ABU DHABI, 3rd June, 2024 (WAM) – Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended a reception hosted yesterday by Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the UAE, on the occasion of his country’s National Day.

The ceremony, which was held at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, was also attended by a number of officials and heads of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions, in addition to a number of Italian community members in the UAE.

In his speech on the occasion, the Italian Ambassador highlighted the UAE-Italy relations, which, he said, are witnessing continuous development and growth across all fields, noting that the UAE is Italy’s most important trading partner in the Middle East.

MADRID, 3rd June, 2024 (WAM) — Real Madrid have strengthened their squad with Kylian Mbappé, according to a statement published by the Spanish Club’s website today.

At the age of 25, Kylian Mbappé enjoyed his highest scoring season with Paris Saint-Germain, 44 goals, and finished as top scorer of the French league for the sixth consecutive season, 27 goals.

SHARJAH, 4th June, 2024 (WAM) — A Sharjah delegation to the People’s Republic of China recently participated in high-level meetings with senior Chinese officials to explore cooperation opportunities and strengthen economic, cultural, and academic ties during their first stop in the capital of Beijing.

Led by the Department of Government Relations (DGR), the delegation, comprising 18 departments and institutions representing Sharjah, travelled to Shandong Province, a significant hub of historic and modern trade routes in China, to discuss ways to strengthen collaboration with relevant Chinese entities.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, highlighted that the delegation’s visit to China reflects the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to solidify governmental relations and deepen the ties between Sharjah and Asian nations, particularly China.

The delegation aims to foster comprehensive cooperation across all sectors, leveraging successful global expertise while showcasing Sharjah’s strategic assets, its role as a representative of Emirati and Arab culture, and its notable contributions to promoting global scientific, knowledge, economic, and cultural exchange.

The delegation’s visit, concluding on 8th June, included several meetings between Sharjah officials and their Chinese counterparts. Participants include Hamad Ali Al Mahmoud, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department; and Ali Mohammed Al Naqbi, CEO of Weqaya, Beeah Group.

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Mohammed Juma Al Musharrakh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office; and Omar Al Mulla, Chief Investment at Sharjah Asset Management, are also present.

During the visit, the Sharjah delegation held several meetings regarding trade, including discussions with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and representatives from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products. These meetings centred on strengthening trade ties and exploring opportunities for mutual development.

The delegation also met with representatives from leading Chinese technology companies, such as Xiaomi, and visited the Huawei Beijing Research Centre, showcasing the emirate’s interest in fostering partnerships in the tech sector.

Additionally, DGR, Shurooq, and the Sharjah FDI Office held a meeting with Pan Asia Capital to explore potential collaboration in the business and investment domains.

In the fields of culture, tourism, and heritage, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCDTA); Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA); Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; and Marwa Obaid Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, met with representatives from the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), an administrative agency affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China.

The meeting, attended by Li Kun, Director of NCHA, and Wang Xiaodong, Secretary of the Palace Museum, aimed to strengthen cultural ties between Sharjah and China.

In the fields of science, technology, and education, Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Mulla, Business Development Executive at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP); Dr. Khawla Al Najjar, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Sharjah; Dr. Abdulrahman Al Yasi, Director of Sharjah Youth, an affiliate of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators; and Khaled Al Nakhi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Capacity Development, conducted field visits to Peking University, Tsinghua University, and the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People.

In the healthcare sector, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Dr. Abdelaziz Saeed Obaid bin Butti Almheiri, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority and Sharjah Healthcare City Authority; and Dr. Abdulaziz Al Noman, Advisor to Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, met with representatives from the Chinese National Health Commission.

This was followed by separate meetings with Fosun International and Sinopharm representatives, which concluded with a visit to the Peking University Health Science Centre.

Regarding the aviation sector, a meeting was held between Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Mohammed Rashid Al Sharif, Assistant Director of the Commercial Affairs Department at Sharjah International Airport; and Miao Qian, Director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, as well as airline representatives, including China Eastern Airlines.

They also met with Shan Chuan, Deputy Director of the China Tourism Group, to discuss the development of mutual relations in the aviation sector, followed by a visit to Beijing Daxing International Airport.

The Sharjah programme included visits to iconic historical landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Palace Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of over a million rare artefacts.

JEDDAH, 4th June, 2024 (WAM) — The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU), in cooperation with the Saudi National Bank (SNB AlAhli), on Monday launched “Nusuk Wallet”, the first international digital wallet of its kind to serve Umrah and Hajj pilgrims.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), this digital wallet allows the management of the money and expenses of pilgrims, and it is supported by a banking infrastructure.

