Moroccan Head Coach Unveils Squad for Upcoming AFCON Qualifiers against Central African Republic


Although Morocco has already secured its place in the 2025 AFCON as the host nation, the team is competing in Group B alongside Gabon, the Central African Republic, and Lesotho. The Atlas Lions have made an impressive start to the qualifiers, defeating Gabon 4-1 and Lesotho 1-0 in their first two matches.

Goalkeepers:

– Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane)

– Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia)

– Salaheddine Chihab (Maghreb of Fez)

Defenders:

– Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

– Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids, Egypt)

– Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United, England)

– Abdelkabir Abqar (Deportivo Alavés, Spain)

– Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad, Spain)

– Adam Aznou (Bayern Munich, Germany)

– Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal (Stade Rennais, France)

– Jamal Harkass (Wydad Casablanca)

Midfielders:

– Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahçe, Trkiye)

– Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)

– Bilal El Khannous (Leicester City, England)

– Oussama Targhaline (Le Havre, France)

– Azzeddine Ounahi (Panathinaikos, Greece)


Reda Belahyane (Hellas Verona, Italy)

Forwards:

– Ilias Akhomach (Villareal CF, Spain)

– Amine Adli (Leverkusen, Germany)

– Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain, UAE)

– Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos, Greece)

– Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe, Trkiye)

– Iliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco, France)

– Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis, Spain)

– Osame Sahraoui (Lille, France)

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

ENOC mulling expansion of its Jebel Ali Oil Refinery: CEO


DUBAI: Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), has revealed plans to expand the company’s Jebel Ali Oil Refinery and its network of fuel stations in the country as part of its investment strategy.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) 2024 in Dubai, Al Falasi said that ENOC is developing mobile fuel stations, which, he said, are significantly more cost-effective than traditional stations. These mobile stations, he explained, cost up to AED 1- 2 million each, compared to the cost of traditional stations that can reach up to AED 20- 30 million.

“These mobile energy stations provide a flexible solution to meet energy needs in different areas, as their locations can be adjusted to match demand and traffic congestion in specific regions,” he added.

He spoke about the digital mobile fuel delivery service for businesses in the UAE, saying that ENOC Link, the world’s first ‘eLink Sta
tion’, enables motorists and customers easy access and convenient fuelling services.

Equipped with innovative digital systems, the solar-powered station offers consumers a reliable supply of diesel and biodiesel.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Maktoum bin Mohammed: ‘Driven by vision, directives of our wise leadership, UAE continues to solidify its position as a leading global financial hub’


DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, has reviewed a report on the achievements of the Ministry of Finance for the past three years, during which the ministry has experienced a significant transformation towards achieving financial sustainability and strengthening the UAE’s status as a global investment hub..

Over the past three years, the Ministry has accomplished several major goals, including adopting the largest federal budget in the nation’s history, implementing a federal revenue governance system, and issuing government treasury bonds and Islamic treasury sukuk. Furthermore, the Ministry has strengthened partnerships between the federal public and private sectors, achieved significant developments in digital transformation, managed government assets efficiently, and played a vital role in the integration of the Gulf Common Market. It has also maintained a prominent role in regional and international o
rganisations, representing the UAE in global initiatives, and initiated transformative projects across multiple strategic domains to boost the nation’s competitive edge.

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: ‘Thanks to the vision and directives of our wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE is making steady progress towards achieving its sustainable economic and social goals, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading financial hubs.’

‘Our growth is driven by ambitious strategies and sound financial policies, keeping pace with global economic changes and building on a proven track record of achievements in the financial and economic sectors,’ H.H. added.

Sheikh Maktoum praised the efforts of the Ministry’s teams, which has significantly contributed to achieving the growth targets of the national economy
and establishing the UAE’s influential presence in the financial sector regionally and internationally.’

H.H. continued: ‘The Ministry of Finance worked across multiple fronts to drive financial growth in all key sectors, seeking to develop an integrated financial system supported by innovative policies, programs, and initiatives that would promote the UAE’s position and competitiveness. We behold the future with optimism and remain committed to launching and supporting transformative initiatives and projects that contribute to the development of the financial sector in the UAE and support our future strategic plans.”

