Middle East Experience

It was the first in-person event hosted by the Israeli Embassy since the beginning of COVID-19.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: On Hanukkah, Mike Herzog hosts first public event as ambassador to US

The United Arab Emirates will not stop Lebanese from travelling to the country in a diplomatic row between Beirut and Gulf Arab states, a senior Emirati official said.Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told reporters on Tuesday that Abu Dhabi would continue humanitarian support to Lebanon and did not want Lebanese citizens to suffer more due to the ongoing political and economic crisis in the country.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Lebanon is facing a diplomatic crisis with Gulf states, triggered by a minister’s critical comments about the Arab Coalition in Yemen that prompted Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait to expel Lebanon’s top diplomats and recall their own envoys. The UAE withdrew its envoys.Read more: US Secretary Blinken wishes Lebanon’s people well, not government officials
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE won’t stop Lebanese traveling to the United Arab Emirates: Gargash

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said that effective Wednesday, the suspension of direct entry to the Kingdom will be lifted from six countries: Indonesia, Pakistan, Brazil, Vietnam, Egypt, and India, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The Kingdom had previously suspended flights to and from the above countries.Those coming on flights from the six countries will not need to spend 14 days another country prior to their arrival to Saudi Arabia, SPA said. GACA stressed to all air carriers the importance of applying the following arrival procedures: Submitting a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before the flight, registering on the ‘Qaddum’ platform, applying institutional quarantine procedures for five days (regardless of vaccination status), and taking PCR tests on the first and fifth days of quarantine.“The authority affirmed the commitment to implement all precautionary and preventive measures adopted in the Kingdom,” SPA reported.Read more:Saudi Arabia suspends flights to several countries due to COVID-19 variantSaudi Arabia extends residence, exit, re-entry, visit visas for free until year endUAE residents have mixed feelings about travel amid COVID-19 variant Omicron
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia lifts suspension of flights from six countries

Set against the scenic landscape of Hatta’s dams, lakes, and valleys, the 50th National Day celebrations planned tomorrow (December 2) will include stories of distinguished UAE figures, including women, who shaped the history of the country.Audiences across the UAE will be able to watch the official celebration live starting 5:30pm on the official website of the UAE National Day and on all local TV channels.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.From the statistics, one can gauge the amount of work went into the preparations of this much-anticipated event with more than 1,400 individuals from 100 nationalities working over 142 days in the run-up to December 2.Some members of the UAE Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee revealed new details to the media on Sunday.Eisa Alsubousi, Head of Communications of the UAE 50th National Day Executive team, began the briefing by introducing the different facets covered in the briefing video. From the celebration’s brand identity and the role of distinguished UAE figures in shaping the history of the UAE to the celebratory music and dance and the captivating features of the official celebration ceremony.Saeed Al Suwaidi, Head of Research from Bani & Al Culture of the UAE 50th National Day team, said the celebrations will focus on the relationship between the people and their homeland by emphasizing aspects related to the UAE’s agricultural, desert, mountain, and marine environments. He also noted that the show will include stories heard for the first time about some of the distinguished figures, including women, who played a role in shaping the history of the UAE.On operations, Butti Al Muhairi, Head of Operations of the UAE 50th National Day Executive team, said that preparations for the celebrations in Hatta started more than 142 days ago. More than 1,400 individuals from over 100 nationalities worked for a total of more than one million and 500,000 man hours on site.By fusing Emirati traditional song with international music, Music Composer, Mohammed Al Ahmed, of the UAE 50th National Day team, said that this year’s celebrations will include orchestral performances and the tribal vocal art of ‘Al-Nadba’ and ‘Al-Ruwah,’ traditionally performed on national and celebratory occasions. He added that the celebrations will also include music from traditional dance performances such as ‘Al-Ayala,’ ‘Al-Harbiya’ and others. The show will also include poetry which will be featured prominently during the festivities signifying its prominent role in UAE culture.Floating stageOn the artistic direction front, the official celebration is managed by Rawdha Al Qubaisi, Creative Executive Producer and Artistic Directors, Shaikha Al Ketbi and Es Devlin. One of the extraordinary features of the theatrical show is that it will be set on a floating stage in the middle of the Hatta dam amidst the breathtaking landscape using state-of-the-art technology.The Artistic Directors of the show noted in the briefing that the show will include state-of-the-art techniques that have never been seen before.One particular technique used this year in the firework display is the use of drones to lift the fireworks higher in the air, thus reducing the use of pyro material and creating a new breathtaking illusion and mesmerizing experience.The show also uses mid-air projections by utilizing water screens and a large sculpture to bring to the audience a floating theatrical experience, staged in Hatta Dam and surrounded by the Hajar mountains.Kholoud Sharafi, Brand Designer from Tinkah of the UAE 50th National Day team, spoke about the design journey of creating the brand identity of the UAE National Day.Sharafi mentioned how she was inspired by archival materials such as postage stamps, television footage, celebratory letters published in newspapers and even street signage and decorations from around the country.Audiences across the UAE will be able to watch the official celebration live starting 5:30pm on the official website of the UAE National Day and on all local TV channels. The spectacular show is open to the public, starting from December 4ttill December 12, tickets are available on www.UAENationalDay.aeRead more: UAE’s 50th National Day: How to celebrate the country’s golden jubileeExpo 2020 Dubai: 50 ways to celebrate the UAE’s Golden Jubilee at the World FairExpo 2020’s Golden Jubilee festivities to ‎showcase UAE’s meteoric rise since 1971‎
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations to focus on ties between people, their homeland

