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MOHAMMED CALLS FOR ARAB SUMMIT
General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister, echoed the statement made by President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in which he called for the convening of an Arab summit so as to find comprehensive solutions to Arab problems. Sheikh Mohammed also reiterated that relations between the UAE and Iran 'was and is still very good". "The only problem is the islands issue, and all what we want from Iran is negotiations." "We need to sit on a negotiation table with goodwill so as to address all issues regarding the three islands in good faith," he said. "If we could not reach an amicable settlement through that then we can refer the case to the International Court Justice." The Dubai Crown Prince called for frankness 'however painful it might be'. He denied playing politics with relations with Kuwait for his personal gains, but reaffirmed his support for the people of Iraq at the same time that he cares for the interest of Kuwait. "Our position is unchangeable. "Sheikh Zayed has set the record straight," he said. Sheikh Mohammed said that it was in the interest of Kuwait and Arabs as a whole for Iraq to remain one and united. "Breaking up Iraq will hurt us all," he said, adding that the Americans were not serious in toppling Saddam Hussein and "Iraq is not a cake to be sliced and shared." He said that the UAE was not running out of GCC fold, but we cannot remain prisoners of the past, he said. The GCC has many options and should not dance to the tunes of others, he added. Sheikh Mohammed talked about Dubai's experience, adding that what is seen today is the result of thorough studies and planning. "We depend on UAE national youth and not on foreign consultants," he said. He said that there will soon be cable cars linking the Dubai International Airport to a number of areas in Dubai. (The 'Emirates News Agency, WAM')
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UAE, JORDAN TRADE ACCORD LIKELY SOON
In a move that would enhance economic relations between the UAE and Jordan, a joint free zone agreement is expected to be signed shortly by the two countries. Also on anvil is an investment company to be set up jointly by Jordan and the UAE. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Honorary Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce inaugurated the first ever UAR-Jordanian Forum, in the presence of Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein of Jordan. Sheikh Sultan stressed the importance of the vital role played by the private sector in strengthening economic relations and diversifying its resources through the adoption of a scientific method and the proper understanding of the important role of telecommunications and information. Dr. Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Minister of Economy and Commerce said that the trade relations between the two countries were growing and expressed hope that the meeting between the two sides would help in establishing joint projects and opening the door for national products. (The 'Emirates News Agency, WAM')
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FEA CALLS FOR LIAISON PANELS TO MONITOR ECO REGULATIONS
The Federal Environment Agency, FEA, has called for a co-ordination machinery between the environmental agencies in the UAE, ahead of the implementation of the Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on environmental protection and development, which is due to come into effect on February 1. The meeting decided to address the Amiri courts in all the emirates to name their co-ordinators, who will liase with the FEA on issues such as representation of the UAE in international conferences or in the organisation of local environmental activities. The FEA has prepared an executive order for implementation of the federal law, which is currently before the council of ministers. The Project Running Committee, formed to implement the National Environment Strategy and the UAE Environment Strategy and the UAE Environment Work plan, will meet on Wednesday in Dubai. The meeting will discuss the final report of the National Environment Strategy. The report was prepared by the United Nation's senior expert. (The 'Gulf Today')
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HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT PLANT IN DUBAI
Dubai Municipality will open a hazardous waste treatment plant in Jebel Ali on February 6 as part of its celebrations to mark the National Environment Day. The setting up of the facility comes as part of the municipality's commitment to protect the environment by treating various types of waste in the most fitting manner without damaging the country's environment. (The 'Gulf Today')
The Environmental and Wildlife Agency, ERWDA, will organise an international symposium and workshop on the Arid Zone Environments from January 23 to 25 in Abu Dhabi. The symposium will highlight research and management options for protected areas. The workshop will be part of ERWDA's contribution to the UAE on the 3rd National Environment Day. The theme of the workshop is "Natural and Protected Areas" and will highlight the efforts of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in protecting the environment. (The 'Gulf Today')
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UAE KEEN TO FORMULATE DRUG COMBAT STRATEGY
The UAE has emphasised it's keenness on formulating a comprehensive strategy to combat drugs to implement the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This was announced during an international meeting in Dubai of authorities controlling the abuse of chemicals for making drugs. The UAE has taken a number of steps to impose stricter measures on drug-related crimes and is continuing to update its systems to fight drug trafficking. (The 'Gulf Today')
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SHARJAH COUNCIL DECISION ON FREE ZONES
Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi during the weekly meeting of the Sharjah Executive Council issued decision No. 1 of 2000 authorising free zones to be responsible in the leasing properties and establishing and licensing companies in free zones. The decision allows the free zone authority to extend a 25-year lease agreement on properties with relevant parties. (The 'Emirates News Agency, WAM')
