Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the Ras Al Khor Road Widening Project from 3 to 4 lanes along a 3 km stretch in both directions. Works extend from the Bu Kadra intersection to the Al Khail Road intersection. RTA will widen the collector road for turns on Ras Al Khor Road in the direction of the Dubai-Al Ain Road from one to two lanes by the start of April.
This project is part of RTA’s efforts to upgrade Dubai’s infrastructure, particularly in areas experiencing rapid urbanisation and population growth. Ras Al Khor Road is a critical artery that serves numerous residential and industrial districts home to approximately 650,000 residents, in addition to an array of several ongoing development projects.
Widening Ras Al Khor Road from three to four lanes in each direction will improve traffic movement, increase the intake of vehicles from 6,000 to 8,000 per hour and reduce travel times by up to 33% during peak periods. Additionally, the upgrade to the bypass lane towards Dubai-Al Ain Road is expected to double the capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 vehicles per hour and enhance vehicle flow by 100%.
The Sultanate of Oman’s pavilion at the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha Qatar won the “Best Content Award for Pavilions”.
Khalid Salim Al Zuhaimi, Commissioner-General of the Sultanate of Oman’s pavilion at Expo 2023, said that the award recognizes the commitment of the Omani Pavilion in applying the terms and specifications set for the topic of “Green Desert, Better Environment”.
The Omani pavilion, he explained, highlighted the themes of sustainability, environmental awareness, technology, innovation and modern farming, he added.
Al Zuhaimi pointed out that the Omani pavilion contained 1,600 aboriginal Omani trees and plants, including 56 species that are unique to the Omani environment at the regional level. He explained the plants were transferred from the Oman Botanic Garden, one of the pioneering projects and an important pillar on the tourism map in Oman.
Dubai, UAE, 27 March 2024: Emirates has commenced the activation of its fuel agreement with Neste this month at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Over 2 million gallons of blended SAF will be supplied into the fuelling system at Schiphol Airport over the course of 2024.
The airline will track the delivery of SAF into the fuelling systems and environmental benefits using standard industry accounting methodologies. Emirates’ partnership with Neste, announced late last year, represents one of the largest volumes of SAF that the airline has purchased to date.
Once fully supplied into Amsterdam Schiphol’s fuelling system, the blended SAF will have been comprised of over 700,000 gallons of neat SAF. The airline is also working with Neste to supply SAF into the fuelling systems at Singapore Changi Airport in the next few months.
Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer, Emirates said: “Collaborating with committed partners like Neste is one of the practical steps we are taking to reduce our emissions, and it’s an all-important milestone in our own sustainability journey as an airline. Strong partnerships like this, especially at major air transport hubs such as Amsterdam, lay the foundation for how we can work with partners and airports to increase access to and availability of SAF across our network.”
Alexander Kueper, Vice President Renewable Aviation, Neste said: “We are proud to support Emirates in their sustainability journey. SAF is an available solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air travel and it is exciting that Emirates have started using our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. It is also a great example of how we are working together with partners to accelerate SAF usage and are looking forward to the next steps of our cooperation.”
SAF used as part of this agreement can be safely dropped into existing jet engines and airport fuelling infrastructure, and in neat form reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%* compared to using conventional jet fuel.
Emirates’ first flight powered by SAF blended with jet fuel took place in 2017 from Chicago. The airline currently operates flights from Paris, Lyon and Oslo with SAF. In October of last year, Emirates, with the support of partners, also integrated SAF into Dubai Airport fuelling systems, allocating the SAF to a number of flights, including a flight to Sydney.
Earlier this year, the airline became the first international carrier to join the Solent Cluster in the UK, an initiative focused on low carbon investments with the potential to create a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant that can produce up to 200,000 tonnes (200 kt) per year if operational by 2032.
Emirates also actively contributes to a number of industry and UAE government working groups and is in continuous discussion with a range of stakeholders to help scale the production and supply of SAF. The airline, along with the UAE GCAA has actively played a part in developing the UAE’s power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, driven by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum, in addition to contributing to the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap which aims to transform the UAE into a regional hub for alternative aviation fuels with the ambition to produce 700 million litres of SAF by 2030.
