SHARJAH, 30th December, 2019 — The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology at Sharjah University hosted a joint Emirati-Japanese workshop on planetary exploration, in cooperation with the UAE Space Agency, the Chiba Institute of Technology and CITJAMSS.
The workshop aimed to introduce the UAE’s key developments and achievements in the global space sector to space scientists and those interested, as well as present several research outcomes monitored using the UAE Astronomical Camera Network.
The workshop also aimed to empower students and researchers in the area of space exploration, through the exchange of expertise and knowledge and the launch of joint scientific projects, which will reinforce the academy’s stature as a leading scientific research centre serving the space sector of the UAE and the rest of the world while improving the scientific ties between the UAE and Japan.
Dr. Humaid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Director of Sharjah University and Director-General of the Academy, thanked H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for supporting the academy, which was founded by Sheikh Sultan as a national project and research centre that will raise the community’s awareness of all areas of space science and reinforce the stature of Sharjah, as well as the UAE, as a leading scientific centre of space research in the Gulf region and the rest of the world.
He also highlighted the academy’s keenness to achieve Sheikh Sultan’s visions, through working on relevant scientific projects, in cooperation with leading national and international scientific authorities, as well as establishing efficient research labs, such as the CubeSat and the Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences.
The workshop covered topics related to space science and astronomy, which were discussed by researchers from the academy and several experts from the agency, CITJAMSS and the institute.
Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by
Rabbi Amjad -
December 31, 2019 at 12:14 pm
RAS AL KHAIMAH, 30th December, 2019 — This year, Ras Al Khaimah is ready to create history with its fireworks show as part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations that will feature two record-breaking bids: the use of the most unmanned aerial vehicles launching fireworks simultaneously (190) and the spell-binding sight of the “longest firework firewall”.
Preparations have entered the final stages for the fireworks display, measured against stringent guidelines set by adjudicators from Guinness World Records. Every aspect of the 190-drone record attempt is being fine-tuned to perfection, while specifics are being finalist to create the “longest firework waterfall”, with the fireworks hung on wires at a distance measuring 4,000 meters, in the hope of breaking the current record of 3517.23 meters recorded in Fukuoka, Japan.
The pyro-drones theme will also entail recreating the key monuments of Ras Al Khaimah through laser displays and pyrotechnics as the display builds to its grand finale.
A spokesperson for the organising committee for RAK NYE 2020 said, “While Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve has set Guinness World Records in the past two years, this year, the innovative two record bids are the first-of-a-kind, assuring a magnificent display. We are putting the final touches and are working closely with the adjudicators to ensure the show will be unlike any other.”
In addition to the fireworks display, Ras Al Khaimah New Year’s Eve promises to be spectacular, with a wide range of activities to enthral people of all ages.
At Al Marjan Island, the main venue for the event, there are activities for children that will keep audiences engaged until the countdown to the fireworks show.
A high-level organising committee comprising members of Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah Police, Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce, Public Works, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Hamra and others, is leading preparations for the event.
ABU DHABI, 26th December, 2019 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MoFAIC, highlighted the importance for UAE citizens wishing to travel abroad to review country specific travel advice and hunting laws on the ministry website or via its smart application, ‘UAEMOFAIC’.
In a statement, the ministry said on Thursday that it aims to raise UAE citizen’s awareness of the latest travel updates for the sake of their personal safety and security.
MoFAIC also urged citizens desiring to travel to sign up to the ‘Twajudi’ service, and register their families, senior citizens and children. Twajudi, a service provided by MoFAIC, facilitates communication between Emiratis and UAE embassies abroad in cases of crises or emergencies.
The ministry also urged UAE nationals to sign up to the ‘Musafir’, a health insurance policy programme that assists Emiratis to gain health care in case of a medical emergency while abroad.
It also noted that emergency passport application services are readily available in case of loss, theft or expiry throughout UAE embassies abroad. Emiratis can also utilise the ministry website or smart application to apply for an emergency passport, MoFAIC concluded.
Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by
Rabbi Amjad -
December 30, 2019 at 12:30 pm
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 27th December, 2019 — Fifteen people have died after a passenger jet from Kazakh airline Bek Air crashed during take-off, Kazakh news agency Kazinform said on Friday.
