New environment awareness wing

Minister of Environment and Water HE Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd issued an ordinance today setting up a special wing for creation of environmental awareness among institutions and the people.

The move highlights the ministry's continuing plan to enhance interaction between the government and the society for the protection of the environment within the frame work of the federal strategy.

Dr. Maryam Hassan al Shanasi will head the wing which will be affiliated to the office of the minister. WAM

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'Authentic Government Leader - Model One' - the first phase of 'Executive Leaders Programme'

Thirty executive directors and directors from ministries and federal authorities and corporations began Sunday in Dubai today the 'Executive Leaders Programme', the first initiative under the multi-pronged 'UAE Government Leaders Programme' that was launched earlier this year.

Titled 'Authentic Government Leader - Model One', the first workshop of the Executive Leaders Programme focuses on three main areas of leading the self, wise decision making, and communication skills. Held in collaboration with London Business School at the Palace Hotel- Burj Dubai, the first phase will conclude on 29 April.

Launched under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Government Leaders Programme aims to develop visionary leaders with the potential to drive the strategic objectives of the UAE federal government.

The 26-day Executive Leaders Programme will be delivered over a period of 18 months and comprise various training programmes that promote best international practices in the government sector. In addition to exploring latest practices in strategic thinking, planning and implementation, the programme will help participants enhance core skills in key areas such as, financial management, human capital management, project management, information technology and internal operations excellence.

His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, said: "The launch of the first programme follows a stringent evaluation process conducted in cooperation with a leading international agency. The highly competitive evaluation identified 30 participants despite close scores by 107 senior officials across the UAE federal entities.

"The programme seeks to enhance the participants' strategic planning competencies and enable them to develop clear and result-oriented visions. It will also assist them to enhance their management skills in various areas such as team building, innovation and creativity, while equipping them with the necessary tools to cope with the ongoing dynamic changes.? Under the Executive Leaders Programme, participants will be assigned experienced mentors to guide them through best practices in personal development to complement their leadership qualities.

The multi-pronged UAE Government Leaders Programme, launched last February, focuses on UAE federal employees across three different levels. To be concluded in September 2009, the Executive Leaders Programme targets Executive Directors and Directors at the federal entities.

The 12-month Strategic Leaders Programme will target 20 Directors General, and the 18-month Future Leaders Programme targets 30 Assistant Directors and the lower cadres. The Strategic Leaders and Future Leaders Programs will be launched during the second half of 2008. WAM

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Dubai to bid for Olympics

Dubai will bid for the Olympic Games and will host it at Dubai Sports City, Dubai's ruler told ArabianBusiness.com on Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also vice president and prime minister of the UAE, was briefing journalists on a flight from Beijing to Shanghai as part of his state visit to China when he revealed his intention to begin studying an Olympic bid.

He declined to give further details and did not name a target year to host the games.

Dubai Sport City is currently under construction and will feature a 25,000-seater cricket stadium, a 60,000-seater outdoor arena that could hold track and field events, and a 10,000-seater multi-purpose indoor arena.

It will be one of the largest sports complexes in the world.

Dubai has long been associated with major sporting events and global sports sponsorship deals. The emirate already hosts professional tennis, golf and rugby events.

The UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, will host its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix next year. Source

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New brand identity for Dubai Government launched

The new livery and logo for all Dubai Government departments have been unveiled on Saturday by H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

Accordingly, all government departments have been directed to carry the new identity for Dubai from 1 April. The Executive Council has been tasked to oversee the migration. During Phase-I, member entities of the Dubai Executive Council will adopt the new branding, while Phase-II will cover the remaining Dubai government entities.

Reflecting the Emirate's history and its march towards rapid progress, the new logos underline the brand unity and synergy among Dubai government and all its sub-entities.

The elegant font selected by H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed for Dubai's new identity is inspired by the font chosen by his grandfather, the late Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Guidelines on merging each department's individual logos with the new Dubai Government brand logo will be soon circulated to all departments, specifying terms and conditions on its usage. WAM

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Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry elected new Chairman

Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, First Vice Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has been elected chairman by the Board of Directors yesterday.

