Category Archives: Govt

ADNOC and Etihad Rail complete first passenger rail journey between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhannah region

His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, and members of ADNOC’s executive leadership team, joined Etihad Rail’s first rail journey that connects the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah. Once operational, the rail service, which is currently under development, will enable ADNOC’s staff and contractors to travel between the two destinations. Following the milestone rail journey, His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber toured ADNOC’s world-scale downstream and petrochemicals hub in Al Ruwais Industrial City, during which he was updated on strategic growth projects at Borouge 4, ADNOC Refining and the Ruwais LNG project. His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: “ADNOC’s partnership with Etihad Rail is fully aligned with our strategic priorities to successfully implement transport solutions that contribute to the UAE’s development and future prosperity. In line with our leadership’s visionary directives and under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Head of the Office of Development Affairs and Martyrs’ Families at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, the development of passenger rail services between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhannah City aims to connect the UAE’s main centres of trade, industry, manufacturing, production, logistics and population. The Etihad Rail project is more than just a rail network, it will serve as a vital artery for economic growth and infrastructure development while driving decarbonisation, for the benefit of the UAE and its people. “I am proud of our world-class facilities in Al Ruwais Industrial City and the commitment and dedication of our staff, who are passionate to showcase our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. …

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UAE President issues law establishing Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority

In his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has issued a law establishing the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will replace the Emirates Heritage Club and the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority’s key roles and responsibilities include developing strategies to preserve Emirati heritage and traditions; promoting traditional and national identity values within society; documenting heritage practices; and conducting studies and research on literature and traditions, in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategy for cultural heritage. Furthermore, the authority will support, foster and document Nabati and classical Arabic poetry initiatives, and review historical studies and publications focusing on the oral history of the emirate, as well as its spoken dialects, in addition to poems and written, visual and audio mate­rials on the UAE and its leadership. The authority aims to raise awareness regarding the UAE’s traditions and heritage, and highlight national identity and traditional values to enhance community cohesion. The authority will also manage and organise festivals, exhibitions and heritage programmes inside and outside the emirate through coordination with relevant stakeholders.

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Sharjah launches new brand identity and tourism campaign

Sharjah government launched a brand new identity for the emirate developed according to the identification of the strengths and distinctive features of Sharjah, as well as its attractiveness for tourism, living, working, studying, and investing. It represents an open invitation to the world to explore the richness and diversity that Sharjah possesses, along with its tremendous opportunities and potential. It also provides a wide range of promising prospects across various cultural, educational, economic, social, and entertainment sectors. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, attended on Sunday at Al Noor Island , the launch of the new Sharjah identity, which reflects all its visual and cultural components, expresses its distinguished cultural and artistic heritage. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was received upon his arrival at the ceremony for the launch of the new Sharjah identity by: Sheikh Khalid Bin Isam Bin Saqer Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department; Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) ; Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Districts and Villages Affairs Department; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, the Director of the Statistics and Community Development Department; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of Tourism and Commerce Development Authority; His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council and a number of senior officials, Heads and directors of government departments and a group of media professionals. On that occasion, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi said: “The new identity represents a …

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Ministry unveils executive programme of Sur as Arab Tourism Capital 2024

Sur in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate  (Oman) was chosen as the Capital of Arab Tourism for the year 2024, during the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in its 26th session in Doha. Acting in cooperation with South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism  organised a media meeting during which it unveiled the executive programme of “Sur, Capital of Arab Tourism 2024”. The Ministry outlined the nomination file and criteria that led to the nomination of the Wilayat of Sur as the Capital of Arab Tourism.  (Oman News Agency) The South Al Sharqiyah Governorate Office said that the executive programme, which will kick off on 25 February, includes various events and activities aimed at highlighting the tourism value of the Wilayat of Sur, as well as its historical role in communicating with cultures and civilizations. The events and activities, which will run throughout the year, are aimed at making Sur a tourism attraction for visitors from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad, the office affirmed. Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, credited the designation of Sur as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2024 to the efforts made by the Ministry and other departments concerned. Those efforts, he said, were in line with the tourism development plans. Submitted to the Arab Tourism Organisation, the Wilayat of Sur’s nomination file received the highest rating because it met specific criteria, which include tourism diversity, the availability of infrastructure and environment conservation, said Al Busaidi, noting that the Ministry lays emphasis on sustainability as the cornerstone of its future action. Al Busaidi added that the designation of Sur as the Capital …

