Dubai is set to enhance its status as one of the world’s leading Creative Cities, with the city publishing a new report that outlines its initiatives and accomplishments over the last four years and a four-year plan to enhance its creative design offerings. The report forms part of the process of renewing Dubai’s membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, WAM reports.
Dubai was the first Arab city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the design field in 2017, when it became one of 246 cities participating in the Network. Cities in the Network are required to prepare a report every four years, explaining the initiatives and projects completed and the city’s future plans.
As a member of the Network, Dubai has been constantly working to improve its policies and contributions as a leading Creative City for design and contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to hosting international exhibitions and conferences in the design field and adopting global best practices in the sector, Dubai has introduced a host of initiatives and accomplishments in the creative design field to attract the world’s best talent and create a smart and sustainable infrastructure that provides services for different segments of society.
For this purpose, Dubai established the Executive Committee for the emirate’s membership in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, led by Dubai Municipality. The Committee included members from different entities such as the Ministry of Youth and Culture, General Secretariat of The Executive Council, the Roads and Transport Authority, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Design District, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Dubai Development Authority and Community Development Authority. The Committee has played a key role in elevating Dubai as an iconic design city and opening new horizons in its growth in the creative and design fields. The report to renew Dubai’s membership in the Creative Cities Network was developed by the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee also serves as a platform to strengthen the cooperation required to enhance Dubai’s creative economy and grow its design sector. Dubai has placed the design sector at the core of its comprehensive sustainable development plans. The emirate considers design as a vital creative field that can contribute to social, economic and environmental transformation and generate new solutions for challenges facing the city and its community. According to the Community, designing not only adds art to life, but also helps to educate new generations on ways to overcome challenges to sustainability, conserve energy and preserve the country’s heritage.
NMDC wins over AED1.3 billion contract from AD Ports Group for Shamal Development marine works
https://wam.ae/en/details/1395303007102
National Marine Dredging Company (NDMC), the UAE’s leading contractor in the field of engineering, procurement, construction and marine dredging in the Middle East spanning vital sectors, creating solutions that meet the challenges of the future in the energy EPC sector, has won an AED1.3 billion contract from AD Ports Group for the engineering and construction of the Shamal Development marine works.
The new project win comes in line with the Group’s strategic expansion plans and aims to strengthen its position and expertise as a global engineering and construction powerhouse for high quality infrastructure development in Abu Dhabi serving the world.
The Shamal Development is part of the Khalifa Port located in Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, midway between Mina Zayed and Jebel Ali Port, which was built on a reclaimed artificial island reaching 4.5km offshore.
Commenting on the new project win, Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO, NMDC, said, “The contract is part of our strategic plans to expand our operations in the UAE and beyond. We have strategic expansion plans for 2022 and the following years, and as a Group, we will be entering new markets and enhancing our presence in existing ones undertaking complex projects and sharing our expertise.
“As trusted partner and a national champion company, we will bring our global expertise in delivering the project as per schedule. The project will also create significant in-country value through our localised project execution, supporting the goals of the nation.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “Khalifa Port, our flagship deepwater port, provides vital infrastructure for the global maritime industry. This new development will help us further augment our infrastructure, operational and cargo handling capabilities, supporting our growth and accelerating trade flows in the region. In turn, the expansion cements Khalifa Port’s position as a major global trade and logistics hub.”
The scope of work will include the dredging of 16.8 million cubic metres, 1.2 km quay wall and construction of approximately a 3.8 km long detached breakwater, as well as ground improvement works for 1 million square metres along with environmental monitoring and protection measures. The entire project is scheduled for completion in October 2023.
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Do you know, living in the UAE, about the Azraq eco-NGO? Founded in 2018, this is a very young organization. But in a short period of its existence, it was able to turn into a nationwide environmental protection movement. Their eco-projects are impressive not only because of their diversity, though they include everything from protection of sharks and dolphins, planting mangrove seedlings, and cleaning beaches from garbage to lifehacks for getting rid of microplastics and so much more. Read the full story here!
