Latest news with #MansourbinZayedAlNahyan
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
CBUAE organises Climate Forum, ‘Network for Greening the Financial System' meeting in Abu Dhabi
19 June 2025 20:14 ABU DHABI (WAM)Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE), the CBUAE is organising its first Climate Forum and a meeting of the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resorts, Abu Dhabi, on June 26, two-day event demonstrates the CBUAE's commitment to driving sustainable finance and leading the transition towards a more sustainable financial system, in line with the UAE's vision to achieve net zero by Climate Forum brings together financial leaders, policymakers, international experts in sustainable finance and climate risks, and senior officials from regulatory bodies, central banks, and international financial aim is to exchange insights on ways to foster better integration of climate policies in risk management and investment and to explore effective solutions for enhancing financial sector resilience in the face of future climate and environmental will also address frameworks for activating regional and international cooperation in the areas of monetary policy, regulation and sustainable Islamic finance, thereby strengthening the complementary roles between the public and private sectors. This further underscores the UAE's growing position as a regional and international hub for leading the global dialogue on the future of sustainable NGFS meeting will be centred on 'greening' monetary policy frameworks. Discussions will focus on integrating climate change impacts into monetary policy formulation and operations, alongside reviewing the NGFS's latest work progress and plans. Since its inception in 2017, the NGFS has become a global force, uniting over 160 central banks and financial Mohamed Balama, Governor of the CBUAE, said, "The convening of the Climate Forum and the Network for Greening the Financial System meeting marks a milestone amidst the global shifts in economic policies and the growing climate challenges. In line with the wise leadership's vision for the UAE and its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, the CBUAE continues to solidify its pivotal role in spearheading financial sustainability." He added, "This is achieved by strengthening the green finance infrastructure and developing regulatory frameworks that support the integration of climate risks within the financial sector's ecosystem, thereby enhancing its resilience, reinforcing its stability, and achieving the desired balance between economic growth and sustainability."
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Mohammed bin Rashid: UAE 5th in 2025 IMD Competitiveness Index
The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; His Highness. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; and His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Interior. UAE's global competitiveness performance During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UAE's advancement in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, where the country secured 5th place globally, scoring 96.09 out of 100 points. This achievement places the UAE among leading nations in economic competitiveness, government efficiency, legislative strength, and business environment excellence. The UAE's ranking has improved from 28th in 2009 to 5th in 2025, reflecting significant progress over the past 14 years. Key indicators of competitiveness The IMD report assesses countries based on four main factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. The UAE excelled in several areas, ranking 1st globally in the absence of bureaucracy index, 2nd in government policies adaptability index, and 4th in government efficiency index. Additionally, the UAE led 113 global indicators, including employment rate, absence of bureaucracy, availability of global expertise, digital transformation in companies, venture capital, inbound mobility of higher education students, public-private partnerships, energy infrastructure, and female parliamentary representation. Cabinet approves housing grants The Cabinet approved housing grants for over 1,838 citizens in the first half of the current year, totaling AED 1.2 billion. This initiative aims to ensure decent housing and enhance family stability across the UAE. Emirates Council for Balanced Development initiatives The Cabinet reviewed the results and activities of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Council continues to implement projects and forge national partnerships to develop Emirati villages economically, socially, and as tourist destinations. Its initiatives have created meaningful opportunities for families, young talent, and small business owners, ensuring that every part of the UAE benefits from the nation's developmental momentum. Digital Identity implementation The Cabinet reviewed the results of Digital Identity implementation in government transactions, which now has over 11 million registered users and has recorded more than 600 million logins. The unified integrated digital ecosystem for government services connects over 130 government entities and private sector organizations, facilitating 2.6 billion digital transactions efficiently, accurately, and swiftly. Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing measures The Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Committee has made strides in advancing national policies and strengthening measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing across the country. It will continue its work to ensure the UAE remains a global leader in combating these issues. Establishment of National Maritime Navigation Centre The Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Maritime Navigation Centre under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The new center will manage and operate the Integrated National Maritime System for monitoring maritime traffic, oversee the National Maritime Single Window, and enhance the safety and security of the maritime sector. It will also activate and develop mechanisms to prevent harmful practices, protect the UAE's marine life, and advance the sector through conducting scientific research and studies. Free trade agreements and foreign Trade growth The Cabinet approved the 2024 Annual Report of the Higher Commission for Free Trade Negotiations, highlighting the signing and conclusion of 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with strategic global economies, 8 of which have already come into force. These agreements have driven the UAE's foreign trade volume to an unprecedented AED 5.23 trillion in 2024. The UAE's non-oil exports reached a historic milestone, exceeding AED 440 billion in 2023, marking a 16.3% growth compared to 2022 and a remarkable 83% increase from 2019. Re-exports also reached a record AED 684.3 billion, with a 6.3% growth compared to 2022. Additionally, the UAE attracted AED 113 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2023, reinforcing its position as a global trade hub. Cultural and community development projects The Cabinet reviewed the year 2024 achievements of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Highlights included the completion of major projects in Qidfa, such as the waterfront development, Palm Walk, and cycling tracks. Strategic projects were also initiated in Masfout, including Marble Park, a Ladies' Club, Friday Market, and restoration of Al Sharia and Al Falaj areas as cultural landmarks. The first phase of the Al Sila' Waterfront development project exceeded an 87% completion rate, while plans for Al Rams included several initiatives, such as building a community council, developing the marina and corniche, and advancing ecotourism plans. "Jothoor" initiative empowering female artisans The Council launched the "UAE Villages Councils" programme, creating ten integrated community councils and distinct digital branding for each village under the initiative "Jothoor" (Roots) to empower female artisans in the UAE. Several cultural festivals and local market initiatives were organized, attracting over 206,000 visitors, supporting 171 families, and engaging 790 volunteers. "Make it in the Emirates" platform success The Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the fourth edition of the "Make it in the Emirates" platform (2025). This initiative attracted over 122,000 visitors and participants, facilitated AED 168 billion in potential procurement agreements to localize the manufacturing of 4,800 products. Agreements worth AED 11 billion were signed for industrial projects, alongside AED 40 billion in financing solutions over five years to support SMEs. A new category, the "UAE Traditional Crafts," was introduced to recognize individuals and organizations excelling in traditional Emirati crafts. Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme The Cabinet reviewed a report on the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, which highlighted the federal government housing decisions issued during the first half of 2025. The total number of decisions issued during that period reached 1,838, with a total value exceeding AED 1.25 billion. Cultural heritage law and environmental initiatives The Cabinet approved drafting a federal law to safeguard the UAE's cultural heritage. The law will enhance awareness, support intangible heritage, and align national efforts with international best practices. The Cabinet also restructured the UAE Council for Climate Action to oversee the implementation of the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy and promote carbon market systems. The UAE added nine sites to the global list of biodiversity hotspots and launched a roadmap to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. Protected areas were expanded by an 18% increase for mainland reserves and a 12% increase for marine reserves. International agreements and diplomatic engagements The Cabinet approved the ratification of 13 international agreements and protocols, including partnerships with Montenegro on tourism, real estate, and economic cooperation; Vietnam on a comprehensive economic partnership; Uganda on mutual visa exemptions; and New Zealand on investment promotion. Agreements were also signed with Eswatini, the Central African Republic, Kenya, Peru, Nigeria, and Jordan. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the negotiation and signing of 36 international agreements and memoranda of understanding, including agreements with Hong Kong on legal assistance, Montenegro on energy cooperation, and the Eurasian Economic Union on economic partnerships. Expansion of diplomatic presence New embassies will be established in Togo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Tajikistan, alongside a UAE Consulate General in Miami, USA. Participation in international events The Cabinet endorsed the UAE's participation in 13 international events in countries such as Malaysia and Ethiopia. The UAE will also host key summits, including the Annual Summit of the Central Banks Data Cooperation Group. Accession to international organisations Additionally, the Cabinet approved the UAE's accession to the International Competition Network, the OECD Forum on Tax Administration, and the Svalbard Treaty, alongside participation in the International Legal Forum in St. Petersburg.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Under the patronage of Mansour bin Zayed, 21st Liwa Date Festival to take place in Al Dhafra Region
