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Over 2000 Runners Participated in the First Mai Dubai City Half Marathon

First running event of its kind in Dubai
Attended by Instagram star Joe Wicks
Athletes, their friends and family enjoyed the sights and sounds the Dubai International Financial Centre has to offer

October 25 2019, (Dubai, UAE): Over 2,000 runners took part in the first ever Mai Dubai City Half Marathon in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – the official venue partner for the event this morning. As one of the major events during the Dubai Fitness Challenge, runners from all over the UAE and outside competed in one of four race distances – 21km, 10k, 5km or 2,5km.

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Endorsed by the Dubai Sports Council, the event was a first for Dubai with all races starting in front of The Gate Building in DIFC, and the route offered athletes spectacular sights of downtown Dubai and the city’s iconic skyline including the Burj Khalifa. The route was also a favourite for those looking to achieve personal bests with the easily accessible and flat road course measured by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Fitness star and Instagram athlete Joe Wicks, globally known as ‘The Body Coach’, was a huge highlight this morning where he led the warm-up, took part in the 21km and flagged off the 2.5km Community Run. The 2.5km Community Run was introduced to the day for budding athletes looking for the ‘marathon experience’ in a light, fun and enjoyable atmosphere, alongside friends and family and for those looking to lock in their 30 minutes of exercise as part of the 30×30 challenge.

Adding to the day, a host of activities were on offer in the Gate Avenue in DIFC for runners and their friends and family. This included delicious F&B treats from several outlets, free yoga sessions and workshops for kids which added to the atmosphere in and around DIFC.

Peyman Al Awadhi, Senior Vice President – Official Spokesperson at DIFC Authority, said: “It was truly an honour to offer participants and visitors at the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon the warm hospitality and vibrant environment of the DIFC. As official venue partner, we would like to thank all our retailer clients based in the Centre for their generosity in providing complimentary snacks and refreshments that added to the fun-filled afternoon.

“The sense of excitement was truly felt and the atmosphere was outstanding and we hope everyone who participated enjoyed the event as much as we did. DIFC is not just a business hub but a top lifestyle destination in Dubai to offer over 100-day calendar of unique arts, culture, and health and wellness activations. We look forward to continue offering a range of exciting events at the DIFC.”

Images Credit: Supplied

UAE Ranks Among Top Arab Countries for Social Progress

The UAE has once again outshone its neighboring countries in the Middle East in terms of social progress according to a new report.

The 2019 Social Progress Index – which ranks countries around the world based on 51 indicators, which include inclusiveness, human rights, health, education, safety, affordable housing and more – finds the UAE once again in the top spot in the Gulf region. The UAE also ranked higher than countries such as China, India, Russia, and Turkey.

UAE Leads GCC Nations in Social Progress for 2019 – Report

According to the said report, the UAE ranks 61^st overall in terms of social progress, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

Garnering a total score of 69.84, the UAE edged all of the GCC nations on the list. Although it remained at the top in the region, it did fall 16 places from the 45th position last year according to the data compiled by the Social Progress Imperative – a US-based non-profit organization.

Of note, the UAE has been bracketed along with several resource-rich countries including Russia (62nd, 69.71 points), Qatar (64th, 69.37 points), and Kazakhstan (69th, 68.20).

Interestingly, the UAE achieved the top score with the first rating in a number of sub-indexes including undernourishment of population, access to electricity and mobile telephone subscription.

The emirates also scored highly in vulnerable employment, perceived criminality, discrimination, and violence against minorities, Internet users, and access to online governance, quality of electricity supply and primary school enrollment of children and corruption sub-indexes.

Across the region, the UAE is followed by Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia among the Arab countries. Among other major countries, Turkey was ranked 72nd, China 89th, the Philippines 94th, Egypt 96th, India 102nd, and Pakistan 125th.

Meanwhile, since the first Social Progress Index in 2014, the US has consistently shown underperformance relative to its GDP per capita. This is exceptional among leading economies. This trend continues in 2019 as the US ranks 26th in the world on social progress, below Slovenia and Estonia and the lowest among the G7.

While there’s still a long way to get to the overall top, the UAE is leading the way for its counterparts in the region through its inclusive approach to society-building bannered by the values enacted by its founder Sheikh Zayed, and as observed through its themes such as the ‘Year of Tolerance’ for 2019, and the country’s goal in uplifting its residents’ quality of life and increasing their happiness.

