Latest news with #Julfar
Al Etihad
11-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
How large-scale global events powered DWTC's record economic performance
11 May 2025 20:07 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Behind the Dubai World Trade Centre's (DWTC) record economic performance in 2024 was a surge in large-scale international events, with the hub hosting 100 such events and drawing more than two million attendees, a senior official of the centre told Aletihad. International participation remained a key growth driver as the 2024 figures jumped 32% from the numbers in 2023, Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, said in a recent DWTC delivered its strongest economic performance to date in 2024, generating Dh22.35 billion in total economic output, according to its latest Economic Impact Assessment numbers are fully aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the emirate among the world's top three cities for business and tourism by 2033."We have sharpened our strategic focus to scale impact and enhance global competitiveness," Julfar report found that overseas visitors totalled 936,083, representing 46% of all attendees."This segment had a significant impact, with each international delegate spending nearly six times more per event than local participants – Dh9,833 versus Dh1,673 per event – significantly boosting local businesses."The report also highlighted the cascading economic impact of DWTC events across multiple sectors. Business entertainment spending rose 36%, retail by 34%, and food and beverage by 30%."In total, every Dh1 spent at an event held at DWTC generated Dh7.70 in wider citywide economic output," Julfar said. High-Growth Sectors The healthcare, food and hospitality, and information technology sectors collectively contributed 58% of the total Gross Value Added to Dubai's economy from events held at DWTC, according to noted that the healthcare and MedTech alone generated Dh3.68 billion in GVA from 21 events and 460,858 attendees, 71% of whom were international and hospitality followed with Dh2.35 billion in economic value from nine events and 55% overseas technology contributed Dh1.55 billion in GVA from five events, attracting attendees with the longest average stay of 6.12 days, highlighting Dubai's growing status as a tech innovation noted that the exhibition format continues to demonstrate the highest economic impact, with 72 exhibitions contributing 89% of the total GVA."Mega-events with over 30,000 attendees were particularly impactful, with just 15 such events responsible for 66% of the Gross Value Added.""These patterns indicate that the future of Dubai's MICE industry lies in developing domain specialisation in high-growth sectors while concentrating resources on large-scale international exhibitions," he said. Collaborative Growth Model Julfar stressed that DWTC operates within an integrated ecosystem that brings together government entities and private sector partners to maximise economic impact across multiple include the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, the Department of Economy and Tourism, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Dubai Police."This includes implementing comprehensive operational and security measures to ensure a smooth and secure citywide experience for exhibitors and visitors during large-scale events," Julfar said."This collaborative model not only ensures operational excellence but also drives meaningful cross-sector impact."The report demonstrates how adjacent industries have benefitted from this approach with significant growth recorded in hotel accommodation (Dh3.41 billion, up 15%), retail trade (Dh2.64 billion, up 34%), restaurants and F&B (Dh2.23 billion, up 30%), and transport (Dh2.86 billion, up 8%)."DWTC's impact lies not just in hosting events, but in creating platforms that connect global businesses, drive trade, and foster innovation, all while reinforcing Dubai's position as a resilient, future-ready economy built on partnership and collaboration," Julfar said. Vision 2033: Dh54 Billion Target Looking ahead, DWTC aims to nearly triple its economic contribution to Dh54 billion annually by 2033, up from Dh18 billion in 2023."Central to this evolution is our Dh10 billion expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), designed to double our venue capacity and host larger, more complex international events. The expanded infrastructure will allow us to support the growing scale and sophistication of mega-events, while accommodating new demand from emerging markets," Julfar also plans to deepen its international outreach to high-growth markets beyond the MENA region, such as Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. "Backed by strong infrastructure, data-led decision-making, and a commitment to innovation, we will continue to enhance our venue capabilities, strengthen international partnerships, and align with Dubai's Economic Agenda, positioning DWTC at the heart of Dubai's ambition to become a leading global destination for business, innovation, and economic opportunity," Julfar added.
