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World’s most popular cricket league moves to UAE

24th July, 2020 (WAM) – People-to-people engagement between the UAE and India will soar to new heights when the Indian Premier League, IPL, cricket matches this year will be taken out of India and played in the UAE from September 19 to November 8.

This was confirmed today by Brijesh Patel, the Chairman of IPL, which is governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI.

The IPL is a professional Indian sports league which has millions of fans in India, the sub-continent and in the Gulf. It is normally played in eight cities in India in April-May every year. The League’s brand value is informally estimated at $ 6.7 billion.

The COVID-19 pandemic and a complete lockdown imposed by the Indian government during the traditional IPL season resulted in a suspension of the games this year.

This will be the second time that the IPL will be played in the UAE. In 2014, fearing disruptions to the games on account of India’s parliamentary elections during the IPL season, the BCCI split the games into two phases.

The first phase was played at three stadium in the UAE, but the second phase, including the final, was held in India after the voting was over.

The export of IPL to the UAE is subject to clearance by the Indian government. “We have written to the Indian government. We are expecting a reply soon. Once it comes in, an IPL governing council meeting will be called next week to finalise all the other details,” Patel said today.

Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai are the likely venues in the UAE. “We will seek the advice of the UAE government if we can have any crowds,” Patel said. He and his team will collaborate on such details with the Emirates Cricket Board, ECB, which will play a lead local role in staging this event.

July 24, 2020
UAE underlines need to balance health and economic recovery at 2nd Extraordinary G-20 Sherpa Meeting

ABU DHABI, 24th July 2020 (WAM) -Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State and UAE Sherpa, has underlined the challenges countries continue to face from COVID-19, during the Second Extraordinary G-20 Sherpa Meeting on Friday.

The UAE attended in its capacity as a guest invitee at the Group of 20 (G-20) Summit, which will take place in November 2020 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Today’s meeting was conducted virtually. The Sherpa Meeting gathered official representatives of G-20 member countries to discuss preparations for the Summit, and also to provide a stock-take of progress on combatting COVID-19.

As a truly global challenge, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts requires a strong global response. Al Sayegh said that with less than five months left before the Riyadh Summit, the G20 Sherpas had a pivotal role in taking stock of the progress and continuing to formulate key messages for the Leaders’ Summit Declaration in November.

He continued to emphasise the importance of the G-20 focusing on COVID-19’s impact on developing and least-developed countries, and welcomed plans for a G-20 Emergency COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan in African and Low Income and Developing Countries, as well as the G-20’s endorsement of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) had announced that it would suspend debt service repayments during 2020 for eligible countries. The UAE has also played a constructive role in supporting countries in dealing with COVID-19, through the provision of over 1,100 metric tons of aid to 89 countries in support of over a million health professionals.

Al Sayegh emphasised that the UAE’s recent successful launch of ‘Hope’, the first-ever Arab-led probe to Mars was “truly an exercise in international collaboration, with UAE scientists working closely with counterparts from many other countries to prepare the probe for launch and beyond.”

He reminded Sherpas that “we can achieve great things when we collaborate for the common good” and that the “UAE believes in the importance of a strong message of unity emerging out of the Leaders’ Summit in November.

“During the run-up to the Leaders’ Summit in November, G-20 Members and invited countries have already participated in more than 13 Ministerial meetings, 45 Working Group meetings and 29 side events. In addition, the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Virtual Summit took place on 26 March, and committed to take decisive actions on the economy, health, trade, and investment. In December 2019, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia invited the UAE, in its capacity as current Chair of the GCC, to engage in the 2020 G-20 process. This Second Extraordinary Sherpa Meeting followed the First Extraordinary Sherpa Meeting, which took place on 25 March 2020. Established in 1999, the G-20 Summit is an annual gathering of representatives of the world’s largest economies that works to strengthen international economic cooperation. This year’s theme under Saudi Arabia’s G-20 presidency is “Realising Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”, with the broad aims of “Empowering People, Safeguarding the Planet, and Shaping New Frontiers.”

July 24, 2020
UAE Humanitarian Aid and Efforts to Combat COVID-19

United Kingdom:

The UAE turned ExCeL London, the capital’s largest venue for exhibitions and conferences, into an emergency field hospital for the treatment of patients infected with COVID-19. Named the NHS Nightingale Hospital, the new facility will have a capacity of 4,000 beds and will be able to provide a comprehensive range of medical support facilities.The UAE is covering the costs associated with the operation of this center and is providing the center rent-free.On April 5, the UAE facilitated the repatriation of 345 British tourists visiting the UAE. In response,British Ambassador to the UAE Patrick Moody said,“I also wanted to give a huge thank you to Emirates,to the Emirati authorities who have helped make this happen…”On April 30, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directed 60 metric tons of urgent medical aid and personal protective equipment to be shipped to the UK’s National Health Service to help them combat the pandemic.On June 5, the UAE donated 6.6 metric tons of material to the United Kingdom that will enable the country to produce millions of items of personal protective equipment (PPE).

