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Emirates News Agency – Al Ain City selected as Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025

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Emirates News Agency – Al Ain City selected as Gulf Tourism Capital for 2025

ABU DHABI, October 5, 2017 – Tourism Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have adopted a decision to designate Al Ain City as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2025.

This happened during the participation of a state delegation led by the Minister of Economy, His Excellency Abdullah bin Duq Al Marri, in the seventh meeting of the Honorable Ministers responsible for Tourism and their Honorable Undersecretaries in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Today, two days were held by the Al Taqiliyah Governorate in Mana at the Oman Museum.

The government delegation included His Excellency Abdullah Ahmad Al Saleh, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, and Abdullah Al Hammadi, Director of the Ministry’s Audit Department.

His Highness Bin Duq said: “The Council’s selection of Al Ain as the Capital of Gulf Tourism for 2025 confirms the UAE’s leading position as a renowned tourist destination and reflects the confidence that the country enjoys as a sustainable tourism destination. Guided by wise leadership and the light of vision, especially since Al Ain has renowned tourism elements.”Its natural, historical and cultural diversity, world-leading hotel facilities and integrated tourism services, its excellence in adventure tourism.”

He invited our brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to visit the UAE and Al Ain City to enjoy the beautiful tourism sights and learn about the advancements and improved tourism services achieved by the UAE tourism industry in support of its leadership regionally and globally.

His Excellency added: “Our meeting today is an important platform to promote opportunities for Gulf tourism cooperation and support joint ventures. We are keen to support and contribute to the delivery of the recommendations and outcomes discussed at the meeting. Greater opportunities and potential for tourism in the GCC countries and pushing it to new levels of competitiveness and growth.” and prosperity.

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The tourism industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries is facing a set of challenges that hinder its growth, prosperity and sustainability, including the development and procedures for the movement of tourists between GCC countries. Smart Infrastructure for Gulf Tourism In addition to the economic changes the world has seen in the last phase, this sector has been affected not only by Gulf tourism but also by international tourism as a whole.

His Excellency said: “Supporting coordination and coordination joint activities among GCC countries during this meeting is essential to enhance the growth prospects of the tourism industry in GCC countries and raise it to a more flexible and sustainable level. Promoting the movement of tourism representatives and electronic connectivity between GCC countries.” And digital tourism data based on best international practices followed in this regard contributes to providing pioneering smart infrastructure for Gulf tourism.

His Excellency Bin Duq added: “The major international events and conferences hosted by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the last phase have helped create a qualitative change in tourism within the Gulf and attracted a significant segment of international visitors to the GCC countries. The best example of this is Qatar’s hosting of the Gulf Cup. Last year, The GCC countries benefited from the event in promoting tourism and increasing hotel occupancy rates. The UAE contributed to the promotion of civil aviation by arranging flights for international visitors from the GCC countries to Qatar during this global event.

In this context, he pointed out that the UAE’s hosting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP28, next month will have a positive impact on promoting the development of GCC intra-GCC tourism.

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His Excellency Abdullah bin Duq stressed that the UAE is keen to support ongoing Gulf initiatives to promote coordination among Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the field of tourism and contribute to the implementation of joint tourism initiatives, strategies and projects. It contributes to the development of Gulf cooperation in various economic, tourism, social and humanitarian sectors.

He added: The UAE has made great strides in developing its tourism policy and infrastructure in line with international best practices and launching initiatives and strategies for the development of the tourism sector, the most important of which is the “National Tourism Strategy”, making investments in several tourism sectors and developing tourism projects in the various emirates of the country. . In line with the “We Emirates 2031” visionary economic goals.

His Excellency continued: “The development and growth of the tourism sector is a national priority of the UAE, so we will work to speed up the completion of joint tourism projects and achieve the desired goals, and enhance joint work with our brothers from the GCC countries. Gulf Tourism Strategy, and participate in all policies and partnerships that support the development of the tourism sector.” Council countries, and make it flexible and sustainable.”

According to reports published by the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Gulf Statistics Center, he reviewed several indicators that show the importance of the tourism sector’s vital and important role in promoting sustainable economic growth for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Most important of these, the contribution of the tourism industry in the GCC countries is about 171.4 billion dollars per year. The GCC countries provide more than 3.4 million jobs, occupying more than 12% of the Gulf labor market.

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The GCC countries together are considered one of the most important tourism markets for the UAE, as the number of guests in hotel establishments from the GCC countries reached 2.7 million guests, which is equivalent to 11% of the total guests of hotel establishments in the country. GCC tourism also plays an important role in supporting the global tourism industry, with a target of 6.6 million tourists by 2021, accounting for around 47% of total international tourist arrivals.

His Excellency Abdullah bin Duq thanked Oman Sister for organizing this useful meeting and congratulated him on his leadership of the meeting. In order to contribute to joint Gulf cooperation efforts during the chairmanship of this meeting, “achieving new achievements to add to the achievements of member states”.

