DP World has been installing 88,000 solar panels in Jebel Ali and Port Rashid on the rooftops of buildings, parking lots and warehouses.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO stressed the importance of WETEX as a global platform that brings together companies to showcase their sustainability efforts.  

He said: “Jafza encourages its customers to reduce energy consumption, conserve natural resources and reduce carbon emissions so that we can secure the rights of future generations to a safe and clean environment.”

Jafza has recently completed the biggest retrofit project in the region with Etihad Energy of 157 accommodation buildings housing 55,000 people working for companies in the freezone with the replacement of 5,200 old window air conditioning units by modern energy efficient split air conditioning units. The AED 85 million self-financed project through energy savings is set to meet the target of the UAE 2030 plan to cut energy consumption by 30% ahead of time..

Meanwhile, over 85,000 conventional light fixtures and lamps have been replaced with energy-saving LED Lights/lamps.

Other planned retrofits for 28 office buildings have also started with a target to save 25% of energy consumption once completed in a in 2018.

 DP World and the Jafza Phase 1 roof top solar project of 22 MWp is in an advanced stage of construction with  several facilities already supplying power to the grid. Phase 2 of the project for another 15-25 MWp is about to be contracted with completion scheduled in 2019.

Meanwhile, Jafza has installed a smart solar flower to generate solar power for Gate 4’s power requirement. It features solar panels which automatically track the sun to maximize exposure and can adapt to changing weather conditions by folding up if wind speed increases.

Several Jafza companies have started installing solar panels in their own facilities, contributing to a greener environment and contributing towards Dubai’s day time peak electrical loads.

Dubai Culture has confirmed that it will cease four manual services that require customers to visit Dubai Public Library sites in person, including library membership registration, library membership renewal, multi-use hall bookings and school room bookings. These services will still be available online via the Authority’s website (www.dubaiculture.gov.ae) and the Dubai Public Library application, which is available on the Google Play Store and App Store.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General at Dubai Culture, commented: “Dubai Culture is always committed to responding to our leadership’s directives and we are delighted to support this important initiative, which will encourage our customers to switch to online channels for smart, convenient services. This is part of our ongoing efforts to support the Dubai Plan 2021 vision for a city of happy, creative and empowered people. Dubai Culture joins all government entities in the Emirate in implementing the initiative to close service centres on the set date, in order to help the public benefit from advanced technologies that accelerate and enhance customer service.”

The Dubai Public Library network includes eight libraries for adults and another seven for children. Some branches feature multi-purpose halls, classrooms and exhibition spaces and all branches of the Dubai Public Library are connected via computer systems. This has established close links with other modern libraries, providing access to vast sources of information on a diversity of topics in both Arabic and English.

Dubai Culture aims to enhance Dubai’s cultural scene and draw attention to the Emirate’s rich heritage with a variety of initiatives that take place throughout the year. The Authority’s mandate is to build bridges of constructive dialogue between different civilisations and cultures through enriching initiatives that benefit the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors.

In 2012, Emirates expanded its presence in Brazil by adding a daily service between Dubai and Rio de Janeiro. Underlining its commitment to the Brazilian market, Emirates started to operate the first ever scheduled commercial Airbus A380 flight to South America in March this year. The switch to the A380 offers a total of 959 additional seats per week in each direction meeting a growing demand from travellers on the route. The most travelled destinations from Brazilian passengers over the last few years have been Dubai, Bangkok, Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

According to Brazil's Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services, Brazilian exports to the UAE grew 87% (US$1.2bn to US$2.24bn) and overall trade grew 72% (US$1.5bn to US$2.6bn) between 2007 and 2016. The UAE is the second biggest importer of Brazilian products among Arab countries, with imports worth US$2.24 billion in 2016. This amount represents almost 40% of all Brazilian exports to the GCC countries, of which food produce and products formed a major component. The UAE in particular is an active trader with Brazil, with two-way trade reaching US$2.6 billion last year.  The vast majority of this trade was exports from Brazil, leaving a significant trade balance of US$1.9 billion in favour of Brazil.

