Latest news with #Aletihad
Al Etihad
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Community spirit shines as Liwa Date Festival grows as a symbol of Emirati pride
17 July 2025 21:43 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (LIWA CITY)Year after year, Liwa Date Festival exceeds expectations, expanding in scale, quality, and impact. Behind its success is a passionate team — including volunteers who work closely with organisers to ensure smooth operations and an engaging experience for all Al Mazrouei, a university student, has travelled from Abu Dhabi to Al Dhafra Region to volunteer at the festival, and she has been doing so for three years now. 'This festival is not just about dates — it's about heritage, family, and pride,' Al Mazrouei told Aletihad . To her, devoting time to the event is a tribute to her roots, an expression of pride in the culture she grew up with.'My grandparents were date farmers, and by volunteering, I feel like I'm honouring their legacy and preserving our traditions for future generations,' she said. At the festival, volunteers help out in several aspects, from managing logistics and guiding visitors to assisting with competitions and promoting sustainability initiatives. Their efforts support the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority's goal of creating an organised, enriching experience for both visitors and participants. Ahmed Al Mansouri, who is also from Abu Dhabi, is volunteering for the first time this year at the fest's 21st edition. 'What inspired me to volunteer was the sense of belonging,' he said.'Everyone here is working with a shared goal: to celebrate something deeply rooted in our culture. I've met people from all over the country, and we're all connected through this experience.'It's more than just an event, Al Mansouri said, 'it's a national story we're writing together.'For Aisha Al Rumaithi, another volunteer and an environmental science graduate, being part of the event is a way to show her appreciation of the local culture. 'I grew up hearing stories about the Liwa Oasis and how important dates are to our survival and identity,' said Al Rumaithi. 'Now, to be part of an event that blends our past with our future — sustainability, innovation, and culture — is incredibly meaningful to me.'With its strong focus on community engagement, education, and economic development, Liwa Date Festival stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to preserving its cultural roots while looking confidently toward the future. From the hands of farmers to the hearts of visitors and the tireless work of volunteers, the festival continues to blossom —season after season — as a symbol of resilience, unity, and Emirati pride.
Al Etihad
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Union Pledge Day: UAE citizens reflect on Founding Fathers' legacy, national values
17 July 2025 22:00 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Union Pledge Day, marked annually on July 18, is a moment to reflect on and cherish the national values instilled by the Founding Fathers - values that bind the nation and its people on their journey of progress and development, according to UAE marks Union Pledge Day on Friday, a national occasion that commemorates the historic meeting held on July 18, 1971, when the country's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, along with the Rulers of the Emirates, signed the Declaration of the Union, approved the UAE Constitution, and announced the official name of the country: the United Arab historic meeting marked a milestone in establishing a federation of emirates on December 2, the designation of July 18 as Union Pledge Day, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said this significant date is an occasion to commemorate the UAE's blessed journey, draw lessons and morals for the present and future, and renew the nation's pledge to God Almighty and the people of the UAE to preserve unity and Pledge Day serves not only as a commemoration of a historic milestone but also as a national reminder of the values and principles instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed, and his brothers the Rulers - values of unity, leadership, and national solidarity that continue to guide the UAE's development today. The day also aims to educate and inspire younger generations about the nation's rich history and the sacrifices made to achieve unity. Speaking to Aletihad , citizens said the national occasion is a time to reaffirm the pledge of loyalty to the nation and renew their commitment to national values. Adnan Alajmi, an Emirati citizen, said, 'To me, this day is where we remember how everything started and who we are, and why we must remember this day. To celebrate our goals being achieved and to stay connected with one another, because we are stronger together than we are apart.'He added that the Founding Fathers' legacy should continue to be honoured by staying rooted in tradition while embracing innovation and global Ahmed Al Masoudi, a UAE citizen, the national occasion is more than a historical date - 'it's a living symbol of loyalty to the nation and a reaffirmation of our commitment to its values'.'Union Pledge Day is a significant moment that reminds me of the deep sense of unity, pride, and purpose that binds the people of the UAE.'He said the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed is still evident in the UAE's leadership in fields like AI, sustainability, and humanitarian efforts the same spirit, Emirati citizen Zayed Al Bariki said, 'Union Pledge Day is a powerful reminder of the unity and strength that forms the foundation of the UAE. It's a day to reflect on our shared identity and renew our commitment to the nation's growth and values.' He emphasised that the principles established by the Founding Fathers continue to shape the nation's trajectory, balancing tradition with a drive for innovation and excellence.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dubai among 10 most expensive cities for HNWIs
14 July 2025 13:52 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Dubai is among the top 10 most expensive cities for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), according to the 2024 edition of Julius Baer's Global Wealth and Lifestyle Singapore retained its position as the most expensive city for the second year in a row. It was followed by London, which overtook Hong Kong to claim second place. Hong Kong, now in third, remains Asia's second-most costly city for affluent the top ten are Monaco (4th), Zurich (5th), Shanghai (6th), followed by Dubai (7th), New York (8th), Paris (9th), and Milan (10th).Dubai's seventh-place ranking marks a notable climb from its 12th position last Baer's Lifestyle Index ranks 25 cities by analysing residential property, cars, business class flights, dining experiences and other luxuries. The bank surveyed high-net-worth individuals with bankable household assets of $1 million or more from February to March to the report, Dubai continues to strengthen its reputation as a global wealth hub. It was ranked the most expensive city in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, with its rise in the index driven by surging property prices and strong demand across luxury placed in the global top five for hotel suites, fine dining, and health insurance costs. The city also posted high rankings in residential property pricing, underlining a strong appetite for upscale real estate and luxury report highlights the UAE's appeal to HNWIs, citing a stable economy, favourable tax policies, and world-class a commentary accompanying the report, Julius Baer stated: 'The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs and the wealthy, with strong infrastructure, quality of life, and an ever-growing financial services sector.''The momentum of millionaires relocating to Dubai, which began during the pandemic, is predicted to continue. The net inflow is destined to surpass that of all other countries, positioning Dubai as a leading destination for the global elite,' the report global economic uncertainty, Julius Baer observed that luxury prices in many cities rose modestly. In Dubai, however, demand for premium goods and services remains especially robust. The report forecasts that Dubai's rise in the rankings may continue, supported by continued investment in infrastructure, innovation, and economic diversification. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Al Ain Youth Council launches Al Ain Youth Week, celebrating youth skills