The meeting came within the framework of the Sultanate of Oman’s Presidency of the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and during which various tourism files were discussed, including the latest developments in the Gulf Strategy for Tourism, the vision for developing joint work. To explore opportunities for cooperation between the tourism and cultural sectors in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and in the entertainment sector, to support international cooperation in the tourism sector, and to encourage participation in initiatives and programs that support the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector. Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The meeting was accompanied by several events, visits and tourism experiences for the delegates to learn about the Sultanate of Oman’s unique tourism advantages, cultural, natural and civilizational richness, ancient history and tourist attractions. Investment is made through development projects and ongoing implementation of various tourism projects.

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Efforts to restore a cease-fire in Gaza, and news that Israel is willing to negotiate as the fighting continues

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Efforts to restore a cease-fire in Gaza, and news that Israel is willing to negotiate as the fighting continues

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Reuters and the Wall Street Journal quoted an Israeli official as saying Israel is willing to negotiate a ceasefire and prisoners held by Palestinian resistance in the Gaza Strip, but fighting continues.

The Washington-based official told Reuters that Israel was willing to offer additional pauses and could hold talks while the fighting continued.

Freeing the largest possible number of prisoners is a “priority” for Israel, he said, adding that “we have learned the lessons from our operations in northern Gaza and are applying them.”

The Israeli official added – according to the agency report – that Israel was working on a plan to minimize civilian casualties in any operation in southern Gaza, as he said.

Reuters cited a US official – described as a senior – that the US was working with Israel “on a plan to minimize harm to civilians in any operation south of Gaza”.

In turn, the Wall Street Journal quoted a U.S. official as saying that Israel had pledged to carry out “highly targeted” military action, which it described as aimed at minimizing civilian casualties and damage to buildings and other infrastructure.

Armistice extension

In this regard, Qatar – which has played a key role in mediation efforts – has said that negotiations with the Israelis and Palestinians to return to the ceasefire are still ongoing, but renewed Israeli bombardment of Gaza is complicating mediation efforts.

For its part, the Wall Street Journal quoted Egyptian officials as saying that Egypt and Qatar’s mediators failed to reach a breakthrough on a ceasefire in Gaza yesterday Friday, and mediators are expected to resume talks today. They stumbled upon the background of deciding whom the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) would release later.

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Officials said – according to the newspaper – that Hamas wants Israel to release its remaining women and children, and that the movement is offering to release the bodies of dead and elderly prisoners.

The ceasefire, which began on November 24, has been extended twice, and Israel said it could continue if Hamas released 10 prisoners each day, but mediators could not find a formula for freeing more prisoners, including Israeli soldiers.

A Palestinian official said the ceasefire broke down after Israel demanded the release of female soldiers detained by Hamas.

Back to the bombing of Gaza page

As soon as the cease-fire expired on Friday, Israel returned to a violent bombardment of the Gaza Strip, killing more than 240 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more within hours.

Yesterday, the Israeli occupation dropped leaflets in the eastern parts of Khan Yunis, ordering the evacuation of residents of 4 towns, not to the rest of the town as happened before, but to the southern town of Rafah.

Israel released a link to a map dividing Gaza into hundreds of zones, which it said would be used to determine safe zones in the future.

Despite this, Israel continues to bombard Rafah and other areas in the south, where hundreds of thousands of Gazans have taken refuge from fighting in the north. Doctors and witnesses said the blasts were intense yesterday in Khan Younis and Rafah.

Genocide and ethnic cleansing

For his part, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told a press conference in California that “we will continue to work with Israel, Egypt and Qatar towards the return of peace”, blaming the Hamas movement.

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The Wall Street Journal quoted a US official as saying that Israel has pledged to carry out a more targeted military operation aimed at reducing civilian casualties and damage to buildings and other infrastructure.

The official said that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli wartime government about how long the war would last and had not received a clear answer.

The officials explained International pressure could force Israel to halt its operations as early as this year, especially if civilian casualties continue to be high, a timetable Israel does not accept.

Hamas accused Washington of green-lighting a “war” on Israel. Genocide and ethnic cleansing.” He said in a statement, “Today you shamelessly repeat Zionist lies …
Hamas takes responsibility for resuming the war and not extending the humanitarian peace.

Meanwhile, Senator Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told Reuters that Washington must pressure Israel, “We must push Israel to realize that this is not just a military conflict, but a conflict of hearts and minds. People in the world and people in the United States.” “.

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“Military Order” From Putin To Army In Retaliation To NATO Actions

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“Military Order” From Putin To Army In Retaliation To NATO Actions

The order comes as both Ukraine and Russia seek to make gains on the ground and regroup their forces in a conflict that has seen little change on the front lines in recent months.

This brings the total number of Russian military personnel to about 2,200,000, including 1,320,000 soldiers.

This is the second such military deployment since 2018. This previous reinforcement of 137,000 soldiers, ordered by Putin in August 2022, puts the army at around two million personnel and an estimated 1,150,000 soldiers.