Joining entities across aviation, government, regulatory, academic, fuel production and the manufacturer value chain, Emirates is a founding participant of the UAE research consortium Air-CRAFT, focused on developing, producing, and scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies for the industry.
*When used in neat form (i.e. unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology
The Dubai-based carrier announces services to two destinations in Saudi Arabia with the launch of twice-weekly flights to Al Jouf and Red Sea International
flydubai grows its network to 129 destinations in 58 countries
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28 March 2024: flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced today the launch of services to two destinations in Saudi Arabia. This includes the resumption of flights to Al Jouf and the start of operations to Red Sea International.
Flights to Al Jouf Airport (AJF) and Red Sea International Airport (RSI) start from 18 April and will operate twice a week from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB).
Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to further expand our network in the GCC with the launch of flights to Al Jouf and Red Sea International. flydubai is committed to supporting the ongoing development in the economic and tourism sectors in the region and we are confident that these direct flights will further support the existing strong ties. We would like to thank the authorities for their support and we look forward to adding more frequencies on existing routes in the future, enabling more people to travel conveniently to more places.”
flydubai has built a network of 129 destinations across 58 countries and is served by a young and efficient fleet of 86 Boeing 737 aircraft. Since the start of 2024, flydubai has inaugurated operations to Langkawi, Mombasa and Penang and has announced the start of flights to Basel, Riga, Sochi, Tallinn and Vilnius later this year.
Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, said: “flydubai becomes the first carrier to operate to Red Sea International from the UAE, offering passengers direct access to Saudi Arabia’s resorts at The Red Sea destination. This underscores our commitment to opening up underserved markets and further connecting the regions we operate to via Dubai’s aviation hub.”
Red Sea International Airport (RSI) was built to provide an easy route for guests travelling to The Red Sea. Today, two luxury resorts are open at the destination: Six Senses Southern Dunes and St. Regis Red Sea Resort. Three more resorts are on track to open this year. Upon full completion in 2030, The Red Sea will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination also includes luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B and leisure facilities.
Commenting on flydubai’s announcement, Michael White, Chief Commercial Officer of Red Sea International Airport, said: “the arrival of international travellers represents an exciting next phase in RSI’s development, following our first domestic flights touching down in September last year. We are committed to providing exceptional services to passengers and airlines alike and we look forward to further expanding our network to serve The Red Sea and travellers from around the world.”
Flight details for the two destinations
Flights to Al Jouf Airport (AJF) from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) will operate twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.
Return Business Class fares from DXB to AJF start from AED 8,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 1,400. Return Business Class fares from AJF to DXB start from SAR 5,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from SAR 1,200.
Flights to Red Sea International Airport (RSI) from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) will operate twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays.
Return Business Class fares from DXB to RSI start from AED 9,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 3,100. Return Business Class fares from RSI to DXB start from SAR 9,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from SAR 3,100.
Flights are available to book on flydubai.com, the official flydubai App, the Contact Centre in Dubai on (+971) 600 54 44 45, the flydubai travel shops or through our travel partners.
DUBAI, 28th March, 2024 (WAM) — Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) reported that its shareholders have, in the general assembly held on 28th March 2024, approved the payment of total dividend of AED 3.1 billion with a record date of 8th April 2024.
The meeting, chaired by Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEWA, was attended by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, and Members of the Board of Directors of DEWA, as well as 85.9 percent of the shareholders.
For shareholders who are invested in DEWA’s shares prior to the dividend record date of 8th April 2024 (with a Last Entitlement Date of 4th April 2024), the next twelve-month dividend yield is 5.0 percent with reference to IPO share price of AED 2.48 per share.
Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of DEWA, said, “Thanks to the insightful vision and wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has become a global hub for trade, finance, tourism, and green economy. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority plays a crucial role in ensuring that Dubai’s infrastructure keeps pace with the increasing demand for energy and water. Our unwavering efforts have contributed to DEWA’s record of achievements, highlighted the transition to clean energy and established DEWA’s global leadership. DEWA is focused on the strategic objective of delivering sustainable growth, staying at the forefront of smart and innovative operational excellence and optimizing returns for all stakeholders while minimizing its environmental footprint.”
