The UAE was removed from the ‘Green’ list in a new resolution released by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Friday, January 14

The UAE is no longer listed on the Philippines’ ‘Green’ list, according to Resolution No. 157-B, which was signed on January 13, 2022.

All other countries, territories, and jurisdictions not named above are regarded to be on the ‘Yellow’ list, according to the IATF-EID.

Those countries categorized as’moderate risk’ by the IATF fall under the ‘Yellow’ category.

Passengers from the Yellow nations who have been vaccinated must present a negative PCR test result within 48 hours of departure, as well as a facility-based quarantine until the negative findings are released.

On the fifth day they will have another swab test and a home quarantine until 14th day from the arrival date.

According to The National, an asteroid the size of the world’s tallest building will pass past Earth next week.

As per the European Space Agency, the asteroid is projected to fly over the UAE in the late hours of January 18 from a safe distance of 1.9 million kilometers, at a speed of around 76,192 kilometers per hour. With a telescope, it would be apparent.

The space rock is known as Asteroid (7482) 1994 PC1, and it measures 1.05 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, which rises 0.83 kilometers tall.

On January 19, at 1.49 a.m. local time, it will make its closest approach to Earth.

Robert McNaught, a Scottish-Australian astronomer, initially spotted the space rock in 1994.

The space rock was first discovered by Scottish-Australian astronomer Robert McNaught in 1994.

It is unlikely, but not impossible, that an asteroid will crash into Earth.

Image credit: Dailymail/ source: lovindubai

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched the DEWA-SAT 1 nanosatellite in collaboration with NanoAvionics, becoming the world’s first utility to use nanosatellites to improve the maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks. This new achievement underlines DEWA’s leadership in developing and using the latest world-class technologies.

DEWA-SAT 1 was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket fromCape Canaveral Space Launch Complex (SLC-40) in Florida, USA. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA,attended the launch along with officials from DEWA and NanoAvionics.

“I extend my thanks and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his unlimited support to DEWA and its innovative initiatives and projects including its Space-D programme, which His Highness launched in January 2021. The programme supports the National Space Strategy 2030 that aims to realise the UAE’s vision in space sciences, technologies, applications and services. Today, DEWA, in collaboration with NanoAvionics, has launched the first U3 nanosatellite as part of the Space-D programme that aims to improve the operations, maintenance and planning of its networks with the support of nanosatellite technology, Internet of Things (IoT), and remote sensing technologies. The programme also aims to train Emirati professionals to use space technologies to enhance its electricity and water networks and take advantage of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain to exchange information with the help of satellite communications and earth observation technologies,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer said that the nanosatellite was designed and developed at DEWA’s R&D Centre in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. He noted that DEWA will launch another U6 nanosatellite later this year to promote its flexibility and agility in monitoring, managing, and maintaining its electricity and water networks. This ensures providing electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, and efficiency. It also reduces costs, improves its asset utilisation, enables knowledge and experience transfer, as well as trains Emiratis at DEWA.

Al Tayer said that DEWA-SAT 1 uses LoRa IoT communication technology, which is a new wireless protocol designed for long-range communications that consumes less energy, to expand the coverage of the existing terrestrial communication network. Using satellite communications, IoT, and AI will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DEWA’s operations and support digitising energy networks, water distribution and transmission networks. It also enables the integration of IoT data using DEWA’s private cloud.

Waleed Bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, said that DEWA’s Space-D programme includes launching the nanosatellite constellation developed by Emiratis at DEWA’s R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The system features a ground station at the solar park as well as IoT and AI technologies to support ground communication transmission stations in electricity and water networks. By deploying this infrastructure, DEWA seeks to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its planning and operations, and enhance preventive maintenance at its production, transmission, distribution divisions as well as its smart grids, and electric vehicle charging stations. Multi-spectrum, high-resolution thermal imaging devices such as those used onboard spacecraft, specifically designed for use in electricity and water networks, will be deployed to detect thermal fingerprints in high voltage transmission lines, substations, buildings and solar power stations.

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Dubai Public Prosecution is continuing to combat money laundering and related crimes in cooperation with law enforcement agencies and local and federal authorities. Courts in the emirate have issued various sentences in cases that will serve as deterrents to money laundering-related crimes. The sentences included imprisonments for periods ranging from nine months to eight years, confiscations worth a total of AED306,000 and fines amounting to over AED15 million.

