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ABU DHABI, 2nd September, 2021 – The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) revealed that the Abu Dhabi government has decided to reduce the fees for economic activities in the emirate to AED 1,000. The decision included the reduction of the fees for establishing a commercial company and the documentation of incorporation contracts. The fees paid to service providers, and the waste producers’ tariff paid to the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre – Tadweer, the activity fees, and the fees paid to the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA) for Certificate of Conformity as well as the membership fees of Abu Dhabi Chamber.

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council has abolished the exemption of new economic licences from fees. The decision sets fees for municipalities for various services related to leasing contracts. These include the registration of economic lease contracts, establishing a municipal fee, and the waste disposal. The fees are collected annually by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development regardless of the contract value.

In detail, the decision has set AED 50 only for the municipal fee required for the authentication and registration of economic lease contracts, as well as service fees for the Department of Municipalities and Transport, provided the municipal fee shall be collected annually by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) regardless of the value of the contract. In addition to AED 50 for Abu Dhabi Chamber’s membership fees, and the service providers fees shall be cancelled as well as waste producers’ tariff for Abu Dhabi Centre for Waste Management. In addition to the cancellation of activities fees and Certificate of Conformity (COC) for Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.

Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED, expressed the Abu Dhabi government’s keenness to enhance the roles of government and semi-government authorities and enhance the incentives offered by them to the private sector companies and entities. As the private sector is considered the main driver of the Abu Dhabi local economic system.

Al Blooshi, also commended the efforts of all the government authorities in supporting the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) in the emirate.

On his part, Abdullah Al Sahi, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), stated: “This decision is a distinguished step that supports the efforts of the Abu Dhabi government towards enhancing the ease of doing business in the emirate and lays the foundations for a prosperous business environment that encourages growth and innovation and attracts more investors to start businesses in Abu Dhabi, which, in turn, contributes to increasing the emirate’s competitiveness on the regional and international levels.” His Excellency said that the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is very keen to unify efforts and continue cooperation and coordination with various government entities in the emirate to work on the right implementation of this decision.

Brigadier General Mohamed Ibrahim Al Ameri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), stated, “The decision to modify the fees for economic activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the development of the economy in the emirate. The establishment of the private sector is considered as one of the most crucial factors for the development of the emirate’s economy. The Abu Dhabi Investment Development Authority (ADIDA) has announced its intention to boost the business environment and the investment climate in the region.”

Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre – Tadweer, said “The Abu Dhabi government’s continuous efforts to improve the economic climate and stimulate private establishments and investors in the Emirate have contributed to a more robust and balanced economic development in the region. The decision to reduce the fees for economic activities in Abu Dhabi is a step that aims at opening the door for new investors to enter the market in the emirate.”

Mohamed Helal Al Muhiri, General Director of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that “The reduction of government fees for commercial activities is considered a new initiative within the stimulating initiatives provided by the Abu Dhabi government to enable the private sector in the emirate”, indicating that the collaboration of Abu Dhabi Chamber with many local government entities is a joint and integrated work that aims to achieve the comprehensive and sustainable development. As well as to motivate members and investors to set up and practice businesses in view of the economic incentives that promote the ease of doing business, in addition to maintaining its competitiveness at the regional and international levels. He also emphasized that the application of fees reduction will in turn help increase trust, transparency and mitigate the administrative burdens of investors, particularly entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As this will contribute to the continuity, growth and prosperity of businesses.

The Abu Dhabi government’s new decision sets AED 790 for issuing an economic activity licence, including fees for all local authorities concerned with economic licensing, and AED 890 for licence renewal, only AED 10 for licensing procedures. In addition to AED 50 as a trade name issuance fee, AED 100 for adding an economic activity, and AED 500 as fees for adding an industrial product on the licence.

 

AL AIN, 2nd September, 2021 – UAE University (UAEU) and Zayed University (ZU) have launched the first cycle of Call for Research Proposals to invite research projects targeting faculty
members and researchers in both institutions as part of joint educational, academic and research cooperation, where research projects will be funded in partnership between the two universities.
Prof Ahmed Ali Murad, Associate Provost for Research at the UAE University (UAEU), stated that research cooperation with national universities is essential by providing opportunities to find the
scientific solutions to national strategic challenges that will help the scientific reputations of both universities. Studies suggest that collaboration between researchers in different disciplines
contributes to supporting research outcomes by studying the challenge in various aspects.
Prof. Murad stated that they looked forward to building a research partnership with the ZU and it was an opportunity for researchers in both universities to benefit from research expertise and infrastructure from scientific laboratories equipped with the best scientific and technical devices, which will contribute to supporting the research outputs of these projects, where all research
proposals will be subject to external evaluation to ensure high-quality research outputs.
He noted that the first cycle of these research projects would focus on the following strategic priorities: health sciences, space science and technology, water, energy, food and environmental
sciences, Big data and artificial intelligence and social and economic sciences, where these priorities have been selected to align with national priorities.
Dr. Fatma Taher, Assistant Dean for Research/Outreach, CTI and ZU’s CEO, Happiness and Wellbeing, College of Technological Innovation, mentioned that a joint research programme between
the UAEU and the ZU has been established. The purpose of this initiative is to develop research collaboration between the two universities, advance the body of knowledge, and support
cutting-edge research through a competitive process.
The focus of this collaboration will be devoted to specific areas of research that are of interest to the two universities. Dr. Taher added that “In addition to that, the proposed study is innovative
and supportive of the UAEU/ZU and UAE research goals, where the joint research programme will accept the projects that address one of the priorities listed in the UAE Vision 2030 or the National
Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, which will be a small step towards the achievement of the knowledge-based economy as outlined by UAE 2030 plan.”

