Ben Sulayem declares bid for second term as FIA president
The Emirati said he had taken the decision, which was widely assumed, after conferring with members of the International Automobile Federation.

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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Dubai Crown Prince waives Dh101 million in housing loans for 303 citizens ahead of Eid Al Adha
Source: X Dubai has made a generous move to support its citizens as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, orders the waiver of Dh101 million in mortgage debts for 303 Emirati nationals. This decision, announced ahead of the Eid Al Adha celebrations, highlights the UAE's ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for its people. It reflects the leadership's focus on social welfare, economic stability, and creating a caring society. The gesture is part of a wider vision to ensure citizens can celebrate the festive season with greater financial ease and peace of mind. As Dubai gears up to celebrate Eid Al Adha, this historic decision to forgive housing loans is a demonstration of the UAE values of benevolence, unity, and accountability in leadership. It is not just relief from financial burdens but also a sense of national cohesion and confidence between the government and citizens. Dubai initiative waives Dh101 million in housing loans for 303 citizens The program was executed under the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The exemption of debt is in line with the efforts of the leadership to increase citizens' quality of life and support social stability. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Sheikh Hamdan, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, implemented the directive on June 4, a day before the beginning of the Eid holidays. The news, issued through a tweet from the Dubai Media Office, was particularly symbolic in that it was delivered during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a significant period for Muslims characterised by acts of piety, charity, and the holy pilgrimage of Hajj. Eid Al Adha, a celebration of sacrifice and generosity, also increased the significance of this move, providing economic relief and happiness to hundreds of Emirati families preparing to celebrate one of the holiest festivals of the Islamic calendar. Source: X UAE measures to relieve their citizens from financial burdens This mortgage forgiveness is not a one-off move. The UAE over the past few weeks has seen a string of measures that have helped to relieve its citizens of their financial burdens: Debt forgiveness for retirees and those in need: The UAE President had previously directed the waiver of loan payments for 222 citizens, specifically retirees and social support recipients. Mass release of inmates: In a further act of compassion, officials directed the release of 963 prisoners from prisons, most of whom were incarcerated for economic crimes. The state has pledged to pay for the economic obligations associated with their cases. These policies are part of a unified national approach aimed at enhancing social ties, sustaining justice, and sustaining economic prosperity throughout the Emirates. UAE's goal for a strong and united community The UAE leadership continues to provide a regional model for humane leadership. Cancelling the debt of more than 300 citizens is an expression of the government's long-standing desire to ensure that financial burdens do not impinge on the social and individual growth of the citizens. By combining strategic leadership with humane values, the UAE is solidifying its position as a forward-thinking and people-centred country. Also Read | Eid Al Adha 2025 celebrations begin across UAE: Win gold coins, experience live concerts, cultural shows and many more


Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Historic First: Emirati business leader Shaikha Al Nowais appointed first woman Secretary-General of UN Tourism
Shaikha Al Nowais (Image credit: Shaikha Al Nowais official webiste) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has elected Shaikha Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General of UN Tourism. She will be the first woman to lead the organization since its establishment in 1975, marking 50 years of its history. Nowais is set to begin her term in January 2026 after the retirement of Zurab Pololikashvili, the current Secretary-General. The decision of Nowais' appointment was taken in the 123rd session of the UN Tourism council meeting held at Spain on May 30. As a Secretary-General, Nowais aims to focus on sustainability, digital transformation, economic empowerment, ethical governance and cultural exchange. Her goal is to build an inclusive and innovative tourism sector that helps drive global prosperity. According to her official website, Nowais' vision is 'to lead UN Tourism in promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism that stimulates economic growth and enriches global communities.' Nowais, an Emirati business leader, has over 16 years of experience in the global hospitality industry. She is currently the corporate vice-president of owner relationship management at the Rotana hotel chain, where she manages owner relations across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Heads Turn As Walgreens Shoppers Discover 87¢ ED Pills fridayplans Learn More Undo She has extensive experience in corporate governance, sustainability and economic development and is known for her strategic vision in advancing global tourism initiatives. A graduate from Zayed University, Dubai majoring in Finance, Nowais also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber's Tourism Working Group and serves on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, has congratulated Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism. In a statement, Al Yamahi praised the achievement as a reflection of the great success of Emirati women at both regional and international levels. He credited this progress to the strong support and vision of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who continues to empower women and support their role in the UAE's development. He stated that this achievement is a source of pride for the UAE and the entire Arab world. It strengthens the presence of Arab women in global decision-making positions and shows that Emirati professionals can lead international organisations with skill and excellence.


