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

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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.

Business Entrepreneur

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

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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.

 

Model

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

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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.

 

Business

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

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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.

Entrepreneur

Fri 13 Jan 2023 FB LN TW MAIL LN More of this topic US inflation Politics & Economics US inflation falls to year’s lowest level in December at 6.5 percent UAE Pakistan aid Politics & Economics UAE offers Pakistan $3bn in aid UAE Golden Visa Politics & Economics UAE Golden Visa: Over 79,500 long-term visas issued UAE to allow teenagers to run businesses

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The amended law reduces the age limit to run a business.

he minimum age requirement to run a business in the UAE has been revised, the Ministry of Economy announced.

The new law requires an individual to be at least 18 years of age to be able to run a business, previously the age limit was set at 21.

The new law amendment is further aligned with international regulations.

Guidelines regarding the recent amendments were published in October 2022 but has now been implemented as a law.

“I think it’s a fantastic initiative to enable young people to operate businesses. Hands-on business experience is the best possible education you can give a young entrepreneur, and the lessons are not ones you can learn in school. As a flourishing business hub, it makes perfect sense that UAE would want to promote this sort of initiative and it makes me so happy to see them doing this,” Ori Leslau, Founder and CEO, Confetti Group told Arabian Business.

According to the amendments to the new law:

  • An individual is allowed to start a business at the age of 18 years (previously 21 years).
  • Banking institutions are to follow a legal reference for commercial transactions in order to stimulate investment an provide businesses with a broader scope for growth and competition.
  • Increased support for Islamic banking, establishing it as one of the main drivers of growth.
  • Obtaining licenses according to the regulation and establishment of financial markets is mandatory.
  • Support is offered for technology sector businesses and commercial activities related to the digital fields.

Previously, a business started by an individual between 18-21 years had to be registered under a legal guardian as ‘temporary owner’. Once the individual reached legal age, the shares could then be transferred.

<img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="789409" src="https://www.arabianbusiness.com/cloud/2023/01/13/teenage-business-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-789409" srcset="https://www.arabianbusiness.com/cloud/2023/01/13/teenage-business-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/cloud/2023/01/13/teenage-business-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/cloud/2023/01/13/teenage-business-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/cloud/2023/01/13/teenage-business-400x267.jpg 400w, https://www.arabianbusiness.com/cloud/2023/01/13/teenage-business.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
An individual is allowed to start a business at the age of 18 years. 
Fashion Model

Look: Miss Universe contestant dresses up as ‘bitcoin’ at beauty pageant

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Miss El Salvadore’s costume caught the attention of the online Bitcoin community, with many pledging their support and rooting for her victory.

A Miss Universe contestant from El Salvador strutted onto stage this week wearing a bitcoin-inspired gold bodysuit, a glittering tribute to her country becoming the world’s first to adopt the crypto-currency as legal tender two years ago.

Alejandra Guajardo, the Salvadoran beauty queen set to compete at the global contest’s 71st annual event in New Orleans, shared photos and videos of herself in the costume on Instagram late Wednesday, complete with gold booted stilettos.In her post’s caption, Guajardo praised her homeland as “a country with a true vision of positive change for the future” while pointing to the government’s much-criticized decision to adopt bitcoin as legal currency in 2021 alongside the US dollar.Designed by fellow Salvadoran Francisco Guerrero for the “national costume” stage of the competition, the currency-themed outfit includes a staff topped with a golden bitcoin and a huge colon coin strapped to her back ringed by cacao beans.

The colon was the local currency for about a century ending in 2021, when the US dollar was adopted; in ancient times cacao was used as money across mesoamerica.

Guajardo showed off the eye-catching fashion during a preliminary session ahead of the pageant’s formal start this Saturday.

Guajardo’s costume caught the attention of the online Bitcoin community on Thursday, with many pledging their support and rooting for her victory.

To have a chance in the pageant, she must fare much better than bitcoin’s recent performance.

Last year, bitcoin’s value plunged over 60 per cent, even as Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele continued to hype buying “the dip” to boost the government’s bitcoin reserves.

Bukele has made no secret of his ambition to make the Central American nation a crypto hub, complete with a bitcoin “city,” though adoption of the coin has faltered since being introduced as an official currency.

Science & Tech

Dubai’s all 8 nature reserves now just a click away

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Dubai: Dubai Municipality has launched a digital platform for Dubai’s nature reserves network, in order to increase environmental awareness among all segments of the society and educate them on the emirate’s biodiversity.

