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Google Offers Middle East Grants Worth $1.1 Million for Digital Skills Training

Google to Provide Mideast Grants Worth $1.1 Million for Digital Skills Training

In light of the “new normal” being adopted in various parts of the globe amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, tech giant Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc, has shared its plans to provide grants worth $1.1 million to help businesses in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) improve their digital skills and get them online.

This announcement comes at a time when the Middle East is moving rapidly towards a fully-connected, intelligent future in which more people, homes, and organizations are linked than ever before.

Google to Provide Mideast Grants Worth $1.1 Million for Digital Skills Training

Over $1 Million Worth of Mideast Grants, Loans to be Provided by Google for Digital Skills Training

In line with this, Google looks to provide $3 million in loans to thousands of businesses in the region, $2 million of which will go to Egypt, to help them transition to digital transformation, the Khaleej Times reported.

The announcement is expected to bring enormous value to economies and societies. According to a PwC study, nearly 80% of Middle East private businesses have already acknowledged that digitalization will impact the long-term viability of their business.

In the same manner, digital technologies are changing traditional employment structures, and the labor market has become increasingly lopsided. That said, a lack of digital skills has become a development bottleneck for the digital economy.

The opportunity was conceived because online consumption in the region has been on the rise this year as people stay home due to the novel coronavirus, Google reported, adding that according to the Arab Monetary Fund, 6 million jobs are at risk.

Through this initiative, a total of 1 million firms or individuals in the region would get help to improve their digital skills to find jobs and get businesses online by the end of 2021.

Moreover, Google announced that it will provide $9 million in advertising credits and grants to support businesses and governments in the region.

ALSO READ: 10 Reasons Why Filipinos Choose to Work in the Middle East

Remote Workers Can Now Relocate to Dubai via New Virtual Working Program

Now, Remote Workers Can Relocate to Dubai with New Virtual Working Program

The Dubai government has recently launched a new program that enables overseas remote working professionals to relocate in the emirate while continuing to serve their employers in their home country.

ALSO: Sponsoring Your Family in the UAE: A Guide

The said move will provide remote working professionals as well as their families to have the option to relocate to Dubai on an annual basis and enjoy a safe and high-quality lifestyle supported by a strong digital infrastructure that provides seamless connectivity. 

Now, Remote Workers Can Relocate to Dubai with New Virtual Working Program

Remote Working Professionals Can Now Apply to Relocate in Dubai: Here’s How

In a report shared by the Khaleej Times, to apply for the program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Passport with minimum 6-month validity
  • Health insurance with UAE coverage validity
  • Proof of employment from a current employer with a one-year contract validity, last month’s pay slip, and 3 preceding months’ bank statements
  • $5,000 (AED 18,300) monthly salary
  • If the applicant is a company owner, proof of ownership for one year or more, with an average monthly income of $5,000
  • 3 preceding months’ bank statements

Those who will qualify in the new virtual working program will be eligible to avail of all the services offered in Dubai, including telecoms, utilities, and schooling, enabling them to experience the distinctive lifestyle enjoyed by people of over 200 nationalities. Moreover, they will benefit from Dubai’s zero income tax for individuals.

Applying for the program costs $287 (approx. AED 1,054) plus medical insurance with valid UAE coverage and processing fee per person.

Dubai: One of the Safest Places in the World 

In light of the ongoing pandemic, Dubai has proven to be one of the most competitive cities in terms of curbing the spread of the virus as well as restoring economic activities in the most efficient way possible. Dubai which has reopened itself to international travelers on July 7, has also implemented remarkable safety and hygiene protocols that enabled the reopening of most sectors and destination offerings across the city, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, water, and theme parks, beaches, shopping malls as well as schools and universities. 

In line with this, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) awarded Dubai the Safe Travels Stamp in recognition of its efforts in upholding the highest standards of hygiene and Covid-19 precautionary measures. 

Additionally, Dubai has introduced the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp to certify that establishments have implemented all public health protocols for the prevention and management of Covid-19.

With its digital capacity, Dubai has ranked no. 1 in the global ranking in e-infrastructure in the latest Digital Quality of Life (DQL) survey.

