Now is the Future

Blog

  • Salem Khalid Al Qassimi appointed as UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO

    ABU DHABI, 1st September, 2021 – President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has approved a decree, appointing Salem Khalid Al Qassimi as the UAE’s Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
    Commenting on the appointment, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said, “Salem Khalid Al Qassimi has extensive experience in the Arts and Heritage Sector. His appointment as the UAE’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO will strengthen the longstanding partnership between the UAE and the Organisation, as well as positively contribute to the strategic role played by the UAE in the fields under UNESCO’s mandate.
    “The appointment is based on the Decree by the President of the UAE and underlines the importance of the UAE’s continued active engagement in international organisations and institutions. It also highlights the country’s commitment to playing a leading role in strengthening initiatives in education, culture and science, on a regional and global level. Through such joint projects and humanitarian cooperation, the UAE’s work with UNESCO is based on the principles of tolerance, openness and cultural collaboration.”
    The Minister added that the UAE has a proven track record of collaborating with UNESCO in areas under its expertise, in addition to being one of the Organisation’s largest donors. “The UAE is implementing a range of projects to advance education, culture and science. Our approach behind these projects, is to promote and support sustainable and inclusive development for all,” she said.
    Salem Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, commented, “Our relationship with UNESCO is based on partnership to promote humanitarian and international cooperation, and establish intellectual and cultural convergence. We encourage global dialogue to achieve collective progress in the fields of culture, science, education and heritage.”
    He pointed out the projects in which the UAE has supported UNESCO, including the project “Reviving the Spirit of Mosul” and the resulting initiatives such as the reconstruction of the Al-Nouri Mosque complex in Mosul and the Al-Hadba minaret, as well as the stabilisation and rehabilitation of The Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Hour. The UAE’s significant donations to educational and cultural funds have benefitted many countries around the world. The Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, in particular, has worked closely with UNESCO to support and promote quality education globally.
    Salem Khalid Al Qassimi has vast experience in several areas, most notably in environmental policy, cultural management and city planning.

  • Youth Development Delegates programme starts its second year, expanding reach to three new countries

    ABU DHABI, 1st September, 2021 -The Arab Youth Centre (AYC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced today that initiation of the second year of the programme, which promotes youth inclusion and strengthen their engagement in the development process across the Arab region.
    In its first round, the Youth Development Delegates programme enabled the employment of 11 young people from the Arab region to work in UNDP offices in 10 countries, including Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Somalia, Syria and Tunisia, to gain hands-on multilateral development experience, while working to support and influence youth programming from within.
    The next phase (2021-2022) of the programme will expand its reach to include an additional three UNDP country offices in Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Kuwait. It will also involve extending the period of youth engagement to two years in order to facilitate stronger skills acquisition, establishment of networks, and create more space for the Youth Delegates to use their learning for the creation and implementation of their own ideas and initiatives. This entails the continuation of the first cohort of Youth Delegates an additional year and the engagement of newly joining cohorts to serve for two-year term.
    The programme continues its achievements by building on what has been achieved in its first year 2020-2021, overcoming the challenges imposed by the global COVID-19.
    “The role of youth is pivotal in accelerating development and achieving its goals at national and global levels,” stressed Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Vice Chairperson of the Arab Youth Center. “The collaboration between the Arab Youth Center and the United Nations Development Program is an opportunity to empower a distinguished group of youth from various Arab countries to gain qualitative experiences and acquire skills that catalyse development in their communities.”
    She added “We aim to strengthen youth contribution across all fields necessary to achieve the SDGs at both national and regional level. We trust that by developing their skills and creating meaningful opportunities for them we can reach the desired development outcomes in the next decade.”
    “We are happy to expand our partnership with the Arab Youth Center, to strengthen young people’s engagement in development – as drivers and innovators of practical and tailored solutions to the many challenges that their communities face,” said Dr Khalida Bouzar, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States. “Harnessing the ingenuity and energy of youth is critical to our common pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by the promised date of 2030.”
    In a round table discussion with Dr Khalida Bouzar and Al Mazrui held on 1 September 2021, the first cohort of Youth Delegates presented their key learning takeaways and achievements. They reflected on their aspirations for their 2nd year in the program as they continue to support UNDP youth programming, including contributing to UNDP’s strategic planning, developing innovative responses to emerging challenges, advocating for youth engagement in development, and organizing activities of the Youth Leadership Programme.
    AYC and UNDP will continue their partnership to achieve their common vision for youth in the Arab region and ensure that youth receive solid support at multiple levels. Engaging with thousands of youths across the region, the Youth Delegates will continue to work towards stronger youth engagement in development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals at local, national, and regional levels.

