The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced that from Monday, 29th Ramadan (8th April 2024) to 3rd Shawwal (or what is corresponding to it in Gregorian calendar) will be a paid holiday for all employees in the private sector across the UAE on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.
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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters announced changes to the timings for truck movement on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The adjustment of timing applies to a section of the road extending from Ras Al Khor Road to Sharjah in both directions during peak traffic hours as of 28th April 2024. The new schedule restricts truck movement in the morning from 06:30 to 08:30 am, and in two periods in the afternoon: the first from 01:00 to 03:00 pm, and a second evening period from 05:30 to 08:00 pm.
Hussein Al Banna, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA, said, “The decision to alter truck traffic timings on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road during peak hours was made in coordination with Dubai Police General HQ, following recent in-depth studies indicating the critical need for such adjustments. This measure is set to enhance the smoothness of traffic flow on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, ensuring a more even distribution of truck movements across alternative routes during peak times. This strategic redistribution is anticipated to decrease traffic congestion on the road by up to 15% during these periods.”
“The process of adjusting truck movement involves several engineering and technical studies that consider factors like vehicle density, incident rates, urban development alongside the road, and the capacity of alternate routes to handle the traffic. RTA, in cooperation with Dubai Police and other relevant bodies, will undertake extensive efforts to communicate the new truck movement schedules to heavy vehicle drivers, truck owners, and operators. This will include installing informative signs at both the beginning and end of the restricted zones and disseminating the information through press releases, advertising, social media channels, and multilingual announcements on local radio stations,” explained Al Banna.
He urged truck drivers, as well as transport and shipping companies to comply with the new regulations and either use alternative routes such as Emirates Road during restricted times or the designated truck rest areas spread throughout Dubai’s streets.
Development of Truck Rest Areas
Since mid-2023, RTA embarked on a plan to develop truck rest areas, in collaboration with the private sector. This plan involves the construction and enhancement of 19 rest stops situated along key roads across Dubai, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Dubai-Hatta Road, and Dubai-Ain Road. Collectively, these rest areas cover more than 300,000 square metres and can accommodate around 1,000 trucks and heavy vehicles.
The first phase of this development, featuring 15 rest areas, is scheduled to become operational in August 2024. Work to develop the remaining areas is scheduled to continue through the end of 2025.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Traffic Department at Dubai Police, highlighted the importance of the newly introduced traffic measures on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, which were introduced in close collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority, and based on the applicable engineering and technical standards.
“The General Traffic Department has developed a strategy to oversee and regulate truck movements during peak periods on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. This includes coordinating with concerned entities to inform and educate heavy vehicle drivers about the revised restrictions, ensuring the new regulations are enforced effectively and lawfully,” commented Al Mazrouei.
He also called on heavy vehicle drivers, transport companies and truck owners to support the initiatives implemented on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road by adhering to the revised traffic restrictions. “Compliance of all parties is crucial to avoid potential penalties and fines levied against those who do not follow the new regulations,” he added.
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An Education Cost Index (ECI) of 2.6 per cent announced by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) will allow private schools in Dubai to adjust their fees for the 2024-25 academic year.
The ECI is based on the annual audited financial statements of private schools in Dubai, which outline the operational cost of running a private school to offer a high quality of education, and is calculated in collaboration with Digital Dubai Authority.
Under the School Fees Framework, the rate by which schools can adjust their fees is tied to each school’s most recent inspection rating. Any fee adjustment by schools must be approved by KHDA.
Private schools that maintain the same inspection rating will be allowed to increase their fees by up to 2.6 per cent. Schools dropping in the annual ratings will not be eligible to apply for any fee increase.
Schools that improve their rating from Weak to Acceptable or from Acceptable to Good will be eligible to increase their fees by up to double the ECI of 2.6 per cent. Schools moving from Good to Very Good will benefit from an increase of up to 1.75 times the ECI and schools improving their rating from Very Good to Outstanding will be eligible to increase their fees by up to 1.5 times the ECI.
