Make a Wish Foundation UAE celebrates World Wish Day 2023

ABU DHABI, 30th April, 2023 (WAM) Make a Wish Foundation UAE joined the international community in celebrating the World Wish Day 2023, which is celebrated on 29th April every year. Sheikha Shaikha bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, and Honorary President of “Make a Wish” foundation, said, “We are delighted to participate in the International Wish Day celebrations, which, over the years, has contributed to raising awareness about the Make a Wish Foundation and its humanitarian goals aimed at granting more wishes to seriously ill children, and highlighting the positive results of wish fulfillment on these children and their families around the world.” She commended the UAE leadership’s special care for children’s physical and psychological health and wellbeing and its significant efforts to make them feel happy. She added that support extended by leaders, sheikhs public and private sectors and philanthropists have enabled the foundation to grant more than 6000 wishes to children. “Every one can make a difference the life of children with critical illnesses and their families as granting wishes leave a good , positive feeling on them,” she said. Every year on 29th April, Make-A-Wish celebrates World Wish Day. This marks the anniversary of the wish that inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish that of Chris Greicius. His wish was to be a police officer for the day. Since the day of his wish, Make-A-Wish has become a global organization that has granted over 550,000 wishes collectively. Even the smallest bit of help can change the perspective of children who are living with a critical illness. Turning their impossible into possible and making children’s faces light up with joy is the goal of each wish journey. Tariq Al Fahaam/ Khoder Nashar

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

DEWA is keen to enhance happiness, positivity, quality of life and flexibility in work environment, says DEWA CEO on International Workers Day 2023

DUBAI, 30th April, 2023 (WAM) — Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) affirmed its commitment to achieving the “We the UAE 2031” vision launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to position the UAE as one of the top 10 countries globally in the “Human Development Index”. “We are keen to enhance happiness, positivity, quality of life and flexibility in the work environment, to enhance the elements of sustainable success, competitiveness and excellence, to achieve indicators of leadership in the human resources sector and to raise indicators of happiness for employees. We harness all capabilities, technologies, and digital solutions to strengthen the skills of our employees, whom we consider to be the backbone of all our business and successes and the main pillar for strengthening DEWA’s position as one of the most prominent and best utilities in the world,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, ahead of the International Workers Day 2023, which is celebrated on 1st May every year. “We motivate employees, meet their needs, and support them in their professional and personal lives, and empower them to keep pace with rapid changes, focus on forecasting and shaping the future, innovation, sustainability, and promoting the foundations of well-being at work. DEWA was one of the first government utilities in the UAE to join the UN Global Compact and adopt its ten basic principles in human rights, work, environment, and fighting corruption.” DEWA has succeeded in building a work environment culture based on open channels of communication and dealing with all employees with respect and fairness, which enhances their loyalty, he added. In 2022, DEWA scored 98 percent in the Dubai government’s Instant Happiness Index by Dubai Digital Authority, while the percentage of happiness among employees reached 90 percent. “DEWA employs 10,855 male and female employees of 65 different nationalities, providing world-class services to more than one million customers in Dubai. DEWA’s efforts in human resources support resulted in winning the Great Place to Work certificate in 2023, awarded by the American Great Place to Work Institute in partnership with Fortune magazine. DEWA ranked first among government institutions at the level of the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. DEWA also won the Investors in People Platinum Category 2022, the highest level of the award,” he said in conclusion. Tariq Al Fahaam

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Dubai International Chamber concludes trade mission to London’s Retail Technology Show