  • UAE land ports receive travellers from Oman

    AL AIN, 1st September, 2021 – The UAE’s land ports have begun receiving travellers from Oman, after verifying the readiness of all ports and ensuring the implementation of national precautionary measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
    Khalifa Hamad Al Shamsi, Director of the Land Ports Department at the Public Authority for Security of Ports, Borders and Free Zones in the country, stressed the keenness of the country’s land ports to facilitate the movement of passengers according to the highest health standards, as well as to ensure their safe passage.
    Coordination was established with Oman to ensure the flawless commercial movement of goods and passengers between land ports, he added, urging travellers to adhere to appropriate precautionary measures during their journey and continue following the circulars and decisions issued by relevant official authorities.
    Lieutenant Colonel Saeed Hamad Al Rashidi, Director of the Land Ports Department at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), said the department’s proactive approach has reinforced its readiness to deal with the developing situation, highlighting its flexible operations that enable passage to and from the country.
    He added that passengers can travel after making sure they meet the entry requirements adopted by the country, in cooperation with its strategic partners, affirming the ICA is providing support to help organise the flow of passengers under several scenarios, and noting that passengers travelling through land ports will have a unified number enabling a smooth journey.

  • Dubai Culture honours distinguished employees

    DUBAI, 1st September, 2021 – Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has honoured a group of distinguished employees in recognition of their efforts in Dubai Culture’s various initiatives and projects, including the management of museums, heritage sites, and cultural programmes.
    Mansoor Hussain Lootah, CEO of the Operations Support Sector, stressed Dubai Culture’s keenness to spread a culture of excellence among its employees on the path towards developing and uplifting the work system to its best standards of excellence.
    The special ceremony was attended by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, and a number of the Authority’s CEOs.

  • Emirates to receive final A380 in November

    DUBAI, 1st September, 2021 – Emirates will receive three more A380 aircraft from Airbus this year with its last unit on order scheduled to join its fleet in November, bringing forward the original delivery timeline from June 2022.
    All three new A380s to be delivered will be fitted out with Emirates’ much lauded Premium Economy cabin as well as its latest A380 cabin interiors and signature features including private suites and Shower Spas in First Class, the popular Onboard Lounge, fully flat seats in Business Class, and the industry’s largest seatback screens for customers in all cabins to enjoy the airline’s extensive selection of entertainment content on ice.
    These deliveries will bring Emirates’ total fleet of A380s to 118 units in November, including six aircraft equipped with Premium Economy seats in a 4-class configuration.
    Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “We’ve come to an agreement with Airbus to bring forward the delivery of our remaining A380 orders and have secured financing for these units. These new aircraft will also add more highly sought-after Premium Economy seats into our inventory, as we prepare to fully launch this cabin product in the coming months.”
    He added: “Emirates will continue to be the largest operator of this spacious and modern aircraft for the next two decades, and we’re committed to ensuring that the Emirates A380 experience remains a customer favourite with ongoing investments to enhance our product and services.”
    As travel restrictions ease with the global roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines, come October, Emirates will have reinstated its A380 operations on over a dozen popular routes between Dubai and: Amman, Cairo, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Guangzhou, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Manchester, Mauritius, Moscow, Munich, New York JFK, Paris, Toronto, Vienna, Washington DC, and Zurich.
    Emirates’ 4-class A380s are currently operating on its London Heathrow and Paris Charles De Gaulle routes.

