Day: December 13, 2021

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OPEC daily basket price stood at $74.03 a barrel Friday

VIENNA, The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $74.03 a barrel on Friday, 10th December, compared with $75.37 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Source: Emirates News Agency

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UAE a reliable partner for sustainable development, innovation, opportunity creation: Armenian Minister of Economy

DUBAI, Vahan Kerobyan, Armenia’s Minister of Economy and Commissioner-General of the Armenia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, said that the UAE has become a reliable partner for sustainable development, innovation, and the realisation of opportunities regionally and internationally, thanks to its governance system, efforts to reduce oil dependence, and rapid economic diversification.

“We are full of hope to establish new business relations with our Emirati partners and enrich our bilateral economic agenda, exchange experience and knowledge with the technologically advanced community in order to develop ambitious cooperation,” the minister told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

“Tech-driven educational development, women’s involvement in state governance and societal development, youth empowerment, and having an investment-conducive climate have led the UAE to emerge as a platform where scientists and cultural figures, experts and researchers, global leaders, and decision-makers come up with new thoughts addressing potential global challenges.”

“In recent years, Armenia and United Arab Emirates have come closer and the cooperation between the two countries in trade, tourism, energy, medical services, technology, infrastructures and the financial sector have increased,” he added, noting that the alliance has more potential to grow.

Speaking about Expo 2020 Dubai, he said that the event serves as a connection of minds and an auspicious opportunity to best address the challenges facing humanity, find collective solutions to them and create a new model of global community.

The minister explained that Expo 2020 Dubai is “a big step towards going back to our normal lives”, highlighting Expo 2020 Dubai’s efforts to implement COVID-19 safety measures while granting visitors with unforgettable experiences and opportunities.

“The UAE has done a spectacular job in hosting the World Expo. Creating a city from scratch to host the event and undertaking the experience of 25 million visitors is not an easy task. The UAE makes the process [seem] effortless.”

Highlighting his country’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, Kerobyan said that the concept of Armenia’s participation is built around the idea of “Ethnotech”, presenting his country’s ethnic features and technological aspirations.

“Our participation in the exhibition aims to show our opportunities, Armenia’s investment environment and attractiveness,” he added. “But not known to many is the fact that Armenians historically are also leading edge in terms of innovation. We are responsible for everyday technologies such as the MRI machine, the ATM machine, the color TV, etc. This spills over into today?s tech industry; just a couple weeks ago Armenia gave the world a tech unicorn – PICSART·”

“Armenia’s participation in this mega event is an incredible opportunity to introduce its culture and economic potential to the global community, share innovations and collaborate.”

Kerobyan noted that Armenia was one of the first countries to confirm its participation in this important and unique event.

When asked about the main attractions of his country’s pavilion, he said that, by showcasing a historical or cultural artifact, the pavilion is not only showcasing the cultural relevance, but also a more in depth look at where that artifact came from, the technology used to create it and its story. “For this, we are utilising AR technologies. Our visitors will be asked to download an app to be able to experience Armenia’s culture with an interactive touch.”

“The Tree of Life – this is the showstopper! Armenians are all over the world. More than 60 percent of Armenians live outside of the motherland. All of these Armenians have roots to their homeland. They innovate, create and add to other societies. They create LIFE. Holographic technologies are used here to bring this unique experience to life,” the minister added.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Mohammed bin Rashid meets with President of Central African Republic

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, met with Faustin-Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic, on the sidelines of the final round of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 being held at the Yas Marina Circuit.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid underlined the importance of boosting bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, expressing his wishes for greater stability and progress for the Central African country.

The discussion touched on the efforts to bring peace to the African continent and its significance to economic development as well as ensuring the sustainability of Africa’s rich natural resources. The meeting also discussed the importance of promoting education and technological development and strengthening the capabilities of the healthcare sector to drive sustainable development.

President Touadera praised the UAE for its inspiring development model and its efforts to address many global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has contributed to further strengthening the country’s leading role both regionally and globally. He also expressed his sincere wishes to the UAE leadership and people for further progress and prosperity.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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DMCA and Sharjah Branch of AASTS, cooperate in maritime education, training and research

SHARJAH, In line with their shared vision to support the UAE’s maritime sector, the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Sharjah Branch (AASTS), one of the specialised organisations of the League of Arab States, and a member of the Association of Arab Universities and the International Association of Universities, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in education, training and research studies in the maritime sector.