ALSO READ: UAE Lands in Top 10 Best Countries for Expats Worldwide

Ithra Dubai Begins Construction of World’s Largest Cantilever

Ithra Dubai has released a statement that it is now working on the first sliding phase of the world’s largest cantilever or ‘The Link‘, on its One Za’abeel development, a new venture that will drive tourism as well as business activities in the region.

According to the update, work started on the development last September 12, 2019. The structure has been designed by Japanese architecture practice Nikken Sekkei back in 2017, which is set to become a “timeless new icon” for the emirate as it will connect two soaring Dubai towers, another architectural feat that set to become another iconic landmark in the region.

‘World’s Largest Cantilever’ to Link Two Soaring Towers in Dubai

One Za’abeel is an iconic, high-rise, mixed-use luxury development currently under construction in the heart of the city, standing at the gateway of old and new Dubai.

The on-going development will feature at its heart a dramatic protruding steel skybridge called “The Link”. Suspended 100m above the ground, the panoramic space will house restaurants and bars, an observation deck, a gym, a spa, a pool, a banquet hall, and a rooftop terrace, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

Other than serving as a “floating event space and urban landmark” for the project, The Link will also reinforce the structural stability of both towers. Its diagonal tube structure will provide vertical and torsional strength, allowing its upper floors to utilize column-free spaces.

The two towers will feature a luxury and an ultra-luxury hotel, high-end retail, offices and residential apartments. The buildings will be mainly composed of glass with external fins, allowing them to merge into the background, evoking the sense of a shimmering mirage.

The project will erect from a two-story podium dissected by the city’s highway. The facade of this platform is inspired by horizontal layers of rock in the earth, while vertical terraces, landscaping and water features will create a feeling of ascent.

Meanwhile, the podium will be topped by an accessible landscaped green roof, and visitors can also unwind, gather and enjoy public events in an air-conditioned plaza between the two towers.

According to Ithra Dubai CEO Issam Galadari: “One Za’abeel will be a center of high-end diverse activity capable of generating interest and value for the entire area.”

He added, “The iconic shape will serve as a memorable gateway; welcoming investors, residents, citizens, and tourists to discover the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing city.”

“The project’s remarkable scale, form, and function will resonate the world over as the symbol of a prosperous Dubai,” Mr. Galadari closed.

Dubai’s infrastructure is truly one-of-a-kind and can be compared with the best in the world. With a new iconic structure set to be created in the city, tourism and business activities will surely follow.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] Sheikh Mohammed Inspects Dubai Expo 2020 Construction Progress

UAE Gov’t Staff to Get Shorter Working Hours for this Reason

UAE government employees who have school-going children can get up to three hours off work during the first week of the new academic term starting this year.

The announcement made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources aims to help parents report late for work so that they can escort their kids to schools, or leave early to pick them up. The vision behind the initiative adopted by the UAE Cabinet is to empower public employees to take part in their children’s routine school activities.

UAE Grants Shorter Working Hours for Gov’t Employees with Schooling Children

The resolution was derived from recommendations made by the National Programme for Happiness and Positivity in coordination with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

In line with this, employees can also request permission to report late or leave early to attend parent-teacher meetings or their kids’ graduation ceremonies.

The initiative coincides with the National government’s commitment in drawing up policies and services that will contribute to creating a positive and happy society, which has been one of the goals of the UAE leadership for all of its residents.

To achieve this vision, the government will lay the foundation for an appropriate environment to ensure the happiness and well-being of the UAE society.

The National Programme for Happiness and Positivity features a variety of initiatives in three major areas: The inclusion of happiness in the policies, programmes and services of all government bodies, as well as the work environment there.

The national plan for happiness includes a host of initiatives to develop and adopt corporate models for happiness, launching a mandate for happiness in all federal government bodies. It also features the development of a happiness guideline, as well as performance indices that ensure the compliance of the plans of establishments with those of the programme.

The said plan tackles the transformation of government service centres into customer happiness centres and allocating government employees to realise the happiness of customers. In line with this, a range of initiatives has been launched in cooperation with national media to firmly establish the values of happiness and positivity. Other initiatives will be launched to encourage reading and publish books that focus on happiness in order to raise awareness about the importance of positivity and happiness as an integrated lifestyle.