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health on Wednesday said a case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant was detected in the Kingdom in a citizen coming from a North African country, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The infected citizen and his contacts were isolated, and the approved health procedures were completed. An epidemiological investigation was conducted, the press agency said.The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health “stressed the need for all members of society to complete receiving [COVID-19] vaccine doses and to adhere to all precautionary measures, preventive measures and approved protocols, as well as the importance of those coming from traveling to adhere to the instructions related to quarantine and laboratory examination for their safety and the safety of all,” SPA reported.Saudi Arabia on Sunday suspended flights coming to and from Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Comoros due to the outbreak of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, according to SPA.The Kingdom also suspended entry of non-Saudis who come directly or indirectly from the above countries, except for those who have spent a period of no less than fourteen days in another country whose health procedures comply with Saudi Arabia’s rules regarding entry to the country in accordance with the approved health procedures, SPA reported.The emergence of COVID-19 variants is the result of not achieving health-related goals, individuals not getting vaccinated, and severe laxity in precautions, the official spokesman for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health said on Sunday.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The number of COVID-19 vaccine doses given in the Kingdom has reached 47 million, where over 22.3 million people have been vaccinated, the spokesman said.The World Health Organization (WHO) labeled the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.529, which was first reported in South Africa on November 24, as “Omicron.”Read more:Saudi Arabia suspends flights to several countries due to COVID-19 variantCOVID-19 variants emerge due to lax precautions, not getting vaccinated: Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia lifts suspension of flights from six countries
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia detects first case of COVID-19 Omicron variant in Kingdom

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced on Wednesday a $127 billion capital spending plan for 2022-2026, as it reported an increase in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) oil and natural gas reserves.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The state-owned company said national reserves had risen by 4 billion stock tank barrels (stb) of oil and 16 trillion standard cubic feet (scf) of natural gas, taking the totals to 111 billion stb and 289 trillion scf respectively.ADNOC said that reinforced the UAE’s position as number six in the world for oil reserves and number seven for gas reserves.Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Moahmmed bin Zayed chaired the company’s annual board meeting, which approved capital spending of 466 billion dirhams ($127 billion) for 2022-2026, up from $122 billion for 2021-25.The investment will expand upstream production capacity, the company’s downstream portfolio, plus low carbon and clean energy businesses, it said, without giving details.ADNOC said that since the launch of its so-called in-country value programme in 2018, it had driven 105 billion dirhams back into the UAE economy and created over 3,000 jobs in the private sector, including over 1,000 this year.It aims to drive over 160 billion dirhams back into the UAE economy across 2022-2026 through the same programme, it added.The ADNOC board also approved a “New Energies Strategy” aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and capitalising on opportunities in renewable energy, hydrogen and other lower carbon fuels.Separately, the government announced a global clean energy powerhouse intended to spearhead the drive to net-zero carbon by 2050. Consolidating their combined efforts in renewable energy and green hydrogen, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), Mubadala Investment Co and ADNOC will partner under the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) brand.The partnership will have a combined current, committed, and exclusive capacity of over 23 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, with the expectation of reaching well over 50 GW total capacity by 2030, TAQA said in a separate statement.TAQA will take the leading role with a 43 percent shareholding in Masdar’s renewable energy business, with Mubadala holding 33 percent and ADNOC 24 percent.Meanwhile, ADNOC will take the leading role with a 43 percent shareholding in Masdar’s green hydrogen business, with Mubadala holding 33 percent and TAQA 24 percent, it said.Read more: ADNOC increases size of drilling unit IPOUAE’s Adnoc says power grid to be supplied by nuclear, solar energyADNOC joint venture Fertiglobe sets mid-range IPO price, raising around $795 mln
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE’s ADNOC to invest 7 bln in 2022-26 as oil, gas reserves rise

