Emirates

Abu Dhabi, Moscow City sign programme of cooperation

ABU DHABI, 9th December, 2021 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Government and the Government of Moscow, capital of the Russian Federation, today signed a Programme of cooperation to collaborate and strengthen ties of friendship and mutual understanding, deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation, exchange experiences, and increase investments in various vital sectors, including economic, cultural, health, education and infrastructure.

The agreement was signed by Falah Al Ahbabi, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), on behalf of The Abu Dhabi Government, and Sergei Cheryomin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, after discussions on a range of topics that focused on strengthening partnerships and the continuation and development of bilateral cooperation.

On this occasion, Al Ahbabi pointed out that the programme of cooperation comes within the framework of well-established economic relations and the willingness of the two cities to deepen and expand joint cooperation in vital areas, making extensive use of their capacities and technical skills to provide services and projects that are commensurate with global changes and improve the quality of life and safety of the residents in the cities.

"Our leadership is keen, as part of their strategic vision, to establish and strengthen international partnerships in support of sustainable growth objectives, seeking future projects that create more opportunities and embracing the use of modern technologies to enhance the prospects of cooperation between the two cities," he said.

"The UAE and Abu Dhabi have great capabilities in all fields, which have played a major role in strengthening the UAE's position as a leading global intellectual, cultural and scientific power. We have been able to achieve great success in addressing the challenges of the global pandemic through our achievements in the economy, health, resilience and smart infrastructure sectors. Our cooperation with the Moscow government represents an important outcome of international cooperation based on a common understanding to develop the concept of investment in innovation and people's capabilities as a cornerstone of the sustainable growth process. I have no doubt that cooperation with a leading city like Moscow in these sectors will contribute positively to the realisation of this vision," Al Ahbabi added.

For his part, Cheryomin said, "Today Moscow, as one of the most dynamically developing megacities in the world, has gained vast experience in various fields of urban development and is ready to share it with foreign partners. At the same time, Moscow is open to implementation of new projects to be elaborated with Abu Dhabi side. I believe that signing of a Programme of cooperation between the two capitals will define a new stage of collaboration between our cities as well as contribute to the existing partnership ties."

The programme of cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Moscow covers the development of relations in several areas, including economic growth, cultural projects and healthcare, as well as the education and infrastructure sectors, with the objective of stimulating mutual cooperation between the two cities and studying development prospects.

Through this tactical collaboration, both sides seek to boost economic relations for businesses and institutions in their respective cities, enhance trade between them and attract investment for both sides, in addition to encouraging economic and innovative projects and joint activities, including work sponsored by relevant trade unions, associations and chambers of commerce, in order to forge closer economic ties between the business communities.

The agreement also aims to strengthen cooperation between leading academic and research institutions in the field of culture and the arts, as well as to participate and exchange experiences in cultural events such as museums and libraries, music, theatre, film and arts of all kinds.

The programme of cooperation will kick-start cooperation in the field of health care and the exchange of good practices and experiences related to the organisation of health services and the provision of medicines, as well as participation in scientific and research events and work on innovative technologies.

The education sector takes its place within the framework of the Programme of cooperation in the field of the development of new educational technologies and teaching methods, including digital education, and the exchange of experiences in the field of education quality assessment, as well as the establishment of partnerships at the level of educational institutions both in Moscow and Abu Dhabi.

The agreement also focuses on the exchange of experiences and practices in the development of infrastructure and public transportation systems, construction techniques, control and monitoring systems and advanced automation techniques, as well as the development of basic utilities (water and electricity), water supply networks, sewage systems, electricity and street lighting, and the exchange of experiences in the field of urban planning and development, including land use planning, reorganisation and revitalisation of areas, and the design of public spaces and parks.

Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions. Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories. Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).