The Fokker 100 aircraft carrying 95 passengers and five crew members broke through a wall before hitting a residential building. The plane was flying from Almaty and was headed to the Kazakh capital, Nursultan.
Rescue teams are currently working to retrieve injured persons from the crash site.
According to Kazinform, the Kazakh government has set up a commission to investigate the accident.
All Bek Air flights have been suspended for the day, the agency concluded.
DUBAI, 28th December, 2019 — A new survey on local perceptions of Dubai’s brand has revealed that the city is home to the most vibrant creative sector in the region.
The survey, which looked at perceptions of Dubai’s creative sector among UAE-based arts and culture professionals and consumers in comparison to other countries in the region, was commissioned by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority based on the parameters of an international index. In its key findings: 95 percent of respondents saw Dubai as having a vibrant creative sector, the highest rating in the region.
90 percent defined the emirate as “innovative” and 89 percent as “creative”.
82 percent of consumers favour Dubai’s homegrown culture and arts production to their home countries, while 90 percent are highly engaged in local culture and arts activities.
76 percent of Dubai-based art and culture professionals and 60 percent of art and culture professionals based in other emirates agree that Dubai’s ecosystem has developed enough for the creative sector to flourish, which marks the progress of the emirate in recent years.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: “Dubai’s ambitious cultural strategy puts the emirate on the fast track to become on par with global creative hubs, whether as a centre for culture, an incubator for creative ideas and businesses, or a forum for local and international talent to express and actualise their ambitions. Research to gain feedback on the sector’s successes, opportunities and challenges from locally-based creative professionals and enthusiasts is one of the most invaluable tools we have to work towards this vision.”
“The fact that our survey’s respondents ranked Dubai as the most vibrant creative city in the region is a true testament to the homegrown passion and talent we witness here. These results show that we are on the right path, and they also help us to identify the steps we need to take to support the ongoing development of the sector, such as investing in talent and creatives and setting new policies that facilitate a flourishing creative ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Global Grad Show, the Dubai Art Season, the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature, and Dubai Next, apart from new initiatives launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as part of Dubai Culture’s new direction, we are working to maintain Dubai’s position as the number one creative sector in the region, enhancing our position as a global cultural centre,” She added.
The survey explored two key elements of Dubai as defined by the FutureBrand Country Index 2019: purpose (which include the country’s value system, quality of life, and business potential) and experience (heritage, culture, tourism, products and services, made in).
The FutureBrand index measured perceptions of Dubai among international communities, ranking it at 16th place in the 2019 Country Brand Ranking among 75 countries (coming up three places from 2014 and maintaining its 1st place within the Middle East) as well as ranking at 11th place on the ‘Most Influential City’ list. Dubai Culture’s survey mirrored the index’s approach to capture a complementary view of perceptions of Dubai among locally based creative communities.
The survey built on and customised the pillars of purpose and experience as defined by the index, to achieve an understanding of how Dubai’s cultural sector is perceived by UAE residents. Respondents then shared their opinions on the emirate’s creative sector, specifically relating to its offering, variety, evolution, and ecosystem.
The survey was conducted online, in English and Arabic, among 100 UAE residents who work in the creative sector across the different emirates, and 200 UAE residents between 21 and 65 years who have visited cultural attractions such as museums, theatres, and arts institutions (like Art Dubai, d3 and Alserkal Avenue) at least twice in the past 12 months.
The creative sector participants included architects, artists, film and TV producers, writers, fashion, graphic and interior designers, as well as advertising and marketing professionals.
ABU DHABI, 29th December, 2019 — The UAE has jumped ten spots on the list of most competitive countries in the world during four years, acquiring 5th place in 2019 compared to the 15th spot in 2016, according to the annual World Competitiveness Ranking 2019 published by the IMD Business School.
The UAE has proven its standing as one of the world’s most competitive economies, going above and beyond in areas such as productivity, digital transformation and entrepreneurship.
The IMD World Competitiveness Rankings, established in 1989, incorporate 235 indicators from each of the 63 ranked economies. Information gathered from the indicators are then filtered into four core areas – economic performance, infrastructure, government efficiency and business efficiency.
The young nation also ranked in the top 5 in various sub-factors of the report, including tech regulatory frameworks, wireless broadband connectivity, management of cities, public-private partnerships and attitudes towards globalisation.
