After the world’s longest lockdown, the Philippines now welcomes fully vaccinated tourists.
Travelers will be able to enter the Philippines after over two years starting today, February 10. Visa-free agreements with 157 countries and territories are in place.
According to Resolution 160-B of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), additional requirements include:
Full vaccination against Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) and is in possession of an acceptable proof of vaccination, except only for minors below 12 years of age traveling with their fully-vaccinated foreign parent/s;
A negative RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding layovers; provided, that, he/she has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over;
Valid tickets for their return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination not later than 30 days from date of arrival in the Philippines;
Passports valid for a period of at least six months at the time of their arrival in the Philippines;
Travel insurance for Covid-19 treatment costs from reputable insurers, with a minimum coverage of USD35,000 (around PHP1.7 million) for the duration of their stay in the Philippines (obtained before arrival).
Over half of the country’s population, or 60 million Filipinos, have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while roughly 8.2 million have received their booster shots.
Yas Plaza Hotels appoints a new Restaurant Manager and Head Chef at Belgian Café and celebrates the gastropub’s anniversary with a Birthday Bash, holding exciting dining offers, prize raffles and a Back to School theme party with 80’s bops from February 8th – 15th to get everyone in a Belgian birthday spirit.
Leading the kitchen operations is Belgian Café’s new Head Chef Dennis Christian Fetzner, who hails from Germany and brings a twist of the flavours of the world from his global-trotted background into the menu. Fetzner started his culinary journey during his teens in a family-owned hotel in his home country, Germany. He worked hard and cooked his way through the roles of commis chef, demi chef and chef de partie. His craft eventually took him to various exciting culinary destinations like Zurich where he worked at a one Michelin star fine dining restaurant at The Dolder Hotel, London serving as junior sous chef at The Savoy Hotel, Abu Dhabi as sous chef at the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island, and then Dubai as chef de cuisine at the St. Regis Polo Resort followed by the Meydan Hotel, where he had experience catering to the annual Dubai World Cup. He then moved to Qatar, where he had the opportunity to work as the Head Chef of Belgian Café, by far the biggest one the franchise has, at the Intercontinental Hotel West Bay before deciding to fly back to become the Head Chef of Belgian Café at Radisson Blu Yas Island. Through his work and new appointment, he believes that he can bring something truly special to patrons’ palates through his authentic flair in European Cuisine.
The exciting birthday operations and upkeep of excellence in Belgian Café will be overseen by the restaurant’s new manager, Rampi Dharma, who has exceptional experience and a long-standing history of working with Yas Plaza Hotels. From his humble beginnings as a bartender in 2011 and progressing to supervising roles before becoming a manager at Amerigos since 2017, and achieving awards such as ‘Young Leader of The Year 2016’ by Radisson Hotel Group, ‘Most Active Action Taker 2019’ and ‘Best Manager 2020’ by Radisson Blu Hotel as well as several awards for outlets he has managed from Time Out and What’s On Abu Dhabi, Rampi truly leads by example.
Those looking to catch up with their nearest and dearest over delicious beverages and bites can look no further than the Belgian Cafe that will be scrubbing up with a ‘Back to School’ theme every evening from 5pm to 1am, teeming with awesome beverage deals at AED80 for eight selected drinks, lip-smacking snack platters for AED80, 80’s funk-laced beats that everyone simply loves and a raffle draw that announces a winner of a gift voucher of AED100 every 80 minutes.
To book Belgian Cafés exciting Birthday Bash with your besties, call 02 656 2406 or email info@yasplazahotels.com
For the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, the United Arab Emirates, represented by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, will host the 2022 World Paralympic Shooting Championships, from 3rd to 17th November 2022.
The international event will be hosted at the shooting range at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club in Al Ain, organised by Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO).
A contract was signed by Abdullah Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at ZHO, and Ghislaine BRIEZ, Chairperson of Shooting Para Sport, on behalf of the International Shooting Committee, in the presence of Abdullah Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO.
A group of the organisation’s leaders and the International Shooting Committee attended the signing ceremony.
Over a thousand participants are expected at the event, including more than 500 athletes, accompanied by their coaches and delegations, representing more than 50 countries from several continents. The International Shooting Committee has decided that 31 athletes will be eligible to participate in Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, based on their performance at the tournament, increasing the motivation for athletes to compete, and the overall importance of this tournament.