This validates the emirate’s excellent digital infrastructure. That said, Dubai’s new program also boosts the emirate’s value proposition for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and SMEs.

For his part, the Director-General of Dubai Economy, Sami Al Qamzi, said: “The virtual working program further strengthens Dubai’s status as a global business hub and demonstrates its progressive thinking and sustained competitiveness in today’s rapidly changing global landscape.”

Recently, Dubai has also been listed by CEOWORLD magazine as the second-best among 60 global cities for remote working jobs. 

All these achievements make the emirate among the top destinations for work, residence/relocation, and even retirement for expats.

Saudi National in Bahrain Wins AED 12M in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Raffle

Saudi National in Bahrain Wins AED 12 Million in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Raffle Draw

A fast-food business owner in Bahrain recently became one of the winners of the Abu Dhabi Big Ticket raffle draw.

ALSO READ: Saudi Offers Permanent Residency for USD 213,000

The Saudi national, Ahmed Al Hamidi, bagged the grand prize of AED 12 million on Saturday, October 3. 

Saudi National in Bahrain Wins AED 12 Million in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Raffle Draw
Credits: Big Ticket

Saudi National Becomes AED 12 Million Richer After Winning in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi Raffle

Al Hamidi shared that he had been buying tickets for the past “four-five years”, but is still finding it hard to believe that he had finally won. In a phone interview, the 54-year-old millionaire told the Khaleej Times: “I am still in shock. There are too many things I want to do now.”

Al Hamidi shared that as he is still making a list of all the things he would like to do with his winnings, there are two things on top of the agenda: Securing the future of his three daughters and doing more charity work.

“I am a Saudi national living in Bahrain. I have a small fast food business. I have three girls. To tell you the truth, with this money, the thing I want to do is to ensure that my children are taken care of. Also, I will continue my charity work. I had been doing it always but now I can put an additional amount in it. Every year I give money to charity and help differently-abled children,” he shared. 

In a difficult year such as this, Al Hamidi is delighted to have finally won. The 54-year-old father of three’s immediate plan for his winnings is to secure the future of his three daughters aged 22, 21, and 16. 

“One of them graduated last year and is working. One daughter is in a college in Sharjah and another one is finishing her high school in Saudi Arabia,” he shared.

Al Hamidi bought his lucky ticket number 051175 on September 2 and had been the only one to purchase the lucky ticket, which means he is the sole claimant of the AED 12 million grand prize money.

He added that although he knew about the draw date, he wasn’t watching the live streaming when organizers called to inform him about the jackpot so everything came to him as a shock. 

Al Hamidi also revealed that he had been buying tickets for the raffle draw at least four times each year. 

ALSO READ: WATCH: Man Escapes Death as Car Hits Wall in Saudi

WATCH: Man Escapes Death as Car Hits Wall in Saudi

WATCH: Man Escapes Death as Car Hits Wall in Saudi

A video has made rounds on social media showing a man narrowly escaping death by a few seconds after he left his seat when a vehicle driven by a worker rams into a wall at a car wash in Saudi Arabia.

The 72-second video caught the shocking accident that could have left a man dead had it not been for his good judgment and partly, luck.

WATCH: Man Escapes Death as Car Hits Wall in Saudi
Screengrabs taken from the video posted by saud AL-Otaibi / YouTube

[Video] Customer Escapes Death by a Few Seconds After Car Reverses into Wall in Saudi Arabia

The incident was reported to have taken place in Bisha, a town in the Saudi Arabian province of Asir.

The man in the video identified as Mohammed Al Qahtani told Sabq: “Praise be to God first of all for my escape from being run over, as I was sitting on a chair waiting to have my car washed.”

He continued, “And I saw him [the driver] coming to stop the vehicle in front of me, to make me feel that the driver of this vehicle was not driving the car well.”

Al Qahtani shared how relieved he was after he decided to get up from his seat and to move away from the backing vehicle, which in a few seconds more, rammed completely into the wall where he was sitting against. 

Watch the entire incident caught on video here:

 

It’s not every day that we witness miracles such as this, to make us realize how lucky we are to still be alive and to value our lives more especially during these challenging times.

