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FRIDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 2008
UN Officials Praise Abu Dhabi Initiative to host Global Launch of 2009 Humanitarian Appeal
posted on 21/11/2008
UN officials yesterday praised the initiative taken by the Government of the UAE, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, to host the launch of the 2009 Humanitarian Appeal, in addition to the traditional launch at the United Nations office in Geneva.
On 24 November, under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event known as the Consolidated Appeals Process, (CAP) will raise awareness of the annual Appeal for humanitarian crises across the world, and mobilise support for the millions of people who are in need of immediate, life saving assistance.
'The first event of its kind in this region, this is an excellent initiative to raise awareness of the Humanitarian Appeal, with the ultimate objective of providing the best possible assistance to people whose lives have been affected by conflict and calamity,' said John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator.
Representing the United Nations system will be Antonio Guterres, the High Commissioner for Refugees and ex- Prime Minister of Portugal.
The UNHCR representative in the United Arab Emirates, Saado Quol, said: 'We are grateful to the UAE for all of the support that it has extended to our programmes in the previous years. We look forward to expanding this strategic partnership and enhancing our mutual future cooperation in the humanitarian arena.
The launch is being held in close cooperation with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
'OCHA is very pleased with Abu Dhabi's generous offer to host the launch of the 2009 Humanitarian Appeal, which is the latest in a series of developments that have enhanced the UAE's support to the international humanitarian system,' said Abdul Haq Amiri, the Head of OCHA's Regional Office in Dubai.
'We hope that this event will further strengthen the relationship between the UN, other multi-lateral mechanisms, the Government of the UAE and the Gulf countries', Amiri added.
The 2009 Humanitarian Appeal seeks USUS$7 billion to help 30 million people in 31 countries around the world living in severe and ongoing humanitarian crises. A total of 360 non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, and other international organisations have come together to build coordinated, strategic humanitarian action plans to alleviate suffering and prevent death in each country.
Last year's Appeal showed a slight improvement over previous years with USD 4.7 billion committed to date (67% of the total amount required). Among donors, the United States, ECHO, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Japan top the list in contributing emergency relief funding in 2008 through Consolidated Appeals and Flash Appeals. The United Nations hope that further improvement will materialise in 2009 with the common commitment on the part of donors to equitable, rapid, and full funding of all appeals.
In addition to launching the Appeal in Geneva on 19 November, Abu Dhabi will be hosting a parallel launch of the 2009 Humanitarian Appeal, under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the UAE Red Crescent, on 24 November 2008.
The launch will include high-level representatives of Member States, heads of humanitarian agencies, philanthropists and celebrities, raising their voices to draw attention to the plight of the needy across the globe.
This year, in recognition of the pivotal role of the Gulf region in humanitarian affairs, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and a leading patron of humanitarian affairs in the UAE, has generously agreed to host an additional international launch of the 2009 CAP in Abu Dhabi.
The humanitarian community welcomes this initiative of the Government of the UAE, since the countries of the GCC have been long established as generous donors in support of relief efforts around the world. In addition, these countries are becoming increasingly involved in the international response to humanitarian crisis through the activities of their relief teams in the field. "Our hope is that the leadership shown on this issue by Sheikh Hamdan and the countries of this region will inspire others to respond just as generously to the needs of millions of people worldwide, and firmly place the Consolidated Appeal at the top of the international agenda", said UN report.
The Consolidated Appeals Process, or CAP, is a plea for the international community to extend its hand and provide essential assistance to millions of people across the world, whose lives have been affected by conflict or calamity.
However, CAP is more than just an appeal for money. It is a coordination tool designed to help aid organisations to avoid costly gaps and duplication that occur when they operate in isolation.
By bringing together the different humanitarian organizations, the CAP allows them to develop a set of unified, practical and constructive plans to tackle emergency humanitarian situations.
For donors, CAP is a way of helping to make sure that their money is being spent as efficiently as possible. By providing donors with a 'menu' of humanitarian activities and their funding requirements in a given country, it provides an overview of the most severe crises and allows them to make well-informed decisions about where to direct their assistance. Donors can then give money directly to a specific crisis, agency or even an individual project. Moreover, by virtue of their participation in this multilateral funding process, CAP donors have a platform in which they can shape future humanitarian efforts.
