UAE – Site Title

UAE President’s Cup World Series for Purebred Arabian Horses a catalyst for public diplomacy, global communication: Hend Al Otaiba

PARIS, 16th May, 2023 Hend Mana Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to France, has highlighted the significance of the UAE President’s Cup World Series for Purebred Arabian Horses for promoting public diplomacy and communication between the UAE and France, as well as cooperation across culture and sports.

The championship achieved considerable success in previous years and continues to excel this year due to its significance and its association with the name of His Highness, along with the historical status of the Arabian horse racing event on the global stage, she added.

“The event reflects the message of the UAE to build bridges of communication and convergence among communities worldwide

“The event reflects the message of the UAE to build bridges of communication and convergence among communities worldwide through such important occasions. I extend my congratulations to the UAE’s leadership for the success achieved by the race and the grand carnival at the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, which marked the first round of the Cup, with a large audience in attendance. This provided a crucial opportunity for the French and Europeans to become acquainted with the culture and heritage of the UAE, as well as the interest of the country’s leadership in the sport, which showcases the beauty and strength of Arabian horses,” Al Otaiba said.PR

Source: https://wam.ae/en/details/1395303158629

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Sultan AlQasimi opens 41st edition of Sharjah International Book Fair

Under the theme ‘Spread the Word’, the 2022 edition of SIBF runs between November 2-13 with the participation of 2,213 publishers from 95 countries.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), on Tuesday evening, November 1st, at Expo Centre Sharjah.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah marked the opening of SIBF 2022 by welcoming the gathering of eminent writers, intellectuals, publishers and leading thought leaders from the region and across the world to a vibrant new edition of the annual book fair.

His Highness said: “The opening of the 41st SIBF marks the beginning of a celebration of 12 days of cultural activities and is an opportunity for children, youth and families across the UAE to enrich their learning in arts and sciences, and forge close connections with cultures across the world through books of diverse genres at the fair.”

His Highness continued: “The past edition of the annual Sharjah International Book Fair witnessed the launch of 17 volumes of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language and this year, we are launching a new set of 19 volumes. These 36 volumes document nine letters of the Arabic alphabet and I would like to express my gratitude to the researchers, linguists, and experts for their untiring dedication and efforts that have led to this great accomplishment.”

The Sharjah Ruler also honoured Sudanese historian Yusuf Fadl Hasan, the SIBF 2022 ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ at the opening ceremony.

Power of the written word in building civilisations

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA; SIBF 2022 Cultural Personality Yusuf Fadl Hasan; and Lorenzo Fanara, Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, delivered keynote speeches at the opening ceremony. The Italian Ambassador represented Italy, the Guest of Honour nation of the 41st SIBF.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with an artistic show featuring a blend of creative digital imagery and live performances echoing the message of the importance of the word and its impact in building and nurturing civilisations. The show conveyed the key message of the SIBF 2022 theme, Spread the Word, with an inspiring commentary that said: “Everything begins with a word. The mind gives shape and form to the word through meaning which helps build civilisations and nurture generations.”

The inaugural ceremony also screened a short film documenting the progress of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language. Representatives of various Arab Language Academies who had a pivotal role in producing the new volumes of the Corpus also took a group photograph with the Ruler of Sharjah at the event.

Largest book fair in the world

In his keynote address, SBA Chairman Ahmed Al Ameri announced that for the second year in a row, SIBF had emerged as the largest book fair in the world in terms of buying and selling copyrights in 2022.

SIBF had emerged as the largest book fair in the world in terms of buying and selling copyrights in 2022.

The SBA Chairman said: “The Sharjah International Book Fair has a history that spans 40 over years and has cemented the foundation of the emirate’s future for a century ahead! My hearty congratulations to Sharjah and the UAE on this momentous occasion! This feat is founded in the wise vision, unwavering support and relentless efforts of Your Highness… You have our sincere gratitude.”

SIBF has become the first in the region to top the world book fairs for the second year in a row in terms of buying and selling of copyrights. The distinguished honour comes as the three-day SIBF Publishers Conference that hosted 1,041 publishers and literary agents concluded with 958 tables set for the matchmaking meetings.

