Umm Al Quwain, UAE - September 27, 2020: A high-powered delegation drawn from the municipality of Ajman and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment today visited the Emirates Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) plant ahead of its start of operations early next month. The head of the Ajman Municipality, together with the undersecretary toured the facility to inspect its performance even as the region’s first Refuse-Derived Fuel plant in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain is able to receive over 1,000 tonnes of waste from the emirates of Ajman and Umm Al Quwain from October 1, 2020. Speaking during the visit, the Emirates RDF spokesperson said: “Emirates RDF is delighted that after intensive cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the President’s Initiatives Committee (Ministry of Presidential ......read more

The JBR resort has curated a special pink edition of the award-winning London Social Brunch, a pink Afternoon Tea and Rose Awakening Spa Ritual with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to Brest Friends in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation   Dubai, UAE, 27 September 2020 – The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai is proud to be supporting Brest Friends in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the launch of #PINKtober. Taking place at the JBR hotel throughout October, the month-long campaign will raise funds and create awareness, whilst celebrating survivors and those currently battling the illness.  Ladies and Gentlemen can partake in a range of #PINKtober activities for a good cause, such as a decadent Afternoon Tea in the prestigious Lobby Lounge, a special pink edition of the ......read more

  Dubai, September 27, 2020: “Information City”, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, with its strategic partner MTN and the support of the elite of local and international institutions, have not stopped its humanitarian and social journey in fighting the global Covid-19 pandemic, as it emphasized through its distinguished initiative on focusing its humanitarian image and vital role in protecting the society and maintaining its safety in general. With a honorable history and a long experience in introducing exceptional events and initiatives, Information City continues its humanitarian journey to embody the greatest meanings of unlimited compassion and generosity, and to place the Emirate of Dubai ahead of others in terms of community service and upgrading the level of health, knowledge and ......read more

United Arab Emirates,  September 26, 2020:  The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO) brought together over 50 expert speakers in 10 virtual industry panels, 5 live webinars, and an online exhibition over 15 to 17 September to explore solutions for the post-pandemic business landscape. The NWM took a holistic digital approach to address business concerns across a range of industries that included aviation, manufacturing, digital communications, logistics, and energy, as well as broader topics like cross-border trade and workforce dynamics.  Over 3,000 from 153 registered to view the films and attend the live webinars. The event garnered tremendous audience resonance fueled by solid presence from the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, and India. The largest viewing numbers were achieved on the Cross-border trade ......read more

** Kibsons proud to support over 5,000 needy families during COVID-19 outbreak, playing a major role in getting food from Dubai to Ajman on a weekly basis **   United Arab Emirates,  September 24, 2020:  Further playing their part in helping the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, Kibsons were presented with a Token of Appreciation certificate on 22nd September by Shaikha Azza Bin Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Head of Humaid Bin Rashid Alnuaimi Foundation in Ajman.  The Token of Appreciation was awarded for supporting their Humanitarian cause ‘Food Bank in Ajman and UAE’, initiated by Dubai Municipality, where Kibsons kindly supported over 5,000 needy families during the global COVID-19 pandemic, playing a major role in providing help to get their food delivered from Dubai to Ajman on a ......read more

- The two organisations will cooperate to develop logistics solutions for crisis relief operations - Emirates SkyCargo to be carrier of first resort for International Humanitarian City’s relief efforts   Dubai, UAE, 23 September 2020:  Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates and International Humanitarian City (IHC), the world’s largest hub for humanitarian aid, have signed an MoU to cooperate on humanitarian logistics and crisis relief solutions. The MoU was signed by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo and Giuseppe Saba, CEO, International Humanitarian City.  The partnership between the two entities underlines Dubai’s position as an international gateway for the rapid deployment of aid and relief efforts directed at humanitarian ......read more

