Day: January 9, 2022

DUBAI, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has approved the ‘Rehabilitation and Revitalisation of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Strategy’ and the ‘Public Art Strategy’ that form part of a broader strategic framework to preserve local heritage and strengthen Dubai’s position as a city at the forefront of shaping the global and regional cultural landscape.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that supporting cultural diversity and empowering the cultural and creative sectors, which constitute important segments of the local economy, are key priorities for Dubai.

The Crown Prince said these efforts are in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the emirate a global creative economy hub, an incubator for talent and a destination for art and culture enthusiasts.

His Highness further said: “As part of our comprehensive efforts to preserve our historical assets and enhance their profile locally and globally, we have developed a strategy to rehabilitate and revitalise the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which dates back to the 19th century. We seek to turn it into a leading cultural destination that highlights our nation’s authentic architectural and urban heritage. We also adopted the Public Art Strategy that will contribute to making Dubai a globally unique ‘open art gallery’ that offers distinctive creative and cultural experiences.”

Sheikh Hamdan also praised the efforts of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Authority, for setting up a mechanism to support and attract public art talent from around the world; creating the appropriate environment for public art to flourish; setting governance frameworks; developing policies and legislation to regulate the roles of stakeholders and partners; and creating a strategy for programmes, events and initiatives within the private sector, in addition to the Authority’s pivotal role in marketing and promoting historical places in Dubai.

He also praised the efforts of various partners in the public and private sectors who have contributed and continue to support the approved strategies that are aligned with the directives of the leadership in addition to participating in public art projects.

These partners include Dubai Economy and Tourism, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Land Department, the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Police. Sub-partners include Emirates Airlines, wasl, AMG, Emaar, Dubai Holding, Dubai International Financial Centre, supporters, financial institutions, art sponsors and private companies as well as other stakeholders and the community of art lovers, which includes residents, visitors, students, artists and curators.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, expressed her appreciation for the support and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and his deep commitment to developing the cultural and creative sector in Dubai.

Her Highness said the vibrant growth of the sector in recent years reflects Dubai’s position as a growing global and regional hub of creativity. Sheikha Latifa also underlined the importance of the two new strategies that complement the Authority’s roadmap for the growth and transformation of the sector. “Driven by the vision of the leadership, we seek to accelerate the implementation of our strategic plan to make Dubai the capital of the global creative economy. We have established strong links of cooperation with government departments as well as private sector institutions to expedite the realisation of Dubai’s broader goals. We continue to launch new initiatives, projects and programmes to enhance Dubai’s status as a major global focal point of cultural and knowledge-related activity. The level of support provided by the public and private sectors and the broader Dubai community reflects the value placed by all stakeholders on encouraging creativity and preserving our cultural heritage.”

The objectives of the strategic plan for Al Fahidi were based on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan; the priorities related to culture and heritage in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2030; the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority’s strategic roadmap; and global standards for the development of cultural neighbourhoods.

The strategy seeks to reposition the neighbourhood as a cultural tourism destination by transforming it into a platform for young people to showcase their creative talent and start-up companies in the cultural sector to showcase their offerings. It also aims to rehabilitate the neighbourhood’s facilities and infrastructure as well as improve its general appearance.

Furthermore, the plan aims to highlight Al Fahidi as a distinctive historical neighbourhood that showcases the nation’s cultural identity and promotes art, culture, creativity, innovation and the UAE’s heritage.

The Public Art Strategy aims to promote new artistic trends, cultural innovation and the new creative movement in the emirate through a unified governance framework. The Strategy, which seeks to contribute to economic growth, is being implemented with the participation of partners from all sectors including the private sector.”

The three pillars of the Public Art Strategy include: Economic growth by stimulating cultural tourism, creating new opportunities for local investment, moving the economic wheel for accompanying sectors, and creating new jobs.

Development of the cultural infrastructure by encouraging youth to contribute to improving technical infrastructure, advancing Dubai’s competitive position in terms of cultural interaction, and maintaining the emirate’s tourism and cultural identity.