The MoU was signed by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority, and Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. Officials from DMCA and AASTS were present during the signing ceremony, which took place during the UAE Maritime Week 2021, where both sides are participating.

According to the MoU, the two sides will cooperate in different areas including recognising AASTS as an accredited body to provide training in maritime inspections and safety, maritime education and training to certify seafarers to operate vessels as per international conventions and treaties. They will make use of the Academy’s capabilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) to build a smart and advanced system of sensors that monitor all the indicators to get a comprehensive picture of the state of the marine environment in the UAE. This will support efforts to develop blue economy and environmental sustainability.

Commenting on the signing the MoU, Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority, said, “At Dubai Maritime City Authority, we work in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to improve the competitiveness, attractiveness and capacity of the maritime sector as well as enhance the global leading position of Dubai and the UAE. This is achieved according to a methodology based on developing regulations, legislatives and initiatives that support government efforts to create a vibrant and safe maritime sector in Dubai, as well as consolidate its position as an attractive environment for prominent international maritime companies in order to support the blue economy. To achieve these goals, we cooperate with public and private sector partners who share the same vision with us. We cooperate with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, as a knowledge partner in education, training and research and development in the maritime sector, given its extensive expertise in this area. As one of the most prominent maritime academic institutions in the region, it provides Arab economies with the best competencies in maritime scientific and academic research.”

He added, “Here comes our complementary part, which we call blue jobs, to prepare the largest possible number of Emirati professionals in the maritime sector to lead this vital sector and empower it as a key contributor to the economy, with a special focus on graduating women professionals. The maritime sector needs creative women’ capabilities as they will give new dimensions to professional performance, accelerating blue economy development.”

Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, said, “In line with our vision to prepare Emiratis to lead the UAE’s maritime sector, we cooperate with leading maritime organisations such as the Dubai Maritime City Authority. DMCA plays a significant role in enhancing Dubai’s global leadership in the maritime sector by keeping pace with the latest developments in maritime training and research and development in this key sector. We are pleased to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Maritime City Authority. Our cooperation in training and research and development will provide the national maritime economy with competencies and capabilities that support investments in the maritime sector. This is in line with the role of AASTS as a house of expertise in education and training for maritime organisations in the Arab region. We have an extensive expertise in designing educational and training courses based on the needs of our partners, making use of the Academy’s advanced capabilities and specialised staff who graduated many leaders in the maritime sector across the Arab World according to the highest international standards.”

Abdel Ghaffar added, “Recognising the importance of research and development as a starting point towards developing the blue economy, we have strategic partnerships with major academic and research institutions in the European Union, in addition to our national partnerships in the UAE. Through these partnerships, we seek to strengthen the maritime sector and prepare the largest number of qualified Emiratis in the maritime sector to lead this vital sector which is a major contributor to supporting the economy. This is achieved by developing more smart solutions and applications that consolidates our position as an incubator of innovation and digital economy.”

According to the MoU, DMCA and AASTS will cooperate in maritime education, training and studies in maritime safety, providing research studies in marine accidents and protecting the marine environment, in addition to providing training opportunities to train staff to use advanced technologies, especially artificial intelligence.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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UAE hosts WHO celebration of Universal Health Coverage Day

DUBAI, Expo 2020 Dubai hosted the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) celebration of the Universal Health Coverage Day, which falls on 12th December, under the theme “Leave no one’s health behind: invest in health systems for all”.

On this occasion, Expo 2020 Dubai devoted one day to celebrating the global efforts on the journey towards universal health coverage and advancing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for global prosperity.

The ceremony was attended by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector, and officials from the government health sector.

Attending from WHO were Dr. Tedros Adhanom, WHO Director-General, Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, and a number of officials in the health sector and WHO.

Also attending were an elite group of international speakers who shared their insights and aspirations on universal coverage and how to create a healthy enabling environment for communities.

