Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 13 June 2018:  Indian businessman Mohammed Aref aided Faraj Fund in freeing 560 prison inmates by providing flight tickets which will facilitate the recipients’ return to their home countries.  The generous gesture expresses his commitment to philanthropy during Ramadan and was regarded to be one of the most commended initiatives carried out during the holy month. Saqr Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, the Executive Director of Faraj Fund commented, “Aref’s donation is allowing us to serve the needs of 560 inmates who will be safely flown back to their home countries. Herewith I’d like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to him for his generosity”. Saqr believes that in the future, more enterprises and individuals will continue to join the Fund to ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 13, 2018:   Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Initiatives, has partnered with Idealz Enterprises LLC to promote charitable donations through a unique incentive scheme. Idealz, founded in 2016 by Jad Toubayly and Easa Al Gurg, is a unique ecommerce store which sells self-branded sport-chic apparel and stationery. Customers join the platform and with every purchase are given the opportunity to win luxury prizes. Integral to this process is the proposition to donate to Dubai Cares. Any customer who opts to donate to Dubai Cares is awarded an additional ticket entry to the prize draw.  Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Cares commented: “It’s rare to see an SME actively seeking to participate in philanthropic and charitable initiatives so early on ......read more

By partnering with leading international companies to develop the expertise of the programme’s participants Dubai, UAE, June 12, 2018:  In conjunction with 'Zayed Humanitarian Day' and the ‘Year of Zayed’, The Dubai Business Women Council has partnered with leading international companies to offer the 'Spirit of Zayed' mentorship programme, which represents an initiative that gives working women the skills and expertise that they need to excel and innovate.  The 'Spirit of Zayed' mentorship programme, which was first launched at the beginning of the year, has formed strategic partnerships with a variety of local and international leading companies, in addition to experts that work in various sectors, to benefit women by offering free consultations that helps them to apply the best ......read more

GSK launches a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, supported by the Year of Zayed, to further values of sustainability and human development Out of the 8,500 ecofriendly Iftar meal bags distributed by 130 GSK volunteers, 2,500 were given to people in the UAE Dubai, 12 June 2018:  In the spirit of Ramadan and in line with the values of the late Sheikh Zayed, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the global, science-led healthcare company, distributed 8,500 ecofriendly Iftar bags last week to people across the GCC, of which 2,500 were delivered in the UAE, in support of the Year of Zayed.    GSK’s CSR initiative aims to bring to life the values of sustainability and human development, as well as humanitarianism and promoting environmental sustainability.    A team of 50 volunteers from ......read more

Call marks the ILO World Day Against Child Labour    Jawaher Al Qasimi: Respect for the rights of children is a humanitarian commitment and a definitive requirement in civilised societies    The world’s reform begins with a happy childhood rich with love and care   Sharjah, June 11, 2018:  Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has made a strong call for a renewed global commitment urging greater cooperation among world leaders, decision makers, humanitarian organisations and civil society to protect children from being pushed into the world of forced labour, especially at a very young age when they are most vulnerable to exploitation.    Speaking ......read more

Iconic mascots Omeir and Ghbeisha to interact with kids and visitors at Dubai’s City Walk    Dubai, 11 June 2018:   The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) is promoting the generous custom of distributing Eidia or money handed to kids on the first day of Eid, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.   Leading this event are HHC’s iconic mascots Omeir (wearing traditional kandoora) and Ghbeisha (dressed in abaya) who will be interacting with children and visitors at City Walk Dubai from 5pm to 7pm on the first day of Eid Al Fitr.  The HHC will also station a white decorated van in the area and play catchy beats of traditional Emirati music to further boost the message of warm-heartedness, joy and happiness.   Hind Bin Demaithan Al Qemzi, Director of Events at HHC, noted ......read more