Emirates SkyCargo has also played an important role in connecting Brazil to the world, carrying more than 25,000 tons of imported cargo and more than 11,000 tons of exported cargo between Dubai and Brazil since 2007. Currently, major cargo imports include automobile and aircraft spare parts, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Major exports include general cargo, hatching eggs, spare parts, shoes, fruits & vegetables. Top export destinations include United Arab Emirates, India and Saudi Arabia; main import origins are Hong Kong, India and China. Emirates has also operated multiple freighter charters to Brazil over the last few years to transport various types of cargo – including horses for leading sporting events and outsized equipment including helicopters.

Commenting on the milestone, Hubert Frach, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations West at Emirates, said: “The 10-year anniversary is a significant milestone for Emirates in Brazil, celebrating our first touch point in Latin America. Over the years, we have achieved healthy growth on our Brazilian flights, as more and more customers experience Emirates’ award-winning service and our hub, Dubai. We are continuously bringing new exciting leisure destinations closer to Brazilians such as, Bangkok, Tokyo, Vietnam or more recently Cambodia.  We look forward to continue supporting Brazil’s growing inbound tourist numbers and business trade opportunities”.

Passengers on flights to and from Brazil enjoy the hospitality of Emirates’ multi-national Cabin Crew, of which more than 630 are Brazilian, including more than 120 pilots. Emirates also have over 860 Brazilian nationals working from them in various positions around the world.

Emirates’ award-winning entertainment system, ice, has more than 2,500 channels, including Portuguese movies and TV programmes as well as Brazilian music. This year, ice was awarded as the World’s Best Inflight Entertainment at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for the 13th consecutive year.

Emirates is the world’s largest A380 operator with 98 in its fleet and over 80 million passengers have flown on the double-decked aircraft since 2008. The three class A380 on the Sao Paulo route offers a total of 491 seats, with 14 private suites in First Class, 76 lie flat seats in Business Class and 401 seats in spacious Economy Class cabin.  The Emirates A380 is renowned for its First Class Private Suites and Shower Spas, as well as Onboard lounge for First and Business Class passengers to mingle whilst enjoying canapés and beverages prepared by the onboard bartender. Passengers in all classes can enjoy Wi-Fi to stay in touch with family and friends. Passengers travelling on the Emirates A380, will enjoy spacious cabins and experience a peaceful journey in the world’s quietest long-range jet.

Emirates currently serves two Brazil gateways with services to Dubai from Sao Paulo, operated by the A380, and Rio de Janeiro, operated by the Boeing 777-300ER. Passengers can also fly to Buenos Aires onboard the Boeing 777-300ER from Rio de Janeiro.

In October 2016, Emirates announced a codeshare and frequent flyer programme partnership with GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A (“GOL”) allowing customers to purchase connecting flights on both airlines using one reservation, and a seamless ticketing, check-in, boarding and baggage check experience during the entire journey. Passengers booking flights to Brazil can now connect to multiple destinations in Brazil with GOL, including Porte Alegre, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba and Brasilia.

WETEX is a leading international platform sponsored by 100 national and international organisations and companies. DEWA regards its sponsors as sustainability partners who actively support social, environmental and economic development in Dubai by promoting proper resource management, rationalisation and raising awareness about sustainability and environmental preservation.

100 sponsors

The three titanium sponsors of WETEX are Siemens AG (Germany), ACWA Power (KSA), the Sustainable City (Dubai), while the government partners are Dubai Municipality, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA). The event is also sponsored by 17 strategic sponsors, 11 platinum sponsors, 35 golden sponsors and 24 supporting organisations.

WETEX 2017’s strategic media sponsors are Dubai Media Incorporated, CNBC Arabia, Al Khaleej Newspaper, Dubai Eye 103.8, Oil and Gas Directory Middle East. The official airlines for the event is Emirates Airlines.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and President and Founder of WETEX, praised the sponsors of WETEX, which has become a leading platform that gathers the largest organisations display their latest technological solutions in the fields of water, energy, environment and sustainability. DEWA values their great support to transform WETEX into the largest specialised exhibition of its kind in the region. He praised the role of the media, as a prominent partner and a key driver of its success, especially in highlighting the exhibition’s pivotal role as a leading platform that brings together key experts, decision makers, investors and leading players in energy, water and environment. "DEWA sees WETEX sponsors as key partners in supporting the sustainable development process and strengthening the position of this leading economic and environmental event on the global specialized exhibitions map. They play a key role in accelerating the transformation to a green economy not only in the UAE, but for the region as a whole,” Al Tayer noted.