Leaders of the United Arab Emirates have heralded key milestones marked in the nation over the past 50 years ahead of the Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations, as they ushered in a new era of growth for the country.In statements to the Nation Shield, the UAE Armed Forces’ magazine, the country’s leaders spoke of their highlights over the past half-a-century ahead of the anniversary of the historic unification, to be marked across the country on Thursday.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan said the UAE will continue to steadily pursue a solid ecosystem of well-established values and principles, with human capital lying at the heart of the ‘UAE Strategy for the Future’.“It’s this resilient set of legislation that’s enabled our nation to establish a coherent society with a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, a world-class healthcare system, an advanced education sector, an integrated modern infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and an enviable status in global competitiveness rankings,” added the President.In his statement, the President shed light on the key milestones achieved over the recent period: “We have come a long way in empowering women and youth, and developing a diversified economy. The outer space welcomed our first Emirati astronaut and our Hope Probe in historic milestones that have made our nation the first in this sphere in the Arab region and the fifth worldwide.”“We launched the Arab region’s first multi-unit nuclear plant that turned the UAE into a regional hub for renewable and clean energy. We’ve adopted a national strategy to retain and attract talent in a way that further reinforces the UAE’s stature on the Gulf, Arab, Islamic and global levels. And under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, we’re hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, the world’s Greatest Show’ for the first time in the region’s history.”The past fifty years of the country’s history, he continued, have fructified into a myriad of achievements, including sustainable development, political stability and security, a government that is among the most efficient in the world, and a private sector that has played a significant role in stimulating the domestic economy and enhancing its competitiveness and productivity.“We have introduced to the world an inspiring development success story, which has rendered our country a leading regional and international financial center, and a sought-after place to live, work, invest and travel.”“In so doing, we have surpassed others in terms of wellbeing, service excellence, corporate governance, trade openness, quality of life and entrepreneurship. We have successfully weathered the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and restored normalcy while observing full compliance with preventative measures in place.’’“Thanks to this enviable track record of achievements, we’re ushering in the next 50 years of our history with a comprehensive, long-term, and well-thought-out strategic vision, based on meticulous pursuance of excellence to secure a brighter future for future generations, who, by the time they will be celebrating our Centennial 2071, will see their nation amongst the best in the world thanks to a sustainable and vibrant economy.”“We are proud of all UAE residents, and their vital contributions to development and nation-building.”Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum also gave a statement, with a warm tribute to the UAE’s founding father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan.“As we celebrate the achievements of the country’s first 50 years and appreciate our progress, we commemorate our fathers who established the country and the foundations of its development and prosperity.“We commemorate our father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and words cannot express our appreciation of his leadership and wisdom. Without him, the UAE would have never become a reality.“With gratitude and appreciation, we commemorate the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Sheikh Zayed’s partner in establishing the country’s foundations on 18th February, 1968.“We also remember their brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, who supported them and joined them in consolidating the Union.”“On this day, we remember the first generation of Emiratis who built the country and worked hard, with loyalty and devotion, to establish the state’s institutions.”“Even though 17 years have passed since the death of Sheikh Zayed, he is alive in our hearts, and every 2nd December, his presence is consolidated in my own heart. I have worked under his leadership since the formation of the UAE. I have learnt a lot from his values and principles, as well as his decisions and stances. He always aimed to achieve our nation’s interests, make our people happy and strengthen the Union.”“The late Sheikh Zayed always worked to reinforce the Union and helped establish the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and helped lead the efforts aimed at strengthening the Arab cooperation.”“The legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed in terms of leadership and governance is valuable for this country’s generations. It is a lesson in establishing relations with others, reconciliation, crisis management and facing challenges.“Challenges never deterred us from pursuing our path, and our major challenge was to challenge ourselves. We had to prove our ability to establish an efficient country and an ambitious development model.“Over the past 50 years, we have faced different challenges in security, politics and economy. Nonetheless, we handled these challenges with the belief that our national worth is about confidently facing them with faith and optimism. Therefore, we were able to address challenges during the stages of the formation of the country and during the global economic recession, the first Gulf war, Kuwait’s invasion, the occupation of Iraq, and the so-called Arab Spring.”Fellow citizens, On this day, we must think about where we were 50 years ago and what we “have become.