MOSCOW, 2nd September, 2021 – Russia reported 18,985 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, which took the national tally to 6,956,318.
The Russian coronavirus task force said 798 more deaths of coronavirus patients had been confirmed in the past 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 184,812.

ABU DHABI, 2nd September, 2021 – A high-tech approach to agriculture that integrates automation and vertical farming will be the key to cultivating a resilient regional food supply chain.
That was the message today from Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, during a visit to Madar Farms, a UAE-based vertical farming company pioneering sustainable agriculture through advanced technology adoption.
During her tour of Madar Farm’s Abu Dhabi-based research and development centre, she was briefed by technical experts on how advanced technologies can respond rapidly and efficiently to the increasing demand for food in the region and beyond. She heard how techniques such as crop forecasting can help achieve more sustainable agriculture throughout the year.
She said, “With the global population projected to reach more than 9.7 billion by 2050, feeding the world sustainably will be one of our most critical challenges. In the UAE, we are taking an innovative approach to this challenge, with advanced technologies and Fourth Industrial Revolution solutions at the heart of our strategy.
“As outlined in Operation 300Bn, the UAE’s leadership and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology have made it a national priority to foster an innovative industrial ecosystem, underpinned by advanced technologies, which is capable of enhancing and stimulating the growth of vital sectors like agriculture.”
She added, “The ministry is delighted to see modern agri-tech solutions being implemented by national companies such as Madar Farms, whose pursuit of sustainable solutions to major national and regional challenges is an example of the pioneering work underway across the Emirates.
“The increased adoption of advanced technology we are witnessing across the UAE’s industrial value chain is accelerating our transition to an innovation- and knowledge-based economy, which is offering an ever more attractive business environment for investors and innovators across the world.”
Al Amiri was accompanied by Omar Suwain Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of MoIAT, and Ali Al Hashimi, Director of the Department of Science and Technology Policies and Programmes at MoIAT.
Al Suwaidi said, “Agricultural production is one of the country’s priority sectors since it helps to create sustainable practices that utilise modern technology to transform challenges into opportunities. The ministry is also working on creating an attractive business environment for local and international investors.”
Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Co-Founder and CEO of Madar Farms, welcomed the delegation and thanked the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology for supporting quality investment projects in the country.
“Thanks to the support from our R&D centre, Madar Farms offers products and services by using innovative agri-tech. It also manages the Sustainable Future programme, which was designed to provide current and next generations with the awareness, knowledge and skills they need to build a sustainable future,” he said.

DUBAI, 2nd September, 2021 – The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) has announced categories for its 11th Season themed ‘Nature’ noting that submissions are open until midnight on 30th November 2021, UAE time, on the official website www.hipa.ae.
Ali bin Thalith, Secretary-General of HIPA, said that the choice of Nature as a theme was to inspire inclusivity and invite participants to expand their artistic horizons. “We want to provide them the full opportunity to translate their relationship with Mother Nature and their understanding of its meanings; targeting the elements and scenes that they find attractive and framing it through their photographic works for the world to see,” he said. “This category gives photographers the chance to explore the different characteristics of nature across the continents of the world, and sharing with us amazing natural phenomena, scenes and habitats.”
He also spoke about the Portrait category saying, “Portrait photography has catapulted the careers and subsequently worldwide fame of many iconic photographers and the faces they have photographed. The beauty of portrait photography lies in the ability of the photographer to decide how they want their audience to see and feel when they view their portraits.”
Another category is the Portfolio which returns challenging photographers to showcase their storytelling skills through a series of photographs, while the General category remains a favourite among photographers who can participate either through black and white, or colour compositions.
As for HIPA Special Awards, there are two categories: Photography Content Creator Award, which extends to editors, publishers, bloggers, researchers, inventors, promoters and all print and digital content creators; and Emerging Person/Organisation in Photography Award that is presented to an emerging person or organisation that has shown outstanding work or vision in the photography industry on a regional, national or international level.
There is also the Photography Appreciation Award which is a special category for a person or group who has shown a long-standing commitment to enhancing the art of photography.
Bin Thalith concluded that the grand prize stands at US$120,000, and judges can choose the winner from any of the season’s categories.

