2 years ago

UAE To Carry Out Hundreds Of Cloud-seeding Missions In 2024 To Tackle Water Scarcity

Meteorological experts are expected to carry out as many as 300 cloud-seeding missions across the United Arab Emirates in 2024 to encourage rainfall and tackle water scarcity. The UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science – National Center of Meteorology (UAEREP-NCM) – the task force behind the country’s cloud-seeding program – told Al Arabiya English that the UAE, located in one of the hottest and most arid regions on earth, has been leading the effort to seed clouds and increase precipitation for more than 23 years. In the UAE, the confluence of climate change impacts and a burgeoning population has intensified the pressure on water resources. This escalating demand has propelled the UAE, traditionally dependent on desalination plants utilizing seawater, into a critical juncture. Rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns have exacerbated water scarcity issues, placing additional strain on the UAE’s already limited freshwater sources. As the population continues to grow, the urgency to address the mounting water demands has become more pronounced. “The UAE carries out nearly 300 cloud-seeding missions each year, and the frequency can vary based on factors such as weather patterns, cloud availability, and climatic conditions,” an NCM official told Al Arabiya English, adding a […]

2 years ago

UAE Residents Increase VPN Downloads by 1.8 Million in 2023

In 2023, UAE residents increased their downloads of virtual private network (VPN) apps by 1.83 million, reaching a total of 6.1 million, as reported in the latest update of the Global VPN Adoption Index by Atlas VPN. This pushed the VPN adoption rate in the UAE to 61.7 per cent last year, the second highest in the world after Qatar’s 69.87 per cent. The adoption rate shows what percentage of the country’s population downloaded VPN services in 2023. Globally, in 2022, the UAE had the highest adoption rate after Qatar. The UAE recorded the highest VPN application downloads in 2023 in the past four years, surpassing the pandemic year’s downloads of 6.09 million in 2020. VPN downloads peaked in UAE during the pandemic year as residents were largely staying indoors due to travel and movement restrictions to contain the spread of Covid-19. The usage of VPN in the UAE is not illegal if it’s used as per the guidelines of the UAE government and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). However, using VPNs for illegal means or to commit a crime is a serious offence under the UAE Decree Law No (34) of 2021 concerning combating rumours and […]

2 years ago

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Is Latest UAE Mega-Bank to Enter Saudi Arabia

Another mega UAE bank is expanding its overseas reach, with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank setting up a ‘strategic presence’ in Saudi Arabia. It thus joins FAB and Emirates NBD with visibility in the biggest Gulf market. ADCB plans to leverage a ‘strong balance-sheet and sophisticated corporate banking capabilities to support a growing client base’ in the Saudi expansion.  ADCB received an in-principle approval from the Kingdom’s Council of Ministers and will open a branch in Riyadh. The bank is to provide services for corporate and institutional clients, including financing and working capital solutions, as mandated by the ‘Foreign Banking Branch’ licence issued by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). “The Bank’s decision to establish a presence in the Kingdom aligns with the accelerated expansion of our business,” said Ala’a Eraiqat, Group CEO of ADCB. “ADCB is well-positioned to support clients operating in the vibrant Saudi economy. “We are dedicated to being a positive force for corporate growth and a trusted facilitator for trade and investment flows.”

2 years ago

UAE: 5th Edition of Desert Winter Park Opens Friday, Know the Park Timings

The Sharjah Police General Command unveiled the fifth edition of the “Police Desert Park” set on January 19, 2024, from 4 pm to 10 pm. Located in Al Kaheef area of Al Bataah in Sharjah, the event, themed “Together… Time is More Beautiful,” is a significant annual initiative aimed at improving the well-being of police force members, their families, and the broader community. Facilities The park features a theatre for hosting security and community events, along with heritage-themed areas like the heritage village, entertainment village, and sand courts corner. It also includes a restaurant corner that has areas designated for barbecues, as well as a prayer hall with a capacity of up to 100 people. The prayer hall was constructed using recycled materials by inmates at the Correctional and Punitive Institution of Sharjah Police, following a historical architectural style. Sharjah Police extends invitation to individuals and institutions to explore the desert park, enjoy diverse activities and adventures within the winter desert ambiance of Al Bataah.

2 years ago

Wizz Air announces new Turkistan route

Low-fair airline Wizz Air has announced a new route to Turkistan. The flight from Abu Dhabi to Turkistan will take place three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets for this route will start at a price of AED179. The airline currently operates to more than 40 destinations, including three in Kazakhstan. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said, “We are delighted to expand our network further in Kazakhstan by launching Turkistan, our sixth marvellous Central Asian destination, and reaffirm our commitment for flying the flag of ultra-low-cost travel in the region. With stunning natural beauty and a thriving culture, we encourage adventure lovers to visit Kazakhstan and discover this unmissable destination.” “Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is committed to strengthening connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Central Asia, providing exciting and affordable travel opportunities for everyone looking to explore the ancient Silk Road and connecting the UAE with an eclectic mix of must-visit destinations. We look forward to seeing you on board our aircraft and sharing our love of travel soon,” he added. ROUTE OPERATING DAYS FARES FROM* Abu Dhabi – Turkistan Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday AED179

