progressive federation, had always looked at various ways to diversify its economy and minimize its reliance on oil exports. It was then aware that energy demand would double within a decade; having developed alternate sources of ...

  The Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC), in collaboration with the Turkish Defence and Aerospace Cluster Association (OSSA), organised the "UAE- Türkiye Defence Industry Cooperation Forum”, aimed to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in defence industry between the two friendly countries. Supported by the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the Forum was held at the Tawazun Defence Hall in the presence of officials from the two sides. A number of UAE and Turkish companies specialising in defence industries participated in the event. The EDCC and OSSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Forum’s margin to promote collaboration between defence and security companies in the UAE and Türkiye. The MoU also calls for organising joint events, seminars, and bilateral meetings to build strategic partnerships between the two sides. The forum provided an important platform for discussing opportunities and challenges in the defence sector. Leading companies...

  In a significant development for the air cargo industry, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) welcomed the inaugural flight of Fly Vaayu from China on 7th October, 2024. The aircraft was an Airbus A320 model, registered in the United Arab Emirates under the registration number A6-RMA. Fly Vaayu is set to establish its operational hub at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, which serves as a vital link connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.  This initiative underscores Fly Vaayu's dedication to pioneering innovative solutions within the aviation sector. Notably, this aircraft is the third Airbus A320 globally to be converted into a freighter (A320P2F), and it was honored with a water salute upon its arrival at the airport. The aircraft was welcomed by Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al-Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah (RAKDCA) and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport Authority, along with Syed Muhammed Raziff Aljunied, Consul General o...

According to analysts, the UAE-Jordan trade deal will significantly heighten economic cooperation. The United Arab Emirates and Jordan have signed a landmark trade agreement this week that is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade between the two countries in the coming decade. In a step toward further consolidation of bilateral cooperation, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE and King Abdullah II of Jordan were on hand Monday in Amman to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, ministries reported. This was signed by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi and Jordan's Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Al Qudah. The CEPA increases cooperation across the key economic sectors and, according to both sides, the promises of more than doubling bilateral trade volumes between the UAE and Jordan. "Specifically aimed at bringing the current two-way trade volume of around...

  Abu Dhabi, UAE - President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with Jake Sullivan, the United States National Security Advisor, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation.  During the conversation, Sheikh Mohamed and Sullivan reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the UAE and US. They discussed ways to strengthen ties across key sectors like development and artificial intelligence. This builds upon the outcomes of Sheikh Mohamed's recent visit to the US. The designation of the UAE as a "Major Defence Partner" of the US was also welcomed by both sides. This status highlights the strong defense cooperation and trust between the two allies. Regional issues were another important topic of discussion. Sheikh Mohamed and Sullivan addressed developments in the Middle East, particularly Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan. They stressed the need for political solutions to conflicts and preventing further escalation.  Continuing urgent humanitarian aid to...

WAM- Global electric vehicle leader NIO has partnered with Abu Dhabi investor CYVN Holdings in the establishment of a new joint venture aimed to accelerate the development and adoption of smart electric vehicles across the Middle East and North Africa. The declaration was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, therefore demonstrating that the move received strong support from regional leaders. Under the joint venture, NIO and CYVN Holdings will team up for localizing smart electric vehicle technologies and services of NIO in the MENA market. The initiative includes manufacturing, assembly, and battery swap facilities in the region as well as building out NIO House experience centers and NIO battery charging infrastructure. It is also going to accelerate R&D of next-generation EV technologies that are designed to meet the requirements...

CAIRO - The Council of the Arab League has strongly denounced Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, demanding an immediate end to the attacks.  In an emergency meeting held in Cairo on Wednesday, the Council of Arab Permanent Representatives to the Arab League expressed grave concern over the ongoing Israeli military escalation along Lebanon's southern border.  Reports indicate the Israeli air force conducted multiple strikes on open fields in southern Lebanon on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, resulting in fires but no casualties. In a statement after the session, the Council said it viewed any encroachment or occupation of Lebanese territory by Israeli forces as an assault on Arab national security.  It affirmed unanimous support for Lebanon's right to defend its sovereignty and retaliate to deter future aggression. The Council also called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to halt such violations of international law and the UN Charter. Arab fo...

MANAMA - The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned Wednesday the attack on the residence of the United Arab Emirates' Ambassador in Khartoum, Sudan. In a statement issued Wednesday, Bahrains Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed solidarity with the UAE following the incident that it described as a grave breach of international conventions regarding the protection of diplomatic missions and diplomats. The ministry stressed that Bahrain was fully supportive of all measures taken by the UAE to ensure the safety and security of its diplomats and missions abroad. It also called on Sudanese authorities to investigate such an attack and bring culprits to book. According to initial reports, unidentified assailants threw an improvised explosive device over the wall of the UAE Ambassador's residence in Khartoum on Tuesday late at night, partly damaging parts of its exterior. There were no reports of casualties. The international community has widely condemned the attack. Bahrain joins re...