Author: admin

  • Abu Dhabi Police Operations receives more than 26,000 calls during Eid Al-Adha

    Abu Dhabi Police Operations receives more than 26,000 calls during Eid Al-Adha

    Abu Dhabi Police Operations receives more than 26,000 calls during Eid Al-Adha

    The Command and Control Center at the Operations Department of the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police received more than 26 thousand calls during the Eid Al-Adha holiday, through emergency number 999 at the level of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra cities.

    Brigadier Nasser Suleiman Al-Maskari, Director of Operations Department in the Central Operations Sector confirmed that the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police provided the best qualified devices, technologies and human cadres in the operations room within its strategy to provide the best services to the public according to the best global practices in this field, calling on community members not to hesitate to contact the Central Operations Room To report the incidents they are exposed to at all times, noting that the central operations room operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during all national and religious occasions and holidays.

  • Yas Waterworld set to reopen on 4th August2020

    Yas Waterworld set to reopen on 4th August2020

    Abu Dhabi,UAE, 1st August 2020:

    “It brings me great pleasure to announce the re-opening of Yas Waterworld – we are thrilled to welcome back our guests who have waited patiently for the return of water’s greatest playground.”said by Leander De Wit, General Manager of Yas Waterworld

      World’s Leading Water Park (  Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi )is poised to reopen its doors from Tuesday August 4th 2020. As a token of appreciation, the waterpark will exclusively welcome back annual passholders with valid online bookings on Monday August 3 2020, while observing the stringent precautionary measures that have been put into place to ensure a safe and enjoyable water adventure for all. These measures include mandatory online booking for all guests with the limited capacity of 30% is adhered to, thermal screening cameras, safe distance markers at all rides and outlets, contactless payments, modified ride capacity as well as modified dining and shopping experiences. To ensure guest comfort, all retail and dining outlets will undergo extensive cleaning and sanitizing at regular intervals throughout the day. With all the necessary precautions taken, guests can once again enjoy unforgettable adventures at the world’s only Emirati-themed waterpark.

    The waterpark’s reopening marks the return of all Yas Theme Parks and attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and CLYMB Abu Dhabi, as all three attractions reopened their doors to guests.

    Yas Waterworld will open every day from 1PM to 10PM. Every Monday and Thursday will be reserved for Ladies, with the first ladies day taking place on Thursday August 6 2020. More information is available at: yaswaterworld.com

  • ADCB announces Net Profit Of AED 1.227 Billion for 2nd Q of 2020

    ADCB announces Net Profit Of AED 1.227 Billion for 2nd Q of 2020

    Abu Dhabi, 29 July 2020 – Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC (“ADCB” or the “Bank”) today reported its financial results[1] for the first half of 2020 (“H1’20”).

    • Strong operating performance despite macro-economic headwinds. Significant improvement in the cost to income ratio resulting from a disciplined approach to cost management and delivery of synergies

    Pro-forma half year comparison H1’20 vs. H1’19 (unless otherwise stated)

    • Net interest and income from Islamic financing was 2% lower at AED 5.136 billion amid a low growth environment and a contraction in the loan book on account of large corporate repayments in late June’20. Interest expense[2] improved by 37% to AED 2.783 billion in H1’20 due to a significant improvement in the cost of funds supported by increased CASA balances, reduced reserve requirements and declining benchmark rates
    • Operating profit[3] increased 2% year on year to AED 4.066 billion, underlining the resilience of the ADCB franchise through multiple challenges including Covid-19, lower oil prices and declining benchmark rates
    • Operating expenses (including integration costs) decreased 12% year on year to AED 2.351 billion in H1’20, while operating expenses in Q2’20 were down 25% year on year and 23% sequentially to AED 1.025 billion
    • Cost to income ratio (including integration costs) improved to 34.9% in Q2’20 from 42.0% a year earlier, an improvement of 710 basis points (7.1%), supported by the Bank’s on-going cost initiatives and realisation of synergies related to the combination with Union National Bank (UNB) and Al Hilal Bank (AHB)
    • Total shareholders’ equity stood at AED 53 billion as at 30 June 2020, up from AED 49 billion at the end of Q1’20, driven by an increase in the net fair value of reserves on debt instruments designated under FVTOCI over Q1’20 and retained earnings for Q2’20
    • Continued realisation of synergies and launch of a series of bank-wide cost initiatives to enhance efficiencies across the ADCB Group following successful completion of integration

