According to the national Met department (NCM), UAE weather will remain cold and cloudy on Monday with rain in some parts of the country.

Today’s weather is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy at times with convective clouds and scattered rainfall of varying intensities.

Fresh Southeasterly winds and strong at times with speed of 45 km/hr causing blowing dust and sand reducing the horizontal visibility to less than 2000 m at times over some internal and coastal areas from 05:40 to 11:00 Monday 03/01/2022. pic.twitter.com/gTBc6V4KYy

— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@NCMS_media) January 3, 2022

In addition to providing the finest services to its citizens, a priority will remain to ensure their happiness

For the fiscal years 2022-24, Dubai’s Ruler has set a budget of Dh181 billion.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a budget of Dh60 billion for the year 2022.

“The Dubai Government is continuing to consolidate the emirate’s position as a global economic centre, enhance its competitiveness and meet our future aspirations in leading global economic recovery efforts,” Sheikh Hamdan added.

.@HHShkMohd has approved Dubai's 2022-2024 budget with a total expenditure of AED181 billion, including an expenditure of around AED60 billion for 2022. Enhancing citizens’ happiness and providing them the best services will remain the budget’s highest priorities. pic.twitter.com/Gbkf86ZaxQ

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 2, 2022

The Dubai Government continues to work to realise the emirate's ambitious future plans, enhance its competitiveness and consolidate its position as a leading global commercial hub, thereby placing Dubai at the forefront of worldwide efforts to accelerate economic recovery. pic.twitter.com/GFAcbc64Fc

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 2, 2022

On the second day of the year, Dubai’s Global Village will be closed due to fluctuations of weather. 

According to the Global Village management, they will coordinate with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to ensure the safety of their guests and visitors.  

“Gates will open again tomorrow, Monday, January 3, to welcome guests at the heart of wonder starting at 4pm,” Global Village management tweeted.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has said the UAE is affected by a state of atmospheric instability as the upper low pressure extending from the west over the country deepens, coinciding with the extension of a surface low pressure from the south, and the continued flow of clouds from the Red Sea towards the country.

It is expected that the depressions will move towards the east on Wednesday and Thursday to ease the situation, the NCM said in a statement on Sunday.

The NCM added that the weather on Sunday will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, accompanied with some convective clouds, associated with rainfall of different intensities, especially over the northern and eastern areas, some coastal areas, and the western islands.

Meanwhile, on Monday and Tuesday the weather will be cloudy in most areas of the country, interspersed with convective clouds, associated with rain of different intensities over scattered areas, with lightning and thunder at times, and hail falling in some areas.

On Wednesday and Thursday, there will be less clouds and the weather will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, with a chance of light to moderate rain over some coastal and northern areas, with a significant drop in temperatures.

The wind will be moderate to fresh and strong at times, especially with convective clouds and the sea will be rough or very rough at times in the Arabian Gulf and moderate to rough at times in the Oman Sea, especially with convective clouds.

In the three months since opening its doors to the world, Expo 2020 Dubai has provided a beacon of hope for millions of people from around the world who have visited and participated, both physically and virtually, bringing together the international community in a show of resilience in uncertain times.

During those months, leaders and dignitaries from across the planet have attended the event, and their praise has been glowing – labelling Expo “a beacon for global optimism” and “an incredible accomplishment”, while highlighting its “vision” and how it has provided the world with “hope and a sense of dignity” and a “ray of light”.

Expo 2020 will continue to bring the world together during challenging times, with the need for resilience continuing in the face of the global pandemic, and demonstrating that, now more than ever, we need to keep pulling together as an international community.

A key moment will see Expo host the first Global Goals Week to be held outside of the United Nations in New York from 15th-22nd January – bringing to life the Sustainable Development Goals, as the push continues apace to create a better, fairer and more just world by 2030.

It will be the seventh Theme Week held under Expo’s flagship Programme for People and Planet, helping to drive positive action and crucial collaboration between nations from across the world, and embodying Expo’s theme and purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, said: “At a time when there is a dark cloud, you have presented a real vision for what we can do to recover better, for how the world can look beyond the UAE – beyond your neighbourhood – into this global community. You’ve given hope and a sense of dignity to everyone that has participated in this Expo.”

Wavel Ramkalawan, President of the Republic of Seychelles, said: “[Expo 2020] is a beacon for global optimism, for responsible and sustainable world development, for nations standing together against adversity, for personal and collaborative creativity, for the unique beauty of human harmony and – most importantly – friendship, communication and recognition that – when it comes to determining a healthy future for planet Earth – we are all in this together, from the largest nation to the smallest.”

Participants are confident that Expo will spark ideas and innovations that will help create a cleaner, safer, healthier world for everyone.

His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, said: “Expo gives us the possibility to develop innovative solutions not just for the good of our own country but for the global market and global good. It is a true opportunity for co-creation, for innovation. I’m confident that the partnership created here at the Expo will strengthen cooperation between Sweden and the UAE and the countries of the world, and that we will be able to generate new ideas and solutions together.”

His Majesty King Letsie III, King of Lesotho, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai will succeed in its noble mission of ‘Connecting Minds’, and as a result of that achievement, an incubator will be created that will hatch sustainable solutions to our common problems – solutions that will hopefully create a more prosperous and peaceful future for us all.”

Hosting the most significant global gathering – during a pandemic – has not been easy, but world leaders praised Expo 2020 for welcoming the world in a safe and responsible manner.

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, said: “We’re very happy to be here, and I want to congratulate the UAE for this Expo, because at a time when we see COVID-19, and so many threats and issues, organising the Expo here and making it a success – because it’s already a success – is good for your country. It’s good for everybody.”

Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General, ASEAN, said: “I congratulate the United Arab Emirates for successfully convening the global community together here in Dubai. By bringing the world together during this most challenging of times, the UAE demonstrates its leadership as a driving force for global cooperation and unity which is true to the theme of the World Expo 2020 of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.”

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, said: “Pulling off the organisation of such a major event would be a major feat at any moment in time. But doing so in a period of uncertainty, such as the last 18 months, is an incredible accomplishment.”

Cooperation, resilience and solidarity will continue be of paramount importance in the second half of Expo 2020, which runs until 31st March, 2022, Expo 2020, with visitors invited to join the making of a new world in a celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

Macky Sall, President of Senegal, said: “Our world, plunged into a deep economic gloom, certainly needs this ray of light to bring back some colour and help rebuild hope for a better future. In this sense, the universal Expo is both a showcase for nations and a factor for peace and dialogue between cultures and civilisations. This is what Expo 2020 is all about.

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has received messages of congratulations from Their Highnesses and Majesties, Presidents, Kings and Princes of countries around the world, on the occasion of the New Year, 2022.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received similar messages on the occasion.

WAM

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), in coordination with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), have announced a travel ban from 10th January on Emirati citizens not vaccinated against COVID-19.

The announcement is in line with the country’s vision in the recovery phase of the pandemic and enhancing national efforts in all sectors, due to the global epidemiological situation and the current high rate of infections, to preserve the health and safety of citizens.

The ministry also stressed the requirement to receive the booster dose for vaccinated citizens as per the national protocol on travel.

Travel is permitted for unvaccinated citizens of the following categories, citizens medically exempted from taking the vaccine, humanitarian cases, and individuals traveling from medical and treatment purposes.

The importance of ensuring that all travelers adhere to preventive measures, investigating the epidemiological situation in travel destinations, and communicating with diplomatic missions in the country in case of suspected infection, was emphasised.

This is being done to ensure that health and safety are prioritised by the leadership and the country’s proactive efforts to confront the COVID-19 crisis.

WAM

 1st January, 2022– Sheikh Zayed Festival sets three Guinness World Records in volume, duration and form, offering visitors an exceptional experience within the first minutes of the New Year.

The Organising Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, held in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, has lined up a series of world-class folkloric and entertainment events and performances as part of its New Year celebrations.

The festival hosted a series of outstanding events and shows to welcome 2022, on top of which was the largest 40-minute fireworks display.

The festival also organised a gigantic drone show that will hover over the skies of Al Wathba, organised under the theme “WELCOME 2022” and using 2022 drones. This was the first show of its kind and magnitude in the world.

The celebrations included a musical concert for the “Voice of the United Arab Emirates”, Aida Al Menhali, who sang several of his most popular songs.

The celebration also included many special events and shows for children, including theatre shows and circus performances, fun games at Funfair City, and entertainment activities at Al Forsan International Sports Resort, among many more activities that started from 16:00 to 1:00.

The pavilions of the participating countries celebrated through various carnival entertainment performances, international art and cultural shows that roam around the festival’s areas, providing a joyful and thrilling experience to visitors, turning the festival into an international art carnival to celebrate the New Year.

Visitors could walk between the various pavilions and enjoy the colourful folkloric arts and crafts, the traditional songs and dances of the participating countries performed by specialised artists and performers in their traditional costumes and on the various international stages at the pavilions.

This year, the festival had a thrilling list of major entertainment events and performances ranging from heritage shows, educational and entertainment activities, including celebrations of the International Civilisation Parade, New Year celebrations and other events that suited the whole family.

WAM

On December 31, 2021, the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Emarat Dubai Chapter conducts the Commemoration and Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr Jose P. Rizal coinciding with the Knighting Elevation and Awarding Ceremonies of New Postulants and deserving EDC Knights at Hyatt Place, Dubai.

The event was attended by Honorable Renato Duenas Jr, Consul General of Dubai, Vice Consul Paola Belle D. Ebora and Labor Attache Atty John Rio A. Bautista of POLO OWWA.  The main sponsors of the event who played a vital role in support of the Commemoration Ceremonies are Filinvest, Filipino Institute, Kainan Restaurant and Beauty Pyxis.

Eight new Postulants joined the order and received their First-Degree medals and citations: Sir Conrad R. Quizon, Sir Emil Sarrol, Sir Ericson Reyes, Sir Herbert Joseph Flores, Sir Jay Gil Lluage, Sir Mark Harold Mendoza, Sir Rudy Parilla Jr and Sir Renato Duenas Jr.

Four Knights of Rizal was elevated into Knights Officers of Rizal (KOR) and received their Second-Degree medals and citations. Sir Aldrin Jay Dinglasa, Sir Gabriel John Rimando, Sir Erwin Manubag and Sir Mike Ziegler.

Sir Orandantes M. Delizo (Newly Elected Chapter Commander) and Sir David John S.P (Immediate Past Chapter Commander) exalted into Knights Commander of Rizal (KCR) and received their Third-Degree medals and certificates. 

Medals of recognition and citations were given to Sir Orandantes M. Delizo, KCR, Sir David John S.P, KCR and Sir Salibel M. Jatulla, KOR and Distinguished Service Medal and Citation were given to Sir Louie James Bendanillo, KCR.

Full assistance, support, attendance in the Knighting Ceremony were provided by the Emarat Abu Dhabi Chapter under the leadership of Sir Joel Puno Villanueva, KCR (newly elected Chapter Commander), Sir Blesil Apduhan, KCR (Immediate Past Commander), Sir Alfredo Manangan, KOR, Deputy Chapter Commander.

Supreme Commander Sir Gerardo V. Calderon, KGCR and Regional Commander, Sir Dr Zane M. Thirlwall has given an inspiration message to the event.