With parents working in the public sector now given the opportunity to spend more time with their families, the focus of the vision highlights the important roles of parents in creating an ideal society where values of happiness and positivity are observed.

ALSO READ: UAE School Admits Students Who Can’t Afford Fees

Financial Considerations for Expats in the UAE

The appeal of a high standard of living, low taxation, and lucrative salaries – on top of the bright, sunny weather – are among some of the things which have attracted expatriates to live in the UAE.

However, many expats living in the country do not have plans on staying there for the rest of their lives. This just highlights the unspoken fact the expat life is typically transient. Because of this, you need to consider the length of time you are planning to remain in the UAE and to make the most of the competitive financial rewards and tax-free environment during this period.

[Guide] Financial Questions to Ask Yourself When Living in UAE

Here are several financial questions expats based in the UAE should ask themselves in order to profit from their time in the region:

Is there an expat package I can get? What are its benefits?

Expat packages in the past traditionally include accommodation, education, and travel allowances. However, in recent years, expat packages no longer include all of the said benefits, or at least not to the same degree.

Factor in these things, because the lack of them would inform your financial planning, thereby reducing disposable income.

What taxes do I have to pay?

In terms of your take-home income, as a resident in the UAE, you get to enjoy a tax-free lifestyle on your earnings. However, an expat’s tax residency may determine their global tax implications.

Let’s take a look at the UK for example, although a UK expat living in the UAE doesn’t pay tax, it doesn’t necessarily mean that expatriates will be exempt from paying tax in the UK.

Different countries follow different tax regulations, and the amount taxed depends on which country you are a tax resident of. Fortunately, most countries have double taxation treaties to reduce expats’ tax liability. Certain countries offer an earnings threshold or minimum limit to global earnings before taxation. These rules are specific to different countries, and it’s important that you research on this before deciding to move into another country overseas.

How can I make sure that I get to save enough?

Saving is highly integral to financial independence and generating wealth. It allows us to become financially secure and provides a safety net in light of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies that may occur.

Many expats coming into the UAE work there for an average of between three and five years, so it’s crucial that they make the most of it. It would be most disappointing to leave without having accumulated more savings than if they’d remained in their home country.

And one of the more effective ways for expats in the UAE to save is to consider they are working in their home country and paying income tax. At the end of every month, pay a percentage of the income tax and allocate it to their savings. It’s a simple discipline, and together with the right savings plan, it can ensure individuals are on the right track to future financial freedom.

Another thing to consider is getting offshore savings plans as a way to earn a better rate of interest than onshore alternatives. The majority are multi-currency, and there is a vast range of account types such as easy access, notice, no-notice, fixed-rate and monthly interest – and, most importantly, they allow you to build funds for the future.

What happens with my financial adviser should I relocate?

Given the fact that expats tend to move from one country to another within a certain period of time, t’s vital that wherever they may move to in future, their finances will be looked after and they enjoy continuity of service, with a financial advisory firm with cross-border expertise and a global presence.

On that note, seeking the right financial advice is crucial to making the most of their time in the UAE, safeguarding their assets and securing their financial freedom based on their goals.

Living in the UAE as an expat can be a rewarding experience, as mentioned earlier. However, there are certain things that we need to plan ahead for in order to maximize our stay in the country, especially if we are planning to retire somewhere else in the future.

ALSO READ: Why is the UAE Pension Fund Necessary for Expats?

[WATCH] Sheikh Mohammed Inspects Dubai Expo 2020 Construction Progress

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid a visit to several infrastructure projects related to the Expo 2020 Dubai, which is set to take place starting October 2020, with the participation of 95 countries.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocols and Hospitality in Dubai on his visit to the Expo 2020 Dubai South, where he was received by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, as well as other senior officials.

[WATCH] Sheikh Mohammed Inspects Dubai Expo 2020 Construction Progress — Credits: Credits: WAM

[VIDEO] UAE Leaders Visit Dubai Expo 2020 Construction Site

On-site, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Al Hashemy about the progress of the infrastructure projects, as well as the awareness and promotional programs and plans drafted by the office to promote the Expo, which is expected to accommodate over 25 million visitors and government leaders from around the world, according to a report by WAM.

During the briefing, Al Hashemy noted that the office has launched various promotional campaigns to introduce the expo’s goals and activities, especially among university and school students, in various local locations, such as parks, and in neighboring countries.