He replaces Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, who is now Minister of State for Financial Affairs.

Addressing the new Board of Directors, Mr Al Yayer said it was important for the Chamber to take forward its new strategic plan, which complements that of the governments.

Mr Al Ghurair is a senior member of the multi-billion Al Ghurair Business Conglomerate, including the Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair Investments LLC. Source

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President H. H Sheikh Khalifa reshuffles Cabinet

President H. H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan today endorsed the new UAE Cabinet as presented by H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

According to the new reshuffle, a new portfolio for foreign trade has been created. Industrial affairs at the former Ministry of Finance and Industry, has been shifted to the Ministry of Economy.

The Ministry of State for Cabinet Affairs has become a full-fledged Ministry to be calle a Ministry for Cabinet Affairs. It is to this ministry that the former Government Sector Development Ministry will be attached. The new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs will retain his portfolio as the Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs.

According to the new reshuffle, four women will join the new U.A.E. cabinet, increasing the number of women to four instead of just two in the previous cabinet.

Three ministries of state have been created. (WAM)

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Finger-scanning made mandatory for French visa

Expatriates and UAE nationals applying for Schengen visas through the French consulate in Dubai will soon have to undergo finger-scanning.
In an attempt to tighten security and eliminate fraud, the French consulate in Dubai — the first diplomatic mission of a Schengen member-nation in the UAE — will ensure that visa applicants get all their fingers scanned if they have to visit France first.

The consulate is one of the “pioneer posts” where the biometrics equipment will be tested today and tomorrow as part of a global pilot project. In this connection, the French consulate would remain closed on the two days.

French Consul-General in Dubai Nada Yafi, told Khaleej Times, “The French government has made it mandatory to use biometric data for visa applicants and the consulate in Dubai is the first place where it is being tested out. All applicants, be they tourist, business or students, have to get their fingers scanned. The decision was taken last year to make it easier for people to get visas and also eliminate any element of fraud.”

She added that this was only the testing process and if all goes well, the biometric data system would be implemented from Thursday.

Apart from Dubai, a few French missions across the world are being equipped with the biometrics equipment and all of them, including the French mission in Abu Dhabi, are expected to have them in place by 2009.

According to Schengen visa rules, the applicant must first identify which Schengen country is the main destination, which determines the embassy or the consulate where the traveller should apply. If the main destination cannot be determined, the traveller should file the visa application at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country of first entry.

“People will simply have to apply for a French visa if France is their main destination and submit their biometric data at the consulate. If they are visiting other Schengen member-countries first, they can go to France after that and do not need to get their fingers scanned,” said Yafi.

She remarked that as per European Union proposals, all member-countries are also expected to follow suit in the next few months where all non-Europeans would need to submit biometric data before crossing Europe’s frontiers.

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Dubai Police awarded the 19 ISO 9001/2000

Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended Thursday a reception hosted by Dubai Police General Command for being awarded the 19 ISO 9001/2000 certificates for quality management.

Sheikh Hamdan gave away ISO certificates to directors of Dubai Police departments and chiefs of Police centres in the presence of Lt. Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander General of Dubai Police. Commanders who served the police for more than 25 years were also honoured with Dubai Police golden jubilee medal.

Addressing the audience, Tamim said Dubai Police were among the first police forces in the world to adopt the ISO 9000-2000.

''The administrative excellence Dubai Police have achieved is inseparable part of the security and professional excellence which have been dedicated to maintain security and stability and serve social welfare in Dubai in particular and the UAE in general,''he added.

Over the last two years, he affirmed, Dubai Police have contained a raft of money laundering crimes worth over AED 70 billion.

''The ISO certification is not the end of the quest for excellence .........

we will always strive to take the lead ...we will only be satisfied with the first rank,''he added. (WAM)

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Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid named as Crown Prince of Dubai

Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued a decree in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, appointing Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Crown Prince of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed also issued a decree, naming Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Deputy Rulers of Dubai, as of today. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, which is entrusted with the task of overseeing Dubai Government entities.

