UAE Expat Diaries

Hi expats! Hope you're having a chilly morning! I'm here to hop on to some politics with you.... In a recent development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sealed negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with the Republic of Congo. This marks the second substantial deal announced with an African nation within a week, underscoring the UAE's commitment to fostering global economic ties. Thani Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's trade minister, expressed enthusiasm about the newly completed negotiations, highlighting the significance of this agreement with the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville. He emphasized the country's status as a burgeoning economy in West-Central Africa and a valued trade and investment partner for the UAE. The UAE has been actively pursuing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements since 2021, signaling a strategic shift toward diversifying income sources and engaging in partnerships across various economic sectors. This proactive approach aligns with the...

Hi expats!  I hope you're all having a wonderful post-holiday week. I am (sort of) ending the year on my blog with some good news! Recently, the initiative of AI for Safer Children has been launched. It is a groundbreaking approach to combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. It's heartening to see concerted efforts from the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other global entities in utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to address this critical issue. The surge in reports of online child exploitation is BEYOND alarming, and the strain on law enforcement resources is overwhelming. The adoption of AI tools, as showcased by the initiative, significantly accelerates the identification and prioritization of potential threats, thereby expediting investigations and potentially rescuing vulnerable children. The AI for Safer Children Global Hub, providing access to a di...

Hey there EXPATS! A Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating today! While you are enjoying your festive feasts, let’s dive into the exciting journey of the UAE’s Economic Policy Alignment Project, which kicked off in February 2023. This fantastic initiative, a joint effort between the Ministry of Economy and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), recently celebrated its milestone concluding event.  At this remarkable gathering, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, highlighted the nation’s dedication to crafting a dynamic and competitive economic legal framework. Thanks to visionary leadership, the UAE has been rolling out innovative laws and policies across various sectors, especially in budding economic areas.  This aligns perfectly with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, aiming to lead globally in creating forward-thinking laws for new economic sectors within the next decade. Bin Touq Al Marri stressed, “Bringing our economic p...

In a bid to fortify security measures and combat organized crime, Ajman Police recently engaged in pivotal discussions with a delegation from China's Hunan Province. The focus of these discussions revolved around the exploration of effective collaboration channels to tackle transnational crime, capacitate law enforcement personnel, and exchange valuable insights on enhancing security. Led by His Excellency Brigadier General Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Ajman Police's Deputy Commander-in-Chief, the meeting welcomed Wei Jianfeng, Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee in Hunan Province, alongside other esteemed members including Captain Ahmed Mohammed Al Kaabi. The agenda encompassed various facets of cooperation: from capacity building and training courses for police personnel to an exchange of experiences in international cooperation. The aim? To bolster security measures and safety protocols in both regions. Hunan Province's delegation, represented by His Exc...

Hey expats! Dina here Let's dive into the recent meeting between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) and talk about what's been going on. So, in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan got together with PLO Secretary General Hussein Sheikh, and they had a lot to chat about. First off, they focused on how they could work together to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza. You know, it's been tough there, with the humanitarian crisis taking a toll on everyone. But these guys didn't stop there. They also had a heart-to-heart about the bigger picture: making progress toward a two-state peace deal between Israel and Palestine. I think that's a big deal! The UAE is pretty unique in the region because they've got official diplomatic ties with Israel, and they've been working on this since 2020. That move paved the way for other Arab nations to do the same, which is pretty cool. Now, there's another player in the mix: Qatar. They...

WHAT DINA THINKS: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Call with Winston Peters of New Zealand In a recent phone call between H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, and Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, the focus was set on fortifying bilateral relations and exploring avenues for further growth across various sectors. Expats, the discussion encompassed an array of crucial topics, ranging from bilateral cooperation to the exploration of development initiatives in areas such as renewable energy, food security, and overall economic progress. Both leaders also delved into the regional and global landscape, exchanging perspectives on pertinent matters. Let me explain a couple of those to you! Sheikh Abdullah underscored the ties between the UAE and New Zealand and the commitment to leveraging available opportunities to bolster these relations. The intent was clear: fostering cooperation ...

Hi expats, Dina here again!  When worlds of commerce converge, and promising opportunities unfold. Recently, in the vibrant city of Dubai, the UAE-Austria Joint Economic Committee made waves, setting the stage for robust collaboration and exciting partnerships between these two nations. Chaired by Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri from the UAE and Minister of Economy and Labour Martin Kocher of Austria, this committee welcomed a host of officials and visionary business minds from both sides. Their mission is "to weave" together the threads of commerce, investment, tourism, technology, and more in a tapestry of cooperation. Picture this: top officials like Florian Frauscher, the driving force behind economic affairs and innovation at the Austrian Ministry of Economy and Labour, alongside Abdullah Al Saleh, the UAE's undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, all gathered with a shared purpose—to deepen ties and build bridges across industries like artificial in...