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, commented, “DEWA is committed to achieving operational excellence and sustainable growth in alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. In 2023, DEWA’s annual revenue exceeded AED 29 billion, operating profit was over AED 8.7 billion and EBITDA was over AED 14.7 billion, all figures reflecting the highest in its history.”
“We recorded the highest annual power generation of 56.1 TWh, which includes clean power generation of 6.2 TWh. We also recorded the highest peak power demand of 10.4 GW. On the water side, we reported the highest annual desalinated water production of 143.3 billion gallons and the highest daily peak water demand of 434 MIG. In line with our sustainability commitment, we achieved annual emissions reduction of over 9.1 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023. DEWA set a global milestone in 2023 by recording the lowest Electricity line loss of 2 percent, lowest electricity Customer Minutes Lost of 1.06 minutes annually per customer as well as achieving world’s lowest Water line loss of 4.6 percent. Looking ahead, I am optimistic about our operating and financial outlook for 2024. The surge in tourism, growth in the residential and commercial demand for our services and the rising active day-time population in the Emirate are promising indicators of further opportunities to grow our business,” Al Tayer added.
ABU DHABI, 28th March, 2024 (WAM) — The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), a leading company in the integrated coordination of planning, purchasing and supply of water and electricity across the UAE, and Tadweer Group, a sustainable waste champion, have signed a concession agreement with a Japan-based consortium comprised of Marubeni Corporation, Hitachi Zosen Inova AG (HZI), and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development (JOIN). The local and global partners will join forces for the development of the world-leading greenfield Abu Dhabi Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Independent Power Project (IPP).
The concession agreement was signed at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre by Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tadweer Group, and Roni Araiji, consortium representative and Managing Director Middle East of Hitachi Zosen Inova Ltd. The signing took place in the presence of representatives from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.
Set to be the world’s most advanced WtE facility, and one of the region’s largest, the project will have an expected annual processing capacity of 900,000 tonnes of waste, enabling an expected carbon emissions reduction of 1.1 million tonnes per year. The world-leading project will set benchmarks for WtE energy projects in terms of scale, efficiency and environmental benefits. This reinforces Tadweer Group’s ambition as a sustainability champion of diverting 80 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s waste from landfills by 2030 and helping to create a blueprint for alternative energy sources. Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said: “Today marks a milestone for Abu Dhabi and the UAE as we continue to accelerate the decarbonisation and sustainable transformation of the country’s economy. In partnership with Tadweer Group, this significant waste-to-energy project enables Abu Dhabi’s strategic shift towards integrating sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources that cater to its community’s needs and drive the development of the UAE’s circular economy. EWEC is at the forefront of accelerating the UAE’s energy transition, and we are proud to expand our portfolio to include circular economy projects, such as waste-to-energy. We look forward to collaborating with Tadweer Group and our Japanese partners in setting a new standard for waste-to-energy projects in the region and beyond.”
Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tadweer Group, commented: “This concession agreement marks a new chapter in our mission to promote environmental sustainability and implement accelerated technology, showcasing the importance of waste conversion to clean energy. This project is a cornerstone in our strategy to reduce reliance on landfills, lower carbon emissions, and support the UAE’s energy agenda. We look forward to working closely with our partners to harness pioneering technologies that transform waste into valuable resources.” Isao Suzuki, Regional CEO of Marubeni Corporation for Middle-East, said: “At Marubeni, we are deeply honoured to participate in this landmark waste-to-energy project, a pivotal initiative that embodies our commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. This project not only marks a significant advancement in the UAE’s journey towards a circular economy but also showcases the strength of international collaboration in addressing global challenges. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Marubeni’s dedication to innovation in the energy sector, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in waste management and energy production.” This partnership between EWEC, Tadweer Group, Marubeni Corporation, HZI, and JOIN aligns with the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Policy, which provides the country with a framework to achieve sustainable governance, optimising the use of natural resources, and finding efficient infrastructure solutions.
