UAE People & Politics: A week in review

Every week, The National looks at the people and politics of the UAE, as the country steps more confidently forward on the world stage

August 22

UAE Ambassador in Italy meets mayor of Pisa

Saqr Al Raisi, the UAE Ambassador to Italy, took part in an economics seminar held in the Italian city of Pisa as part of the UAE Days in Tuscany event. The Ambassador met Marco Filippeschi, mayor of Pisa, and other officials and discussed strengthening relations between the UAE and Italy.

Sheikh Sultan attends wedding

Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, the President’s Representative, attended a ceremony hosted by Nasib Al Khaili to celebrate the wedding of his son, Salem, to the daughter of Saeed Humaid Al Mansouri.

August 23

Sharjah census 2015 pilot phase dates set

A trial phase of the Sharjah census will take place from August 31 to September 3, the Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development announced. The trial will cover four areas – Al Majaz, Al Rahamaniya, Al Roula and the Industrial Area. Those involved in the pilot will not need to be enumerated during October’s official census.

Somali president receives UAE Ambassador

President Hassan Mohamud of Somalia met Mohammed Ahmed Al Osman, UAE Ambassador to Somalia, to discuss ties. The Somalian leader expressed his country’s thanks to the UAE Government for its efforts, particularly those in development projects, to support Somalia’s stability.

August 24

Dubai Government delegation meets Shanghai officials

A delegation from the Dubai Government met officials from the municipal planning, land and resources administration in Shanghai, China, along with Ibrahim Al Mansouri, the UAE consul-general there, and UAE real estate representatives. The Dubai delegation invited the Shanghai officials to take part in the World Land Registration Congress in Dubai early next year.

Defence under-secretary receives US army official

Mohammed Al Bawardi Al Falasi, under-secretary of the Ministry of Defence, received John McHugh, secretary of the US army, and his delegation.

Call for Innovation Lab ideas

As part of its Innovation Lab programme, the Ministry of Interior has called on the public to submit suggestions about ways to cut traffic accidents using social media. Contributions will be accepted until the end of the month and afterwards workshops will be organised to discuss how to implement the ideas. People can also submit suggestions via SMS to 3344.

August 25

UAE participates in Norway aquaculture exhibition

Representatives from UAE Government bodies participated in Aqua Nor aquaculture exhibition in Norway. The Ministry of Environment and Water, Dibba Al Fujairah Municipality and the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority attended in line with efforts to encourage investment in aquaculture, one of the fastest-growing food production industries.

UAE, Gabon sign Open Skies Agreement

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority signed an open-skies agreement with Gabon’s government. Any number of designated airlines can operate scheduled air services between the two countries.

August 26

Thai crown prince receives credentials of UAE Ambassador

Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand’s crown prince, has received the credentials of the newly-appointed UAE Ambassador to Thailand, Saif Al Shamsi. The Ambassador conveyed the greetings of President Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to king Bhumibol Adulyadej.

RAK Ruler offers condolences to Laamash family

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, paid his respects to the sons of Abdullah Ali Laamash on the death of their mother at the family residence in Al Rams area of RAK. Condolences were also offered by Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

August 27

RAK Ruler receives Chinese consul-general

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received Li Lingbing, the new Chinese consul-general in Dubai. Sheikh Saud welcomed her, wishing her a pleasant stay and success in her role.

Abdullah bin Zayed meets German foreign minister

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met Frank-Walter Steinmeier, his German counterpart, in Berlin. The ministers discussed efforts towards peace, and security in the Gulf region, and ways to address the emergence of organisations seeking to impose themselves as alternatives to states.

Maktoum offers condolences to Al Muhairi family

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, has offered his condolences to Al Muhairi family on the death of Mariam Ali Rashid Al Kathiri, wife of Daher bin Hader Al Muhairi. Sheikh Maktoum expressed his sympathy to the sons of the deceased and prayed to Allah to bestow eternal peace on her.