Distinguished honour

For his part, Sudanese historian Yusuf Fadl Hasan, expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah Ruler for conferring him with the distinguished honour of Cultural Personality of SIBF 2022.

He said: “I recollect the visit of His Highness to Khartoum in 1974 and thank him for taking a keen interest in our work at the African and Asian Studies Institute. With deep gratitude, I remember his efforts to foster dialogue between the Arabic nations and African continent and for continuing to support this journey of communication amongst global cultures through hosting conferences and other events in Sharjah.”

Sharjah invests in culture

In his address, Lorenzo Fanara, Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, asserted that Sharjah is the Cultural Capital of the world and has “spread the word of books and knowledge across nations.”

Thanking the Sharjah Ruler, the Italian Ambassador said: “Your Highness has sculpted the name of Sharjah in the history of culture.”

He added that through its activities as Guest of Honour at SIBF 2022, visitors can discover the common values shared between Italy and the Arab nations.

Describing how the roots of commonly used words and names in his home country are derived from Arabic, he said: “These names emphasise our common history. By sharing a common history, we share common values and through these cultural values, we can overcome divisive agendas and forge a future founded on openness and knowledge for the next generations.”

After the opening ceremony, His Highness toured the exhibition inspecting the stalls of participating publishing houses, including the Guest of Honour pavilion, where he was briefed on the events and activities that will be organised throughout the 12-day book fair.

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TIME Hotels announces Middle East expansion plans ahead of ATM 2022

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 April 2022: UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels has outlined ambitious expansion plans to increase its portfolio by 40% to 21 properties throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan.

The UAE-based hospitality company will have a portfolio of 21 properties throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Sudan by 2023

The announcement, which comes ahead of the company’s participation at next month’s Arabian Travel Market, which takes place from 9 – 12 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will see an additional six properties added to TIME Hotel’s portfolio, with developments in Fujairah, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and three in Egypt being showcased at the Middle East’s premier travel showcase.

Mohamed Awadalla, the co-founder and CEO of TIME Hotels, said: “Following the challenges of the last two years, we have seen unprecedented demand for additional rooms in key territories in the region. This, combined with our in-depth market research, has underscored the need for new, quality-driven, value accommodation.

“We have witnessed resounding success throughout the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, and we feel now is the time to expand for the company’s future success. With six new properties, totalling 781 keys, this is an important time for our expansion and growth both regionally and internationally.”

The company will outline its ambitious expansion plans next month during Arabian Travel Market 2022

As part of the company’s expansion plans, TIME Hotels will expand its offering in the UAE with the launch of the TIME Moonstone Hotel Apartments in Fujairah, located just 10 minutes from a host of amenities, including Fujairah Mall, City Centre Fujairah, and the Fujairah Corniche. The 91-key property, which is scheduled to open on 1 May 2022, will feature 13 one-bedroom and 78 two-bedroom apartments, an all-day dining restaurant, a gym, and saunas and steam rooms.

The company will also expand in Egypt with three new properties, including the 117-key Marina Hotel & Convention Centre on the North Coast, which is expected to open later in Q2 2022. The hotel will have three restaurants, including all-day dining, an Italian and O’Learys Sports Restaurant, as well as a rooftop lounge. Guests will have access to a range of spa facilities, a 750 sqm swimming pool and a gym. The hotel will also cater to the MICE market with a 700-person capacity convention centre.

The company will also expand in Egypt with three new properties, including the 117-key Marina Hotel & Convention Centre on the North Coast, which is expected to open later in Q2 2022.

TIME will also open the 201-key five-star TIME Coral Nuweiba Resorts located on the Red Sea. The resort features five restaurants and a range of amenities, including a private beach, pool, and kid’s facilities and will officially open under the TIME banner in Q3 2022.

The final property in Egypt is the TIME Nakheel Deluxe Apartments, located in the New Capital. The 216-key property is scheduled to open its doors in Q1 2023.

In Saudi Arabia, TIME has unveiled plans to open the 57-key TIME Express Al Olaya in the Saudi capital. The Riyadh property, which will target the budget-conscious traveller, will include a restaurant, a range of leisure amenities and a lively rooftop terrace with a shisha area and dining options.