Most importantly, of course, CAP helps to ensure that those who suffer - the displaced, refugees, the sick, widows and orphans - get the best available assistance efficiently, effectively, and on time. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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President of Austria lauds Sharjah Ruler for pioneering dialogue among civilisations
posted on 21/11/2008
Vienna - The Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer hailed the pioneering role of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah in extending bridges among civilisations through meaningful dialogue.
Visiting the pavilion set up by the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information at the First International Book Fair and Reading Festival (BUCH WIEN) in the Austrian capital, Fischer also expressed his appreciation of Sharjah's participation in the event.
The event was inaugurated yesterday in the presence of the Austrian President and other senior government officials, academicians and cultural enthusiasts. The Charge d'Affaires at the UAE embassy in Vienna Khalid Abdul Rahman Sheheil was also present at the opening ceremony.
Hundreds of publishers from around the world are participating in the International Book Fair and Reading Festival, the first of its kind in Vienna.
Director General of the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information Abdullah Owais presented the Austrian President with a book authored by the Ruler of Sharjah under the title: Gulf in the Historical Maps. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Afghan Foreign Minister receives FM Assistant Under Secretary
posted on 21/11/2008
Kabul - Afghan Foreign Minister, Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, received here Thursday morning Foreign Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al-Heidan, who is currently on a visit to Afghanistan to participate in the International Conference on the Return and Integration of Afghan Refugees.
Al-Heidan conveyed to the Afghan Foreign Minister greetings from his UAE counterpart, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
They discussed bilateral relations and ways to boost them.
The Afghan Foreign Minister lauded the bilateral relations between the two countries and the UAE's big support to his country in all areas to boost the reconstruction and stability of Afghanistan.
Present at the meeting were a number of officials from both sides, including Afghan Ambassador to the UAE, Abdul Fareed Zakaria and the Charge d'Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Kabul, Mohammed Ahmed Al-Othman. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE Ambassador in Tokyo holds reception for visiting UAE minister
posted on 21/11/2008
Tokyo - UAE Ambassador to Japan, Saeed Ali Yusuf Al-Nuwais, has held here a reception for Minister of State Dr. Maitha Salim Al Shamsi, on the occasion of her visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japan Cooperation Centre, Petroleum (JCCP).
The reception, which was held at the UAE Embassy premises, was attended by dignitaries, including former Japanese Defence Minister, Yoriko Kwiko, member of the parliament of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, a number of officials and Arab ambassadors in Japan.
In a key note address, Al-Nuwais expressed the hope that the visit of the minister would further boost relations of cooperation between the universities of the two countries.
Al-Shamsi, in her keynote address, said her country is keen in boosting relations with Japan, particularly in the area of scientific research and inter-university relations.
Kwiko, for her side, said Japan remains committed to boosting ties with the UAE, particularly in view of the great development the UAE is witnessing in all fields. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Japanese official receives Maitha Al Shamsi
posted on 21/11/2008
Tokyo - Japanese Education, Culture, Sports, Sciences and Technology RYU Shionoya, received yesterday UAE State Minister Dr Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, who is currently visiting Japan upon invitation from the Japanese Oil Cooperation Centre.
The Japanese official welcomed Dr Maitha and discussed with her the relations between the two countries. She also commended the UAE for continuously providing oil and gas to Japan.
Dr Maitha lauded the growing relations between the two countries in all fields, particularly in industry, education and scientific research fields.
Present in the meeting were UAE Ambassador to Japan Saeed Ali Yusuf Al Nowais. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Maktoum bin Mohammed Rings NASDAQ OMX Opening Bell
posted on 21/11/2008
In a landmark event, HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai yesterday rang the NASDAQ OMX opening bell remotely at a ceremony held in front of The Gate in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This is the first time that NASDAQ OMX, the world's largest exchange company, is holding a remote opening bell ceremony in the Middle East.
HH Sheikh Maktoum said: "The ringing of NASDAQ OMX's remote opening bell represents the global prominence that Dubai has gained in the global financial industry. Guided by the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai has seen exceptional development over the past few years to become a leading international centre of financial activity. The ceremony today is, in many ways, a recognition of this growth." The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Essa Kazim, Chairman, Borse Dubai and Jeff Singer, Chief Executive Officer of NASDAQ Dubai.