The platform promotes eco-friendly, sustainable tourism in Dubai’s nature reserve zones, by consolidating all relevant information and services about the reserves in one easily accessible location.

Comprehensive info

The new platform, which can be accessed from Dubai Municipality’s website by the following link for Dubai’s protected areas, combines all the services and information of Dubai’s eight designated nature reserves, which are: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, Hatta Mountain Reserve, Ghaf Nazwa Conservation Reserve, Jebel Nazwa Conservation Reserve, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and Al Wohoosh Desert Conservation Reserve.

The system offers a comprehensive overview of each reserve, including information on its type, overall area, legal framework, cultural significance, the wildlife, and natural habitats it contains, along with the activities visitors can participate in during their visit.

The platform also displays everything that Dubai Municipality offers in terms of environmental education within these natural reserves, including activities for visitors, students, and teachers, along with workshops, lectures, and other educational activities.

Schedule tours

Visitors can schedule tours with the reserve guide to explore the reserves and the biodiversity they comprise, in addition to learning about different species of birds during birdwatching sessions. Similarly, the platform highlights the initiatives and programmes run by Dubai Municipality to preserve the environment in these reserves, such as programmes to manage natural habitats, monitor water quality in the natural reserves, analysis of seaweed, and wildlife management through programmes such as birdwatching, satellite wildlife tracking, and bird recording software to identify the species of birds.

Additionally, the platform offers all the information required to visit these reserves, including visiting hours and instructions, safety precautions, local weather forecasts, a map of the reserves’ locations in Dubai for easy access, and the option to take a virtual 360-degree tour of the international wetland reserves.

Dubai Municipality is the administrative authority for Dubai’s nature reserves, which cover a total area of 1,297 square kilometres and account for 31 per cent of the city’s total area.

Likewise, three of the reserves – Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hatta Mountain Reserve – are listed as wetlands of international significance under the Ramsar Convention. The reserves are home to an array of wildlife, including 342 species of birds, 46 species of mammals, 51 species of reptiles, 315 species of plants, 188 species of fish, and 582 species of invertebrates.

Science & Tech

Watch: Robodog plays with visitors at Museum of the Future in Dubai

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Newest four-legged member of growing robot family will learn more through interactions.

The ‘pet’ uses 360-degree perception to map terrain and avoid obstacles; it can balance on uneven surfaces.

Dubai: Museum of the Future in Dubai has introduced a four-legged robotic ‘dog’ as the latest member of the museum’s growing family of advanced robots. The agile robodog, which has 3D vision and moves using 17 joints, will join Ameca, the museum’s AI-powered humanoid, along with Bob the robot barista and the museum’s flying robots, among several others.

The museum’s visitors will be able to interact and play with the new robotic pet. Robodog is an advanced robot that uses machine learning and navigates the terrain with “unprecedented mobility” for a robot. It will roam the museum lobby greeting and interacting with all those visiting.

The Museum has invited people on social media to name the robodog. Individuals can suggest names via the museum’s social media handles, including Twitter and Instagram.new robodog at MOFT Dubai

Meet the robots

Majed Al Mansoori, deputy executive director at the Museum of the Future, said: “We are excited to welcome the latest addition to our family of intelligent robots. With Ameca, the robodog, and others, the Museum of the Future enables visitors to meet some of the most cutting-edge and advanced robots and AI systems currently on the market. We welcome visitors to come and meet our interactive robots and learn about the technologies that are shaping our future today and tomorrow.”

The robodog was designed by US tech firm Boston Dynamics. It uses 360-degree perception to map terrain and avoid obstacles and can balance on uneven surfaces. The robodog’s base platform provides advanced mobility and perception to navigate stairs, gravel, and rough terrain while collecting 2D and 3D information with on board-sensors.

The Museum of the Future is home to a collection of the most advanced technologies and robots in the world, which includes Ameca, the AI-powered humanoid robot, Bob, the robot barista, a robotic flying penguin, and a flying jellyfish, among many others.

Uncategorized

Dubai set to host the 22nd edition IFOS World Congress from January 17-21

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Congress will bring together 7,000 specialised doctors from 180 countries.

Dubai will host the 22nd edition of the International Federation of Otorhinolaryngological Societies (IFOS) World Congress from 17 — 21 January 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the event will bring together 7,000 specialised doctors from 180 countries, and 90 companies that will exhibit the latest therapeutic and diagnostic solutions in the sector.