Participating athletes will compete in 27 different competitions including male and female categories and both individual and team competitions. These competitions will range from air pressure pistol and fire and rifle air pressure and fire (siktoon) across various distances. For the first time in its history, the tournament will also include official certified shooting competitions for blind athletes.
The tournament competitions are an opportunity for participating athletes to qualify to participate in the 2024 Paralympic Games Paris, and in other international competitions.
Al Humaidan praised the support of the wise leadership, saying that the success and prosperity of the nation is in the hands of each Emirati, and is a testament to the care and social supports afforded to all Emiratis, especially people of determination.
He pointed out that the successes achieved by people of determination in regional and international sports are the result of the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the main supporter of the sports for people of determination.
Al Humaidan stressed that the tournament comes as a result of the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination. “These directives are to provide comprehensive support to host an exceptional tournament, especially in light of Abu Dhabi’s previous successes in hosting many international sports events, further bolstering the confidence of the Emirate and the United Arab Emirates,” he said.
For her part, Ghislaine BRIEZ expressed her thanks and appreciation to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and to Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination for agreeing to organise and host the tournament’s competitions.
She added that this year’s tournament, 2022, will differ from previous tournaments as it is the most important tournament in the FIFA calendar, where it is expected that a record number of athletes, delegations and countries will participate for the chance to secure qualification for the Paris Paralympic Games 2024. This expectation will require a tremendous effort from the event organising committee to ensure the event’s success.
BRIEZ confirmed that the Paralympic Shooting Committee trusts the city of Al Ain and the exemplary facilities of Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Clubs, to deliver excellence in the organisation and hosting of this event, as the world’s most talented athletes of determination look forward to having the opportunity to showcase their skills and test their abilities.
Meanwhile, Al Kamali said that the organisation and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are looking forward to hosting this championship in Al Ain. “The hosting of this event marks an opportunity to build upon the unparalleled success of the five previous world cup tournaments hosted here, a success that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is deeply proud of, as it distinguished the Emirate as an exemplary host of sporting events for people of determination. This tournament also serves as an opportunity for our athletes to once again raise the UAE flag at an international sporting event,” he said.
The Duke has arrived. The Duke of Cambridge Prince William is expected to pay visit in EXPO 2020 Dubai today, February 10.
The first official visit and the arrival to the UAE of Prince William was announced by The British Royal Family’s official Twitter account that read, “The Duke of Cambridge has arrived in Dubai on his first official visit to the UAE.”
In conjunction with the UK National Day celebrations at the world fair, the Duke is expected to visit the Expo 2020 Dubai site on February 10.
The purpose of Prince William’s visit is to strengthen the ‘deep and strong’ relationship between the UK and the UAE.
Among the festivities, the Duke will participate in the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay that will parade through the Expo site and pass through Commonwealth National Pavilions.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today attended the graduation ceremony of 706 police cadets from Abu Dhabi Police College, Dubai Police Academy and Sharjah Police Science Academy. Organised at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Wasl Plaza, the graduation ceremony was held under the theme ‘Graduation of the Fiftieth’ in celebration of the UAE’s 50th anniversary.”
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid congratulated the graduates on the occasion and wished them success in serving their nation as members of the police force under the leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.
Sheikh Mohammed also commended the Ministry of Interior, headed by His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, for its efforts in maintaining the security and stability of the nation.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also emphasised the important role police officers play in ensuring the safety and security of citizens, residents and visitors as well as supporting the UAE’s development journey.
The event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai; Lt. General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; Maj. General Dr. Ghaith Ghanim Al Suwaidi, Director of the Dubai Police Academy; as well as parents of the graduates and a number of dignitaries.
The graduation ceremony, hosted under the umbrella of the Ministry of Interior, was organised by Dubai Police and featured the first military parade by female officers in the Middle East as well as other military performances set against the backdrop of dazzling light shows.
The event included 422 graduates from the Abu Dhabi Police College; 256 graduates from Dubai Police Academy; and 28 graduates from Sharjah Police Academy. The graduates, which included 76 females, came from more than seven countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Comoro Islands, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the ceremony, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured the top graduates from among the three police academies.
Lt. General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, and Chairman of Dubai Police Academy, congratulated UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates; as well as H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the occasion.
Lt. General Al Marri also congratulated the graduates from the three police academies and their parents. He stressed on the importance of developing human capital to achieve the country’s ambitions.
Maj. General Mohammed Ahmed bin Fahd, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Academic and Training Affairs at Dubai Police, said that the ceremony was the first graduation event featuring graduates from three police academies as well as two batches of female cadets.
Maj. General Dr. Ghaith Ghanim Al Suwaidi, Director of the Dubai Police Academy, noted that this year’s ceremony included the graduation of the first batch of graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in police science and criminology.
Meanwhile, Brig. General Walid Salem Al Shamsi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Police College, expressed his happiness and pride on the occasion and wished the graduates success in serving their country.
Brig. General Dr. Mohammad Khamis Al Othmani, Director General of the Sharjah Police Science Academy, also extended his gratitude to the UAE leadership for their efforts in preserving the country’s progress and security. He also congratulated the graduates on the occasion and wished them success in their future endeavors.
The Supreme Committee of Crisis & Disaster Management said today that all activities, events and social gatherings in Dubai can gradually return to full capacity by 15 February in line with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority’s decisions.
The Committee expressed it appreciation for the community’s commitment to maintaining precautionary measures, urging the community to continue adhering to all preventive measures, including wearing of face masking.
The teams of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority have put out a fire caused by a gas cylinder explosion in a building on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi city.
The teams managed to control the situation after extinguishing the fire and safely vacating the residents. No injuries or casualties resulted from the fire.
The process of cooling and limiting the damage is currently underway.
Abu Dhabi Civil Defence teams rushed to the scene and put out the fire after the Authority’s Operations Room received a report at 00:09 that a fire broke out in a building on Hamdan Street.
The authority also affirmed that all concerned teams are dealing with the situation and called on the public to follow the news from the UAE’s official authorities and to avoid spreading rumours and false information.
Dubai Police in collaboration with Expo 2020 Dubai have set a new Guinness World Record for creating the ‘Largest online video chain of people passing and wearing a self-adhesive badge/sticker’.
A total of 265 people from 193 nationalities and 192 Country Pavilions said “Thank you Expo 2020” on camera in their national languages before virtually handing the Expo 2020 Dubai badge, or pin, to one another via split screens. The three-minute video chain was adjudicated by Guinness World Records-MENA and took 48 hours to film.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai; Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Major General Ahmad Mohamed Rafee, Acting Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Administration Affairs at Dubai Police, attended the award ceremony to recognise the achievement at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre on Monday.
Speaking after the ceremony, Lieutenant Hamad Khalil Obaid Al Bishri of Dubai Police said: “Along with creating a safe and secure environment at Expo 2020 Dubai we wanted to create a unifying message of equality that Dubai thrives on. We decided to bring all the pavilions together, under one flag of connecting minds and building a healthy future. After only one week of collaborative efforts with different pavilions we started filming, and achieved our goal of producing our message.”
Danny Hickson, Adjudicator of Guinness World Record-MENA said: “This is a brand-new Guinness World Record title, we set our benchmarks for the award, which Dubai Police surpassed. It is a brilliantly executed idea giving a message of unity.
“There have been between 10-15 Guinness World Records set at Expo 2020 Dubai, to date, with innovative award-winning ideas; Most Awareness Ribbons made to celebrate World Cancer Day, World Cinnamon Bun Day at the Swedish Pavilion, three records at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, and many more. The UAE holds the most Guinness World Records in the Middle East with around 480 records in total here.”
On Monday, the Kingdom of Bahrain has announced a golden permanent residency visa to give opportunities for talented individuals.
The Interior Ministry of the country introduced that the Golden Residency Visa will be renewed indefinitely. This includes the unlimited entry and exit in Bahrain, residency for neutral family and right to work.
“(The visa) is aimed at attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and highly talented individuals who can contribute to Bahrain’s ongoing success,” the statement said.
In order to be qualified for the Golden visa, an individual must be earning an average salary of at least BHD2000 ($5,306) per month.
