The value of exports through Abu Dhabi's ports rose by 36.6 per in the last quarter of 2018 as business activity increased in the emirate, according to government figures.
Exports climbed to Dh17.2bn for the period, up Dh3.8bn from the third quarter of last year, state news agency Wam said, citing data from Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre.
The UAE, which aims to increase its non-oil exports across the globe is turning to its Asia-Pacific partners to grow foreign trade, which accounted for about 42 per cent of the country’s total non-oil trade in the first nine months of 2018.
The Asia-Pacific region was the biggest trading partner of the Emirates, pushing the country’s total non-oil trade to Dh460.6bn during the period, Abdullah Al Saleh, the undersecretary of UAE’s Ministry of Economy said earlier this month.
The UAE's non-oil sector economy advanced slightly in November thanks to an increase in output and new orders. Higher exports during the period contributed to the expansion in the non-oil sector, with new export orders growing at the fastest pace in four months.
Business sector exports registered year-on-year growth of 32.6 per cent, government sector exports increased more than seven-fold and the individual exports sector expanded by 43.3 per cent, according to the report.
Pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, vehicles, aircraft and associated transport equipment and live animals accounted for 91.9 per cent of total exports by individuals in the UAE.
Exports from businesses during the last quarter of 2018 came primarily from vehicles and aircraft and associated transport equipment, base metals and plastics, which contributed 62 per cent of the total of the sector.
The value of imports through the emirate's ports decreased by 0.3 per cent to Dh27.5bn. Business sector imports dropped by 3.3 per cent to Dh840.4 million and the individual sector decreased by 53.1 per cent to Dh207.9bn. Government sector imports, however, grew 61.2 per cent to Dh957.3m for the period.
Imports values decreased by Dh1.4bn or 4.8 per cent during the last quarter of 2018 compared with the third quarter.
Vehicles and aircraft equipment, animal products and textiles accounted for 69.6 per cent of total imports.
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
The bio
Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist
Favourite Authors: Arab poet Abu At-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi
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Hobbies: Reading and drawing
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The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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US tops drug cost charts
The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.
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