The UAE on Monday set out plans to strengthen the country's position as a leading hub for global trade and raise the value of its logistics sector to Dh200 billion ($54.45 billion) annually within the next seven years.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launch of the Emirates Council for Logistics Integration to oversee the vision for the future. He said the new body would be responsible for driving up UAE trade around the world by bolstering integration in roads, rail, ports and customs.
Sheikh Mohammed, also Vice President, outlined the strategy while presiding over the latest meeting of the UAE Cabinet at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
"During the meeting, we approved the establishment of the UAE Logistics Integration Council, aimed at aligning efforts and ensuring seamless co-ordination to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global trade hub," Sheikh Mohammed said, in remarks shared by the UAE government Media Office.
"The council will bring together all key federal and local entities, including ports, roads, transport, customs, railways and border crossings, ensuring efficiency and synergy in the sector. With the logistics industry valued at Dh129 billion in 2023, our goal is to expand it beyond Dh200 billion over the next seven years, reinforcing the UAE’s role as a central hub for global trade and commerce."
Etihad Rail to spur economic growth
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the crucial role to be played in the nation's development by Etihad Rail's high-speed train project, announced last month.
The 30-minute passenger rail service between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will carry trains travelling at up to 350kph on a route that will pass through "key destinations and tourist attractions".
The new high-speed electrified line will feature six stations at Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Zayed Airport, close to Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai and Jaddaf, near Dubai Creek, Etihad Rail said.
"We reviewed one of the country’s most significant infrastructure projects, the Etihad High-Speed Passenger Rail," Sheikh Mohammed added. "With a speed of 350kph, this railway is set to transform mobility and economic connectivity across the emirates.
"Its contribution to GDP will exceed Dh145 billion over the next five decades. More than just a railway, Etihad High-Speed Train represents a new national ambition, a strategic federal link and a step towards building an infrastructure that remains among the best and most advanced globally."
Attracting top talent
During the meeting, ministers approved a new phase of the UAE Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention 2031.
The policy is central to the UAE's efforts to secure the brightest and best minds from across the globe to bolster key sectors, such as technology, renewable energy, health care and biotechnology, logistics and aviation, advanced industries, financial services, food and water technology, and the creative economy.
The Cabinet cited a LinkedIn report which named the UAE as the world's leading destination for workers seeking to broaden their career horizons and enjoy a high standard of living.
The UAE leads the Middle East and North Africa region in human development and ranks first in the UN’s Human Development Index, the media office said.
Championing innovation
The Cabinet also announced the launch of Government Innovation Month during the meeting.
Sheikh Mohammed said innovation was "an integral part of the government’s culture, operations, and execution".
Sheikh Mohammed added: "The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, which we established earlier, exports best practices and expertise to over 30 governments worldwide, further solidifying the UAE’s leadership in government innovation. Innovation will remain at the heart of enhancing government efficiency, improving lives and driving business growth across the UAE.
Promoting cyber safety
During the ministerial meeting, Sheikh Mohammed said the government had adopted the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which aims to bolster the UAE's online security measures.
"The UAE is ranked among the top global performers in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index and we have one of the most secure and advanced digital infrastructures in the world," the Prime Minister said.
"In the coming phase, we will continue strengthening cybersecurity measures, ensuring a resilient and secure digital environment that protects national assets, and supports future progress.”
Environmental progress
The Cabinet reviewed the important work being carried out under the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2022-2030, highlighting its significant achievements to date.
A total of 1,800 hectares of previously degraded land have been rehabilitated under the long-term project, with the proportion of degraded land in the Emirates reduced to only 1.2 per cent.
Smart monitoring systems powered by artificial intelligence have been instrumental in stabilising carbon levels in soil, the Cabinet was told.
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Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species
Camelpox
Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.
Falconpox
Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.
Houbarapox
Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
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