Day: November 1, 2024

ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also dispatched similar messages to Rodney Williams and Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

According to Emirates News Agency, the messages were sent as a gesture of goodwill and to strengthen the diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Antigua and Barbuda. The leaders of the UAE emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and mutual respect between the two nations. The exchange of congratulatory messages on such national occasions often signifies the commitment of both countries to maintain and enhance bilateral ties.

Abu Dhabi: Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, and Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs, emphasised that Flag Day is a profound national occasion that embodies the values of belonging, loyalty, and pride in the nation and its wise leadership.

According to Emirates News Agency, Al Owais stated, “Flag Day is more than just an occasion; it’s a celebration of our loyalty to this nation and our wise leadership. It’s a testament to our unity and the rich history of the UAE-a history that speaks of generosity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of progress and prosperity for all.”

In a statement on the occasion, Al Owais highlighted that Flag Day instills and reinforces national values in future generations, encouraging them to honour the sacrifices made by those who built the UAE. He noted the significant role of the UAE’s leadership, including President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Hi
s Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Under their leadership, the UAE has emerged as a global beacon of hope, carrying a message of peace and brotherhood to the world.

He concluded by saying, “On this day, we renew our commitment to our wise leaders and the people of the UAE. We pledge to uphold the values that Flag Day represents, uniting us as a nation with a shared vision for global leadership and sustainable growth. We’ll continue to work earnestly towards a brighter future for our country in every field, driven by ambition, determination, and confidence. Our goal is clear: to keep our flag flying high on the global stage.”

Abu Dhabi: The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced its readiness to accommodate the transport needs of visitors to the Sheikh Zayed Festival, taking place in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, from 1st November 2024 to 15th February 2025. This annual event combines entertainment, culture, and heritage, celebrating the authentic Emirati values and traditions established by the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

According to Emirates News Agency, Abu Dhabi Mobility will operate nine buses to provide free transport for festival visitors from multiple locations in Abu Dhabi to the event site in Al Wathba via service no: 408. The schedule includes up to 48 round trips on weekdays and 54 trips on weekends and public holidays, with buses running every 20 minutes. Service routes will begin at the Abu Dhabi main bus station, proceed through Rabdan Mall on Al Ittihad Street, and the area opposite Baniyas Court, before reach
ing the festival venue.

Outbound trips from Sunday to Thursday will operate from 3:00 pm until 10:00 pm, with return trips from 4:30 pm until midnight. On Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays, transport services will extend until 11:00 pm for outbound trips and until 1:10 am for return trips, maintaining a frequency of every 20 minutes to meet increased demand during peak times of the festival.

There will be a designated area for passenger pick-up and drop-off, with a sufficient number of taxis available in coordination with transport officials. Visitors can book taxis by calling 600535353, via the Abu Dhabi Taxi app, or through other electronic payment options.

The traffic management team will organise and manage the flow of traffic in coordination with strategic partners. Road Service Patrol units will be deployed to manage traffic around the event site and provide support for vehicle breakdowns. Additionally, vehicle towing services will be available to safely remove broken-down vehicles to the neare
st secure location.

Abu Dhabi Mobility will further support festival attendees with an on-site team of inspectors available to offer assistance. Contact centre staff will provide bus timing information, resolve customer complaints, manage lost-and-found queries, and coordinate effectively with operational teams to meet visitor requirements.

Abu Dhabi: The 16th edition of Abu Dhabi Art is scheduled to take place from November 20th to 24th at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The event will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this year’s fair will highlight Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem as the Visual Campaign Artist, recognizing his significant contributions to the UAE’s art scene.

According to Emirates News Agency, the event will feature over 100 local and international galleries, offering a diverse cultural and artistic experience. This edition introduces new sections dedicated to modern regional artists and showcases works from Central Asia and the Caucasus, aiming to foster cross-cultural exchanges. Additionally, the fair will present unique collections of historical artifacts and collectibles, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors globally.

