Latest news with #UnitedArabEmirates
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Portuguese goalkeeper Patricio joins Al-Ain for Club World Cup
May 31 (Reuters) - Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio will join Al-Ain on a short-term contract for the Club World Cup, the team from the United Arab Emirates said on Saturday. "Al-Ain has signed Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio to participate with the team in the 2025 Club World Cup," the club said on X about the 37-year-old Portugal international who is joining them from Atalanta. "Patricio will arrive to the United Arab Emirates tomorrow evening to undergo medical tests and join the first-team training," Al-Ain added. Patricio played 108 matches for Portugal, helping them win Euro 2016, and has had spells with Sporting Lisbon, Wolverhampton Wanderers and AS Roma. Al-Ain, who won the AFC Champions League title in 2024, reached the final of the 2018 Club World Cup final in front of their home fans. This year's revamped 32-team tournament will take place in the United States in June and July. Al Ain have been drawn in Group G with Juventus, Manchester City and Morocco's Wydade. FIFA opened an exceptional transfer window from June 1-10 to allow players to be signed for the tournament.
Zawya
5 hours ago
- General
- Zawya
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Expresses Solidarity with Nigeria and Conveys Condolences Over Victims of Flood
The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Nigeria following floods that submerged the town of Mokwa in Niger State, in the north of the country, resulting in dozens of deaths and substantial damage to property. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Nigeria over this tragedy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Shaikha Al Nowais elected UN Tourism Secretary-General
Shaikha Al Nowais secures the UN Tourism Secretary-General post, becoming the first woman to lead the agency. Gloria Guevara graciously concedes, reflecting on the competitive global election. Today, the global tourism community turned its attention to Madrid, where the Executive Council of UN Tourism gathered to decide the organization's strategic leadership for the 2026–2029 term. In a historic decision, Shaikha Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates secured the council's nomination as the next Secretary-General, marking the first time a woman will hold the top position in the agency's 50-year history. Al Nowais, a corporate vice president at Rotana Hotels in Abu Dhabi, emerged as the frontrunner early in the voting process, clinching 16 votes in the first round and ultimately securing a projected 24 votes in the second round — well above the minimum 18 required. Her closest competitor, Greece's Harry Theoharis, who played a key role in Greece's tourism recovery during the COVID-19 crisis, received 11 votes. The selection now awaits formal approval by the United Nations General Assembly before Al Nowais takes office in January 2026. A vision for transformation In her remarks following the nomination, Al Nowais emphasized the transformational agenda she intends to bring to global tourism governance: 'As an Emirati woman, I'm honored to make history as the first woman worldwide to win the nomination for Secretary-General of UN Tourism (2026–2029). My vision rests on five pillars that will transform global tourism: Responsible Tourism — protecting our planet, cultures, and communities; Capacity Building — empowering women, youth, and local leaders; Technology for Good — innovation that enhances lives while safeguarding privacy; Innovative Financing — creating sustainable funding models for lasting growth; and Smart Governance — delivering transparent, accountable leadership. For a sustainable tourism future that serves communities around the world.' Her leadership represents not only a milestone for gender representation but also a strategic shift in the agency's priorities, particularly as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism hub with recent projects like the announcement of a Disneyland park and a Las Vegas-style Sphere entertainment venue. Gloria Guevara's gracious exit Among the five other candidates vying for the post, Mexico's Gloria Guevara, one of the most recognized voices in global tourism, was considered a strong contender but was eliminated in the first round after receiving eight votes. Guevara, who has more than 35 years of experience and served as Mexico's Minister of Tourism, offered a gracious concession and public congratulations to her opponent: 'Following today's vote of UN Tourism in Spain, I would like to thank President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and the Government of Mexico for their unwavering support throughout my campaign. I am also grateful to all the leaders who endorsed my candidacy, and to my amazing team who stood by me on this journey. Congratulations to the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism — I wish her success in this important role.' Guevara's platform centered on building tourism resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, particularly in the Global South. Despite her exit, her candidacy underscored Mexico's continued leadership ambitions within global tourism circles. Africa's ambitions and lessons learned Ghana's Muhammed Adam, the African Union's officially endorsed candidate, received just two votes and was also eliminated in the first round. His defeat raised important questions about the coherence and effectiveness of African diplomatic coordination in multilateral tourism leadership contests. Despite the setback, Adam's campaign brought attention to critical issues such as strengthening the voice of developing countries and securing greater technical and financial support for underrepresented regions. Strategic challenges ahead Al Nowais will inherit an organization facing significant challenges, including declining membership after the departure of key countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., who have questioned the value proposition of UN Tourism. She will be tasked with rebuilding trust, enhancing operational transparency, and aligning the agency's initiatives with the rapidly evolving needs of the global tourism sector — particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. For travel and hospitality professionals, the coming years under Al Nowais' leadership will be closely watched as a test of how global governance structures can effectively support sustainable growth, innovation, and inclusivity in tourism. Update: Statement by Harry Theoharis on the Conclusion of the UN Tourism Secretary-General Election 'I fully respect the decision of the Executive Council of the UN Tourism to elect Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as the next Secretary-General. I extend to her my warmest congratulations and sincere wishes for every success in her new role, with the hope that the Organization will move forward decisively—toward a more effective, modern, and inclusive future. Although I was not elected, I am proud of the journey we undertook. We conducted a campaign defined by integrity, consistency, and global reach—conducted with dignity and clear purpose. My candidacy positioned Greece as a constructive voice in international dialogue, offering concrete proposals for a tourism sector that is resilient, sustainable, and fair. It reaffirmed our country's institutional presence on the global stage. If the principles that guided our vision—transparency, green development, and the empowerment of local communities—contribute in any way to shaping the Organization's future course, it would be for me a deeply meaningful and lasting reward. I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to my family, my dedicated team, the Minister of Tourism Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the private sector partners whose support helped bring this campaign to life. Αbove all, I thank Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his trust and invaluable support. Without their belief in this vision, this journey would never have begun. This campaign was, for me, not only a political endeavour but a national one. Greece has gained international recognition and credibility—and that, regardless of the electoral outcome, is our most important achievement. My involvement in the field of tourism will continue. I remain present, committed, and ready to contribute wherever I can be of service—with ideas, proposals, and action. With renewed determination, I continue in my responsibilities as a Member of the Hellenic Parliament with New Democracy, fully dedicated to representing the needs of our citizens and fulfilling our collective mission. One chapter closes. A new one begins. We move forward—with knowledge, experience, and the firm belief that Greece deserves more. Thank you.'