ALSO READ: Bride’s Wedding Photoshoot in Beirut Captures Horrific Explosion

Saudi Arabia to Relax Flight Restrictions Starting September 15

Saudi Arabia to Relax Flight Restrictions Starting September 15

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced on Sunday (September 13) that it will partially lift its suspension on international flights starting September 15.

The Kingdom has placed travel restrictions on all its borders and points of entry during the last six months due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Saudi Arabia to Relax Flight Restrictions Starting September 15
Credits: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi Gov’t to Ease Flight Restrictions Starting September 15

The ministry added that all restrictions on land, air, and sea, will end after January 1 next year, without specifying any date, the Khaleej Times reported.

In line with this, Gulf citizens and non-Saudis with valid residency permits or visas will be allowed to enter the kingdom from September 15 onwards as long as they have tested negative for the virus.

Meanwhile, other “exceptional categories”, which include government and military employees, foreign embassy workers, and people requiring medical treatment, will also be allowed from September 15. 

The ministry also noted that the Kingdom will later announce a plan to gradually allow the Umrah pilgrimage.

It can be recalled that Saudi has suspended the Umrah earlier this year over fears of the coronavirus pandemic.

Then in late July, the kingdom has also called for the scaled-down Haj, with only up to 10,000 Muslims taking part in the annual pilgrimage.

Starting March, Saudi has suspended all international flights leaving many citizens and residents stranded overseas.

Since then, the kingdom has imposed stricter measures to contain a major spike in infections, which have now risen to more than 325,000 cases – the highest in the Gulf – and over 4,200 deaths.

In June, the kingdom has ended the coronavirus curfew across the kingdom and lift restrictions on businesses, including cinemas and other entertainment venues.

ALSO READ: KSA Launches New Visa Policy for Tourists, No Abaya Rule

Expats Can Now Enjoy 5-Year ‘Retirement Visa’ in Dubai

Expats Can Now Enjoy 5-Year 'Retirement Visa' in Dubai

The image that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Dubai’ paints that of luxury, convenience, and modern lifestyle. Good news for expats who are enjoying the benefits of the Dubai lifestyle as the government of Dubai has recently launched a global retirement program aimed at qualified foreign residents, offering a five-year visa for retirees to enjoy their stay in the emirate. 

Being the first program of its kind in the region, Retire in Dubai offers resident expatriates and foreigners aged 55 and above the opportunity to enjoy the emirate’s distinctive lifestyle.

Expats Can Now Enjoy 5-Year 'Retirement Visa' in Dubai

Dubai Government Now Offers 5-Year ‘Retirement Visa’ for Qualified Expats

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and is spearheaded by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), Retire in Dubai aims to showcase the Emirati city as the world’s preferred retirement destination.

As part of its competitive offering, Dubai Tourism has worked with its partners to establish key propositions for retirees covering healthcare, real estate, insurance, and banking, among others.

To get the full details of the program offerings, designed to help retirees enjoy a happy and fulfilling life, and all information necessary to start the application process, you may visit www.retireindubai.com.

Those who qualify in the program will be granted a Retirement Visa that is renewable every five years. And the qualifications are as follows:

  • must be earning a monthly income of AED 20,000 (approx. USD5,500);
  • have savings of AED 1 million (approx. USD275,000); or
  • own a property in Dubai worth AED 2 million (approx.USD550,000).

During the introductory stage of the program, authorities have identified UAE residents working in Dubai who have reached retirement age, as their primary beneficiaries of the visa program. 

According to the Dubai government, the program offers residents who are familiar with Dubai’s value proposition an easy and hassle-free retirement scheme. Dubai’s close proximity to the native countries of a large majority of residents makes it a convenient retirement destination for them. 

In a recent study, Dubai ranked number one in the Middle East and North Africa region and 11th globally among the top 20 most popular destinations for venture capital investments for 2020, confirming the city’s strength as a business hub and its thriving investment environment. 

His Excellency Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai said that Retire in Dubai underscores the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to position Dubai as a prominent destination on the global investment map.

The Retire in Dubai program revolves around seven key factors that make Dubai the ideal destination for retirees:

  1. Unique lifestyle
  2. Convenience
  3. Recreation
  4. An active and fit society
  5. Proximity and connectivity
  6. World-class healthcare system
  7. Legacy management

Although the program will be rolled out with foreign residents already living in the UAE in mind as the target market, authorities are looking to leverage the program through the UAE’s status and achievements to attract more global residents to invest and retire in the city in the future, as well.