Sustainable urban and community development through the enhancement of societal cohesion between different nationalities through art, and the creation of an integrated environment and sustainable system, starting from the development of the artwork to its maintenance and presentation to the public.

The general strategic plan for the rehabilitation and revitalisation of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood seeks to reach various target audiences through a series of events and programmes throughout the year that reflect the neighbourhood’s vision and artistic and cultural identities.

These include innovative interactive experiences to attract the younger generation and art enthusiasts; art forms that reflect the vibrant creative identity of the neighbourhood; interactive tours that creatively highlight the history and heritage of the region; and performing arts stemming from Emirati heritage. Implemented over several phases, the two strategies will lead to the initiation of various programmes, events and projects.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Patron of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, honoured the winners of the eleventh edition of the Award.

Prominent athletes, officials and sports entities from the UAE, the Arab region and across the world were recognised at the 11th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award ceremony that took place today at the South Hall of the Dubai Exhibition Centre located within the Dubai Expo 2020 venue.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees participated in honouring the winners.

Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFAAbdulla Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General, Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR); Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar Al Muhairi, Secretary General, Supreme Legislation Committee; His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council; Moaza Al Marri, Secretary General of the Award, and other members of the Award’s Board of Trustees also attended the event.

Heads of national, Arab and international sports federations and clubs and officials and decision-makers in the international sports sector were also present at the glittering ceremony.

The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem and a film about the eleventh session of the Award, which coincides with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the UAE. The film featured statistics about the participants and winners of the award and the presentation of a commemorative silver coin issued by the Award.

Attendees at the ceremony were also shown a movie, titled ‘The Story of a Hero’, which showed the incredible journey of Iraqi Paralympian Jarrah Nassar who rose from a humble background to win a shot-put gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games held earlier this year. Jarrah also won two World Championships gold medals and a silver medal.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented The Arab Organisation Award to Egypt’s Al Ahly Club, which was received by Mahmoud El Khatib. Chairman of Al Ahly Club. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed also presented The International Organisation Award, which was given to the Switzerland-based International Handball Federation.

The award was received by Joel Delplanque, the 1st Vice President of IHF. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, won the Arab Sports Personality Award, which was received on his behalf by Jassim Rashid Al Buainain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mahmoud El Khatib said: “Today, I have the honour to be among you, and in this wonderful place, Expo 2020 Dubai, to receive this prestigious award. Present with me here are a group of champions from different Arab countries, and I am honoured to be a speaker on their behalf.”

“This Award will surely be an incentive for us all – as well as hundreds of other athletes from the Arab world – to remain on this path of creativity and excellence and aim for greater achievements. This Award tremendously motivates us to work harder and achieve brilliance, especially because it bears the name of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This recognition is even more prestigious and dear to us because of the name associated with it.

“Thank you for launching this great award, which aims to develop sports in the UAE, the Arab region and the world. Thank you for this appreciation and honour. I hope that the journey of creativity and brilliance in Arab sports will continue and gather even greater pace,” he added.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed also honoured winners in the Local Emerging Athlete Who Achieved Outstanding Success in Sports category of the Award, which was decided on the basis of a public vote (50 per cent weightage) as well as votes of the jury (50 per cent).

More than 231,216 people cast their votes through Dubai Sports Channel and the Award’s smart apps. Saif Jasem Al Mansoori won the top spot among the six shortlisted athletes, followed by Mohammed Saeed Binham Al Ameri, Salwa Ahmed Al Mansoori, Alyaziah Tariq Abdulsalam, Rahma Khalfan Al Murshidi and Yousuf Rashed Al Matrooshi.