Growing profile

Dr Hussein Abdel Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and President of IFOS World Congress Dubai 2023, said the event reflects the emirate’s growing profile as a preferred venue for major global health care, medical and scientific events as well the UAE’s emergence as a leading health care market.

The first IFOS World Congress to be held in the Gulf region, the 22nd edition of the event is being organised in cooperation with the GCC ORL Head and Neck Society and the UAE ORL Head and Neck Society. Dubai was announced as the host of the global event early this year following IFOS’s decision to relocate the event from its originally planned host country.

Exceptional platform

Led by the UAE ORL Head and Neck Society with support from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Health Authority, the event is an exceptional platform for knowledge exchange and networking between stakeholders and professionals in the field. The IFOS World Congress Dubai is the first in-person edition of at the global gathering since 2017. Building on the success of previous meetings, the 2023 event will explore new horizons for enhancing ORL treatment and improving patient care and well-being.

Dr. Hussein Al Rand, who is also the Head of the UAE ORL Head and Neck Society, as well as the President of the GCC ORL Head and Neck Society said the IFOS World Congress Dubai will feature a total of 43 lectures on the latest developments in various ORL specialisations including audiology, speech and balance.

Winning the bid

Dr. Marwan Al Mulla, CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority, said winning the bid to host the prestigious IFOS World Congress reflects Dubai’s emergence as a major venue for global scientific and medical conferences. Events organised by the emirate bring together scientists, health care industry leaders, doctors and policymakers from across the world to exchange new ideas and knowledge. Dr. Al Mulla said Dubai has become a prominent destination for investment and talent in the sector and a major catalyst for the health care industry’s growth in the region and beyond. The IFOS World Congress will provide an opportunity to bring together stakeholders in the global ORL field to explore new ways to promote growth, development and innovation, he added.

Training workshops

On the sidelines of the Congress, four training workshops will be held at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences on 14 and 15 January on middle ear infections, cochlear implants and stapes replacement, Dr. Al Rand further said. Another set of workshops on 16 and 17 January will provide training on using endoscopes and surgical navigators. A total of 22 doctors from various Arab countries will participate in each workshop. On 22 January, two workshops will be held at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, one on respiratory failure and snoring, and the other on plastic and functional surgeries. Each of these workshops will feature the participation of 20 doctors, he added.

The International Federation of ORL Societies (IFOS) is a non-political organisation representing over 50,000 otolaryngologists from about 120 member nations. Founded in 1965, IFOS’s mission is to identify critical global ORL care needs and disorders to propose treatment and prevention solutions and set priorities for these needs.

Business

UAE set to invest $30 billion across strategic sectors in South Korea

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Sheikh Mohamed, Yoon Suk Yeol discuss ways to enhance cooperation between two nations.

 The UAE has decided to invest $30 billion in South Korea’s industries as the two countries seek to expand economic cooperation. The investment decision was announced as South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol met UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi during a four-day state visit.

At the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Yoon Suk Yeol conducted a state visit to the UAE from January 14 to 17, 2023.

On January 15, Sheikh Mohamed and Yoon held a summit meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. During the summit, the two leaders agreed to deepen and further develop the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The two countries also signed 13 memorandums of understanding, including an agreement between the state-run Korea Development Bank and the Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala to cooperate for investment in South Korean companies.

In particular, the two leaders agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in four key areas: conventional energy and clean energy, peaceful nuclear energy, economy and investment, and defense and defense technology; as well as in other areas of mutual interest including space, emerging industries and culture.

The two leaders also engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on regional and international issues.

I. Strengthening Cooperation in Key Areas

1. Conventional Energy and Clean Energy

Recognising the importance of stability in global energy supply chains, the two leaders agreed to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP) to strengthen cooperation across key energy sectors including: oil & gas, strategic storage, renewable energy, hydrogen, and hydrogen derivatives. The two leaders acknowledged CSEP provides a platform for further cooperation in clean energy fields such as production and utilization of hydrogen and ammonia, deployment of clean energy infrastructure, and development of industrial ecosystems for renewable energy.

Both leaders concurred on the importance of bilateral cooperation to accelerate and invest in projects of energy security, decarbonization and climate action, and to continue developing both the UAE and the Republic of Korea as global leaders in hydrogen ecosystems.