The NASDAQ remote opening bell ceremony is a recreation of the daily opening bell that takes place in NASDAQ. The opening bell event is a symbolic ceremony that represents the start of the NASDAQ trading day, which brings together investors and market participants from around the world to trade electronically.
Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman said: "Dubai is rapidly rising in importance as a key channel for global capital flows and today's opening bell ceremony reinforces this status. The rebranded NASDAQ Dubai exchange will further enhance Dubai's position by tapping several new synergies between the technology, expertise and brand equity of NASDAQ OMX and the vast growth potential and emerging market access that Dubai offers." The ceremony was broadcast on NASDAQ's seven-story Tower overlooking the Times Square in New York, which more than a million people pass by daily. It was also broadcast via NASDAQ's MarketSite studio which conducts daily broadcasts aired around the globe.
On Tuesday this week, the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) was rebranded as NASDAQ Dubai. Following the rebranding, NASDAQ OMX Group announced it has listed its shares on NASDAQ Dubai. The NASDAQ OMX Group owns one third of the shares of NASDAQ Dubai. The other two thirds are owned by Borse Dubai. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Abu Dhabi's UPC launches Estidama sustainable programme
posted on 21/11/2008
To enable Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, the Urban Structure Framework Plan for Abu Dhabi, to establish a distinctive framework for measuring sustainability performance beyond the usual planning and construction phases, The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environments, is addressing sustainability concerns of the community at large through 4 key angles; environmental, economic, social and cultural.
By setting up new standards, the UPC, through its Estidama sustainable program, has developed its "Community Sustainable Responsibility" initiative, Estidama CSR 2030 (ECSR 2030).
ECSR 2030 is breaking new grounds out of which innovative resources will be generated to also serve the private sector by monitoring and reporting sustainable initiatives that will reinforce the Emirate's plans.
To ensure that the scope of ECSR 2030 is as wide as possible, the ECSR 2030 practices program was designed to answer to the following objectives: - To provide an overarching framework to promote and implement Plan Abu Dhabi 2030's vision through its sustainable guiding principles.
- To pioneer visionary governance that puts emphasis on managed sustainable growth with the objective of providing long term certainty.
- To develop compliance regulations through indexes tailored to the 4 pillars of the Estidama program (environmental, economic, social and cultural).
- To provide guidance on processes needed to successfully comply with the predefined indexes.
- To develop a specific auditing and certification process.
- To produce appropriate information materials and conduct campaigns to encourage organizations to adopt ECSR 2030 sustainability management principles.
- To become the signature that gives Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 its edge as THE sustainable Urban framework model.
- To become the benchmark for sustainable regulations internationally.
- To make a meaningful contribution towards global sustainable development.
- To promote sustainable practices for the benefit of the next generation.
One must not forget that one of the most important legacies of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, "Father of the Nation", was the preservation of the Emirates natural environment for future generations.
With ECSR 2030, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has decided to go beyond existing sustainable initiatives by monitoring, enforcing clear procedures, and clarifying responsibilities that are crucial to support its 2030 vision. ECSR 2030 reflects a new responsive mindset that transcends the frontiers and that is projecting a vision of a harmonious diversified society that is culturally rich and evolving into a continuously stable environment.
Consistently framed by its 4 pillars, the ECSR 2030 program for sustainable practices is promoting and implementing a multidimensional view of sustainability that demonstrates its underlying mission as an agent of social and economical development. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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DIFF chooses biopic 'W' as opening gala
posted on 21/11/2008
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced that it's Opening Night gala film will be W., the controversial biopic of George W. Bush by maverick Hollywood director Oliver Stone.
Stone who will attend the Opening Night gala, has described W. as an attempt to trace seminal events in the American president's life, offering a 'behind-the-scenes' view of Bush's development as a person and as a politician.
Masoud Amralla Al Ali, Artistic Director, stated: 'W. is one of the great films of 2008, and we are happy to open DIFF with a film of topical relevance to so many of us. We are honoured that Mr. Stone will be in attendance to introduce the film, and are confident that DIFF audiences will respond favourably'.