DUBAI, 30th April, 2023 (WAM) — Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, concluded a trade mission to the Retail Technology Show, held over two days at London’s Olympia. The show is an annual London-based event that brings together the United Kingdom and Europe’s most forward-thinking retailers and leading tech innovators to connect, learn and discover the latest trends in the retail sector and showcase the latest innovations to drive the industry forward. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said, “Dubai is one of the most attractive retail markets in the region, and this vital sector delivers significant impact on the emirate’s GDP with contribution exceeding 24 per cent during the first nine months of 2022.” Lootah added that Dubai International Chamber provides all possible support to Dubai’s retail businesses to ensure they can keep up with the ever-changing expectations of customers, which are mostly driven by rapid technological advancements in e-commerce and new digital trends. “We continue to provide our members with access to important platforms such as the Retail Technology Show to enhance their expertise and provide them with first-hand information on latest trends and opportunities in the retail sector. Connecting with the international retail community is important to drive further innovation and expand partnerships with global retail industry leaders, thus, enhancing Dubai’s retail sector and collective expertise.” Dubai International Chamber’s trade mission to the show was joined by a delegation of seven Dubai retail business representatives as well as key management and business figures from Dubai Chambers. They toured the exhibition and participated in various activities such as attending conferences featuring the latest insights from some of the industry’s sharpest thinkers, conducting business matching meetings and listening to inspirational Tech Talks sessions. The delegates engaged in 50 B2B meetings held with participants at the Show to discuss bilateral ties and cooperation. The trade mission is implemented under New Horizons, a programme spearheaded by Dubai International Chamber to drive international expansion of Dubai businesses into new select markets while promoting Dubai as a thriving global investment hub for companies from those markets. Dubai International Chamber enables Dubai businesses to expand successfully to global markets. It ensures the emirate is a magnet for foreign direct investment supported by a powerful network of Dubai International Offices worldwide. Dubai International Chamber has a mandate to support Dubai’s target of boosting foreign trade from AED1.4 trillion to AED2 trillion by 2026 and supporting the expansion of 100 companies from Dubai to priority foreign markets by 2024. Tariq Al Fahaam

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Crown Prince participates in session at Tawasol forum, urges keeping up with advancements in AI

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Saturday urged keeping up with advancements in artificial intelligence and developing skills to meet the labour market’s current and future needs, such as analytical thinking, innovation, complex problem solving, and strategic planning. Speaking at a session held as part of “Tawasol: Dialogue on Reality and Aspirations” forum held by the Crown Prince Foundation, Crown Prince Al Hussein highlighted the need to hone the skills of university and institute graduates, to enhance their sense of initiative, adaptation, and flexibility, according to a royal court statement. At the forum, held at the King Hussein Business Park and attended by Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh and Miss Rajwa Alseif, His Royal Highness urged having faith in Jordanians’ capabilities to achieve the nation’s ambitions, which is a notion that His Majesty King Abdullah always highlights. The Crown Prince noted that swift and efficient implementation of political, economic, and administrative modernisation will positively impact youth empowerment. His Royal Highness called for a transformation “in the way we work, so we can work seriously and professionally in implementation and follow up”, to capitalise on Jordan’s serious, quality plans for the way forward. “We must learn from the past, overcome our fears, and make a qualitative leap in our performance,” the Crown Prince urged. His Royal Highness attributed the failure in implementing many past good plans that were set to serve the public to several factors, including the bloated public sector, scepticism, or some officials’ fear for their popularity. The Crown Prince said that social and economic prosperity is largely rooted in the transparency and efficiency of public institutions, and the quality of services they provide to Jordanians. On specialties that are no longer desirable in the labour market, His Royal Highness said graduates of these specialties face the biggest challenges in looking for job opportunities. The Crown Prince urged youth to invest in specialties and professions that are in demand in the labour market, and to let go of preconceptions about certain professions, noting that young people have to keep moving forward to avoid despair. “Be bold for your future. Today, waiting for the opportunity means missing it,” His Royal Highness told young Jordanians. “Youth are responsible for their future, but their right to empowerment is a responsibility that all sectors shoulder, foremost of which is the public sector,” the Crown Prince continued. “We owe it to ourselves to create a better reality, rethink our wasted resources and capabilities, and put the right talent in the right place,” His Royal Highness stressed. “In our country, we have outstanding young capabilities, and we always prove that Jordanians walk the talk,” the Crown Prince said. His Royal Highness said Jordanians’ work ethics and professionalism are recognised by Arabs and people around the world, especially in the technical field, as well as in digital industries, entrepreneurship, start-ups, pharmaceutical and food industries, sports, and tourism. The Crown Prince said it is time Jordanian values were reflected in Jordan’s academic, technical and professional curricula, and better applied in the educational and professional arenas. The forum covered several topics that cover the aspirations of young Jordanians in the fields of politics, economy, and business, in addition to social, legal, education, media, and tourism areas. The forum saw the participation of nearly 500 specialists representing public, private, and other institutions, as well as various youth entities. A number of ministers and officials attended the session.