Mint
7 days ago
- Mint
Elon Musk tried to derail OpenAI-led UAE deal, pressured Trump for xAI role: Report
Elon Musk reportedly attempted to obstruct a landmark artificial intelligence partnership between OpenAI and the United Arab Emirates unless his own startup, xAI, was brought into the fold, according to people familiar with the matter cited byThe Wall Street Journal. The deal, announced on 22 May, involves a consortium of major American tech companies led by OpenAI and aims to build one of the largest AI data centres in the world, located in Abu Dhabi. It includes partners such as Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco and SoftBank, and is being spearheaded by G42, an Emirati AI company controlled by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al Nahyan, the UAE's national security adviser and brother to the country's president. You may be interested in Musk, whose company xAI has trailed OpenAI in terms of commercial reach, was reportedly angered after learning in mid-May that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman would accompany U.S. President Donald Trump on a tour of the Gulf region. Sources told theWSJ that Musk warned G42 officials that Trump would not approve any deal unless xAI was included. Tensions escalated when Musk, having learned of the pending agreement, abruptly decided to join Trump's trip, and appeared alongside the President in Saudi Arabia. White House aides later confirmed that Musk had voiced concerns about the fairness of the deal, although officials ultimately gave the project the go-ahead despite his objections. One official noted that managing Musk's reaction became a priority, as both Trump and his AI and crypto adviser, David Sacks, wanted to unveil the UAE partnership before the end of the Middle East tour. 'This was another great deal for the American people, thanks to President Trump and his exceptional team,' said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This latest flare-up follows a pattern. In January, Musk reacted similarly to the announcement of the U.S.-based Stargate initiative—a separate AI investment effort involving OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. Musk reportedly complained then that the project lacked adequate funding, and criticised the initiative on his social platform, X. Tensions between Musk and Altman have been simmering for years. The two co-founded OpenAI in 2015, but Musk left in 2018 amid internal disputes. Since then, their relationship has soured, with Musk accusing Altman of straying from the organisation's nonprofit roots and publicly mocking him with derogatory nicknames. In 2023, Musk even filed a lawsuit against Altman, alleging a betrayal of OpenAI's original mission. Despite his objections, Musk maintains strong business ties in the region. Tahnoon's MGX fund was a key investor in a $6 billion fundraising round for xAI last December. In February, Dubai inked a deal with Musk's Boring Company to develop an 11-mile underground tunnel network. At the same event, Musk appeared virtually alongside the UAE's Minister of AI. The Emirates, eager to diversify their oil-reliant economy, have made AI a top strategic priority. After the Biden administration curbed exports of advanced AI chips to the UAE and others, the Gulf nation successfully lobbied the returning Trump administration to ease restrictions. In return, they promised substantial investments in American infrastructure and AI partnerships. Under the framework agreement, the Stargate UAE project is set to host multiple American tech companies in a sprawling data hub powered by an estimated five gigawatts of energy—surpassing any existing single-site data centre in the U.S. The UAE will also fund a mirror project on American soil as part of the bilateral arrangement. While xAI was not included in the initial announcement, WSJ says it remains on a shortlist of U.S. firms conditionally cleared to acquire a significant share of the 500,000 high-end AI chips permitted annually under the deal. The future phases of the Stargate project could still involve Musk's firm.