A section of the original Eiffel Tower’s staircase was unveiled in a ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Forsan Park on Friday.

The segment was used to ascend to the top of France’s iconic landmark when it opened at Expo 1889 Paris. Four years later, the stairs were replaced with a lift.

Celebrating the spirit of travel and discoveries, the staircase has been brought to Expo 2020 Dubai by Janat Paris, a tea house that served its beverages at the opening of the Eiffel Tower, according to a press release.

The project at Expo 2020 Dubai is dedicated to renowned Emirati poet, author, philosopher and explorer Mohammed Saleh Al Gurg, who passed away on 8th November 2020, and whose poems and proverbs continue to inspire curious minds.

Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman, Dubai Cares; Nathalie Kennedy, Consul-General of France in Dubai; Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer at Expo 2020 Dubai; Machiko Gozen, President of Janat Paris; Yabunaka Aiko, Secretary-General of Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; and Dr. Bejit Dores, Business Partner of Janat Paris, participated in the event marking the French engineer Gustave Eiffel’s famous structure.

Referring to a photograph on show at the inauguration, Al Gurg revealed, “Our association, as a family, with the French government, goes back 36 years. This is a picture of my father on the Eiffel Tower with his best friend in 1964. My father loves France. He bought a place there in the ’80s, which is where he started, sitting on the balcony working on his poetry and articles.”

Kennedy commented, “I’m so happy and honoured to have a piece of the Eiffel Tower right next to the Al Wasl Dome – it is very symbolic of travel, discovery, innovation and universal values that are at stake today.”

Al Khatib said, “We’re really thrilled to have the opportunity of bringing the Eiffel Tower stairs to, and showcasing them at, Expo. If you talk about sustainability, this is a piece of history that is now also a piece of art. And it has travelled all the way from Paris to so many places, and is now here in Dubai. It is the perfect representation of the values of all World Expos.”

According to a new report, Dubai is the Arab world’s technological innovation hub. The emirate is ranked 11th in terms of creative intensity, 23rd in terms of innovation support, and 26th in terms of delivery competence globally.

Dubai was ranked as the finest smart centre in the Arab world for the development of creativity, innovation, and the supply of new technologies in the recently issued second edition of the Smart Centre Index (SCI).

Dubai, which was ranked second in the Middle East behind Tel Aviv, climbed 17 places to 17th place among the world’s top 51 cities, with no other Arab country making the list.

Coders HQ, in partnership with Dell Technologies, launched the “AI for Kids” initiative in the UAE, to build a new generation of coders from school students by introducing them to coding languages and the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) to hone their analytical and logical skills.

It further encourages them to join this field and enhance their coding and technological skills, thus promoting the UAE’s leadership and maintaining its position as a global hub for coding and the digital economy.

Attracting about 1,000 male and female students from various schools in the UAE, the initiative focuses on building students’ capabilities and preparing them to build a digital future by empowering them with the necessary tools and expertise and developing their skills using methodologies suitable for their ages. It guides them to design innovative solutions to challenges and enhances their knowledge by communicating with experts and specialists in various AI fields. In addition, students will participate in a training programme, availed in both Arabic and English, with the option to take live online lessons or follow a self-paced training plan.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, stated that the National Programme for Coders, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is an incubating environment for digital talents and innovative coders. It helps them develop their skills and prepares a new generation capable of developing the best solutions to challenges and building a flourishing digital knowledge-based economy.

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Al Olama added that the initiative highlights the role of the National Programme for Coders, which promotes partnerships with leading hi-tech companies to establish digital societies that adopt technological and coding solutions.

Walid Yehia, General Manager – UAE, Dell Technologies, said, “In today’s digital world, code is everywhere as technology continues to evolve. These shifts are driving significant change in the jobs of the future, where it has been estimated in a study from Dell Technologies, that 85 percent of jobs that will exist in 2030 have not been invented yet. To participate in this tech-driven future, coding has become an essential skill that children need to develop.”