2 years ago

Emirates Steel Announces $2 Billion Bahrain Contract

Emirates Steel Arkan (ESA) has signed a five-year iron ore pellet supply contract with Bahrain Steel Company (BSC). The contract, valued at approximately $2 billion, was formalised at the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Growth initiative, held recently in Bahrain. Rooted in 16x growth since 2009, Emirates Steel Arkan’s partnership with BSC extends with this new contract, aiming for even greater heights in sourcing IOP. Emirates Steel and Bahrain Steel Under this agreement, Bahrain Steel will supply high-grade iron ore oxide pellets annually to Emirates Steel Arkan. This partnership is poised to significantly impact the iron and steel industry within the region, fostering sustainable economic growth and exemplifying the potential of cross-border collaborations. Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO at Emirates Steel Arkan, said: “Through this strategic partnership, we aim to not only foster integrated industrial growth, ensure a stable supply chain and enhance the foundations of our steel manufacturing capabilities, but also strengthen economic ties within the GCC. “This initiative is in line with the UAE’s vision of bolstering partnerships and enhancing multilateral cooperation, as well as the goals of the Integrated Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development, which was launched in 2022 to achieve integration in resources, capabilities, and […]

2 years ago

Dubai Launches Emirati Weddings Programme

A programme has been launched in Dubai to encourage young Emiratis to get married. The Dubai Wedding Programme offers citizens incentives to help reduce wedding costs, including marriage planning services and holding parties in modern halls across the emirate. Family counselling for newlyweds will also be provided, as will marriage planning, family management, and financial advice for young couples. Dubai’s Community Development Authority launched the programme on Monday and said it aimed to reduce the financial burden on citizens as well as provide them with stability and a higher quality of life. Wedding hall locations will include venues in Al Barsha, Al Lisaili, Hatta, and soon Al Twar Hall. Hessa Buhumaid, director general of the CDA, said the immediate goal of the programme was to provide financial and social support to young people to encourage them to get married. She said the aspiration was to change stereotypes related to exaggerated wedding ceremonies as well as help a larger segment of young men and women marry at an early age, aimed at increasing the number of Emirati families in the country. Those on the programme, she said, will be provided with educational courses on how to build their new life and plan […]

2 years ago

Dubai: New Centre Offering 54 Residential Services to Citizens Launched

A new centre has been launched to provide residential services to citizens. The ‘Dubai Integrated Housing Centre’ is located at Avenue Mall in Nad Al Sheba and is scheduled to commence operations in February. The centre was launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of Dubai’s Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It will provide 54 residential services for citizens – from four government departments and two private sector partners, under one roof. Sheikh Hamdan said that establishing the new centre is part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched by the Ruler of Dubai under the theme of ‘Family: The Foundation of Our Nation.’ He added that the centre will provide comprehensive support throughout the home-building process, including consultancy for design selection, guidance on cost-saving measures and assistance with financing through banks. “Constructing a family home can be a challenging experience for many young individuals, demanding specific expertise and financial and legal awareness. Our aim is to transform this experience […]

2 years ago

Dubai Court Sentences Man To Death For Premeditated Murder Of Girlfriend

The Dubai Criminal Court has sentenced an Arab man to death for the premeditated murder of his European girlfriend. The incident, which occurred in July 2020, unfolded after the victim sought to end their relationship due to her association with another person. The young man, driven by a desire for revenge, meticulously planned the murder. According to case documents, the defendant had closely monitored his ex-girlfriend’s movements after their breakup. Gruesome crime On that fateful day, he gained access to her residence, where he inflicted a horrifying attack by cutting her neck and tearing her entrails. The victim’s lifeless body was discovered by a security guard who responded to reports of a disturbance on the seventh floor of the building. The security guard’s testimony revealed that he found blood near the stairs and attempted to access the scene through the stairwell but was unsuccessful. He then entered from another floor and discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood. He immediately contacted the police and an ambulance. The police promptly launched an investigation into the gruesome crime, collecting evidence from the crime scene. Motives behind the killing The defendant’s capture and subsequent confession shed light on the motives behind […]

2 years ago

Dubai Jobs: Emirates to Hire 5,000 Cabin Crew in 2024

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced a global cabin crew recruitment drive aimed at bolstering its commitment to providing the best in-flight experience. With the imminent arrival of its new fleet of Airbus A350s, the airline plans to hire 5,000 new cabin crew members who will contribute to maintaining the airline’s reputation for exceptional service. The recruitment drive targets individuals who are new to the workforce, including fresh graduates with internships or part-time jobs, as well as those with at least a year of hospitality or customer service experience, the airline said in a statement on Tuesday. Dubai’s Emirates to hire cabin crew from 6 continents in major global recruitment drive Emirates is offering a career opportunity that involves travelling the globe and working for one of the most iconic brands in the industry. Successful candidates will receive training from top-notch instructors, equipping them with essential hospitality and life skills. One of the highlights of the job is the chance to explore over 140 cities in 76 countries, as well as enjoy a range of benefits that come with working as Emirates’ cabin crew. The eligibility criteria can be found on the Emirates Group Careers website. To reach potential candidates […]

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