In the first case, the Criminal Court sentenced a defendant to three years imprisonment for the charge imposed on him as well as a fine of AED14.76 million. According to Counselor Ismail Ali Madani, Senior Advocate General – Head of Public Funds Prosecution, the defendant committed the crime of money laundering an amount of AED14.76 million by transferring, using and concealing the truth of the proceeds, the location of its origin as well as the manner of its disposition. The amount was obtained by appropriating public funds related to proceeds from a large number of damaged replacement cards that were misappropriated from the branch of a company specialised in communications where the defendant worked as a sales executive.

In another case, the Criminal Court sentenced four defendants to imprisonment ranging from three months to three years, deportation from the country, and payment of an amount equivalent to AED210,000. A fifth defendant, a legal person, was fined AED300,000. Counselor Ismail Madani stated that the defendants misappropriated an amount of AED2.5 million belonging to a foreign woman.

In another case that reflects the relentless efforts of the Public Funds Prosecution to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the Dubai Misdemeanors Court sentenced a defendant in absentia and another three defendants in person to six months imprisonment for the charge of fraud, one year imprisonment for money laundering, confiscation of any funds owned by the three defendants equivalent to a total amount of AED96,000, and their deportation from the country. Three other defendants were acquitted.

Counselor Ismail Madani said that the concerted efforts of authorities facilitated the quick gathering of evidence, which in turn enabled officials to take the necessary action to ensure the speedy and accurate completion of investigations as well as the issuance of deterrent penalties by the court. This cooperation reflects the high priority placed on combating money laundering, which is criminalised under Federal Law No. 20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organizations, as well as other related crimes in this field.

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Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State, headed the UAE’s delegation participating in the World Youth Forum, held under the theme “Back Together”, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Sheikh Shakhbout said Egypt’s hosting of the fourth World Youth Forum confirms the significant attention given by the Egyptian leadership to youth, as it believes in their capabilities in dealing with global challenges, noting that the forum is a platform for dialogue for youth from around the world.

He also lauded the historical relations between the UAE and Egypt, which are supported by their leaderships’ keenness to serve their mutual interests.

He expressed his happiness at participating in the conference and added that Egypt is a hub for cultural convergence and a beacon of peace and security. He said that the forum underscores Egypt’s ability to organise international conferences amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said the majority of youth are looking forward to the future. The current global pandemic has proven that the community can achieve development, solidarity, cooperation and partnerships in the face of challenges and crises, she explained.

During the forum’s inauguration ceremony, Al Mazrouei said, “During the pandemic, we became aware of how everything can be changed, and of the infinite ways we can work, learn, and steer the global economy.”

She also highlighted the Emirati model of youth empowerment and stressed that the UAE aims to institutionalise youth empowerment programmes and initiatives, including establishing the Emirates Youth Councils.

“We have launched over 30 initiatives and platforms to encourage youth participation, engagement and empowerment. We have also set a clear strategy aimed at investing in youth. Three months ago, the UAE Cabinet approved the first youth empowerment index in the world,” she added.

Egypt held the World Youth Forum for the first time in 2017, featuring young talent and leaders from around the world, as well as international leaders and influential figures also attended the event.

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In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Decree No. (1) of 2022 on Residential Neighbourhood Majlises in the Emirate of Dubai.

The Decree seeks to obtain feedback from Emiratis on their requirements for social services, with the aim of enhancing their quality of life and strengthening neighbourhood community bonds.

The Decree also seeks to promote a positive outlook in the community and enhance the role of youth and children through targeted programmes. It also aims to facilitate access to social services for Emiratis, enhance community participation, encourage volunteering and bolster a sense of Emirati identity.

According to the Decree, the Community Development Authority is tasked with overseeing Residential Neighbourhood Majlises. The Decree also outlines the responsibilities and tasks of the Authority including drafting policies and strategic plans for the Majlises and presenting it to the Executive Council for approval.

Other duties include approving events held in Residential Neighbourhood Majlises, enhancing interaction among Emiratis and facilitating access to the services of the Authority among targeted segments of society. The Authority is also tasked with promoting social and cultural awareness and facilitating the participation of senior officials and dignitaries in events and activities held at Neighbourhood Majlises.