“At Dell Technologies, we aim to harness the power of technology to drive human progress and we are inspired by the ‘National Programme for Coders’ initiative, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to develop a new generation of programmers and coders. Dell Technologies and the National Programme for Coders launched the ‘UAE AI for Kids’ training programme in line with this initiative. Our goal is to build an ecosystem of future coders who can be part of tomorrow’s digital workforce,” he added.

The “AI for Kids” initiative concludes its activities with a competition to select three talented winners for their outstanding performance and active participation in the training programme.

Sharjah inaugurated one of the world’s largest Safari Parks on Thursday.

One of the largest Safari Parks in the world was inaugurated in Sharjah on Thursday. It is said that it is considered to be the largest safari outside Africa. The safari includes 12 different environments over eight thousand hectares. 

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, affirmed that the project is part of the development of the central region to take care of the environment. The emirate seeks to preserve all nature-given blessings. 

The reserve has over 120 species of animals and over 100,000 African trees.

Ticket prices start as low as AED 15.

Image credits: Sharjah Safari/IG

The man who killed three of his relatives was sentenced to the death penalty by the Al Ain Criminal Court of First Instance. 

According to the report, the cause of the tragic incident was a dispute on family inheritance.

The man was also convicted with other two cases of possessing firearms and ammunition without any license and possessing psychotropic substances. 

The man was ordered to pay blood money, or diya, to the victims’ families.

In Fujairah, the Court of First Instance fined a 35-year-old Arab employee AED 1,100 for spreading rumors about drugs among colleagues.

According to the report of the Filipino Times, the accused had publicly defamed the complainant, alleging that he had used narcotics and had a criminal record.

The victim claimed that the accused defamed him at work by accusing him of drug misuse and fraud, and two witnesses stated that they were speaking with the accused when he mentioned that the complainant had been fired from his former employment due to drug usage.

The suspect was submitted to the court by the Public Prosecution, and the Fujairah Court of First Instance decided to fine him AED 1,100 and require him to pay the AED 50 lawsuit fees.

Dubai has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, which makes it one of the safest places.

 According to the research of InsureMytrip, a UK-based-travel insurance company, the city is considered a safe place to travel for a woman, as public transportation means in a city offers a “woman section only.” 

The emirate was listed high in the women’s safety index with a score of 9.43 out of 10. It also scored 8.64 for the absence of attacks based on gender. We hope this study empowers more women to travel, with or without a companion.”

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, today inaugurated AD Ports Group’s cruise jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach.

Developed by AD Ports Group, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach is renowned as the first and only dedicated cruise beach of its kind in the region offering a blend of relaxation and adventure to visitors.

The new jetty will significantly increase the capacity of the number of visitors to the island, reduce the time it takes to move to and from a vessel, as well as enhance the overall experience for cruise passengers.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Court Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative in Al-Dhafra region; Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Issa Hamad Bushehab, the Advisor to the Chairman of Emirates Red Crescent; Nasser Mohammed Matar Al Mansouri, Acting Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region; Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group; Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director – Cruise Business, AD Ports Group; and other official executives.

At the beginning of the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi and Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, about the features of the new jetty that is equipped with eight mooring dolphins, firefighting equipment, and solar lighting. The new Jetty will allow two vessels to dock at the same time, which will enable more than 5,000 passengers to embark and disembark at an accelerated rate at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach.

Previously, cruise ships set anchor about one kilometre offshore from the island and visitors were ferried to and from the beach via tender craft.

Sheikh Hamdan then rang the bell to mark the official inauguration of the new Jetty and then toured the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship berthed at Sir Bani Yas Island as part of the ship’s regular in the Arabian Gulf where His Highness was informed about the suites facilities and services provided to passengers.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed emphasised that with the support of infrastructure and tourism projects, Al Dhafra region continues to work towards enhancing its position in the tourism sector, while also elevating its contribution to the growth of tourism and leisure sectors within the region.

His Highness noted the importance of these projects and their impact on various sectors, especially the private sector, which is of great importance in supporting the continued development of Al Dhafra region and fostering new opportunities.