Since H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assumed the helm of government financial operations in the UAE on 25th September 2021, the Ministry has achieved remarkable achievements in several domains. Through the adoption innovative financial policies and launching strategic programmes, initiatives, and plans, the Ministry has been keen to direct resources in alignment with t
he vision of the wise leadership to establish the foundations of financial growth, enhance economic resilience and diversification, and provide a dignified life for its citizens.

As part of its commitment to enhancing financial sustainability through effective federal budget management and revenue governance, the Ministry of Finance adopted the federal budget for 2022-2026, totaling AED 290 billion. This is the largest budget in UAE history and reaffirms the country’s commitment to allocating resources strategically to meet the nation’s development goals and enhance vital sectors that improve the quality of life and social welfare for the Union’s citizens.

In terms of financial governance, the Ministry implemented a policy for collecting federal government revenues through commercial banks operating in the UAE and developed an innovative digital system for revenue collection. From the moment the value-added tax was implemented in 2018 until the first half of 2024, the Ministry has collected over AED 186 bil
lion in revenues, demonstrating a substantial breakthrough in financial governance. Additionally, the revenue collected from selective tax reached over AED 16 billion.

The Ministry of Finance has also established a robust partnership system between the federal and private sectors to support the growth and sustainability of the national economy. This move aimed to optimise the use of available resources and enhance government performance by leveraging private sector expertise in financial, administrative, and technological fields.

In 2023, Federal Law No. 12 on Regulating the Federal Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was enacted, marking the first comprehensive framework for collaboration between the two sectors. In June, the Ministry issued the Public-Private Partnership Manual for Projects and Execution, following approval by the Council of Ministers.

The manual details the procedures and requirements government entities and private sector partners must follow throughout various project stages. To promote
understanding of these partnership procedures, the Ministry also organised workshops to introduce federal agencies and partners to the guide’s application mechanisms.

In line with the UAE’s Digital Government Strategy 2025, the Ministry of Finance has made significant strides in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and integrated digital services. It has adopted an innovative approach to designing its digital services, applying advanced technologies through the launch of the Government Digital Procurement Platform, which serves more than 30 federal entities and businesses.

The platform introduces a new concept for government procurement, akin to e-shopping on major platforms, enabling federal entity users to select products and services from a product catalogue, add them to a procurement basket, and allocate the necessary credits directly-eliminating the need for tender publications and contract creation. This innovation has significantly shortened the procurement process.

Additionally, UAE PAS
S offers three key features within the digital identity framework: Single Sign-On, Digital Signature, and Electronic Seal. These features aim to streamline access to financial services for individuals, government entities, and businesses while enhancing the security and efficiency of digital transactions.

The digital procurement platform enables 100% digital execution of procurement processes between federal entities and the business sector, both domestically and internationally. This includes tendering, supplier negotiations, reverse bidding, digital contract creation and signing via UAE Pass, billing, payments, and smart reporting.

Moreover, the platform’s digital procedures support the business sector’s contribution to the national economy by incorporating the requirements of the National Content Program and Emiratization initiatives into procurement processes.

The Ministry has also set itself apart by incorporating advanced generative AI solutions, integrating GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 technologies into its cu
stomer service and document analysis systems. This integration enables the provision of precise and instantaneous responses to customer enquiries.

The AI-driven solutions also include simultaneous translation and automated document processing, ensuring precise extraction of required fields from content, which significantly enhances the speed and efficiency of service delivery.

In addition, the Ministry has launched innovative initiatives to improve service quality, such as the Zero Government Bureaucracy Initiative, aimed at streamlining government procedures. Such initiatives have yielded tangible results, reducing time and effort while enhancing the overall customer experience.

The Ministry has also made the most of the latest technologies and AI to develop various government services, supporting the UAE’s “Services 2.0” approach to designing the future of government services.

Some of the key services that have been enhanced include processing requests from federal entities regarding federal government
real estate, registering suppliers in the Federal Suppliers Register, and handling requests for full or partial exemptions from debts and dues owed to the state.

These developments have focused on ensuring easy access to services through frequently used customer channels, integrating value-added features that expedite transaction completion.

In the area of federal government asset management, the Ministry of Finance has made significant progress by playing a key role in utilising these assets efficiently and sustainably, something which has reflected positively on maintaining the country’s strong credit rating and reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in fixed asset management.

The Ministry adopted a comprehensive asset management strategy, which incorporates initiatives based on the latest international technologies and best practices.

