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  The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional organization consisting of six members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Established in 1981, the GCC's objectives are to enhance coordination and integration among its members.  In 2023, notable developments in the six countries include the COP28 Summit in Dubai , the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the focus on space technologies, the BRICS group joining six other countries, the first-ever liquefied hydrogen ship in Oman, the return of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to the Arab League, and the introduction of Fedha, a virtual news presenter generated using artificial intelligence. COP28 marked the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, while the G20 Summit in September launched the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The UAE, Bahrain, and the UK are set to join forces to develop advanced space technologies to reduce greenhouse emissions and tackle natural disast

  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted an invitation to inaugurate the largest Hindu temple in the UAE, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The organization met with Modi in New Delhi and extended the invitation, expressing his enthusiastic support for the historic temple. The meeting focused on the significance of the temple for global harmony and unity.  The BAPS Hindu Mandir, designed to resemble a blossoming lotus flower, is an architectural marvel that transcends borders and celebrates unity, spirituality, and community in the heart of the Emirates. The temple, built just outside Abu Dhabi , is expected to attract millions of devotees.  The project represents global collaboration, with skilled artisans in India crafting carvings and statues. Over 50,000 individuals have laid bricks in the construction of the mandir, including Indian actors Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt. The emirate allocated over 17 acres of land for the temple project during Modi's UAE trip in 2015.

  The Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) has granted licenses to over 45 Dubai fireworks displays, transporting over 38,000 tonnes of fireworks. The agency ensures safety through inspection visits, safety distances, audience assessments, and display durations. Emergency measures include public evacuation from designated safety areas. List Of Fireworks Locations In Dubai 1. Burj khalifa 2. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort 3. Jumeirah Golf Club 4. Emirates Golf Club 5. Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort 6. Arabian Ranches Golf Club 7. Club Vista Mary The Palm 8. One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel 9. Dubai Festival City Mall 10. Atlantis The Palm Hotel 11. The Royal Palm Hotel 12. Dubai Frame 13. Palazzo Versace Hotel Dubai 14. Jumeirah Group (Burj Al Arab) 15. The Beach & Bluewaters (GBR) 16. Hatta painting 17. Global Village 18. Dubai Parks and Resorts 19. Al Saif Street 20. The Address Montgomerie Hotel, Dubai 21. Top Golf Club Dubai 22. Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort – Dubai 23. JA Beac

  The Saudi Vision 2030 aims to achieve economic success by focusing on three main themes: a vibrant society, diversification of the economy, and accountability. The vision focuses on establishing the largest Islamic museum, increasing Umrah visitors , and developing Saudi cities. It also aims to diversify the economy and create job opportunities through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The vision also emphasizes accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the governing strategy. The country will establish zero tolerance for corruption, boost transparency, and strengthen the non-profit sector. The goals include ranking three cities in the top 100 cities globally, increasing household spending on cultural and entertainment activities, increasing household savings, increasing the ratio of individuals exercising at least once a week, increasing average life expectancy, reducing unemployment, increasing women's participation in the workforce, becoming one of the top

  The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi, a cultural event honoring the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is set to run for nearly four months until March 9, offering visitors a chance to spend joyful times with family and friends. The festival's New Year's Eve could set four Guinness World Records, with a show involving 5,000 drones and a one-hour fireworks display aiming to break three others.  New attractions include a Chinese market, a camping village, and a Flying Cup experience, as well as a small zoo, face painting, VR games, talent competitions, and rides. The festival also features a Crazy Car arena with safe cars for small children and the House of Horror, inspired by Disney's 'Haunted Mansion'. On December 31, the festival organizers announced more activities, including a massive laser show, one of the largest of its kind in the region. Visitors can watch 100,000 colorful balloons being released into the sky, amid live DJs and music performers. Gia

  A student opened fire on a university campus in Prague, killing 14 people and injuring 25 others, in the Czech Republic's most violent mass shooting. An Emirati couple, Ahmed Ibrahim Obaid Ali Al Ali and Rowdah Al Mehrizi, sustained injuries of undisclosed severities.  The UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, expressed his condolences to Jan Lipavsky, the Czech Republic's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and wished for a speedy recovery of all injured. Sheikh Abdullah also praised the efforts of the Czech government in providing necessary care and support to the UAE nationals injured as a result of the incident. The UAE minister affirmed the country's solidarity with the Czech Republic and its "permanent rejection of all forms of violence that aim to undermine security and stability of countries and the safety of their peoples."  Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed , also made a phone call to the injured couple to check on their