He said: “Inspired by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision and Plan Al Dhafra 2030, the opening of this new jetty is a milestone in Al Dhafra’s ambitious development plans. Economic diversification is fundamental to the long-term roadmap for the Emirate’s progress.

“We applaud AD Ports Group’s efforts in fostering this growth through world-class leisure and tourism infrastructure that will not only strengthen tourism across the GCC region but will also further reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier global tourism destination.”

Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said: “It is our privilege to welcome H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the opening of the new jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach. We are grateful for his valuable support and contribution to the significant ongoing development of Al Dhafra region.

“The tourism sector, and cruise tourism in particular, plays a key role in driving economic diversification and sustainable development, with a significant impact on local, regional and national economies. With the creation of these enhanced facilities, we will be able to welcome more visitors to Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach than ever before and offer a superior disembarkation experience for passengers, raising the profile of Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhafra region in particular for global travellers. Today marks an important step forward in our strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as one of the leading hubs in the world for cruise tourism.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “AD Ports Group continues to support the development of significant maritime, logistics and tourism projects within the UAE and across the region, because we recognise the wider benefits such strategic investments deliver for the economy and the community. By developing Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach as a sustainable cruise destination, we are supporting our leadership’s vision”.

In 2019, prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the world cruise industry was valued at more than US$150 billion in direct and indirect revenues. With a strong recovery, we believe that it will achieve growth beyond that record and are working hard to ensure that Abu Dhabi builds its leadership position in this sector.”

Several of the world’s top cruise liners have resumed their cruise activities in Abu Dhabi, while visitors and guests from all over the world have begun to arrive to the UAE’s capital. Mein Schiff 6, a German TUI-owned cruise ship became the first cruise vessel to arrive at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port following the commencement of the current cruise season.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, said: “We welcome the unveiling of a new jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, a key development that will aid operational efficiency at an increasingly popular stop on our Gulf itinerary.

“The commitment by AD Ports Group to spearhead the development of industry-leading facilities supporting cruise activities will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of our highly popular and fast-growing industry as we at MSC Cruises look to strengthen our own position as the sector’s market leader in the Gulf by deploying the most modern ships to what is a key region for us in our ambitious global growth programme.”

Located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach is the gateway to one of the UAE’s largest natural reserves open to the public. Rich with UAE heritage and natural marvels, the island offers a unique experience to its visitors. AD Ports Group has been supporting the ongoing development of Al Dhafra region. Its ports play a vital role in serving the local fishing industry, providing jobs for the local communities, and facilitating the current redevelopment on the surrounding islands.

According to Abu Dhabi authorities, passengers must take PCR tests on arrival and the sixth day of their stay. 

Quarantine is not needed for passengers on the Green List to Abu Dhabi who are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated individuals on the Green List are exempt from quarantine, but they must undergo PCR tests upon arrival, after six days, and on the ninth day of their stay in the emirate.

Effective February 15, the Green List of countries, regions, and territories are:

Albania

Algeria

Armenia

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Belarus

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burma

Cambodia

Canada

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong (SAR)

Hungary

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Latvia

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Maldives

Netherlands

Morocco

Norway

Oman

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Republic of Ireland

Romania

Saudi Arabia

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Syria

Seychelles

Taiwan, Province of China

Tajikistan

Thailand

Tunisia

Turkey

Yemen

Turkmenistan

Ukraine

United States of America

Uzbekistan

It follows strict health and safety protocols for travel, ensuring and prioritizing the well-being of the UAE community.

A bus driver was arrested after the run-over of a school bus incident that killed a 12-year-old student in Ajman. The authorities revealed that the bus did not have a supervisor.

The incident happened at 3:45 pm on Tuesday, and the girl was a student of Umm Ammar school, according to the Police.

Ajman police stated when the student got off the bus; the girl passed by in front of the bus to get home. The driver did not notice her and moved forward, running over the student.

The student sustained a severe head injury. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene, but the girl had already died before they arrived.
An arrest has been made for the bus driver. An investigation revealed that the bus had no supervisor.