In a poignant display of solidarity and commitment to aiding Ukraine in its time of crisis, the UAE Embassy in Poland welcomed a significant shipment today – a vessel carrying 27 fully equipped ambulances destined to bolster the health sector in Ukraine. This endeavor, in alignment with the directives of the wise leadership, marks a continuation of the UAE's unwavering support, with a previous shipment of 23 ambulances arriving last September. The cumulative impact is striking, as a total of 50 ambulances have been dispatched to Ukraine by the UAE in the year 2023. The UAE Embassy in Poland has been instrumental in facilitating the seamless transfer of aid from Poland to the Ukrainian port, working closely with the UAE Embassy in Ukraine. Majed Bin Kamal, Head of Humanitarian Aid and Support at the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, emphasized the ongoing commitment, revealing that additional shipments, including winter aid, are slated for delivery in the curre...

Hey expats and Judo fans! The thrill of anticipation envelops the judo community as the International Judo Federation (IJF) formally announced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the host for the esteemed 2024 Judo World Championships. This monumental decision, revealed by Mohammed bin Thaaloob Al Derie, President of the UAE Judo Federation (UAEJF), follows the confirmation from IJF President Marius Vizer. The forthcoming championships hold paramount importance as the ultimate qualifying stage leading up to the much-anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Al Derie expressed unwavering confidence in the event, promising a congregation of the world's foremost judo talents converging for an electrifying showcase of skill and athleticism. "Our vision encompasses an event of unparalleled stature, marked by the highest caliber of competition, boasting unparalleled participation from the globe's elite judokas," affirmed Al Derie. The UAE's longstanding commitment to nurturin...

Hey expats! Hope you’re staying warm this cold season! I’m here to tell you about some events brewing in the heart of Sharjah. A vibrant celebration unfolded at the third edition of the Sharjah Events Festival, igniting the spirit of culture, entertainment, and unity. Officially inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, this four-day extravaganza enchanted visitors from far and wide, beckoning them to ‘See Sharjah’ in all its glory. The festival, held at the captivating Al Majaz Amphitheatre, showcased a tapestry of thrilling activities and engaging events catering to people of all ages. Thirty different entities, comprising government, semi-government, and private institutions, collaborated to curate a dynamic experience brimming with cultural showcases and interactive platforms. Upon his arrival, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed set the stage aglow, initiating the inaugural show and mesmerizing laser display...

Hey expats! I have some good news for you!  The latest Economic Insight report, commissioned by ICAEW and compiled by Oxford Economics, forecasts an impressive doubling of the UAE's GDP to 4.8 percent in 2024, signaling an upward trajectory from the 2.4 percent recorded in 2023. While short-term growth may encounter hurdles due to OPEC+ production quotas, the UAE's higher reference quota hints at a potential relaxation of these limitations in 2024. Current estimates for the UAE's oil production hover at 3.28 million barrels per day, marginally lower than the previous year. Despite this, the UAE consistently surpasses its OPEC target, sustaining production levels of around 3.25 million bpd.  This trend is anticipated to persist, with projections indicating an average output of 3.35 million bpd in 2024, poised to further rise to 3.6 million bpd in 2025. However, this robust output still falls notably short of the UAE's maximum capacity, which sits at around 4.5 million bp...

Hi expats! Exciting news just in! The Australian government is diving headfirst into talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strike up a big-time trade deal called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.  What’s the buzz? This move is all about turbocharging Australian exports, boosting the economy, and scoring some fantastic new jobs all across our sunny land. Why the UAE? This country is like a door to a whole bunch of opportunities, not just there but stretching beyond. In 2022, both countries traded goods and services worth a whopping $9.26 billion! If you read my previous blog, you will know that the UAE is a great destination for complex opportunities including crypto. Already, the UAE loves Aussie stuff like alumina, meat, oil seeds, and even our top-notch education - they've got three of our universities right there in their backyard!  This deal isn’t just about shaking hands and saying hi; it’s about opening up fresh, cool chances for Aussie businesses ...