16 June 2025 15:17 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 21st Liwa Date Festival will take place from 14-27 July 2025 in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival reaffirms its commitment to celebrating one of the UAE's most enduring cultural and agricultural with the UAE's annual date harvest, the festival highlights the central role of palm trees and their produce in Emirati society, recognising them as a cornerstone of the nation's cultural identity. It also promotes the sustainability of the heritage and agricultural sectors, raises awareness of the importance of farming in the UAE, and encourages local date and crop producers. In addition, the festival supports food security efforts and reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing modern agricultural 2025 edition features 24 competitions, including 12 date mazayna contests covering categories such as Dabbas, Khalas, Fard, Khenaizi, Buma'an, Shishi, Zamli, the Largest Date Bunch, the Al Dhafra and Liwa Elite Dates competitions, and the Al Ain Fard and Khalas contests. It also includes seven fruit competitions for various local and mixed varieties of lemons, mangoes, red and yellow figs, and the Local Fruits Basket contest. The festival further features three Model Farm competitions across the Western and Eastern Mahadir (agricultural farms) and Al Dhafra cities, as well as contests for the Most Beautiful Palm Frond Basket and artistic creations made from palm trunks. The total prize value for this year's festival exceeds Dh8.7 festival's organising committee has allocated 25 prizes each for the Dabbas and Khalas Date Mazayna competitions, with a total prize pool of Dh446,000 per competition. The first-place winner in each will receive Dh100,000, the second Dh75,000, and the third Dh40,000. For the Shishi, Buma'an, Khenaizi, Fard, and Zamli categories, 15 prizes are offered in each, with Dh367,000 in total prize money per contest and the same top-tier awards of Dh100,000, Dh75,000, and Dh40,000. Specific to Al Ain farms, the Fard Dates competition offers 15 prizes, with its top three winners receiving Dh100,000, Dh75,000, and Dh40,000, respectively. Similarly, the Khalas Dates Competition for Al Ain farms features 25 prizes, with the same prize amounts awarded to its top three Liwa and Al Dhafra Elite Dates competitions each feature 15 prizes. In the Al Dhafra Elite Dates competition, the first-place winner will receive Dh200,000, the second Dh150,000, and the third Dh100,000, with the total prize pool exceeding Dh700,000. In the Liwa Elite Dates competition, the top three prizes are Dh125,000, Dh100,000, and Dh60,000, respectively, bringing the total prize value to more than Dh500, Largest Bunch of Dates competition has a prize pool of Dh234,000 distributed among 15 winners, with Dh50,000 for first place, Dh40,000 for second, and Dh30,000 for the fruit category, the Mango competition features two subcategories: local and mixed varieties. Each subcategory offers ten prizes, with a combined prize pool of Dh234, the Lemon competition (local and mixed varieties) and the Fig competition (red and yellow varieties), the festival has allocated 10 prizes for each category, with a total value of Dh117,000 per category. Complementing these is the Local Fruit Basket competition, which offers a prize pool of Dh400,000, with Dh200,000 awarded to the first-place winner, Dh120,000 to the second, and Dh80,000 to the the Model Farm competition, which covers the Liwa Western Farms, Liwa Eastern Farms, and Al Dhafra Cities categories, each category carries a prize pool of Dh750,000. The first-place winner in each will receive Dh300,000, second place Dh180,000, and third Dh120, festival has also allocated 10 prizes for the Most Beautiful Date Basket competition, which aims to revive traditional handicrafts using eco-friendly natural materials. Additionally, 10 prizes have been designated for the Palm Trunk Creativity competition, which encourages the recycling of palm trunks into artistic the competitions, the festival presents a diverse programme of heritage events, daily activities, and cultural initiatives that preserve the legacy of the date palm as a symbol of the UAE's rich heritage and ongoing prosperity. It also promotes family and community ties, encourages intergenerational engagement, and reinforces values of cooperation and belonging, reflecting the spirit of the UAE's Year of the festival also serves as a key platform for supporting the local community and productive families in the region through its traditional market, which includes stalls selling fresh dates and date-based products, mobile cafés, agricultural factories, plant nurseries, and pavilions representing sponsoring and participating organisations. Daily stage activities include interactive quizzes with prizes, live folkloric performances, lectures, seminars, and a variety of cultural evenings. Bringing together farmers, experts, industry leaders, companies, and research centres, the festival serves as a collaborative hub to support the agricultural sector and promote its long-term sustainability. It also plays a key role in boosting the Al Dhafra Region's economy through a diverse programme that draws thousands of visitors each year.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