ALSO READ: Dubai’s ‘Heart of Europe’ Investors to Qualify for Moldovan Passport

Gas Explosion in Restaurant in Abu Dhabi, UAE

abu dhabi explosion building

A gas explosion occurred in a restaurant in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi on Monday – 31st August 2020. The blast happened in a restaurant on Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed Road. Cases of minor and moderate injuries are being treated in hospital. However there were 2 victims who lost their lives.

According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Rapid Intervention Teams of the Emergency and Public Safety Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police responded to a gas explosion that took place at a restaurant in a building on Rashid bin Saeed Street in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

explosion abu dhabi kfc building

The Command and Control Centre in Abu Dhabi received a report on Monday morning about an explosion in a restaurant. Immediately, the Rapid Intervention Teams rushed to the sport and safely evacuated the residents of the building, who sustained some minor to medium injuries, and cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of the public.

Abu Dhabi Police have said the injured have been transferred to the hospital for treatment.

Abu Dhabi Media Office shared updates on social media regarding the incident as they developed. They mentioned that Abu Dhabi Police received a report of an explosion was received at the operations centre this morning. Rapid intervention teams from the Emergency and Public Safety Department from Abu Dhabi Police’s Al Fallah centre immediately attended the scene.

UNFORTUNATELY, TWO VICTIMS LOST THEIR LIVES – ONE NEAR THE SITE OF THE INCIDENT, AND A SECOND PASSER-BY WHO WAS HIT BY DEBRIS. WE EXTEND OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THEIR FAMILIES, GOD REST THEIR SOULS.

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMEDIAOFFICE) AUGUST 31, 2020

Teams are evacuating residents from the building safely, and cordoning off the area to ensure people’s safety.

The relevant departments are dealing with the situation directly. We urge people to avoid spreading rumours, and to use official news sources.

Abu Dhabi Police has evacuated all residents from the building safely with no injuries. Relevant teams are arranging temporary accommodation for residents until the building’s safety is assured.

According to on-site investigations, the incident was caused by a misalignment in the gas container fittings following refueling.

Unfortunately, two victims lost their lives – one near the site of the incident, and a second passer-by who was hit by debris. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, God rest their souls.

Rapid intervention teams from the Emergency and Public Safety Department from Abu Dhabi Police are working to carry out a comprehensive checkup of the building and neighbouring buildings to ensure that there are no further injuries, and to ensure residents’ safety.

Abu Dhabi Police is currently dealing with an explosion in the city caused by a gas installation in a restaurant in a building on Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed street, the explosion resulted in minor to moderate injuries, which are transferred to hospital – Abu Dhabi Police

The rapid intervention teams in the Directorate of Emergency and Public Safety of Abu Dhabi Police are currently dealing with an explosion expected to be caused by gas extensions Monday at a restaurant in a building in Rashid bin Saeed Street in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in minor-to-medium injuries and was taken to the hospital to receive treatment I’m sorry.

A report was received to the O.R. this morning regarding an explosion in a restaurant and immediately the rapid intervention teams at Al-Falah Center in the Directorate of Emergency and Public Safety of Abu Dhabi Police and the teams are currently underway in evacuating residents safely from the building and Circling the place to ensure the safety of the public.

Below are posts on social media regarding the said incident:

THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION THAT HAPPENED IN ABU DHABI AND MY FAMILY LIVES NEAR THE PLACE ?? PIC.TWITTER.COM/QOHM0PNW4R

— ??????⁷ (@TAESTYJMK) AUGUST 31, 2020

Syria in Total Blackout after Pipeline Gas Explosion

syria pipeline explosion

An Arab gas pipeline exploded between Al-Dumair and Adraa areas which caused a total blackout overnight in Syria.

According to state news agency SANA, Eng. Mohammad Zuhair Kharbutli, electricity minister, said an explosion on a pipeline in the Damascus area on Sunday night “led to an electricity blackout across Syria”.

Authorities mentioned that the cause of the explosion was due to a possible terrorist attack. But no further details was shared.