450 days remaining for Expo 2020 Dubai, with 190 countries leading the world towards a better future through their pavilions for the first time in the MEASA. We are ready and remain true to our promise of hosting the best Expo edition yet in its 168-year history. pic.twitter.com/XPG18h9U5M

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 13, 2019

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Within the day, Sheikh Mohammed also visited several construction sites in the expo’s site and the UAE pavilion, which was designed to attract and impress local and foreign visitors. He expressed his satisfaction at the progress of the projects, and praised the efforts of the expo’s working team of Emirati youths, under the leadership of Al Hashemy.

Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the importance of ensuring the success of the expo, which will promote a bright image of the UAE and its people, and become a global cultural platform for all countries to showcase their cultures, heritage, histories and national products, as well.

Furthermore, the ruler of Dubai expressed his confidence and optimism towards the success of the event, due to the hard work of the Emirati youth, who can organize international cultural, tourism, and commercial events of this nature and scale in the country.

Video: @HHShkMohd, accompanied by @HamdanMohammed, inspects infrastructure works at @expo2020dubai site. #UAE #Dubai pic.twitter.com/vZ5WhWKUeF

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 13, 2019

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In line with this, Sheikh Mohammed urged all national authorities, especially those in Dubai, to intensify their efforts to make the Expo succeed, noting, “We must all work hard to achieve success. Whatever people achieve without hard work, they lose without regret.”

The Expo 2020 in Dubai will be the host to the world for 173 days (approximately 6 months), where various countries will openly and festively express their culture, products, and people, as this will also be a global platform for leaders to collaborate and share best practices and innovation across various fields. To know more about Expo 2020 in Dubai, please visit their official website.

ALSO READ: Here are the World’s Most Powerful Arabs in 2019

UAE School Admits Students Who Can’t Afford Fees

In the country’s bid to further raise its global competitiveness, a newly opened private Pakistani school in Sharjah is accepting students who cannot afford tuition fees or have been out of school for several years due to lack of funds.

The private institution enables underprivileged students as well as their families to afford tuition fees by providing flexible payment plans. The school aims to assist students who can’t afford the fees or have not been to school in many years by offering discounts and payment plans which are most suitable for their financial capacities.

School Assists Students Who Can’t Afford Tuition to Study in UAE

Pamir Private School will be starting classes in September and has already given admissions to several underprivileged students, some of whom had never been in a classroom their entire life, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

Fees for the school range from AED 8,350 for kindergarteners up to AED 13,250 for Grade 12, all with discounts of up to 40 percent, including books and uniforms.

In more dire cases, the school management even provides parents with a monthly payment plan, which could be as low as AED 700 per month for some enrollees.

According to the principal of Pamir Private School, Aziza Hassan Ali, “There are many cases where we have given discounts of up to 40 percent to the students. There are so many students who can’t afford the fees or have not been to school in many years.”

Ali also recounted a time when there was a parent whose three daughters had never been to school. They used to study at home because of extreme financial problems. In a desire to assist the children, the school got the approval from the council for their admission, and they were enrolled in the appropriate grades according to their assessment tests.

In a similar case, the school has also given admission, with a 50 percent discount, to two other students.

In the UAE, there are less than 15 Pakistani schools and very few of them cost AED 500 per month.

Samina Nasir, who works as a social worker in the UAE, shared that she has spent the past 28 years helping needy Pakistani children in the country find a place in the education system.

As the head of the education committee at Pakistan Association Dubai, Nasir said there are “many cases” of children who are out of school due to financial problems.

The school’s initiative is aligned with the country’s Vision 2021, which aims to create a first-rate education system, which will require a complete transformation of the current education system and teaching methods to contribute to nation-building by means of investing in the country’s youth regardless of social disposition in life.

ALSO READ: Qasr Al Watan Presidential Library in Abu Dhabi: A Journey into the UAE

A First: UAE Gets Single-Letter Government Domain

With a series of smart initiatives set in the pipeline for governments in the UAE, the national government has launched a new move that will not only set apart the country from the rest of the world, but also strengthen its commitment in providing accessible and timely services to its residents – of course, still through the use of the Internet.

With just a few clicks, government services and information on the state can now be accessed by those who have a need for them because now, the government’s official portal is “literally” just a few keys away!

