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WEDNESDAY, 10 MARCH 2010
Abdullah bin Zayed arrives in Riyadh
posted on 10/03/2010
 Riyadh - Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Riyadh yesterday, leading the UAE's delegation to the 114th session of the GCC Ministerial Council. He was received at the airport by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal, Under Secretary of the Saudi Foreign Ministry for Protocol Affairs Ala Al Deen Al Askari, and UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Al Asri Saeed Al Dhaheri. The Ministerial Council meeting is scheduled to discuss a number of political and economic issues. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE remained active in all mainstream international movements launched to claim women's rights, Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi
posted on 10/03/2010
 Ankara - H.E Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State said that United Arab Emirates has been active in all mainstream international movements launched to claim women's rights.
"The vision of our founding father, the support and policies of the government, the role models these policies have produced, and the constitutionally guaranteed equal rights for women, are described as the main driving factors for women's progress in our society", she said while speaking at Women's Rights Summit held here in Ankara, Turkey.
She comprehensively elaborated UAE official policy to protect women rights and the opportunities provided for their empowerment along with their participation in nation building and economic development.
"We remain committed to the deeds and resolves of the major international women's conferences beginning with that held in New Mexico in 1975, followed by Copenhagen in 1980 and Nairobi in 1985, the landmark Beijing Summit in 1995 and the subsequent gatherings and forums on MDGs".
"All UAE laws in regards to women are consistent with the Beijing Declaration and the outcome of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly and all the declarations and outcomes of conferences on women".
"We are also the part of the initiative taken by the Non Alignment Movement to pursue Millennium Development Goals on women empowerment in its Ministerial Conferences, first in Malaysia in 2005 and then in Guatemala in 2009".
Full text of her speech is as follow.
Your Highness Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Republic of Turkey, Honourable Fatima Sahin, Chairwoman AK Party Women's Branch Headquarter, Excellencies distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, I have the honour to participate in this important Summit and Roundtable on Women's Rights.
First of all I would like to convey the goodwill messages from our President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayan and His Highness the Vice President and Prime Minister and the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who have sent their best wishes for the success of the Summit.
The best wishes of our leaders are based on their own experience and efforts to lead our nation to achieve dramatic results in bringing Emirati women to the mainstream to play an important role in national development.
I must also mention here Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the First Lady of the United Arab Emirates, and the wife of the founding father of our nation, His Highness late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima has played a major role in assisting the women of the UAE to realise their full potential.
She has been presiding over a number of national institutions concerned with women and family issues and contributes effectively to their advancement in all areas.
Among those institutions is the General Women Union, established in 1975, the Higher Council for Motherhood and Childhood, established in 2003 and the latest, the Family Development Foundation, established in 2006 It was the result of these efforts and the vision and policies of our leaders that the proportion of women in the national workforce has grown enormously during past three decades.
They are occupying posts ranging from senior civil servants to engineers and bankers, as well as traditional jobs in teaching and healthcare.
Women form 59 per-cent of the total national workforce in the country; they occupy 66 per-cent of jobs in the public sector of which 30 per-cent are of leading and decision making positions.
The Gender-Related Development Index of the UNDP Human Development Report ranks UAE, 29th in the world, and the best in the Arab World, under the Gender Empowerment Measures.
The contribution of Emirati women to economy was 33-point-4 per-cent in 2007 as compared to only 9-point-7 per-cent in 1986. UAE has the largest number of business women in our region.
The UAE Business-Women Council has 12-thousands members. The membership is growing with an average of 2 per cent per annum.
The business investments of UAE women run into 25-billion dirham that is equal to almost 6-point-8 billion US dollars.
The Emirati women have also broken some glass ceilings in areas that were considered more gender specific. In Federal National Council, 9 out of 40 members, or 22-point-5 per-cent, are women, while the world average is 17 per cent.
There are 4 women ministers in the UAE federal cabinet, and 2 ambassadors and one Council General in some major countries of the world. UAE is also the second GCC country after Bahrain to have a female judge.
We are also very proud of our achievements in education sector especially in the field of female education where women have out-performed males at every level of education. UAE has also out-paced the regional averages in this area.
The overall percentage of female undergraduate students in the higher education institutions in the UAE is 77 per cent that is highest in the entire world.
The combined gross enrolment ratio for primary, secondary and tertiary level education is above 72 per cent for female and 65 per-cent for male. The adult literacy rate for 15 and above is 81 per cent for women and 76 per cent for men.
The 2007 UNDP status report on Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) recognised these achievements as the outcome of our target-oriented policies.
The vision of our founding father, the support and policies of the government, the role models these policies have produced, and the constitutionally guaranteed equal rights for women, are described as the main driving factors for women's progress in our society.