Rounding out the new openings is TIME’s first foray into the Sudanese market with the TIME Ahlan Hotel Apartments in Khartoum. The 57-key property will be home to a coffee shop, meeting rooms, a rooftop terrace, a swimming pool, a gym, and a juice bar.

“This is an exciting time for the region’s tourism industry and offers a myriad of opportunities for TIME Hotels, not only with these openings but with others that will come further down the line. We have strategically developed a range of brands within our portfolio to offer our guests, whether corporate or leisure, exactly what they want and need from a holiday, business trip or short break,” concluded Awadalla.

TIME Hotels will be exhibiting on stand HC0620 during this year’s Arabian Travel Market.

For more information, please log onto https://www.timehotels.com/

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Xebia to support digital transformation drive in the Middle East

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 April 2022: Leading global IT consultancy, Xebia, is expanding in the Middle East against a backdrop of rapid demand in the region, as more and more businesses realise they must undergo a digital transformation or face an uncertain future.

IT Consultancy delivers cutting-edge services to help regional organisations stay competitive

Netherlands-headquartered Xebia has had a presence in the region since opening a Dubai office in 2016. But this year, it has announced ambitious growth plans, backed by an ever-growing client roster.

From just one local client and 14 staff in 2016, the company has experienced tremendous growth in the last six years within the Middle East and Africa region, with more than 300 regional staff and 14 clients spread throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt. Xebia helps forward-thinking companies undergo digital transformation in sectors as diverse as airlines, real estate, government, banking, financial services and insurance.

Shankar Garg, Managing Director MEA, Xebia, says: “We are seeing growing interest in our digital transformation consultancy services and solutions as the region awaken to the incredible possibilities of the hyper-connected world. We have new clients, new services, new staff, and a bold, bright future helping drive the region’s vital shift to more digital services.”

Governments, banks and airlines in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC have turned to Xebia for its renowned software excellence

Meeting the growing demand for its suite of services, which includes data and AI, cloud, DevOps, business agility, software development and quality improvement, will see the company team in the region expand to more than 450 people by year-end and to 750 people by the end of 2023.

A key sector driving this rapid growth is banking. Xebia is now working with three of Saudi Arabia’s leading banks.

The roadmap helps banks eliminate paperwork, reduce risk in their core activities, and enables staff to spend less time servicing clients, and in conducting transactions and settlements.

Xebia is long renowned for its coding expertise, with a focus on full stack development, Agile and DevOps expertise. But today, the company is seeing a wave of interest in Low Code – a highly visual, simpler approach to software development that brings cost efficiencies and saves time.

Company staff, turnover and clients set to double in next 18 months

“Using Low Code in our software development endeavours means companies can get bespoke solutions in a fraction of the usual development time, and with better costs – vital elements in the battle to stay ahead in the hyper-fast digital world,” explains Garg, adding that he sees a great deal of interest in Low Code from Saudi Arabian entities keen to leapfrog overly complex legacy software and take advantage of rapid implementation of digital initiatives.

Data storage – especially in the financial services sector – is a substantial regional problem. However, Xebia offers solutions in this area too. Garg says Xebia is seeing a great deal of interest in the number of companies looking to move their data to the cloud.

“This provides a safe, secure and always available remote storage solution,” he explains.

In fact, one of the biggest regional airlines has recently chosen Xebia as a preferred data partner. Through the deal, Xebia will transfer the airline’s data to the cloud via its India-based offshore delivery centre.

From supporting regional governments to helping start-ups gain their first customers, Xebia continues to help companies rapidly evolve to meet the challenges of the digital-first era.

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University of Birmingham Dubai officially opens new campus

The University of Birmingham Dubai officially opened its new campus in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Officially opening our iconic new campus is another exciting milestone which demonstrates the University of Birmingham’s long-term commitment to contributing to UAE society – through in-country partnership in education and areas of research strength that support the National Agenda. “I would like to thank the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), TECOM Group, DIAC and all our partners in the region for their generous support in helping us reach this point. “Our new campus will provide students from the UAE and beyond with excellent, innovative facilities and a first-class education from an elite British university, that sees them graduate as high-achieving and employable problem solvers.”
Professor Adam Tickell, University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor

The University of Birmingham officially opened its iconic new Dubai campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The ceremony marked the next stage in the University’s long-term commitment to positioning Dubai as a regional hub for world-class higher education and talent development.

