Sheikh Mohammed issues new law renaming government authority

The decision aims to ‘reinforce Dubai’s status as a leading global coastal trade hub’

A new law has been issued renaming the Dubai Maritime City Authority and affiliating it with the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued the law changing the body’s name to Dubai Maritime Authority. The decision aims to “reinforce Dubai’s status as a leading global coastal trade hub.”

The law also outlines the responsibilities of both Dubai Maritime Authority and the PCFC in regulating maritime activities in the emirate. These include improving maritime security, ensuring that marine vessels comply with technical requirements, establishing a marine plan for Dubai, setting the entry and exit requirements for wooden dhows and their crews, among other tasks.

The organisational structure for the Dubai Maritime Authority is also established within the new law.

Law No. (3) of 2023 replaces Law No. (11) of 2007, which pertains to the establishment of the Dubai Maritime City Authority, and annuls any other legislation that may contradict it. Any provisions, decisions, and memos that were issued to implement Law No. (11) of 2007 will remain in effect until new ones are issued, as long as they do not contradict the clauses of Law No. (3) of 2023.

This law is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Why Indian MSMEs are choosing Dubai to expand their global presence

With more and more Indian MSMEs looking to expand their global footprint and build products and solutions for the world, Dubai is fast emerging as the preferred destination for Indian MSMEs and startups looking to go global.

As the global economy continues to evolve, Micro, Small and Medium scale enterprises are becoming increasingly important for driving economic growth and development. Indian MSME enterprises, often referred to as the backbone of the Indian economy, are now looking to expand beyond the domestic markets by choosing Dubai as their preferred destination for global expansion.Dubai’s business-friendly operating environment, an open and transparent taxation framework coupled with a high consumer adoption rate, a relatively low cost of customer acquisition rate and access to a large customer base due to its strategic location has made it the preferred hub for global expansion, attracting a slew of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises.

Dubai with its stability, government effectiveness and reliability, provides for perfect access to the Middle Eastern and North African markets (MENA) with over 1 billion customers, which is one of the major reasons why Indian MSMEs are looking to expand their global footprint through Dubai.

Besides, there has been a significant improvement in the trade links between African nations and the UAE over the past decade, which has resulted in tremendous growth for the region with a vision for continued growth. The city further has an untapped potential to double its exports to African nations.

Dubai’s strategic location

Dubai’s central location makes it a gateway not only to the Middle East region but also to Europe, Africa and Asia. Located strategically between the East and the West, Dubai continues to lure many businesses with its enabling physical infrastructure that facilitates import and export via land, sea, and air.

Being the maritime hub for the region, with its long coastline and Jebel Ali port – the world’s largest man-made port and the busiest in the Middle East, Dubai offers unparalleled trading opportunities. The city of Dubai is also a global aviation hub, with the busiest airport in the world for international passenger traffic, providing businesses with unprecedented reach and access to global markets. Almost two-third of the global population is within an 8-hour flight from Dubai.

The  UAE and Dubai are not just looking to be a gateway to the region, but rather to the entire world. “We are no longer a gateway to the region but the whole world, and we ensure most of the global trade comes from us”, said Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade at the World Green Economy Summit.

During the summit, he also talked about how the UAE plans to target G7 countries to create Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA). “By 2050, the current G7 is going to be totally changed. There are going to be new G7 emerging economies – India, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, South Korea, Mexico and South Africa. These countries are going to almost double the G7 now”, said Al Zeyoudi. “That is why we picked many of those for the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement). We signed CEPA with India and are pursuing it with others,” he added.

The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed on February 18, 2022 during the virtual summit attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.During April-November 2022, the bilateral trade between the two countries increased to $57.8 billion from $45.3 billion in the same period last year, recording an impressive growth of 27.5 per cent in percentage terms and a notable increase of $12.5 billion in value terms. During the same period, India’s exports to the UAE saw a remarkable growth of 19.32 per cent, reaching $20.8 billion from $17.45 billion, an increase of $3.35 billion in value terms.

Dubai-India collaboration initiatives

Indeed, with India and the UAE’s long history and relations, Indian businesses can profit from a landscape that encourages growth, innovation, and technological adoption while lowering entrance barriers. At Dubai Expo 2020, a new initiative called the Global India Collaborative (GIC) was launched with the aim of helping Indian MSMEs find new markets and investments.

“Many bridges are required to be built between the Indian industry and the world in order to globalise our businesses by making them adopt global best practices and making them globally competitive. GIC is one such bridge. It will help India realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of making India a five trillion-dollar economy,” said Santosh Mangal, Global President of GIC.

With Dubai’s large business community, Indian enterprises also stand to gain from the sharing of insights, solutions, and access to greater funding for growth. Additionally, with the national strategies for both countries focusing on promoting the use of innovative manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, creating sustainable solutions, and boosting research and development across sectors, initiatives like CEPA have further strengthened the strategic alliances and increased opportunities across sectors.

Business-friendly destination

Dubai’s reputation as a worldwide hub for business and innovation originates from a corporate mindset tailored to commerce, lower startup costs, and the establishment of globally competitive, sector-specific ecosystems.

Another major catalyst driving businesses to Dubai is the visa offerings, as its visa laws and regulations are more relaxed than those of the US, Singapore, and the UK. Dubai’s golden visa system offers long-term business visas, and its remote visa system offers even more opportunities for businesses to stay in Dubai even when working from outside the country.

The city’s vision for innovation-led growth and its conducive and business friendly environment with provision for several support programs and subsidies also make it an attractive destination for businesses of all sizes. Dubai offers businesses state-of-the-art warehousing, strong multimodal transport capabilities, and a highly skilled workforce, to ensure that trade keeps growing.

Dubai: Global business destination

Today, the city has become a global melting pot, with a large Indian diaspora, and continues to attract a large population of skilled workforce because of its global reputation and higher income. Indian MSMEs are among the many businesses around the world that have recognized the potential of Dubai and are choosing it as their preferred destination for expanding their global footprint.

 

 

Dubai: DAMAC announces 44-storey Canal Heights tower with underwater pearl museum and yoga domes

UAE developer announces 44-storey Canal Heights tower with underwater pearl museum.

Dubai real estate developer DAMAC Properties, is set to announce the launch of its latest branded tower project – Canal Heights.

The new Dubai property development will feature an underwater pearl museum and yoga domes and interiors designed by Swiss jeweller de GRISOGONO.

Following DAMAC Properties’ recently launched CHIC Tower, the 44-storey Canal Heights tower will offer luxury waterfront living, with the city’s famed financial and shopping district within walking distance.

Canal Heights in Dubai

“Innovation and exclusivity is one of DAMAC’s constant ambitions. Through each and every new project of ours we strive to bring forth a product that is fresh, different and absolutely unique.

“Canal Heights is no different in that ambition, and brings a whole new world of possibilities and experiences. We once again combine the brilliance of a nature-inspired design with the splendour of de GRISOGONO to a project that we are sure to bring awe,” said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President of DAMAC Properties.

The project will feature an underwater pearl museum complete with snorkelling area.

Canal Heights will also include yoga domes and wellness arenas, private dining venues a shell-shaped pool, a recreational podium, a lap pool, a children’s play area and zorb water balls zones.

Canal Heights will offer a range of layouts from studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom apartments with expansive views of the bustling Business Bay district, and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Hamdan bin Mohammed meets Dubai search and rescue teams from ‘Gallant Knight 2’

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, today met with members of the search and rescue team of Dubai Police and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services who took part in the ‘Gallant Knight 2’ operation in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş.

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, accompanied Sheikh Hamdan during the meeting that took place at Expo City Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to those in need in times of adversity, guided by the ideals of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE today, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the support of the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, remains committed to providing a helping hand to communities around the world facing crises, he said.

Heroic role

Sheikh Hamdan praised the heroic role and high levels of efficiency of the teams from both entities who joined the UAE search and rescue crew as part of the operation to support people that were affected by the devastating earthquakes that recently hit Turkey and Syria. The teams took part in the rapid response, recovery and rehabilitation stages of the operation.

During the meeting, he was briefed by Colonel Khalid Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the leader of the search and rescue team, about the team’s rescue operations in the Turkish city, which was heavily affected by the earthquakes. The success of the mission reflects the advanced capabilities of the Emirati team in dealing with emergencies.

Unveiling the Aesthetic Brilliance of World-Renowned Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Luis Antonio Zertuche

His unparalleled expertise in aesthetic plastic surgery has shaped beauty, transforming many lives.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of aesthetic surgeries being performed. This trend has primarily been driven by increased access to surgeons, improved technology, and a greater awareness of the benefits of aesthetic procedures. With more people opting for cosmetic procedures, the demand for surgeons has also skyrocketed, leading to an abundance of experienced professionals offering services. The development of new techniques and technology have made aesthetic surgeries safer and more effective, further driving up the demand. “In addition to improved access and technology, the increasing prevalence of social media has also contributed to the rise of aesthetic surgeries. As these platforms become more popular, people are increasingly exposed to images of beauty and perfection, leading many to seek out treatments to enhance their own,” says Dr. Luis Antonio Zertuche, who has been a leading expert in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery.

Based in Mexico, he has been at the forefront of providing the absolute best care for his patients and has made significant contributions to the field of aesthetic plastic surgery. After obtaining his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Coahuila, Dr. Zertuche went on to complete a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Monterrey, and is presently placed at the AVE Medical Center in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo León. During his fellowship, he developed his skills in aesthetic plastic surgery that he has applied throughout his career. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Zertuche has extensive experience in the areas of breast augmentation, breast lifts, liposuction, tummy tucks, and facial surgeries. He is recognized for his use of the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best possible results for his patients. Known for his artistic approach to aesthetic plastic surgery and his attention to detail, he strives to create natural-looking results that enhance the patient’s appearance while preserving their natural appearance.

The expert surgeon is committed to providing the best possible care for his patients and works hard to make sure each patient is happy and satisfied with the results of the surgery. In addition to his work as a plastic surgeon, he is also involved in numerous professional societies. He is a member of the Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Luis Antonio Zertuche is the ideal choice for anyone seeking the highest quality aesthetic plastic surgery. With his years of experience and commitment to excellence, he can provide outstanding results that enhance the appearance while preserving the natural look.

Kyree Terrell

The Philadelphia based Focused Studios held a premiere for their latest film “Money Lovers” at the Regal UA King of Prussia followed by a Q & A session with the cast and crew.
“Money Lovers” is a romantic thriller that follows Payton, a seductive crypto currency thief (played by: Tiffany D.) and her gang as they encounter Lyon Collins, a former hacker turned detective (played by Writer / Director: Kyree Terrell).
The film was shot in two weeks in and around Philadelphia. Giving opportunity to new and experience crew members and over 120 local actors. Money Lovers is based on true events surrounding Kyree being scammed out of some money purchasing what he thought was shares of Bitcoin.
This is writer/director/actor Kyree Terrell’s 2nd feature film premiere in less than 2 years. He also premiered a sitcom (Bae vs Bae) in that same time span. We asked Kyree what keeps him so busy?
Kyree: When I wanted to do this with other people and I went to castings and auditions, not getting roles and opportunities became very discouraging. So I decided I would go after it myself. I studied film and television production fomr every angle for the past 12 years and now its my turn to do it myself. I love the fact that I can produce when I want to produce and what I want to produce and no one can tell me “no”.
The film premiere brought out over 500 people on a Thursday night and another 2 hundred people the following night. These were numbers that the management at kop said they’d never seen from an independent film without any big stars attached to it.
Vernon Ray the films Director of Photography and leader of the anti-gun crims movement “Shot Camera’s Not Guns” was happy to be a part of this amazing film
Vernon: Listen, “Kyree is like a brother to me. I’ve watched him work so hard over the last 5-6 years and give so many people opportunities including myself. When he reached out and asked me to be the DP on this amazing film I simply said yes because with his talent and his work ethic I already knew the film would turn out super dope and tonight is a testament to that! Look at all the people who came out to support us!
Up next for Focused Studios is “Work Bae 2” the sequel to last year’s hit film Work Bae now streaming on TUBI. 2023 is poised to be the companies break out year!

Making her mark in the world of sports, recreation and wellness, make way for Zelmaré Viljoen.


She serves as the proud founder of Soul and Skin Wellness, a rising boutique wellness studio based in the UAE.

There are two sets of people in this world. One is who believes in blindly following the traditional methods and the crowd for building their career, and the other is who believes in carving their own unique path to growth and success by walking unconventional roads and making bold choices and decisions to ultimately reach their desired destination in their careers and lives. This is definitely easier said than done, but there are a few people and professionals working across industries of the world who have done even that and have stunned people around them in ways more than one. It is essential to put more light on the successes of these professionals, who go ahead in inspiring others greatly, just like Zelmaré Viljoen has done in the sports, recreation and wellness industry in the UAE.

Zelmaré Viljoen stands tall and unique as a one-of-a-kind trainer in the field. She was born in South Africa and studied interior designing, but she soon realized it was not her calling. Later, she discovered how helping people made her the happiest, and for the love of sports, alternative healing methods and music, she dived deep into the world of Yoga, Pilates and Sound Healing. Today, she is a Master Trainer with TechnoGym in UAE and also an “entertainer” on their global workout and wellness app. This has become her full-time job after studying and meditating all day during her quarantine period. She began by offering free online sessions to anyone under emotional and mental stress or those who wished to use their time at hand for the better.

As she kept transforming lives online with her knowledge, she realized the need to establish her own studio. Today, her physical studio is located at Park Hyatt Hotel and Villas in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, where they conduct daily classes in fitness and wellness but also offer workshops, retreats and wellness events. She also authored a Kids Yoga and Mindfulness Book. Zelmaré Viljoen says that her grandfather, who was a doctor and her mother both influenced her career incredibly.

Through fitness and wellness, Zelmaré Viljoen (@zelmareviljoen) has truly changed lives for the positive and how.

Giuseppe Romeo, CMDT creates ripples of growth in the world of Dental Technology.

He is an influential professional in Dental Technology who owns the Oral Design Center in Turin, Italy.

There are innumerable talented beings who have worked day in and day out to innovate their way to the top. These individuals and professionals across industries of the world have never ceased to amaze people with what they have offered them through their work, with the genuine aim to add more value to their lives and provide them with products/services to truly better their lives in ways more than one. It is thus necessary to hold more talks around such experts and professionals who give it their all in order to do and be their best versions and, in the process, also motivate and inspire other budding talents across the world. We noticed how Giuseppe Romeo, CMDT did the same in the world of Dental Technology.

Giuseppe Romeo was born in Port Chester, New York, the US. Having the aim to make it huge in the dentistry realm, he got trained in Dental Technology in Turin, Italy and then studied for two years at the University of Geneva, where he obtained a Master Degree in Dental Technologist Esthetic Prosthodontics. He completed his education in Italy and abroad, working in the US and in Switzerland and then went ahead in starting his own center named Oral Design Center in Turin, Italy.

This passionate guy has immersed himself in the field, so much so that, beyond being known as a prominent figure in Dental Technology, he has also made his name as a writer and contributor in the industry, publishing extensively in both Italian and international journals. He has contributed to the textbooks “Esthetics and Precision, Clinical and Technical Procedures” with Dr. Domenico Massironi and Mr. Romeo Pascetta (translated into eight languages) and “Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry” written together with Dr. Douglas Terry and Mr. Willi Geller, both published by Quintessence Publishing.

Beyond being involved as an Associate Editors in Dental Technology of the International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry, which is the official journal of several Academies in the world, Giuseppe Romeo also belongs to several prestigious organizations like The American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (Fellow Member), The European Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (Affiliate Member), The Italian Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (Active Member), to name a few.

He always wanted to spread his knowledge among others, especially the youth and hence also started working as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Restorative Science at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, US.

 

Knives and dolls: M3GAN, Chucky and my chronic fear of three-foot, plastic evil

Thanks to a childhood encounter with a plastic fiend named Jesmar, Ben Bryant has spent his life terrified yet intrigued by the surprisingly extensive killer doll film genre. As ‘M3GAN’ hits cinemas, he delves into why we’re still so spooked by them.

am alone in the house. But I know she’s upstairs listening. If I keep the cartoons loud enough maybe she won’t hear me put on my Batman slippers. I shuffle softly to the door and pull it open just enough to squeeze through into the hall. There’s the front door. The bunch of keys on the mat where my mum posted them through the letterbox. Will I be able to find the right key in time? I look up and Jesmar is there, standing at the top of the stairs, with her patchwork playsuit, placid smile and straw-coloured fringe. The air is electric and I can hear a terrible moaning. I need to run but suddenly I’m swimming through concrete. Where is the key –

“Sir?” There is a light on my face. “Sir! Are you alright?” The air hostess is standing over me. The moaning is very loud now. The moaning is coming from me. Oh my god “Aaaaaaaaaahhh I’m sorry, I was having a nightmare.”

I have just been woken up on a packed long-haul flight to New Zealand. My mistake? I’d watched Annabelle Comes Home – the third in the series of horror films about a killer doll. It’s not generally regarded as the best of the franchise, but it was easily frightening enough to provoke a recurring childhood nightmare about Jesmar, a life-size doll from my childhood that belongs to my mum. Jesmar was at one point bigger than me.

Dolls – particularly dolls that are made to a certain specification of three-foot tall and blue eyed with yellow, straw-like hair – are an ongoing source of fear and fascination for me. So the announcement of M3GAN, a horror film about a blue-eyed AI doll that sings “Titanium” by Sia and goes on a murder spree, filled me with anticipation.

The hype around it shows that I am not alone. There is a surprisingly extensive niche of doll horror movies. I have combed through them mainly, I think, to prod at my weird phobia to see what gives me chills and what just leaves me cold. The pioneering Child’s Play franchise, which started in 1988, never left too much of an impression – perhaps because my introduction to it was the satirical Bride of Chucky, by which point the series was so camp it had become a horror comedy. The Conjuring and Annabelle franchises – for me the best and worst, a terrifying watch – came much later, in the 2010s. Stop motion in films can sometimes push the same buttons – especially Ash’s dancing wife Linda in Evil Dead 2.

 

Dubai ends 30% tax on alcohol sales, fee for liquor licenses

Dubai has ended its 30% tax on alcohol sales in the sheikhdom and made its required liquor licenses free to obtain.

Dubai ended its 30% tax on alcohol sales in the sheikhdom Sunday and made its required liquor licenses free to obtain, ending a long-standing source of revenue for its ruling family to apparently further boost its tourism to the emirate.

The sudden New Year’s Day announcement, made by Dubai’s two state-linked alcohol retailers, came apparently from a government decree from its ruling Al Maktoum family. However, government officials did not immediately acknowledge the decision and did not respond to questions from The Associated Press.

But it follows years of loosening regulations over liquor in the sheikhdom, which now sells alcohol during daylight hours in Ramadan and began providing home delivery during the lockdowns at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Alcohol sales have long served as a major barometer of the economy of Dubai, a top travel destination in the UAE, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates. During the recent World Cup in nearby Qatar, Dubai’s many bars drew commuting soccer fans.

Alcohol distributor Maritime and Mercantile International, which is part of the wider Emirates Group, made the announcement in a statement.

“Since we began our operations in Dubai over 100 years ago, the emirate’s approach has remained dynamic, sensitive and inclusive for all,” said Tyrone Reid of MMI. “These recently updated regulations are instrumental to continue ensuring the safe and responsible purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Dubai and the UAE.”

MMI did not respond to a question over whether the decision was permanent. However, an ad put up by MMI urged customers to buy from its stores, saying “you no longer need to drive out to the other emirates.” Dubai residents long have driven into Umm al-Quwain and other emirates for bulk, tax-free alcohol purchases.

African & Eastern, the second alcohol retailer believed to be at least partially held by the state or affiliated firms, also announced the end of the municipality tax and license fees.

Under Dubai law, non-Muslims must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. Drinkers are supposed to carry plastic cards issued by the Dubai police that permit them to purchase, transport and consume beer, wine and liquor. Otherwise, they can face fines and arrest — even though the sheikhdom’s vast network of bars, nightclubs and lounges almost never ask to see the permit.

Still, relatively liberal Dubai is an outlier among others in the region. Sharjah, an emirate that borders Dubai to the north, outlaws alcohol, as do the nearby nations of Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.