Nusuk Wallet uses the latest emerging technologies and encryption techniques to ensure the highest security standards for users.

The American University of Sharjah’s (AUS) College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) celebrated the impressive work of its 98 graduating students at its annual graduate show and industry night, Six Degrees.

Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, inaugurated the event at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park on June 1, in the presence of industry representatives and members of the various creative communities in the UAE.

The exhibition showcased the works of graduates in architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. A Six Degrees catalog accompanied the exhibition, highlighting works selected by each graduating student.

Fourteen students and three faculty members were also recognized for their outstanding work during the academic year at a special ceremony during the event.

“We take deep pride in the accomplishments of our graduating students that are showcased at the annual Six Degrees exhibition. This flagship event highlights our students’ exceptional talent and creativity and emphasizes their commitment as designers to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The show demonstrates the level of rigorous academic training and mentoring they have received at CAAD,” said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD.

The exhibition showcased a myriad of creative student projects that tackled diverse themes such as a Sharjah Center for Film and Media; a night, hidden market in Beirut; a resilient oasis harnessing ground and quarry water for Gulf resource autonomy; alternative mapping methods physically documenting social-environmental interactions within Sharjah’s industrial areas; UAE urban coalescence; creation of design-build spaces for design education; a housing project that blends Emirati community traditions with an emphasis on privacy; and many more.  

“Our students have demonstrated a remarkable ability to address complex challenges through their projects, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of our programs. The Six Degrees exhibition serves as a platform to engage with professionals and the wider community, fostering collaborations and opening doors to future opportunities. It reflects the great potential our students have for making significant contributions as design professionals,” said Dr. Pallathucheril.

During a special recognition ceremony at the exhibition, students Yara Moustafa Soliman (architecture), Leen Mamoun Afaneh (interior design), Carol Maher Bebawy (multimedia design), Bettina Frana Rodricks (visual communication), Tasneem Zafer Husami (design management) and Sania Parambathkandy Shanavaz (urban planning) received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence for their exceptional accomplishments over the course of their years at CAAD and AUS.

The M.A.D. Award (Motivation + Attitude + Dedication) went to students Sara Mohamed Mohamed (architecture), Shahd Husni Shalak (interior design), Yomna Badr Badr (multimedia design), Ayesha Maria Fernandes (visual communication), Rokaya El Lakis (design management) and Maram Mubarak Ali (urban planning). The award is given to one student from each of the college’s degree programs who exhibits motivation, attitude and dedication to their work.

Awarded for their exemplary organizational leadership, service to the university, enlargement of the college purpose, citizenship and contributions to the community, students Salma Ashraf Ibrahim (multimedia design) and Zainab Oghai Gawhari (architecture) received the Dean’s Service Award.

The American Institute of Architects medal for Academic Excellence recognizes the top architecture graduates whose imagination and design thinking will influence the future of the built environment; this year’s recipient is Yara Moustafa Soliman. Furthermore, CAAD students Tala Alsakka Amini and Habiba Mohamed were recognized by global architecture and design practice Aedas. They received the Aedas Award in recognition of the importance of drawings and graphic representation as the language of architecture and for their unique, risk-taking and provocative work.

The Best Faculty Award 2024 went to Dr. Christopher Kaltenbach, Associate Professor of Art and Design; Camilo Cerro, Associate Professor of Architecture; and Patrick Rhodes, Associate Professor of Architecture (Foundations Year). The awardees were voted by CAAD students for the academic year.

Six Degrees will be on view from June 1 to 8 in Wing B at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park.

To learn more about the AUS College of Architecture, Art and Design, visit www.aus.edu/caad.

-ENDS-

Attached Photos: 

1-6 H.E Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi at (CAAD)’s annual graduate show and industry night, in the presence of industry representatives and members of the various creative communities in the UAE.

7-8 Part of the special recognition ceremony at the exhibition.

High Quality and Additional Photos: https://we.tl/t-hpSBEOxqKZ

Video Link: https://we.tl/t-ssbOp2u4wz

ABU DHABI, 4th April 2024 (WAM) — The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) announced that the Eid Al Fitr holiday in the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) will start from Monday, the 29th of Ramadan 1445 AH (April 8, 2024), until the 3rd of Shawwal 1445 AH.

SCA added in today’s circular that its decision came after consultation and coordination with the financial markets and the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange, based on the circular issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources regarding the Eid Al Fitr holiday.