The decree shall go into effect as of today, Friday February 1st, 2008. It shall be published in the official gazette.

Under his leadership, the council has achieved a number of significant milestones including the announcement of the Dubai Government Strategy in February 2007, which lays the roadmap for the Emirate's development.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan is mandated to ensure proper implementation of government projects within the agreed deadlines. In addition to overseeing different movement committees and following up on the daily functions. His responsibilities also include giving direction to the government's drive to enhance performance.

Born on 14 November, 1982, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan studied at the Rashid Private School, Dubai. After graduating, he went the UK's Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, one of the finest military schools in the world. He has attended specialised courses at the London School of Economics and the Dubai School of Government.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan displays statesmanlike characteristics and unique leadership qualities, which he has acquired from his father His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AI Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

H.H, Sheikh Hamdan Is also the President of Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Autism Center and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.

An accomplished horse rider, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan has won several awards at local and international endurance races, including the Gold Medal at the Asian Olympic Games. He has a passion for poetry. Source

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Gulf Anti-doping and Monitoring Enterprise launched

A three-way Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Gulf Anti-doping and Monitoring Enterprise (GAME) was signed by Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a member of TECOM Investments, the Government Authority for Youth and Social Welfare, and the UAE National Olympic Committee.

The new entity, the first of its kind in the GCC region, will be a subsidiary of DuBiotech and will be dedicated to conducting anti-doping testing for all professional and amateur athletes in the UAE.

GAME will work towards obtaining an ISO 17025 certification within a year. After this, it aims to get an accreditation from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), an international independent organization that implements the World Anti-Doping Code. There is no similar laboratory in the GCC and there are only 32 WADA accredited laboratories around the world.

The MoU was signed on the second day of Arab Health 2008, the Middle East's largest healthcare exhibition, by UAE Minister for Culture, Youth and Social Development Abdul Rahman Al-Owais, representing the Government Authority for Youth and Social Welfare, Secretary General of the UAE National Olympic Committee Ibrahim Abdul Malik and Dr. Abdulqader Alkhayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech.

"The new initiative marks the UAE's sincere commitment to the World Anti-Doping Code", said Al-Owais adding that the MoU is a major step forward that will raise the profile of our sporting infrastructure and help uphold international sport free from drugs." "This is the first step which will be followed by the passing of the new law and implementation plan, currently being finalized by the UAE Cabinet." The laboratory at DuBiotech aims to be one of only three WADA laboratories that currently conduct blood sampling, in addition to the traditional urine testing. It will be a leading blood and gene doping testing centre, with additional testing for Erythropoietin (EPO), and human growth hormone (Hgh). These doping methods are increasingly being utilized in modern sport.

The new entity will bring additional benefits for us as it will generate research relevant results, according to Dr. Alkhayat. (WAM)

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UAE Ministry of Economy receives AAA Award for anti-piracy and copyright enforcement

The UAE Ministry of Economy has received plaques and certificates from the Arabian Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAA) in recognition of its efforts to curb piracy and uphold Copyright Law in the UAE, during ceremonies held today, at the Ministry's Abu Dhabi Office. The AAA cited the Ministry's excellent enforcement of copyright law through close collaboration with local government agencies and enforcement authorities as major reasons for the accolade.

The AAA also discussed the latest piracy trends in the UAE during the ceremony, such as the use of decoder boxes and Internet piracy through IP addresses, and highlighted possible enforcement and policy strategies to deal with the latest criminal schemes.

"The UAE currently leads the Arab World in intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, and also consistently posts the lowest piracy rates in the region. We have successfully created a conducive environment for foreign investors and safeguarded the integrity of local businesses through strict enforcement of, and continuous improvements to, our IPR laws. However, the rapid growth of the country's and the region's IT sectors necessitate more vigilance and the development of unique strategies to combat the increasingly sophisticated methods of counterfeiters," said Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Alshehhi, Undersecretary - Planning Sector, UAE Ministry of Economy.