To become a global leader in international competitiveness arenas, the UAE government set out the UAE National Agenda, developed by over 300 officials from 90 federal and local government entities. The Agenda includes a set of national indicators in the sectors of education, healthcare, economy, police and security, justice, society, housing, infrastructure and government services.
These indicators are long-term, measure performance outcomes in each of the national priorities, and generally compare the UAE against global benchmarks. The national indicators are periodically monitored by Government leadership to ensure their targets are achieved by 2021 in which the UAE will celebrate its Golden Jubilee.
Indicators, like that of the IMD World Competitiveness Rankings, highlight the UAE’s growing ability to compete with advanced economies and join the list of top ten countries in the dynamic global landscape.
ABU DHABI, 26th December, 2019 — The construction sector has taken the lead in the top ten list of business activities that acquired licences in the UAE in 2019, according to the latest statistics issued by the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Three licences were being issued daily for both construction contracting and general commerce activities, following by restaurants, which acquired two licences daily, reflecting an increase after a period of slowdown.
The return of activity in various national economic sectors encouraged the UAE’s banking system to provide more financial support to these sectors in 2019.
A total of 1,050 licences were issued by local economic departments in all emirates for construction contracting businesses in 2019 while some 1,004 licences were issued to general commerce businesses.
Some 868 licences were also issued for hot and cold drinks businesses, as well as around 755 for new restaurants and 671 for dessert businesses.
The top ten list includes the transport sector, with 521 licences issued for transporting general materials by light trucks and 508 by heavy trucks, along with 429 licences to sell perfumes, 403 for retail clothing, and 390 for building cleaning services.
The total number of licences issued for the top ten businesses activities amounted to 6,599, accounting for 14.6 percent of new licences issued for all economic activities in the country in 2019.
Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by
Rabbi Amjad -
December 28, 2019 at 12:52 pm
DUBAI, 28th December, 2019 — A new survey on local perceptions of Dubai’s brand has revealed that the city is home to the most vibrant creative sector in the region.
The survey, which looked at perceptions of Dubai’s creative sector among UAE-based arts and culture professionals and consumers in comparison to other countries in the region, was commissioned by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority based on the parameters of an international index. In its key findings: 95 percent of respondents saw Dubai as having a vibrant creative sector, the highest rating in the region.
90 percent defined the emirate as “innovative” and 89 percent as “creative”.
82 percent of consumers favour Dubai’s homegrown culture and arts production to their home countries, while 90 percent are highly engaged in local culture and arts activities.
76 percent of Dubai-based art and culture professionals and 60 percent of art and culture professionals based in other emirates agree that Dubai’s ecosystem has developed enough for the creative sector to flourish, which marks the progress of the emirate in recent years.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: “Dubai’s ambitious cultural strategy puts the emirate on the fast track to become on par with global creative hubs, whether as a centre for culture, an incubator for creative ideas and businesses, or a forum for local and international talent to express and actualise their ambitions. Research to gain feedback on the sector’s successes, opportunities and challenges from locally-based creative professionals and enthusiasts is one of the most invaluable tools we have to work towards this vision.”
“The fact that our survey’s respondents ranked Dubai as the most vibrant creative city in the region is a true testament to the homegrown passion and talent we witness here. These results show that we are on the right path, and they also help us to identify the steps we need to take to support the ongoing development of the sector, such as investing in talent and creatives and setting new policies that facilitate a flourishing creative ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Global Grad Show, the Dubai Art Season, the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature, and Dubai Next, apart from new initiatives launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as part of Dubai Culture’s new direction, we are working to maintain Dubai’s position as the number one creative sector in the region, enhancing our position as a global cultural centre,” She added.
The survey explored two key elements of Dubai as defined by the FutureBrand Country Index 2019: purpose (which include the country’s value system, quality of life, and business potential) and experience (heritage, culture, tourism, products and services, made in).
The FutureBrand index measured perceptions of Dubai among international communities, ranking it at 16th place in the 2019 Country Brand Ranking among 75 countries (coming up three places from 2014 and maintaining its 1st place within the Middle East) as well as ranking at 11th place on the ‘Most Influential City’ list. Dubai Culture’s survey mirrored the index’s approach to capture a complementary view of perceptions of Dubai among locally based creative communities.
The survey built on and customised the pillars of purpose and experience as defined by the index, to achieve an understanding of how Dubai’s cultural sector is perceived by UAE residents. Respondents then shared their opinions on the emirate’s creative sector, specifically relating to its offering, variety, evolution, and ecosystem.