Under the UAE Constitution, women enjoy the same legal status, claim to titles, access to education and the right to practice professions as men.
The cultural heritage has provided strength and an identity to the UAE women. Our religion acted as a support system to women and not an obstacle to achieve success in their chosen business or profession.
Our association with international women organisations, working for gender equality and women empowerment, has also been very useful in achieving our good results.
This provided us badly needed depth in formulating national strategies for women's development.
The Family Development Foundation has worked closely with the United Nations Fund for Women Development to strengthen the institutional capacities and update the National Strategy for the development of women in the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates has been active in all mainstream international movements launched to claim women's rights.
We remain committed to the deeds and resolves of the major international women's conferences beginning with that held in New Mexico in 1975, followed by Copenhagen in 1980 and Nairobi in 1985, the landmark Beijing Summit in 1995 and the subsequent gatherings and forums on MDGs.
All UAE laws in regards to women are consistent with the Beijing Declaration and the outcome of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly and all the declarations and outcomes of conferences on women.
We are also the part of the initiative taken by the Non Alignment Movement to pursue Millennium Development Goals on women empowerment in its Ministerial Conferences, first in Malaysia in 2005 and then in Guatemala in 2009.
The present Summit and Roundtable by the Women's Branch of AK Party Headquarter is also a link in this chain that is making it possible that all women of the globe speak with one voice to claim their rights.
I would like to congratulate Her Excellency Fatima Sahin, Chairwoman AK Party Women's Branch Headquarter, who has provided a valuable opportunity to representatives from East and West to sit together to share their experiences.
I am sure in this sitting we will be able to assess where we stand, how far we have come and what more we have to accomplish.
A discourse like this and a prolonged campaign and initiatives from the world bodies and international forums have made it possible that the women's rights are now strongly linked with the sustainable development and the progress of the human race and this entire globe.
I am sure we will make every effort today to identify the major issues in regards to women's rights all over the world. The Summit has provided us a great opportunity to strengthen the networks of women from the East and West.
I would like to repeat the famous quote from Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of Republic of Turkey, who said that it is not possible for one half to reach the skies when the other half is tied to the ground. To share the thoughts of a great leader, let us join hands and fly together. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Irish-UAE relations discussed
posted on 10/03/2010
Dublin - UAE Ambassador to Ireland Khaled Nasser Lootah and the Secretary General of Irish Department of Foreign Affairs David Cooney have discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to further promote them in various areas. The Irish official welcomed the opening of the UAE Embassy in Dublin which he said contributes to stronger relations.
Cooney further said the visit by Irish President Mary McAleese to the UAE in February last year contributed to enhancing economic, social, educational, and health relations between the UAE and Ireland. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Chief of Staff meets Spanish Defence Minister
posted on 10/03/2010
 Madrid - Chief of Staff of the UAE armed forces Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi met this morning with Spain's Defence Minister Carme Chacon.
Lt.Gen. Al Rumaithi is currently visiting Spain at the head of a delegation. During the meeting, they discussed military cooperation between UAE and Spain and ways of enhancing bilateral relations. Lt. General Al Rumaithi also met Spain's Chief of Staff Gen. General Jose Julio Rodriguez Fernandez. They discussed issues of common concern in the military field. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Dubai issues new 16 international warrants for Mabhouh murder suspects
posted on 10/03/2010
 Dubai Public Prosecution has issued international arrest warrants for 16 more suspects wanted for the premeditated killing of Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh, a top Hamas leader, in a hotel in Dubai last January, taking the total number of people on its wanted list to 27. Attorney General of Dubai counsellor Esam Humaidan said in a statement that the issuance of the new warrants was based on international conventions and investigations conducted by public prosecution and the evidences collected and exposed by Dubai Police. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Website on 9th Arab Media Forum launched
posted on 10/03/2010
 The Dubai Press Club yesterday announced the launch of a comprehensive and updated website on the 9th edition of the Arab Media Forum (AMF).
Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Arab Media Forum 2010 will be held from 12-13 May at The Atlantis-Palm Hotel.
The new look website http://www.arabmediaforum.ae provides the AMF 2010 agenda and includes an integrated archive of the sessions from the event's previous editions. It also comprises an image library of the forum since 2005.
In addition, the portal will act as an electronic gateway for the 9th Arab Media Forum and help facilitate online registrations. In addition to being of interest to global and regional media professionals, the website features attractive components for media students, professors, individuals practitioners and companies.
The website team is currently working to provide data on the AMF sessions prior to 2005 when it was held for the first time in 2001. The portal is designed to serve as a comprehensive reference point that will benefit international researchers and scholars in the field of media.
