Saboor Ash's Blog

  Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, has received recently Ruslan Zhaksylykov, the Defence Minister of Kazakhstan, at Qasr Al Watan. The meeting reflects the growing ties between the two nations, particularly in the field of defense and security. During this meeting, His Highness and Minister Zhaksylykov talked about all aspects of cooperation between the UAE and Kazakhstan. The two parties also discussed ways to develop cooperation in defense-a highly significant aspect that contributes much to the stability and security of the two countries. Such dialogues are very important in fostering trust and understanding between nations. The UAE has been in pursuit of various ways of concretizing relationships with other nations, and this meeting acts as a pointer to the same. Engaging world key leaders means that it is nurturing mutual interests and shared goals; these talks with the Defence Minister of Kazakhstan fit into an overall s...

The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, invited the United Arab Emirates to seek investment opportunities in her province. The Chief Minister met the UAE Ambassador, Hammad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, which is indeed a giant step toward an economic partnership between Punjab and the United Arab Emirates. During the discussion, both parties agreed to set up a working group on Punjab-UAE that will take bilateral relations to new heights. Both sides agreed to concentrate efforts during the meeting to work on ways of increasing cooperation between the two parties concerning economics, tourism, and developing projects in Punjab. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that it is a step towards building sustainable development and enhancing ties between Punjab and the UAE. She assured the investors from the UAE of the environment being conducive to their investment and growth, encouraging them to explore the huge opportunities available in the province. The UAE ambassador, however, sh...

The Bahrain News has reported that the UAE's investments in the Kingdom of Bahrain have reached a phenomenal $2 billion. This was made known by the Finance and National Economy Minister, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, during a statement to the members of parliament. The minister provided some interesting facts regarding the depth of the economic presence of the UAE in Bahrain. He said that 110 branches of companies from the UAE are operating in the country. Moreover, there are 1,200 Bahraini companies with UAE investors, and 6,900 Emirati nationals have stocks in the Bahrain Bourse, the country's stock exchange. The economic relationship between the two Gulf countries is much more than a business or commercial venture. The minister also added that 3,000 Emiratis own property in the kingdom of Bahrain, while 1,978 Emiratis are licensed to conduct business activities in the kingdom. These figures indicate the good economic cooperation and integration between the UAE and Ba...

NASA's Parker Solar Probe has done something incredible in terms of space exploration related to the sun. On December 24th, 2024, the spacecraft became the closest human-made object ever to the Sun by making a successful approach at just 6.1 million kilometers above the solar surface. The historic achievement is considered an important milestone in the knowledge that humankind has regarding the Earth's closest star. The Parker Solar Probe was launched in 2018 with an ambitious goal: to study the Sun up close. Using the gravitational pull of Venus, the spacecraft has been maneuvering itself into a tighter orbit around the Sun, allowing it to go deeper into the star's environment than any spacecraft ever has. During its closest approach, the Parker Solar Probe faced extreme conditions, enduring temperatures of up to 982°C (1,800°F) and speeds of up to 692,000 km/h (430,000 mph). Despite these challenging conditions, the spacecraft remained safe and operational, sending a beac...

  The United Arab Emirates has witnessed a remarkable surge in its tourism sector in 2024, cementing its position as a global destination of choice. This growth aligns with the ambitious goals set forth in the "UAE Tourism Strategy 2031," which aims to position the country as a leading global hub for travel and leisure. According to the latest Travel & Tourism Development Index by World Economic Forum, the UAE has ranked regionally first and globally in the 18th place, a testament to growing prominence of the country within the global tourism map. This development reflects the state's dedication to building world-class infrastructure, diverse attractions, and a smooth visitor experience. One of the biggest reasons for the success of tourism in the UAE is its ability to meet any kind of traveler's need. From iconic landmarks to luxurious accommodations, vibrant cultural experiences, and adventure activities, the UAE offers a little bit of everything for the visitor...

  The visit of the vice president of the UAE to AlUla, Saudi Arabia, has generated substantial interest in the region. The encounter between the Saudi crown prince and the UAE dignitary holds vital strategic significance because it consolidates the already well-established cooperation between the two nations in the Gulf. This historic and culturally important region in Saudi Arabia, AlUla was chosen as the venue of this high-level diplomatic engagement, signifying the importance which both countries attach to conserving their shared heritage and promoting cultural exchange. During the visit, the Saudi Crown Prince and the UAE Vice President are going to discuss a wide range of issues including regional security, economic cooperation, and regional developments. Being two of the most influential players in the GCC, their discussions are bound to have far-reaching implications for the entire region. The relationship of Saudi Arabia and the UAE with one another has been considered as a...