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Qemam International Festival in Saudi Arabia Shines Spotlight on Global Mountain Performing Arts

The third Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts, held in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, presented a stunning array of performances from both local and international troupes. Featuring participants from 45 local and international groups and showcasing 40 distinct types of Saudis, Arab, and international mountainous performance arts, the festival’s goal was to foster international cultural exchange and celebrate the rich legacy of mountain performing arts. The Chinese group left a lasting impression with their mesmerizing performances. The first, a traditional Yao dance called “Long Drum” from the Han dynasty, showcased the group’s artistic prowess. Their second performance, “Bronze Drum,” seamlessly combined traditional art, music, and skilled group performance, providing a unique and enchanting experience. Japan contributed to the cultural tapestry with a performance group presenting three distinct arts: Kokiriko Bushi, Hanagasa Ondo, and Genroku Hanami Odori. The Spanish group, on the other hand, enraptured the audience with three performances set to Spanish music tunes, showcasing the authenticity and heritage of these arts. Sudan brought forth the ancient art of Sudanese Ardah, while Jordan presented the vibrant ‘Dabkah’ with about twenty variations. Lebanon’s performance group displayed the art of Dabkah at eight heritage sites, emphasizing its significance in the Levant. The Moroccan group exhibited the famous Ahidouss, Obidat Al-Rama, and captivating solo and group performances of Amazigh Mountains. An Iraqi group presented the art of ‘Gobi’ at eight heritage sites, and the Yemeni performances depicted the rich legacy and heritage through ‘Al-Samrah’ from Yafi and Al-Awd Mountain performance arts. Italy showcased three mountain arts – Mediterraneo Performance Arts, Old Ttarantella, and Ballad of SanCalogero. The Uzbekistani group delighted the audience with ‘Lyasgi,’ a performance that highlighted individual and group skills, …

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New transport service between Sharjah and Muscat to boost tourism

Mowasalat inked a transportation agreement with Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) to operate a daily bus between the Governorate of Muscat and the Emirate of Sharjah (To and from) in order to boost tourism between the two cities. The new service aims at expanding the international network of bus transportation between Oman and the UAE, as well as boost tourism between the two countries and provide travel options for people. Moreover, the agreement was signed by Badr Mohammed Al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat and Eng. Yousif Khamis Al Athmane, Chairman of SRTA.

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Saudi tourism to contribute SR750 billion to national economy: Minister Al Khateeb

Minister of Tourism Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb shared that Saudi Arabia aspires to attract 150 million visitors by 2030 and that tourism sector will contribute SR750 billion to the national economy. The minister made the remarks while addressing the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh on Monday. “We have the vision and plans to provide infrastructure and services and everything that tourists are looking for. Saudi Arabia will become one of the most important countries in the world in the tourism and travel sector after the completion of infrastructure projects,” he said while noting that Saudi Arabia is keen on ensuring involvement of the Saudi human element in the tourism sector, and there is a huge demand by the sons and daughters of the country to work in this sector. According to the Saudi Gazette, Al-Khateeb congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the recovery achieved by Saudi Arabia in the number of tourist arrivals during the year 2023 by 156 percent, compared to the year 2019, exceeding the global rate of recovery from the effects of the pandemic by 88 percent. The minister noted that the successes achieved in the tourism sector confirm that the strategies and plans that were developed are now proceeding correctly. Last year the sector’s contribution increased to 4.5 percent of GDP, and seven percent of non-oil GDP. “We created many jobs in the tourism sector, indicating that the state’s expansion in establishing major projects was with the aim of developing the tourism sector and attracting investments to it, and competing for the 1.7 billion tourists in the world looking …

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PIF partners with Electric 360 to bring sustainable technology in electric motor sports