China:

Following the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, the UAE provided medical supplies,including face masks and gloves, to China.On January 26, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
and Deputy Supreme Commander of theUAE Armed Forces, tweeted: “We’re closely following the Chinese government’s efforts to contain the spread of the corona virus We’re confident in their ability to overcome
this crisis. The UAE is ready to provide all support to China and cooperate with the international community to tackle this virus.”On March 4, as part of the UAE’s Homeland of Humanity Initiative, the UAE evacuated
215 people of different nationalities from China’s Hubei Province to the Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi, where they received the necessary medical evaluation and care.

Pakistan:

The UAE delivered a first batch of crucial medical supplies to Pakistan on April 2. UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Alzaabi tweeted: “Our commitment for humanitarian approaches and principles to help people
in delicate situation has no limits.” On April 5, the second batch of 11 metric tons of medical supplies provided by the UAE arrived in Islamabad.On April 28, the UAE sent an additional 14 metric tons of medical and food supplies to Pakistan, benefiting 7,000 medical professionals.

Nepal

On April 29, the UAE sent 7 metric tons of medical supplies to Nepal, benefiting approximately 7,000 medical professionals.

Bangladesh

07 On April 29, the UAE sent 7 metric tons of medical supplies to the Philippines, benefiting approximately 7,000 medical professionals. On April 30, the UAE sent 7 metric tons of medical supplies to Bangladesh, benefiting approximately 7,000 medical professionals.

July 20, 2020
Mohamed bin Zayed sends congratulatory message to South Korean President on 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations

SEOUL, 10th July, 2020 (WAM)

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has sent a message to President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, congratulating him on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries.The message was delivered by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to South Korea’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha during a meeting held as part of Sheikh Abdullah’s state visit to the East Asian country.

The two top diplomats announced the ”fast track” entry system between the UAE and South Korea in light of the special joint strategic partnership and the two countries’ efforts to find a safe travel passage that ensures easy, smooth entry procedures and enables visitors to both countries, for important trade or humanitarian purposes, to start their activities immediately.The fast track entry service will ensure implementation of precautionary measures before and after travel between the two countries, which will reduce the quarantine period and contribute to efforts aimed at resuming trade, business, and humanitarian activities between the two countries in a fast, safe way.

The announcement of the fast track entry follows the constructive, and exceptional bilateral cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic wherein the UAE provided a special entry permit to Korean businesspeople, and especially those working on Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, on entry to the UAE. The two countries also operated flights between Abu Dhabi and Incheon and coordinated on the repatriation of citizens.

The two ministers also took stock of the latest regional and global developments and issues of mutual concern, including Yemen, Syria, Libya and Iran.H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed commended the level of bilateral cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus and in addressing its repercussions, and valued South Korea’s medical support in efforts to contain the virus.Sheikh Abdullah also praised the adherence of the Korean resident community in the UAE to precautionary and preventive measures taken by the UAE to contain the virus, and expressed his best wishes to the friendly Korean people.

Sheikh Abdullah also valued the support shown by the friendly Republic of South Korea for Expo 2020, which the UAE will host next year in Dubai, and looks forward to the distinguished participation of South Korea in the international event.The UAE Ambassador to South Korea, Abdullah Saif Ali Al Nuaimi, attended the meeting.

July 10, 2020
Abu Dhabi International Airport adopts precautionary measures to reduce spread of coronavirus

ABU DHABI, 9th July, 2020: Airports in Abu Dhabi have adopted a series of precautionary and preventive measures in all their facilities, to protect the health and safety of their employees and passengers and reduce the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19, while national carriers are gradually resuming their flights through Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Mohammed Hussain Ahmed, General Manager for Abu Dhabi International Airport, said that the procedures adopted by the airport include contactless control equipment in elevators, self-sanitising escalators, and the use of modern technologies and Artificial Intelligence, AI, in the sanitation processes, in addition to social distancing and the donning of face masks and gloves.

Ahmed stressed that Etihad Airways has adopted precautionary on-board measures according to the highest standards, all passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi must pass through a comprehensive assessment zone to track those exposed to confirmed coronavirus cases.Passengers will then have to undergo a PCR test, which is fast and efficient and will last from five to ten minutes, he further added.

Smart sanitising gates The journey of passengers will begin by passing through smart sanitising gates at the airport’s main entrances and exits, which will firstly measure a person’s temperature.Contact-less elevators The second step consists of 53 elevators equipped with contactless control systems.