In 2023, Federal Decree-Law No. (35) on Federal Properties was issued, governing the management of federal government movable and immovable assets. Additionally, the Ministry d
eveloped new policies for managing fixed assets, inventory, and leasing, aligning them with federal accounting standards and leading international practices.

Also in 2023, the Ministry completed an inventory and valuation of federal government real estate assets, further strengthening the federal government’s financial position. It implemented a digital tracking system for fixed assets using RFID technology to automate asset operations and ensure efficient management.

Furthermore, the Ministry has initiated the development of an electronic platform, the Real Estate Assets Registry, to register the union’s real estate assets. The platform enhances transparency, strengthens financial data on federal real estate, and supports decision-making. The registry applies to all federal properties across any federal entities governed by the decree law.

Since its launch in 2022 until the end of August 2024, the Government Treasury Bonds and Islamic Treasury Sukuk programs have achieved remarkable success. The two progr
ams amassed AED 11.2 billion in Treasury bonds and AED 14.9 billion in Islamic Treasury Sukuk, totalling AED 26.1 billion. This success validates the UAE’s strategic investment approach and cements its reputation as a global investment leader and one of the most competitive and advanced economies in the world.

Issuing these bonds and sukuk in local currency has significantly contributed to the development of the local currency debt market, diversified funding sources, and revitalised the local financial and banking sector. It has also provided secure investment options for both local and international investors in local currency, bolstered the country’s capacity to meet future financing needs in local currency, and strengthened the local financial market while enhancing the overall investment environment.

The Ministry of Finance has paid utmost attention to advancing financial and economic integration with GCC countries by implementing a wide range of projects and initiatives that foster sustainable growth
and joint economic cooperation. It has taken tangible steps to help establish the Customs Union, including technical meetings and the proposal of mechanisms to overcome obstacles.

The Ministry has also contributed to enabling the digital transformation strategy for the GCC Common Market and provided a vision with measurable targets and indicators for the GCC Common Market Workshops.

As a result of these efforts, the total volume of trade between the UAE and GCC countries in 2023 reached AED 292.4 billion, with AED 66.8 billion in imports, AED 80.4 billion in exports, and AED 145.2 billion in re-exports.

Over the past three years, the Ministry of Finance has made significant progress at both regional and international levels through its active participation in various organisations and global initiatives, reflecting the UAE’s pivotal role in shaping the global financial and economic landscape.

Among the most important achievements was the UAE’s accession to the BRICS group, marking a major milestone in the
country’s international engagement.

The Ministry has also regularly taken part in G20 meetings, working to enhance international cooperation in areas such as sustainable finance, infrastructure development, financial inclusion, and pandemic response. It contributed 58 case studies to the group’s various working groups, further solidifying its involvement.

Additionally, the Ministry participated in the Spring and Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, the Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Joint Arab Financial Authorities, and the Board of Governors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The Ministry also organised and hosted key regional and international events, including the Public Finance Forum for Arab Countries as part of the World Government Summit. This included a high-level closed session attended by Arab finance ministers, leaders of international financial organisations, prominent economists, and specialists.

In October 2022, HE Mohammed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, was elected Chairman of the Development Committee of the BRICS Ministerial Forum. Furthermore, the BRICS New Development Bank selected a representative from the Ministry of Finance as a board member and Group Director, marking the first UAE and Arab representation on the bank’s board of directors.

The UAE has made significant progress in its tax reform agenda in recent years, aligning with international standards on tax transparency and combating harmful practices in cooperation with the G20 and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

These efforts led to removing the UAE from the Dutch list, with the Netherlands commending the UAE’s positive role and ongoing cooperation within the framework of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project and the implementation of the global minimum tax.

To further strengthen bilateral relations, the Ministry of Finance held six financial dialogues w
ith the Swiss Confederation, the most recent in October 01, 2024, aimed at deepening strategic relations and enhancing cooperation in various developmental, economic, and financial areas of mutual interest.

Additionally, by the end of September 2024, the UAE has bolstered its reputation as a reliable investment destination by concluding 148 agreements to avoid double taxation and 115 agreements to protect and encourage investment by the end of September 2024, demonstrating its commitment to providing a transparent and stable tax environment that supports international investment and safeguards investor rights.

