Emirates

Joint Committee for Security and Safety launches 4th annual safety campaign at petrol stations

DUBAI, 26th July, 2023 (WAM) — The Joint Committee for Security and Safety has officially launched the fourth edition of the national awareness campaign for security and safety at petrol stations for summer 2023, under the theme "Five for Your Safety".

Running until 25th September 2023, the annual campaign focuses on enhancing safety and security awareness among gas station users. It promotes the adoption of correct protocols at service stations during fueling to safeguard both customers and service providers.

The joint committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the General Command of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat).

As part of this campaign, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in collaboration with its strategic partners, will strengthen the UAE's reputation as one of the safest countries in the world, in line with the nation's vision for the next fifty years, which aims to ensure the safety of citizens and promote sustainable development while placing the human element at its heart.

The campaign has been designed to uplift safety and security within society and protect the lives of individuals – the cornerstone of sustainable development. It seeks to mitigate the risks and potential damage that could arise from improper fuel filling practises. The campaign will shed light on key guidelines, including adhering to a 30 km/h speed limit when entering the station, refraining from smoking, turning off the engine during fueling, and keeping the vehicle stationary during the refuelling process to prevent hose dislocation.

Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs and Team Leader of the Joint Committee for Security and Safety, said, “The joint campaign is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing awareness and promoting social responsibility concerning security, safety, and the preservation of lives. We are optimistic that this campaign will resonate positively with the public and foster a comprehensive culture that not only safeguards lives but also bolsters safety within our environment.”

Underscoring the campaign's role in supporting the government's commitment to social responsibility, Al Olama noted, “This initiative reaffirms the government's keenness to provide a safe environment for citizens and residents across the nations. It also reflects our vision to provide a sustainable and secure life for everyone. Given that fuel is an essential commodity for numerous sectors and individuals, its handling must adhere to safety rules and take necessary precautions to avoid potential accidents or risks. This is the core responsibility entrusted to our campaign.”

"Through our unified cooperation, we seek to broaden the campaign's outreach and educate as many community members as possible about the significance of safety at petrol stations. It's through these collective efforts that we aim to establish a safe and sustainable environment for everyone. We urge community members to actively participate in the campaign, abide by its principles and guidelines, take necessary precautionary measures, and handle fuel correctly. This way, we can ensure a safe and sustainable summer for all." Al Olama added.

For his part, Major General Dr. Jassim Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Commander-in-Chief of Civil Defence at the Ministry of Interior, stressed the Civil Defence’s commitment to boosting safety, prevention, and civil protection. "By working together within a unified framework, we aim to strengthen the security of our community. As we move forward with our efforts to bolster community security, we recognise the crucial role awareness plays in proactive initiatives, largely due to their transformative impact on attaining strategic objectives."

“Through the national campaign, we're joining forces with other authorities to safeguard lives and property. Our comprehensive approach aims to not only raise awareness but also expand its reach within our target communities. In doing so, we hope to bring the UAE's vision to life and enhance its distinguished reputation on a global scale,” Al Marzouqi added.

"Safety stands as the cornerstone of our operations at petrol stations and is an area we are constantly developing and enhancing in alignment with ADNOC Distribution's vision for ensuring the safety of people and the sustainability of our business," stated Bader Al Lamki, Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Distribution.

He continued, “We therefore attach great importance to joining the national awareness campaign, which allows us not only to educate the public about necessary safety standards at stations but also to equip them with essential safety tools and procedures, thus achieving the highest levels of quality and safety.”

Additionally, Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Director-General of Emirates General Petroleum Corporation Emarat, said, “Accomplishing our HSE goals and objectives sits at the top of our priorities at Emarat. We are committed to adhering to professional guidelines, federal and international laws, as well as best practises, to ensure a safe and secure environment for our employees, customers, and assets throughout all our operations.

“We firmly believe that our HSE objectives are just as paramount as our other core business objectives. As such, we make it our mission to ensure that our employees receive the best training in safety, security, and preventive measures on a regular basis. Our approach is bolstered by open communication and coordination with the relevant governmental agencies in the UAE, and we are in constant pursuit of improvements to existing procedures and security and safety systems.”

Al Shamsi also pledged Emarat's endorsement for the "Five for Your Safety" campaign. “We will harness all our efforts and initiatives to educate the broadest segment of society about the risks associated with improper practises within gas stations and their potential detrimental impact on the safety of individuals and properties.”

Meanwhile, Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of ENOC Group, said, "As a national oil company, ENOC Group places utmost importance on the safety and security of individuals and communities. We are committed to engaging in initiatives and campaigns that improve security and safety standards at service stations, aligning with the most recent global benchmarks in health, safety, and environmental practises.”

“We are pleased to participate in this campaign for the fourth consecutive year, partnering with other organisations to enhance public awareness among service station users in the UAE. During the campaign, we will focus on acquainting motorists with safety indicators and instructing them on the correct procedures when utilising service stations. On this occasion, I would like to express gratitude to the Joint Committee on Security and Safety for its initiatives and relentless efforts that further solidify the UAE's esteemed regional and global standing in terms of security and safety." Al Falasi stated.

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).