VIENNA, 2nd September, 2021 -The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at US$71.27 a barrel on Wednesday, 1st September, compared with US$71.43 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

ABU DHABI, 2nd September, 2021 – Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has updated travel procedures for citizens, residents and visitors entering Abu Dhabi from abroad, effective from Sunday, 5th September 2021.
The committee has approved removing the need to quarantine for all vaccinated travellers arriving into Abu Dhabi from all international destinations.
Before boarding to Abu Dhabi, all travellers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, must present a negative PCR test result from within 48 hours of departure.
Vaccinated citizens, residents and visitors arriving from green destinations must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and another test on day 6, if staying in the emirate. When arriving from other destinations they must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and further tests on days 4 and 8, if staying in the emirate.

DUBAI, 2nd September, 2021 – Global Village has announced that internationally-renowned dancing show Burn The Floor will be starring on the Global Village main stage in March 2022, where the show’s artists will be appearing for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Shaun Cornell, Director of Entertainment, Global Village, said, “We are delighted that Burn The Floor is joining our entertainment line-up for the new season. At Global Village, we work hard to bring the world’s biggest shows to people who wouldn’t normally have the chance to see them. Burn The Floor’s debut next spring is a fantastic example of this. We are putting the finishing touches on our extensive entertainment calendar and our guests are promised an unforgettable entertainment experience this Season.”
Harley Medcalf, Founder and Producer of Burn The Floor, added, “We have performed around the world, twenty seven counties to date, and never in the Middle East! So, we are really challenged and excited with this opportunity. It’s always inspiring for us to visit a new part of the world and bring our unique show to a fresh audience so the entire company is counting the days! Dance is an international language, and our shared belief that creativity and entertainment unites people from across the globe makes Global Village the perfect destination for our Middle East debut. We can’t wait to share the joy of dance, bringing our ground breaking production to Dubai next spring.”
Global Village is expected to open its 26th Season on 26th October.

MANAMA, 2nd September, 2021 – Investcorp, a Bahrain-based asset manager which counts Mubadala Investment Company as its biggest shareholder, today announced the completion of its sale of PRO Unlimited by Investcorp and funds managed by Harvest Partners, LP, an established New York-based private equity firm, to EQT Private Equity, a global investment firm. The transaction was first announced on 28th June, 2021.
Investcorp originally acquired PRO Unlimited in October 2014 and retained a significant minority stake following the sale to funds managed by Harvest Partners in May 2017. Over the course of Investcorp’s partnership with its management team, PRO Unlimited realised significant growth and expansion. The company launched new products leveraging its proprietary data assets, invested in sales and marketing, completed two add-on acquisitions, expanded its geographic footprint and bolstered the executive team to drive continuous transformation.
Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman at Investcorp, said, “Our private equity business in North America is one of our longest standing businesses and continues to be a priority for us as we expand and capitalize on opportunities in this region. Our partnership with the PRO Unlimited team has demonstrated an ability to nimbly innovate in the workforce management industry and gain a leadership position which is one we believe the company will continue to hold in the future.”
Kevin Akeroyd, CEO at PRO Unlimited, commented, “We look forward to our next chapter and partnership with EQT and Harvest Partners, who bring industry insights and a strong network to help us achieve our next phase of growth and ambitions to continue bringing innovative solutions to the labor industry.”
“The sale of PRO Unlimited represents a highly successful exit for Investcorp and our investors,” said Warren Knapp, Managing Director and Head of Tech-Enabled Services, Private Equity – North America at Investcorp. “Over the past 7 years, PRO Unlimited has continued to build on its foundation as a pioneer in the contingent workforce management industry. Through a combination of sustained world-class client delivery and the introduction of several new value-added solutions, PRO Unlimited has solidified its position as the leading player in the sector.”
“The last 16 months have shown that a professional workforce management partner is integral to the success of any company, and we believe PRO Unlimited’s strengths have positioned the company to take a leading role in meeting the growing demands of this new reality,” added Andrew Schoenthal, Partner at Harvest Partners.
Investcorp, Pro Unlimited and the selling Harvest Partners funds were advised by William Blair and White & Case. The acquiring Harvest Partners fund was advised by Evercore Group L.L.C. and Kirkland & Ellis.
Founded in 1991, PRO Unlimited delivers a full range of services to address procurement, management and compliance issues related to contingent and temporary workers, including independent contractors, consultants and freelancers. PRO Unlimited operates in over 50 countries and provides services to some of the world’s largest and most prestigious companies through its integrated, vendor-neutral software and services platform.

UMM AL QAIWAIN, 2nd September, 2021 – Umm Al Qaiwain Police General Headquarters today announced a 50 percent discount on traffic fines, which can be availed from 5th until 9th September 2021.
The discount, however, excludes a number of offences that include dangerous driving that puts the life of the driver and others in danger; illegal modification to the vehicle’s engine or the chassis without a licence; and violations committed against the instructions and precautionary measures imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19.