“Tomorrow, we begin our next 50 in our journey for development, guided by the UAE Centennial 2071 vision plan, the Principles of the 50 and the 10 principles approved by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as guidelines for all UAE’s institutions to strengthen the Union, build a sustainable economy, harness all possible resources to build a more prosperous society, foster positive regional and global relations to achieve national goals, and support peace and stability across the world.”For his part, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said” “Our celebration of National Day this year is of special importance, as our beloved nation completes 50 years of its rich history. It is an occasion full of important lessons and great significance for the present and the future.”“The UAE is striding towards the future, determined to excel in many fields and to create a bright future. Our country derives strength and confidence from its major achievements and relies on its wisdom, values, and the teachings of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to guide us today and into the future. Our nation looks to the martyrs’ sacrifices as a beacon that lights the way as it aims to contribute to the history of humanity and write a new chapter in its economic and development story.”Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad al-Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said the UAE Founding Fathers had worked hard to develop human capital by supporting education and qualifying Emirati citizens to contribute to the country’s development and its achievements.This year’s UAE National Day celebration is distinctive as the country celebrates the UAE’s Golden Jubilee that marks its 50-year development journey, he added.“Each time we mark this very special occasion, we must remember the endless efforts made by the late Founding Fathers to pave the way for such progress. Their strong will to achieve unity and futuristic visions made them role models of success.”Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid al-Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, stated that the journey of the Union went from success to success thanks to the strong solidarity of the country’s leadership tireless efforts, and their deep belief in the value of unity as a basis for building a modern state.‘‘On 2nd December, 1971, the world witnessed the birth of the state of the United Arab Emirates, the day will be remembered in history and remain alive in the conscience of the Emirati and Arab citizens.No matter how many years pass, the Union will remain an immortal memory in our hearts, dear to our souls, which generations pass through. It is a reality we witness and the good we live in under the shadow of a lofty homeland in which human beings advance, their dignity preserved, and people enjoy security and prosperity.”Sheikh Saud bin Saqr aal-Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said that 50 years have made the UAE a global oasis of tolerance and coexistence, and a destination that attracts people of different cultures and backgrounds.“In the UAE, we are proud to be the pioneers of one of the most successful experiences of the Union at the regional level, an experience that paved the way for establishing a modern state, which turns challenges into opportunities, and created the conditions and reasons that make it a major player on the global map.“What we have achieved in fifty years is an exceptional model that is unique to the UAE. We know our strength, that we are capable of defining our goals and ambitions, and the keenest to create a better tomorrow for our future generations.”Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed al-Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, has said that the National Day and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE Federation, are “unconventional celebration that reflects our strength, valor and presence in the international arenas.”“Today, all the visions have turned into a reality at a time when the development process in our glorious state has reached a place that no one has preceded it. Dreams do not come easily, and moving towards the future requires patience and work, and the will of men to build nations and leave a remarkable impact across the world.”Sheikh Saud bin Rashid al-Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, highlighted the will and determination of the country’s founding fathers, which led the country to become one of the fastest-growing nations in the world.Our celebration today of the country’s Golden Jubilee, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlights the will and determination of the Founding Fathers when they established a strong country, which has become one of the fastest-growing in the world. In the coming period, the country will witness many initiatives that will support the nation’s youth, encourage innovation across all areas, and create distinguished policies and initiatives.”Read more:UAE leaders honor Emirati martyrs on Commemoration DayUAE’s 50th National Day celebrations to focus on ties between people, their homelandExpo 2020’s Golden Jubilee festivities to ‎showcase UAE’s meteoric rise since 1971‎
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE leaders crown country’s Golden Jubilee, usher in next 50 years

Sadr is trying “to position himself simultaneously in the centre of the political system while distancing himself from it.”..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Iraq’s complex political landscape puts Sadr to the test

Two football players were confirmed to be Covid-19 positive while playing in Qatar for the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 tournament, reports said on Wednesday..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Two Covid-19 cases detected among FIFA Arab Cup 2021 players – Doha News | Qatar

In response to today’s proposals from the European Commission which would allow Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to derogate from EU rules, including by holding asylum-seekers and migrants at the border for 16 weeks with minimal safeguards, Eve Geddie, Director of Amnesty International’s European Office said: “The arrival of people at the EU’s borders with Belarus ..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: EU: ‘Exceptional measures’ normalize dehumanization of asylum seekers