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) unveiled a multi-year partnership, Electric 360, with Formula E, Extreme E and E1 to support the growth of electric motorsports and their role in advancing the future of electric mobility. The new partnership will draw together initiatives that underscore the power of electric motor sports to drive technological innovation, and revolutionize sustainable transport and future mobility – while leading the way in carbon reduction. PIF also announced the launch of its new brand revamp, which captures PIF’s heritage and essence and embodies its commitment to progress and growth in driving transformation at a historical scale. The new identity will be used at all PIF partnership events, including E360 events, throughout 2024 and beyond. PIF is ranked by Global SWF as one of the top sovereign wealth funds in the world and number 1 in the Middle East for Sustainability among the top 100 sovereign wealth funds globally. The E360 collaboration is in line with PIF’s broader sponsorship platform, bringing to life the brand’s ambition with a focus on four pillars: inclusivity, sustainability, youth, and technology. The partnership announced today will also promote educational opportunities tied to the cutting-edge engineering of electric motor sports, as well as community, social programs and environmental stewardship. With PIF as the sole principal partner to span all three series, this initiative will directly facilitate and accelerate the delivery of: • PIF Electric 360 thought leadership events, bringing together leading industry experts with the brightest minds to drive sustainable mobility change; • STEM initiatives globally to coincide with each championship series; and • Community apprenticeship programs with industry partners in each championship. The partnership will support the mission-driven objectives of all …

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Oman lays foundation for RO 147.8 million Cultural Complex

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik laid the foundation stone for RO 147.8 million Oman Cultural Complex to promote cultural, literary, theatrical and research activities through the enhancement of relevant programmes aimed to expand the scope of engagement in highlighting Oman’s cultural heritage and exploring the country’s accomplishments. The building will be about 80,200 square metres (sqm) that will be constructed on land plot of 400,000 sqm. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also presided over a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the building of the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) at the Airport Heights in Muscat Governorate. When His Majesty the Sultan arrived at the project’s site, he was received by HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Chairman of the Founding Committee of Oman Cultural Complex Project, and Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dhoyani, NRAA Chairman. Then, His Majesty the Sultan viewed Oman Cultural Complex building’s designs, presented in showcases that highlighted the components of the project. The project is considered an embodiment of the Royal vision of His Majesty to establish a state-of-the-art cultural designation, a civilizational accomplishment and a scholarly and institutional edifice of Oman’s blessed renaissance. Then, His Majesty the Sultan watched a visual presentation about the project and listened to a briefing about the building’s innovative model. The project houses many institutions and facilities, including the National Library, the National Theatre, Children’s Public Library, the House of Arts, the House of Cinema, the Literary Forum and the National Records and Archives Authority. It also comprises restaurants, cafeterias and a public park. His Majesty the Sultan then laid the cornerstone marking the start of construction of …

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ADQ and ADNEC Group enter into definitive agreement to acquire 40.5% stake in Egypt’s Talaat Moustafa Group Holding hospitality subsidiary

ADQ and ADNEC Group have signed definitive agreements for the strategic acquisition of a 40.5 per cent stake in Egypt-based Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG) Holding’s hospitality arm, ICON Group, through a capital increase. ICON is a leading player in Egypt’s luxury and upscale hospitality market, with a track record of building and owning some of the most celebrated luxury hotels in Egypt. The group owns four operational hotels – Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza, Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo, Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh and Four Seasons Alexandria at San Stefano – and has three hotels and luxury residential real estate assets currently under development, such as the Four Seasons in Madinaty and Luxor and Radisson Collection in Marsa Alam, and one hotel under design, the Four Seasons at The Pyramids. ADQ and ADNEC will invest through a special purpose vehicle, with 49 per cent equity ownership by ADQ and 51 per cent equity ownership by ADNEC. The transaction represents a major foreign direct investment (FDI) in Egypt and marks a vote of investor confidence in the Egyptian tourism and hospitality sector. The investment by ADQ and ADNEC in TMG’s hospitality arm will be used partially to de-leverage the existing debt of ICON, with the remaining used for the acquisition of a stake through ICON in the portfolio of seven luxury heritage hotels owned by the Egyptian Government, for which definitive agreements have been signed. The seven hospitality assets include Marriott Cairo Omar Khayyam Zamalek, Marriott MENA House Cairo, Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Steigenberger Cecil Hotel Alexandria, Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo and Mövenpick Resort Aswan. Post-transaction, ICON will have a combined portfolio of 15 luxury and upscale …

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