Hi Dubai
14-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai International Wood Exhibition Opens with 781 Exhibitors from 50 Countries
The 21st edition of the Dubai International Wood and Woodworking Machinery Exhibition opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together 781 exhibitors and over 1,662 brands from 50 countries. Running until April 16, the event is a key fixture for professionals across the global wood and woodworking industry. Inaugurated by Mahir Abdul Karim Julfar, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event welcomed senior officials and international delegates. Julfar highlighted the exhibition's role in supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, driving foreign investment, and enhancing Dubai's position as a regional industrial and logistics hub. Dawood Al Shezawi, President of the exhibition, noted the growing demand for wood and natural materials in construction, design, and décor, positioning the event as a vital business and networking platform for manufacturers, distributors, and investors. The exhibition features 12 international pavilions from key countries including China, India, the US, Germany, and Italy. Exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of products—from wooden panels and engineered wood to advanced woodworking machinery, adhesives, coatings, furniture accessories, and industry-specific software. Day one featured several expert-led discussions and workshops, covering timber market forecasts across the MENA region, ocean freight logistics, and timber trends in Northern and Central Europe and North Africa. Coinciding with the main event, the 7th Dubai International Furniture Accessories, Components & Semi-Finished Products Exhibition (DIFAC) also opened, spotlighting the latest technologies and products in the furniture industry—from hinges and locks to upholstery, finishes, and production tools. Together, the twin exhibitions offer a dynamic, global platform for innovation, trade, and collaboration in the wood and furniture industries. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
13-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Dubai: Detainee with amputated leg gets Dh87,000 prosthetic limb, comprehensive treatment by police
13 Apr 2025 11:02 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)The General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments at Dubai Police has provided comprehensive healthcare to a 41-year-old detainee who has had his right leg to an aging and worn prosthetic limb, the detainee was facing serious medical issues, including injuries and ulcers. In response, the Department swiftly arranged for medical treatment, fitted him with a new prosthetic limb, and enrolled him in six months of physical therapy, a statement issued on Sunday General Marwan Abdul Karim Julfar, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, stated that this initiative reflects the humanitarian values upheld by the Emirati community in their compassionate treatment of all individuals, including inmates and detainees. He emphasized that every person entering these facilities undergoes medical examinations according to established procedures to ensure their physical and mental well-being. "Ultimately, we view them as individuals deserving of care, respect, and comprehensive rehabilitation," he further stated, "This care is not an isolated incident; rather, it is part of a series of humanitarian initiatives carried out regularly to ensure the dignity of detainees of both genders. We aim to provide a rehabilitative environment focusing on health, psychological support, and social well-being. It is essential to emphasize that human rights are a top priority, regardless of a detainee's nationality or legal status."Elaborating on this particular case, the senior official explained that upon entering detention and before being transferred to correctional establishments, it was discovered that the detainee had ulcers and injuries caused by an ill-fitting prosthetic limb he had been using for over ten years. "This condition has resulted in poor health and mobility issues, significantly impacting his daily life and physical safety."Furthermore, Julfar noted, "We referred the detainee to a specialist doctor who provided the necessary treatment and care, including a high-quality new prosthetic limb valued at Dh87,133. This prosthetic was specifically designed for his condition and suited to his amputation. "Additionally, he was enrolled in a six-month physical therapy program under the supervision of rehabilitation specialists to ensure he could use the new prosthetic comfortably and safely, allowing for natural movement and improving his quality of life within the correctional establishment."
Emirates 24/7
29-03-2025
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Ambulance mobilises for Eid Al Fitr celebrations with citywide emergency coverage
With a comprehensive operational plan, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) has announced its full preparedness to provide extensive emergency coverage for Eid Al Fitr festivities across the city. The deployment aims to ensure rapid access to medical services and uninterrupted emergency response throughout the holiday period. Ambulance teams will be stationed across Dubai, with coverage extending to Eid prayer grounds, key celebration venues, and all major public events organised in the emirate. The citywide deployment will facilitate continuous, 24-hour service to both residents and visitors during the busy holiday period. 'Our ambulance teams and operations centre are fully equipped to handle emergency calls by land, sea, and air at any hour,' said His Excellency Mishaal Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Director of DCAS. 'We are working in close coordination with our partners to guarantee the fastest possible response times across the city.' Julfar highlighted that to meet increased demand during the holiday, DCAS has deployed 723 trained personnel across 138 ambulance points. These include a variety of response units, such as standard ambulances, fast response vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, marine ambulances, and air ambulances, the latter operating in cooperation with the Dubai Police Air Wing Center. Field commanders and supervisors will remain on site around the clock to oversee operations throughout the emirate. In addition to the full readiness of its fleet, Julfar said, ambulance crews will remain on standby to address any emergency situation. Field supply vehicles, support units, and backup resources have been fully mobilised. Medical teams will be strategically placed near residential neighbourhoods, shopping centres, public parks, and labour accommodations. Dubai International Airport terminals, including associated buildings, will also see enhanced coverage in anticipation of increased passenger volume over the holiday. Medical personnel will be stationed around the clock in both arrival and departure lounges to provide immediate care and coordinate transfers in partnership with airport authorities. Julfar reaffirmed DCAS's commitment to delivering flexible, and sustainable ambulance services' that contribute to public well-being and safety. 