Source: Jordan News Agency

King receives US Congress delegation headed by House speaker

His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday received a US Congress delegation headed by US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, according to a royal court statement. The meeting, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, covered the historic friendship and strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, as well as means of enhancing ties in various fields. King Abdullah expressed appreciation of the United States and its Congress for support to Jordan, highlighting the importance of enhancing cooperation and maintaining coordination on issues of mutual concern. The meeting also covered regional and international developments, and means of reaching political solutions to crises in the region and beyond. His Majesty reiterated the need to step up efforts to find a political horizon to the Palestinian cause that would lead to relaunching negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis to reach just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and US Ambassador to Jordan Henry Wooster attended the meeting.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Pleasant weather forecast across Jordan Sunday, Monday

The weather is expected to be pleasantly and relatively warmer in most parts of Jordan and moderate at the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba, with some clouds appearing at low altitudes, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD). Rain showers in the country’s northern parts are possible in the early morning. The winds would be westerly. A rise in temperatures is forecast for Monday, with the weather remaining pleasant in most areas. It would be relatively warm at the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba, with clouds forming at medium and high altitudes and northwesterly moderate winds. On Tuesday, the weather would remain pleasant in most parts of the country with another slight rise in temperatures. It would be warm at the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Temperatures would continue to rise on Wednesday to become around their yearly average, and the weather would be mild in most regions and warm at the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. Temperatures in Amman on Sunday would range between a high of 17 degrees Celsius and a low of 6C at night, while the port city of Aqaba would see a fair 28C, sliding to 16C at night.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Weather: Cloudy, mild weather conditions

Weather today in Palestine is slightly cold and partially cloudy, with temperature staying 5-6°C below the seasonal average. A little chance of rain showers is expected over some regions, according to the Palestinian Meteorological Department (PMD). Winds are northwesterly to southwesterly, moderate to active, and sea waves are medium. Temperature in the capital, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem is expected to reach a high of 16°C and a low of 10°C, and in Ramallah and Hebron a high of 15°C and a low of 9°C are expected. In Jericho, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan Valley temperature is expected to reach a high of 25°C and a low of 16°C, while it is expected to reach a high of 20°C and a low of 14°C in Gaza and the coastal areas. Temperature is expected to rise on Monday but remains 3°C below the seasonal average. Another rise in temperature is expected on Tuesday, but remains below the seasonal averages, and sunny skies are expected to prevail, said the PMD. Sunny conditions are expected on Wednesday with a rise in temperature, setting back to its annual average.

Source: Palestine News & Information Agency (WAFA)

Palestinian detainee Izz al-Din Amarneh remains on hunger strike for 8th day

Visually impaired Palestinian detainee Izz al-Din Amarneh has been on hunger strike for eight days in a row in protest of his detention without charge or trial by the Israeli occupation authorities. Amarneh’s wife told WAFA that her husband is already facing health problems, including ulcers in the stomach and intestines, blood pressure and a tumor in the leg. Amarneh, 52, a blind man from the town of Ya’bad in the northern West Bank province of Jenin, was arrested by the Israeli occupation authorities in February 2022, and has been held in administrative detention ever since. He is a former prisoner in Israeli jails. Amarneh has five sons and daughters. His two male sons, Ahmad and Mujahed, are also currently imprisoned by the Israeli occupation authorities. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have described Israel’s use of administrative detention as a bankrupt tactic, and have long urged Israel to bring its use to an end. Palestinian detainees have continuously resorted to open-ended hunger strikes as a way to protest their illegal administrative detention and to demand an end to this policy, which violates international law.

Source: Palestine News & Information Agency (WAFA)