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, recently had a call with Asaad. The details of this conversation were shared on the official Instagram account of Aletihad English. The relationship between the UAE and the individual with whom Sheikh Abdullah spoke is a very important one. The phone call was a serious diplomatic exchange, probably discussing matters of mutual interest and concern between the two nations or entities represented by Sheikh Abdullah and Asaad. Given Sheikh Abdullah's position in the UAE government, it would be quite reasonable to assume that the topics discussed over the phone call were of national and international importance. The UAE is a key player in the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape, and its foreign minister's interactions with other leaders and officials carry substantial weight. This fact makes it important enough to be a post on the official Instagram account of A...

The United Arab Emirates has long been recognized as a global leader in humanitarian aid and relief efforts. Throughout the year 2024, the UAE has continued to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to supporting communities in need around the world, addressing a diverse range of crises and emergencies. One of the UAE's giant humanitarian initiatives in 2024 was to set up a specialized field hospital within Pakistan to offer medical attention to the thousands affected by the devastating floods that shook the country. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and manned with a team of dedicated health professionals from the UAE, this hospital has been something of a lifeline to thousands of flood victims in Pakistan. In addition to its disaster response efforts, the UAE has also focused on long-term development projects that are meant to improve the lives of vulnerable populations. The UAE inaugurated a state-of-the-art orphanage in the Oromia region in Ethiopia, which is a s...

  Careem, one of the Middle East's favorite tech companies, is indeed making its mark in financial services. Its digital wallet and fintech platform, Careem Pay, just launched an international remittance service to Lebanon, together with Purpl. In a move that has shaken the grounds of the entire country, this innovative service was launched with the intent to make it easier and affordable for the Lebanese community here in the UAE to send money to their loved ones back home. The new service from Careem Pay will enable people to transfer money (AED into USD) straight from the Careem account to a mobile number in Lebanon linked with a Purpl wallet. This helps avoid the necessity of keeping a bank account for receiving money, thereby making this process more accessible and available to people, especially when they are not banked or have refugee documentation. Careem Pay's remittance service has several perks for the users. Sending fees are kept low to up to 1.5%, and there is no w...

The Sindh Association of the UAE recently organized a grand celebration to mark the UAE's 53rd National Day in Dubai. The event, held in collaboration with GBH, featured a captivating Sindhi Mega Musical Night that attracted thousands of guests from across the seven emirates. The highlight of the evening was the spellbinding performance by renowned Pakistani artist Sanam Marvi, who enthralled the audience with her rendition of patriotic songs. Joining her on stage were other talented artists, including Zamin Ali from Punjab, Aini Zidi from Balochistan, and Sonia Majid from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who mesmerized the crowd with their lively and energetic musical acts. The event was graced by the presence of the Pakistani Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who praised the Sindhi community for their hospitality, peace-loving nature, and rich culture. In his address, the ambassador urged the Pakistani community in the UAE to continue abiding by the laws and regulations of the host ...

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has credited the UAE for its crucial support that enabled Pakistan to complete its International Monetary Fund IMF program. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad to mark the UAE's National Day, Sharif acknowledged the UAE's unwavering support for Pakistan during this challenging period. Sharif praised the UAE's long-standing friendship with Pakistan, highlighting the significant contributions the UAE has made to Pakistan's health, education, and infrastructure sectors. He recognized the remarkable progress and prosperity achieved by the UAE under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was a great friend of Pakistan. The Prime Minister emphasized that the UAE has set an example of development and prosperity, and that the close ties between Pakistan and the UAE continue to thrive. He reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the UAE's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and expressed eagerness for the upcoming visi...

  The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi recently hosted a special event titled "Gul-e-Parveen" to pay tribute to the legendary Pakistani poet, Parveen Shakir. Organized in collaboration with Chai Shai Restaurant, the evening was a heartfelt celebration of Shakir's timeless literary contributions. Parveen Shakir was a renowned poet who captured the hearts of readers around the world with her deeply emotive verses. Her poetry explored themes of love, loss, and the complexities of life, while giving a powerful voice to the feminine experience in society. Even today, her words continue to inspire and resonate with people across cultures. The event at the Pakistan Embassy brought together distinguished guests, including Urdu language poets based in the UAE, as well as other prominent dignitaries. Attendees had the opportunity to experience a blend of poetry, music, and traditional Pakistani cuisine - all designed to honor Shakir's remarkable legacy. Touching recitations of Par...