Dubai Tourism announces full-line up of summer sales, events and promotions Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 10 June 2018:  Offering an exciting six-week programme of summer activities sure to keep both residents and tourists entertained, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), Dubai’s annual summer festival will return to the city from 22 June – 4 August 2018. With just over two weeks left until the start of DSS 2018, the organisers Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), has revealed the highlights of this year’s exciting line-up of activities, featuring unmissable sales, big beauty launches and appearances by lovable Loony Tunes characters. Residents are also encouraged to check the DSS social channels or visit the website for ......read more

The partnership is part of the global Colgate Save Water campaign with Champion Swimmer Michael Phelps   Dubai, UAE, 10 June, 2018:   Continuing its long-standing commitment to saving water, the Colgate-Palmolive Company has launched a new partnership with Surge Middle East - a global non-profit organization for water, sanitation, and hygiene projects - to raise awareness about water conservation among schoolchildren in the UAE as part of its global “Save Water” campaign.    The Colgate Save Water campaign is supported by champion swimmer Michael Phelps as its global ambassador. The campaign’s ultimate goal is to reach 100 million people and inspire 10 million children around the world to change their brushing habits by turning off the tap while brushing their ......read more

Total economic output from large scale events grows 8% to generate AED 22.5 billion from 103 large-scale events Sales within MICE sector drive more than four-times value in overall non-trade business activity and support over 84,000 jobs International participants contribute 75% of direct economic output – Spending nine-times more per event than domestic counterparts   Dubai, UAE, June 9, 2018:  Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) events accounted for a record AED 12.7 billion in retained value towards Dubai’s economy, equivalent to 3.3 percent of the emirate’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in 2017, according to the latest Economic Impact Assessment report released by DWTC. The study estimates the total economic output of DWTC’s large-scale events at AED 22.5 billion, an increase of 8% since ......read more

Over 350 people participated during 2 days of camp Dubai, UAE, June 9, 2018:  Indian Community (Sarbat Da Bhalla , Sewa, Baba Jujhar Singh  ,Dastar Laher and Awaaz Welfare Society Dubai) & Indian Club in U.A.E organized Blood Donation Camps in association with DHA Dubai at 2 locations wherein Mr. Vipul , Consulate General of India was the Chief Guest and also participated as a donor. It was huge success like every year as many as over 300 people participated and donated blood at Latifa Hospital.   SEWA team organizes these camps every year to contribute back to society during Holy month of Ramadan through philanthropic deeds and addresses the shortfall of blood in local blood banks.    Mr. Davinder Singh from SEWA said “We are doing this from last 8 years and organized some 44 to 45 ......read more

Distributed 840 books in line with its ‘Ara’ initiative As part of its ‘Ara’ initiative, launched to promote awareness about the issues of blind and visually impaired children, the Sharjah-based non-profit, Kalimat Foundation for Children’s Empowerment (KF), has provided 840 copies of braille, audio and large-print books to support Dar Al Kutub libraries in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain as well as to all Sharjah Public Libraries branches.  The move is in line with KF’s goal to enable children with special needs better access to books and knowledge, which will ensure their social and emotional wellbeing, improve their education, and better integrate them in society.  Prior to the books donation initiative, a KF delegation visited these libraries to review the quality and quantity of literature ......read more

Dubai, UAE, June 7, 2018:  Laboratory analysis of water and snow samples, gathered during a recent Greenpeace expedition to the Antarctic, has revealed the presence of microplastics and persistent chemicals, respectively, in the majority of samples tested. “We may think of the Antarctic as a remote and pristine wilderness,” said Frida Bengtsson of Greenpeace’s Protect the Antarctic campaign, “but from pollution and climate change to industrial krill fishing, humanity’s footprint is clear. These results show that even the most remote habitats of the Antarctic are contaminated with microplastic waste and persistent hazardous chemicals. We need action at source, to stop these pollutants ending up in the Antarctic in the first place, and we need an Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary to give space for penguins, ......read more