  As 2023 draws to a close, Riyadh restaurants and hotels are celebrating December with seasonal dishes, special set menus, and memorable entertainment options. Five great ways to mark the holidays in Riyadh include Brute, MNKY HSE, Iris, Nozomi, So Fleur, and adventurous desert activities. Brute offers a New Year's Eve menu for SAR350 per person, featuring live entertainment and delicious Latin cuisine. MNKY HSE is known for its electric atmosphere and resident DJ, offering tropical beats and flavorful Latin American dishes like soft tacos with chicken chipotle. Iris offers a range of set menus, including mini burgers, dips, salmon tartare, glazed brisket, dessert, fruits, premium mocktails, and live entertainment. Nozomi offers house band performances, a choreographed LED dance show, and excellent Japanese food. So Fleur offers a Soirée Française set menu for SAR450 per person, starting at 7 PM. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Riyadh offers a variety of daring d

  Qatar National Vision 2030 aims to create a prosperous Gulf state that promotes economic and social justice, fostering harmony between nature and humans. The vision aims to transform Qatar into an advanced country by the end of the decade, capable of sustaining its own development and providing a high standard of living for future generations. However, the vision must address five major challenges: modernization and preservation of traditions, sustainable development, managed growth and uncontrolled expansion, size and quality of the expatriate labor force, and economic growth, social development, and environmental management. Preserving cultural traditions is a significant challenge in a rapidly globalizing world. The vision seeks to balance the needs of present and future generations, ensuring sustainable development that meets both generations’ needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their requirements. Qatar must also address the potential for uncontrolled

  The  COP28 conference in the UAE , held from November 30 to December 12, has concluded, marking significant milestones in the fight against climate change. The agreement adopted enables an irreversible transition away from polluting fossil fuels, marking the first time since nations started meeting three decades ago to address the climate crisis. The UAE and the EU demonstrated collaborative leadership, with shared dedication to emissions reduction goals and ambitious timelines for achieving net-zero emissions. However, there is still much more work to be done. The COP28 outcomes will serve as a foundation to strengthen UAE-EU relations, fostering deeper cooperation in sectors such as trade, security, and cultural exchange. Ambassador Al Sahlawi emphasized that the work is far from complete and that the path ahead requires innovation, commitment, and collaboration. He trusts that the EU and the UAE will continue to work hand in hand.

  Neom, a futuristic mega-city in Saudi Arabia, is set to feature a range of food security projects, including desert agriculture and “farm-to-fork” sustainability, to redefine food production, distribution, and consumption through sustainable solutions. The initiative brings in chefs Norbert Niederkofler and Paolo Ferretti, founders of sustainable food venture  Neom  Care, and Topian, a sustainable agriculture specialist company. Neom aims to become a hub for food culture and reduce emissions from the food industry, which heavily relies on imports. Topian, a new food company launched by Neom, focuses on agriculture, alternative meat, and dairy. Neom believes desert agriculture technology will be a global focus due to climate change, and the company aims to address key challenges such as climate change-resistant agriculture, regenerative aquaculture, and customized nutrition. Neom’s CEO, Carlos Motamayor, believes that localization of food production is crucial for boosting food securi

  The UAE is implementing green technology to improve disabled access at several beaches. Solar-powered tracks, designed by Greek company Seatrac, will be installed at Corniche Public Beach, Corniche Sahil Beach, Corniche Family Beach, Al Bateen Public Beach, and Al Bateen Ladies’ Beach. The technology has already been introduced at over 200 beaches in Greece. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has partnered with Mubadala, a sovereign investor, to install remote control-operated ramps that allow people with disabilities to enjoy the waters without assistance. The initiative is part of the UAE government’s goal to create a more inclusive society for those in need of assistance. The DMT and Mubadala are also working to improve public spaces, with parks in Abu Dhabi set to have 26 freshwater drinking fountains to reduce single-use plastic bottle use. The partnership aims to elevate  Abu Dhabi’ s quality of life and create a more inclusive society.