2. Peaceful Nuclear Energy

Recognising the importance of nuclear power plants as a critical source of energy security and an important element for the growth of the clean economy, and given the existing deep level of cooperation achieved in this area, the two leaders expressed their determination to deepen and accelerate collaboration in the peaceful nuclear energy sector, both by successfully completing the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant (BNEP) project and by jointly pursuing additional nuclear projects, whether in the UAE or in third countries. Both leaders are also visiting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and participating in a ceremony commemorating the completion of Unit 3 of the 4-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, recognizing peaceful nuclear energy as one of the key pillars of bilateral collaboration between the two countries. The multi-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is dramatically accelerating the decarbonization of the UAE’s power sector in support of the latter’s pledge to reach Net Zero by 2050.

The two leaders welcomed further cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy through the UAE-ROK High-level Consultation on Nuclear Cooperation and agreed to seek ways to expand this cooperation into new areas, including evaluating the potential of small modular reactors (SMR).

3. Economy and Investment

As part of the wider Special Strategic Partnership framework, and building on the UAE’s confidence in the ROK’s economic strength and growth prospects, the UAE announced a commitment by its sovereign wealth funds to invest $30 billion in strategic sectors in the Republic of Korea.

The leaders noted the importance of building dynamic global economies and highlighted the numerous economic initiatives recently launched in the UAE, in addition to the comprehensive development of economic legislation in the UAE. The UAE encouraged the ROK business community to capitalize on these incentives and investment opportunities in various economic and trade sectors.

Recognising that the complex and highly connected global economy is vulnerable to global crises including, but not limited to, cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, energy security, climate change, and global health threats, the two leaders underscored the importance of a coordinated response and cooperation in this regard. As such, both sides agreed on the Trade and Investment Promotion Framework for strengthening trade cooperation between the two countries, acknowledging that trade and investment cooperation is a critical instrument to mitigate global risks and build safe, resilient, and clean bio economy systems.

Recognising that fostering promising SMEs and startups plays a leading role in new industries such as innovation, joint ventures, and research and development (R&D) while strengthening national competitiveness, the two leaders agreed to work together through the UAE’s Entrepreneurial Nation initiative to expand exchange and promote mutual investment between SMEs and startups of the two countries.

4. Defence and Defence Technology

Both leaders expressed a keenness to further develop cooperation in the field of defense, a key element of the bilateral relationship, which continues to be enhanced under the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The two leaders, valued the defense cooperation that has been developed in a mutually beneficial manner based on the highest level of trust between the two countries. With the aim of further promoting close cooperation, both leaders recognized the importance of advancing the relationship in defense technology to a strategic level, that includes joint investment, research and technology development; and welcoming the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for joint collaboration in this field.

In this regard, the two leaders affirmed that aerospace industry cooperation discussed during the summit has generated impetus for expanding defense technology cooperation in the medium and long term, and agreed to further strengthen collaboration for the joint development of a wide range of defense technologies.

II. Enhancing Future-Oriented Cooperation

5. Climate Change

The two leaders committed to collaborate on efforts to address climate change, which includes cooperation on the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be hosted in the UAE from 30 November to 12 December, 2023.

Recognising that climate change and its impacts are shared global concerns that require urgent and collective action, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to driving progress on the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal. In this regard, the two leaders pledged to work together to achieve their respective 2030 NDCs and net zero emissions by 2050. Moreover, the two leaders, agreed to strengthen action-oriented cooperative efforts for climate in mutually beneficial areas, and issued the “ROK-UAE Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Action”.

6. Space

The two leaders, affirming the importance of bilateral cooperation for the peaceful and sustainable use of space, agreed to further enhance close cooperation in space in a mutually beneficial manner. The two leaders welcomed the amendment of the pre-existing Memorandum of Understanding on Space Cooperation to expand the scope of cooperation between the Ministry of Science and ICT and the UAE Space Agency to cover a variety of additional areas, such as space exploration, satellite-based positioning systems, and earth observation.

7. New Industries and the Digital Transformation

Recognising the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation in the sustainability and economic development of both the ROK and the UAE, the two leaders noted the importance of deepening and broadening industrial cooperation to meet the challenges of the transition to a sustainable digital economy and to support industrial innovation and economic development. In particular, the two leaders agreed to pursue close cooperation such as joint research and mobility programs in the field of ICT, including artificial intelligence, data, networks, and cyber security. The two leaders also agreed that the two countries would engage in joint efforts to establish a new digital order as digital technologies are becoming increasingly advanced.

The two leaders noted the importance of deepening and broadening cooperation on industry and advanced technology to meet the challenges of the transition to the digital economy and the green economy and to pursue industrial innovation and economic development. Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to launch a Strategic Partnership on Industry and Advanced Technology aiming to enhance public-private cooperation in fields such as digital transformation in manufacturing, mobility and aerospace, parts and materials, and supply chain resilience and issued the Joint Initiative for Cooperation on Advanced Manufacturing.