The survey was conducted online, in English and Arabic, among 100 UAE residents who work in the creative sector across the different emirates, and 200 UAE residents between 21 and 65 years who have visited cultural attractions such as museums, theatres, and arts institutions (like Art Dubai, d3 and Alserkal Avenue) at least twice in the past 12 months.
The creative sector participants included architects, artists, film and TV producers, writers, fashion, graphic and interior designers, as well as advertising and marketing professionals.
ABU DHABI, 25th December, 2019 — The Government of Abu Dhabi and Aldar Properties have agreed on an exchange of land assets in a transaction that will see the redistribution of land resources suitable for development in accordance with both the Abu Dhabi Government and Aldar’s respective strategic priorities.
The agreement, implemented by the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, contributes to the Government of Abu Dhabi’s strategy of closely collaborating with the private sector to manage real estate supply and ensure stable and sustainable development of the market. The real estate sector is a key enabler of sustainable growth and economic diversification in Abu Dhabi.
As per the agreement, which will be implemented from December 2019, land with total developable gross floor area, GFA, of approximately six million sqm will be exchanged.
The Government of Abu Dhabi will receive land on Al Raha Beach, Lulu Island and other land parcels on Abu Dhabi island in non-investment zones. Aldar will receive infrastructure enabled land plots in the Saadiyat Cultural District and Mina Zayed, which closely match the company’s key areas of focus for future development.
Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by
Rabbi Amjad -
December 26, 2019 at 12:13 pm
DUBAI, 23rd December, 2019 — The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority announced the launch of the first edition of “Hatta Cultural Nights”, a cultural programme that will feature festive events and activities designed to introduce the community to the cultural fabric of the emirate and highlight the richness and values it embodies.
The event will be held at Wadi Hatta Park in the city of Hatta and will coincide with the 25th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival on 26th December, 2019. It will run until 11th January, 2020. The programme opens from 16:00 to 22:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and from 16:00 to 00:00 on Friday and Saturday.
Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, said, “There is a deep cultural and heritage value to this initiative, which is being held for the first time. It is a distinctive demonstration that reflects the spirit of oneness and diversity that Dubai as an emirate exemplifies. It upholds our vision of highlighting the richness that people from various countries living here impart to the overall cultural identity of the emirate. This is also reflective of the value of tolerance that the UAE has adopted since its establishment. It provides visitors with an opportunity to explore Dubai’s traditional side and this, in turn, helps us reinforce Dubai’s position as an epicentre of culture, an incubator of creativity, and a thriving hub of talent.”
Hatta Cultural Nights will feature folkloric paintings, folk songs, and folk dances, which will be presented by artists not only from the UAE but across the world in an effort to build constructive cultural bridges between people of various countries.
Fine art exhibitions will showcase artwork created by the people of determination, along with the market that will feature a unique collection of homemade brands, traditional Emirati food, and sweets. Majalis for Senior Emirates (male and female) will also participate to share their experiences in culture and heritage with the future generation.
There will also be a Gallery of Antique Doors, wherein different sections will tell a story that symbolises an era in the emirate’s ancient history. There will also be poetry evenings along with fun Emirati folk games, and workshops for children including activities such as face painting, henna painting, heritage competitions, and more.
Hatta Cultural Nights is being held in cooperation with the Dubai Municipality, the Community Development Authority, and the Sheikha Maitha Bint Rashid Al Maktoum Center for People of Determination.
Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by
Rabbi Amjad -
December 24, 2019 at 1:39 pm
ABU DHABI, 23rd December, 2019 — Etihad Airways has announced that it will launch new seasonal flights to Malaga in Spain, to meet strong customer demand from across the UAE and GCC for flights to the popular gateway to the province of Andalucía.
Three weekly flights will operate via the Moroccan capital, Rabat, from 26th June to 13th September, 2020.
Commenting on the announcement, Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “Malaga has been on our wish-list for some time and we are tremendously pleased to announce summer season services to the Costa del Sol, a region which for decades has been popular with travellers from across the United Arab Emirates. This will be the only service between the UAE and the main gateway to Andalucía.
