Emirates

15th UAE-France Strategic Dialogue discusses growing UAE-France cooperation

PARIS, 21st June, 2023 (WAM) — The 15th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Anne-Marie Descotes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, was held in Paris on Monday, 19th June, 2023.

Building on the exceptional bilateral relations between the two countries, and following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Strategic Dialogue co-chairs re-affirmed their commitment to further boost cooperation in priority fields and sectors.

UAE attendees at the Strategic Dialogue included Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; and Sara Awadh Issa Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education. The delegations also included ambassadors of both countries, as well as chairpersons, under-secretaries, and director generals from key entities representing priority sectors in both countries.

Both parties welcomed the 11th May 2023 working visit and meeting between the two Presidents in Paris, less than a year after the state visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to France. The two sides also look forward to the upcoming visit by President Macron to the UAE on the occasion of COP28.

The two sides reviewed the ongoing implementation of the strategic bilateral investment partnerships, signed in December 2021. They commended the growing cooperation between Etihad Rail and corresponding French firms. Both sides also applauded the successful inaugural meeting of the UAE-France High-Level Business Council, jointly chaired by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.

The January 2023 meeting in Abu Dhabi marked another significant milestone in economic cooperation between the UAE and France. The involvement of Bruno le Maire, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, in the High-Level Business Council underlined France's commitment to deepening its economic partnership with the UAE, recognising the strategic importance of the region and the UAE's role as a key economic hub in the Middle East.

In the energy sector, the UAE and France continue their engagement under the Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP), which aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector on the principles of equality and mutual benefits, across the public and private sectors of both countries. Both countries are deepening discussions on a partnership on the financing of the energy transition to be announced at COP28.

The French side reiterated its support for the COP28 Presidency whilst conveying wishes for its success. Both sides underlined the urgent need for the international community to drastically step up efforts in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and keep the +1.5°C increase in global temperatures within reach, notably by increasing ambition and enhancing nationally-determined contributions to be in line with this objective, by reducing energy emissions and consumption and accelerating the transition towards clean energy systems, while ensuring energy accessibility, affordability, and security.

Both sides also emphasised the need for equal progress to be made on increasing climate finance, support for adaptation and addressing loss and damage, stressing the need for all Parties to deliver on the mandated outcomes of COP28. The two sides also agreed to emphasise the role of peaceful nuclear energy as backbone of low-carbon electricity generation. The two parties stressed the need to reform international financial institutions and better mobilise more resources for the climate transition in developing countries while addressing inequalities. The Summit for a New Global Financial Pact to be held in Paris on 22nd-23rd June will be an important milestone in this regard.

Both sides also welcomed the close cooperation between and contributions of their respective financial organisations, including Paris Europlace and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), to contribute successfully to the upcoming COP28.

The French side congratulated the UAE on the progress of its nuclear energy programme with commercial operations of three units at Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant underway. The two parties welcomed progress in institutional cooperation to support the UAE’s nuclear programme, including the conclusion of multiple MoUs and programmes in the areas of R&D, capacity building, and nuclear industrial cooperation in the areas of maintenance & engineering services, as well as collaboration between the French and Emirati supply chains, through “E-Fusion” initiative.

The UAE and French representatives reaffirmed their enduring commitment to joint projects, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, whose fifth anniversary was celebrated in November 2022, and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. They discussed new programmes of cooperation in the museum sector and in cultural and creative industries. Important initiatives have been implemented, notably in the sector of music in cooperation with the Philharmonie de Paris. They commended new cooperation on UAE archaeological sites with the support of the Louvre museum in Paris. Both parties are discussing a cultural cooperation plan related to supporting the restoration of the Grand Trianon of the Château de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Celebrating the solid foundation of the UAE-France higher education cooperation, both parties signed a joint declaration on higher education during the UAE President’s State Visit to France in July 2022. An intergovernmental agreement between the two parties is being explored to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of higher education. They applauded the opening of new programmes and campuses of French universities in the UAE and look forward to Rubika, the international gaming and animation school, opening in Abu Dhabi in September 2023. Both sides praised the strong momentum of French education in the UAE, thanks to the opening of new French schools and a new Alliance Française in Sharjah, as well as the ongoing programme of French language teaching in public schools.

Both sides praised the partnership between the Institut Pasteur and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center in the areas of public health, innovation, scientific research and combatting infectious and emerging diseases. The parties discussed the next steps of the partnership, namely the communicable diseases programme in Paris, and the creation of educational and training programmes. These opportunities vary from postgraduate programmes at the Institut Pasteur Paris, and knowledge exchange through regional training courses in Abu Dhabi. They also commended the scientific partnership in cardiology, initiated by ICAN Institute with several major UAE institutions, as well as the long-lasting medical residency program allowing each year 18 Emirati doctors to be trained in France, and the newly initiated vocational training in nursing.

The co-chairs also discussed further cooperation in a number of other fields, including science and technology, artificial intelligence, food security, nuclear, intellectual property rights, anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing, cybersecurity, and fintech. Both sides also expressed mutual interest to foster collaboration in space exploration missions, human-space flight, and utilisation of space data for climate change.

The two sides discussed a range of international and regional issues and expressed their continued commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. They emphasised the importance of dialogue and building bridges to achieve regional peace and security through various platforms, including the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership.

The two sides emphasised their dedication to deepening the UAE-France partnership through close coordination between the two countries in the UN Security Council during the UAE’s term as an elected member. They discussed and expressed support for the UAE’s presidency of the Security Council in June, and the UAE’s chairmanship of the Counter Terrorism Committee throughout 2023.

Both sides highlighted their shared commitment to advancing mutual priority files, such as the climate change agenda, peace and security, as well as the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. They agreed to strengthening the effectiveness of the UN in promoting multilateralism, conflict prevention and peaceful solutions, peacebuilding and sustaining peace, and to addressing the rising threat of hate speech, intolerance, racism, and all forms of extremism as drivers of conflicts and obstacles to peace.

Upon conclusion of the Strategic Dialogue, UAE and French officials underscored the importance of their shared commitment to further deepening relations between the two countries across all fields.

UAE officials and attendees at the Strategic Dialogue included: Hend Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to France; Hamad Al Kaabi, Permanent Representative of UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency; Saood Al Hosani, Under-Secretary, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Ibrahim Al Qasim, Deputy Director General, UAE Space Agency; Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Sector, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

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).