The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group will hold a Hiwar session related to COP28

ABU DHABI, The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), with the support of the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD), will be holding a Hiwar (Arabic for dialogue) knowledge sharing session on the ‘Journey to Dubai the Road to COP28’, in Abu Dhabi on 3rd May 2023.

This event will see members and stakeholders of the Group reconvene in person for the first time in the past three years, to share the best practices and thought leadership on the latest innovations and practical toolkits to drive decarbonisation efforts.

While this session will provide an overview of the past UN climate summits and agreements, the aim of the agenda will be to define the practical and immediate actions that need to be taken to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5C within reach.

In the past few decades, climate change has become a top priority for the UAE with a strong focus on technological advancements in the renewable and clean energy arena. The UAE will be hosting the upcoming 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai later this year, reaffirming the country’s unwavering commitment to advancing climate action and mobilising practical and innovative solutions to solve the global climate crisis.

long with setting the scene in the run up to COP28 UAE as well as the aims and vision of the Emirates, this event will be headlined by a diverse and prolific panel of global and local subject matter experts. Participants will learn more about harnessing nature-based solutions to solve the climate and biodiversity loss crisis as well as explore how the private sector and businesses can shift from being part of the problem to being a pivotal part of the solution and perhaps the greatest ally in helping to drive transformational climate action.

This Hiwar session will be the thirteenth in a long-standing series of regular talks, that will see over 100 senior sustainability professionals and practitioners joining across all disciplines and sectors.

hlam Almazrooi/ Binsal Abdulkader

Source: Emirates News Agency

Jordan, Oman talk cooperation, investment

Minister of Investment Kholoud Saqqaf discussed with Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais Al Yousef ties and investment.

According to a ministry statement on Tuesday, Saqqaf and Al Yousef discussed ways to enhance joint investment cooperation between the two countries and the signing of an investment cooperation protocol to enhance cooperation in the field of encouraging direct investment in different sectors and activities in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in both countries to serve common Jordan and Oman.

During the teleconference, Saqqaf pointed to the recent visit of the Oman Investment Authority to the Kingdom to follow up on the outcomes of the royal visit to Oman and the recommendations that came as a result of the visit to enhance investment opportunities in various fields.

She highlighted the most important legislative, regulatory and institutional developments and amendments to the investment environment in Jordan, including the establishment of the Ministry of Investment as the main reference for investment in the Kingdom, and the approval of the new investment environment draft law, in line with the outputs of the Economic Modernization Vision.

She underscored Jordan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation to support the sustainable growth of the economies of the two countries in line with their development goals.

Source: Jordan News Agency

JCDC, US State Department official talk cooperation in biosecurity

Head of the Jordanian National Center for Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases Control (JCDC) Raeda Qutb on Tuesday discussed with Advisor of the Biosecurity Engagement Program at the United States State Department Rachel Erickson the center’s priorities, tasks and projects, as well as opportunities for cooperation and joint action.

According to a press release, the meeting tackled implementing an exercise within the framework of combating biological threats, in which all relevant ministries and authorities will take part in.

Erickson, for her part, lauded the achievements of the center, which was established under royal directives, stressing that it is a key partner in the field of biosecurity and biosafety.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amanat Holdings shareholders approve share buyback programme, AED100 mn dividend for 2022

DUBAI, Amanat Holdings, the leading healthcare and education listed investment company, confirmed shareholder approval of a share buyback programme for up to 5% of the company’s outstanding shares and a dividend distribution of AED100 million for the full year 2022, which amounts to 4 fils per share or 88% of profit attributable to equity holders.

The share buyback programme, which will be financed through existing cash reserves, will enable an optimised capital structure and enhance value creation.

The buyback price per share will be set up to the current book value per share, representing a 19% premium over the ex-dividend market price at the close of trading on 17th April 2023.

manat’s Chairman, Hamad Abdullah Alshamsi, said, “Amanat’s share buyback programme underscores our belief that Amanat’s shares are attractively priced and offer a compelling investment opportunity, highlighting our confidence in our business model and growth trajectory.”

“Concurrently, the doubling of our dividends from pre-2020 levels reflects our commitment to delivering value for our shareholders through a combination of growth and a higher dividend payout.”

“Going forward, we continue to see significant opportunities to leverage Amanat’s core capabilities in investment sourcing and platform development to unlock further growth and deliver additional value for our shareholders,” Alshamsi concluded.

Esraa Esmail/ Muhammad Aamir

Source: Emirates News Agency

Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council/ Fatima Al Blooshi as Director

ABU DHABI, The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, has appointed Fatima Helal Al Blooshi as a Director of the Council, to lead the development of women’s role in the private sector and enable them to be a key partner in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s sustainable economic development. Al Blooshi is a seasoned entrepreneur, with a proven record of accomplishment in both the private and public sectors.

In her new role, Al Blooshi will develop and implement strategic plans that align with the Council’s vision, mission, and objectives, represent the Council’s interests to various stakeholders, support building partnerships, and more. Al Blooshi’s main goal will be centred on establishing the leading role of businesswomen in driving the growth of Abu Dhabi’s private sector, by boosting the involvement of female entrepreneurs in society, enhancing their skills, and empowering them to grow and thrive.

sma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, said, “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Fatima Helal Al Blooshi, to support our journey of enabling female entrepreneurs to be a key partner in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s sustainable economic development. With her entrepreneurial spirit and outstanding experience, I am certain that Fatima will play a pivotal role in supporting businesswomen and providing them with the required guidance to enhance their role in driving the Emirate’s economic growth.”

Fatima Helal Al Blooshi said, “I am keen to embark on a stimulating new challenge to make a substantial contribution to the economy and business community of Abu Dhabi. I look forward to initiating innovative collaborations with various public and private sector stakeholders to yield wide-ranging economic benefits and novel business incentives, advance the business landscape in Abu Dhabi, and create new opportunities for growth and development.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai Customs announces working hours during Eid Al-Fitr

DUBAI, Dubai Customs announced that it will continue operations and maintain opening hours at various customs centres and ports during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, to ensure smooth clearance of goods for both individuals and companies.

Several customs centres, including Deira Port, Dubai Creek Customs Centre, Hamriyah Centre, and Rashid Port Inspection Centre, will operate around the clock. The Jebel Ali Inspection Centre and Tecom Inspection Centre will also remain open 24/7. However, the Rashid Port Customer Service Centre and Jebel Ali Customer Service Centre will be closed during the Eid holiday and will resume work on April 24.

Dubai Customs also confirmed that the Hatta Border Customs Centre and Dubai Logistics City Customs Centre will operate around the clock during the Eid holiday. Additionally, the air customs centres at both Dubai Cargo Village and Dubai Airport Free Zone will operate around the clock.

The Customs Declaration department will also work 24/7 to clear customs transactions for customers.

Muhammad AamirEsraa Esmail

Source: Emirates News Agency