Shamma AlMansouri, Director of Permits at KHDA said: “Aligning the fee adjustment with schools’ inspections ratings emphasises the quality offered by schools, while enhancing the competitiveness of the sector and encouraging schools to meet the needs of parents by catering to the needs of a diverse student body to ensure access to high quality education for all children.
“Furthermore, the application of a scientific methodology to monitor and analyse the audited financial statements of private schools in Dubai allows for a transparent process that takes into account the interests of all our stakeholders and ensures continuous improvement in the quality of education offered by schools while also safeguarding the sustainability of the private schools’ sector.”
The School Fees Framework was introduced to allow schools to develop long-term growth plans while contributing to a robust and reliable private education sector that offers families a choice of high-quality education.
More than three quarters (77 per cent) of students were enrolled in schools rated Good or better during the last academic year.
Enrolment at Dubai private schools increased by 12 per cent since the last academic year. More than 365,000 students attend 220 private schools offering 17 different curricula in Dubai.
More information on the School Fees Framework is available at this link.
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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced that the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, which he launched on 4th March 2024 to honour mothers by establishing an AED1 billion endowment fund that aims to support the education and training of millions of individuals around the world, has successfully exceeded its target within less than a month of its launch. He affirmed that the campaign will continue to welcome contributions throughout the year.
Contributions to the Mothers’ Endowment campaign amounted to AED1.484 billion before the end of Ramadan.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “As the blessed month of Ramadan draws to a close, we are excited to conclude a campaign that attracted hundreds of thousands of participants to honour mothers. The Mothers’ Endowment which raised over AED1.4 billion during Ramadan is a permanent education fund and an ongoing charity in the name of UAE mothers, may God bless our efforts.
“Our mothers will remain our paradise, and our ticket to paradise. Nothing repays our debt to them, so we will continue to celebrate them. May God protect all mothers, and may God protect the UAE.”
“The Mothers’ Endowment campaign’s success in exceeding its target in record time is a testament that generosity is testament to the benevolent, generous nature of the UAE people and to their deeply rooted principles. The Emirati community has presented a bright example of giving and solidarity that are integral to the UAE’s value system and identity,” he added.
“The UAE will not waver in its mission to serve humanity and help communities rise up and improve through projects and campaigns that go far beyond temporary aid and focus instead on sustainable and constructive empowerment.
“Any initiative that has the mother and her selflessness at its core is a blessed initiative that will reap doubled rewards. The Mothers’ Endowment is an ongoing charity in honour of our mothers, and it will continue to welcome contributions to ensure greater benefits,” Sheikh Mohammed said, in conclusion.
Community-wide response
The Mothers’ Endowment campaign has received a community-wide response as thousands raced to contribute to its aims of supporting underprivileged individuals through enhanced education and training, allowing them to improve their quality of life sustainably, prepare for the job market and ultimately drive stability and development in their communities.
Coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, the campaign exceeded its targets within less than three weeks as contributions flowed in via its main channels, including the campaign’s website, dedicated call centre, bank transfers, du and etisalat by e& SMS, as well as via the DubaiNow app and the community contributions platform Jood.
A noble mission
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said, “Reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, providing the best conditions for sustainable education will always be at the forefront of our priorities, in line with his directives for fulfilling this noble mission and mobilizing efforts to advance education as the decisive factor in building communities that are more stable and prosperous.”
“The Mothers’ Endowment campaign is a driving force that aims to support and prepare millions of youth across underserved communities through education and training that will leave its mark in their lives. The campaign has received generous contributions and announced key agreements with major contributors to launch innovative endowment projects,” he added, expressing his confidence that, thanks to the community-wide support it enjoyed, the campaign will achieve its targets and will further cement the UAE’s humanitarian role.
Major contributors
Among major contributors to the campaign, Azizi Developments announced a contribution of AED600 million for the establishment of an endowment education complex, marking one of the largest charity contributions in the UAE. Sobha Realty Group also contributed AED400 million to establish an endowment university as part of the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, while West Zone Group contributed AED130 million to develop an endowment building that will dedicate its proceeds to supporting MBRGI’s initiatives relating to spreading knowledge and education around the world.