UAE Becomes World’s First Nation to Use Single-Letter Gov’t Domain

The UAE government has launched the new domain name of its official portal to become the first government domain in the world composed of only a single letter (U), to facilitate the public access to information, services, projects, strategies and laws in the UAE, as shared in a report by WAM.

The new domain was established in cooperation between The Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

Of note, the first letter (U) of the country will be the domain name, while the second and third letters are composed of the UAE’s country code Top Level Domain “.ae”.

The official portal of the UAE government is a comprehensive platform where all government services and information, as well as important data and information related to vital sectors in the UAE, including education, economy, business, infrastructure, residency regulations, health, national policies and strategies, and others, can be accessed.

Commenting on the new initiative, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director General said, “The new domain name of the UAE Government portal embodies the meaning of innovation, which is simple and easy to remember. It also reflects the centrality of the people in the government’s concerns with its various projects, programmes and plans. The adoption of the new domain name comes at an important stage of the digital transformation, in which we enter the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the smart city, and the government of Artificial Intelligence.”

He also noted that through the guidance of the UAE’s national leaders, the nation has adopted a culture of innovation and creativity as a way to assert the country’s leadership and the community’s happiness.

The TRA Directors also pointed out that that the most important message of the new domain name is the focus on people.

Al Mansoori emphasized that the new initiative sends an important message from the UAE leadership that you are the goal, you are the purpose, you are the bet, you are the government, and you are the United Arab Emirates.

Through the u.ae portal, the nation embraces the digital age tells the world that the people are the ultimate goal of the UAE Government – the people in the broad sense of participation, tolerance, peace, prosperity, happiness, well-being, and sustainable development. Al Mansoori pointed out that the “u.ae” mission is that we are all our partners in future-making.

ALSO READ: Here are the World’s Most Powerful Arabs in 2019

Here are the Booming Job Sectors in UAE, Saudi Arabia

As countries in the Middle East such as the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are moving away from its heavy dependence on their oil industries, people are now wondering which industries will take over in these historically petrol-dependent nations in the region.

You may have certain guesses, especially when you’ve been following the news in the region, but to be objective about it, let us take a look at the numbers and let them do the talking.

Get to Know the Emerging Top Industries in UAE, Saudi Arabia

According to the latest Monster Employment Index (MEI), technology and tourism jobs in Saudi Arabia saw significant growth in the second quarter of 2019.

In general, the kingdom has registered a 13 percent growth in online job postings in Q2 compared to the same period last year.

The growth in these industries was led by the IT and Telecom/ISP industry and occupations in Hospitality, which registered growth of 29 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

This growth in online hiring is expected to persist as the kingdom rapidly transforms almost every sector with cutting-edge technology, Monster shared in a statement.

Similarly, recent research by KPMG also projects that the hospitality sector is expected to grow by 4,000 rooms, equating to 35 percent, by 2023.

Based on the results of MEI’s Q2 survey, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Marketing (including Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment), and Oil and Gas have registered growth at 16 percent, 15 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

Of note, retail was the only industry to register a decline, falling 5 percent from the numbers posted in Q2 of last year.

Regionally, Monster acknowledged the UAE’s steady growth at 18 percent ahead of its neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia and then Kuwait at 10 percent. Oman was the only nation to show a slight drop in online hiring with a 4 percent decline from Q2 2018.

Industries in the UAE which registered growth in the Q2 MEI were Production (including Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary) at 12 percent, along with Oil and Gas, and IT and Telecom/ISP at 8 percent each. Meanwhile, Engineering, Construction and Real Estate registered the largest decline with a fall of 19 percent from Q2 2018.

In terms of sectoral growth in the region, the IT and Telecom industry posted stellar numbers of growth, going up by 18 percent from the same period last year, followed by Retail, Trade and Logistics at 7 percent.

ALSO READ: 12 Things to Know Before Working in UAE

Dubai Gov’t Launches Green Transport Initiative with 94 Eco-friendly Buses

With the oil crisis that has hit the region during the last decade, many governments in the Middle East have shifted their attention in growing their infrastructures and invested on industries that have the potential to further boost their country’s economy in the future.

Similarly, as countries such as the UAE moves away from its dependence on oil reserves, processes and technologies have also followed this trend because the UAE government has now invested on green technology such as solar farms and now – green transportation.