The Ministry was specifically commended for its comprehensive IPR laws and its effective partnership with the Ministry of Interior and customs and enforcement authorities to implement periodic raids and appropriate legal action against offenders. The AAA also thanked the Ministry for responding positively and swiftly to piracy and IPR issues and cases raised by the Alliance itself.

Among the key attendees who participated in the event were Scott Butler, CEO, AAA; Ola Khudair, Deputy CEO, AAA; and John Oliver, First Secretary, US Embassy.

"The Ministry faced a major challenge when it was appointed by H.H Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to handle all national IPR concerns and issues in 2006. Through the solid support of both the public and private sectors, we have been able to exceed expectations and made our country a model of IPR protection in the Middle East," added Abdulaziz Alshehhi.

The Dubai-based AAA is a unique organization dedicated to curbing piracy in the Middle East through a comprehensive anti-piracy program comprising public awareness campaigns, aggressive lobbying, and legal initiatives against IPR offenders. The Alliance, which evolved from the anti-piracy program established by the Motion Picture Association in 1996, currently has full time operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, where its Operations Managers closely coordinate with the corresponding governments to safeguard against copyright and trademark infringements. (WAM)

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Dubai plans to introduce new hotel classification system

Acting Director of Business Development of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) expressed confidence that the new hotel and hotel apartment classification system would be beneficial to the industry.

''It will help take the service standards of Dubai's hospitality industry to newer heights,'' said Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, also Executive Director Media Relations.

He made his remarks during a meeting organised by the DTCM with coordinators of Dubai's hotels and hotel apartments to review the draft regulations for the upgraded classification system for hotels and hotel apartments planned to be introduced later this year.

Khalid bin Touq, DTCM executive director, Licensing and Classification, highlighted the salient features of the draft upgraded hotel and hotel apartment classification regulations.

A presentation on the existing classification system and the proposed upgrades was also staged during the meeting. (WAM)

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UAE, France ink military cooperation agreement

The UAE and France signed Tuesday at Al Mushref Palace a military cooperation agreement for boosting military cooperation between the two friendly countries.
UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed on part of the UAE, while French Defence Minister Herve Morin, signed on behalf of France.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the visit of French defence minister, adding that : "This agreement is one dimension of joint cooperation between the two countries in different fields".

He cited the bilateral relations and growing military cooperation as examples.

On his part, Morin lauded the level of military cooperation between the UAE and France, adding that "France is keen to further bolster this cooperation".

He thanked the government of UAE for the warm reception accorded to him and the accompanying delegation. (WAM)

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French President arrives Abu Dhabi

French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived here Tuesday on a state visit to the UAE.
President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan led a party of top UAE officials to welcome President Sarkozy upon arrival.

General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister, were also present at the airport to greet the French head of state. (WAM)

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President Bush visits Dubai

US President George W. Bush flew from UAE capital Abu Dhabi into neighbouring emirate Dubai on the second day of his visit to the UAE.
Bush is visiting the UAE as part of his broader tour of the Middle East.

He was greeted upon arrival at Dubai International Airport by Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

A number of top officials including Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai and UAE minister of finance and industry and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, foreign minister were at the airport to welcome the US president. (WAM)

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Bush's visit highlights growing USE-US links: ECSSR

The current visit of US President George W. Bush to the UAE has highlighted the growing relations between the UAE and USA, according to a bulletin released by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR).

The daily publication of the ECSSR Akhbar Al Sa'a added that the relationship between the two countries is significant for a number of reasons: firstly, the relations between the UAE and USA are based on strong and deep historic background as the US was one of the first countries that recognised the UAE federation when launched in 1971.

Secondly, the bulletin said the UAE is a major trade partner to US in the Middle East. The relations between the two countries have been based on mutual respect and joint interest to boost cooperation in all fields.

According to UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the trade exchange between the two countries touched US$13 billion in 2006. There are 750 US companies operating in the UAE.

Thirdly, the US values the UAE's position in the Gulf region, Arab world, the Middle East and the world.

''Thus, Bush has chosen the centre to deliver his key speech. Observers said he chose Abu Dhabi to deliver his speech, it noted.