Most Noble Number charity auctions
A number of accompanying events helped support the Mothers’ Endowment campaign reach its target in record time, including the Most Noble Number charity auctions held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, raising a total of AED116,479,400 with support from Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA), etisalat by e& and du.
The Most Noble Number charity auction in Dubai raised AED38.095 million from auction RTA plate numbers, etisalat by e& and du special mobile numbers. The 3rd Most Noble Number online charity auction, organized by Abu Dhabi Police, raised AED78,384,400 from auctioning 555 special plate numbers.
Innovative initiative
The campaign was also accompanied by an innovative initiative to recognize major contributors, who were celebrated by the Dubai International Financial Centre by displaying their contributions on the façade of its main building, The Gate.
230,000 participation certificates
The Mothers’ Endowment campaign issued more than 230,000 participation certificates through its website, in the names of contributors’ mothers as a gesture of appreciation for their sacrifices and generosity towards their children. The certificate marks the contribution made in the mother’s name as an ongoing charity contributing to the establishment of the education endowment fund.
Reviving the culture of endowments
With proceeds going towards the education of millions around the world, providing them with the tools and skills necessary to lead independent lives, the Mothers’ Endowment campaign aims to revive the culture of endowment as a development tool, while at the same time, promoting the values of honouring parents, kindness, compassion and solidarity.
Massive success
The campaign is launched under the umbrella of MBRGI, the largest humanitarian and aid organization of its kind in the region, and is an extension to the massive success of previous Ramadan campaigns launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Those include the ’10 Million Meals’ campaign launched in 2020 and recorded contributions of over 15.3 million meals, followed by the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign in 2021, which doubled its target and distributed 220 million meals in 30 countries around the world. In 2022, the ‘1 Billion Meals’ campaign reached its target in under a month and provided food support across 50 countries, while last year’s ‘1 Billion Meals Endowment’ campaign received community-wide support and raised AED1.075 billion by the end of Ramadan.
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H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, attended a lecture by renowned American author and explorer Dan Buettner on ‘Blue Zones’ – geographic areas with lower rates of chronic diseases and a longer life expectancy than the global average.
The lecture held at Sheikh Hamdan’s Majlis in Nad Al Sheba was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). The event was also attended by ministers, leading officials and dignitaries.
Dan Buettner’s extensive research over two decades into longevity and health led to the creation of the term ‘Blue Zones’ – areas around the globe where people live significantly longer than the average person. Buettner’s research identified Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Nicoya, Costa Rica as ‘Blue Zones’. Factors such as diet, fasting, and exercise are associated with the healthy lifestyle of people in Blue Zones.
Buettner said that inhabitants of ‘Blue Zones’ prioritise healthy diets abundant in vegetables, fruits, and grains, while cutting down on meat consumption. They also prioritise social interaction and draw from ancestral wisdom in preparing nutritious meals.
He highlighted Dubai’s leading role in fostering a healthy lifestyle among its residents, through diverse initiatives. Dan Buettner offered several practical recommendations to help understand happiness and enhance it in one’s lives and those of others. He emphasised the significance of exercise, nutritious food, and spending enjoyable time with others.
Buettner also offered recommendations to boost happiness in communities, such as expanding green spaces, establishing more bike lanes, offering additional opportunities for outdoor sports activities, and redesigning neighbourhoods to enable residents to shop and work closer to home, thereby reducing the need for long commutes.
As part of the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the emirate aims to enter the ranks of the world’s top 10 cities for life expectancy by enhancing its healthcare and adopting advanced nutrition methods that promote lifelong health and vitality.
Sheikh Hamdan also engaged with Dr. Shilpa Baweja, development psychologist and Head of the University of California Los Angeles’ (UCLA) Parenting & Children’s Friendship Program. Dr. Baweja shared her insights on the crucial role of early childhood care and proper upbringing in enhancing the cognitive development of future generations.
Attendees also enjoyed an Iftar banquet hosted by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
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The National Center of Meteorology has issued weather forecasts for the United Arab Emirates for the period from April 3rd to April 7th, 2024, as follows:
Wednesday (April 3rd, 2024):
Thursday (April 4th, 2024):
Friday (April 5th, 2024):
Saturday (April 6th, 2024):
Sunday (April 7th, 2024):
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Abu Dhabi(News Desk):: The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development, implemented an awareness campaign for restaurants in Abu Dhabi to clarify procedures for distributing iftar meals. This was done to ensure restaurants adhere to best practices and the applicable laws and processes.