'This vision,' he noted, 'is supported by expanding the operational capacity of the DCAS fleet, integrating advanced technologies to reduce response times, and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve efficiency in emergency medical services. These enhancements have resulted in consistently high service levels, with DCAS recording a 95.7% customer satisfaction rate in 2024.' He extended his Eid greetings to the community and urged the public to adhere to safety protocols, particularly in mosques, prayer grounds, shopping centres, beaches, pools, parks, and mountainous areas. He also stressed the importance of driving cautiously, respecting traffic regulations, and yielding promptly to emergency vehicles. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
The National
20-03-2025
- General
- The National
Tributes to British archaeologist who helped oversee discovery of major UAE sites
Tributes have been paid to Dr Geoffrey RD King, a distinguished archaeologist who oversaw the discovery and study of major UAE sites, particularly on Abu Dhabi's islands. Dr King, who died in the UK this month at the age of 77, was also a talented scholar and author who worked across the Middle East, mentored countless students and helped preserve historic buildings. His work in Abu Dhabi helped to unearth an ancient monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island – about 260km west of the capital – along with significant neolithic coastal settlements on Dalma, Marawah and Ghagha Islands. He also led a British excavation team at Julfar in Ras Al Khaimah from 1989 to 1993. Dr King and his teams showed that the modern-day UAE had a rich and thriving ancient history, with evidence of sophisticated communities connected to and trading with others across the region and the wider world. 'He was brilliant,' Dr Mark Jonathan Beech told The National. 'He was full of knowledge but entertaining – one of those amazing professor types. He was an infectious character." Dr Beech, now scientific research lead for the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, arrived in the UAE in 1994 to work with Dr King, who was academic director of the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey. Adias was established in 1992 to examine the coast and islands of Abu Dhabi's western region. It was a time of huge opportunity in archaeology with increasing efforts by Abu Dhabi to study what was largely a blank canvas. 'He put together great teams of archaeologists,' said Dr Beech, who was part of the archaeological team that discovered the Sir Bani Yas church and monastery, and worked from 1994 to 2024 as a palaeontologist and archaeologist for the Abu Dhabi government. The surveys Dr King oversaw from 1992 onwards on Abu Dhabi's islands shaped understandings about the modern-day UAE. It led to digs on Sir Bani Yas Island in the early 1990s unearthed the Christian site that dated to the 7th century. Also found was a Bronze Age settlement with connections to the Dilmun civilisation in Bahrain and traces of Al Zahr village, a 250-year-old abandoned settlement of Bani Yas tribe fishermen and pearl divers. The surveys also led to digs on Marawah Island where evidence for a major neolithic settlement with stone architecture dating to 5,800BC was found. On Ghagha Island, incredible stone architecture was discovered "dating to 6,500BC, the earliest evidence for such a site within the entire Arabian Gulf region', Dr Beech said. Dr King was also committed to safeguarding historic buildings and helped preserve a pearl trader's house (the Bait Al Muraykhi, which is today the Dalma Museum) and three mosques (Al Muraykhi, Al Dawsari and Al Muhannadi) on Dalma Island that were built of local materials and without minarets. 'They were abandoned and one had trees growing through it,' Dr Beech said. "He noted they were dilapidated and wrote to authorities about the need to preserve those important buildings. He helped save them." Born in the UK in 1947, Dr King's career took him across the Middle East and beyond, directing surveys of Byzantine and Islamic sites in Jordan in the 1980s; the Islamic pilgrimage road site of Rabadha in Saudi Arabia in the late 1980s; and also in Qatar in the early 2000s where he worked to advise on protecting the country's archaeological heritage. 'He had explored everywhere – from Lebanon to Oman,' said Dr Beech of his late colleague. 'He had been a professorial cultural nomad throughout the whole Arab region. His excitement for studying Arabia and his passion for Islamic culture really rubbed off on you.' Dr King was also reader emeritus in Islamic art and archaeology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and a respected scholar. His books The Traditional Architecture of Saudi Arabia and The Historical Mosque Tradition of the Coasts of Abu Dhabi are important works. Dr King was also committed to informing the public about his work, noted Dr Beech, contributing to the BBC and TV programmes across the world to keep people informed. In the years since Dr King arrived in the UAE, archaeological work has continued to paint a rich picture of the country. Work on Al Sinniyah Island in Umm Al Quwain, for example, found another Christian monastery – the UAE's second after that found following Dr King's survey – along with a major pearling settlement. 'It was sad that Geoffrey didn't stay alive to see the recent discovery,' said Dr Beech, referring to the monastery. 'I did tell him about that – but it was a shame he didn't see it.' He added that Dr King will be deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues along with the countless students and people he mentored, not only for his scholarly achievements but also for his generosity, wit and curiosity. 'I learnt a lot from him," said Dr Beech. 'I couldn't have had anyone better as a professor or teacher. His work sowed the seeds for other archaeologists. He certainly has left an important legacy.'