As part of the UAE’s efforts to solidify its position as a leading global financial hub, the Ministry of Finance is executing eight transformational projects, announced in 2023 and 2024, covering multiple strategic areas. These aim to enhance the country’s competitiveness and support economic growth by making impactful changes across various sectors, delivering tangible results in short periods.

The
projects include developing the local debt capital market, creating fiscal policies and legislative tools related to the corporate tax revenue-sharing mechanism, promoting Emirati leadership in the financial sector on international platforms, developing a supply strategy for the federal government, enhancing competitiveness and transparency in climate and environmental spending data, fostering public-private partnerships, introducing a federal corporate and business tax, and implementing an E-billing system.

These projects will directly support the UAE government’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ strategy, aiming to fast-track financial goals through focused efforts that create lasting positive impacts on society and key sectors nationwide

Source: Emirates News Agency

Green Mobility Hall at WETEX 2024 highlights latest innovative solutions for individual, public green transport


The Green Mobility Hall at the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) hosts leading local and international companies specialising in mobility, transport and green mobility logistics.

The Green Mobility Hall highlights the most prominent innovative solutions and practices that use the latest technologies in the individual and public sustainable transport sector. These solutions aim to reduce the operational and infrastructure costs of electric vehicles (EVs), improve energy and resource efficiency in transport and promote the use of hydrogen and low-emission or carbon-free fuels.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organises the 26th WETEX annually under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. WETEX will take place from 1st to 3rd October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Saeed Mohammed A
l Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX, said, ‘WETEX supports the National Electric Vehicles Policy, Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. It also promotes the UAE’s leading position in the region in the adoption of EVs, as the UAE has one of the highest ratios of charging stations to EVs in the world.

WETEX is a global platform to highlight the latest technologies in energy, water and the environment, as well as all the other sectors that contribute towards achieving net zero and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 23% of net global GHG emissions came annually from the transport sector, which generates (8.7 GtCO2-eq). WETEX contributes to achieving national and global climate aspirations to lower the carbon footprint in the transport sector and accelerate climate action.’

He added, ‘WETEX enhances DEWA’s role in encouraging the use of green and sustainable mo
bility, while strengthening the UAE and Dubai’s leadership in sustainable transport across the region. DEWA’s EV Green Charger initiative, launched in 2014, led to the creation of the region’s first public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The advanced green charging stations infrastructure in Dubai consists of more than 700 in collaboration with stakeholders, including around 400 Green Charging Stations operated by DEWA. This number will increase in the coming years. This includes around 400 Green Charging Stations operated by DEWA.’

‘Moreover, DEWA has collaborated with ENOC Group on its Service Station of the Future (SSoF) at Expo City, Dubai. SSoF is now the only station in the region to provide green hydrogen, hydrocarbon fuels (petrol and diesel), as well as electric charging stations. DEWA produces the green hydrogen at its pilot plant at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, to be used as fuel. Hydrogen is a compelling alternative to traditional energy sources and is significant
as Dubai – and the wider UAE – continues to lay the foundation for a green economy,’ he noted.

Lt Gen Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said, “We are committed to adopting the latest sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies as part of our strategy to achieve sustainability and support the UAE’s vision for a transition to a green economy, in alignment with Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033. The WETEX exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to share experiences and best practices that will empower us to create a more sustainable future.

Adding electric patrols to the Dubai Police fleet enhances our efforts to reduce emissions and utilise clean energy in our daily operations, promoting sustainability and preserving resources for future generations. Through these initiatives, we aim to become a role model for government entities in sustainable and eco-friendly practices while fostering innovation in all our operations to ensure community safety and environmental pro
tection.”

The UAE was ranked first among Arab countries and across the region, and in the top ten worldwide on the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX). The UAE overcame major western markets such as Japan and Australia, and powerful emerging markets such as India and Brazil. Arthur D. Little (ADL) has set up a methodology to evaluate the ‘readiness’ of markets for electric mobility. The global Toluna group revealed a growing preference for electric vehicles among UAE residents, with 73% expressing a desire to purchase electric cars and 61% indicating an interest in hybrid models in the future.

Muna Al Osaimi, Acting CEO of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said, ‘RTA’s ongoing strategic partnership with DEWA reaffirms the continuous efforts to highlight Dubai’s endeavours in sustainability, green mobility and renewable and clean energy, aimed at enhancing its position as the best city in the world for living and working. RTA’s participatio
n in the 26th WETEX, organised by DEWA, highlights our commitment to staying informed about the latest trends and innovations in sustainability and renewable energy.

