Emirates

National Committee for Biosecurity reviews UAE’s efforts on biological threats

DUBAI, 21st June, 2023 (WAM) — The National Committee for Biosecurity, under the leadership of Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, held its second meeting of the year 2023. The meeting included a review of the country's efforts to ensure sustainable biosecurity and discussed topics aimed at enhancing biosecurity and addressing biological threats.

Members of the National Committee for Biosecurity, representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Ministry of Interior, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority all attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Mariam Almheiri emphasised the importance of the work and roles of the National Committee for Biosecurity, which is one of the UAE's key efforts to ensure sustainable biosecurity.

Almheiri said, "As we celebrate the Year of Sustainability and prepare to host the COP28 conference, the UAE is undertaking further efforts and projects to enhance sustainability and address climate change in various sectors. The National Committee for Biosecurity plays a crucial role in keeping pace with this stage, which will be a continuous approach to creating a sustainable future in all fields."

She added, "Within the strategic orientations of the National Biosecurity Framework, the use of biological agents and the dissemination of advanced research outputs have become sources of concern for possible misuse worldwide. The preparation of the guidance document, which includes the governance and monitoring of dual-use scientific research by the committee, will be an achievement that enhances the country's leadership role in all areas and readiness to confront biological threats and risks."

Regarding the interface infection axis between humans, animals, and the environment, Mariam Almheiri emphasised the importance of shifting towards prevention, early detection, raising readiness levels, and bridging the gap between animal health and global security.

She explained that learning from various experiences and events represents one of the most important administrative and technical mechanisms that enhance national efforts to improve capacities and capabilities for dealing with biological risks and threats more effectively and efficiently.

She praised the outcomes of the 'Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Summit,' which the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority organised last month. She asserted that the conference strengthened the UAE's position and significant role in coordinating international efforts in the sector, highlighting the future of emergency crisis and disaster management in light of the rising threats and risks worldwide.

She also praised the outcomes of the "Interpol Initiative for Biosecurity," in which the UAE actively participated at all stages. Almheiri also commended the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority in diagnosing aquatic organisms and its proposal to establish a national network of laboratories for diagnosing aquatic diseases to preserve fish resources, marine organisms, and ecological balance.

During the meeting, several topics in the field of biosecurity were discussed, including the mechanism for implementing the National Biosecurity Framework by forming a national executive committee tasked with monitoring the implementation of the requirements, activities, and projects related to the National Biosecurity Framework.

The meeting also discussed the ‘Biological Risks and Threats Register’ and the World Health Organisation's Global Awareness Week on Antimicrobial Resistance. Updates on the national campaign to combat mosquitoes and the implementation of the recommendations of the first meeting of the National Committee for Biosecurity 2023, as well as the executive steps taken to achieve them, were also presented.

Additionally, the meeting reviewed the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the United Arab Emirates University to enhance partnership and cooperation in biosecurity. The memorandum promotes collaboration in developing academic and cultural exchanges in education, scientific research, and other areas. This includes joint academic programmes, including short-term academic programmes that serve the biosecurity system, enhance capabilities to address relevant risks and threats, and joint scientific research activities in human, animal, plant, and shared diseases between humans and animals. It also encompasses organising seminars, workshops, and joint conferences.

Furthermore, the meeting reviewed the topics presented by committee members, including the guidelines for handling dual-use scientific research and the outcomes of the Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Summit held in May 2023 by the World Organisation for Animal Health in Paris, which aimed to enhance the collective approach to confronting risks.

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).