“The Army’s standing force increase is due to the increasing threats to our country associated with special military operations and the continued expansion of NATO,” the military statement said.

He said the number of troops in service would increase by around 170,000, which he said would be an “appropriate” response to the “hostile activity of the NATO camp”.

The report indicated there were no plans to make changes to recruitment rules or organize another mobilization campaign, an unpopular move that saw a mass flight of men from Russia last year.

Instead, in recent months the military has focused on recruitment campaigns with promises of lucrative financial rewards, particularly in remote areas.

But Kremlin critics saw the move as a “disguised” mobilization, as recruitment into the army continues unabated.

What are NATO’s movements?

  • NATO joint forces are being formed near Russia’s borders, and additional air defense systems and offensive weapons are being deployed.
  • NATO’s tactical nuclear capabilities are increasing, the statement said.
  • The ministry added that the Russian troop build-up was an appropriate response to NATO’s “aggressive actions”.
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Israeli bombing of Gaza after cease-fire ends

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Israeli bombing of Gaza after cease-fire ends

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On Friday, the Gaza Strip was subjected to a violent Israeli bombardment that claimed dozens of lives in a single day, ending a week-long ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which had once again vowed to eliminate the Palestinian movement.

International calls to resume the ceasefire continue, warning of the consequences of resuming fighting on civilians in the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian crisis is worsening.

Shells and missiles lit up the Gaza sky after evening rain, while thick clouds of black smoke rose throughout the day from several targeted areas in the besieged region.

For their part, Palestinian factions fired missiles at Israel and sounded sirens in several areas around the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas Health Ministry announced that “the death toll from the Israeli occupation from this morning to today is 178 martyrs and 589 wounded, most of them children and women.”

The Israeli military reported bombing more than 200 targets in the Strip.

A cease-fire between Hamas and Israel came into effect on November 24 at 5:00 PM GMT.

As the strikes began, thousands of residents of the Gaza Strip began returning to hospitals and schools, as Agence France-Presse reporters in the besieged area witnessed.

Israeli government spokesman Elon Levy said “Hamas will now receive a fatal blow”, accusing the movement of not handing over a new list of hostages for release. He added, “Unfortunately, Hamas decided to end the ceasefire by not releasing all the kidnapped women.”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his “deep regret” over the resumption of fighting, “expressing his hope that the ceasefire will be renewed. The resumption of military operations shows the importance of achieving an effective humanitarian ceasefire.”

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Despite the resumption of fighting, Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed in a statement on Friday that “negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides continue with the aim of returning to a ceasefire” and called on the international community to “move quickly”. The fighting must stop.”

The White House also confirmed on Friday that the United States was continuing to work to extend the humanitarian ceasefire.

A National Security Council spokesman said, “We continue to work with Israel, Egypt and Qatar on efforts to extend the humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.”

The seven-day ceasefire was observed after Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip in response to an unprecedented and bloody attack on Israeli territory by the Hamas movement on October 7.

The Israeli military estimates the number of people detained and held hostage in the Gaza Strip in the October 7 attack was around 240.

The ceasefire allowed the release of 80 Israeli hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners. Most Thai expatriates working in Israel were released outside the framework of the cease-fire agreement.

The Israeli military announced on Friday that it had confirmed the deaths of five hostages held in the Gaza Strip, notified their families, and recovered the body of one of them in a security operation.

Hamas had earlier announced that an Israeli bombardment of Gaza had killed nearly sixty hostages.

– “Exclusion” Zones –

On Friday, the Israeli military released a map of the so-called “exit zones” in the Gaza Strip, after an international call for Gaza residents to leave, the establishment of safe zones and a US plea to refrain from killing civilians. .

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The map, written in Arabic, divides the Gaza Strip into hundreds of numbered sections and is available on the Israeli military’s website.

The military said the goal of the map was to enable residents to “evacuate specific locations for their safety if necessary.”

Warnings were sent through short text messages to residents of several parts of the Gaza Strip on Friday, warning that the army would launch a crushing military offensive on your residential area on Friday.

The message urged people to take immediate action.

The Palestinian Authority, through presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudayna, condemned what it described as “the continuation of the crime of ethnic cleansing and genocide, and attempts to displace and dissolve the Palestinian cause.”

The Hamas government media office announced on Friday that three Palestinian journalists had been killed in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip.

read more:

Israeli bombing of Gaza after cease-fire ends

White House: Israel to allow aid trucks into Gaza

The Israeli army has confirmed the killing of 5 hostages in the Gaza Strip and informed their families

Egypt condemns the collapse of the ceasefire and Israel’s renewed violent bombing of the Gaza Strip

The Israeli army has confirmed the killing of 5 hostages in the Gaza Strip and informed their families

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that 178 Palestinians have been killed and 500 injured in Israeli bombardment since the end of the ceasefire.

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