8. Future Mobility and Smart Infrastructure

The two leaders recognized the emergence of future mobility as the transition towards electric, autonomous, or unmanned driving and the evolution to the third dimension in transportation unfold in the sector. In the face of such shifts, the two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral policy making and technological cooperation in the sector in part by assuming joint leadership in global mobility initiatives.

The two leaders noted with appreciation the contributions of Korean contractors in building infrastructure projects in the UAE and strengthening bilateral cooperation in this field. To further advance the two countries’ ties in the infrastructure field, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation to encompass smart infrastructure and promote the sharing of information and people-to-people exchanges in areas including intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and three-dimensional spatial information systems.

9. Healthcare

The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation to enhance medical services and research and development in biotechnology while investing in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to promote mutually beneficial growth in the two countries’ healthcare sectors.

10. Agriculture, Food Security and Water Resources

The two leaders, recognizing the importance of bilateral cooperation on smart farming to respond to climate change and enhance food security, agreed to expand cooperation in various areas of agriculture, including pilot projects for different types of smart greenhouses and cultivation demonstration. Highlighting the importance of promoting agricultural technology cooperation between the two countries to realize sustainable agriculture, the two leaders agreed to jointly develop water-saving crop technologies suitable for a dry desert climate so that even countries with insufficient water resources can produce food crops in a stable manner.

The two leaders agreed on further strengthening joint endeavors between the two countries in implementing water-related Sustainable Development Goal 6. The two leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in water resources fields such as water desalination, smart water technologies, wastewater treatment, natural water resources management, and cooperation and coordination on international water scarcity initiatives.

11. Intellectual Property and Statistics

Recognising that intellectual property is a key driving force that enables economic growth and prosperity through creativity and innovation, the two leaders underscored that the decades-long close coordination between the two countries has elevated IP systems. In this regard, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on enhanced cooperation to implement collaborative activities in a wider range of areas such as utilization of patent information for identification and development of national strategic technologies.

The two leaders, noting the need to strengthen statistical capacities with a view to achieving the SDGs and implementing evidence-based policies, agreed that the two countries will work closely together in the statistics field. They shared the view that the two countries should prioritize exchanging methodologies and practices to produce statistics with the use of cutting-edge technologies, including the use of administrative data and big data, while exploring opportunities for future cooperation.

III. Peace and Stability

12. The Middle East

The two leaders recognised that their strategic partnership is a critical component in their collaborative and mutual efforts to enhance peace and stability in the region, and beyond. The two leaders discussed prospects for promoting dialogue and diplomacy across the region, and stressed the importance of adherence to international law and on principles of respect for the sovereignty of countries and resolving disputes through peaceful means.

In this context, the two leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to further enhance regional stability and prosperity. President Yoon commended the role and leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed in promoting peace and regional cooperation and emphasized that the Republic of Korea will continue to play a valuable role in the region as a Global Pivotal State.

13. Korean Peninsula

The two leaders reaffirmed that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s relentless pursuit of nuclear and missile development poses a serious threat to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula, but also to the whole world. The two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the DPRK’s record number of ballistic missile launches last year, which constitute a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, as well as conventional provocations, such as the firing of multiple rocket launchers and coastal artillery shells.

The leaders reiterated the need for a firm and united response by the international community to the DPRK’s continued provocations. The leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of the complete denuclearization of North Korea and reaffirmed the importance of diplomatic efforts to induce North Korea to return to negotiations. President Yoon outlined the Audacious Initiative aimed at a denuclearized, peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his support for the ROK’s positive role in promoting sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula and stability in the Asian continent.

14. Multilateralism

Looking beyond the region, the two leaders emphasised the critical role that multilateral responses can play in addressing global challenges, and the importance of international cooperation across a broad range of policy areas. President Yoon commended the UAE’s role as non-permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s support for the ROK’s candidature for the non-permanent membership of the Security Council for the 2024-25 term, and commended the ROK’s long-standing leadership in the G20 group of nations.

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Yoon on the upcoming occasion of Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, and extended his warm wishes to the Korean President and people for peace, prosperity and good fortune.

Yoon expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Sheikh Mohamed and invited His Highness to visit the Republic of Korea in the near future. The two leaders agreed to meet frequently and further develop the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations.