Emirates

Local and multinational private sector companies affirm commitment to UAE Gender Balance Council vision to advance economic and social prosperity

DUBAI, 24th January, 2022 (WAM) — Officials from 18 major local and international companies across various sectors in the UAE have expressed their pride in signing the voluntary pledge to accelerate gender balance and raise the percentage of women in leadership positions to 30 percent by 2025. The companies have expressed their commitment to accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

Signatories also expressed their pride in being part of an initiative that contributes to the UAE’s global competitiveness, reduces gender gaps, and achieves the UAE leadership’s future vision. The signatories stressed their commitment to working with the UAE Gender Balance Council to achieve this goal and have announced a number of policy and programmatic efforts that will support in implementing the pledge and in creating more gender balanced workplaces.

The Pledge to Accelerate Gender Balance in the UAE Private Sector was signed by local and multinational companies on 18th January, at a ceremony organised by the UAE Gender Balance Council, in collaboration with the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre.

Shamsa Saleh, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, affirmed that the UAE believes in the important role of partnerships, saying, "The pledge signed by 18 local and international companies is the result of two years of collaboration between the public and private sectors. The goal of these companies to raise the percentage of women in leadership positions goes beyond the local scale as many of these organisations are multinational companies, and so we are certain that these important actions will spread positive impact beyond the UAE."

"This initiative is part of the UAE Gender Balance Council’s framework and efforts, led by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to promote gender balance across sectors and build strategic partnerships both locally and abroad. Many initiatives have been implemented to accelerate the achievement of SDG5, which is reflected in the UAE’s leading position regionally and advanced ranking in global indicators in gender balance," she added.

"The pledge includes four main pillars: equal pay and fair compensation; gender equitable recruitment and promotion; gender mainstreaming in policies and programmes; and transparency through data sharing," she concluded.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi, Chief Sustainability Officer at Majid Al Futtaim, said, "We work in line with the UAE government’s vision to accelerate the nation’s development journey, boost the country’s economy and build towards a workspace that values and develops balanced gender roles. Therefore, we have committed to a series of initiatives focused on the professional advancement of local talent, one of which is our devotion to recruit 3,000 Emiratis seeking to build their careers in the private sector in the next 5 years. We have also committed to a gender diversity target for women to constitute 30 percent of board members and senior management roles in the next 5 years."

Huda Buhumaid, Chief Marketing Officer of Dubai Holding, said, "As Gender Equality continues to be an integral part of the UAE’s social fabric and a key national priority for our leadership, we at Dubai Holding are inspired by and driven to emulate our young nation’s progress on gender balance. In line with the SDG5 efforts and national priorities, we have adopted a gender-lens approach to nurturing talent across the group through an inclusive culture and policies that support a gender-balanced workplace, as well as critical policy changes across our groupwide businesses that cover 10 sectors with over 20,000 employees."

For his side, Luay Al Shurafa, President and Managing Director, GM Africa & Middle East, expressed the company’s honour to sign the SDG 5 Pledge, and has congratulated the UAE government for spearheading the conversation and encouraging businesses to drive forward gender-parity reforms, saying, "We aim to become the most inclusive company in the world by leading with transparency and accountability, as well as a strong internal culture and gender equitable workplace practices. For more than ten years, GM AMEO has and continues to develop and promote future female leadership and talent. Today, 31 percent of our leadership positions are occupied by women, across our offices, as we continue to maintain equal opportunities across genders led by our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion oversight committee."

Olivia Bellingham, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa at Mastercard, said, "An equal world is a more inclusive world, and Mastercard remains committed to wholeheartedly support the journey to gender balance with all our resources, technology, and the power of our network. Every time we embrace a chance to include and celebrate diversity, is an opportunity in which we keep momentum to effect change and create a better world.

"Gender equality is one of the key pillars for Mastercard across the Middle East and wider region, as we strive to ensure gender equality within our organisation, as well as unlock the female economy and empower women entrepreneurs. Public-private partnerships such as this one play a key part in this journey, enabling us to further accelerate this mission," she added.

Patrick Higgins, People and Organisation Director at Mars Middle East and Africa, said, "This pledge is a testament to the progress the UAE has made to promote gender balance across the nation. We at Mars are very proud to partner with the Gender Balance Council on this initiative to drive a shared agenda to advance female representation in senior and middle management. Our strategic focus to unlock opportunities for women and advance gender equality is driven by our belief in the exceptional value that more diverse teams bring in our business. Our emphasis on gender diversity can be found in our policies, our flexible work culture, and our associate concept which is one thing that is unique about Mars. Our aim is to reach a 40/60 ratio by 2025 across all levels of our organization and especially at our leadership levels, which will be a catalyst for further diversifying our entire organisation. We believe that having a diverse organisation drives innovation, entrepreneurship, better decision making and ensures we are more connected to our consumers. We believe this is essential for success in the UAE and beyond."

Meanwhile, Ahmed Khashan, President of Gulf Countries at Schneider Electric, said, "At Schneider Electric, gender balance is a top priority for us, both locally and globally. As a company, we take pride in the way we nurture an inclusive culture where both women and men are empowered, appreciated, and, most importantly, valued in the organisation. Gender balance is key to how we run our business and it is why we have such a diverse and inclusive team that is dedicated to bringing our energy-efficient and sustainable technologies to the world."

Sanjiv Kakkar, Executive Vice-President of Unilever MENA, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus & Turkey, said, "At Unilever, ensuring the diversity of our workforce is a top priority resulting in an increase from 21.8 percent (2014) to 43.4 percent (2021) of women in management roles in the UAE. Our commitment to ensuring the diversity of our workforce has seen it integrated into our business strategies, talent acquisition, talent development, and retention practices and processes."

Rachid Fergati, Managing Director, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia at UPS, said, "We strive to ensure that our internal culture is one that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. We are an advocate for gender parity and women’s equality at the workplace, and are proud to leverage our resources and expertise to drive women economic empowerment. As part of UPS’s commitment to advancing a sustainable and inclusive trade agenda, we are supporting the entry of women entrepreneurs into the international trade arena through the UPS’s Women Exporters Program. We are honored to sign the pledge to accelerate gender balance in the UAE's private sector. We look forward to furthering the vision of UAE’s Gender Balance Council to drive economic and social prosperity in the country, and create a lasting impact for the community."

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).