Investment opportunities are supported by ongoing government efforts to expand non-hydrocarbon industries and the private sector’s involvement, according to a KPMG-INHOCO study  Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 06 June 2018:  Investment in Dubai’s hospitality industry is expected to grow well beyond the next two years, although margins are gradually converging with global norms, according to a joint report by KPMG and International Hospitality Consulting Group INHOCO entitled “Accommodating the Future: the Dubai hospitality sector beyond 2020”. The emergence of an array of spectacular attractions and cutting-edge infrastructure ensure there is something in Dubai for everyone. The emirate has also been investing heavily in different themed adventure parks, which aim to be a major attraction, ......read more

A Danfoss survey reveals that 83% of respondents understand the impact of food waste on the environment and 77% actively take action to reduce their waste footprint While residents are trying to not throw their leftover food away throughout the year, 79% reported they are especially more conscious of this during Ramadan Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 6 June 2018:   Danfoss, the global leader in engineering solutions, commissioned a survey to assess the sustainable food consumption of residents in the UAE, Egypt and KSA, and how well they are complying to their governments’ appeal to reduce food waste.    The survey revealed that 83% of respondents understand the impact of food waste on the environment and 77% actively take action to reduce their food waste footprint.   Food waste is ......read more

IHCL leads the industry with Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans being the company’s first  “Zero Single Use Plastic Hotel.” Dubai, UAE, June 5, 2018:  As India takes center stage as the global host of World Environment Day 2018, South Asia’s largest Indian hospitality company, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) addresses this year’s theme #BeatPlasticPollution with its first ever “Zero Single Use Plastic Hotel”, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans.  In line with IHCL’s commitment to safeguard the environment, Taj Andamans, situated on relatively undiscovered Havelock Islands, has taken great care to construct a 72 villa world-class resort within 46 acres of forest and mangroves while preserving the fragile eco-system of the island. Not a single tree has ......read more

5 June 2018, Dubai, UAE:   BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana and Jumeira Rotana Dubai embraced the Holy Month of Ramadan today by celebrating it together with the Special Needs Future Development Centre (SNF). The hotels invited children with special needs along with their families to break their fast together with the hotel teams. All families, Teams and Management of SNF joined for Iftar and enjoyed a delectable array of Arabian dishes to break their fast. To complete the event and make it more memorable, the teams of both hotels distributed gifts from Babyshop to all students and grocery items to each family that were provided by the RSA Insurance. Mr. Ulrich Hoffmeister, General Manager of Jumeira Rotana and BurJuman Arjaan said, “Ramadan is a time of giving and sharing; especially with those who need it most. It was a ......read more

Dubai, UAE, June 4, 2018:  As part of its efforts to promote and advance customs systems worldwide, Customs World, a subsidiary of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), received a high level delegation from the Dominican General Directorate of Customs.   The delegates had the chance to learn about the advanced services and smart customs systems that Dubai Customs delivers to its clients which can be utilized based on the agreement between Customs World and the Dominican General Directorate of Customs. Dubai Customs, under this agreement, will provide technical help in developing and updating customs procedures and systems to help its Dominican counterpart better protect its entry points and support economy.   The delegates included Williams G Patchico, IT Consultant, Alexandra Maukwait, Head of IT ......read more

Dubai, UAE, June 2, 2018:  Sharjah Ramadan Majlis Debates State of Women’s Sports Leading women associated with various UAE sports bodies called for greater public and private support and a big push to women’s sports in the country in order to help women compete with the best of the best in regional and international championships.  Taking part in the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis debate on ‘Arab Women in Sports and Global Aspirations’ (May 30) at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, leading figures associated with women’s sports called for a whole new approach to give impetus to female sports in the country, enabling UAE women to compete at the global level and bring laurels to the nation. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hashar Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Women's Committee and Board Member of the UAE Volleyball ......read more

Dubai, UAE, May 30, 2018:  Emirates Post Group (EPG), UAE’s leading postal and express provider, in cooperation with Dubai Police and the team from Group32 distributed ‘Iftar Meals’ to motorists and workers offering a light snack including dates and water to break their fast.  Commenting on the initiative, EPG’s Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Obaid Mohammed Al Qatami, said, “The ‘Goodwill Parcels’ project, in the Year of Zayed, reflects the values that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, instilled by encouraging us to do good deeds and make a positive contribution through selfless volunteering in support of the community. Our aim is to follow his examples of generosity and kindness to make this country better and bring goodness to its ......read more

