ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: The Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi has pushed forward the dates of the Madinet Zayed Camel Beauty Pageant of Al Dhafra Festival – 2021, to run from  December 14 to 21 in Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi.

The Madinet Zayed Mazayna competition is the third round of the Abu Dhabi Camel Beauty Pageant Season following the directives of the Festival’s patron, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to expand Al Dhafra Festival to include camel beauty contests in Suwayhan, Razin and Madinet Zayd, in addition to the principal Camel Beauty Competition of Al Dhafra Festival.

The Festival reflects the sustained efforts made by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to underpin the UAE’s position as a regional and international hub for strengthening heritage preservation for future generations.

The aims of the Al Dhafra Festival are to celebrate quintessential Emirati culture, generate tourism and preserve the purity of camel breeds.

The Festival aspires to preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi and to protect the legacy of the nation’s traditions. It seeks to increase the number of camel owners participating in the heritage competitions, preserve folklore, giving the chance for new generations to experience and value the heritage of their nation and the region at large, and strengthen human and social ties.

 This is in addition to contributing to developing domestic and Gulf tourism, stimulating economic activity, and underpinning the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to be the preferred destination for camel fairs and heritage events locally, regionally and internationally.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: GCC travellers looking to gain authentic winter experiences should look no further than Germany’s expansive seasonal activations and incredible roster of family-friendly offerings.

The south German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg are popular for its charming snow-capped mountaintops and alpine ski trails, and while the temperatures often average 0°C, the exciting sporting activities available will warm skiers up in no time. 

Ski lovers can enjoy an array of Bavarian Alpine resorts with options for beginners, families, and sporting pros. The town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, only an hour outside Munich, features an array of outdoor activities perfect for winter strolls amid mountainous views, crystal clear lakes, and fresh pine forests. 

For those looking for a more calming scene, cable car trips in Baden-Württemberg offer incredible views of the magnificent Black Forest dotting the mountain range.

“Germany’s luscious winter landscapes are the perfect backdrop for long walks, bike rides, and exciting sports such as skiing and snowboarding. We welcome GCC travellers to wrap up warm and explore the bountiful countryside vistas afforded by the cooler temperatures,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing of the German National Tourist Office. 

Tourists who would rather view winter landscapes from the warm indoors, the German.Spa.Tradition. campaign which highlights Germany’s traditional health resorts and spas from across the nation, offers a plethora of opportunities to enjoy health and wellness retreats amid stunning natural wonders. Visitors can engage the mind, body, and soul across the country’s traditional wellness spas. 

The campaign focuses in five essential themes: Breathe, Renew, Enjoy, Feel, and Taste. 

For an authentic German experience and the chance to grab some holiday gifts or shop for loved ones, traditional festive shops are perfect for presents for the whole family. Showcasing the region’s customary traditions and urbanised artisan trinkets, stores during December take on a festive feel with the air filled with the smell of cinnamon, alongside some of the most stunning decorations. 

The German Federal Government announced the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions for all travellers aged 12 years and above, regardless of individual vaccination status. The announcement ensures travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can enter the country with a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before travel. As of November, vaccinated travellers coming in from Germany into the UAE do not need a PCR test. 

The EU issues and updates its travel recommendations to member states regularly. The safe list is reviewed and revised every two weeks by the EU authorities and members states. 

For full entry requirements to Germany, visitors are advised to refer to www.bmi.bund.de.

Starting on Sunday, December 12, schools in the UAE will be closed for winter break. 

Students plan to visit Expo 2020 Dubai with their parents during the break as early as now.

Expo trips will resume after the holidays in January 2022.

According to the Ministerial Development Council, all schools will follow a unified school calendar in 2021 and will take a three-week winter break from the 12th to the 30th of December.

(WAM) – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2021 regulating ‘right-of-way’ in Dubai.

According to the resolution, the Traffic and Roads Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will be in charge of overseeing the right-of-way and the areas surrounding it.

As per the Resolution, it is strictly prohibited to conduct work on the right-of-way and the areas surrounding it before obtaining a permit or non-objection letter. In emergency cases, government entities are required to notify the Agency within 24-hour of conducting the works on the right-of-way.

Any work conducted on the right-of-way must be in accordance with the regulations and technical specifications, as well as in line with the health and safety standards.

According to the Resolution, it is not permitted to use the pavement without obtaining a permit. Government entities will be allowed to use the pavement for emergency cases, provided they notify the Agency within 24-hour.

The Resolution stipulates that the Director-General of RTA will determine which areas of the pavement can be used. The areas should not obstruct pedestrian traffic or disrupt public services.