The event constitutes a global platform and a perfect opportunity for decision-makers and representatives of organisations and pavilions of over 100 countries participating in Expo 2020 Dubai to discuss future strategies, in order to develop a global universal health coverage system, which enhances the ability of countries to provide positive initiatives for societies.

It’s also an opportunity to forge permanent partnerships and offer effective solutions for the challenges facing our world today in light of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A common goal

In his speech, Al Owais welcomed WHO Director-General and all the attendees and thanked the organisation and its staff for their tremendous efforts in promoting and developing cooperation opportunities among the Member States.

“Our common goal today is to continue working to strengthen cooperation as part of our endeavors to realise universal health coverage. This is achieved by joining forces, exchanging experiences, taking advantage of all available tools and resources and harnessing knowledge and technology, and everything that would contribute to raising the level of health care services and access to quality healthy life,” Al Owais added.

Supporting WHO efforts

“The UAE, through the hosting of this global event, would like to reaffirm its keenness to promote synergy among member states, to move towards achieving sustainable development and quality health care in the world, in addition to playing an effective and impactful role in supporting the efforts of the World Health Organisation,” Al Owais stated.

He added that the event coincides with the celebrations of UAE’s golden jubilee, a stage in which the state strives to achieve a paradigm shift in its development march, prepare plans and projects, and anticipate the future of the next fifty years.

This represents a qualitative addition to the UAE’s efforts to support the system of joint work with the World Health Organisation, he said in conclusion.

Health care for all

Dr. Hussain Al Rand commended the tremendous efforts made by WHO to achieve universal health coverage and fight the coronavirus and its mutated strains.

Al Rand highlighted the importance of the event in building joint global strategies to support equitable access to universal coverage, especially vaccines, treatments, and health services on the basis of principles of solidarity and sustainability, through approaches based on access to basic health care services for all.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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Madinet Zayed Camel Beauty Pageant of Al Dhafra Festival kicks off Tuesday

Al Dhafra,Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Madinet Zayed Camel Beauty Pageant of the 15th Al Dhafra Festival will kick off tomorrow morning and will run until December 23rd in Madinet Zayed in Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi.

Organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi, the Madinet Zayed Mazayna (competition) is the third round of the Abu Dhabi Camel Beauty Pageant Season following the directives of the Festival’s patron, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to expand Al Dhafra Festival to include camel beauty contests in Suwayhan, Razin and Madinet Zayd, in addition to the principal Camel Beauty Competition of Al Dhafra Festival.

This year’s pageant will see 75 rounds for various purebred camels from the Asayel and Majaheem bloodlines in six age groups: Mafarid, Haqqa, Laqaya, Iytha, Thanya, and Hol. The camel owners will be vying for 705 prizes worth AED11.415 million.

From the early hours of the morning, the organisers of the much-awaited competition will start receiving the camels participating in the first day of the contest, which will include seven rounds for purebred camels from the Asayel and Majaheem bloodlines at Al Mafarid age, for which 65 valuable prizes have been allocated. Upon arrival in the venue, the camels will be tested by the medical and screening committees, with the Judging Committee to announce the results on Wednesday evening.

All Covid-19 countermeasures will be in place across the festival venue in line with the Green Pass Protocol for Al Hosn App to ensure the safety of the working staff, visitors and participants in the event.

Al Dhafra Festival reflects the sustained efforts made by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to underpin the UAE’s position as a regional and international hub for strengthening heritage preservation for future generations. A prestigious status strengthened by the recent increase in the Festival’s prize money, with the Festival’s pageants now including 312 rounds by local camels, Majahim, Al-Asayel, Al-Wahdah and Al-Mahaleb hybrids for the participants to win 2,947 valuable prizes as well as two Bairaq Al Emarat Awards.

The aims of the Al Dhafra Festival are to celebrate quintessential Emirati culture, generate tourism and preserve the purity of camel breeds.

The Festival aspires to preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi and to protect the legacy of the nation’s traditions. It seeks to increase the number of camel owners participating in the heritage competitions, preserve folklore, giving the chance for new generations to experience and value the heritage of their nation and the region at large, and strengthen human and social ties. This is in addition to contributing to developing domestic and Gulf tourism, stimulating economic activity, and underpinning the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to be the preferred destination for camel fairs and heritage events locally, regionally and internationally.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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