  • Department of Government Support launches official domain name for Abu Dhabi Emirate ‘.abudhabi’

    ABU DHABI, 1st September, 2021 – Under the supervision of the Higher Committee of Digital Government in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Department of Government Support (DGS) represented by the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) has announced the official internet top level domain name for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, “.abudhabi”, which represents the digital identity of the emirate in the virtual world, promoting it locally, regionally and internationally across the tourism, culture and economy sectors.
    The announcement comes in line with efforts to implement a consistent governance framework throughout the Abu Dhabi Government and make a fundamental change in the concept of government services as they move towards a digital future. It aims at accelerating digital transformation and devising more efficient digital solutions and services aimed at facilitating the lives of the people and business communities throughout Abu Dhabi.
    The domain name is accessible to all citizens, residents and employers working inside and outside the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and is a unique identifier for organisations interested in local business opportunities, as well as events, festivals and fairs hosted annually by Abu Dhabi.
    It also opens the door to new partnerships leading to the consolidation of internet domains used by the private sector in Abu Dhabi, thus contributing to the promotion of information, innovation, achievements and the quality of services in Abu Dhabi.
    Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Mohamed Abdelhameed Al Askar, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, said, “We are very pleased with our adoption of the “.abudhabi” domain, which highlights the fact that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is proceeding with confidence and speed in the process of digital transformation, based on the ambitious vision of our wise leadership to build and shape the digital future of the emirate in a way that supports innovation, the application of digital solutions and effective initiatives that strengthen the economic environment in the capital.”
    Al Askar added, “This initiative contributes to elevating the UAE’s Global Innovation Index status and promotes Abu Dhabi in the tourist, cultural and economic arenas through this distinctive domain name, an attractive factor for companies interested in business opportunities and local and international events and fairs hosted annually by Abu Dhabi.”
    To date, more than 550 names have been successfully registered to the “.abudhabi” domain, and the number is growing daily.
    Al Askar called on all companies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to register and reserve their domain names, taking advantage of its important role in establishing a strong digital identity for Abu Dhabi.
    “.abudhabi” is now considered to be the official internet domain name of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, representing the digital identity of the emirate in the virtual world and contributing to stimulating technological innovation with a view to enhancing the international standing of the emirate.
    The domain name “.abudhabi” is available for individuals and businesses present in the UAE and to all those interested in the business environment of Abu Dhabi. To reserve a domain name and be part of the digital future of Abu Dhabi, please visit: www.nic.abudhabi and enter the domain name you require in the dedicated field. After making sure it is available, follow the steps to gain approval.
    An internet domain name is the name of a website entered into a browser in order to access the website. It replaces the full IP Address for easy access to sites. It includes the domain name extension which is usually added after the actual website name (e.g. .com, .edu.. etc.).

  • Greek diplomatic delegation visits Bee’ah & Polygreen’s Circular Economy Facility, Evogreen, in Sharjah

    DUBAI, 1st September, 2021 – A diplomatic delegation from the Hellenic Republic is visiting the UAE ahead of Expo Dubai 2020, which launches in October.
    As part of the official itinerary, the group visited the facility of Evogreen – the joint venture in Sharjah between Bee’ah and Polygreen that sees the two organisations cooperate on marine environment protection and circular economy solutions.
    The visit to the joint venture facility is the only scheduled tour of a private sector company and was led by Loannis Smyrlis, Secretary-General of International Economic Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Enterprise Greece S.A. and Commissioner-General of Greece in the World Expo 2020. He was accompanied by Betty Alexandropoulou, Executive Director of Enterprise Greece S.A. and Deputy Commissioner-General of Greece in the World Expo 2020.
    Smyrlis was joined on the visit by a supporting team from the Embassy of Greece in the UAE, including Dionyssios Zois, the Greek Ambassador to the UAE, as well as Pantelis Gassios, Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Embassy of Greece in the UAE, and Dimitrios Thomopoulos, First Secretary for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Embassy of Greece in the UAE, Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs in Dubai, also took part in the specially arranged site visit.
    Polygreen is a Greek multinational company, with a growing global footprint. Its presence in the Middle East is independent and is part of its technical knowledge export programme, which sees solutions developed in Greece rolled out in the Middle East.
    The “Evogreen” joint venture between Polygreen and Bee’ah, was announced in Athens in June.
    Athanasios Polychronopoulos, Group CEO of Polygreen, said, “Polygreen’s vision for environmental protection and sustainable development are the driving forces behind our presence here in the UAE, which represents a long-term commitment to the country and the overall region.
    “We are looking forward to sharing our future endeavours and success stories with all stakeholders, both in Greece and the UAE, as well as to make sure that we facilitate the know-how transfer between the two countries through some of the best experts on the issue globally, who we are honoured to have in our respective teams.”
    Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee’ah, added, “At Bee’ah, we believe that protecting marine ecosystems is crucial to maintaining the vital balance of our planet. Evogreen, our joint venture with Polygreen, will address an important range of maritime waste and pollution issues, offering oil spill response services, management of distressed vessels, cargo and abandoned containers, green ship recycling and the establishment of an environmental laboratory, among others.
    “Bee’ah’s partnership with Polygreen will both strengthen the UAE’s specialised waste treatment recycling capabilities by leveraging international cooperation to help protect our oceans, and offer advanced solutions to the maritime industry.”