The Director-General of RTA will also decide on the requirements to obtain a permit, which will be valid for one year and renewable for the same period. Permits can be issued with a validity period of less than a year when needed. The permit fee must not be less than AED1,000.

As per the Resolution, the commercial use of the right-of-way requires RTA’s prior approval. It will also be subject to regulations as per a contract agreement between RTA and the entity using the road. The terms and conditions of the contract must be approved by the Director-General of RTA in coordination with the Department of Finance in Dubai.

The Resolution stipulates that vehicles are prohibited from parking on the right-of-way in a manner that can cause danger to road users. The Roads and Transport Authority is authorised to take necessary action to lock, tow, or impound vehicles violating the rules as well as impose fines on violators, who will also be subject to an additional admin fee of 25 percent. Impounded vehicles that are not released will be subject to Law No. 23 of 2015 regulating the disposition of impounded vehicles in the Emirate of Dubai.

According to the Resolution, the Agency will create a ‘Black List’ registry that will determine details on managing black points issued to violators.

RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency can revoke or modify permits and non-objection letters. In coordination with Dubai’s Department of Finance, the Agency will be in charge of refunding part of the fee paid for the permit or non-objection letter in the case of a cancellation or modification.

Any objections or complaints against a decision must be filed within 30 days from its issuance.

This Resolution annuls Regulation No. (1) of 2006 on occupying/ using pavements of roads and external areas of buildings and shops, and Regulation No. (4) of 2009 on the regulation of work on the Right of Way, and Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2012. This Resolution annuls any other decision that may contradict with it.

The Resolution will be effective within 90 days from the date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette

DUBAI, 5th December 2021 (WAM) – Expo 2020 Dubai celebrated its 30,000-strong volunteer workforce on Sunday as part of International Volunteer Day, applauding their dedication and commitment to the World Expo, alongside their wider contributions to society.

A series of events and panel discussions, held in partnership with the Ministry of Community Development and the United Nations Volunteers Programme, brought together representatives of Expo and local volunteering services to highlight the vital role that volunteers play at Expo 2020 Dubai – and also the successes of the mega-event’s volunteer programme, the experience it offers participants, and the diversity of both the nationalities involved and the roles available.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers are the embodiment of the UAE’s diverse and cooperation-loving community. We are proud that the volunteers – Emiratis and expatriates – demonstrate the best of our nation, and share with us the journey of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ through their dedication and commitment, providing visitors with the highest-quality service. Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers have put themselves in the service of the nation and humanity.

“The volunteering experience enhances an individual’s skills, and allows them to give back to society and contribute to building a meaningful legacy for the UAE and the world at large. And Expo 2020 is a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with valuable learning and networking opportunities.”

Ahmad Julfar, Director General of the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA), said: “Volunteering is a noble human value that enhances social cohesion. Our participation in this event highlights the importance of consolidating joint efforts, honouring volunteers, and improving the services provided to volunteers, enhancing the position of the UAE as an influential charitable and humanitarian country.”

Expo 2020’s volunteer programme features 30,000 volunteers, occupying different roles, serving visitors and participants, with allocations based on skills and interests. In Sunday’s flagship event, a group of 50 volunteers representing their peers were honoured on the Jubilee Stage in a moment of recognition and universal celebration. High levels attendees at the open afternoon event, which adopted a ‘party’ atmosphere, included Sheikh Nahyan; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai; and Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development.

The event began with the announcement of three global ‘Volunteer Heroes’, selected by the Ministry of Community Development, Emirates Foundation and the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE). They were Jonas Abujate, Provincial Youth Council of Cabo-Delgado; Kar Yeung Lam, Agency for Volunteer Service, Hong Kong; and Maja Sruk, Volunteers’ Centre in Zagreb, the latter accepting the award herself on stage.

Earlier on Sunday, experts also discussed how volunteers play an invaluable role in working to improve the lives of those around them, and looked ahead to the release of the UN’s State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR), which shows how volunteerism can play a central role in strengthening people-state relationships, promote better governance and help build more equal and inclusive societies.

The UAE itself has several institutions dedicated to volunteerism that organise volunteer work and community-service activities throughout the country, helping young people develop skills and acquire experience. These bodies also support the principle of specialised volunteering – enhancing the attributes of volunteers according to their academic and practical specialisations, provided by the National Volunteering Platform, which allocates volunteers as a result of their interests and experiences.

International Volunteer Day on 5 December was designated by the United Nations as an international observance day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism in various fields, and raise awareness about the important contribution of volunteers to society.

Image credit: EXPO 2020

Article source: Emirate News Agency

On Sunday morning, the country recorded a low of 9.9°C. Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, had a temperature of less than 10°C.

Saturday’s high temperature was also on the cool side, reaching 29.9°C in Sharjah’s Kalba at 2.30pm.