13 July 2025 19:09 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Al Ain Youth Council has launched Al Ain Youth Week, set to take place from July 14 - 20, 2025 in conjunction with World Youth Skills Day on July initiative aims to celebrate the skills of youth, and strengthen their contribution to sustainable Ain Youth Week aligns with the council's broader efforts to empower young people, and enable their active participation in society. Through dedicated platforms and spaces, youth will be able to showcase their talents and initiatives across key sectors—reflecting the leadership's vision that youth are the true wealth of the nation and architects of its year's edition of Al Ain Youth Week focuses on several key themes: positive citizenship, Arabic language, sustainability and environment, artificial intelligence, talent and arts, and initiative seeks to highlight inspiring youth-led success stories, encourage civic engagement, and foster strategic partnerships between public and private entities to support and develop national week's objectives include empowering youth to enhance their skills, increasing their presence across sectors, and spotlighting their impactful contributions—all contributing to a cohesive and innovative society rooted in national identity and initiative targets youth between the ages of 15 and 35, as well as public and private institutions, academic entities, civil society organisations, and stakeholders interested in youth development and support the activation of the initiative, the Al Ain Youth Council will release a comprehensive guide to Al Ain Youth Week, offering a practical reference for institutions and individuals to implement meaningful and aligned council is also coordinating a city-wide youth agenda featuring dialogue sessions, entrepreneurial and artistic exhibitions, training workshops, and interactive Ain Youth Week embodies a model of both direct and indirect collaboration between governmental and private entities—reinforcing the spirit of collective responsibility in empowering the next Mohammed Al Baloushi, Vice President of the Al Ain Youth Council, said: "We believe that investing in the capabilities of youth is an investment in the future of our nation. Al Ain Youth Week reflects this national direction by providing spaces and opportunities for young people to showcase their skills and contribute meaningfully to a united and forward-looking society." The Al Ain Youth Council calls on all institutions and individuals in the city to participate in celebrating youth—whether by organising relevant initiatives or joining ongoing activities—as a collective affirmation of their essential role in shaping the future. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
10-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE to see enhanced trade prospects, investor optimism after removal from EU's AML/CTF list
11 July 2025 00:50 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)The European Parliament's decision to remove the UAE from its money laundering watch list is a testament to the country's regulatory progress and is expected to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and strategic partnerships, according to with Aletihad, Ashish Mehta, founder and managing partner of legal services firm Ashish Mehta and Associates, explained the legal implications of this delisting.'The fact that the UAE has been able to get itself delisted … shows that governments [federal and local] and their respective agencies within the UAE have been very efficient and encouragingly proactive in meeting the EU's requirements,' he foresees a shift in the way international firms will approach corporate structuring or risk assessment when establishing a presence in the UAE.'Getting delisted from the EU's watch list means that the UAE has been able to put in place the necessary legal and regulatory framework, which now complies with EU's standards. The international firms already present in the UAE, or wishing to establish a presence, should therefore expect heightened accountability norms,' he said. Turning Point in UAE-EU Relations Ehtesham Shahid, a UAE-based editor and researcher, described the delisting as 'a positive inflection point' in UAE–EU diplomatic relations.'For the EU, it signals recognition of the UAE's regulatory reforms and enforcement efforts in combating illicit financial flows. For the UAE, it's a diplomatic win that validates its compliance with international standards, particularly those aligned with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF),' he told a broader perspective, Shahid pointed out that this decision reflects increasing trust and alignment between Brussels and Abu Dhabi, potentially paving the way for more strategic cooperation in climate and energy transition, trade facilitation, security, and counterterrorism. 'It also reinforces the UAE's status as a bridge between Europe and emerging markets in Asia and Africa, aligning well with the EU's evolving Global Gateway strategy,' he added. Investor Confidence and FDI Set to Climb Experts maintain that the delisting will significantly bolster investor confidence, particularly among European institutional investors who are risk-sensitive to regulatory flags. 'When a jurisdiction is listed for money laundering concerns, it introduces reputational and operational risks. Removal from the watch list eliminates this friction and reduces compliance hurdles for cross-border financial transactions,' Shahid said.'As for FDI growth, the impact will likely be sector-specific, favouring industries where transparency and regulatory alignment are critical for capital flows,' he noted. Mehta added that this validation by the EU is bound to enhance the UAE's credibility ratings, which in turn would build investor confidence in several legitimate business sectors. 'A validation from the EU's authorities would naturally motivate global businesses to invest in the UAE with a renewed sense of interest and vigour, and with a greater sense of security and validation back home,' he said. Beyond investment, the move could revitalise bilateral trade flows between the UAE and the EU, according to Mehta. 'Even the UAE's businesses would greatly benefit as they are also likely to find greater recognition within the EU,' he said. Shahid also pointed out that the UAE's successful delisting positions it as a regional leader in financial governance. 'It positions the UAE ahead of peers who remain under scrutiny. This allows it to lead in setting regional norms on financial governance and anti-money laundering [AML] practices,' he said.