     Successful integration of UNB and Al Hilal Bank into the ADCB Group completed in April 2020 significantly ahead of schedule and within budget. Transfer of UNB customers to ADCB achieved smoothly despite teams working remotely due to Covid-19

    • Sustained commitment to supporting stakeholders in response to global Covid-19 emergency; digital capabilities enhanced in line with transformation programme.ADCB continues to support the decisive measures introduced by the Central Bank of the UAE to support the country’s economy through its “Targeted Economic Support Scheme” (TESS)
    • Digital transformation programme gaining momentum, with 39 digital launches in H1’20, triple the H1’19 total
    • Increased digital penetration, with 59% of new ADCB retail customers onboarded digitally in the first half of 2020, compared to 35% in 2019. 

    H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of ADCB Group, commented:

    “ADCB displayed considerable resilience in a difficult operating environment in the first half of this year, as the impact of Covid-19 and low oil prices disrupted economic activity in the UAE and around the world.  The bank also adapted quickly to the new circumstances in order to serve its current and future client base. Having successfully completed the fast-tracked integration of Union National Bank and Al Hilal Bank in April, ADCB became the first bank in the UAE to roll out a support package for customers and the wider community in response to Covid-19. The Bank also acted quickly to modify its operations to promote the health and safety of its customers and employees, while ensuring full continuity and service excellence.

    Commenting on the Bank’s performance, Ala’a Eraiqat, Group Chief Executive Officer and Board Member said:

    I am pleased to report that ADCB produced a good set of financial results and a robust operating performance, especially given the operational and economic challenges raised by the Covid-19 global pandemic.Through this period, we have maintained a singular focus on delivering continuous, high quality service to customers, at select branches and through our popular digital platforms, which have seen a sharp rise in usage over the last four months.Impairment charges in the second quarter were significantly lower than in the first quarter of the year, when ADCB booked significant provisions for its exposure to NMC Health Group, Finablr and related companies.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) reports 1st Half 2020 net profit of  AED 530m & operating profit of AED 1,026m

    Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) reports 1st Half 2020 net profit of AED 530m & operating profit of AED 1,026m

    Dubai, 26 th July 2020:

    Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) today reported its financial results for the first six months of 2020.Noteworthy Financial Commentary:2020 H1 results:
    ► Net profit was AED 530 million, 24.3% below the prior comparative period
    ► Operating income was AED 1,412 million, down by 6.5% compared to the prior
    comparative period due to sharply lower interest rates
    ► Operating expenses were AED 386 million lower by 9.9%
    ► Operating profit was AED 1,026 million, down by 5.2%
    ► Net impairment allowances were AED 495 million, up 30.1% attributable to specific credit
    provisions together with forecast expected credit losses associated with the Covid-19 pandemic
    As at 30 th June 2020:
    ► Capital ratios remained strong with the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) at 14.03% and the
    common equity Tier 1 ratio (CET1) at 12.87%
    ► Gross loans were AED 66.8 billion, an increase of 4.2% compared to 31 st Dec


    Dr. Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer said,“CBD has delivered a lower performance for the first 6 months of 2020 primarily attributable to the,unprecedented challenging market environment. Notwithstanding these very difficult operating conditions, we continue to execute on our strategy and are positioned well for improved business conditions in the quarters ahead.
    While global and domestic business conditions are weak and somewhat uncertain, we commend
    our leaders and the government in the United Arab Emirates for the continued proactive measures
    taken during the crisis period. He added “We continue to proactively take necessary measures to support our customers,employees and the UAE economy during the pandemic. CBD has maintained uninterrupted banking services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic with an emphasis on improving the digital services to
    our customers.

     

     

  • seeking to recover our lands from Armenia through peaceful & serious negotiations.

    seeking to recover our lands from Armenia through peaceful & serious negotiations.