The 8th session of the Arab Media Forum held under the theme ‘The Arab Media weight of variable changes and the burden of crisis' witnessed more than 60 speakers from across the Arab region and the world. Over 2,000 delegates including newspaper editors, television and radio station officials, as well as columnists and intellectuals attended the event. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Saif bin Zayed attends inauguration of Abu Dhabi Media Summit
posted on 10/03/2010
 Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister '&' Minister of Interior, attended yesterday the opening of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Media Summit, held under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.
The three-day summit is being attended by 400 invited media representatives from across the world, plus more than 40 Chairmen and 80 CEOs.
The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, Mohammed Omran, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etisalat, Prince Al Waleed bin Talal and senior officials.
Rupert Murdoch Chairman and CEO of News Corporation, said in the keynote speech: "In particular, I wish to emphasise the incentives that will help money flow to those who invest in creativity. The need for global competition to help make local media companies strong and the reminder that a creative sector flourishes best in societies where governments intervene with a light hand. With these incentives in place, you will build a creative sector worthy of the great capital you have planned."
"By unlocking the creativity of your people, you can diversify your economy, provide millions of jobs for a rising generation and give the Arab people a global voice and influence commensurate with your importance."
"The simple fact is that if you want quality content, you need to encourage a marketplace where money flows to those who invest in and create that content."
H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei Chairman, Abu Dhabi Media Company, said: "What makes this conversation and this Summit unique, is the fact that it is truly global. In this room today we have representatives from countries as diverse as China, Korea, India, Chile, Mexico, USA, UK and of course from throughout our Arab region. Abu Dhabi is the perfect setting for this global gathering and we are passionate about hosting it here."
"We are geographically situated at the centerpoint of the East and the West, at the centre of an amalgamation of cultures, ideas, businesses and markets. We hope this Summit becomes a nexus point for the industry; a regular gathering of leaders, brought together by a commitment to authentic conversation and an appreciation for diverse perspectives."
Edward Borgerding, CEO, Abu Dhabi Media Company, said: "This week we will be asking some very big questions: How should telco's and content companies work together in this new landscape? How will broadband, next-generation mobiles, and 3D change our business model? How can emerging markets actually emerge and succeed on a global scale? And with industry challenges that are truly global how should the East and West work together towards common solutions?"
"The good news is that the room today is full of the smartest, most innovative, and creative media people in the world. People that not only have the power to change the media industry but, because of the power of the media industry, also to change the world in which we live. We are proud to host this impressive gathering." - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE to draft investment law
posted on 10/03/2010
 The UAE government is drafting a law that protects foreign investors, Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, said yesterday at the Global Dubai Tea Forum.
The new law is expected to be enacted by the end of this year, Al Mansouri added.
"In order to enhance the investment climate, we have prepared a draft law on foreign investment. This is aimed at protecting foreign investors, along with systematic incentives," he said.
"We are also preparing a draft law that guarantees a suitable climate for investors to do business according to the fundamentals of justice," he added.
"We have finalised two other strategic laws — the companies and industrial laws. Both are in their final stages and will be issued very soon," Al Mansouri said at the forum.
He cited the UAE's free zones, developed infrastructure, manpower, commitment to international intellectual property rights and anti-piracy laws as factors that make the country a promising market.
He said the UAE's geographical proximity to some of the world's largest populations was an additional factor.
Under the existing law, foreign companies must have UAE nationals as their sponsors and are limited to a maximum 49 per cent ownership of businesses, except in free zones.
This has hindered several foreign entrepreneurs from bringing their businesses to the UAE.
Al Mansouri said the national economy was expected to expand by 3.2 per cent in 2010.
He said the UAE economy grew by an estimated 1.3 per cent last year, although the IMF said last month that it had contracted by 0.7 per cent in 2009 due to the global financial downturn.
"The UAE was one of the first economies in the region to take swift steps to address the impact of the global financial crisis," Al Mansouri said.
"The UAE economy has proven its strength in dealing with the global financial crisis, led by the [leaderships'] wise economic policies and the leadership's emphasis on diversification and [their] keenness to achieve comprehensive development across all economic sectors." – Gulf News
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UAE continues to be the top tea re-exporter in the world: MOFT
posted on 10/03/2010
 Initial indicators have shown that the UAE is still the top tea re-exporter of the world for the year 2009, and is set to retain the top position it reached in 2004, according to a study conducted the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade .
The indicators affirm that the UAE continues to play a key role in the international tea trade due to its unique geographic location and provision of competitive logistic and storage services, particularly through the Dubai Tea Trading Centre (DCTT) in Jebel Ali Free Zone, one the most important international tea re-export hubs, said the Ministry in a press release.