This event allows us to learn about the latest smart technologies and innovative solutions in roads, transport and mobility, which support the implementation of RTA’s Strategic Plan 2030. This plan aligns with the Emirate’s respective strategies and positions Dubai as a global model of resilience and innovation.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

India manages to reduce railway accidents by 70% in 10 years: Minister


DUBAI: The sixth edition of Future Food Forum 2024 was opened today by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, underlining the UAE’s pivotal role in the regional food sector and the Food Cluster Strategy in enhancing food security and sustainability through public-private collaboration.

The two-day event is organised by UAE Food and Beverage Business Group Group (FandB Group) under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy, focusing on the theme “Future Consumer, Future Government, and Future Food’ in strategic partnership with the Dubai Chamber and features FoodTech Valley as an organising partner. Hosted at the Le Meridien Airport Hotel in Dubai, the event is also supported by the Abu Dhabi Food Hub and DP World.

The Future Food Forum has evolved into a platform driving policy and sector leadership in the UAE’s economy through innovation, sustainability, and emerging technology.

In his inaugural address, Al Marri emphasised the significance of the UAE’s Food Cluster Strategy, which was launch
ed at last year’s Forum. He said, “We have worked closely with the FandB Group and industry leaders to advance the clustering process. With more than 15 working sessions and 300 participants, over 20 actionable initiatives are currently in design, which include Made in the UAE Food, Agri-Science Universities, Ecosystem Data Sharing platforms, Value Chain Finance Programs, and Food Fraud and Shield Programs.’

He reaffirmed that these initiatives aim to increase the food sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP by US$10 billion and create 20,000 jobs by 2030, and said, ‘The UAE’s commitment to food security is evident from the fact that UAE has placed food security as a national priority, since the 2007 global food crisis. We are proud of our progress in domestic food production, with the aim of reducing food imports from 90 to 50 percent by mid-century,”

He further outlined the key pillars of the UAE’s food security, which is anchored in fostering innovation through world-class RandD and nurturing future food
disruptors who will grow into global champions, as well as embedding sustainable practices across the food production value chain to ensure the protection of our environment for future generations.

Al Marri highlighted the growth potential of the GCC food and beverage sector, which is expected to hit US$128 billion by 2029, and urged the industry to harness this momentum to drive the UAE’s cluster strategy further. ‘In line with the UAE Food and Agricultural Transformation Strategy, we are well on track to increase food sector contribution to the GDP by US$10 billion and create more than 20,000 jobs. This growth should not remain a statistic-it represents livelihoods, opportunities, and a sustainable future for our country. Together, we can innovate for a sustainable tomorrow and ensure that the UAE remains a global leader in food security,” he concluded.

A high-level ministerial discussion on the Food Cluster strategy saw vital ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministr
y of Economy, and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, convening to explore policy reforms, collaboration, and investment in the sector. The strategy emphasises the inclusion of a diverse range of stakeholders, including government authorities, industry leaders, universities, and research institutions. One of the central goals is to foster knowledge transfer, maximise the contributions of all players, and address industry challenges through innovative ideas and research and development (RandD).

The meeting focused on ongoing initiatives aimed at driving collaboration and innovation in the food sector. A key outcome was the proposed governing board for the food cluster to enable the effective execution of the food cluster strategy. This board will monitor the implementation of strategic initiatives, align the goals of the industry with national economic priorities, and play a critical role in integrating scientific research and innovation into the industry, ensuring that stakeholders are continuously e
ngaged in developing new approaches. It emphasised the importance of creating a self-driven initiative led by the industry, with government facilitation, to ensure its long-term success and scalability.

Opening the meeting, Abdullah Ahmad Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said, ‘The idea behind creating the clusters is to enable dialogues between all the stakeholders, including universities, scientists, research institutions and ministries, to ensure food security in the future. As an import-heavy country, we know that there are a number of things that we, as a key sector, can do to enhance food security and supply chain, increase export, protect our market and practical policies. These topics should be openly discussed between the stakeholders.’

The meeting also reviewed key trends and highlighted the FandB sector’s strong performance and future potential. In the previous year, the UAE saw a total volume of food imports amounting to US$23 billion, while food exports reached US$6.6 billio
n. During the first half of the year, the sector experienced a 20 percent growth in total trade. Food imports increased by 23%, and exports saw a 19% rise, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to bolstering its food security and expanding its role in the global food trade industry.