  Pakistan has successfully implemented artificial rain technology in Lahore, Pakistan, to combat hazardous levels of smog. The initiative, supported by the UAE, was made possible by  UAE  teams and two specialized planes equipped with cloud seeding technology. Lahore is known for being one of the worst global hotspots for air pollution, with over 11 million residents susceptible to severe health complications due to high levels of tiny PM2.5 pollutants. The UAE’s intervention comes as Pakistan’s economy is estimated to have contracted during the current financial year. Cloud seeding, also known as artificial rain or blueskying, involves releasing common salt or a mixture of salts into clouds, stimulating condensation and leading to rainfall. Despite previous attempts to mitigate pollution through road spraying and shutdowns, the situation remains dire.

  Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, has passed away at the age of 86 after three years in power. The royal court announced his death on Saturday, and the focus now is on whether a younger generation is brought in by the family. Sheikh Nawaf’s health has been a concern during his term, as he traveled to the United States for medical checkups in 2021. He was admitted to the hospital in late November due to an emergency health problem, but was later reported to be in a stable condition. Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf was the fifth son of Sheikh Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah,  Kuwait’s  late ruler from 1921 to 1950. He started his political career at the age of 25 as governor of Hawalli province and remained in the position until 1978. Sheikh Nawaf served as the interior and defense minister of the oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country and was named crown prince in 2006. He took over as Emir when his half-brother Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah died in 2020 at the age of 91. Th

  Oman’s Sultan and Prime Minister, His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, has left Singapore for a three-day state visit to India, marking a key moment in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit follows an invitation from India’s President, Droupadi Murmu. On December 16, His Majesty will be received by President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he will hold bilateral discussions and host a luncheon in his honor. The trip is expected to provide an opportunity to explore avenues for future collaboration for regional stability, progress, and prosperity. He will also be called on the  External Affairs Minister of India , S Jaishankar. The relationship between India and Oman has a long history of friendship and cooperation, with diplomatic ties established in 1955 and upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008. Oman is home to a large Indian expatriate community, which plays a significant role in the country’s economic development and cult

  The  Israel-Hamas conflict  has been escalating for 69 days, causing chaos in the Middle East. The Hamas-run health ministry reported 18,412 deaths in Gaza, mostly innocent women and children. Israel’s bombardment comes in retaliation for the attack by Hamas militants on October 7, which claimed at least 1,200 lives and took 240 people hostage. US celebrities Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift have been spotted attending a Gaza charity event hosted by American-Egyptian comedian Ramy Youssef at his Brooklyn comedy club. The event, hosted by Youssef’s club, supports organizations helping Palestinians in need and pledges to donate 100% of proceeds to American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), a non-governmental organization established after the 1967 Six-Day War. Taylor Swift has not commented on the violence, while Selena Gomez recently took a break from social media to express her heartbreak at the horror, hate, violence, and terror in the world. Pro-Palestinian advocates have urged celebriti

Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, was in the Saudi capital of Riyadh last weekend to visit the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee (NOC), and to see for himself the impressive growth of sport in the Kingdom. He arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday for his third visit to the Middle Eastern country since being elected as the IOC's president in 2013. He toured the recently concluded Saudi Games 2023 site and noted the "extremely impressive" development of sport there. Sport - A Tool For Health, Inclusion And Cohesion Bach highlighted the inclusion of more women in sport and leading positions within the sporting movement. "I don't think I have seen such a transformation of sport in such a short period of time in any country," he added. The second edition of the Saudi National Games saw more than 8,000 participants from across the country competing in 53 sports and a number of Esports competitions. The Games also saw record

Lana Nusseibeh, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN, inaugurated on Monday the first of three desalination plants the Emirates is building on the Mediterranean coast on the Egyptian side of the Rafah Border Crossing to send water into the Gaza Strip. Gazans are currently living on less than 3 litres of water a day. The majority of the enclave's supply comes from a coastal aquifer, and the quality is brackish and often undrinkable. Critical shortigious of fuel and electricity have rendered treatment plants dysfunction. Initiative Necessary To Reduce Illness & Disease The desalination plants are expected to supply 300,000 Gazans with treated water every day. Although the amount alone is not enough, it is an important step in relieving the suffering of the people after Israel largely cut supplies to the territory following the Hamas assault. At the moment, water is taken into Gaza via lorry, adding to the burden of trying to bring vehicles carrying aid into the Pales