  • Make Investments That Support Economic Diversification, Buhari To New NSIA Board

    President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja charged the new board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to make more investments that support economic diversification, as global oil prices are projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.

    Inaugurating the third Board of the NSIA, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians.

    He noted that the full impact of most of the strategic projects started under his watch will only be felt long after he had left office.

    He described the appointment of the 9-man board as a call to duty, action and performance, adding that they were eminently qualified for the job.

    ‘‘This Government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not.

    ‘‘As representatives of the Federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the Authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.

    ‘‘You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your Governing Council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate. 

    ‘‘Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the Governing Council Meetings where your performance will be assessed. 

    ‘‘The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that Government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you,’’ the President said.

    The President recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth which may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.

    He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully.

    ‘‘This is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the Authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.

    ‘‘The new Board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.

    ‘‘We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,’’ he said.
    The President also used the occasion to thank the last Board of Directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.

    Acknowledging their commitment, dedication and contributions to the implementation of the objectives of the Authority, the President said:

    ‘‘This distinguished group of patriotic Nigerians heeded the call to serve and deployed the best of their abilities to oversee the affairs of the Authority on behalf of the nation over the last four years.

    Notably, the President said the immediate past Board ‘‘guided the organisation through a critical stage of its existence and have left it standing as a credible world class institution that turns out consistently good results.’’

    ‘‘This Administration took the very difficult decision to invest for the long term. We avoided taking short cuts knowing very well that the full impact of most of the projects we started will only be felt long after we have left office.

    ‘‘Accordingly, in the past four years, both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have partnered on strategic projects with the NSIA.

    ‘‘On the public sector partnership, we are working with the NSIA on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja – Kano Road, to mention a few.

    ‘‘On the private sector collaborations, we have projects such as the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative and the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company amongst many. 

    ‘‘Although these projects and programs have immediately created jobs from a development standpoint, the wider impact on society will only be felt in years to come,’’ he said.

    The new Board members are Farouk Mohammed Gumel (North West) as Non-Executive Chairman; Sir Babatunde Sobamowo (South West), Non-Executive Director; Isiekwena Ikemefuna Louis (South South), Non-Executive Director; Ali Goni Kadugum (North East), Non-Executive Director; Oniyangi Kabir Sulaiman (North Central), Non-Executive Director; and Ike Chioke (South East), Non-Executive Director. 

    In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said from the base position of US$1billion when the Administration assumed office in 2015, NSIA now has around US$3.5billion in assets under management.

    She explained that the Board will, on behalf of the Nigerian people, guide and oversee the NSIA Management’s activities towards delivering outcomes to transform the fortunes of the country.

    ‘‘Using the NSIA Act as its guide, the Board will be required to superintend initiatives that meet the current and future needs of Nigerians.

    ‘‘On our part as Government, we will continue to support the Authority with the necessary policies and framework to ensure that the mission of the institution is delivered in a transparent, sustainable and inclusive manner,’’ she said.

  • All you need to know about Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme NJFP

    The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme NJFP is an initiative to help fresh graduates who have completed NYSC get full time paying jobs.

    Application opens September 6 and closes October 20, 2021.