Hey expats! Some of you may not know this, but Abu Dhabi isn’t just joining the crypto revolution—it’s aiming to lead it. In recent times, the emirate has become a hotspot for crypto giants seeking global expansion. Companies like Copper Technologies, Paxos Trust, and eToro Group (if you have heard of them) have set their sights on Abu Dhabi, securing licenses or establishing segments of their crypto operations within the emirate’s economic zone. The spotlight shines on Phoenix Group, a cryptocurrency mining hardware company. Its monumental 47% surge in shares following its Abu Dhabi public market debut on December 5 speaks volumes, showcasing the region’s growing prowess and allure in the crypto market. Executives and industry insiders laud the city’s burgeoning ecosystem, evolving governmental policies, and robust investor support. Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, operating within the international economic zone, champions innovation in digital assets—a promising ...

Hey expats!  After a relaxing weekend, I have some great news for you. I want to hear your opinions too!  Yesterday, The UAE and the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana recently reaffirmed their commitment to fostering stronger ties across various developmental sectors. In a significant meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Guyana's President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, both nations pledged to enhance cooperation in critical areas of mutual interest. Like many other bilateral ties, one of the primary focal points of their discussions revolved around collaborative efforts in promoting food security, energy sustainability, technological advancements, capacity-building initiatives, and fostering cultural exchanges. Sheikh Mohamed praised Guyana's commendable strides in sustainable development while reiterating the UAE's unwavering dedication to global climate action and sustainability measures. The historical diplomatic relations between the UAE and Guya...

Hello, expats... and tourists! As you may be aware, Abu Dhabi, the UAE's colorful jewel, is a tapestry of technological marvels and cultural richness, offering a variety of experiences to suit every visitor's appetite. This city has everything, whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping experiences or peaceful cultural immersions. Let's go into the four interesting sights that highlight Abu Dhabi's allure. Today, Dina is your tour guide *insert wink emoji*! 1. Snow Abu Dhabi: Where Desert Meets Winter Wonderland Nestled within the Reem Mall, Snow Abu Dhabi is a surreal escape from the city's desert heat. Opened in June, this indoor snow park beckons enthusiasts of all ages. With activities ranging from snowboarding and tobogganing to whimsical snowball fights, visitors are transported into a magical Alpine-style village. Families can bond while building snowmen, creating timeless memories in this snowy haven. Know more about Snow AD   2. Corniche Waterfront: ...

Hey expats! Let's talk about something truly exciting happening right here in Dubai during COP28 – the Dubai Municipality and DEWA are teaming up to create electricity from biogases at Muhaisnah 5 landfill! As a UAE expat, this news makes me really proud of the sustainability efforts happening in our city. I know this is good news, especially for those living in Dubai.      During this big climate event, the UAE is hosting, these two big players, Dubai Municipality and DEWA, signed an agreement to turn biogases into electricity. This isn’t just any deal; it's a big step towards a greener future for Dubai and the whole UAE. There goes Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer from DEWA who is super hyped about Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050. He's aiming for 100% clean energy production by 2050. His dedication to a green future is truly commendable. One more thing: they have recycling and energy conversion plans too! Then there's Eng. Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Muni...

  Hi expats!  So, today, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s current trip to the United Arab Emirates has marked a significant moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, starting with his visit to Dubai. While his attendance at the climate talks remains uncertain, Putin is set to engage in discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.  The agenda for these discussions is wide-ranging, spanning critical topics such as energy cooperation within the framework of OPEC+, a coalition responsible for more than 40% of the world’s oil production. Additionally, the talks are anticipated to cover pressing regional concerns, including the situation in Gaza with Israel, ongoing issues in Syria and Yemen, and broader aspects of Gulf stability. The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the United Arab Emirates holds particular significance for the realm of global energy dynamics, notably within the framework of OPEC. Discussions between Putin and leader...

Hey there again my fellow expats! Dina here, sharing some international news that emerged during COP28 in UAE, the heart of where I currently call home. Let’s dive into the buzz surrounding the Africa Climate Risk Insurance Facility for Adaptation (ACRIFA) and how it’s set to change the game for African farmers battling climate change. If you didn’t know, COP28 in Dubai was a bustling hub of conversations around climate action. Amidst all the discussions, the African Development Bank Group unveiled ACRIFA – a $1 billion initiative aiming to provide insurance coverage for over 40 million farmers across Africa. It was a hot topic, gathering praises from various quarters, including the World Food Programme and insurance giants, for its potential impact on fortifying the agricultural sector. Imagine this – 97% of African farmers don’t have agricultural insurance. That’s a staggering number! ACRIFA steps in as a lifeline, offering protection against erratic weather patterns, which can make ...