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi and in cooperation with the Indian government   United Arab Emirates,  September 23, 2020   His Highness Sheikh Saud:   • Ras Al Khaimah is contributing extensively to national efforts aimed at strengthening the UAE's position as being at the forefront of countries' responses to the pandemic • I commend the high level of efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by the airport staff and their tireless efforts to make this initiative a success   Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, September 23, 2020: Ras Al Khaimah International Airport today announced that it has helped secure the return home of more than 53,000 Indian citizens since the beginning of June, in part thanks to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al ......read more

September 22, 2020:  To coincide with the 75th session of the UN General Assembly – and the SDG Business Forum – the World Gold Council has published a report entitled Gold Mining’s Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.    The report outlines how leading gold mining companies are making a significant contribution towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report includes 39 case studies on how members of the World Gold Council are bringing about positive change across four thematic areas: global partnerships; social inclusion; economic development; and responsible operations, energy and the environment.    Examples of the commitments the gold mining industry has made towards sustainable strategies include:   • Global partnership: ......read more

Dubai – 21 September 2020: Dubai non-oil trade continued its growth against the current crisis. Being a hub for gold and diamond trading and making, Dubai made Dh67.1b (601.4) from gold and diamond air-cargo trade between March and the end of June 2020.  Statistics released by Air Customs Center Management at Dubai Customs show that the diamond and gold trade from 1st March to end of June comprised Dh35.6b of imports (428.8 tons), Dh38.5m (877 kilo grams) transferred into the free zone, Dh471.7m (2.1 tons) of re-exports “transit”, Dh29.4b (161.2 tons) of exports, and Dh1.4b (8.3 tons), which entered the free zone.  The Air Customs Center Management also completed 31,590 transactions including 17,169 import, 12,293 export and 89 re-export transactions.  In terms of value, gold and jewelry made ......read more

• Jumbo Group funds three custom-made buses to help students travel to Dubai’s Rashid centre for People of Determination • “No one should be left behind in the fight against COVID-19” – Arvind Agrawal, CEO, Jumbo Group     Dubai, UAE, 21st Sept 2020:  Understanding the special needs for UAE’s People of Determination to continue with their education & rehabilitation programs in a time when social distancing is the norm due to COVID-19, the Jumbo Group has contributed three custom-made buses to the Rashid Centre for People of Determination as well as providing for additional facilities such as an isolation room at the premises and more equipment for increasing individual physiotherapy sessions for the children.    The biggest need of the hour during a ......read more

Sharjah, September 14, 2020:  The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, SCCI, represented by the Economic Relations and Marketing Department, recently conducted a visit to a number of shops in Sharjah’s Muwailih commercial area, as part of the SCCI’s keenness to follow up on the business community and private sector affairs and to enhance communication with the SMEs owners to tackle the challenge they face, especially in the current circumstances. The tour was conducted by Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Director, SCCI Economic Relations and Marketing Dept, Saud Al-Hajri, Head of the Public Relations and Social Responsibility Department, and a number of the Chamber's staff. The visit aims to consolidate the SCCI’s economic and commercial relationships with its members and business community and to offer ......read more

Dubai, UAE – 14 September 2020:  Dubai Customs held a video meeting with the French and the US diplomatic missions in Dubai to foster means of cooperation and join forces in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing counterfeit products. The meeting discussed best ways of recycling counterfeit products and how to work together to ensure best protection of the rights of the international French and US brands.  Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of IPR Department and Mohammed bin Nassir, Head of IPR Dispute Section attended the meeting. The French diplomatic mission was represented by Rafiq Honas, Customs Attaché at the French Consulate, and Sally Jarjour, Assistant Customs Attaché. Dillon Clancy, Economic Officer at the US Consulate, and Peter Mehravari, IP Attaché for the Middle East at the American Embassy ......read more