Emirates National Oil Company, UAE (ENOC)

“WETEX 2017 offers a strategic platform to engage with key stakeholders, as it showcases the latest technologies in the water, energy, and environment sectors. With our focus on promoting energy efficiency we plan to showcase a host of advanced solutions that enhance ERM best practices, which can ultimately help secure a cleaner world for future generations. With the UAE’s ambitious plans and USD$150 billion investment into renewable power between now and 2050, we are at the forefront of supporting the nation in achieving its plans to utilise clean energy. This is evident through our introduction of cleaner fuel alternatives such as Biodiesel5, and further expanding our CNG network; reducing the dependency on subsidised natural gas power. ENOC will always remain committed to promoting sustainability through our green and efficient energy and resource initiatives.”

HE Saif Hameed Al Falasy, CEO, ENOC Group

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)

“Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, has been a strategic partner of WETEX for a number of years. Once again, we are looking forward to having a significant presence at the event’s exhibition and to taking part in the World Green Economy Summit. At this year’s WETEX, we’ll be showcasing our activities in renewable energy deployment, water sustainability and clean-tech innovation, as well as the continued development of Masdar City Free Zone. UAE platforms such as WETEX and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week play a critical role in driving the commercialisation of renewable energy, clean technologies and water sustainability solutions across the Middle East and North Africa.”

Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (EMPOWER)

“WETEX is a highly significant event for Empower. Over the years, our participation in this mega event has helped us to achieve remarkable success in our goal of saving energy and preserving the environment. This year, we aim to feature our latest projects, technologies and solutions related to energy efficiency and district cooling, as well as our contributions to green-building through advanced cooling solutions. We will use our participation to discuss latest advancements in the district cooling with other international companies participating in the show.”

Ahmed bin Shafar, CEO, EMPOWER

Silver Springs Networks

“We share our gratitude with HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA, Dubai Government and the organisers of WETEX, specifically DEWA. We are thrilled to showcase how our IoT network canopy will provide benefits to the citizens of Dubai through smart electric and smart water, as well as additional smart services in the future.  Silver Spring Networks’ commitment to WETEX also reinforces our shared commitment to promoting efficient, reliable, sustainable and secure infrastructure in Dubai, to help position the Emirate and its initiatives on the global stage as the gateway to the Middle East.”

Burak Aydin, GM for Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), Silver Spring Networks

Kemira

“We’re so thrilled to participate in the biggest water exhibition in the Middle East, which provides Kemira the opportunity to engage with local water authorities and users, in order to provide them with solutions and innovations to their water use challenges.”

Casemiro da Silva, Sales Director for Industries and Water, Kemira

CleanMax Solar

CleanMax Solar grabbed the opportunity to enter the overseas market starting with UAE. As the world’s renewable energy industry continues to rapidly grow, we are delighted to participate in the Dubai Solar Show which is a key platform for players like us to make deals, build partnerships, review the latest solar-energy technologies, learn about current and future projects in the region and market needs, and explore opportunities to take part in solar- energy projects and programs. We look forward to a continuing association and to contributing to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which we’re sure will make Dubai a global centres for clean energy and green economy.”

Sushant Arora, Co-Founder & CEO, MENA, CleanMax Solar

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ACWA Power

"we are proud to participate in this global event with our partners at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), which provides a successful and unprecedented model for the public-private partnership in developing and implementing of ambitious projects and programs that contribute to the development of an integrated industrial system along with an economic sustainable value. I hope that this model will be an inspiration for the efforts of countries in the region to diversify the energy mix by taking advantage of the renewable energy sources that have become a strategic choice to meet the challenges of the energy industry now and in the future. "

Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power

General Electric

WETEX is a key industry event in the region, bringing together stakeholders from across the power sector. Participation at WETEX provides insights on the requirements of our customers and offers a strong platform for us to showcase GE Power’s industry-leading technologies, which can help our partners to achieve transformational growth.