DUBAI, 28th March, 2024 (WAM) — CABSAT, the Middle East’s flagship event for content, broadcast, satellite, media, and entertainment, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with its highly anticipated return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 21 till 23, 2024. Also returning is the second edition of co-located event Integrate Middle East, the leading forum and sourcing platform for the global Pro AV and media technology community that connects industry leaders with integrated solution buyers from the education, media, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and communication sectors. Since its inception, CABSAT has evolved over the years to align with the latest trends and technologies in the MEASA region. Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre in partnership with key stakeholders from the MEASA media industry, it features insightful presentations, panel discussions, workshops, product demonstrations, and technology master classes, along with a diverse culture of knowledge sharing. In 2024, the Middle East’s media and entertainment market is projected to reach USD 42.72 billion and grow at a CAGR of 9.41 per cent to attain USD 66.99 billion by 2029[i]. The region retains its position as a leading destination for filmed content, broadcast, and satellite industries, undergoing a significant transformation from a content consumption market to a content creation hub. CABSAT 2024 is set to unveil the future of content creation and distribution, serving as a platform for the global media, entertainment, and technology industry, attracting over 120 countries. This year’s event is poised to be an exceptional platform, featuring the return of the Content Congress, which offers opportunities to explore and provide insights on the evolving media landscape; the SATEXPO Summit, a lead distributors, that facilitates innovation within the satellite and space community and offers opportunities to form strategic partnerships; and NextGen Content, which enables screening of un-released content, further offering a platform for the region’s best content creators, distributors, and investors. It also offers exclusive spaces for engagement, discussion, and innovation within the creator economy and sustainable space exploitation. After its successful premier in 2023, Integrate Middle East will once again unite Pro AV and system integration tech leaders, attracting buyers from various sectors throughout the MENA region. The event is set to highlight the expedited development of the Pro AV market, which is projected to reach USD 396.41 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 8.61 per cent from 2024 to 2028[ii]. The several factors that have played a crucial role in the market’s growth, are the increased use of digital signage, the rise in popularity of e-learning, and the advances in technology as mentioned in the Technavio Pro AV Market Analysis. Integrate Middle East will further shed light on the advancements in the global smart buildings market as well, which has been estimated to increase from USD 96 billion in 2023 to USD 408 billion by 2030, according to a report by Market Research Future.[iii] Once again, key topics such as innovation utilisation, the metaverse, the future of work, business-critical digital signage, smart buildings, and sustainable design will be discussed at the Integrate Middle East Summit specifically aligned with the agenda of the Pro AV industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from world-class speakers and industry specialists, making the most of valuable networking opportunities. CABSAT’s collaboration with Integrate Middle East offers a platform for attendees and exhibitors to access emerging business opportunities across education, media, entertainment, hospitality, retail, and communication sectors, along with corporate, events, and real estate industries. Abhishek Ganapathy, Director, the Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 30th edition of CABSAT 2024, which will coincide with the second edition of Integrate Middle East, offering a unique platform that brings together leaders in content, broadcast, satellite, media, and entertainment sectors. This event has successfully drawn participants from various sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, media, and governments across the MENA region. We anticipate that this collaboration will open newer avenues for technology leaders and integrated solution buyers to explore emerging markets trends.” With a long-standing history of three decades, CABSAT continues to serve as a platform for business, networking and knowledge sharing for the MEASA region’s media, content, and digital markets. As the event celebrates its 30th anniversary, it aims at shaping the future of content creation and distribution in collaboration with industry leaders and stakeholders.
DUBAI, 28th March, 2024 (WAM) — Following the success of the inaugural MENA IPO Summit last year, Dubai Financial Market (DFM) is set to return with a bigger and more promising edition of its flagship event “The Capital Market Summit”, the region’s only IPO-focused event. Scheduled to take place on the 1st and 2nd of May 2024 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the Capital Market Summit will serve as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and cultivating dynamic dialogue within Dubai’s vibrant IPO and capital market ecosystem.
Building on the momentum generated by last year’s event, the 2024 edition of the Capital Market Summit will play a crucial role in igniting interest in IPOs and listings across various asset classes, stimulating discussions on capital raising activities and financial innovations, and, most importantly, attracting regional and international players to the Dubai capital market. Through informative live sessions, attendees will acquire invaluable insights, connect with influential business leaders, and explore avenues for accelerating growth with some of the region’s most exciting businesses.