21st Liwa Date Festival to launch on July 14 under patronage of Mansour bin Zayed
16 June 2025 11:30 ABU DHABI (WAM)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 21st edition of the Liwa Date Festival will take place from July 14 to 27, in Liwa City, Al Dhafra by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival reaffirms its commitment to celebrating one of the UAE's most enduring cultural and agricultural with the UAE's annual date harvest, the festival highlights the central role of palm trees and their produce in Emirati society, recognising them as a cornerstone of the nation's cultural also promotes the sustainability of the heritage and agricultural sectors, raises awareness of the importance of farming in the UAE, and encourages local date and crop producers. In addition, the festival supports food security efforts and reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing modern agricultural year's edition features 24 competitions, including 12 date 'mazayna' contests covering categories such as Dabbas, Khalas, Fard, Khenaizi, Buma'an, Shishi, Zamli, the Largest Date Bunch, the Al Dhafra and Liwa Elite Dates competitions, and the Al Ain Fard and Khalas also includes seven fruit competitions for various local and mixed varieties of lemons, mangoes, red and yellow figs, and the 'Local Fruits Basket' festival further features three 'Model Farm' competitions across the Western and Eastern Mahadir (agricultural farms) and Al Dhafra cities, as well as contests for the Most Beautiful Palm Frond Basket and artistic creations made from palm total prize value for this year's festival exceeds Dh8.735 festival's organising committee has allocated 25 prizes each for the Dabbas and Khalas Date Mazayna competitions, with a total prize pool of Dh446,000 per first-place winner in each will receive Dh100,000, the second Dh75,000, and the third Dh40,000. For the Shishi, Buma'an, Khenaizi, Fard, and Zamli categories, 15 prizes are offered in each, with Dh367,000 in total prize money per contest and the same top-tier awards of Dh100,000, Dh75,000, and Dh40,000. Specific to Al Ain farms, the Fard Dates Competition offers 15 prizes, with its top three winners receiving Dh100,000, Dh75,000, and Dh40,000, the Khalas Dates Competition for Al Ain farms features 25 prizes, with the same prize amounts awarded to its top three Liwa and Al Dhafra Elite Dates Competitions each feature 15 the Al Dhafra Elite Dates Competition, the first-place winner will receive Dh200,000, the second Dh150,000, and the third Dh100,000, with the total prize pool exceeding Dh700, the Liwa Elite Dates Competition, the top three prizes are Dh125,000, Dh100,000, and Dh60,000, respectively, bringing the total prize value to over Dh500, Largest Bunch of Dates Competition has a prize pool of Dh234,000 distributed among 15 winners, with Dh50,000 for first place, Dh40,000 for second, and Dh30,000 for the fruit category, the Mango Competition features two subcategories: local and mixed varieties. Each subcategory offers ten prizes, with a combined prize pool of Dh234, the Lemon Competition (local and mixed varieties) and the Fig Competition (red and yellow varieties), the festival has allocated 10 prizes for each category, with a total value of Dh117,000 per these is the Local Fruit Basket Competition, which offers a prize pool of Dh400,000, with Dh200,000 awarded to the first-place winner, Dh120,000 to the second, and Dh80,000 to the the Model Farm Competition, which covers the Liwa Western Farms, Liwa Eastern Farms, and Al Dhafra Cities categories, each category carries a prize pool of Dh750,000. The first-place winner in each will receive Dh300,000, second place Dh180,000, and third Dh120, festival has also allocated 10 prizes for the Most Beautiful Date Basket Competition, which aims to revive traditional handicrafts using eco-friendly natural materials. Additionally, 10 prizes have been designated for the Palm Trunk Creativity Competition, which encourages the recycling of palm trunks into artistic the competitions, the festival presents a diverse programme of heritage events, daily activities, and cultural initiatives that preserve the legacy of the date palm as a symbol of the UAE's rich heritage and ongoing prosperity. It also promotes family and community ties, encourages intergenerational engagement, and reinforces values of cooperation and belonging, reflecting the spirit of the UAE's 'Year of the Community.'The festival also serves as a key platform for supporting the local community and productive families in the region through its traditional market, which includes stalls selling fresh dates and date-based products, mobile cafés, agricultural factories, plant nurseries, and pavilions representing sponsoring and participating organisations. Daily stage activities include interactive quizzes with prizes, live folkloric performances, lectures, seminars, and a variety of cultural together farmers, experts, industry leaders, companies, and research centres, the festival serves as a collaborative hub to support the agricultural sector and promote its long-term sustainability. It also plays a key role in boosting the Al Dhafra Region's economy through a diverse program that draws thousands of visitors each year.
Sharjah 24
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
UAE leaders condole Saudi King on passing of Faisal bin Turki
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to the Saudi King.