This year, we will exhibit GE’s advanced solutions from across the electricity value network and various fuel sources. A few highlights include GE’s 9EMax gas turbine upgrade solution, which can help cut annual fuel costs by as much as $5 million, while creating the potential for up to $6 million in additional revenue; a portfolio of service solutions that can support more than 90 original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) brands; GE’s H-class technology, the world’s largest and most efficient heavy duty gas turbine; our ultra-supercritical steam technology, which powers the world’s most efficient coal-fueled power plant; GE’s recently launched 4.8 megawatts (MW) onshore wind turbines; our smart grid solutions; GE’s advanced digital solutions for the power sector; and much more. 

Our solutions are aligned with the needs of the GCC, especially as regional governments and power sector operators focus on efficiency, energy diversification and optimizing asset utilization to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable power. We are proud to have supported the development of the GCC’s power sector for more than 80 years. Today, GE-built technologies generate more than 50 percent of the region’s electricity and this is a legacy that we are committed to building upon further.

Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE’s Power Services business in the Middle East & Africa

 The conference, organised by Dubai Chamber, will be held at Dubai’s Emirates Towers, and support the objectives of the National Programme for Happiness & Positivity and the UAE Vision 2021. The event will be attended by dignitaries, distinguished local and international top executives and guest speakers, while it will be open to the UAE and GCC business communities.

 The event entitled, “Drivers of Growth in Organisations of the 21^st Century: Harnessing The Human Factor,” will explore key trends and themes that are reshaping the fast-changing business world, including continuous disruption, increasing workforce pressures, and changing consumer attitudes. In addition, the event will highlight the importance of nurturing happiness and its all-encompassing impact on the organisational bottom line, as well as new tools and strategies that can help drive organisational growth and productivity.

 H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber, explained the importance of hosting the conference, which he described as an ideal platform for establishing an open and constructive dialogue on the key trends and challenges that are changing the way organisations operate.

 “In today’s rapidly-changing business world, determinants of success for a 21^st century organisation are evolving, and it has never been more important for businesses to keep pace with new technologies and innovations. We hope that this conference will provide businesses in the UAE with valuable insights on these changes and inspire them to think more innovatively in their approach to driving organisational growth” H.E. Buamim added.

 A member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the MRM Business Award was initiated in 2005 to recognise and celebrate the success of organisations that contribute to the sustainable economic development of the UAE and the wider GCC region.

The MRM Business Innovation Award, launched by Dubai Chamber in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Economy in 2015, aims to encourage companies across the GCC to embrace innovation. The award places a strategic focus on transforming business models to meet current and future challenges.

To mark this milestone occasion, an exclusive list of 25 unmissable sessions will be released from today at a special Early Bird discount offer of 15%.

Bestselling international authors David Walliams, Alexander McCall Smith, Shashi Tharoor and 2017 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) winner Mohammed Hasan Alwan are just some of the renowned names who are now on sale. The Early Bird list also includes Anthony Horowitz with a new Alex Rider novel; the prolific Jacqueline Wilson, talking about her latest book Wave Me Goodbye; explorer Levison Wood, with tales of his adventures along the Silk Route and veteran journalist Kate Adie. Following his sell-out sessions last year, the UAE Ambassador to France, His Excellency Omar Saif Ghobash returns, this time in conversation with former British Ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Fletcher.

The Big Events

This year’s landmark event features some of the biggest names in the poetry world, taking the stage for a truly unique performance. ‘For the Love of Words’ celebrates the power of poetry across cultures, within the magnificent setting of Dubai Opera. This exceptional evening presents a once in a lifetime gathering of the best UK and UAE contemporary poets including Khalid AlBudoor, Nujoom Nasser AlGhanem, spoken word artist Afra Atiq, UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Simon Armitage, John Agard, Imtiaz Dharker, Roger McGough, Grace Nichols,Lemn Sissay and World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker. This extraordinary night of poetry has been made possible thanks to a collaboration between the Festival, Dubai Opera and The British Council, with the support of the UK GREAT campaign.