H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed presented awards to winners in other categories, including: Ahmed Mohammed Al Hammadi (The Local Referee Award); Abdulaziz Muhammad Al-Yasi (The Local Coach Award); Abdul Hamid Ibrahim Al Hosani (The Local Coach Award); Egypt’s Aya Medany (The Arab Administrator Award); Zayed Abdulnaser Al Katheeri (An Outstanding Local Athlete Award); Tunisian Walid Katila (Athlete Who Accomplished an Achievement Despite Difficult Challenges Award – People of Determination category) and Iraq’s Jarrah Nassar (Athlete Who Accomplished an Achievement Despite Difficult Challenges Award – People of Determination category); and Syria’s Maan Abdel Moeen Asaad (Athlete Who Accomplished an Outstanding Achievement Award).

H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed also presented The Arab Team Award to the Algerian national football team, which was received by Hakim Madan, a member of the Executive Office of the Algerian Football Federation; and honoured the Arab stars of the Tokyo Olympic Games – Tunisia’s Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui (The Arab Athlete Award) and Tarek Ali Hamdi of Saudi Arabia (The Arab Athlete Award).

H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed also presented The Local Organisation Award to Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, which was received by Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the organisation, and The Local Administrator Award to Anas Nasser Al Otaiba, President of the Asian Boxing Confederation and Vice President of the International Boxing Association. The UAE National Endurance Team won the Local Team Award, which was received by Major General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.

H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed also honoured the strategic partners of the award, which included Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Nakheel, and Dragon Oil.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) today launched the ‘Talent Pass’ licence for freelance work (self-employment).

The new licence that will be available for people with special skills and expertise from around the world, aims to attract global talent and professionals in the fields of media, education, technology, art, marketing and consultancy.

The initiative is expected to further vitalise the business environment in the free zone and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global destination for innovators and talent.

The Dubai Airport Freezone, part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), signed an MoU with Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) at a ceremony held at DAFZ to facilitate the new initiative.

The event was attended by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of DIEZ, Major General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, General Director of GDRFA, and Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

The MoU creates the framework for cooperation and coordination to process licenses, visas and other services that support innovators in establishing, operating and growing their business in the emirate.

The MoU is aligned with Dubai’s strategy for the creative economy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The strategy seeks to double the contribution of the creative sector to Dubai’s GDP and increase the emirate’s ability to attract creative individuals, investors, and entrepreneurs, as well as local, regional, and international investments, all of which will help bolster Dubai’s position as a global capital for the creative economy and a hub for talent.

As per the MoU, all parties will support efforts to attract global talent to Dubai and promote it as a centre for creativity and innovation. DAFZ will be committed to evaluate and process applications for the ‘Talent Pass’ and issue licenses that authorise holders to practice commercial activities within the free zone.

Dubai Culture will be committed to supporting the ‘Cultural Visa’ for holders of the applicable licence and working to encourage talent to join the free zone and tap regional and global markets through awareness and communication programmes.

The GDRFA will also promote DAFZ as a preferred destination for global businesses and the emirate of Dubai as a business-friendly environment that provides talented individuals opportunities to expand their reach to a large consumer market.

The ‘Talent Pass’ qualifies its holder to obtain a residence visa for three years, in addition to renting office space through a wide range of modern office solutions provided by DAFZ. The office solutions feature efficient support and flexible operation costs, in addition to the option of obtaining services remotely.

License holders will have access to the vast network of DAFZ customers, ranging from international companies to SMEs and entrepreneurs. They will also have access to the free zone’s digital platform that allows them to contact customers for easier access to work, contracts, and services, thereby providing them the opportunity to expand their customer prospects. DAFZ is home to more than 1,800 companies in more than 20 vital economic sectors, with multinationals making up more than 30 percent of those companies, 31 of them being Fortune 500 companies.

Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni said: “This MoU supports our strategic plans for supporting the national economy by enhancing the role of commercial, investment, and creative sectors in enhancing the emirate’s GDP, and enables us to contribute to reinforcing Dubai’s position as a creative hub and an incubator for talent. This licence comes as a response to changing market requirements and the evolving business environment in Dubai, especially in the post-pandemic period.” ”The initiative reflects DAFZ’s participation in realising strategic plans for accelerating Dubai’s economic growth. We seek to bring creative individuals from around the world to the free zone, including specialised talent looking for opportunities in this market, and raise Dubai’s profile as a preferred destination for creative individuals and professionals with specialised skills,” he added.