DFM’s Capital Market Summit will feature prestigious platinum sponsors including Bank of America, Citibank, and Emirates NBD, alongside gold sponsors CACIB/Kepler Cheuvreux, DIFC, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Moelis & Co. and Rothschild, and silver sponsors EFG Hermes, Morgan Stanley and S&P. This lineup solidifies the summit’s reputation as a premier event for industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders.
Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, said, “We believe that the Capital Market Summit this year contributes to enhancing the exceptional progress that Dubai has witnessed in its transformation into a leading global financial center. Public offerings in Dubai have attracted over 1 trillion dirhams from various categories of investors since 2021. The second edition of this summit will feature a unique mix of participants from listed companies, upcoming IPOs, as well as a select group of regional and global experts and partners from stock exchanges, regulatory authorities, and financial institutions. This will provide a key platform supporting economic sectors and decision-makers to promote and support growth in the capital markets arena.”
Arshad Ghafur, President MENA, Bank of America commented, “Bank of America formally established its operations in the UAE in February 1972. We have witnessed first-hand the transformation of the economy and the capital markets driven by the wider vision of Dubai’s Leadership. Leveraging on our leading position in the booming primary market for IPOs, which is supported by a long-standing commitment to be one of the top traders and providers of liquidity in the secondary market, Bank of America has worked closely with key stakeholders to achieve a common goal: structural sustainable growth & development. It has been an honour and a privilege to have played a role in the continued success of Dubai as a global financial hub and the evolution of Dubai’s Capital Markets. We believe this is only the beginning.”
Maria Ivanova, Citi Country Officer and Banking Head, UAE, said: “We are proud to be a main sponsor of the DFM’s second Capital Market Summit and contribute to the discourse on capital market developments. For over six decades, Citi has been actively leading landmark transactions in support of the UAE’s economic progress and we look forward to being an ever active player in the evolution of the country’s capital market ecosystem.”
Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD, said: “We are delighted to partner once again with DFM for their flagship Capital Market Summit, a strategic platform aimed at advancing the investment landscape in our region. Emirates NBD has long been a leader in this space, driving initiatives to enhance international investor access through digitization and spearheading multiple new listing. Our support for this summit underpins our commitment to improving local market knowledge and showcasing success stories of the market.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East, said: “Connecting clients across our international network to the substantial opportunities in the region’s financial markets is a core priority for HSBC and, as the only bank to have led the annual equity and debt capital markets league tables in the Middle East for three years in succession, we see the DFM Capital Market Summit as an excellent platform for investors, issuers, and industry stakeholders to explore and shape the future.”
As Dubai further establishes itself as a global financial hub, the Capital Market Summit Series stands as a testament to the emirate’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity within the capital markets.
SHARJAH, 28th March, 2024 (WAM) – Under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah, and presence of Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2024 brought together business leaders, senior government officials, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, to the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) to collaboratively address how investments across a diversity of industries can be designed to maximise innovation and impact. Held under the theme “Innovating for Impact,” the Majlis was co-organised by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah).
Aligned with Sharjah’s dedication to impactful socio-economic progress, this year’s theme underscored the emirate’s commitment to fostering significant change across diverse sectors such as sustainable infrastructure, education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. Through engaging and insightful discussions, the majlis’ attendees highlighted Sharjah’s and the UAE’s multifaceted efforts in building the nation’s future with a strong focus on impact.
In her welcoming address, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, observed that the fast-paced world encouraged competition, but she insisted “we must act responsibly and with purpose.” Adding to this, she stated, “It’s essential that we remain grounded in the true essence of our efforts, and the tangible difference they make in our communities and the wider world. In Sharjah, our approach is characterised by a steadfast commitment to human development and community welfare. Our ambition goes beyond mere profit or chasing temporary success—we see innovation as a means to build resilience in our community.”
During an enlightening keynote address, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, stated “Innovation is the key to the future and the primary driver that the UAE adopts in various sectors in order to build a strong, flexible, and more competitive national economy. Through the directives of our visionary leadership, the UAE is accelerating its economic transformation. Modern legislation fosters a thriving business environment, aligning with the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision and this ambitious plan positions the UAE as a global leader in the new economy, driven by a robust knowledge-based system fueled by technology and innovation.”