Other highlight events include the chance to join food legends Madhur Jaffrey and Ken Hom at their exclusive Festival dining experiences, and an invitation to come along to the Festival’s Richard and Judy Book Club. Hosted by Britain’s beloved broadcasters and book champions, Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, the couple will introduce their pick of Festival authors and discuss the novels guaranteed to get book lovers buzzing.

Page to Screen

Saroo Brierley, whose story inspired the Oscar-nominated film Lion, starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman, will talk about his life and introduce a special screening of the film, in partnership with Dubai International Film Festival. The programme also features columnist and author Cheryl Strayed, whose book Wild was adapted to the Oscar-nominated film starring Reese Witherspoon; bestselling author of the soon-to-be-released film Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin Kwan; and James Dashner, author of The Maze Runner series, on which the hit films are based.

In addition, there is a rare chance to see Andy Weir, via live video link from the United States. His debut novel, The Martian, was a runaway hit in 2014 and later adapted to a blockbuster film by Ridley Scott, starring Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain.

Tickets for other Early Bird sessions include Nnedi Okorafor, whose award-winning novel set in Africa, Who Fears Death, is being adapted for television by HBO and George RR Martin; brilliant horror writer Joe Hill and his Locke & Key comic series co-creator Gabriel Rodriguez; and Rhianna Pratchett, writer of the Tomb Raider video game reboot and daughter of legendary science-fiction author Terry Pratchett.

Palestinian author Ibrahim Nasrallah, nominated for an IPAF for Time of White Horses; Syrian author of No Knives in the Kitchens of This City, Khaled Khalifa, shortlisted twice for an IPAF; and acclaimed Indian author Chetan Bhagat discussing his latest novel, One Indian Girl, about the impact of societal expectations on women in India, are also featured in the early release. 

The Early Bird Discount offer ends 24 November 2017. For the full list of First 25 sessions, and the complete line up of 2018 authors, visit: emirateslitfest.com

The Festival is held in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, and the author list was presented during the launch event at the home of the Festival, the InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

Speaking at the event, Isobel Abulhoul, OBE, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation and Director of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, said: ‘When we started 10 years ago, none of us could have foreseen the enormous positive impact the Festival has had on the literary scene in the region. Thanks to our patron His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Festival has been able to blaze a trail and become a Festival of international standing, attracting authors from across the globe. In our first year 65 authors attended. Since 2009 more than 1000 bestselling authors have visited Dubai, helping to share our passion for reading, opening the door to other worlds and building an appreciation of different genres, viewpoints and cultures. More than 20,000 students benefit through our Education Programme each year; the Festival has helped   launch the international publishing careers of eight locally-based debut authors, and has received numerous awards.

‘All this could not have happened without our partners, supporters and sponsors, most notably Emirates Airline, our title sponsor, who have helped make all this possible.’

The Storytellers

More tickets for this diverse and entertaining programme go on sale in January. These includemany award-winning authors from both the Western and the Arab World such as Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Spanish author of the international phenomenon The Shadow of the Wind; Iraqi author Muhsin Al-Ramli (The President’s Gardens); Man Booker 2017 nominated authors Kamila Shamsie (Home Fire) and Fiona Mozley (Elmet); and Ahmed Saadawi, author of the IPAF winner, Frankenstein in Baghdad, which will be published in English for the first time in 2018.

Real-life storytellersinclude Jane Hawking,whose autobiography Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen chronicles her life with renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, Chief Business Officer at Google’s [X] Mo Gawdat who will inspire audiences with his story of engineering a path to joy through his book Solve for Happy; and Andrew Morton, the writer of the definitive biographies of Princess Diana, Angelina Jolie, and many others.

Also confirmed is Nobel Peace Prize winner and social entrepreneur Muhammad Yunus, in conversation with Arun Gandhi, a socio-political activist, author and grandson of Mohandas Gandhi; doyenne of British broadcasting, Jenni Murray and the renowned expert on the history of Imperial rule in India, William Dalrymple. Reflecting the international nature of the event, the Festival welcomes, amongst many others, the critically acclaimed Ukranian author Andrey Kurkov, Icelandic poet Sjon, international bestselling Afghani-American writer Nadia Hashimi, Filipino business guru Francis Kong and food writer and multi-award-winning author of numerous Middle Eastern cookbooks Clauda Roden.