    About the Programme

    1 programme, 36 states + FCT, 20,000 fellows.

    The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) is a youth empowerment partnership initiative between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    Rising unemployment and the COVID-19 pandemic are all impacting the ability of young Nigerians to find work. The programme seeks to connect talented graduates with local job opportunities that apply their expertise, while equipping them with world-class practical knowledge and relevant skills. It does not matter if you have no job experience!

    Why the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme?

    Other programs and initiatives tend to require some sort of advanced requirement from applicants or lower the entry bar in terms of the kind of opportunities that are available. NJFP does the opposite by inviting qualified applicants across a level playing field without compromising the pedigree of organizations that will play host to successful Fellows.

    The programme will serve all of Nigeria – from North to South and East to West – ensuring that organisations and youth from all corners of the country can participate.

    Target: Youths
    Targeting young talented Nigerians like you, who are looking to land their entry role in the corporate world.

    Benefits for Fellows

    The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme equips the next generation of young leaders who are poised to steer the course of national development by giving them the tools they need to succeed, today.

    Other programmes and initiatives tend to require some sort of advanced requirement from applicants or lower the entry bar in terms of the kind of opportunities that are available.

    NJFP does the opposite, by inviting qualified applicants across a level playing field without compromising the pedigree of organisations that will play host to successful Fellows.

    Fellows will be matched with host organisations based on their interests as well as those aligned to the organisation.

    They will receive a monthly stipend from NJFP.

    3 clear pathways are available for the Jubilee Fellow at the end of their active engagement in the fellowship, they are:
    a. High performing Jubilee Fellows may go on to be retained by their respective host organisations.
    b. Fellows with interest in entrepreneurship would have garnered sufficient skills and knowledge on the job which will be invaluable as they pursue other opportunities.
    c. With newly acquired on-the-job skills & competencies, experience. exposure and a formidable alumni network which can be leveraged, fellows are better positioned and equipped to compete and access future jobs and employment opportunities.

    Benefits for host organization

    NJFP will help organisations cut through the lead-time and resources spent recruiting entry level roles.

    Other programs and initiatives tend to require some sort of advanced requirement from applicants or lower the entry bar in terms of the kind of opportunities that are available. NJFP does the opposite by inviting qualified applicants across a level playing field without compromising the pedigree of organizations that will play host to successful Fellows.

    The programme will serve all of Nigeria – from North to South and East to West – ensuring that organisations and youth from all corners of the country can participate.

    Eligibility criteria for graduates

    To be an eligible fellow, you must
    Must be a Nigerian citizen.

    Be a fresh graduate (Bachelor’s Degree) from any discipline and graduated not earlier than 2017.

    Be at most 30 years old.

    Not currently engaged in any employment.

    Have completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) OR have a certificate of exemption from the NYSC.

    Demonstrate interest/commitment in chosen career field.

    Demonstrate interest/commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

    Have excellent time management and a professional attitude.

    Have good verbal and written communication skills.

    Eligibility criteria for host organization

    To be an eligible host organization, you must:

    Provision up-to-date regulatory documentation including –
    CAC Certificate of Registration
    Provision of official letter of interest detailing a clear understanding of the objectives of the NJFP and commitment to supporting the program by accepting fellow placements.

    Provision of clear descriptions of available role requirements.

    Agreement to provide mentorship support to fellows through dedicated sessions with existing experienced professional within their organizations.

    Agreement to abide by the guidelines of the program and to sign a code of conduct.

    Have non-discrimination policies on gender, ethnicity, religion and disability status, as well as policies against sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse (PSHEA).

    Have no criminal records or conviction or any affiliation with proscribed organizations ie, terrorists, drug traffickers, illicit trade, child labour.

  • Kuwait reports 124 new COVID-19 cases

    KUWAIT, 1st September, 2021 – Kuwait announced 124 new COVID-19 cases and one related death in the past 24 hours, reported the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
    The state news agency quoted the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health as saying that the new figures took the total cases to 409,860, and deaths to 2,419.
    The ministry added that 213 patients have recovered from the virus over the past day, bringing the total recoveries to 405,068.