Leo Varadkar is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the Government of Ireland
November 16, 2021
The pandemic has given us all the opportunity to reflect on the type of society and economy we want after Covid-19. The impact of the virus has been devastating. It has also caused us to question our usual ways of doing things and the future we want to create for the next generation.
For Ireland, the UK’s decision to leave the EU has also had a seismic impact on our economy and society. We have had to adapt accordingly, particularly our agrifood sector, which is recognised globally for its quality, but which has also traditionally had particularly strong trading ties with our nearest neighbour.
As we look to the future, the Gulf, in particular the UAE and the Saudi Arabia, is strategically very important for Ireland. We have already seen significant growth in exports to both countries over the past year, by 12 per cent and 6 per cent respectively. We want this to continue as we create stronger ties between our countries.
Given this objective, I am currently in the UAE as part of a major trade mission, the largest one we have taken this year, signalling the importance of the region for us and the potential we see for the future.
From left to right: John Concannon, director general Global Ireland, Patrick Hennessy, Irish Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Robert Troy, Ireland's Minister for Trade Promotion, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, Kevin Sherry, executive director at Enterprise Ireland, and Aidan Cronin, Ambassador to the UAE. Photo: Ireland Expo
The 'Riverdance' cast led by Anna Mai Fitzpatrick and Jason O'Neil, foreground, before a performance at the opening of the Ireland Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Robert Troy, Minister for Trade Promotion, at the opening evening of the Ireland Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, before a performance of 'Riverdance' at the Ireland Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
'Riverdance' performance at the Ireland Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Lead dancers Anna Mai Fitzpatrick and Jason O'Neil during the 'Riverdance' performance at the Ireland Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The 'Riverdance' troupe at the opening evening of the Ireland Pavilion during the first week at Expo. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Coinciding with my visit is another important event, the Dubai Airshow, the only global aviation and aerospace event held this year. Through our Irish Aviation House, which will have a bigger presence at the show than in previous years, we are convening several senior airline executives from the region and Africa to discuss how Ireland can support their recovery effort. The sector, one of the most disrupted by the pandemic, is focused on recovery and this event comes at a crucial time as it focuses on restoring confidence among passengers looking to return to the skies.
Ireland is a world leader in aerospace and aviation. Today, our country commands around 60 per cent of the global leasing market, with more than 50 aircraft leasing companies present on the island, including 14 of the world’s top 15 lessors. Every time you look up and see a plane overhead, there is a good chance it has been leased out of Ireland. Irish companies are creating specialist solutions for the industry in the Gulf region and indeed globally, helping drive growth, efficiency and revenue through innovation and ingenuity. In Saudi Arabia, the Irish company DAA International, which has operated Terminal Five of King Khalid International Airport since 2016, has recently been awarded a prestigious contract to operate the new Red Sea International Airport.
Indeed, as part of my trip to the region I also visited Saudi Arabia and saw for myself the pace of change that is under way. Irish companies in a range of sectors are looking to do business in the kingdom and contribute to the ambition of its Vision 2030 strategic framework. Many are already working with businesses based here, from food production and fintech, to health care and the equine sector. Ireland is known for the racehorses and sport horses we produce and I particularly enjoyed my visit to the Jockey Club in Riyadh, where a number of Irish companies joined me at an event held to explore ways for greater collaboration.
Ireland's cricket team were in the UAE last month playing in the T20 World Cup. AP
This collaboration comes in the form of Irish companies such as Equine MediRecord who are helping to provide the international integrity for the Grade 1 Saudi Cup on the elite worldwide circuit for horse racing. Equine MediRecord’s platform allows for the full veterinary history of the horse to be recorded securely, ensuring the best possible horse welfare as well as aiding crucial anti-doping procedures. Extensive anti-doping and animal welfare measures have been brought in for the Saudi Cup 2022, and Equine Medirecord’s system ensures entrants, trainers and vets have a system in place to comply with such measures, while simultaneously collecting the data digitally.
I hope this trade mission demonstrates Ireland’s intent to strengthen trade ties with countries in the Gulf region and highlights the opportunities that exist in doing so. Irish companies have the expertise, commitment and creativity to help bring the future ambitions of the Gulf states to life and I look forward to a future of closer collaboration between our countries.
Leo Varadkar is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the Government of Ireland
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened. He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia. Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”. Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