Sheikh Majid al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Centre for Emirates Airline said: ‘We are excited to celebrate 10 years of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, an event that has become one of the world’s leading literary gatherings for its rich diversity of authors and engaging programmes that showcase the power of the written word. As an airline, we connect people with their passions and unique interests and through vibrant events such as this Festival, we are confident that audiences of every age will continue to have the opportunity to be inspired by the conversations, thoughts and ideas – however big or small - delivered during the event. We also believe that the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature contributes to Dubai’s thriving cultural landscape, and we look forward to supporting this event to scale even greater heights.’

Children’s Blockbusters

Fun and frolic abounds in the children’s programme, which this year includes Festival favourite and author of The Grunts, Philip Ardagh; award-winning Kiran Millwood Hargrave with her smash-hit debut, The Girl of Ink and Stars; and King Flashypants himself, Andy Riley.

Legendary illustrators Tony Ross, Korky Paul, Guy Parker Rees and Jon Klassen will be bringing a range of hilarious characters to life, from The Little Princess and Winnie the Witch, to dancing giraffes and sneaky shapes

A special guest this year is the much loved presenter BaronessFloella Benjamin, who has entertained generations of youngsters with her TV programmes and books. In addition the Festival is thrilled to welcome, by video link, The Tiger Who Came to Tea writer Judith Kerr, celebrating 50 years since the publication of this classic story

Ali Sparkes, talking about her The Shapeshifter series, award-winning Jordanian author Taghreed Aref Najjer, The Black Dotauthor, illustrator Walid Taher and Emirati writer Noura Al Khoori are all featured in the programme.

Those who are ‘wild about animals’ can enjoy listening to ecologist Tom Moorhouse, the critically acclaimed MG Leonard, with her Beetle Boy stories, Holly Webb, author of the Animal Stories series, and animal trainer Julie Tottman, revealing secrets from the Harry Potter film set.

Young Adult authors include Linda Davies, Young Bond author and comedian Charlie Higson andappearing by video link, creator ofteenage mastermind Artemis Fowl and his criminal empire, Eoin Colfer.

Suspense and Intrigue

Gritty drama, intrigue and a dash of peril are always a big draw at the Festival and this year will be no exception, with crime writers Mark Billingham, discussing hisstandalone novel Die of Shame and providing an update on Detective Inspector Tom Thorne’s exploits; the Queen of Icelandic crime fiction, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir; and Peter James, with the latest instalment in the Roy Grace series.

Spotlight on Home-Grown Talents

The Festival is proud to highlight the work of home-grown talents in the UAE and many locally-based authors and Emirati writers are featured in the line-up for 2018. Zaid Adham and Yasser Alireza, creators of the Wayl comic book series, will be attending for the first time.

Montegrappa Writing Prize 2016 winner and runner-up Karen Osman and Jessica Jarlvi will be introducing their latest novels. Master Emirati storyteller Dr AbdullAziz AlMusallam and Noura Al Noman, one of the leading voices in reviving Arabic science-fiction and fantasy, return to discuss books and Arabic writing, while children’s authors Maitha Al Khayat and Sahar Naja Mahfouz will entertain with tales from their latest works.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, commented: ‘We at Dubai Culture are proud to support the Emirates Festival of Literature, which celebrates its 10^th successful edition in March 2018. We are pleased to be working with Emirates Literature Foundation, the organiser of the Festival, to contribute to building a culture of reading across all segments of the community, especially by offering young people a unique opportunity to meet some of the world’s most famous writers. We also value the role the Festival plays in encouraging the community to think creatively, helping them to better understand the cultures of the world, positioning the UAE as an icon for tolerance and openness in the region, and promoting cultural exchange, harmony and peace among different nations.’

Al Nabouda added: ‘Dubai Culture is committed to supporting the UAE’s literature sector and platforms such as this Festival to achieve the objectives of the National Strategy for Reading 2016-2026. We recently demonstrated this commitment by establishing a new Literature Department in the Authority, which will help us to strengthen Dubai's position as a leading destination for regional and global cultural exchange by supporting culture, and enhancing the value of literature in the UAE and the region through our ongoing cultural programmes and initiatives.’