“We have signed an MoU with the Sharjah Investor Services Center (SAEED) which falls within our joint national efforts to simplify procedures, support the business environment, and provide everything necessary for emerging companies and entrepreneurs to contribute to enhancing economic growth by relying on innovative and sustainable technologies, and thus be able to make an impact,” His Excellency added.
The MoU aims to streamline trademark registration services for companies and institutions, as well as facilitate transactions with relevant government departments. It also involves exchanging information through meetings, with a particular focus on government services and business startup procedures.
Under the MoU, the Ministry of Economy will support SAEED by providing guidance, training, and technical assistance to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of trademark processes. Additionally, the ministry will encourage investors to utilise the centre’s services by highlighting its benefits.
Sharjah’s grand designs for innovation and impact
The event featured two panel discussions addressing pressing issues and showcasing success stories. The first panel, “Sharjah: Forging Future Frontiers in Innovation,” showcased the emirate’s pioneering initiatives and strategies towards fostering innovation and impactful change. Distinguished panellists included Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq; Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP; Khaled Huraimel, GCEO and Vice Chairperson of Beeah Group; Mohammad Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah (AUS); and moderated by Abeer Al Ameeri, Head of Partnerships at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), this session explored how these entities integrate the principles of people, planet and profit into their operations, driving sustainable development and societal progress.
During the discussion, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq said, “As Sharjah continues to lead in guiding investments and innovations towards impactful outcomes, Shurooq’s commitment to enhancing all aspects and dimensions of sustainable development is further entrenched. Shurooq is leading the efforts aimed at building a more sustainable future through innovative practices and eco-friendly initiatives that transcend the environmental aspect to social, economic and cultural aspects. From solar energy integration to eco-retreats, we are dedicated to preserving our natural resources and enhancing environmental awareness. At the same time, Shurooq is supporting, empowering and ensuring the quality of life of the local communities. In doing so, Shurooq’s sustainability strategy aligns with the national goals, ensuring every project prioritizes preservation, and contributes to achieving the balance between economic growth and social development. Together, we’re boosting the economic prosperity in Sharjah which cherishes its environment, community and diverse economy.”
Sheraa launches Centers of Excellence to catalyse entrepreneurial growth in key sectors During the Majlis, Sheraa unveiled their latest initiative, the Centers of Excellence (CoE), which have been designed to stimulate start-up led growth for the region’s economy. Focused on empowering founders leading innovation across four future-focussed sectors of Sustainability, Manufacturing, EdTech and Creative Industries, the CoEs seek to revolutionise the support system for startups in Sharjah by facilitating strategic partnerships, market access and impactful assessments.
For her part, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, said, “This year’s Ramadan Majlis provided a perfect opportunity to announce Sheraa’s next chapter uniting Sharjah’s ecosystem and I am proud to unveil our newest strategic initiative. Starting this year, Sheraa will further enhance its focus on four specific key sectors, namely, the Cultural and Creative Industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Cleantech and Sustainable Technologies; as well as Edtech and Digital Learning. These sectors, steeped in Sharjah’s inherent strengths, represent an opportunity to leverage existing foundations to help entrepreneurs design the future. Each sector will be bolstered by a dedicated ecosystem, known as a ‘Center of Excellence,’ providing entrepreneurs with invaluable support from corporate partners, tailored guidance from prominent experts, regulatory insights from policymakers, technological resources from leading global providers, and financial backing from VCs and strategic investors.”