The recently organised campaign comprised 38 field visits in Abu Dhabi, which included the participation of inspectors from the Social Licensing and Control Sector of the DCD and the AbuDhabi Department of Economic Development.
Saeed Bin Amro, Director of the Social Control Division at DCD, said: “During the blessed month of Ramadan, which is characterised by an increase in charitable giving, the DCD is keen to enhance awareness of the importance of adhering to the applicable laws and procedures regarding donations in its various forms. The awareness campaign has been held in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development to explain to restaurant owners and workers the importance of adhering to the regulations and procedures in distributing iftar meals. Restaurants are allowed to receive requests to prepare Ramadan meals, but they are not allowed to distribute them. This is because of the specific mechanism that regulates charitable work in the emirate, where distribution is done through the donor himself or through licensed charitable entities.”
He added: “The commitment of establishments in providing food within the directives and regulations and obtaining the necessary licenses helps organise charitable work and help people in need as per the best standards and practices. This enhances the building of a more interconnected society.”
Bin Amro also pointed to the importance of commitment to providing support & assistance to those in need in a safe and healthy manner, reflecting the humanitarian spirit that our society is known for, especially during the Holy Month.
Bin Amro explained: “The DCD is keen to enhance awareness and adherence to the laws and procedures in place for distributing donations and providing assistance. It is important to follow the social system that is based on legal regulations and procedures to regulate charitable works and the collection and distribution of donations. This helps in ensuring that they reach those in need in safe and secure ways and in accordance with the best humanitarian and health standards.”
He added: “Through our cooperation with other entities, such as the D E C D, we seek to strengthen the concept of social responsibility by adhering to licenses and proper procedures. Field visits have proven successful in providing the necessary information to restaurant owners and workers, clarifying the approved controls and standards, and encouraging them to follow them in a way that helps achieve our common goals of building an organised and interdependent society.”(- Ends) –
Digital Dubai launched today an integrated set of digital services designed for facilitating charity and humanitarian work via the “DubaiNow” application, the city’s one-stop-shop mobile application that allows anyone to access over 250 government and private sector services.
These efforts reflect Digital Dubai’s commitment as an enabler of the digital transformation of the city, and in executing its strategy aiming at digitalizing life in Dubai. This commitment is driven by the authority’s dedication to realizing the directives and vision of the leadership by delivering integrated digital experiences that enhance people’s happiness and well-being. This is achieved by enabling individuals living in Dubai to conduct transactions efficiently and in accordance with the highest standards of quality.
The DubaiNow application, developed by Digital Dubai, provides a secure and convenient channel for contributing to social initiatives. It enables users to donate for the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Initiatives. This Initiative allows individuals to donate in honour of their mothers through the application, thus promoting the culture of charitable work and reinforcing social and family values. Moreover, the application facilitates donations to “Jood”, the integrated community contributions platform in Dubai. This platform aims at introducing charity initiatives, encouraging contributors to actively participate and establish solid foundations for integrated sustainable development in alignment with the goals of Dubai Social Agenda 33. With a user-friendly interface, the platform provides direct donations with various options including meals for fasting individuals during the holy month of Ramadan, paying Zakat Al Fitr, Zakat Al Maal among others.
Commenting on these efforts, H.E. Matar Al Hemeiri, Chief Executive of Digital Dubai Government Establishment: “Dubai and the United Arab Emirates have always set an example in contributing towards charitable endeavours, an effort which is rooted in our culture and guided by the directives and vision of our wise leadership. The significant advancements in digital transformation that Dubai is witnessing imposes increasing needs and requires managing expectations to align with the evolving digital lifestyles. With 99% of the population using the internet to conduct their transactions and a carry out their daily activities there is an increasing demand for creative digital solutions to meet these needs efficiently. Hence, it is very important to provide digital channels to make charitable donations seamless. The Zakat al-Fitr service through the DubaiNow application is an example of a successful model due to its user-friendly interface and widespread adoption among various segments of society.”