    Baku , 26 July 2020 : Gathering to launch a serious peace process in accordance with the Helsinki Final Act and the United Nations resolutions,Hikmat Hajiyev, the assistant to the President of Azerbaijan declares the city of Baku to be visited by a delegation of the OSCE Minsk Group.Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan whilst heading the Foreign Policy Section of the Presidential Court, Mr. Hajiyev stated that his country is seeking to recover its lands from Armenia through peaceful means
    and serious negotiations.Announcing in a press statement today, he highlighted that Azerbaijan awaits
    the visit of a high-level delegation from the Minsk, a group headed by the Ambassadors of Russia, France, and the United States of America and is affiliated to the Organization for Security and European Cooperation consisting of 11 countries to instigate the peace process.He accused Armenia of failing to respect the ceasefire and continuing its un constructive stance. The violation on the armistice on an almost daily basis was sometimes the main reason for the outbreak of clashes between the two
    sides on the borders.He described peace talks with Armenia as ineffective and made clear that his
    country does not wish to participate in formal talks on the Karabakh mountain conflict. “The discussions should be organized within a framework consistent with the principles of the Minsk Group .

    Hikmat Hajiyev said that Armenia continues its provocations towards the Peacock Province from the borders of Azerbaijan and Armenia International. He explained that the situation was fully evaluated by President Ilham Aliyev in the meetings of the Security Council and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.Accusing Armenia of trying to bring political military organizations, he stated that Armenia joins its membership and third parties into the conflict to disrupt the development projects implemented by Azerbaijan, damaging the East-West transport corridor and oil and gas pipelines and exposing the region to new environmental disasters and occupying new lands.The Karabakh mountain conflict is one of the largest conflicts in the nineties,broke out between the Republic of South Caucasus, Azerbaijan and Armenia in 1988.

  • Celebrate Eid Al Adha in Luxury  With Rixos Hotels Egypt

    Celebrate Eid Al Adha in Luxury With Rixos Hotels Egypt

    Egypt, 26 July 2020:(PR)

    Look no further for a luxurious style to commemorate the holy days of Eid Al Adha as the Rixos Hotels Egypt lavishly curated your ideal Eid celebration in a fanciful extravaganza.With Rixos Premium Seagate opening its grand doors to welcome your glorious mood of reflection and traditions, elevate your Eid celebration in its finest level with revelries waiting to be indulged. As you drain your battery from showing off your moves and grooving along the live music from the DJ’s performance, satisfy your hunger with an endless array of Ala Carte Restaurants offering wide varieties of culinary experiences.

    As you aim to be active again, revel in an open air fitness to burn extra curves or take pleasure at Rixos Aquaventure Aquapark boasting a 20,000 square meter water adventure filled with 23 amusing slides, finest thrilling attractions, and endless water fun activities. Separate fun packed activities awaits children as the Rixy Kids Club covers the kids’ entertainment in an open area, feel the fine sands under your feet as you stroll the 1km prime beach whilst mesmerizing the turquoise crystal water of the sea showing off water sport activities for adventurers at heart. Spoilt with your choice of well appointed rooms and suites, the property’s beach cabanas are not one to miss as it offers an outstanding privacy for a well luxuriated escapade.

    Mr. Erkan Yildrim,  Managing Director of Rixos Hotels Egypt  said, “In celebration and honor to the holy days of Eid Al Adha following the current situation, our offers and carefully curated activities reflects our commitment to provide guests a secured environment to luxuriate and indulge in with their loved ones.”For more information, visit premiumseagate.rixos.comsharmelsheikh.rixos.com and,alamein.rixos.com

  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™

    Abu Dhabi, UAE, July 23, 2020: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™ are gearing up to welcome back guests on Wednesday July 29, 2020. As a token of appreciation for their patience, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will reopen their doors exclusively to Annual Passholders with valid online bookings on Tuesday July 28, 2020. The long-anticipated reopening will see the theme parks and CLYMB observe stringent precautionary measures that have been put into place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for guests.

    Safety measures in place include mandatory online booking for all guests including Annual Passholders to ensure that the limited capacity of 30% is adhered to, thermal screening cameras, safe distance markers at all rides and outlets, modified ride capacity and modified dining and shopping experiences. Upon booking their tickets online, guests will receive a confirmation e-mail that details the health and safety measures they can expect, allowing them to familiarize themselves ahead of time. Furthermore, guests are advised to download the respective smartphone apps for each park to enhance their contactless experience when they visit. With their health and safety fully catered for, guests can rest assured while they experience unrivalled thrills at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, indulge in wholesome family fun at Warner Bros. World and scale new heights at CLYMB.