Dubai, UAE, May 30, 2018:  Barclays volunteers actively taking part in distributing thousands of Suhour meal parcels to labourers and the less fortunate as part of “Their Suhour is on Us” Ramadan initiative.  Almost 10,000 meals have been distributed before the conclusion of the first half of the Holy Month, with the objective of supporting over 32,000 individual by the end of Ramadan. Alongside Barclays; Union Co-op, du, Aswaq and Sadia are also sponsors of the initiative.   Dania Haffar Bazzy, Chief of Staff, Barclays PLC, MENA commented: “We are very happy to be part of this great initiative and to witness the energy the teams are bringing to this collaborative activity which supports the community in which we live and work.”

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 May 2018:  The Higher Organizing Committee of Aqdar World Summit held a meeting earlier at the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior in Abu Dhabi that was chaired by Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al Raisi, General Inspector at the Ministry of Interior and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee. During the meeting, they discussed the plans and agenda of the second edition of Aqdar World Summit which will be held under the patronage of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior on 26-28 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).  The Higher Organizing Committee of Aqdar World Summit also announced the theme of the second edition which will be “Developing sustainable societies through human development: ......read more

Dubai – 26 May 2018:   Dubai Customs’ IPR Department received a Japanese business delegation at its main building in Mina Rashid. Yousef Ozair, Director of Intellectual Property Rights Department (IPR), Narmin Ahmad Ali Issa, Director of Legal Affairs Department, Mohammed bin Nasser, Manager of Follow-up and Process Section, and Noora Ahmed Manager - Trade Marks & Agencies recording section received the visitors.  The delegation included Masachi Nimoto, Head of International Cooperation Section, and Yushihidi Sogimoto, Economic Advisor at the Consulate General of Japan. Ozair briefed the Japanese delegates on Dubai Customs’ rich experience in protecting intellectual property rights.  “We continually develop the skills of our employees to best protect intellectual property rights. ......read more

The auction includes 77 distinguished vehicle number plates of category 3 Dubai, UAE, May 24, 2018:  The Sharjah Police Headquarters, in cooperation with Emirates Auction, has launched an online auction today on 77 distinguished vehicle number plates of category 3. The auction will take place until June 2nd and will include 5 triple-digit number plates, 38 four-digit number plates and 34 five-digit number plates. Number plates can be bought directly through the platform located in the Vehicles and Drivers’ Licensing Department at Sharjah Police, or through the company's website www.EmiratesAuction.com and its smartphone application. Number plates can also be bought by visiting the Emirates Auction customer service center that is located in the Traffic Management Building at Al Ramtha Area in Sharjah. One of the ......read more

    45% of MENA respondents had been a victim of financial crime as opposed to 47% globally      96% believe that bribery and corruption is an important issue to tackle      57% indicate that consequences of bribery and corruption mean less government revenue     59% implement workflow and process reports while 60% fully conduct due diligence    Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 24 May 2018:  Thomson Reuters, world’s leading source of news and information for professional markets, today released a global survey on the Cost of Financial Crime featuring new findings in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA).  The survey revealed that globally, 47% had been a victim of at least one form of financial crime within their global operations ......read more

Dubai, UAE, May 24, 2018:  OMO will be seen collaborating with Emirates Red Crescent yet again for its annual charity drive, ‘Share A Touch Of Love’. The household brand known for championing mothers and children all around the globe will launch its clothes collection initiative this Ramadan. The campaign aims to build on the success of its previous record breaking editions that encourage the community to donate their gently used clothes at designated Mall stands, via scheduled pickups and at multiple donation boxes placed around the country. OMO’s ‘Share A Touch of Love’ campaign has already collected and distributed over a million items of clothing from the previous editions and this year holds the promise to see that figure grow immensely.  The clothes collected from the drive are washed with ......read more