“At present, DubaiNow provides more than 250 services, exemplifying our unwavering commitment to realizing sustainability in Dubai through providing digital solutions. We are proud to provide support for humanitarian initiatives that have global impact and social values including facilitating donation through the “Jood” platform and to the Mother’s Endowment campaign. These initiatives reflect our leadership’s dedication to honouring mothers and expressing gratitude towards them. The development of these services is the result of shared efforts and collaboration with numerous government entities in Dubai. We look forward to continuing these partnerships to deliver more digital experiences, further enhancing Dubai position as a global digital hub, and as an inspiring model in CSR and social solidarity”. H.E Added.
The list of charitable organizations participating through the DubaiNow application include Dar Al Ber Society, Dubai Cares, Al Jalila Foundation, Noor Dubai Foundation, Dubai Charity Association, Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, and Tarahum Charitable Foundation, which supports many charitable and humanitarian activities, including the 1 Billion Meals Endowment, Iftar Dubai, Suqia Initiative, Donation For Prisoner, “Jood” the integrated community contributions platform, Dirham of Hope, Beit Al Khair Society, and Bread for All.
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Abu Dhabi(News Desk):: On the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Executive Board of the
Pakistan Business Professional Council Abu Dhabi were invited to the Majlis of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance &Coexistence, and the Council’s s Patron-in-Chief, held on 01 April 2024.
His Highness welcomed the delegation and mentioned the brotherly and close relationship between UAE and Pakistan. The visit brought together esteemed Council members and friends in a joyous celebration of
unity and Ramadan traditions. Attendees enjoyed a memorable evening of breaking fast together, fostering connections, and engaging in meaningful discussions. The event exemplifies the spirit of harmony and togetherness that defines the holy month of Ramadan.
The Council extends its gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his hospitality in receiving the delegation led by Dr. Qaiser Anis, PBPC President, and to Mr.Shaukat Aziz, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry and Dr. Hadi Shahid,PBPC Founding Members, Mr. Mohd Iqbal Nasim, Dr. Muhammad Farhan, Mr. Zaheer Anis, Mr.Mohd. Saad Akhtar, Mr. Raza Jaffar, Mr. Azeem Chaudhry, Mr. Hanif Merchant and Pakistan Business Council Dubai led by Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Dawood and his Board Members for coming.
Dubai(News Desk):: In a heartfelt display of community support and solidarity, Media Rotana
Dubai hosted an enriching Iftar event for families, in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent and
Fakhr UAE on Sheik Zayed Humanitarian Day. This special gathering underscored the hotel’s enduring commitment to giving back to the community and uplifting those in need.
Sherif Madkour, General Manager of Media Rotana Dubai, expressed his pride in hosting the event,stating, “It’s a privilege to share the spirit of Ramadan with these wonderful young individuals. Our collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent and Fakhr UAE for this iftar is a testament to our commitment towards community welfare and our dedication to spreading happiness.”
Sheikh Humid Bin Khalid Al Qasimi also attended the event, further highlighting the significance of
the occasion. The Iftar was not only about sharing a meal but also about fostering a sense of belonging and joy among the orphans. Activities were organized to entertain the children, creating a festive atmosphere that filled the evening with laughter and smiles. The hotel looks forward to continuing its partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and Fakhr UAE, working together to undertake more initiatives that benefit the community.
This event provided the young guests with an unforgettable evening of delicious food, joy, and companionship. The initiative was part of Media Rotana’s ongoing efforts to engage with and contribute to the local community, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of generosity and reflection.
In addition to the kids from the Emirates Red Crescent, the kids from Dubai National School-Al Barsha joined to make the day memorable for all. Their participation added to the spirit of camaraderie and joy. Activities were organized to entertain the children, creating a festive atmosphere that filled the evening with laughter and smiles.
Through events like the orphans’ iftar, Media Rotana Dubai reinforces its role as a responsible corporate citizen, committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
The hotel looks forward to continuing its partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and Fakhr UAE, working together to undertake more initiatives that benefit the community. (- Ends -)