In addition to high-ranking officials from the UAE, the University of Birmingham’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell and Chancellor Lord Karan Bilimoria, travelled to Dubai to attend the landmark ceremony.

Located opposite Dubai’s first purpose-built student housing community, the campus has been home to students since January. It encourages collaboration across academic disciplines, offering flexible learning spaces and formal teaching spaces to ensure that teaching and research work in tandem to benefit students.

The campus can currently support up to 2,900 students and will eventually be able to support up to 4500 students and feature innovative teaching and research space to encourage cross disciplinary working. Learning spaces incorporate digital technology and a student hub supports student needs across teaching and wellbeing.

Our leadership has always underscored education as the backbone of sustainable economic development, ensuring the availability of skilled and innovation-minded talent across key sectors. For the past 20 years, Dubai has succeeded in attracting global companies and academic institutions to consolidate our knowledge-based economy and boost our competitiveness on a global scale. Leading institutes like the University of Birmingham Dubai have been integral to setting and maintaining high standards of academic excellence, reinforcing our attractiveness to ambitious students who will fuel the success and advancement of our industries, and that of the wider region.”
H.E. Malek Al Malek, Director General of Dubai Development Authority and Group CEO of TECOM Group

Designed by Hopkins Architects and built by Khansaheb, the buildings overlook parkland and natural spaces. They reflect the ‘green heart’ of the University’s campus in Birmingham, giving the student community a complete campus university experience. Sheltered courtyards and social spaces aim to enhance the campus’ sustainability while providing students and staff with a relaxing environment in keeping with Dubai’s unique climate.
The University was the first global top 100 and UK Russell Group university to establish a campus in Dubai in September 2018, and now adds to the leading education hub’s roster of global and local internationally accredited academic institutions. DIAC has played a key role in enabling, advancing and promoting Dubai’s position on the regional and global education scale, and in recent years, the agility and resilience of the Emirate has further boosted its attractiveness to universities and students alike.

The University of Birmingham Dubai is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education – recognising the quality of its educational experience. The University offers degrees taught, examined and accredited to the same high standards as those delivered on its UK campus with students receiving a University of Birmingham degree.

Study programmes include Biomedical Science, Accounting, Financial Management, International Commercial Law, Business, Economics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Public Health, Psychology, Sport Coaching, Urban Planning, Water Resources Management and Education degrees, including teacher training in Special Educational Needs. The range of degree programmes will continue to grow in the new campus.

Our range of programmes in Dubai is already very broad and that is because we believe students benefit from an actively inter-disciplinary environment, where they can learn from different perspectives. “We are crafting our academic offer in Dubai to deliver the experience that every student needs to develop and grow – a ‘digital first’ approach to teaching, learning and assessment. “Sustainability is important to us and partnering with Siemens will make our campuses in Dubai and Birmingham as sustainable as possible. Our beautiful new building is accessible to everyone – as in Birmingham, it is open to the local community for events and opportunities that will enrich the lives of Dubai residents.”
Professor David Sadler, University of Birmingham Dubai Provost

The University’s partnership with Siemens combines digital sensor and analytics technologies, artificial intelligence, decentralised energy generation and storage, renewable energy and concepts that help change users’ behaviour to transform the Edgbaston and Dubai campuses into the world’s smartest global campus, creating a ‘Living Lab’ where research, teaching and learning all benefit from access to new data and connectivity.

The ‘Living Lab’ will capture data from the University’s building technologies, estates infrastructure and energy plants and use it for innovation, R&D activities and teaching. Live data from across the sites provides a unique opportunity for applied learning for students and creates a platform for cutting-edge research. Discover more about the University of Birmingham Dubai.

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Ground-breaking regional anesthesia system to become available in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 13 April 2022: UK-based Medovate – a dynamic medical device development company – has today announced an agreement with AKSIA Healthcare FZC to distribute its SAFIRA™ (SAFer Injection for Regional Anesthesia) product range in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain.

SAFIRA™ is a revolutionary Class II medical device system which is transforming regional anesthesia around the world by making it a one-person procedure.

SAFIRA™ is a revolutionary Class II medical device system which is transforming regional anesthesia around the world by making it a one-person procedure and incorporating a built-in safety system to automatically limit injection pressure.