The Abu Dh
abi Art fair serves as a catalyst for the UAE’s growing art market, which is becoming increasingly interconnected with the Global South. The annual fair represents the culmination of a year-long programme by Abu Dhabi Art, including artist residencies, commissions, exhibitions, and educational outreach. Mohammed Kazem’s appointment as the Visual Campaign Artist underscores his influence as a pioneering figure in the UAE’s art community for over two decades.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of the arts in Emirati culture, stating, “The arts have long been a cornerstone of Emirati culture, and Abu Dhabi Art plays a vital role in showcasing our cultural identity to the world. Events like the annual art fair, along with awards such as this, open up new avenues for creativity and expression, while fostering artistic talent at every level, from grassroots level to global prominence. Mohammed Kazem has been a key figure in the UAE’s
art scene, and we are delighted that he has accepted the honour of being Abu Dhabi Art’s Visual Campaign Artist this year.”

Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde describes Kazem as an artist who “has developed an artistic practice that encompasses video, photography and performance to find new ways of apprehending his environment and experiences.” His work is deeply rooted in his musical training, focusing on processes that render transient phenomena like sound and light into tangible forms.

Mohammed Kazem expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I’m pleased to have been chosen to create the visual campaign for this edition of Abu Dhabi Art. I look forward to meeting artists from around the world at the fair, to seeing new artworks and discovering new art techniques, to attending the related events and seeing new commissions from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.”

Vatican: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, recently met with a delegation from the Abrahamic Family House, which was led by Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the Abrahamic Family House, and Abdulla Al Shehhi, Acting Executive Director. This meeting followed their earlier engagement with Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church.

According to Emirates News Agency, the discussions during the meeting centered around the Document on Human Fraternity. Both parties emphasized the significance of the Document in promoting peaceful coexistence and human fraternity. They also highlighted the essential role of interfaith dialogue as a means to foster peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding, which are vital components in building cohesive communities.

The visit further underscores the Abrahamic Family House’s commitment to advancing the principles outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity. This commitment aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to cultivate a culture of dialo
gue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

Seoul: The Republic of Korea’s national space agency announced plans to send a solar coronagraph, jointly developed with the United States, to the International Space Station (ISS) to study the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, and solar wind.

According to Emirates News Agency, the Coronal Diagnostic Experiment (CODEX) is a collaboration between the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is set to be delivered to the ISS onboard Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

As part of a bilateral solar research project, the coronagraph will be docked with the express logistics carrier on the ISS, observing the corona for up to 55 minutes during each 90-minute Earth orbit.

KASA noted that CODEX is the world’s first coronagraph designed to observe the temperature and velocity of the solar wind in addition to its density. This innovation aims to help researchers better understand solar wind and improve predictions of s
pace weather.

Solar wind, a continuous stream of particles and magnetic fields from the sun’s outermost atmospheric layer, plays a significant role in shaping space weather conditions.

UAE: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria on the occasion of his country’s Revolution Day. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also dispatched similar messages to the Algerian President.

According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE leaders expressed their best wishes to Algeria and its people on this significant day. Revolution Day in Algeria marks the beginning of the country’s struggle for independence, which commenced on November 1, 1954. The congratulatory messages emphasize the strong diplomatic ties and shared values between the UAE and Algeria.

ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also dispatched similar messages to President Xi Jinping and to Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, on the occasion.

According to Emirates News Agency, the messages from the UAE leaders reflect the significance of the longstanding relationship between the two nations. The UAE and China have developed strong diplomatic ties over the past four decades, fostering cooperation in various sectors including trade, technology, and culture. The anniversary marks an important milestone in the bilateral relationship,
highlighting shared interests and mutual respect between the two countries.

The UAE’s leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening international relationships. The messages sent to Chinese leaders underscore the commitment of the UAE to continue this strategic partnership. The UAE and China have collaborated on numerous initiatives and projects, reinforcing their position as key partners on the global stage.

The congratulatory messages from the UAE leaders serve as a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between the UAE and China. As both countries look forward to future opportunities for collaboration, this milestone anniversary serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the potential for continued growth and partnership in the years to come.

Abu Dhabi: Alpha Dhabi Holding has announced a group net profit of AED11.1 billion for the nine-month period ending 30th September 2024. Operating net profit of AED7.5 billion represents an 83% increase from the same period last year and highlights the pace of activities which Alpha Dhabi has embarked upon across key business areas.

