Latest news with #Arab region
Zawya
11-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ADFD: Strategic partner in advancing comprehensive Arab development
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has reinforced its position as one of the most prominent contributors in supporting economic and social progresses efforts in Arab countries, financing strategic projects that promote stability, drive growth and enhance quality of life, underscoring the UAE's steadfast commitment to its Arab neighbours. In recent years, the fund has broadened its engagement across the Arab region, translating its mission into tangible projects in vital sectors such as healthcare, energy and infrastructure, areas that are fundamental to the stability and future of communities. Each project represents a solid step forward in the path to comprehensive development. According to its 2024 Annual Report, ADFD's cumulative development financing reached AED216.5 billion, benefiting 107 countries across various continents. This total comprises AED157 billion in concessional loans, AED57.6 billion in government grants, and AED1.9 billion in direct contributions. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Fund said that in 2024 it managed six UAE government grants to Arab nations worth a combined AED810 million, benefiting Jordan, Morocco, Yemen and Mauritania. Jordan received more than AED452 million for three key projects: a national digital health transformation programme, budget support, and a reading skills development programme. Morocco was allocated AED129 million for the expansion of the Oued Akrach - Ain Aouda Road, Yemen received AED45 million for a solar power project in Socotra, and Mauritania was granted AED184 million for the Applied Sciences College. Among the standout initiatives is Jordan's recently launched 'Jordan Digital Health Centre', which aims to connect healthcare centres and create an integrated electronic medical records management system through a unified digital platform, to enhance Jordan's healthcare sector in delivering remote care services aligned with international standards. Phase one has already linked five hospitals in remote areas and three health centres across the kingdom, reflecting the depth of the UAE–Jordan cooperation in advancing development through digital innovation. The fund also oversees UAE grants under the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), with AED4.6 billion allocated each to Jordan and Morocco between 2012 and 2024 to support projects that directly improve citizens' lives. In the same period, Bahrain received an AED9.2 billion grant under the GCC Development Programme for major projects across various sectors. In 2025, ADFD has continued to implement high-impact investment projects across the Arab world. These include Egypt's 'Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza' to support the tourism sector, an integrated tourism venture in Salalah, Oman, and the expansion of Bahrain International Airport. The fund has also advanced renewable energy in the Comoros through a solar power station, supported community stability in Somaliland with a housing project, and in June signed a financing agreement with the GCC Interconnection Authority for a strategic project to strengthen regional energy security. By championing strategic, high-value initiatives, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development continues to act as a vital bridge for progress, reflecting the UAE's enduring commitment to spreading stability and prosperity across the Arab region and beyond.
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MBRF signs MoU with Arab Publishers' Association to support publishing sector
Dubai: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Arab Publishers' Association (APA) in Egypt to promote knowledge dissemination, reinforce publishing and distribution networks, and support industry creators through strategic support and innovative opportunities. The MoU was signed at MBRF's headquarters by His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, and Mohamed Rashad, President of APA, to establish a strategic partnership and reinforce collaborative frameworks in the fields of publishing, printing, and training. As part of the agreement, both parties will actively collaborate in key areas, including translation rights management, intellectual property exchange, and printing. It also outlines plans for organizing training workshops to empower publishing industry professionals, and showcasing Arab publishers' works on MBRF's Digital Knowledge Hub. Furthermore, the MoU enables both entities to launch innovative events and activities to achieve shared objectives and deliver mutual benefits. H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb said: 'We are delighted to collaborate with the renowned APA by signing this MoU. The move is a testament to our steadfast dedication to enhancing knowledge production, dissemination, and accessibility. This partnership builds on our strong belief in the pivotal role of the publishing industry in promoting intellectual growth, encouraging reading habits, and developing inclusive platforms for societal discussions across all interests. It also contributes to our efforts to realize our wise leadership's visionary roadmap for empowering future generations and advancing knowledge development across the Arab world, while also strengthening the UAE's global position as a hub of enlightenment and knowledge.' Mohamed Rashad said: 'We are proud to join hands with MBRF. The partnership signifies our shared mission to improve the Arab publishing industry through concrete projects. We value MBRF's support for the industry through its vital services, including professional marketing platforms for Arab publishers, comprehensive translation solutions, and initiatives to support publishing and distribution sectors. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to operational excellence and our dedication to turning this cooperation into real progress for the industry.' The MoU facilitates bilateral cooperation through knowledge exchange and strategic consultations, allowing both parties to improve their potential and continuously improve their contributions to the sector. Moreover, this MoU underscores MBRF's relentless efforts to develop knowledge-based societies through encouraging reading, supporting innovative initiatives, and nurturing intellectual activities. It also aligns with MBRF's global mission of knowledge dissemination while fostering creativity and entrepreneurship across knowledge and creative industries.