  In December, Abu Dhabi is a hub for fun activities, including the Liwa Village Festival, a mini-oasis featuring authentic Emirati heritage, live music, and a great culinary scene. The festival also features a neon-lit amusement park. The Zayed Exhibit for Rare Watches at Caliber Cafe showcases a rare collection of Rolex watches crafted with the  UAE  logo. The Mother of the Nation Festival offers thrilling rides, live music, and food trucks. The stunning light exhibition takes over the islands, mangroves, and natural vistas in the capital, featuring artworks by local and international artists. The event runs until January 30, 2024. For those craving delicious Lebanese food, Alya is a must-visit, with a menu curated by renowned chefs. The festival is a must-visit for those looking to experience the city’s vibrant culture and vibrant nightlife.

  The Historic  Jeddah Program  has launched activities to boost Saudi Arabia’s local economy and turn the Kingdom into a cultural and economic tourism destination. The initiative, “Balad Al-Fann,” includes art exhibitions, theatrical performances, music programs, and schoolchildren’s events. The aim is to enhance Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene, increase awareness, provide unique sensory experiences, and encourage people to visit Al-Balad, the historical area of Jeddah. The events are expected to help with artistic skills development and entrepreneurship in the sectors, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, a government program aiming to enhance quality of life and increase diversification economically, socially, and culturally. The plan focuses on creating a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation committed to efficiency and accountability at all levels. The plan aims to create a strong social infrastructure, a supportive business environment, and investment in education

  Dubai has announced plans to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by the end of the decade, in line with the Paris climate agreement. The announcement is part of the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future both locally and globally. The UAE unveiled an ambitious strategic initiative in 2021 to  reduce carbon emissions  by the middle of the century, aiming to invest Dh600 billion ($163.37 billion) in clean and renewable energy sources over the next 30 years. The UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasized the country’s intention to play a global role in combating climate change. The Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative made the UAE the first Gulf country to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement. The initiative supports key economic sectors in the country and their efforts to benefit from green growth opportunities. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

  The  Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia  has become a significant event in the Arab world, honoring emerging talents from the region. The festival, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah, attracted Hollywood celebrities such as Halle Berry, Adrian Brody, Jason Statham, Henry Golding, Andrew Garfield, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Saudi actor Abdullah Al Sadhan. The festival also honored the recipients of this year’s Yusr Awards, including The Teacher, Sunday, Dear Jassi, and In Flames. The winners at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film In Flames, Zarrar Kahn Silver Yusr for Best Feature Film Dear Jassi / Tarsem Singh Jury Prize Farah Nabulsi, The Teacher Best Director Shokir Kholikov, Sunday Best Actor Saleh Bakri, The Teacher Best Actress Mouna Hawa, Inshallah A Boy Best Screenplay Six Feet Over, Karim Bensalah and Jamal Belmahi Asharq Documentary (Best Documentary In Competition) Kaouther Ben Hania, Four Daughters Chopard Rising Talent Trophy Nour A

India and Oman are reportedly in discussions to establish a  free trade agreement , mirroring the UAE model. The negotiations aim to strengthen trade in identified sectors, marking a strategic move in India’s economic diplomacy. As of April-September 2023/24, India’s exports to Oman reached $2 billion, while imports stood at $2.1 billion. The talks are expected to result in a comprehensive free trade agreement, reflecting the shared interests of India and Oman in fostering stronger economic ties. The Indian government has identified specific sectors with high potential for increased trade between the two nations, such as petroleum products, gems and jewellery, engineering products, pharmaceuticals, cement and ceramic products, ready-made textiles, and footwear. As of April-September 2023/24, India’s exports to Oman have reached $2 billion, while imports stand at $2.1 billion. These negotiations aim to further bolster these figures through a mutually beneficial trade agreement. The mode