The Decree also outlines the responsibilities of Residential Neighbourhood Majlises including adherence to local legislations and the decisions and instructions issued by the Authority. The Majlises are prohibited from conducting any activity or providing any service other than those approved by the Authority and should not involve themselves in politics or inciting hatred, racism or sectarianism, or discussing anything that may affect the stability and the security of the nation.

According to the Decree, Residential Neighbourhood Majlises are prohibited from receiving, collecting or promoting donations.

The Director-General of Community Development Authority will issue the necessary decisions to implement Decree No. (1) of 2022, which will be published in the Official Gazette. This Decree annuls any other legislation that may contradict it. The Decree is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. 

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Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), said that human beings in the UAE have been the main focus of all its developmental efforts throughout its 50-year journey.

Kruse added that the issuance of Federal Law No. (12) of 2021 establishing the National Human Rights Institution, which coincided with the UAE’s celebration of years of achievements, underscored the UAE’s future and consistent approach in supporting all efforts aimed at promoting and preserving human rights and dignity.

He explained that the National Human Rights Institution is established as an independent entity that has its own legal personality and enjoys financial and administrative autonomy, in line with the Paris Principles. “Its work methodology is built on objective and impartial legal and human rights approaches and professional mechanisms that take into consideration both international human rights standards and local specificities.”

This came during the first media briefing of the NHRI, which was held today at the Emirates News Agency (WAM) headquarters in Abu Dhabi, to introduce the NHRI, elaborate on its functions and mandate, and to review the outcomes of the first inaugural meeting of the NHRI Board of Trustees and relevant developments in the coming period.

The media briefing was attended by Hamad Al Kaabi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Ittihad, Abdulrahim Al Bateeh Al Nuaimi, Acting Director-General of Abu Dhabi Media, and representatives of a number of local and international media outlets.

The NHRI Chairperson reviewed the outcome of the first inaugural meeting of the NHRI Board of Trustees for the 2022-2026 term, held on Wednesday. The meeting saw the approval of the “100-day plan” for the institutional and organisational workings.

The 100-day plan includes holding a meeting of the Board of Trustees every (21) days throughout the 100-day period to supervise and follow up on the pace of achievement during the foundational stage, provided that the Board of Trustees meeting schedule is reviewed after the 100-day period has elapsed.

He added that the inaugural meeting featured a session to organise an NHRI Deputy Chairperson election at the second meeting of the Board of Trustees, which will be held on Wednesday, 2nd February, 2022. The board also tasked the NHRI Secretary-General with drafting the main administrative, organisational and financial structures and regulations to be submitted to the Board of Trustees, and reviewed and approved at the second meeting.

The board approved the formation of a temporary “Advisory Committee” to review, audit and advise on all matters related to all drafts, proposals and projections submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval during the 100-day period, provided that the committee’s status is reviewed after the 100-day period has elapsed.

Kruse further explained that board approved the titles of six main committees concerned with the basic issues and topics that will be in focus for 2022, noting that the NHRI’s second meeting will feature a session to elect committee chairs from members of the Board of Trustees. The names of the six approved committees are as follows; the Civil and Political Rights Committee, the Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights Committee, the Complaints, Monitoring and Field Visits Committee, the International Relations and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee, the Committee for the Promotion of Human Rights Culture, and the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee.

The NHRI Chairperson said that the board approved the NHRI’s “visual identity” and the inauguration of its “Media Centre”, in addition to the rollout of the campaign to launch the NHRI’s official website and social media accounts during the board’s second meeting.

He continued, “We have just begun a task that has no limits, and all issues and topics are open for discussion. Our slogan is “Know your rights”, as we believe that every human being has rights. We are working around the clock to build partnerships and bridges, launch initiatives, and organise field visits and various meetings, to establish constructive communication with everyone, with the goal of promoting the protection of human rights and ensuring the implementation of best human rights practices across all fields.”

Responding to WAM’s questions regarding the launch of a multilingual platform to enable community contribution and promote human rights, Kruse said that the NHRI will include in its official website and social media accounts an interactive portal to empower community members of all segments and those interested in human rights protection to work together and submit inquiries, remarks and recommendations. “This will enable us to constantly improve our performance,” he added.

He added that the NHRI will collaborate with all segments of society, especially youth, and seeks, through the Committee for the Promotion of Human Rights Culture, to develop the programmes and initiatives required to reach all segments of society.

Speaking of the NHRI drawing on the ‘Principles of the 50’ document, the NHRI Chairperson said that the NHRI’s establishment is but a reflection and extension of this vision, which is dedicated to driving the UAE’s development in all fields. “However, the NHRI’s main mission is enhancing the UAE’s human rights track record, promoting human rights protection, raising awareness levels and ensuring the integration of such practices into institutional frameworks.”

Kruse said that the enhancement of the human rights culture will not be limited to seminars, lectures and programmes, as it will be further supported by the publications that NHRI is working on, as well as the virtual library and other information sources that will be developed in the coming period.

Regarding the NHRI’s issuance of periodic reports, Kruse said that according to the law, the NHRI will prepare its annual report, which will first be referred to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then to the Cabinet and finally to the Federal National Council, and made available to the public.

He added that the report would reflect the NHRI’s evaluation of the human rights situation in the UAE, through constant monitoring and drafting of the relevant recommendations.

Kruse indicated that the NHRI will cooperate with relevant local and global organisations on all reports and remarks received to conduct an assessments in line with the NHRI’s work methodology and mechanisms, which are based on objectivity, professionalism and impartiality.

He also stated, “Our doors will always be open to all international organisations wishing to cooperate with the NHRI.”

Regarding the NHRI’s field work, Kruse said that Federal Law No. (12) of 2021 lists up to 14 items, which constitute the NHRI’s jurisdiction, and a set of objectives, including holding field visits through the Complaints, Monitoring and Field Visits Committee. These include several establishments, such as punitive and correctional facilities, shelters, labour complexes and other facilities requiring field visits to determine the human rights situation and submit relevant recommendations and proposals.

Kruse stated that, as part of its approach to dealing with various issues, the NHRI is currently developing mechanisms, procedures, and official platforms to enable everyone to submit complaints, appeals, observations and other proposals, and the NHRI teams to evaluate and develop relevant work plans.

He pointed out that the “100-day plan” aims to accelerate the completion of the organisational and administrative aspects necessary to launch the work of the NHRI institutionally. “We need to adopt the human resource and financial regulations so that we can start recruitment and form the NHRI work teams, who will help us to consider and assess all submissions made during the board’s first 4-year term, which may be extended only for once.

National human rights institutions established under the Paris Principles are considered official bodies established by countries with a legal mandate to promote and protect human rights.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today visited the newly constructed Infinity Bridge accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security.

His Highness reiterated Dubai’s continued commitment to infrastructure development, saying it is one of the vital pillars of the emirate’s comprehensive plan for economic and social advancement. He said the Dubai government places the highest priority on projects that support sustainable development, meet the changing requirements of the community and provide it the highest quality of services.

“The roads and transport sector is critical not only to accelerating economic growth but also enhancing the wellbeing of the community. The rapid development of Dubai’s roads and transport network, with investments exceeding AED140 billion over the past fifteen years, reflects our belief in the role a strong infrastructure base plays in enhancing our global competitiveness, creating new growth opportunities, providing a supportive environment for business and ensuring the highest possible quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors to the emirate,” His Highness said.

Their Highnesses were received at the site of Infinity Bridge by Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The visit reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s commitment to further driving infrastructure expansion and advancing investments to maintain the pace of sustainable economic development and urban expansion. The emirate’s investments are also aligned with His Highness’s strategic vision to transform Dubai into the world’s best city to live, work and visit.

At the beginning of the tour, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was briefed by Mattar Al Tayer about the ongoing implementation of infrastructure projects in Dubai, especially in the roads and transport sector, according to the city’s urban development masterplan.

Over the past few decades, Dubai’s rapid development as a global commercial hub has been catalysed by world-class mega road and transport projects like Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, Business Bay Crossing, road projects leading to Expo 2020 Dubai, the expansion of the Al Khail Road and the Al Khawaneej axis and other projects.

Mattar Al Tayer also briefed His Highness about the Infinity Bridge and Al Shindagha Corridor Project, which the new bridge forms part of. Consisting of six lanes in each direction, the Infinity Bridge has an architectural arch shaped in the form of the infinity symbol. The bridge’s iconic structural design is inspired by the infinity concept, which symbolises Dubai’s unlimited ambitions.

Infinity Bridge forms a key component of Al Shindagha Corridor Project spanning 13 km along Sheikh Rashid Street, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street and Cairo Street, which features a total cost of AED5.3 billion. The bridge supports development needs and improves the link between Deira and Bur Dubai by raising the total number of lanes crossing Dubai Creek from 48 to 60. The bridge can accommodate 24,000 vehicles per hour in both directions and features a combined 3-metre-wide track for pedestrians and cyclists.

Al Shindagha Corridor is a key strategic project undertaken by RTA that consists of 11 phases.

Construction works for the project started in 2016 and will be completed by 2027 according to the urban development plan of the area. Currently, there are two circular roads to ease traffic flow and support economic activity in the city. The first is an external road that constitutes an extension of Sheikh Rashid Street and passes along Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street, Cairo Street and Al Ittihad Street. The second is an internal road that constitutes an extension of Sheikh Rashid Street and passes along Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street, Abu Bakr Al Siddique Street and Umm Hurair Street.

The current section of Al Shindagha Corridor Project encompasses the construction of 15 junctions with a total length of 13 km. Due to its immense scope, the project is being built in five phases. The completion rate in the entire section of the project has now reached 85% and is expected to be completed in the second half of this year. The Corridor serves Deira and Bur Dubai in addition to several development projects such as Deira Islands, Dubai Seafront, Dubai Maritime City and Port Rashid, and is expected to serve one million persons. It will slash travel time from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030, and the time saved over 20 years will be worth about AED45 billion.

Al Shindagha Corridor Project also features plans for improvements to Al Khaleej Street along with the intersection with Abu Hail Street, as well as the intersection of Sheikh Rashid Street with Jumeirah, Al Mina and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Streets. This phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The project also covers the construction of 1.5 km long bridges leading to Deira Islands southwards, which is set for completion in 2027.

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DP World, the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, has been progressing its initiative to develop the capabilities of Emirati and international coders, developers, and engineers to drive the future of the UAE.

The initiative is part of its overarching strategy to deploy industry-leading technology to broaden its vision of a digitised, more efficient, transparent and resilient post-COVID world trade.

Dr. Mohamed Rahmah, Vice-President, Zodiac, who represents DP World in the programme, commented, “The programmers and coders initiative acts as a key driver to tackle major challenges in the world of logistics and trade. Attracting and investing in the future of the UAE’s technological advancements means we need to invest, attract and allocate the best global minds.”

DP World’s coders are internationally available from South Korea to South America, with technical capabilities from AI, Blockchain to full-stack development and beyond. Innovative technology solutions such as CARGOES IoT+’s Digital Twin that leverage machine learning to simulate and improve the flow of containers through terminals shows the calibre of talent DP World attracts.

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Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has saved the life of a seven-year-old boy with a severe congenital heart condition by implanting an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD).

Diagnosed in the womb with a very rare form of congenital cardiomyopathy, the patient, Alyan, had a history of losing consciousness. His family needed to conduct cardiac compressions at home. In July 2021, he collapsed and was unresponsive for seven minutes, experiencing two episodes of exertional syncope, or fainting, with the second taking place in October.

When he was admitted to the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), a SEHA-affiliated hospital, Alyan was diagnosed with a slow heart rhythm which could have been the leading cause for his loss of consciousness. It had the potential of an opposing risk of an abnormal dangerous rapid heart rhythm. On discovering this, SKMC’s Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Christopher Duke, made the initial recommendation of placing a temporary pacemaker, later replaced with a defibrillator. The latter was done to manage fast and slow heart rhythm problems, ensuring Alyan was in the best position possible to treat his ongoing symptoms.

Dr. Andrew David Mclean, Acting Chair of Cardiac Sciences, said, ” With a team of specialised and distinguished surgeons, we were able to perform this complex surgery locally, which otherwise would have had to be done overseas, keeping newborns and infants, such as Alyan, close to home.”

The medical team implanted the defibrillator through a complex surgery, as Alyan weighed a mere 20kg, which resulted in him having incredibly thin subcutaneous tissues (the innermost layer of the skin).

The surgical team had to adjust the surgery plan for best results and implant it within the axillary (located in or near the armpit) position. This form of complex surgery, called an “Axillary Generator Implantation”, was a part of an international research project that Dr. Duke was involved with.

Dr. Duke said, “Pacemaker generators are usually implanted in the anterior, or the front of the chest. However, we considered other aspects such as mental, functional, and cosmetic standpoints.”

Alyan’s father thanked the SKMC’s medical and surgical team.

The SKMC’s paediatric services include the country’s largest paediatric cardiology service with a record of over 4,500 cardiac surgeries since it was established in 2007

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