Following regulatory approvals, SAFIRA™ will become available through AKSIA Healthcare FZC in these three key Middle East markets.

Developed in collaboration with clinicians from the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, the award-winning system puts full control of the injection in the hands of the anesthesiologist, freeing up the previously required assistant to carry out other tasks. The system also helps to improve patient safety by reducing the risk of nerve damage as it automatically limits injection pressure to less than 20psi.

Developed in collaboration with clinicians from the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK

Speaking about their partnership with AKSIA Healthcare FZC Chris Rogers, Sales and Marketing Director, at Medovate, said: “We are delighted to be working with Aksia Healthcare FZC as we now work towards launching SAFIRA in these key markets. This agreement will allow patients and clinicians in both governmental and private facilities to benefit from the value that SAFIRA brings to safer regional anaesthesia.”

Ahmed Sallam, Managing Director of AKSIA Healthcare FZC, added: “We are pleased to enter this partnership with Medovate to distribute SAFIRA™ across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. There is a real need for a system like this, not only to help improve patient safety but also to have a huge impact on the way regional anesthesia is carried out by anesthesiologists.”

SAFIRA™ was demonstrated live at Arab Health 2022 by one of its inventors, Dr Emad Fawzy, a Consultant Anesthesiologist, at the flagship Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Fawzy added: “I am delighted that this pioneering UK-developed medical system will soon be available to use across more Middle East states. The system has already been used by clinicians across the world and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are expecting a large demand for it from Middle Eastern clinicians as it has a huge impact on patient safety.”

Ahmed Sallam, Managing Director of AKSIA Healthcare FZC, added: “We are pleased to enter this partnership with Medovate to distribute SAFIRA™ across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

SAFIRA™ has the potential to make a significant impact by making injection during regional anaesthesia safer, reducing the risk of nerve injury from injection at high pressures. It won the United Kingdom HSJ ‘Patient Safety Innovation of the Year’ award in 2021.

Recent publications, including a joint statement by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management (ASRA) and the European Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Therapy (ESRA), have recommended regional anesthesia be considered whenever surgery is planned for a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient. This is because it preserves respiratory function and avoids aerosolization and the potential for transmission of COVID-19 compared to general anesthesia.

As demand for such procedures continues to grow steadily, SAFIRA™ has the potential to make a significant impact, including in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia in 2020 there were just under 3,500 practicing anesthesiologists and research conducted in 2012 showed 88% of anesthesiologists in Saudi Arabia were practising regional anesthesia on a daily basis . The global ultrasound guided regional anesthesia market is growing and is forecast to register a CAGR of 5.8% through to 2028 .

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The True Meaning of IFZA Partnership

Words such as “collaboration”, “partnering” and “leverage” are words often used in business.Collaborate is to join forces, to make something better or stronger than it was before. The age-old adage that everyone needs to play to their strengths really works. That’s the point of collaborating.

When joining forces with IFZA, business service providers can offer their clients the top choice of Free Zones in Dubai, one of the most sought-after locations in the UAE.

Partnering signifies a relationship of equals. Equals are not necessarily good at the same things. Indeed, a partnership is stronger if two parties join forces, and each do what they do. Whoever is on the receiving end of a partnership benefits from a wider network, skillset and competence offered through the partnership.

Leverage, on the other hand, is often used in the context of making something stronger or better. Through collaborating with partners, we gain market advantage by leveraging our combined network of expertise.Which brings us to partnering with International Free Zone Authority (IFZA). When joining forces with IFZA, business service providers can offer their clients the top choice of Free Zones in Dubai, one of the most sought-after locations in the UAE.

If you are a business formation specialist, law firm, accounting firm, or corporate service provider, IFZA offers you a unique opportunity

The complete package

If you are a business formation specialist, law firm, accounting firm, or corporate service provider, IFZA offers you a unique opportunity to grow your business in the UAE as a member of the global network of IFZA Professional Partners.

In addition to providing Partners a world of B2B advantages and dedicated business support, IFZA also provides knowledge and competence development through the IFZA Academy, the region’s first and only learning institution for the Free Zone industry, and exclusive access to a calendar of elite networking and social events.

