Emirates

UAE, Brazil launch partnership to exchange knowledge, expertise in economy

DUBAI, 3rd September, 2023 (WAM) — The governments of the UAE and the Federative Republic of Brazil have launched a partnership to exchange knowledge and expertise in the economic fields, in a first-of-its-kind initiative within the Government Experience Exchange Programme, which focuses on partnerships and enhancing cooperation with governments in sharing knowledge and expertise in the fields of modernisation, development and government.

The launch of the new partnership came as part of a visit by a Brazilian official delegation headed by Alexandre Cordeiro Macedo, President of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), to the UAE, during which they were briefed on the innovative business models developed by the UAE government in various fields. An intensive workshop was organised at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy in Dubai, in the presence of Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, to review key experiences and expertise developed by the governments of the two countries in various economic fields.

Bin Touq affirmed the depth of bilateral relations between the UAE and Brazil, and their constructive cooperation, under the support and care of the leadership of the two countries. He pointed out that the UAE government is always keen to enhance its readiness and adopt advanced methods in government work, in line with its vision for the future to be the best place to live and work, and to strengthen its position as a leading centre for foresight government decisions.

The Minister of Economy said, “The partnership will enable the concerned teams in the UAE and Brazil to learn more about the best government expertise and practices, and also highlight the investment opportunities available to businessmen from both countries, in order to achieve a significant growth leap in economic and trade cooperation relations between them. It will also explore new paths for exchanging knowledge regarding government action and sustainable economic development”.

Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange, confirmed that the partnership between the governments of the UAE and the Federative Republic of Brazil to exchange knowledge in the economic fields represents a new model for the programme’s partnerships, which has focused since its launch in 2018 on building partnerships aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange and sharing experiences in the areas of government modernisation. He pointed out that this new partnership paves the way to expand the scope of the programme to include vital sectors related to the lives of societies and future generations.

Lootah said that the UAE government is keen to build partnerships in various fields with governments around the world, pointing out that the Federative Republic of Brazil represents an important player in the global economy and its leading role in several promising economic fields.

Alexandre Cordeiro Macedo, President of CADE, confirmed the Brazilian government's keenness to strengthen positive bilateral relations with the UAE government, as part of their mutual directions to expand partnership areas aimed at developing business frameworks and models in various sectors.

Macedo said, "The visit of CADE’s delegation represents a milestone in the development of competition policy and the promotion of international cooperation between two great nations, Brazil and the UAE". Said President Cordeiro.

The Government Experience Exchange Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs held a series of meetings with the Brazilian government delegation to introduce them to the UAE's experiences, best practices and knowledge developed in the fields of government knowledge exchange, and its innovative models in performance, excellence, services and government accelerators.

During his meeting with the delegation, Abdulla Lootah reviewed the objectives of the Government Experience Exchange Programme, the partnerships it has launched with more than 30 countries around the world, and the new directions of the programme to expand building specialised knowledge partnerships in various vital sectors.

The delegation was briefed by Mohamed Bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services of the UAE Government, about the country's experience in developing government services and innovating advanced solutions for customers at any time or place. He also reviewed the experience of designing and launching Services 1, the first government centre of its kind in the UAE.

During meetings at the Prime Minister's Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, with Malik Al Madani, Executive Director of Government Performance; Marwan Al Zaabi, Director of Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme, and Radheya Al Hashmi, Executive Director – Government Accelerators, the delegation was briefed on the best experiences developed by the UAE government, and the innovative models that it has designed and applied in various fields, including government performance and excellence, and the first government accelerators initiative of its kind globally.

The Brazilian delegation met with Mohamed Al Sharhan, Managing Director of the World Government Summit (WGS) Organisation, and learned about the experience of the WGS and its leading global role in anticipating, designing and shaping the future, through the platform it provides for the exchange of visions, ideas, aspirations, best practices and future innovative experiences applied by leading governments around the world.

An intensive workshop was organised and attended by leaders of the UAE Ministry of Economy and the visiting Brazilian delegation, during which best practices were exchanged in key areas of economic policy and strategy, including foreign trade, investment, economic development, intellectual property, anti-money laundering and competition.

On its first day, the workshop witnessed various sessions during which competition practices applied in the Administrative Council of Economic Defense were reviewed, while the Ministry of Economy team gave an introductory presentation on its laws and regulations related to competition, and reviewed the latest developments in the new competition law.

In one of its sessions, the workshop focused on consumer protection, commercial control and commercial agencies in the UAE, while the Ministry of Economy provided an overview of the structure and operations of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department and the latest developments in its policies and practices. The ministry's team also discussed in another session the best practices applied in the field of strategies for national economic clusters.

On the second day of the workshop, a series of sessions were held on various topics, where the team of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense presented an introduction to the structure of its administrative court and its workflow, while the team of the Ministry of Economy reviewed in another session what the UAE has achieved in terms of launching comprehensive economic partnership and trade agreements.

A third session focused on the best practices applied in the UAE in the management of certificates of origin and facing the challenges associated with this field. In another session, the Ministry of Economy team discussed the structure and operations of the intellectual property sector and the latest policies and strategies aimed at promoting innovation.

The joint workshop came as part of the initiatives of the Economic Policy Acceleration Programme at the Ministry of Economy, in partnership with the Government Experience Exchange Office, to host a series of workshops in the country to share the UAE's economic development model, empower economic policymakers in partner countries by reviewing best policy practices, and build a network of economic policymakers to promote the transfer and sharing of knowledge.

The Administrative Council for Economic Defense is an independent institution of the Ministry of Justice of the Federative Republic of Brazil and is affiliated with the executive arm of the Brazilian government, responsible for investigating and deciding on competition matters, as well as promoting the culture of competition in Brazil. The Council is tasked with ensuring free competition, deciding on mergers between major companies, and encouraging a culture of free competition in the private sector and society.

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).