The UAE is a major intermediary for tea production centres and consumer markets. It provides added value to the industry through several centres, the most important of which is the DCTT. Reporting to the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre, DTTC was established in 2005 in a strategic location near Dubai's seaports in order to provide facilities for all international producers and purchasers. It maintains a central facility for storing, mixing and packaging tea as well as a dedicated office for tea companies and special units such as ‘The Tasting Unit' which sorts different types of tea.
DTTC imports tea from 35 Asian and African countries. It is one of main re-export hubs in the world, storing tea for the 13 tea-producing countries of Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Nepal, China, and Iran.
The study conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that the UAE came first internationally in tea re-exports during the period between 2004 and 2008 and was one of the top five exporting countries, placing second in 2007 and 2008.
The study showed that the UAE's tea re-exports accounted for 72 percent of the global figure in 2008 at US$112 million, with the US coming in second at 9 per cent. Hong Kong contributed 8 per cent, while Kenya and Canada each accounted for 3 per cent. The Emirates contributed 73 percent in 2007 at US$95 million; 66 percent in 2006 at US$85 million; 71 percent in 2005 at US$87 million; and 56 percent in 2004 at US$50.4 million.
Results showed that international tea re-exports for 2008 increased by 18 per cent over 2007 to reach US$155 million, while re-exports grew 240 per cent to hit 153 million kg. The UAE's imports were valued at around US$ 452 million in 2008, surpassing the 2007 figure by 39 percent, which was twice the growth of international imports at 15.6 percent. The volume of tea imports was estimated at 110 million kg, representing a 12 percent growth and exceeding the international growth rate of 8.8 percent.
Sri Lanka, one of the most important tea importers for the UAE, contributed around 34 percent from 2006 to 2008, followed by India at 11 percent during the same period. Imports from the two countries were found to be decreasing and giving way to other countries; the percentage of their contributions slid from 50 percent in 2006 to 40 in 2008, indicating the diversifying import sources of the UAE.
The study also showed that the UAE's total tea exports reached US$ 115 million in 2008 at a growth rate of 18 percent over 2007's US$ 96 million. This equals the international growth rate during the same year.
Around 91 percent of the geographic distribution of UAE re-exports was directed at two countries: Iran at 49 percent and Iraq at 42 percent. The study underlined the risk of export centralisation into these countries, especially as each has its own political and security issues. This requires a search for new markets in order to maintain the UAE's leadership in tea re-exports.
Finally, the study stated that international tea imports reached US$ 4.511 billion in 2008 to increase by 15.7 percent over 2007. Exports, on the other hand, were valued at US$ 5.204 billion to grow 17.5 percent over 2007. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Abu Dhabi foreign trade rises 9% to Dh112 billion
posted on 10/03/2010
 Abu Dhabi's foreign trade rose to Dh112.071 billion in 2009, an increase of 9% as compared to 2008 as per annual statistics of foreign trade operations announced by HE Saeed Ahmed Abdullah Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs yesterday.
HE Al Muhairi pointed out that Abu Dhabi's volume of foreign trade grew despite global economic challenges and said, "One of the key figures of 2009 customs statistics is the growth in non-oil exports that climbed to Dh9,505 million, an increase of 52% compared to Dh6,253 million in 2008. Imports also grew to Dh93.872 million compared to Dh90,284 million in 2008, an increase of 4%." According to Abu Dhabi Customs statistics, the volume of re-export trade in 2009 jumped by 39.3% over 2008 figures to reach Dh8,694 million. The report also revealed the growing role of seaports in Abu Dhabi imports - 62% of imports come in through seaports, 27% through land and 12% through airports.
Qatar occupied first place in terms of the exports volume, while Saudi Arabia was second. United States was ranked in first place in imports volume, while Germany and Saudi Arabia were second and the third respectively. One of the most striking features this year is the growth in the value of imports from South Korea, soaring 403% in 2009 as compared to 2008.
"Abu Dhabi's trade policy is based on economic openness and trade liberalisation with special effort, over the past few years, towards attracting foreign investment to increase opportunities for development and prosperity. The UAE and Abu Dhabi in particular, enhanced economic and trade relations with a large number of countries around the world. This has increased levels of foreign trade, especially in non-oil and commodities sector," continued Al Muhairi.
He concluded. "Abu Dhabi Customs Department applies the highest international standards in its customs operations and aims to contribute in strengthening the Emirate's status in global economy and trade." - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Annuario EAU 2008 completo in inglese e francese (in formato pdf). Informazioni complete e aggiornate su tutti gli aspetti degli EAU.