  UAE leaders wished the Kingdom of Bahrain on its 53rd National Day on Monday. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to Twitter to express his sincere best wishes to King Hamad bin Isa and the people of Bahrain. Sheikh Mohamed underlined the strong bond of amity between the UAE and Bahrain in the statement that both countries remain united in their shared vision for the ongoing development of their nations, peoples, and region. The Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, did the same and wished his people through a social media post. In his message, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed his warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Kingdom of Bahrain, its leadership, and its people. He emphasized the strong ties between the UAE and Bahrain and wished for Bahrain to continue being a beacon of prosperity and progress with the blessings of security and stability. The messages of the UAE leaders underl...

  The United Arab Emirates has established itself as the premier startup ecosystem in the MENA region, raising the highest startup funding in November 2024. This report states that UAE-based startups secured a total of $146 million in 11 deals, showing how growth and investor confidence are remarkable in the country's entrepreneurial landscape. The report shows two great funding rounds that pushed this momentum forward: eyewa, a UAE-based start-up, raised $100 million while Lean Technologies, another one from the UAE, secured a $67.5 million. These strong investments demonstrate how appealing the UAE is becoming as a startup hub for innovative and ambitious startups. Saudi Arabia closely followed the UAE, with startups in the kingdom raising $94 million across 23 deals. This is a thriving startup ecosystem in the region, with investors recognizing the potential of Saudi-based ventures. Known for their ability to withstand political pressure and currency volatility, the growth of Eg...

In a significant diplomatic meeting the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the King of Jordan His Majesty King Abdullah II, held discussions in Abu Dhabi the capital of the UAE. The two leaders addressed the important topic of bilateral relations between their countries as well as the pressing regional developments in the area. The meeting between the UAE President and the Jordanian King underscores the strong partnership and strategic cooperation between the two nations. As regional powers the UAE and Jordan play crucial roles in shaping the dynamics and addressing the challenges faced in the Middle East and the broader region. During the discussions the leaders delved into various aspects of the bilateral ties between the UAE and Jordan. They explored ways to further strengthen the existing cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration that would benefit both countries and their people The meeting aimed to align their strategic inte...

  Worldline a leading global payments provider, has partnered with Telr, a Dubai-based payment gateway aggregator, to launch a new e-commerce payments solution for the rapidly expanding UAE market. This partnership aims to simplify online payments and optimize transactions, enabling global online businesses to capitalize on the significant opportunities available in this strategically important region. The UAE has emerged as a global hub for investment and tourism over the past two decades, thanks to its strategic location and business-friendly environment. E-commerce has seen remarkable growth in the country, with a 20% compound annual growth rate since 2017, and revenues are expected to reach $10.78 billion by 2029. With high internet and smartphone penetration rates, over 71% of e-commerce payments in the UAE are made through cards and digital wallets. The country's commitment to sustainability and digital transformation, driven by initiatives like Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030 an...

  The UAE and Cuba have been fostering a growing and constructive relationship according to the UAE ambassador to Cuba, Hazza Alkaabi. This cooperative stance extends not only between the two countries but also to the wider Caribbean region. Ambassador Alkaabi highlighted the high level visits that have taken place in the past year including the trip of Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel to the UAE in November 2023 and the visit of Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero in February 2024. These visits have helped strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations. Over the past year the UAE and Cuba have signed more than 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding to diversify and expand their cooperation in various fields. The ambassador praised Cuba rich culture dedication to education and health and international solidarity stating that these aspects serve as an inspiring example for all. The cooperation programs between the UAE and Cuba are aimed at supporting crucial areas su...

  Samdech Techo Hun Sen the President of Cambodia Senate has embarked on a week long official visit to four Islamic countries Saudi Arabia Qatar, Turkey and the UAE This significant diplomatic mission underscores Cambodia's commitment to strengthening its relations with the Islamic world and promoting regional and global cooperation. During his visit Hun Sen is scheduled to meet with high level officials in each country including speakers of legislative bodies and prime ministers or presidents. These meetings are expected to contribute to the strengthening and expansion of the bonds of friendship solidarity and cooperation between Cambodia legislative body and those of the partner nations. The visit to these four Islamic countries is seen as an important step in Cambodia parliamentary diplomacy. It aims to promote peace stability and security in the region and the world at large as the Senate's press release suggests. This diplomatic outreach is particularly significant given C...