SRTI Park and ICPM sign MoU empowering healthcare innovation
During the Ramadan Majlis, SRTI Park signed an MoU with the International Conference of Pharmacy & Medicine (ICPM) for organising a series of healthcare-related exhibitions, conferences, and events. The MoU aims to achieve the following objectives: support the establishment of a Healthcare Hub at SRTIP; attract mature startups and SMEs in areas as AI-based diagnostic, medical devices, medical rehabilitation and training; support SMEs and startups joining the SAIA Healthcare Accelerator 2014, establishing value-added connections with UAE government and industry players; and launch a series of theme-based events focused on healthcare and wellness sector, involving government entities, large UAE and international corporates, top faculty from UAE academia and innovative SMEs and startups.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said: “We are delighted to be part of this amazing Ramadan Majlis which adds a sparkle to Ramadan festivities by blending the community spirit with business networking. I am happy to say that SRTIP continues its march towards phenomenal growth by attracting leading global companies across diverse technological sectors, such as AI, water technologies, 3D printing, robotics, and others. Our notable successes include our collaborations with the American University of Sharjah in conductive concrete; with Arada for building a sustainable water treatment plant; and with Maxbyte for launching a pioneering Industry X.0 Center of Excellence at SRTIP. And today, we are pleased to enter into a partnership with ICPM to take our new focus area of healthcare to the next level.”
Driving Growth through Innovation: Invest in Sharjah’s vision at Ramadan Majlis
Mohamed Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, reinforced the role that innovation and strategic partnerships play in the Emirate’s progress, and the importance of events like Ramadan Majlis, stating, “Invest in Sharjah remains committed to supporting an innovative ecosystem that has resulted in positive outcomes and impressive growth year after year. In 2023, Sharjah secured AED1.8 billion in FDI inflows, excluding the Real Estate Sector which attracted alone AED 5.9 billion in FDI. Businesses within our Emirate continue to thrive attracting more enterprise to our shores, shown by roughly 400 factories opened in Sharjah in 2023. We are excited to reveal that 2024 is on course to deliver even greater results, showcasing substantial growth and a promising trajectory in innovation and sustainability for the rest of the year.”
Purposeful investments driving impact
The second discussion, “Majlis Special: Integrating Purpose and Business for Sustainable Impact,” delved into current trends, innovations, and success stories in impact investing in the region. Led by Myrna Atalla, Executive Director of Alfanar Venture Philanthropy and Amna Al Maazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, and moderated by Sonia Weymuller, Founder of VentureSouq, the dialogue offered invaluable insights into the power of purpose-driven investment and the importance of collaboration for the greater good.
Strategic partnerships with essential stakeholders
Honouring the strategic partners, Sheraa has forged to bolster the CoEs, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi presented awards to the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah); American University of Sharjah (AUS); Ministry of Industries and Advanced Technology; Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Emirates Development Bank (EDB); Ministry of Culture; Sharjah Private Education Authority; Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; University of Sharjah (UOS); BEEAH Group and Sharjah Sustainable City.
ABU DHABI, 27th March, 2024 (WAM) — The 14th group of wounded Palestinian children and cancer patients arrived in the UAE on Wednesday in response to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide medical treatment for 1,000 wounded children, and 1,000 cancer patients from the Gaza Strip, in the UAE’s hospitals.
Departing from Al Arish International Airport, the plane landed at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, carrying 32 Palestinians who were accompanied by 64 family members.
Families of the patients expressed profound gratitude to the UAE for its significant humanitarian assistance, which aimed at easing the plight of the Palestinian people.
Upon arrival, medical teams swiftly transported the patients to hospitals for immediate care, while the remaining cases and their companions were taken to the Emirates Humanitarian City for accommodation.
Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has been a steadfast supporter of Gaza, launching “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3” in November 2023 to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
The UAE has strengthened its humanitarian response to the crisis by continuously providing food, humanitarian assistance, and emergency medical assistance to the Palestinian people. The country established a 150-bed field hospital in Gaza and the Floating Hospital in Al Arish port, which has a capacity of 100 beds, operating rooms, intensive care, radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, and medical cabinets.
Additionally, the UAE launched six desalination plants in Rafah, Egypt, to address the dire water infrastructure situation in Gaza and ensure the Palestinian people’s access to safe drinking water. These plants desalinate about 1.2 million gallons per day, pumping them through pipes extending into Gaza.
The competent authorities in the UAE implemented the ‘Tarahum – for Gaza’ campaign to provide relief aid to the Palestinian people impacted by the war in the Gaza Strip, mainly targeting vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly.
These initiatives exemplify the UAE’s long-standing dedication to supporting the Palestinian people, alleviating their hardships, and fostering solidarity and cooperation through impactful humanitarian efforts.