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
TSMC Evaluates Building Advanced Chip Plant in the UAE
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is evaluating building an advanced production facility in the United Arab Emirates and has discussed the possibility with officials in President Donald Trump's administration, according to people familiar with the matter, a potentially major bet on the Middle East that would only come to fruition with Washington's approval. The company has had multiple meetings in recent months with Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, and officials from MGX, an influential investment vehicle overseen by the UAE president's brother, the people said. Those conversations are a continuation of talks that began under President Joe Biden's administration but had died down by the end of his term.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
SWIFT User Group's AGM supports digital transformation, enhancing UAE's position as financial & trade hub
The SWIFT User Group in the UAE held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), chaired by Jamal Saleh, Chairman of the SWIFT Users Group Steering Committee in the UAE and Director-General of UAE Banks Federation, the sole representative and unified voice of UAE banks. During the meeting, members approved the minutes of the 2024 Annual General Meeting and the audited financial statements for 2024, the budget for the current year (2025), the plans for the Group's activities, and its business plan to improve payment processes and benefit from the digital transformation in payments. The SWIFT User Group's AGM stressed the importance of the Central Bank of the UAE's (CBUAE) initiatives in payments to meet customer needs, enhance confidence in the banking and financial industry, achieve the goals of the National Payment Systems Strategy (NPSS), accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen the UAE's position as a banking, financial and trade leading hub. The AGM commended the initiatives undertaken by the Steering Committee of the SWIFT User Group in the UAE to keep pace with the latest trends in the financial and banking sector, improve payment processes, and enhance the effectiveness and security of bank transfers. The meeting called for capitalising on steps taken by CBUAE, especially on technological development, innovation, resilience, and security to promote innovative and secure payment solutions. It praised initiatives of the Steering Committee of the SWIFT User Group in adopting and employing Open Finance to develop payments, in accordance with the CBUAE's vision, which focuses on benefiting from developments in the banking and financial industry while ensuring the provision of appropriate legislative and regulatory frameworks to stimulate innovation. Participants at SWIFT User Group's AGM urged for enhancing partnerships between banks and fintech companies to accelerate the digital transformation journey, stressing the importance of Open Finance in enhancing the banking sector's efficiency and competitiveness. They expressed their appreciation to the members of the Steering Committee, who have extensive experience and knowledge, for their efforts in developing payments and supporting the banking and financial sector to play its role in socio-economic development and support international trade. Jamal Saleh said, "Payments is an essential element for socio-economic development and contributes to enhancing local and international trade. We continue our efforts and initiatives to provide innovative payment solutions, under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE, which establishes the necessary frameworks to develop payments and accelerate digital transformation in an environment that meets customer needs while ensuring compliance with local and international legislation and regulations'. He pointed out the importance of the role of SWIFT User Group in adopting and employing the latest payment solutions, stressing the keenness of UBF and the SWIFT User Group Steering Committee to contribute to achieving the strategic goals of the UAE, which seeks to double non-oil foreign trade to AED 4 trillion, and increase non-oil exports to AED 800 billion by 2031. "The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), signed by the UAE with more than 27 trading partners, encourage us to redouble our efforts to improve the performance of payment operations and enhance the effectiveness and security of the bank transfer system to provide the best solutions to increase trade exchange in a reliable and smooth environment," he said. Jamal Saleh added, 'The UAE banking and financial sector has remarkable achievements in employing advanced technologies in various fields of banking, and payments in particular, to accelerate digital transformation. We remain committed to continuing our initiatives, in cooperation with our local, regional, and international partners, to develop capacities and capabilities of payment systems, developing talent, and continuously enhancing payments and bank transfers". The Steering Committee and National SWIFT User Group in the UAE is the first of its kind in the MENA region. Since its establishment in 2021, it has been playing a pivotal role in improving the performance of payment operations and enhancing the effectiveness and security of the bank transfer system. It represents an appropriate platform for exchanging views and insights that support decision-making, in addition to benefiting from the knowledge and experience of members of the SWIFT global network in developing banking work and enhancing the capabilities of employees in the banking and financial sector in the UAE. Swift allows communication and exchange of financial information in a secure and reliable environment for more than 11,000 financial institutions in 200 countries around the world, which contributes to the promotion of financial and trade exchanges.
