Emirates

MBRGI and WFP delegation visits flood victims in Pakistan

DUBAI, 28th May, 2023 (WAM) — A delegation from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) visited Sindh in Pakistan, specifically Maghan Halepoto and Soomar Sher in District Mirpurkhas, as part of the 1 Billion Meals campaign.

The delegation included Sarah Al Nuaimi, Director of MBRGI; Amani Batarfi, Associate Project Manager at MBRGI; Al Anoud Al Abdoul, Deputy Director of Foreign Assistance at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Tariq Ahmed Abdul Samad Hassan from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Caterina Galluzzi, Deputy Director of WFP in the GCC; Karim Elguindi, Head of Emergency Response at WFP in Pakistan; and Judith Lumu, Head of WFP’s Provincial Office in Sindh.

During their visit, they oversaw the results of the relief support provided by MBRGI in response to the devastating floods that occurred last summer in Pakistan. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, had directed urgent aid worth AED 50 million, including the contribution to WFP, to provide relief to those affected by the floods in Pakistan.

With the generous contributions of donors, including MBRGI’s 1 Billion Meals campaign, the World Food Programme has supported over 3.4 million flood-affected people in Pakistan with food, nutrition and cash assistance. On the first day of their visit, the delegation met with government representatives from the Planning and Development Department of Sindh and visited the Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (LNS) Factory in Hub, Balochistan. On the second day, the delegation engaged with flood-affected communities in the villages of Maghan Halepoto and Soomar Sher, who had received food assistance provided by WFP through the generous contribution from MBRGI. WFP Pakistan continues to support the flood-affected communities in Pakistan through cash and nutrition assistance.

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, stressed that extending aid and relief to those in need around the world reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his philosophy regarding humanitarian efforts and sustainable charity, with the relief support offered by MBRGI to Pakistani regions affected by floods last summer as part of the “1 Billion Meals” campaign an example of the positive impact achieved by UAE’s humanitarian drives.

“MBRGI continues to strengthen its partnerships with international organisations in order to aid countries and communities struggling with economic challenges or natural disasters. MBRGI’s cooperation with the World Food Programme helps provide necessary help for those who need it quickly and efficiently. Thanks to the generosity of contributors, including the ‘1 Billion Meals’ campaign, the WFO was able to provide food and emergency relief to some 3.4 million people in Pakistan,” Dr. Al Olama said.

He added, “MBRGI continues to implement humanitarian and charity projects around the world, extending emergency aid to victims of crises and natural disasters. Its Year in Review report for 2022 showed a spending of AED 1.4 billion which made a positive impact on the lives of 102 million beneficiaries in 100 countries around the world- increasing the number of beneficiaries by 11 million compared to 2021 as it continues to expand the scope and reach of its projects."

Sarah Al Nuaimi highlighted that MBRGI works to alleviate human suffering under two of its five main pillars – humanitarian aid and relief and empowering communities. She said, “Food support was distributed to millions of beneficiaries in cooperation with partners in Pakistan, due to last summer’s devastating floods in Pakistan having severely impacted local communities. It was also out of our keenness to extend a helping hand to those in need everywhere, in line with MBRGI’s commitment to sustaining humanitarian work.”

Al Nuaimi pointed out that MBRGI’s immediate response has positively contributed to empowering the residents of affected areas and reducing the repercussions of the flood. She added, “Through its strategic partnerships with WFP and its cooperation with government agencies and local authorities, the 1 Billion Meals campaign succeeded in reaching people in affected areas within a short time, securing the basic food needs of the population, especially the vulnerable and less fortunate groups.”

Caterina Galluzzi expressed her gratitude to MBRGI, on behalf of the World Food Programme and the beneficiaries of the food assistance. She said, “The rapid support provided by MBRGI right at the onset of the disaster provided a lifeline for the millions of people affected by the floods in Pakistan and helped them avert catastrophic consequences.”

She added, “The 1 Billion Meals campaign reflects the vision and dedication to collaborate with WFP to achieve a World with Zero Hunger; a journey that requires sustained and timely financial support to meet urgent needs and build the resilience of affected communities. MBRGI exemplifies a global model for charitable and humanitarian work and contributes effectively to multilateral efforts to reduce the impact of humanitarian challenges.”

Galluzzi added, “As part of the overall floods’ response, WFP Pakistan was able to provide over 3.4 million people with food, nutrition and cash assistance, exceeding its target of 2.7 million people. Among the beneficiaries were 1.9 million flood-affected people in Sindh who received 55,019 metric tonnes of food in three rounds across 12 districts, while US$10.1 million in cash-based transfers were distributed across seven districts in Sindh."

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).