In recent reports from the state news, the fires have been extinguished, and the situation is set to return to normal.

Below are videos of the said explosion as shared by Syrian Arab News Agency

Below are posts on social media news and reports about the said blast:

 

 

4.9 Magnitude Earthquake in Algeria Causes Panic and Damages Homes

earthquake in algeria

A 4.9 magnitude earthquake caused panic and damaged homes in Mila, Algeria at 10:15am on a Friday – August 7, 2020. This occurred in Mila province (located on the northeastern side of the country).

The earthquake woke up many residents of nearby villages and towns, collapsing three houses, and damaging many others. The earthquake alarmed the residents who immediately headed to the streets.




Fortunately, no casualties were reported according to authorities.

The earthquake was followed by a 4.5 magnitude aftershock.

Back in 2003, a 6.8 Magnitude earthquake shocked the Boumerdès province in Algeria where 2000+ people died and left 10,000+ injured.




Below are images and video posts online about the earthquake:

Pray for Lebanon, Countries Light Up Lebanese Flag in Solidarity after Beirut Explosion

Pray for Lebanon, Countries Light Up Lebanese Flag in Solidarity after Beirut Explosion

Few hours after the massive blast at the port area of the Lebanese capital, the hashtags #PrayforLebanon and #PrayforBeirut trended on social media. 

And as people began to join forces together to voice out their support for the victims, and residents of Beirut and Lebanon, famous landmarks around the globe lit up with the flag of Lebanon in solidarity with the victims of the explosion.

Pray for Lebanon, Countries Light Up Lebanese Flag in Solidarity after Beirut Explosion
Credits: Twitter

Look: Famous Landmarks Light Up with Lebanese Flag in Solidarity after Beirut Blast

The blast, which obliterated almost the entire city’s port, is suspected to have been caused by seized explosives that were stored in a warehouse at the port.

The number of reported fatalities was close to 100, while around 4,000 people have been injured from the incident. And with hundreds more still missing, authorities expect that the number of fatalities and casualties will continue to rise in the following hours.

In lie with this, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab declared a national day of mourning and promised that those responsible for the “catastrophe” would be held accountable.

Iconic Monuments Light Up in Solidarity with the Victims of the Beirut Blast

Meanwhile, in Brazil, the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer was projected with the Lebanese flag in memory of those who lost their lives in the blast and show solidarity to the people in Beirut who are still suffering from its aftermath.

Few hours after the catastrophic event that hit Lebanon, the official Twitter account of Dubai’s iconic landmark, the Burj Khalifa, posted a photo as it was lit up with the colors of the Lebanese flag, captioned: “In solidarity with our brothers and sisters in #Lebanon”.

https://twitter.com/BurjKhalifa/status/1290739073359982594?s=20

On Tuesday night, the iconic pyramids of Giza in Egypt also shone bright with the colors of the Lebanon flag in solidarity with the victims of the tragic event. 

In Canada, the CN Tower displayed the colors red, white, and green, in remembrance of the victims in Beirut.

Meanwhile, the Tel Aviv municipality building also joined the light-up in solidarity with the people of Lebanon.

In Iran, Tehran’s Azadi Tower projected the Lebanese flag on its facade.

Neighboring Gulf state, Kuwait Towers in the Ras Agouza area, also lit up with the colors of the Lebanese flag.

 

And as the other iconic landmarks across the world lit up in support of the people of Lebanon, France’s Eiffel Tower went dark to join Lebanon in mourning.

The hashtags #Lebanon and #Beirut trended all over social media with many saying the explosion appeared “apocalyptic”. People also shared images from before and after the explosion to show the massive scale of devastation.

https://twitter.com/Iiferelatable/status/1290863920639430658?s=20

https://twitter.com/hansoldvernon/status/1290814296641830913?s=20

https://twitter.com/JediQureshi/status/1290880973593358337?s=20

The catastrophe comes at a time as Lebanon’s economy struggles with a financial crisis as it attempts to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The nation has also witnessed increasing tensions between Israel and the militant Hezbollah group along Lebanon’s southern border.

ALSO READ: Bride’s Wedding Photoshoot in Beirut Captures Horrific Explosion