Education Focus

Education is at the heart of the Festival and the Education Days, Student Sessions, School Visits and Children’s Competitions last year reached 25,000 students across the country. Returning this year is the Poetry Live – GCSE Poetry Day, an amazing opportunity for students studying GCSE English to hear some of the most acclaimed British poets of today read live. Additionally, a dedicated ‘University Day’ will feature famous Arab World authors Muhsin Al-Ramli and Saudi Arabian historian Hatoon Ajwad Al Fassi engaging with university students on a number of topics.

Running alongside these events will be the student writing competitions, the Oxford University Press Story Writing Competition and the Taaleem Award for poetry, the Chevron Readers’ Cup quiz competition and the Poetry for All performance poetry competition.

There will also be a series of sessions and masterclasses focusing on the publishing industry in the Gulf, featuring acclaimed global and regional publishers, translators and writers who will examine opportunities for publishing in the Arab world and internationally.

A highlight of every Festival is the announcement of the winner of the Montegrappa Writing Prize for adults. The Prize has already seen eight previous winners and runners-up receive international book deals and become published authors. The competition is now open for first-time novelists to submit their entries.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

For the full list of authors, visit emirateslitfest.com/authors

More information about the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature can be found online. Fans can keep up to date with #DubaiLitFest action on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and year-round news of #ELFDubai on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

With Dubai becoming a premiere international cruise destination, DP World is ready to take on the increasing influx of holiday makers with the start of the 2017-18 cruise tourism season and is expecting 115 luxury cruise ships from 22 ocean-sailing cruise lines to berth at Mina Rashid’s Dubai Cruise Terminal facilities over the coming season.

The Dubai Cruise Terminal, operated by DP World, at Port Rashid is one of the world’s top five ultra-luxury ports and a preferred port of call for 650,000 passengers on international cruise liners. The season will kick start on 25 October with the arrival of the ‘Seabourn Encore’ cruise ship of the luxury cruise brand Seabourn Cruises.

Together with its strategic partners – Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs, Dubai Cruise Tourism, Dubai Customs, Dubai Police, and Emirates Airline – DP World, is dedicated to supporting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to maximise Dubai’s potential and establish the city as the leading winter cruise tourism destination in the GCC by providing world class infrastructure and logistics support.

Key to this plan is DP World’s state-of-the-art Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal (T3) at Mina Rashid that is set to be the largest terminal in the world capable of handling 18,000 travelers in a single day.

 Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said: “DP World is proud to support and contribute to Dubai’s vision to become the world’s leading cruise tourism hub. With a goal to attract 20 million tourists a year by 2020, of which at least one million are expected to be cruise tourists, we are committed to providing facilities that are the best in the world and create a truly luxurious cruise experience catering to the tastes and sophistication of visitors.”

Dubai’s cruise tourism market is growing rapidly as the city is becoming a choice destination for cruise enthusiasts from Europe and the US. 

Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Mannai, Executive Director, Mina Rashid, said: “We’re expanding our facilities to accommodate more ships by adding new berths, while developing our existing two-kilometre long berths, in line with the demand from cruise operators. We’re also working on connecting our existing terminals with closed corridors equipped with the best in technology to maximise capacity and provide ease of access for passengers across the port.

Mina Rashid is the Middle East’s leading cruise port, playing a vital role as a hub for tourists looking to explore this region and has the capacity to anchor seven ocean-sailing cruise vessels at a time. The port also added a luxury yacht marina facility in response to the high demand from luxury yacht owners from around the world, and offers world class mooring and storage space and other associated services.”

Additionally, the Dubai Government rolled out various initiatives to support the cruise tourism sector, making it easier and faster for tourists to process paperwork. The Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners’ Affairs also implemented simplified visa procedures, including issuing multiple entry UAE visas exclusively for cruise tourists.

 According to the report, there were a total of 37,633 transactions for land, residential units and buildings, generating a value of over AED 88 billion. There were also 11,699 mortgage transactions worth AED 102 billion and 2,838 other transactions worth AED 14 billion.