Before passengers can continue their trip, they will receive face masks and gloves provided by the airport through several smart devices. passengers will be screened by thermal monitoring cameras that will verify whether they are wearing face masks and gloves as instructed, and will alert officials if they are not complying with these instructions.

passengers will reach the airport’s arrival registration area to complete their procedures online. They can also use the Etihad smart application to limit direct contact.The arrival of passengers at the self-service platform for registration, Facial recognition technology will assess the health and safety of the passengers, including their temperature, heart rate and breathing rate.

Business class lounge The seventh step, which applies to business class passengers, requires employees of the business class lounge to wear personal protection equipment. The reception desk of the lounge will also feature barriers and separators, and tables will be separated by a distance of two metres while meals are tested individually through random testing.

Thermal checkpoints equipped with cameras, which checks the temperature of passengers and verifies if they are wearing face masks.Boarding pass procedures of passengers. Social distancing rules will be adopted by allowing limited numbers of passengers to board at one time. They will also be asked to scan their boarding passes and show their passports, to limit direct interaction with employees.

Linda Celestino, Vice President of Guest Services at Etihad Airways, said that the implementation of social distancing onboard planes will involve leaving a space between seats on flights to most destinations, but families and groups can sit together.

She added that if a passenger or staff becomes ill during a flight, they will be isolated in a quarantine area with several reserved seats at the back of the plane, and health authorities will be notified before the plane lands.Flight crews will wear face masks, disposable gloves and accredited preventive clothing, and planes will be cleaned after reaching every destination, Celestino further added, noting that health and safety tools will be provided to passengers by Etihad’s staff, such as face masks, gloves and sanitisers.

Attila Sagi, Senior Manager Technical Advisor, Midfield Terminal Programme at Etihad Airways, said that Etihad Airways have developed a technology to enable contactless travel procedures, through the launch of the “Fit to Travel” device, which will check the temperature, heart rate and breathing rate of passengers, ask them about their previous 14 days, and require them to declare if they are fit to travel.

If the device does not declare whether a passenger is fit to travel, they will be referred to a mid-air medical team for examination, he added.(News with thanks from WAM)

July 10, 2020
UAE creates opportunities for its citizens: Sarah Al Amiri

ABU DHABI, 9th July, 2020 Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and Science Lead of the Emirates Mars Mission, stated that the UAE creates opportunities for its citizens before they even dream of them, noting that this should encourage everyone to work hard to reinforce the country’s leadership and preserve its overall achievements.

She added that the Hope Probe will begin its historic mission to Mars at 00:51:27 after midnight UAE time on Wednesday, 15th July, 2020, from the Tanegashima Space Station in Japan.

During a remote media interview held today, Al Amiri revealed that the probe’s scientific mission is expected to start in April 2021, and the mission’s team currently works 12 hours per day. The mission is a journey filled with challenges since its launch six years ago, as well as knowledge and learning, she added.

She thanked the UAE’s leadership on behalf of the probe’s team for giving them this unique opportunity and noted that they are all proud to be part of the project, and explained that the design of a satellite to explore Mars was not easy, and their challenges increased as they progressed.

Al Amiri also stressed that the mission’s land control station is currently testing control scenarios before the launch of the probe.

The Hope Probe, which is expected to reach Mars in February 2021, coinciding with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, is a national project that highlights the vision of the UAE’s leadership to establish an Emirati space programme, which will reflect the country’s commitment to promoting international cooperation and partnerships in finding solutions to global challenges for the well-being of humankind.

The Hope Probe which will send a message of hope to the peoples of the world aims to revive the rich Arab and Islamic history in the area of science, and affirms the UAE ambitions to defy the impossible and shape a bright future for humanity.(News with Tanks WAM) —

July 10, 2020
Deputy Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi died in London

SHARJAH, 9th July 2020 Today, the Emirate of Sharjah bade farewell to the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan bin Saqr bin Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, who was born in 1948 in Sharjah and is one of the sons of the former ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

In addition to his position as deputy ruler to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, the late was the Chairman of the Sharjah Oil Council and Honourary Chairman of Dana Gas. He also sat on the board of director of the Sharjah Liquefaction Gas Company (Shalco).

Believing in the capabilities of young people, and that the future was theirs, Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi had supported this segment of the community in various fields of work with all the wisdom he possessed; he was their role model giving them all needed advice and expertise so that they could prove themselves in the development march.

With the departure of Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah loses one of its main pillars, a figure of giving, loyalty and tolerance.

July 10, 2020
‘People’s response to COVID-19 in UAE reminds me of British unity in World War II,’ says doctor

A senior British doctor who is in the UAE’s frontline battle against COVID-19 said the pandemic reinforced his faith in humanity, despite the despair and challenges it unfolded.