Temperatures have dropped due to heavy rains and hail in various parts of the country over the last week. 

The week ahead is expected to be cloudy, with some light rain on Tuesday, December 7.

Following the 50th anniversary of UAE holiday will be on January 1, 2022, to commemorate New Year’s Day. However, because it falls on a Saturday, a long weekend is not in the cards.

Residents will have to wait nearly five months for the Eid Al Fitr public holidays to take a long break. Official dates for the public and private sectors are subject to confirmation by the government.

Here is the full list of UAE public holidays for 2022:

• January 1: New Year
• Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3: Eid Al Fitr
• Zul Hijjah 9: Arafah Day
• Zul Hijjah 10 to 12: Eid Al Adha
• July 30: Islamic New Year
• October 8: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
• December 1: Commemoration Day
• December 2 and 3: UAE National Day

DUBAI, 27th November 2021 (WAM) – In a new global achievement for Dubai on the cultural front, the emirate has enhanced its ranking in the Global Power City Index (GPCI) 2021 issued by the Institute for Urban Strategies at the Mori Memorial Foundation in Japan.

Dubai ranked first in the Arab world and fifth globally in the cultural interaction criterion that measures the performance of cities in terms of leadership, tourist attractions, the number of cultural facilities and the availability of visitors’ amenities and communication.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said the emirate’s ranking in the Index reflects the dynamism and vibrancy of Dubai’s cultural environment that rivals the world’s biggest metropolises.

The cosmopolitan nature of Dubai and its rich creative ambience is the result of the Dubai government’s investment in developing its cultural economy. The city provides an environment that nurtures both local talent and the brightest creative minds from across the world. The emirate has created a global example for a vibrant and inclusive cultural environment while also providing a platform for the development of creative ideas, all of which have combined to create a rich cultural life, His Highness noted.

“The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the leadership of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have been instrumental in the development of a unique cultural community in Dubai whose creative potential is set to unfold further in exciting new ways in the coming years. Dubai continues to achieve higher levels of excellence and set an example for the region and the world in unlocking the highest human potential, in the process contributing to shaping a glorious future for the entire globe,” His Highness added.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, expressed her pride in the achievement, which she attributed to the exceptional cultural and creative interaction, knowledge exchange and human enrichment taking place in the emirate. This has been made possible by the vision of Dubai’s leaders, who have provided the resources needed to support various cultural activities, projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the emirate’s cultural position on the global map. Dubai has made major strides in the cultural and creative sectors as a result of placing cultural development at the forefront of its development drive, Her Highness said.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed further said: “Dubai has achieved a new milestone in its cultural development journey that reflects the priority it gives to human values and the creation of an inclusive environment. Culture is one of the most important pillars in the emirate’s efforts to enhance its global leadership, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who sees culture, creativity and innovation as essential elements in Dubai’s success and progress; and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to achieve the highest levels of excellence in all vital sectors. Despite the challenges arising from the pandemic, Dubai Culture, guided by a comprehensive strategic roadmap, is pursuing innovative ways to advance cultural and creative development, supported by a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. As a result, Dubai, is constantly strengthening its position as an ideal place to live and work, and a preferred destination for visitors from all over the world. Today, we are starting to reap the fruits of this hard work; I congratulate the people of Dubai for these achievements. We will continue to work to achieve the lofty goals set by our leadership, who are keen to ensure that Dubai leads the world in all spheres.”

Dubai jumped from 17th place overall in 2020 to 14th in the Global Power City Index 2021 that ranks over 40 major cities in terms of their ‘magnetism’, which is their overall power to attract creative individuals and enterprises from around the world. Dubai was also ranked the highest in the Arab world in the Economy criterion of the Index; the emirate was placed ahead of major global cities like Seoul, Madrid, Vienna and Helsinki. The GPCI rates cities based on 70 indicators that measure six functions: Economy, R&D, Cultural Interaction, Livability, Environment, and Accessibility.

Dubai Culture, as one of the main players driving the development of the UAE’s soft power and creative economy, is committed to raising awareness of the emirate’s cultural heritage to the world and highlighting the ‘Made in Dubai’ brand by promoting and supplying local creative products globally. These efforts play a vital role in reinforcing the emirate’s distinctive cultural identity as a modern, resilient city capable of facing all challenges.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, 28th November, 2021 (WAM) — President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the release of 870 prisoners ahead of the UAE’s 50th National Day.

The move comes as part of President Khalifa’s keenness to give pardoned inmates an opportunity to start a new life and ease the suffering of their families.

The prisoners – sentenced for various crimes – will also have their debts and fines paid-off.

Source: Emirates News Agency