“This licence will contribute to enabling the business community in Dubai to benefit from the expertise of creatives, specialists and professionals from all over the world. It gives them the flexibility to access diverse business services at competitive prices. This licence will also attract more innovators to Dubai and widen access to professionals with a range of competencies,” he concluded.

Major General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, said: “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the ‘Talent-Pass’ comes in line with the directives of the GDRFA and its strategies for enhancing the business environment, and encouraging creativity and innovation in the fields of media, education, technology, art, marketing and consultancy. This supports Dubai’s plan to create an incubator ecosystem that provides opportunities for creative talent to develop themselves and expand their business .”

“The GDRFA seeks to promote cooperation with various parties to foster strategic partnerships to attract talent to the emirate, widen the pool of skills and competencies, and create role models that can motivate others to be innovative and creative in various fields. This comes 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, which aims to make Dubai the world’s best city to live and work in,” he added.

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: “Cooperation with public and private entities has always been a key priority within our strategy to promote cultural mobility and develop the emirate’s creative and knowledge-based sectors. Our strategy aims to enhance talent, motivate creators, provide the appropriate climate for creativity to flourish, and raise Dubai’s profile on the cultural map as a centre of excellence, an incubator for creativity, a hub for talent, and the capital of the global creative economy. We welcome the cooperation with DAFZ to accelerate the creative sector in Dubai, enhance its competitiveness and attract talent from all over the world. We also deeply appreciate the support extended by GDRFA-Dubai in achieving these objectives.”

Badri added: “At Dubai Culture, we spare no effort in providing all the support necessary to advance the creative economy in the emirate in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The creative sector is making vital contributions to enhancing the emirate’s GDP. We are fully confident that this cooperation will be successful in achieving the desired results.”

‘Talent Pass’ is part of a portfolio of six licences offered by DAFZ, which includes the Commerce Licence for commercial activities such as import, export and re-export and the General Commerce Licence.

The portfolio also includes the Industrial Licence for light manufacturing activities and packaging and assembly; the E-Commerce Licence for online trading of goods and services; the licence issued in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, which allows companies registered at the Dubai Airport Freezone to apply for the Department’s license without the need for an office space for working outside the free zone; and the Services Licence for a range of service-based companies.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, The 12th session of the IRENA Assembly will take place in a virtual setting from 15 to 16 January 2022 in Abu Dhabi, with related stakeholder and ministerial meetings held on 13 and 14 January 2022. The sessions will be live-streamed on the IRENA Assembly Live webpage.

The IRENA Assembly will bring together Heads of State/Government, Ministers and energy decision-makers among its Membership and States-in-Accession, as well as multilateral organisations, global stakeholders and private actors to reassess long-standing assumptions, perceived barriers and default decisions, and discuss the energy transition as an investment in our collective future. The Opening will feature a high-level meeting on the follow-up of COP26 and High-level Dialogues on Energy outcomes aligned with the Assembly theme “Energy Transition: From Commitments to Action”.

Furthermore, ministerial roundtables and high-level events will focus on pressing issues of energy transition such as the geopolitics of green hydrogen, adaptation, finance and investment, just and inclusive transition, renewables in end-use sectors and latest developments on sources such as geothermal energy. A ministerial event on Africa and Small Island Developing States will also be convened to allow for an exchange of perspectives among countries that are most impacted by climate change A number of Stakeholder Engagement events will be organised virtually at the margins of the 12th IRENA Assembly that will bring specific perspectives on the energy transition from parliamentarians, youth and the private sector.

The Assembly will also consider the conclusions of the Agency’s Council meetings and provides guidance on specific administrative and institutional matters.

Source: Emirates News Agency