SCA clarified that trading and regular working hours will resume in the markets on Friday, April 12, 2024, if Eid Al Fitr falls on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, or on Monday, April 15, 2024, if Eid falls on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

SCA pointed out that for the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange and Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation, they will continue to operate during the mentioned holiday period, and their trading hours will be as usual.

ABU DHABI, 29th May, 2024 (WAM) — Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) welcomed today the listing of the Chimera S&P Japan UCITS ETF. This marks the first ETF tracking Japanese equities to be launched on ADX. Managed by Abu Dhabi-based investment management firm Lunate Capital LTD, the ETF replicates the performance of the S&P Japan BMI Liquid 35/20 Capped Index.

The ETF tracks the 30 liquid Japanese companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, including industry leaders like Honda Motor Co, Toyota Motors Corp, Sony, Softbank Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Nippon Steel Corp, Nintendo and more.

The ETF will trade under the ticker symbol JPANI. The Chimera S&P Japan UCITS ETF provides investors direct access to the vibrant Japanese market, further solidifies ADX’s position as the most active and liquid ETF marketplace in the region.

This marks the 13th ETF listing on ADX, giving investors access to nine regional and global markets including the UAE markets. ETF trading values on ADX have exceeded AED5.2 billion in 2023, an increase of almost 161 percent from the previous year, and total ETF trading volumes have reached 1 billion units (representing 205 percent year-on-year growth).

Commenting on the listing, Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of ADX, congratulated Lunate Capital for the successful listing of another ETF on ADX. Alnuaimi highlighted the significance of this listing as the third ETF to launch on the Exchange this year and the 13th overall, emphasising ADX’s growing reputation as the ETF hub in the MENA region.

He further emphasised ADX’s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification agenda by providing investors with new opportunities for portfolio diversification and long-term growth. The listing of the Chimera S&P Japan UCITS ETF enhances ADX’s connectivity and enables investors to capitalise on the performance of Japan’s stock market.

Alnuaimi also noted the remarkable increase in the average daily traded value on ETFs, from AED8 million in 2022 to around AED21 million in 2023 representing an increase of almost 161 percent. This growth underscores ADX’s dedication to expanding investor options and helping them achieve their financial objectives.

The introduction of this latest ETF aligns perfectly with ADX’s goal of extending its reach to a broader range of markets, offering investors more choices for diversification and long-term growth opportunities.”

Sherif Salem, Partner & Head of Public Markets at Lunate, said, “The listing of the Chimera S&P Japan UCITS ETF on the ADX today marks another step forward in our efforts to broaden investor access to key global markets, including those in Asia. This listing enables our clients and investors to diversify their portfolios by seamlessly tapping into the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the world’s third largest stock market within the fourth-largest economy. The launch of our 15th ETF on the UAE’s stock markets is a testament to our confidence in the UAE’s dynamic economy and supports a push to attract more investors to its financial markets.”

The Chimera S&P Japan UCITS ETF is designed as a physical, in-kind, liquid, and fully fungible fund. It tracks Japanese equities listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and intends to distribute dividends semi-annually, when available.

The listing is aligned with ADX’s strategic approach to offering investors diversified and innovative investment solutions, catering to the evolving needs of both retail and institutional investors globally.

ABU DHABI, 29th May, 2024 (WAM) — Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, has partnered with SATCOM Technologies to explore new satellite communications opportunities in Zimbabwe.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Yahsat’s ongoing expansion across the African continent, enabling key economic sectors, government departments, and organizations to harness the power of satellite connectivity.

Yahsat’s strategic service partnership with SATCOM Technologies will reinforce its presence in Africa as both parties aim to work more closely with the Zimbabwe Government. Services are expected to commence in June.

Under the service partner agreement, Yahsat and SATCOM Technologies will seek to leverage their expertise to secure government projects by offering innovative, reliable, and efficient satellite-enabled connectivity solutions catering to Zimbabwe’s national requirements and development initiatives, which is expected to transform the country’s connectivity and technological capabilities.

The partnership aims to meet the increasing requirements of various sectors such as mining, agriculture, health, and education.

Sulaiman Al Ali, CCO of Yahsat, said, “We are proud to partner with SATCOM Technologies to deliver our cutting-edge satellite connectivity solutions to Zimbabwe. This strategic partnership is a testament to our commitment to enhancing connectivity across the continent, supporting the digital transformation journey of African nations, and improving access to essential services for all.”

Tafadzwa Collins Semu, CEO of SATCOM Technologies, added, “We are excited to join forces with Yahsat to unlock the immense potential of satellite connectivity in Zimbabwe. Our partnership will play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, fostering economic growth, and enabling access to vital services for our communities.”