The film is a veritable who's who of Hollywood, starring Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men) in the title role, Elizabeth Banks (Definitely Maybe; Spiderman 3) who plays Laura Bush, Richard Dreyfuss (Poseidon) as Dick Cheney, Thandie Newton (RocknRolla) as Condoleeza Rice, and Ellen Burstyn (Requiem for a Dream) as former First Lady Barbara Bush. 2007 DIFF guest, American-Arab actor Sayed Badreya (AmericanEast), also appears in the film as former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Stone has ventured into presidential territory before, with 1995's Nixon. However, he has never attempted the task while the subject was still in office, a fact that has caused mixed reactions in the United States.
DIFF 2008 runs for eight days from December 11 to 18, 2008.
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Dubai set to cut diesel price by Dho.6o per gallon
posted on 21/11/2008
Dubai oil retailers have decided to cut diesel prices by Dho.6o per gallon effective on Sunday to reflect the current downturn in international oil prices at the local pumps, an oil company executive and a pump attendant in Dubai told Gulf News on Thursday.
The oil retailing companies Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc), Emirates Petroleum Products Company (Eppco) and Emarat will lower the selling price of diesel to Dh13.35 per gallon from Dh13.95 per gallon, said an executive at Eppco.
A pump attendant at an Eppco pump confirmed that they had received communication from their company about the next round of cuts in diesel prices. The price cut, when effective, will mark the retailers' 11th straight cut in diesel prices since July 28. Diesel was selling at Dh19.25 a gallon, an all-time high on that date, and ever since its price in Dubai has been going down steadily due to the declining crude and oil product prices on the international market.
At the time of the next price cut, the difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi diesel prices will have narrowed down to 55.23 per cent. Abu Dhabi has kept the price of diesel steady at Dh8.60 per gallon. The oil product's price in Abu Dhabi didn't go up even when crude prices on the international market touched an all-time high of US$147.27 last July.
The three Dubai oil retailers buy diesel at international prices and then adjust the local prices, based on the landed cost of the oil product. Diesel is widely used in the UAE as a transportation fuel with trucks that carry goods, its main users.
Any increase in the price of the fuel means greater inflationary pressures for the consumer as the fuel price rises are invariably passed on across the supply chain.
Global oil prices have fallen sharply mainly due to declining consumption of oil products in the world's developed markets. The decline was triggered by their slowing economic growth rates and fears of a long global recession.
In early trade yesterday, the crude oil futures for December delivery in the US, the world's largest oil importer, were trading just a shade above US$52 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. – Gulf News
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Adnoc sets term naphtha premium 75%-80% lower
posted on 21/11/2008
Singapore: Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc) has announced its January-December 2009 term naphtha premium at US$3.00-US$5.00 a tonne to Middle East quotes, on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, sharply lower than its June-December 2008 prices, traders said yesterday.
The firm has pegged the offer for its pentane-plus naphtha at US$5.00 a tonne premium, low-sulphur naphtha at US$4.00 a tonne premium and splitter naphtha at US$3.00 a tonne premium.
These fresh offers are 75-80 per cent lower than what it had fixed for supplies lifting between June and December 2008.
Offers from Adnoc, Asia's third-largest supplier after Saudi Aramco and Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC), came shortly after KPC had fixed its premium for December 2008 to November 2009 supplies at US$2.00 a tonne above Middle East quotes, on a FOB basis.
"Adnoc's offers did not surprise us, as they usually take the cue from KPC," said a term customer. However, many KPC customers had resisted the premium, citing a slump in petrochemical demand, which could last for at least six more months.
As a result, it took longer than usual for most of its customers to accept KPC's deal, which was expected to wrap up late yesterday.
"Most people will retain their term contract for relationship purposes, like in the case of Formosa, which accepted KPC premium but cut its volume," said a trader who is not an Adnoc term lifter.
Adnoc's customers in Asia include Hanwha Corp and Taiwan CPC Corp.
"We have to give an answer next Monday," said a second Adnoc term lifter.
Many KPC customers had resisted the premium, citing a slump in petrochemical demand. – Reuters
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Página Inicial
O Anuário completo dos EAU de 2008 em inglês e francês em formato pdf. Informação abrangente e actualizada sobre todos os aspectos dos EAU.