“Together with Madrid and Barcelona, Malaga will be Etihad’s third destination in Spain, further boosting our successful operations to the Iberian Peninsula. The new flights will be operated by our next-generation 787 Dreamliners, ensuring we provide the best product and service to our customers heading on business or on holiday.”
Etihad Airways’ three-class version of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features 8 private First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 190 Economy Smart Seats. The introduction of the aircraft will also provide new belly-hold cargo capacity between southern Spain and Abu Dhabi, and beyond to destinations on Etihad’s global route network.
The number of visitors from the UAE to Spain has been rising rapidly, thanks in part to a successful Schengen visa waiver programmer introduced for UAE nationals in 2015.
ABU DHABI, 22nd December, 2019 — Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwaiti flag carrier, Kuwait Airways, have signed a codeshare partnership on selected services on bookings effective 22nd December 2019, for travel from 5th January 2020.
According to a statement by Etihad airways, the national airline will place its ‘EY’ code – subject to regulatory approvals – on Kuwait Airways operated flights from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait, Najaf and Dhaka.
“In turn, Kuwait Airways will place its ‘KU’ code on Etihad flights from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi, Belgrade, Casablanca, Rabat, Khartoum, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Male in the Maldives, and Mahe in the Seychelles,” the statement added.
Commenting on the announcement, Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said, “This is a great first step in what we hope will be a mutually beneficial and growing relationship between Kuwait Airways, one of the region’s oldest and most experienced airlines, and Etihad, one of its youngest and most acclaimed. The joint network and product advantages of our codeshare collaboration with Kuwait Airways will create tangible benefits for our customers, building on the strong relationship between our two nations, while providing greater convenience and superior in-flight service and hospitality.”
He went on to say that the codeshare partnership gives the national airline “unprecedented access to important markets not served by Etihad, particularly to Iraq and Bangladesh.”
Kamel Al-Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Airways, said, “We welcome Etihad as a codeshare partner. This new partnership will bring enhanced connectivity and increased convenience to our customers, who can expect the same level of impeccable service that they receive from our airline when they travel on codeshare flights to and from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi and beyond.
“The agreement will support Kuwait Airways and Etihad operations between our two capital cities and provide more travel options beyond both gateways,” Al-Awadhi added.
Etihad Airways currently operates five return daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, and Kuwait Airways serves Abu Dhabi with a daily service.
Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by
Rabbi Amjad -
December 23, 2019 at 10:54 am
ABU DHABI, 22nd December, 2019 — Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has become the second carrier to be awarded IATA’s Center of Excellence for Perishable Logistics, CEIV Fresh, in Abu Dhabi.
The new award elevates Etihad Cargo as the first Middle East airline to hold both of IATA’s CEIV Fresh and CEIV Pharma certifications, and one of the two carriers globally to claim this dual honour.
To secure the twin certifications within a frame of one calendar year, Etihad Cargo was required to meet global IATA standards, International requirements and best practices, as well as pass stringent food safety management protocols within Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, HACCP, methodology.
Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, Managing Director Cargo and Logistics at Etihad Aviation Group, said, “Acquiring our second CEIV certification in a single year is a significant achievement for Etihad Cargo and underlines the product-specific quality of service we deliver across our global network. In-line with our commitment to offer a diverse portfolio of industry-leading products to Etihad Cargo’s global customers, FreshForward is destined for further investment and growth.”
Frederic Leger, Director, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security Products, IATA, added, “Perishable goods is a growing market for air cargo. Ensuring that these delicate and short shelf-life products reach the customer unspoiled with minimal loss is essential.
“I want to congratulate both Etihad Cargo and Etihad Airport Services, EAS, in achieving the Center of Excellence for Perishable Logistics, CEIV Fresh, certification. CEIV Fresh certification provides stakeholders throughout the air cargo supply chain with the assurance that certified companies are operating to the highest quality and standards in the transport of perishable products.”
In addition to covering Etihad Cargo’s airline operations, the CEIV’s Fresh Certification also comprises cargo handling and warehousing at Abu Dhabi International Airport, AUH. With a multi-phased cargo infrastructure development strategy in place, including an expanded fresh facility, Etihad Cargo is committed to developing a Cool Chain Center of Excellence at its state-of-the-art UAE hub.
ABU DHABI, 22nd December, 2019 — The world’s attention will be focused on Dubai during the Christmas and New Year holidays, as it tops the list of global tourism destinations, due to its rich tourism and entertainment options.