“Inside and outside the hospitals across the UAE, it is amazing to see everyone pulling together, irrespective of one’s nationality, class or creed, to fight the pandemic,” said Dr. Malcom D. Podmore, Consultant orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon at Al Ain Hospital in Al Ain, which is under Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, SEHA.

“This reminds me of British people forming a united front in the Second World War. It demonstrates how a crisis brings out the best in human beings.”

The doctor, who has set aside his regular orthopaedic practice since March to assist his colleagues treating COVID-19 patients, was sharing his new experiences with Emirates News Agency, WAM.

“In our hospital, not only the medical staff such as nurses and doctors, but all others, including para-medics, cleaners, kitchen workers and security personnel, support each other to give extra time and efforts,” he explained.

Sharing an example, he said that one day he forgot [being preoccupied] to bring his food to the hospital. “I was surprised to find that somebody had already ordered food for me. There are other people thinking about you. Likewise, everyone pays attention to others.”

Similarly, outside the hospitals, the government agencies, charities and community groups are offering food and other support to the needy. “I can see that the entire nation is together in this mission.”

This is the most challenging situation in his 28-year long career. “But it also the most hopeful situation as well because human beings are rising to the occasion and doing their best.”

The pandemic has also reinforced his belief in having accurate and open communication with the family members of the critically ill patients.

“I always believed in it [communication], when I speak to some patients’ relatives, I understand their grief and fear. They appreciate my effort to explain the medical terms of the condition in a simple language. This gave me a chance to sit back and think about how the situation affects the families of the patients. I feel that, we as doctors, have to always readjust ourselves and find time to talk to the families of the patients,” Dr. Podmore explained.

About the role of medical infrastructure to deal with the pandemic, he said, the supply chain of medication, personal protective equipment for frontline medical staff, and life-support systems such as ventilators is very crucial.

“In the UAE, that supply chain was intact and efficient,” the doctor said, pointing out that even in many developed countries there was a shortage of supply. “It was an extremely good effort on the part of everyone involved.”

A UAE resident for more than two years, it is his first time living in a Middle Eastern county. When he visited the UAE for his job interview, it was his first visit to the region.

“It is the first time I have lived in a Muslim country. It is very interesting to see how different religions and cultures closely interact here,” Dr. Podmore added.

“As I did not know much about Islam, I have read a lot to understand the religion. The most important thing I experienced here is tolerance; there is no animosity among religions here. My family also like the place,” he said.

June 15, 2020
UAE strongly condemns terror attack in west Kabul, Afghanistan

The UAE has strongly condemned the bomb attack that targeted a mosque in the west of the Afghan capital Kabul that resulted in the death and wounding of dozens of innocent civilians.

In a statement today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation emphasised that the UAE utterly condemns these criminal acts and rejects all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilising security and stability in contravention of religious and human values and principles.

The Ministry also expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this heinous criminal act and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

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June 15, 2020
Dubai Chamber webinar series promotes emirate as ideal hub for African businesses

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced that it recently kicked off a webinar series providing African business leaders and entrepreneurs with useful information about doing business in Dubai, and promoting Dubai as an ideal hub for African companies.

The Benefits of Doing Business in Dubai series was organised by the Chamber’s representative offices in Africa and attended by 175 participants from several African countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique and Kenya, among others.

The first webinar, held earlier this month in cooperation with Bizzmossis Service Company, looked at why the current timing is ideal for investing and setting up a business in Dubai, highlighting the advantages and offerings of various free zones throughout the emirate.

Upcoming webinars will provide participants with detailed information on Dubai’s key economic sectors and business landscape, and guidance on everything from opening a bank account, to residency visas, business licenses and freelancing.

A survey conducted during the first webinar found that 72 percent of participants said they would be keen on investing in Dubai, while 41 percent stated they are looking to set up a business in the emirate within the next three months.

The first webinar included presentations and speeches from Omar Khan, Director of International Offices at Dubai Chamber; Marianna Bulbuc – CEO and Founder of Bizzmosis; Zemedeneh Negatu – Global Chairman Fairfax Africa Fund; and Norvan Acquah – Hayford – Public Relations Manager at Ghana Link Network Services.

For his part, Omar Khan encouraged the African business community to explore the vast competitive advantages and incentives offered to businesses in Dubai, and pointed out that the emirate’s business community has remained resilient amid the Covid-19 situation, thanks to its early adoption of digital infrastructure and vital support from the government.

He noted that the webinar series complements Dubai Chamber’s efforts to promote Dubai as a global business hub and attract African companies to the emirate, while it also provides valuable insights to help participants make informed decisions about entering the Dubai market. He added that the Chamber’s offices in Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia and Mozambique are always ready to assist businesses across the continent with any questions they may have.

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June 15, 2020