 His Excellency Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Director General of Dubai Land Department, commented: "We are delighted to share our new report, which contains many encouraging and promising signs for those interested in Dubai’s real estate sector. The data clearly shows an increasing demand across all property categories, including land plots for various forms of real estate development, as well as buildings and residential units, which means that we are attracting a wide variety of investors.”

 Bin Mejren added: “We expect the market to remain on this upward trajectory of sustained growth, and to see demand continuing to diversify across various real estate categories. The momentum of the market is being driven and sustained by several factors but particularly the upcoming launch of Expo 2020 Dubai.”

Land Superiority

The latest DLD report shows that the land category attracted AED 143.40 billion worth of investment, achieved from 11,169 transactions across sales, mortgages and other transaction categories. Building sales generated 5,014 transactions with a total value of AED 12.72 billion, while 36,000 transactions for residential units of all types crossed the AED 48.77 billion mark.

Areas in High Demand

The report also reveals the top ten real estate sales areas in Dubai, with ‘Burj Khalifa’ taking first place in terms of value with 1,650 transactions worth AED 6.239 billion. ‘Business Bay’ followed in second place with 2,754 transactions worth AED 5,570 billion, while ‘Dubai Marina’ took third

 place with 2,596 transactions totalling AED 5.357 billion in value. ‘Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’ came in fourth place with 1,495 transactions worth AED 4,470 billion and ‘AL Barsha South Fourth 5’ ranked fifth through 2,418 transactions exceeding AED 3 billion in value. The other five places went to ‘Al Thanyah 5’, ‘Al Yufrah 2’, ‘Jabal Ali First’, ‘Madinat Al Mataar’ and ‘Al Yelayiss 2’ respectively.

 In terms of mortgages, ‘Palm Jumeirah’ topped the list with 578 transactions exceeding AED 11.38 billion in value, followed by ‘Business Bay’ with 596 transactions worth AED 4.63 billion. ‘Dubai Marina’ ranked in third place with 777 transactions worth over AED 3 billion, ‘Burj Khalifa’ came in fourth place with 434 transactions worth nearly AED 2 billion, and ‘Al Thanyah 5’ placed fifth with 796 transactions worth AED 1.77 billion. The other five places went to ‘Al Thanyah 4’, ‘Al Barsha South Fourth’, ‘Jebel Ali First’, ‘Al Yelayiss 1’ and ‘Al Thanyah 3’ respectively.

The ADI indicates the performance of ADX listed stocks and is widely tracked by the investment and trading community locally and internationally. The ADI’s value has risen by 70% in the last 5 years. It tracks the performance of companies from multiple sectors such as telecommunication, financial services, real estate, energy and more, providing a good benchmark of the overall performance of the ADX market.

Additionally, the two exchanges signed a memorandum of understanding focusing on further collaboration in terms of developing the local capital market, and jointly focusing on regional and local investor awareness programs about the new product offering through extensive educational  workshops.

Rashed Al Blooshi, Chief Executive of ADX, said: "One of the most important objectives for ADX within its strategic plan 2016-2020 are to attract and activate a wider range of investors, and increase market cap and product range.  In addition, attracting foreign investment is one of the main projects in ADX’s plan, and thus these objectives have led us to the development of an attractive offer for investors including a stable trading environment, innovative products and services, and the adoption of best international practices in terms of disclosure, transparency, corporate governance and investor relations. Signing the agreement with Nasdaq Dubai underscores local and global investments communities’ trust in the quality of the global standards adopted by ADX particularly those in terms of measuring the overall performance of listed shares.”

 Hamed Ali, Chief Executive of Nasdaq Dubai, said: “The introduction of index futures is a significant step in the evolution of the UAE capital markets and we are delighted to join hands with ADX to bring the benchmark ADI Futures on our derivatives platform. Index futures is a universal choice with market participants in an evolving derivatives marketplace and we believe this partnership will enable new opportunities for investors and lead to the development of UAE capital markets.”

Nasdaq Dubai’s derivatives platform currently comprises single stock futures on 13 leading UAE-listed companies. More than 2.5 million future contracts have traded since the market opened in September 2016.

Subject to regulatory approval ADI futures are expected to be traded later this year with the support of leading UAE brokers and targeted at professional and institutional investors enabling them to take a macro view on the ADX market.