According to Emirates News Agency, the strong set of financial results continues to reflect the holding company’s strategic implementation across key verticals and its commitment to generating enhanced shareholder value. Of equal significance, the growth experienced across sectors is a direct result of strategic acquisitions and investments made since 2022. The Group posted revenue of AED44.2 billion, an increase of 36% year-on-year (YoY), with key contributions coming from various business divisions, comprising AED18.5 billion from Industrial, AED13.2 billion from Real Estate, AED7.6 billion from Construction, and AED4.9 billion from Services and Others.

Alpha Dhabi has also bo
lstered its balance with total assets at AED170.4 billion, a 21% increase YoY, while the company’s cash balance was at AED23.9 billion. Total equity was at AED93 billion underscoring the depth and agility of its financial position. Mohamed Thani Murshed Ghannam Al Rumaithi, Chairman of Alpha Dhabi Holding, commented on the company’s performance, stating that 2024 has been a year of action for Alpha Dhabi, marked by significant progress across key areas. The robust financial performance, with group net profit soaring to AED11.1 billion, illustrates the relentless pace of growth.

Al Rumaithi further noted that their performance has been shaped by strategic decisions made in recent years, such as investments and acquisitions, which continue to deliver impact. As the company focuses on the remainder of the year, they aim to continue pushing forward with their current momentum to maximise new and existing areas of growth.

Fujairah: H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, hailed the UAE flag as the primary symbol of national identity, sovereignty, and pride. In a statement marking Flag Day, Sheikh Hamad said, ‘Today, we celebrate the flag that rises high alongside the determination of a proud and noble people. It embodies the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and loyalty, and reinforces the achievements and initiatives of Emiratis to elevate their nation’s standing.’

According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Hamad emphasised that the third of November is a significant date that renews the pledge of love and loyalty, strengthens social solidarity and brotherhood, and reinforces national unity. It also affirms the Emirati people’s commitment to the values and principles inherited from the founding fathers.

The Ruler of Fujairah noted that the simultaneous flag-raising ceremony across the nation, accompanied by the national anthem, is a testament to the heartfelt loyalty and belonging of
the UAE people, both citizens and residents.

Abu Dhabi: TRENDS Research and Advisory, in collaboration with the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Chinese Communist Party and Bayt Alhekma Culture Group, organized a symposium titled ‘Future Cooperation between Chinese and Arab Think Tanks in the New Era’. The event, held at TRENDS’ head office in Abu Dhabi, aimed to enhance research partnerships and strategic cooperation between China and Arab nations.

According to Emirates News Agency, the symposium attracted a high-level Chinese delegation led by Sun Dongsheng, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Chinese Communist Party. The event was also attended by Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of China to the UAE, along with several researchers and experts from both sides. Discussions centered on the importance of intellectual and cultural cooperation, the enhancement of mutual understanding, and the establishment of research platforms to address common future challenges faced by China and Arab countries.

Dr. Mohammed
Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, highlighted the ongoing efforts of TRENDS to deepen links between think tanks globally, including those with China. He noted the success of the First TRENDS BRICS Think Tanks Summit in Moscow, which focused on the role of research and media institutions in policy development and the enhancement of BRICS nations’ soft power. Dr. Al-Ali emphasized the growing necessity for cooperation among think tanks to tackle global challenges through the exchange of ideas and insights.

Sun Dongsheng underscored the need for strengthened cooperation between China and Arab countries to achieve mutual modernization and to build a ‘community of shared destiny’, reflecting the shared objectives of the participating think tanks.

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has announced a bid inviting proposals from businesses fully owned by Emirati citizens. These businesses must be registered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to participate in the tender aimed at developing car wash and service centres across various locations in Al Dhafrah and Al Ain, including Al Marfa, Ghayathi, Liwa, Al Sila, and Al Qou.

According to Emirates News Agency, the tender process is open from 1st November to 16th December. Interested bidders are required to download the Request for Proposal (RFP) document from the official website, which provides essential guidelines and information. To express their interest, bidders must complete the online form included in the RFP documents to receive the submission link.

All proposals are due by 16th December 2024, at 5:00 pm (UAE time). This initiative presents an opportunity for Emirati-owned business
es to contribute to the infrastructure development in the region.