For a limited time, new IFZA Professional Partners also get an opportunity to avail a bonus reward of up to AED 10,000 (subject to terms and conditions) to get your new venture going.

To join our extensive global business community, become a new IFZA Professional Partner in three easy steps:

Contact IFZA.
Request and sign the Authorized Partner Agreement.
Submit a copy of your Trade License, or its equivalent in your jurisdiction.
Whether you want to partner, collaborate, leverage, or be part of a world-class team, IFZA invites you to get in touch.

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Lessons from the world’s greatest show

As the gates of Expo 2020 Dubai closed for the final time, Dubai celebrated the end of 182 days of hosting global leaders, businesses, and visitors from hundreds of countries around the world.

The Expo welcomed over 24 million visitors safely and securely and inspired conversations around hope and resilience.

What made this Expo exceptional was that it happened in the middle of a global pandemic where live events grew to a standstill. The Expo welcomed over 24 million visitors safely and securely and inspired conversations around hope and resilience.

So, what can entrepreneurs and businesses learn from Expo 2020 Dubai?

FOCUS ON CREATING AN INCLUSIVE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

From business networking, government and NGO forums, children’s activities, to concerts across a variety of interests, the Expo provided different types of experiences for different audiences, delivered by equally diverse teams.

Applying this in business means paying attention to the needs beyond your immediate target audiences. By being more inclusive, businesses contribute to building a strong and loyal customer base and a wider reach.

IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT YOU, IT IS ALSO ABOUT US

While the Expo was a great opportunity for the UAE to tell its story, it was set against the backdrop of the greater story of humanity. No matter how diverse the expressions were in each of the 192 country pavilions, they were all tied together along the easy-to-understand themes of Opportunity, Sustainability and Mobility.

The success of Expo 2020 Dubai is rooted in the spirit of determination and resilience of the UAE.

Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of overly focusing on what makes them unique to the point of alienating themselves from their target audiences. However, the potential of your company’s brand is only tapped when people relate with it and make it a part of their lives. Connect with your audiences and they will give back to you.

TURN CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES TO STAND OUT

This is what many consider to be the biggest achievement of the Expo 2020 Dubai. In the middle of the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, the organizers implemented measures that ensured the safety of the visitors and the staff onsite.

The important lesson here for businesses is to not be afraid of challenges. Take them into account in your plans. Be decisive. Be flexible.

The success of Expo 2020 Dubai is rooted in the spirit of determination and resilience of the UAE. This makes it an incredibly beneficial place to thrive in business and beyond.

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UAE leads Arab regions in the Global Knowledge Index 2021

Dubai, UAE, April, 2022 – The UAE ranked first in the Arab World and 11th globally in the Global Knowledge Index 2021 issued by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The index measures global knowledge in countries based on their sustainable development policies, ability to build knowledge societies, and develop future oriented policies.

The UAE took sixth place globally in the pre-university education indicator, eighth place in the technical education and professional training indicator, 16th place in the higher education indicator, 28th place in the research development and innovation indicator, 14th place in the ICT indicator, second place in the economy indicator, and 27th place in the enabling environment indicator.

The index was implemented among 154 countries globally and contained seven secondary indicators that marked the performance of six crucial knowledge sectors namely, pre-university education, technical education and professional training, higher education, information and communications technology ICT, research development and innovation, and economy. It also had a secondary indicator that noted the social, political, economic, health and environmental context under which these sectors were being managed.

The results of the Global Knowledge Index 2021 underwent a comprehensive review during the seventh edition of the Knowledge Summit 2022 that was held recently at Expo 2020 Dubai. The index indicated that the UAE displayed exceptional performance in terms of knowledge infrastructure and came 11th among 154 countries globally, and 11th among 61 countries with very high levels of human development.

The UAE took sixth place globally in the pre-university education indicator, eighth place in the technical education and professional training indicator, 16th place in the higher education indicator, 28th place in the research development and innovation indicator, 14th place in the ICT indicator, second place in the economy indicator, and 27th place in the enabling environment indicator.

The index measures global knowledge in countries based on their sustainable development policies, ability to build knowledge societies, and develop future oriented policies.

The index also highlighted five strengths in the UAE’s 2021 results, which were– data upload and download speeds on cellphones, broadband internet subscriptions on cellphones per 100 people, families with internet access at home, individuals with standard ICT skills, and the percentage of internet users.

