Emirates

NCEMA’s media briefing on prevailing weather conditions

ABU DHABI, 28th July, 2022 (WAM) – The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) said that national action teams are exerting all possible efforts to protect everyone in areas affected by the current weather conditions, stressing that the safety of everyone remains its priority.

During its media briefing on the current weather situation in the country, conducted by Dr. Taher Al Ameri, Spokesperson for NCEMA, Dr. Mohammed Al Abri, Spokesperson for the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), and Brigadier Ali Al Tunaiji, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, NCEMA presented the proactive efforts of the national authorities.

The media briefing highlighted all relevant national and local procedures and related circulars, as well as the developments of the weather around the country, which is witnessing conditions that have affected all emirates, accompanied by rain that has damaged houses and roads and disrupted services.

To support the infrastructure affected by the weather nationwide, relevant authorities formed field action teams to immediately address the repercussions.

Dr. Al Ameri pointed out that the UAE’s emergency and crisis prevention system is characterised by its readiness and flexibility. It always operates according to a proactive strategy based on predicting all scenarios to ensure everyone’s readiness, and protecting the safety of people and preserving property are major priorities, he noted.

Al Ameri assured the public that all national teams are exerting all possible efforts to protect citizens and residents, especially in affected areas.

As part of the country’s emergency and crisis management system, all relevant authorities have taken proactive measures to prepare for the weather, he added, noting that these authorities and the public have been warned.

NCEMA is coordinating with relevant authorities to provide water drawing tanks to withdraw water in affected areas, and is closely monitoring the weather situation and ensuring the readiness of all plans and strategies through the authority’s centres around the country, he further added, stressing that monitoring processes are continuing day and night to prevent potential risks and ensure the community’s safety.

NCEMA commended the role of all national and local authorities, which are working hard to contain the effects of the weather.

Ministry of Community Development’s Efforts

The briefing also highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Community Development. Al Ameri commended the role of the ministry, which, since Wednesday, has been implementing procedures to shelter families affected by rain and floods in the eastern regions of the country.

The ministry has also coordinated with over 20 hotels to provide 827 housing units to over 1,885 people nationwide and has provided buses and other means of transportation in the affected areas to help transport families, he added, affirming that 56 buses are ready in case of any developments that could require their use.

The Ministry of Community Development is managing several registered volunteers under the national volunteering platform, who are working in three key areas. These are:

– 30 volunteers work in call centres and contact senior citizens in affected areas to check on them and see if they need anything.

– 40 volunteers are helping with the transportation of affected people on SUVs.

– 60 volunteers are taking care of families after their evacuation to safer areas.

Al Ameri stressed the importance of getting information from official sources to avoid rumours and to follow the instructions of relevant authorities.

He affirmed that under the UAE leadership’s vision and the directives of the country’s government, the safety of people and properties is a priority, stating that relevant specialist teams are working around the clock according to specific plans, to ensure readiness for emergency conditions.

Al Ameri urged the public to follow the instructions of relevant authorities, be careful and commit to instructions to not leave their homes, most notably in affected areas, affirming the need for people to drive cautiously and avoid floods and difficult mountain areas.

For his part, Dr. Al Abri discussed the weather updates and their effect on the country. The NCM is constantly monitoring the situation by analysing weather maps and data and following satellites and radars around the country, he added and noted that the centre’s technical team is monitoring the weather and issuing necessary reports and warnings.

The country witnessed an extension of an upper and surface air depression from northern India through southern Pakistan, coinciding with the movement of the orbital convergence line towards the north of the Arabian Gulf, which affected the flow of clouds from the Sea of Oman towards the UAE, interspersed with cumulus rain clouds accompanied by lightning and thunder sometimes, he stressed.

Current Situation

Al Abri said that the current weather involves a low air extension coming over the west of the country, accompanied by southeast winds and rain clouds over some eastern and western regions, most notably over the sea. The highest amount of rain recorded during this period was 234.9 mm in the Port of Fujairah, the highest recorded in July over the past 30 years.

He also expects the low air extension to continue in the west of the country that will weaken at night.

Impact on Country

Al Abri said that there is still a chance for cumulus clouds to form over the mountains. In general, south-easterly winds are moderate and active at times during the day, along with the cloud activity. The sea conditions are medium, in general, but turbulent with cumulus clouds.

The NCM is closely monitoring the weather, he said while calling on the public to follow the news and related reports, as well as the instructions of relevant authorities.

He stressed that as part of the ongoing monitoring of the weather around the country, the centre issued its first report on 23rd July to clarify any potential repercussions.

He added that 20 warnings were issued since the start of the current situation, while 70 alerts were issued on social media, in addition to other media. The centre communicates regularly with relevant authorities, and all repercussions are dealt with quickly and professionally, as preserving the safety of people and property is a top priority, he further added.

He then urged the public to only get information on the NCM’s e-platforms and social media pages and not believe or spread rumours about the weather. He advised the public to be cautious and avoid valleys and dams in areas specified by relevant authorities.

Brigadier Al Tunaiji highlighted the key procedures followed by police officers from the Fujairah Police Operations Centre, and commended the national response efforts made in coordination with local authorities to ensure the security and safety of lives and properties.

He reassured that despite the heavy rain and turbulent weather that resulted in the flow of torrents and valleys in a number of areas across the country, no casualties or serious injuries were reported, adding that damages were limited to material losses only.

The qualified teams work with a sufficient number of vehicles, Brigadier Al Tunaiji added, noting that police, rescue and ambulance teams are exerting all possible efforts to secure and protect people and properties, as well as managing traffic, while 870 persons were rescued in the emirates of Sharjah and Fujairah.

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).