One of the key announcements as FandB Group Chairman Saleh Abdullah Lootah opened the event was the launch of the UAE Foodverse by the FandB Group. This innovative virtual platform aims to transform the nation’s food ecosystem by offering real-time data, fostering collaborations, and creating partnerships within the industry. The Foodverse will bridge the gap between industry stakeholders, enabling seamless information sharing and more strategic decision-making in the food sector.

‘UAE Foodverse is a revolutionary metaverse platform designed to connect the global FandB industry virtually. As part of the UAE’s Food Cluster Strategy, the Foodverse will foster collaboration, innovation, and trade within a virtual environment,’ said Saleh
Lootah. Some of the key features of the platform include educational modules to understand food security regulations and supply chain management, VR-based interactive workshops for training and product demonstrations, gamified experiences targeting the Gen-Z and future consumers, as well as a virtual marketplace for showcasing products, linking directly to e-commerce platforms, and streamlining operations from farm to fork.

The Future Food Forum 2024 features a dynamic agenda addressing critical topics in the food and beverage industry, tackling the GCC’s response to the global food crisis, with insights from industry leaders.

Further highlights include discussions on food security and climate change, with panels delving into innovative technologies and partnerships shaping the future of food production. The agenda also features sessions on empowering SMEs in the UAE’s FandB manufacturing industry, sustainability in value chains through packaging and circular economy practices, and the role of e-commerce in
novations in transforming supply chains. These sessions bring together experts and leaders from across the GCC, offering insights and strategies to drive resilience, innovation, and collaboration in the evolving FandB landscape.

The event is supported by some of the biggest brands, including Agthia, Al Ghurair Foods, Al Ain Farms, IFFCO, Almarai, BRF, and Tetra Pak, as well as industry organisations such as IFPA.

Besides being a platform for sharing market insights and evolving themes, Future Food Forum once again features the ‘Free From Food Dubai’ exhibition, which returns this year, showcasing innovation in the free from, organic, vegan, functional and healthy ingredient food industries, and will be co-located under Forum.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Vietnam to capitalise on remittances by overseas Vietnamese for development projects


Vietnam is planning to capitalise on remittances of overseas Vietnamese for development projects in the country, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported on Wednesday.

Ho Chi Minh City has announced plans for creating funds for overseas Vietnamese seeking to invest in real estate and small and medium-sized enterprises, and buy bonds for funding infrastructure.

The Committee for Overseas Vietnamese will spearhead implementation of the project and regularly report on the results, challenges, and issues and suggest amendments if needed.

It outlines several policies to attract and utilise remittances, including directing them into the financial market (stock market and shares, among others).

Some 2.8 million overseas Vietnamese have links to the HCM city, or nearly 50 percent of the Vietnamese diaspora.

The US accounts for the largest number of overseas Vietnamese, estimated at over two million, followed by the UK, Australia and Canada.

The amount of remittances sent to the city through banks, remittance compani
es and other legal channels exceeded US$65 billion in 2012-23, and grew at 3-7 percent.

In the first half of this year, HCM city received $5.2 billion in remittances, up 19.5 percent year-on-year.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE continues to pioneer transition to green economy: DSCE Secretary-General


DUBAI: Ahmad Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), highlighted that the UAE continues to pioneer the transition towards a green economy, citing pioneering projects in renewable energy, such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai and nuclear and solar energy projects in Abu Dhabi.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the opening of the 10th edition of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), taking place in Dubai, Al Muhairbi emphasised Dubai and the UAE’s leadership role in the green economy transition. He noted that these projects position the UAE as a key global player in clean energy.

Regarding the role of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Al Muhairbi noted that the Council plays a fundamental role in shaping policies related to energy demand, production, and clean energy, as well as reducing consumption. He mentioned that there are 12 programmes as part of the energy demand reduction strategy.

The DSCE Secretary-General also
confirmed that Dubai aims to increase the share of clean energy in its energy mix to 27-28 percent by 2030. He highlighted the successful retrofitting of 10,000 buildings and the increase of electric vehicles to 30,000, contributing to emission reductions and environmental sustainability.

Source: Emirates News Agency