@AirbusFDN #A350XWB #Beirut   United Arab Emirates,  September 14, 2020:  Immediately after the recent blast in Beirut, Lebanon, Airbus provided satellite imagery to analyse the damage and helped government analysts, NGOs and first responders gain visibility into the catastrophe. Now, the Airbus Foundation, together with its partners Association Les Amis Du Liban-Toulouse, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, the Municipal Council of Toulouse, the German Red Cross/Bayer AG and Aviation sans Frontières, sent a fully-loaded Airbus A350 XWB aircraft from Toulouse, France, to Beirut, Lebanon, with 90 cubic meter volume of humanitarian aid on board. The cargo, which will provide much needed relief to those affected by the Beirut explosion, included medicine as well as visors and masks, school items, ......read more

A membership promotion with eliteclub to help with the recovery of Beirut.    Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel today announced the launch of a new campaign to support the rebuilding of Beirut after last month’s devastating explosion.  In partnership with global loyalty programme Eliteclub, the Save Beirut campaign offers  Buyers a special deal on Eliteclub memberships, while donating a percentage of the  proceeds to recovery initiatives in Lebanon.  For AED 250, purchasers receive a rewarding three-month Eliteclub membership, which  provides cardholders with access to exclusive deals in thousands of hotels and retail outlets  around the world. Members will additionally receive pampered perks at Anantara Eastern  Mangroves Hotel, including access for two guests to the ......read more

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE September 13, 2020:  The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research has announced the launch of a new computer programming course for Ras Al Khaimah Emirati students who are keen to lead the UAE nation into the future.  The initiative forms part of the university preparation program at the institution, with the free course commencing October 3 and lasting 12 months. Combining remote classes with on-site lessons at Ras Al Khaimah Academy, the program has been formulated taking into account the rules and requirements for social distancing to ensure the health and safety of all participants. The Foundation's management’s plan will see 20 students selected to participate in this exclusive opportunity, with the course syllabus specifically designed to enable them to learn a ......read more

United Arab Emirates,  September 14, 2020:  Dubai Sports Council has urged sports and fitness centres to adhere to all COVID-19 precautionary measures and safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities or face fines and even closure. Teams from the Council and Dubai Economy have been visiting academies and sports and fitness centres in the Emirate to inspect the facilities and ensure they comply with all the precautionary measures imposed by relevant authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the community from the pandemic. The inspection team found a swimming pool at one of the sports centre in violation of the safety protocols and have decided to shut it down until the facility confirms to all the requirements. The inspection teams have also issued two fines at fitness centres for non-compliance ......read more

Sharjah, September 12, 2020:   The Board of Directors of the Expo Centre Sharjah has announced that the 48th and 49th editions of the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show (WJMES), which was expected to kick off later this month, has been postponed to April 2021. The Centre explained that the decision was made after extensive consultations with the competent authorities and the participating countries, as part of the Centre’s keenness on the health and safety of exhibitors, visitors, and staff, owing to the current global developments of Covid-19 pandemic. The Centre added: “The early announcement of WJMES new date will enable industry leaders to set their plans in advance, so as to cope with the position and reputation of the largest event of its kind in the region.” This would also help enhance the ......read more

• Lamprell to lease additional 1.360 million sq. ft. land in HFZA • Al Mazrouei: Lamprell’s expansion highlights the great confidence placed in Sharjah being a leading global destination for businesses • Lamprell: The quality of services and facilities provided by HFZA was one of the major reasons behind our decision to expand in Sharjah   Sharjah, 12 September 2020:   Sharjah-based Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Lamprell, the leading provider of fabrication, engineering and contracting services to the offshore and onshore oil & gas and renewable energy industries. Under the agreement, Lamprell will lease an additional 1.360 million sq. ft. of land inside the free zone in order to continue to improve its efficiencies and support ......read more

Ras Al Khaimah, September 10, 2020:  H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today issued Emiri Decree No. (16) of 2020 regarding the regulation of the school transport sector in the Emirate.  The decree is adopted within the framework of a strategic vision that reflects the desire of the Emirate’s wise leadership to develop legislation that will advance efforts to improve all aspects of quality of life in Ras Al Khaimah.  The decree mandates RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA) to regulate the school transport sector, implement the necessary protocols, set standards for its practice, and monitor operators to ensure compliance. The ultimate aim of the new legislation is to ensure the provision of school transport services in Ras Al Khaimah, in accordance with the ......read more