Fiji's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Siddiq Faizal Koya, has presented his credentials to the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This diplomatic event marks an important milestone in the growing relationship between Fiji and the UAE. The UAE President warmly welcomed Ambassador Koya and other newly appointed envoys, wishing them success in strengthening the diplomatic ties between the UAE and their respective countries. This gesture underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering deeper connections with nations around the world, based on mutual respect and collaboration. The UAE has been an important development partner for Fiji, with cooperation in key areas such as trade, economic development, climate change, and disaster rehabilitation. Ambassador Koya reiterated Fiji's dedication to further deepening these ties, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment spheres, as well as addressing strategic issues ...

United States First Lady Jill Biden made a visit to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on her final solo foreign trip as the First Lady. This visit highlights the strong ties between the UAE and the United States, as the two countries continue to work together on various fronts. During her visit, Jill Biden praised the UAE's efforts in the fight against cancer and called for more attention to be paid to women's health issues. She recounted the personal experience of losing her son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer, expressing her empathy for those affected by the disease. The First Lady's visit included a tour of the Qasr Al Hosn, a historic fort in the heart of Abu Dhabi's modern skyline. She took the time to admire the traditional kerosene lamps lining the walls and wrote in the guestbook, expressing her hope for the continued progress and prosperity of the UAE. While the visit was not primarily focused on political matters, it underscores the importance t...

The United Arab Emirates has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the global refugee crisis by pledging $200000 Dh734600 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR program for the year 2025. This contribution underscores the UAE steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of humanity and dignity for all as emphasized by the UAE Permanent Representative to the UN Jamal Al Musharakh. The UNHCR has been at the forefront of providing crucial assistance and life saving support to millions of displaced people across the world This funding from the UAE will enable the UNHCR to continue its essential work in alleviating the plight of refugees and ensuring their access to basic necessities such as food shelter and medical care. Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed his gratitude for the UAE unwavering support and commitment to easing the suffering of refugees The announcement of this pledge was made during the UNHCR annual pledging ...

   The UAE is facing a growing demand for more autism centers that provide affordable services. During a recent session of the Federal National Council FNC Dr. Maryam Al Bedwawi emphasized the urgent need for government facilities that specialize in caring for children with autism. She highlighted that many families struggle with high costs and long waiting lists at existing centers which adds to their financial and emotional stress. Currently there are a total of 95 facilities in the UAE but only 61 of them offer comprehensive services for individuals with autism. This shortage means that many families are forced to seek private care which can be prohibitively expensive Dr. Al Bedwawi pointed out that the lack of accessible services is a significant burden on families who are often left feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. To address these challenges Dr. Al Bedwawi called for increased government support and the establishment of more specialized centers. She noted that while ...

The 53rd Eid Al Etihad or National Day of the United Arab Emirates is a momentous occasion that celebrates the nation's remarkable journey under the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This historic milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication and foresight of the UAE founding fathers who laid the foundation for the country exceptional progress and global standing. From its humble beginnings the UAE has blossomed into a thriving hub of innovation, trade and tourism, captivating the world with its rapid development and forward thinking vision. As the UAE continues to soar to new heights this National Day is a time to honor the sacrifices and aspirations of the past, while also looking towards a future filled with boundless possibilities. Under the guidance of its esteemed leadership,l the UAE stands as a beacon of hope unity and prosperity an inspiratio...

  On December 1st 2024 the Saudi Crown Prince embarked on a private visit to the UAE This visit comes amidst the long standing relationship between the two Gulf nations and their leaders. The Crown Prince arrival in the UAE was marked by a warm welcome from the Emirati officials This visit is seen as an opportunity for the two countries to further strengthen their strategic partnership and explore new avenues of cooperation. During his stay the Crown Prince is expected to hold high level meetings with the Emirati leadership The discussions are likely to focus on a range of regional and global issues including economic collaboration security cooperation and joint efforts to address common challenges. The visit also holds significance in the context of the ongoing efforts to foster greater unity and collaboration among the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC member states. The Crown Prince's presence in the UAE is seen as a testament to the close ties between the two countries and their sha...