Fourthly, Bush paid the visit in order to listen to the view point of the UAE in regard to regional issues.

Titled: the UAE-USA relations in the light of Bush's visit, the bulletin referred to the visits paid by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 1998 to the US.

General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces also visited Washington in 2007, where he met Bush and senior US officials.

It added that the UAE has been an important station for U.S. officials when they visit the Middle East and the Gulf. (WAM)

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US President arrives in Abu Dhabi

US President George W. Bush arrived here on Sunday on two-day official visit to the UAE as part of his broader tour of the Middle East. Bush is the first sitting US president to visit the UAE on his fifth leg of his Middle East tour.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum led a party of top senior officials to welcome the US president upon arrival at the airport.

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan joined in receiving President Bush upon arrival. (WAM)

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President Bush to arrive in UAE on Sunday

US President, George W. Bush, will arrive here on Sunday on an official visit to the UAE as part of his broader tour of the Middle East.
President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan will hold talks with the US President on issues of cooperation and friendship between the UAE and the United States and the situation in the region. He will also meet with a number of senior UAE officials.

The US president will deliver speech at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR).

He will meet with members of the US-UAE Business Council, which is a collaboration of leading companies based in the United States and United Arab Emirates. The council is committed to expanding bilateral commercial opportunities between the two countries.

President Bush will also tour the Saadiyat Island, a signature development in Abu Dhabi, which will host a number of global architectural landmarks, including arts museums and centres for art and culture.

The US president will also tour the Masdar Initiative, where he would be briefed about the multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar initiative to develop and commercialise renewable and alternative energy, and clean technology. The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi's comprehensive investment in future energy solutions and clean technology - from design to research laboratory to mass deployment.

Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, welcomed the US President's visit. "We warmly welcome the US President to the United Arab Emirates. This is the first visit of a sitting US president to the country," he said.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the existing political, economic, military and cultural ties between the UAE and the US. He said the UAE is the US' biggest economic partner in the Middle East with balance of payment between the two sides exceeding US$13 billion in 2006.

Sheikh Abdullah expressed confidence that the visit would open up new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.

He pointed out that the UAE is a partner in the war against terror. He reiterated the significant role the United States plays in maintaining security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region and Washington's major role in activating the Middle East peace process in the light of President Bush's vision of the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, the roadmap and the Arab peace initiative.(WAM)

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Record DNRD transactions at Dubai airport on January

The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD) processed transactions of more than 75,000 passengers on a single day on January 4, registering a new record processing time at the Dubai International Airport (DIA).

Brigadier Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of DNRD, said: “Last Friday, our passport control team at the DIA finalised 75,117 transactions, of which 35,684 arrived in the country while the remaining 39,433 departed. The highest score previously achieved was 68,000 passengers on a single day.” Source

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Second anniversary as Ruler of Dubai to be celebrated today

The Global Village, a member of Tatweer, will celebrate the second anniversary of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s assumption of office as Ruler of Dubai today.


Visitors will enjoy free entry to the Global Village where celebrations will mark the historic occasion with traditional shows and folk dances such as ‘Al Harbia’, ‘Al Lewa’, ‘Al Habban’, ‘Al Ayala’ and ‘Al Dan’.

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman, Tatweer, said, “On this special day, Tatweer will bear the cost of all Global Village entry tickets. We invite visitors to come in large numbers and experience diverse cultures in this outstanding destination.”

Young girls in traditional UAE costume will welcome visitors with incense and scented rose water, offering special gifts such as sweets, nuts, UAE national flags as well as Global Village memorabilia.

Abdul Redha Ali Bin Redha, CEO, Global Village, said, “We are grateful to have a leader who has wholeheartedly supported the overall growth of Dubai and the future of our beloved country. Over the years, the Global Village has grown into a premium attraction among the UAE nationals, residents as well as visitors from across the world, thanks to the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed.

“While fun, entertainment and cultural activities for the family are key components of the Global Village, safety has been given top priority to make the visit a memorable experience to all,” he said. Source

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