The fifth edition of the Global Knowledge Index included 155 variables which were chosen from over 40 sources and international databases, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Bank, the International Telecommunication Union, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Labour Organization, and more. The results saw Switzerland taking 1st place for the fifth year in a row, followed by Sweden, USA, Finland, and the Netherlands.

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Solar investment competition in Saudi Arabia to be ‘fierce’, reveals energy expert at Middle East Energy 2022

Dubai, UAE – 8 March 2022: Data from leading renewable energy company, Finergreen, has revealed the solar photovoltaic (PV) investment opportunities and potential in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt, as part of a report produced by SolarPower Europe. The discussion took place at Middle East Energy as part of the Intersolar Conference, which continues today, Tuesday 8 March and tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Renewable energy targets, increased market liberalisation, and the enormous solar potential expected to drive boom in Middle East solar photovoltaic (PV) sector over the next five years

Antonie Poussard, Manager Partner, Finergreen, revealed that with the ambitious renewable energy targets, increased market liberalisation, and the enormous solar potential, the solar PV sector in the Middle East is set to boom over the next five years.

Speaking at the Intersolar Conference this morning, Poussard said: “Saudi Arabia plans to increase its installed PV capacity by adding 9.5GW by 2023. Achieving this goal will result from policymakers reshaping the legal framework governing foreign investments and renewable energy. This, coupled with continued market liberalisation, is how Saudi Arabia will unlock its full solar potential.”

According to the report, Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP) will be the mechanism for delivering the country’s Vision 2030, which forecasts energy consumption to increase threefold between 2016 and 2030.

Antonie Poussard, Managing Partner at renewable energy specialists Finergreen, outlined the findings of a report exploring the solar PV potential in the region at Middle East Energy in Dubai

“Thanks to the Ministry of Energy’s aim to increase the share of natural gas and renewable energy sources by approximately 50% by 2030, there are ample opportunities for private sector investment and public sector partnerships which have already attracted the attention of the likes of Acwa Power, EDF, Masdar and JinkoSolar,” added Poussard.

The report also highlighted Jordan’s plans to decrease its dependency on fossil fuel imports with an ambitious renewable energy target with electricity generation from renewables set to reach 31% by 2030. The data also revealed a remarkable breakthrough between 2015-2020 by raising renewable energy’s share in the electricity mix from 1% to 14%. However, it was also outlined that bold measures would be required to meet targets and a need for the public and private sector to work in tandem.

Data also revealed Egypt is repositioning itself as a regional energy leader with strong clean energy investment ambitions and is viewed as an example for neighbouring countries across the Middle East and Africa. However, the report highlighted that achieving the country’s clean energy transition and meeting renewable energy targets will be tied to implementing conditions that attract further investment and improve business environments.

Oman has also resumed its ambitious development plan for renewables after successfully securing financing for its first utility-scale solar plant, which will be essential for the success of the country’s energy transition.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), energy transition technologies will require investments of around $131 trillion by 2050

As part of today’s conference programme at Middle East Energy, the Global Energy and Utilities Forum will focus on finance, with the opening panel discussion addressing Funding the Energy Transition. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), energy transition technologies will require investments of around $131 trillion by 2050. Discussing this and other critical topics related to funding were Tim Palmer, Head of Renewables & Transition, UK Export Finance; Gurmeet Kaur, Partner, Pinsent Masons LLP; and Rajit Nanda, Advisor to the CEO, ACWA Power.

Speaking about the uptake in export finance, Palmer said: “Since setting up renewables and transition just over a year ago, we have seen remarkable take-up of our offering, so much so that we are already looking to expand our team – underscoring the demand within the market. Exporters and contractors are coming to us across the whole range of renewable sectors, both in mature technologies and very much from an emerging perspective.

Middle East Energy concludes tomorrow, Wednesday 9 March, with registration still open at the following link https://www.middleeast-energy.com/en/home.html.

As part of Informa’s commitment to providing the highest hygiene and safety levels, the event will again take place under the protocols introduced via the company’s Informa AllSecure health and safety mandate. The event will be at 100% capacity as per the recent rule changes by the UAE Government.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news