Local tourism authorities and travel companies point out that Dubai will host some five million tourists during the peak period of Christmas and New Year, when the emirate receives millions of visitors annually, especially when major events are taking place that are appropriate for all age groups.
Dubai is ranked among the top ten favorite international destinations in 2020 in the annual list of Lonely Planet, one of the leading international travel and tourism guides.
The emirate also boasts a variety of hotel options that are suitable for all budgets and provide comfort and entertainment.
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city with an architecture that combines modernity and originality. It also has an attractive view of the Arabian desert and many unique landmarks, and it hosts some of the largest and most unique tourism projects in the world, such as the largest dancing fountain and the tallest building in the world, the 163-floor Burj Khalifa.
It also has the largest artificial archipelago, the tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah, as well as water parks and numerous and diverse shopping malls. Among top tourism attractions in the emirate is the Dubai Miracle Garden, a 72,000 sqm garden boasting some 150 million flowers and plants arranged in a myriad of shapes and designs.
Dubai is famous for its leadership and its ongoing efforts to set new world records that will attract more visitors, as well as for its world-class shopping experience. In addition, the city will host Expo 2020 Dubai next year. In previous years, Dubai has succeeded in creating more tourist attractions, including the Dubai Eye, Al Shindagha Museum, a world-class art centre, and many others.
The Emirate of Dubai embraces many historic treasures, museums and heritage areas, including the Grand Jumeirah Mosque, the Dubai Museum, traditional markets and Al Seef on Dubai Creek.
Dubai also has many prominent projects under construction, which, upon completion, will add to its list of attractions, including the site for Expo 2020 Dubai and the Museum of the Future, which is a unique incubator for exploring the future of science, technology and innovation with a unique concept, by employing Arabic calligraphy.
ABU DHABI, 18th December, 2019 — Fujairah Terminals, wholly-owned by Abu Dhabi Ports, has celebrated the official start of the 2019-2020’s cruise season with the first-ever cruise turnaround conducted at Fujairah Port.
The recent call by the Marella Discovery, a cruise liner operated by TUI UK, at Fujairah Terminals marked the first time a visiting vessel dropped off arriving guests and welcomed new visitors during the ship’s stay at the port.
To facilitate the turnaround call process, Fujairah Terminals established a temporary Cruise Terminal to oversee the movement of visitors. The fit-for-purpose facility features a passenger hall, luggage-handling area, and has onsite traffic and logistics support for travellers transferring to and from Dubai World Central airport.
AbdulAziz Al Balooshi, Acting CEO of Fujairah Terminals, said, “For the first time at Fujairah, we conducted a cruise turnaround call to celebrate the start of the 2019-2020 cruise season.
“This event marks a key moment for the emirate and is a culmination of all the hard work done in close collaboration with our government partners to support cruise operations, while at the same time elevating Fujairah’s place as a top destination within the global cruise market.”
Noura Rashed Al Dhaheri, Cruise Terminal Manager at Abu Dhabi Ports, said, “We are excited to announce the official start of cruise season here in Fujairah with the arrival of Marella Discovery. The ship is the first of 16 cruises scheduled to arrive for the season, which is slated to end on 15th May 2020.
“Starting with seven cruises back in 2016, the number of annual cruise calls has increased significantly over the past few years, highlighting the growing popularity of Fujairah as a top travel destination, and Abu Dhabi Ports’ commitment to growing the cruise market in the UAE.”
Since receiving the first cruise ship back in 2016, Fujairah Terminals has experienced a steady increase in the number of calls each year. Expecting to receive 16 cruise calls during the 2019-2020 season, the cruise terminal has recorded a 185 percent increase in the number of cruises over the past four years.
Marella Discovery features 11 decks with 918 cabins and can transport up to 1,800 guests.
Embarking on a two-week cruise after leaving Fujairah, Marella Discovery is set to stop in Abu Dhabi. From there, the ship will continue with several excursions planned in Oman and India, before finally arriving in Cochin, India.
Be the first to comment - What do you think? Posted by
Rabbi Amjad -
December 19, 2019 at 1:02 pm
power diesel generators dubai rental, and maintenance services.
Do you want to start a new life in a paradise? Then Vanuatu is just the place for you! Visit this page http://vrp-mena.com/lang/vanuatu.php to learn more about this country.