    Annual Passholders will also be well catered for as they are set to receive an extension on the validity of their annual passes accounting for the duration of time that Yas Theme Parks were temporarily closed.

    Select experiences that draw large group gatherings across Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World and CLYMB, including shows and spectaculars are set to return at a later date. Upon their return, staged shows will also be altered with mandatory physical distancing to allow guests to enjoy the in-park entertainment with peace of mind. Owing to the current circumstances, character meet and greets will also be temporarily unavailable. Fans needn’t fret however, as their favorite characters will appear across the parks in new and exciting ways to delight and entertain.

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World and CLYMB also encourage guests to play their part in these safety measures by wearing face masks at all times, sanitizing hands regularly and choosing contactless payment at all outlets. Guest services attendants will be stationed throughout the parks to assist guests and answer any questions. 

    As part of its commitment to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, and in line with the precautions put in place to safeguard the health and wellbeing of staff and guests alike, Yas Waterworld will remain closed at the current time. The waterpark will continue to work alongside the concerned local authorities to prepare for its reopening.

     

  • UAE President pardons 515 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha

    UAE President pardons 515 prisoners ahead of Eid Al Adha

    President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 515 prisoners on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.The pardoned prisoners had been sentenced to jail terms for a variety of offenses.

    His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed also pledged to settle the financial obligations of the released prisoners.The President’s pardon comes within the context of the UAE’s humanitarian initiatives based on values of forgiveness and tolerance and gives the released prisoners a chance to change for the better by starting a new life and engage in positive participation in a manner that benefits their families and communities.

    The annual pardon also comes as part of Sheikh Khalifa’s keenness to enhance family cohesion, bring about happiness to mothers and children and give the pardoned prisoners a chance to reconsider their future and return back to the righteous path that ensures a successful social and professional life.

    News with Thanks by (WAM)

  • Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed briefed on Department of Finance Fiscal Plan 2020-2025

    Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed briefed on Department of Finance Fiscal Plan 2020-2025

    H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, held a meeting with Jasim Bu Attaba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Finance and several officials, where he was briefed on the Department of Finance’s medium-term fiscal plan 2020-2025.

    The plan focuses on preserving the economic climate and accelerating the economic growth to reflect Abu Dhabi’s fiscal strength and resilience.

    The mid-term plan comes with a clear vision of economic diversification, efficient expenditure and revenue management and a medium-term debt management strategy as crucial pillars of the fiscal plan.

    Sheikh Khalid was also briefed on the Department of Finance’s efforts during recent months and with the backdrop of global uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, reiterating the emirate’s fiscal strength, modest levels of debt and solid asset base.

    Sheikh Khalid issued a directive to continue prioritising spending on whatever helps improves the lives of citizens and residents and creates economic and social solutions that enable individuals and companies of all sizes to overcome current challenges by turning them into opportunities.

    He also instructed the department, being the main partner to all government entities, to inculcate a culture of fiscal excellence, as part of the collective effort to support Abu Dhabi’s fiscal strength and resilience, and implement the leadership’s vision for a prosperous economy after oil.

    The department will continue to execute Abu Dhabi’s medium-term debt management strategy that optimises the capital structure of the emirate, tapping into diverse funding sources whilst maintaining the current credit ratings. Abu Dhabi’s economy is the only AA rated sovereign in the region.

    Recently, Abu Dhabi successfully issued US$7 billion and US$3 billion multi-tranche sovereign bonds. The bonds were executed on time to seize the available market opportunity and favourable financing conditions.Abu Dhabi has also maintained conservative levels of debt, with total Government debt at 12.1 percent of the GDP at the end of 2019, which is amongst the lowest in the world and is testament to the emirate’s prudent fiscal and debt management policies.

  • Health Ministry conducts more than 46,000 additional COVID-19 tests

    Health Ministry conducts more than 46,000 additional COVID-19 tests

    ABU DHABI, 24th July, 2020 (WAM) — The Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, announced on Friday that it conducted over 46,000 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment.

    In a statement, the Ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.

    As part of its intensified testing campaign, MoHAP announced 261 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases in the UAE to 58,249.According to the Ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care.

    MoHAP also announced one death due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 343.The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished current COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery, calling on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and social distance to ensure the health and safety of all. MoHAP also noted an additional 387 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 51,235.