Anwar Ali

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently made a remarkable achievement in the field of weather modification by successfully testing artificial rain technology in the harsh desert environment. This groundbreaking development holds great promise for addressing water scarcity and supporting agricultural activities in arid regions. The successful test of artificial rain technology took place in the scorching desert at temperatures exceeding 50°C. This feat showcases the  UAE’s commitment to innovation  and its relentless pursuit of sustainable solutions to combat water scarcity challenges. The artificial rain technology involves the use of drones equipped with electrical charges to stimulate cloud formation and precipitation. These drones release electrical charges into the atmosphere, which encourage cloud particles to come together and form raindrops. By deploying this cutting-edge technology, the UAE aims to enhance its water resources and create a more sustainable fu...

  The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates have joined forces to strengthen ties and promote financial integration.  The collaboration focuses on three key areas: financial infrastructure, financial market connectivity, and virtual asset regulations. The central banks recognize the potential benefits of closer cooperation and are actively exploring ways to facilitate cross-border trade settlement and enhance market access for UAE companies. One of the primary objectives of this collaboration is to leverage Hong Kong’s robust financial infrastructure platforms to support UAE businesses in accessing Asian and Mainland markets more effectively. By tapping into Hong Kong’s well-established financial ecosystem, UAE companies can benefit from enhanced connectivity and capitalize on the vast opportunities available in the region. The bilateral meeting held in Abu Dhabi brought together prominent banking groups, including HSBC, Standard Charter...

  Dubai, known for its dynamic business environment and strategic location, has once again secured its position as the world’s leading foreign direct investment (FDI) hub. According to the latest data from the 2022 Financial Times ‘fDi Markets’ report,  Dubai has retained its №1 global ranking for attracting Greenfield FDI projects . The emirate’s remarkable achievement is marked by a significant year-on-year growth of 89.5% in total announced FDI projects in 2022. Furthermore, total FDI capital witnessed a substantial surge of 80.3% over the same period. These impressive figures further solidify Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities. This outstanding accomplishment aligns perfectly with the goals set forth in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The agenda aims to position Dubai as a leading global city across various economic sectors. Duba...

  Dr. Sultan Al Jaber , a prominent figure in sustainable development and clean energy, has assumed the prestigious position of President for the forthcoming UN Climate Summit. His appointment comes at a critical time when urgent action is needed to combat the escalating climate crisis. With his extensive expertise and leadership skills, Dr. Al Jaber is well-positioned to drive global efforts and mobilize collective action against climate change. As the head of the UN Climate Summit, Dr. Al Jaber will be responsible for spearheading discussions, fostering collaboration, and encouraging nations to set ambitious climate targets. His visionary approach emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, innovation, and the transition to clean energy sources. Under his guidance, the summit aims to achieve tangible outcomes that will contribute to a sustainable and resilient future for all. Dr. Al Jaber’s appointment brings renewed hope for progress in the fight against climate change. ...

  Dubai Municipality is leading the charge in digital innovation within the construction sector with the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and online services. This transformative move is set to revolutionize the building permit experience and pave the way for a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable construction industry in Dubai. The integration of BIM, a cutting-edge digital technology that offers a comprehensive representation of building characteristics, marks a significant milestone in Dubai Municipality’s pursuit of advanced construction practices . By leveraging BIM, stakeholders in the construction industry can benefit from a more accurate and holistic assessment of their projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards from the outset. This technology-driven approach enhances the quality and precision of construction processes, resulting in improved project outcomes and increased confidence among investors, contractors, and developer...

  Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced a landmark agreement that solidifies their defense ties and opens the door for extensive collaboration in the field of defense equipment and technology . The deal, approved by both nations, signifies a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing mutual capabilities and fostering innovation. Under the agreement,  Japan and the UAE  will engage in joint research, development, and production of defense equipment. This collaboration will enable the sharing of technological expertise and advancements, paving the way for the creation of cutting-edge defense systems. The deal also facilitates the transfer of defense technology, which will further strengthen the capabilities of both nations in addressing evolving security challenges. The agreement is a testament to the growing bilateral relationship between Japan and the UAE, with defense cooperation serving as a key pillar. By combining their respective strengths and resourc...

  In a remarkable feat,  Dubai has shattered its tourist records once again , marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s recovery from the impact of the pandemic. According to the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai, the first quarter of 2023 saw a staggering 4.67 million foreign tourists spending at least one night in Dubai hotels. This figure represents a remarkable 17% increase compared to the same period in 2022, when 3.97 million visitors explored the city. The substantial surge in international tourist numbers during this period highlights Dubai’s prominence as a leading destination driving the revival of the global tourism sector. Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, affirmed the city’s status as a key player in the sector’s recovery. He emphasized the significance of Dubai’s thriving tourism industry in bolstering the emirate’s economy and its role as a vital bridge connecting markets, cultures, and regions. The recent unveilin...

