Emirates

Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence marks International Workers Day

ABU DHABI, 30th April, 2023 (WAM) — The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence Sunday organised several activities in cooperation with state and private sector institutions, and wide participation of the UAE society and workers to mark the International Workers Day.

The activities were held under the patronage and presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and a number of ministers, senior officials and leaders of the private sector in the country. Students of UAE universities and schools also participated in the celebration with artistic and musical performances dedicated to UAE workers, carrying the message of tolerance, coexistence and acceptance of all segments of society, including workers.

The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence also celebrated the artistic, sports and creative talents of UAE workers, and honored the distinguished ones, in recognition of their positive role in the UAE economy.
The celebration included an artistic performance by Abu Dhabi Indian School entitled "One Family", NYUAD students participated in a creative performance entitled "Coexistence Behavior", Saadiyat Operative Village presented a musical performance entitled "Coexistence Flourishes the Future", and the Ministry of Tolerance presented a performance entitled "Voices of Tolerance Choir", after which Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak honored distinguished workers in sports, art and creativity. The celebration also included entertainment shows, competitions and prizes for UAE workers.
The three-hour celebration was attended by Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the business community and major investors in the country.
In his speech to the UAE workers and all attendees, Sheikh Nahyan said, “I am both honored and delighted to be with you today to celebrate International Workers Day. In fact, our celebration today is a celebration of the United Arab Emirates itself – a country that values all contributions to its development and progress. By sponsoring this celebration, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, in cooperation with KEZAD and other community partners, reaffirms our deep values of respecting and understanding the many different cultures and backgrounds of people living and working in our country.
He added “We are proud that this evening’s celebration is being held under the theme of “Together in the Emirates of Zayed.” It was our nation’s founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who united our emirates in 1971, and who advocated powerfully that tolerance and the recognition and appreciation of others, was the key to peaceful prosperity and harmony. Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is a peaceful, prosperous, harmonious UAE where diversity is not only respected, but celebrated.
“Today His Highness the President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, validates the wisdom of Sheikh Zayed’s vision and actions. The enlightened leadership of His Highness, the President, has shaped our country and its diverse global society. He values the contributions of the talented and hard-working men and women who live and work in the United Arab Emirates”.
The minister added, “As you may know, this is the Year of Sustainability in the UAE. I applaud your dedication to the well-being of the environment, as well as your commitment to strengthening the values of civil engagement and cooperation. Sustainability requires that we work together. The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence is pleased to be working with all of you. We will continue with both the Tolerance Cricket Cup, and the Kabaddi Tolerance Cup, which enjoy great success. Together, and in cooperation with our partners, we will also work to enhance the quality of life in workers villages by providing opportunities for personal well- being and development, and for workers to practice their hobbies, artistic talents, and to show their God-given abilities and skills”.
Sheikh Nahyan concluded his speech by saying: “In the UAE, we are united in our respect for each other. We recognise the human values that we all treasure. In our tolerance and human fraternity lies our strength. We deeply appreciate and honor your contributions to our country. And we thank you for having us as your guests this evening”.
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar stressed that “This celebration with UAE workers is a duty and an honor. We appreciate and respect their valuable contribution to the UAE development. The Workers day is an ideal opportunity to meet them, listen to their opinions, identify the challenges they face and support them in every way possible, as we learned from the founding father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, and our wise leadership. We praise the efforts of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence to organise this great celebration, which represents the authentic values of the UAE, at the heart of which is tolerance, coexistence and human brotherhood”.
On the other hand, a large number of workers expressed their pride in living in a country that accommodates everyone, without exception.

Abdul Aziz Bawazeer, CEO KEZAD Communities said, “It is my great pleasure to be here today as we celebrate the third edition of the international workers day entitled “Together in the Emirates of Zayed”. He expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and all the important work that it does to organise celebrations that befits workers and employees.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of his excellency and his ministry, the values of tolerance, coexistence and human brotherhood reaches all segments of society, especially workers, and the UAE is today seen as one of the most tolerant and accepting countries in the world".
He added that “UAE workers of various nationalities have always played a key role in the development, as well as the preservation of Emirati values and principles.” He pointed that the new projects and developments announced almost on a daily basis in the country can only come to reality through the efforts and dedication of these workers.
“Thanks to these members of our society, UAE’s dreams and ambitions are becoming a reality at a very fast pace. Thanks to the efforts of the various ministries and government departments working for the benefit of society, people in the UAE enjoy one of the highest levels of human rights protection, and safe and secure environments to live and work in.”
More than 40 ministries and government and private institutions participated in the celebration of Labor Day
International Workers Day received wide participation from various institutions in the UAE community, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the Ministry of Community Development, Abu Dhabi Police, KIZAD Communities, Etisalat and Etihad Airways, Burjeel Holding, Emirates Heritage Club, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Cricket Club, New York University, Indian School Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Raha Village, Seidor International Volunteers, Emirates Palace Restaurant, Mayar Facilities Management, Lulu International, Indian Business & Professional Group, Darb Zayed, and Ride For Life), Jashnamal, Gurunanak Monastery in Dubai, and a large number of volunteers and investors

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).