Serco Middle East Commemorates the 11th Anniversary of Dubai Metro and partnership with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)       10th September 2020, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: International public services company, Serco Middle East, is marking today the completion of 11 years of the Dubai Metro, the most advanced and modern rail system in the UAE.   The 11th anniversary also marks a long standing and valued partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Serco Middle East, the leading operator and maintainer of the Dubai Metro since its launch in 2009.   Serco Middle East operates and maintains the Dubai Metro, and was first awarded the contract in 2009. Since then and over the last 11 years, Serco has delivered high quality outcomes for Dubai Metro that includes the launch of the ......read more

While the globe is facing challenging times and rapid changes due to disasters and the need to create risk-resilient societies is inevitable, the United Arab Emirates is leading the private sector engagement for disaster risk reduction by announcing the first ARISE initiative in the Arab region to achieve the  outcomes and goals of the Sendai Framework in a transparent and inclusive way that delivers measurable impact.   This initiative is in conjunction with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) that works towards a resilient, prosperous future where fewer lives are lost to disasters, capital assets and investments are risk-informed, and infrastructure is resilient to natural and man-made hazards and  advocates for risk-informed development by encouraging and supporting the private and public ......read more

More than 5 million meals donated since the first campaign in 2015   Dubai, UAE; September 09, 2020:  For the sixth consecutive year, Dubai’s renowned supermarket brand “Choithrams” launches its #ZeroHungerwithGoodness campaign 2020 to support its long-term partner the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The campaign aims to support marginalised children living in challenging circumstances through the provision of nutritious school meals. It will run in selected supermarkets and on Choithrams online from 1 September until 31 December 2020.   Through the #ZeroHungerwithGoodness campaign, Choithrams pledges to donate up to AED 4 every time a customer purchases a product from the “Goodness Foods” range marked with a special sticker. Proceeds will go to support WFP’s School Feeding ......read more

Emergency aid campaign launched by Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi will now support  Anti-Racism Movement’s initiative to help workers, mainly women       Sharjah,08 September 2020:  Salam Beirut, an international emergency aid campaign launched in the UAE to support the victims of the devastating explosion that struck Port Beirut, has announced an estimated allocation of US$100,000 for the repatriation of migrant workers who are facing increasing hunger and homelessness in the Lebanese capital.    Launched in August 2020 by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) and Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children at UNHCR, Salam Beirut mobilizes its emergency relief through TBHF, the ......read more

• Modular field hospital provides 20-bed capacity, expanding medical care and alleviating the pressure on healthcare facilities in and around Beirut • A collaborative effort between the Philips Foundation, Philips Lebanon, the Lebanese Army and the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO)     United Arab Emirates,  September 07, 2020:  Philips Foundation, with its mission to provide access to quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities, has deployed a modular field hospital consisting of 20 beds that will provide much-needed additional capacity for victims of the recent explosion in Beirut.  Philips Foundation, together with Philips Lebanon, is working with the Lebanese Army to set up the unit next to the military hospital in Beirut. The field hospital aims to expand medical ......read more

evian joins forces with Emirates Red Crescent Organisation aiding volunteers combating the COVID-19 Pandemic   United Arab Emirates,  September 07, 2020:  evian is showing its continued support to the response to Covid-19 with a donation to the Emirates Red Crescent Organisation and it’s ‘Fund of UAE’. The donation will provide over 56,000 bottles of mineral water to those severely impacted by the pandemic alongside volunteers and frontlines across the UAE. The ‘Fund for UAE’ was launched under the guidance and directions of the UAE’s leadership, in corporation with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NECDMA) and Emirates Red Crescent Organisation, to facilitate community contributions towards combating the Covid-19 outbreak.  Overseen by ......read more