  In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations and foster economic growth, the UAE Ambassador to Vietnam, accompanied by a delegation, recently held a crucial meeting with Nguyen Hong Dien, the Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam. The meeting served as a platform to discuss and explore avenues of joint cooperation in various sectors, with a focus on bolstering trade, investment, and economic ties between the two nations. During the meeting, both sides expressed their commitment to deepening economic collaboration and maximizing the potential for mutual benefits. The discussions centered around expanding trade volumes, diversifying the range of traded goods and services, and exploring opportunities for joint ventures. Emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations, the UAE Ambassador highlighted the UAE leadership’s keen interest in strengthening the bonds of cooperation with Vietnam. One of the key areas of focus was enhancing trade relations between the UAE and Vietnam. Bot...

  Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are making significant strides in deepening their economic collaboration through the negotiation of a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The aim of this agreement is to foster closer economic integration and create mutually beneficial opportunities for both nations. The first round of negotiations between Thailand and the UAE has commenced, with discussions focused on drafting the key articles of the agreement . The ultimate goal is to summarize the results of these negotiations within a six-month timeframe, indicating a strong commitment to swift progress and tangible outcomes. Thailand, as the host country, is preparing to welcome the second meeting in July, further emphasizing its dedication to advancing the negotiation process. This upcoming meeting will provide a platform for both parties to build upon the progress made in the initial round and delve deeper into the areas of cooperation outlined in the CEPA. The E...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to witness a significant surge in oil exports to Europe , potentially filling the gap left by decreased Russian flows since the Ukrainian invasion in 2022. Speakers at the Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference, organized by S&P Global Commodity Insights, shared insights into this upcoming trend. The move is driven by various factors, including increased shipments from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) and the creation of arbitrage opportunities through the Murban futures contract. According to Thomas Waymel, President of Trading & Shipping at TotalEnergies, ADNOC’s shipments to Europe could triple to more than 300,000 b/d in July, a substantial increase compared to an average of approximately 100,000 b/d in the first quarter of 2023. The rise in exports from the UAE to Europe is set to have implications for both oil markets and geopolitical dynamics in the region. The launch of the Murban futures contract in 2021 played a pivo...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has played a significant role in providing essential humanitarian aid to Indonesia , reinforcing the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE has emerged as a prominent supporter, alongside other Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Notably, the UAE has been at the forefront of extending aid to Indonesia, particularly in the form of medical equipment, to support the country’s healthcare system and frontline workers. The UAE’s assistance to Indonesia has been vital in addressing the impact of the pandemic. In a gesture of solidarity, the UAE has sent substantial quantities of medical equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and testing kits. These contributions have significantly bolstered Indonesia’s healthcare capacity and enabled approximately 20,000 health workers to effectively treat infected individuals. The support ...

  During the 32nd Arab League Summit held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates, reiterated the  UAE’s commitment to Arab cooperation and regional stability . The summit provided an opportunity for Arab leaders to come together and discuss pressing issues facing the region. In his address, Sheikh Mansour highlighted the positive developments taking place in the region, expressing optimism for the future. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among Arab nations as the best path to build, develop, and prosper. The UAE’s dedication to fostering harmony, stability, and peace in the region was affirmed, showcasing the country’s commitment to playing a constructive role in addressing regional challenges. Sheikh Mansour also welcomed the return of Syria  to its natural place among its Arab brothers, expressing hope for the ...

  Expanding Horizons:  Iran and the UAE are working towards strengthening their trade relations through initiatives such as a Free Trade Agreement  (FTA), tax exemptions, and bartering goods. These measures aim to enhance trade flows, remove barriers, and capitalize on shared economic interests. Unleashing Economic Potential: Both countries possess high capacities for investment, production, and cooperation. Joint ventures and collaboration in various economic fields can unlock opportunities, promote technological advancements, and create value-added products and services. Private Sector’s Role: The active participation of the private sector is pivotal in driving trade growth. Businesses from Iran and the UAE are seeking partnerships and investments to capitalize on the favorable business environment and expand trade opportunities. Creating a Favorable Business Environment: Efforts are underway to streamline regulations, provide tax exemptions, and create a conducive envi...

  Masdar Clean Energy, a prominent renewable energy company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has reached a significant milestone in its collaboration with Azerbaijan.  The first solar panel of a photovoltaic power station, funded by Masdar, was successfully installed in Azerbaijan this week. The announcement was made by Parviz Shahbazov, the Energy Minister of Azerbaijan, who took to Twitter to share the news. The solar panel installation took place at the Garadagh Solar Power Plant, located in the Garadagh district of the capital city, Baku. The plant, with a capacity of 230 megawatts (MW), is expected to be operational by the end of the year. The development of the  Garadagh Solar Power Plant  is part of a larger project by Masdar, which signed an implementation agreement in January 2020 to develop a utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Azerbaijan. This landmark solar project, known as the Garadagh (Area 60) Solar PV Plant, is the country’s firs...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Italy have recently taken significant steps to bolster their bilateral economic partnership and explore investment opportunities in various sectors. The discussions between the two countries focused on strengthening ties and creating avenues for collaboration in renewable energy, tourism, and FinTech. During the meetings, officials from the  UAE and Italy  expressed their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and leveraging each other’s strengths to drive mutual growth. The purpose behind these discussions was to create sustainable investment opportunities that would benefit both nations and contribute to their economic development. Renewable energy  emerged as a key area of interest, reflecting the shared commitment of the UAE and Italy to combat climate change and transition towards a greener future. Both countries recognize the potential of renewable energy sources in meeting their energy demands sustainably and reducing...