The National Bank of Sharjah's net profits rose 23.2 per cent to Dh90.38 million in 1999 compared to Dh73.33 million the previous year. Sources in the banking industry revealed that the bank's board has proposed distributing Dh71.55 million in dividend by way of bonus shares, or one share for every three shares held, compared to Dh46.66 million bonus shares in 1999. The board also proposed increasing the regular reserves by Dh9 million to Dh36.7 million and legal reserves by Dh9 million to Dh31.01 million. The sources said the total assets rose 14.8 per cent, or Dh200.3 million, to Dh1.553 billion, compared to 1998. Shareholder rights also rose by 41 per cent to Dh440.927 million compared to Dh311.944 million the previous year. According to analysis of bank's figures, the return on capital was 42 per cent in 1999 compared to 32.8 per cent in 1998, while the return on assets was 5.8 per cent compared to 5.4 per cent in 1999. The bank's ratio of return on assets was the highest among banks in the UAE. (The 'Gulf Today')
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SHARJAH CONTAINER HANDLING RISES 24%
A total of 1,079,168 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) were handled at Khofakkan and Sharjah Container Terminals last year, showing a 24.97 per cent growth over 1998. Container handling hit record levels for the fifth successive year. Khorfakkan Container Terminal, KCT, ended the year by handling a total of 989,028 TEUs, marking a 26.25 per cent growth, while Sharjah Container Terminal handled 90,140 TEUs showing a 12.43 per cent rise. KCT has undergone a massive development last year with a 350-metre quay extension, raising the throughput potential of KCT from 1.1 to 1.5 million TEUs annually. Sharjah. (The 'Khaleej Times')
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PASSENGER TRAFFIC UP 27% AT RAK AIRPORT
Ras Al Khaimah Airport recorded a 27 per cent growth in passenger traffic in 1999, with 75,633 passengers using its facilities. Of the 75, 633 passengers, the outbound numbered 29,150, and increase of 40 per cent. Inbound passengers totalled 29,503, an increase of 23 per cent. Transit traffic rose 13.2 per cent to 16,980 passengers. The number of cargo operators increased from 22 companies in 1998 to 32 last year. Statistics for last December show total aircraft movement was 1,307, an increase of 35.4 per cent compared to the same month in 1998 and 8.2 per cent growth over November 1999. Of the total, passenger and cargo aircraft accounted for 395. A 75 per cent increase in scheduled flights was recorded, with numbers rising from six weekly flights by 1998 to 17 in 1999. Among major projects lined-up for the year is a Dh14 million air filed lighting project, expected to start by March and completed by September. (The 'Gulf Today')
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NATIONALS KEEN TO WORK FOR ABU DHABI BOURSE
National graduates in disciplines of marketing, business administration, economy and finance as well as IT have shown great interest to work for the proposed Abu Dhabi Stock Market. According to a source form the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Registration and Training Centre which opened registration of national graduates for a career with the stock exchange, the response has been overwhelming. Candidates will be selected on the basis of merit and specialisation in subjects relevant to the stock market operations. Some 430 potential applicants who have registered are already working but mostly in areas other than their academic specialisation. The source indicated that the selected candidates will be subjected to six-month training course to prepare them for their operation responsibilities. (The 'Khaleej Times')
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DH 8M RAISED FOR CHARITY PROJECTS
The Ramadan and Eid Festival held in Abu Dhabi raised more than Dh8 million for the Red Crescent Society, RCS, projects both in the UAE and abroad. The bulk of the cash raised will be used to fund the society's Dh5.754 million Al Waqf project, which involves construction of six villas in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi City, the rent from which will ensure a continuous flow of funds to the RCS. In addition, Dh1 million was donated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the RCS, and Dh500,000 by his sons. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Crown Prince's Court, also donated Dh1 million. (The 'Gulf News')
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ASIACONNECTS 2000 OPENS TODAY
Representatives from more than 80 international airlines and the aviation industries converges today on the AsiaConnects 2000 conference in Abu Dhabi to discuss emerging challenges. The AsiaConnects' debut in the UAE will focus on the state-of-the-art facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The meeting would also bring together airlines, tour operators and airport authorities. Abu Dhabi was selected as the host for the conference because of the Department of Civil Aviation's marketing strategy and the provision of 'superb services'. The main topics of discussion at the conference will be airline route planning, new business development for airports, tour and leisure programmes, economic development, and tourism. (The 'Gulf News')
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AHMED UNVEILS PROGRAMME FOR DSF
Shoppers at the fifth Dubai Shopping Festival, DSF, will have a chance to win a Dh950,000 Rolls Royce each day for just Dh200. The world's largest diamond, worth over Dh550 million will also feature in the festival that aims to honour mothers with over 400 activities. The highlight of the event will be a Disney on Ice, a lavish presentation to be held at the airport exhibition centre, from March 9 to 28. The show will involve 85 people including performers and technicians. It will be a live show on ice, a special ice rink at the Airport exhibition hall is being built. Several popular attractions form last year's festival will be included again, including Carpet Oasis, ETISALAT Internet Café, Aqua Fantasia Show, Dolphin Show and Children's Travelling Theatre. (The 'Gulf News')
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ABU DHABI TV SET TO BE RE-LAUNCHED
Abu Dhabi TV Channel is to be re-launched as a satellite station reaching the whole of the Arab World. The channel, part of the Emirates Media Incorporated, EMI, will go on the air in its new format at 3 p.m. on January 30. The channel will be broadcast from Abu Dhabi to the entire Arab world, and will feature shows which reflect issues and topics of interest to all Arabs. EMI was established by federal decree in January last year as an independent body attached to the Ministry of Information. (The 'Gulf News')