UAE Cabinet Inaugurates New Era Under Mohammed Bin Zayed’s Vision

Emirati Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairs the country’s first cabinet session after the election of the new President (WAM)
Emirati Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairs the country’s first cabinet session after the election of the new President (WAM)
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UAE Cabinet Inaugurates New Era Under Mohammed Bin Zayed’s Vision

Emirati Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairs the country’s first cabinet session after the election of the new President (WAM)
Emirati Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairs the country’s first cabinet session after the election of the new President (WAM)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed Wednesday that the UAE begins a new era of prosperity and growth under the leadership of the new President.

The PM spoke during the first cabinet meeting held after the election of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the UAE.

He said the vision of the Emirati President in building the national human capital, consolidating the economy and enhancing the international and political position of the UAE, will form a road map for all ministries and federal institutions during the coming period.

The cabinet meeting was held in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “We confirm the continuity of our efforts and we ask all ministries and federal institutions to raise their suggestions and plans to the Cabinet within the coming 50 days.”

The PM added that the Cabinet will always be a supportive team for the UAE President in his mission in consolidating the foundations of the Union, empowering its institutions, developing its path and enhancing the quality of life.

On Wednesday, the Emirati Cabinet adopted a number of environment and health related policies and legislations including the reformation of the Education and Human Resources Council, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Cabinet meeting saw the approval of the reformation of the Higher Committee for People of Determination Services, chaired by the Minister of Community Development for a period of three years, renewable, and appointed Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdul Manan Al Awar as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Colleges of Technology HCT.

In addition, the Cabinet approved a policy for Federal Government Revenues by commercial banks working in the UAE, and adopted a new decision regulating the issuance of other categories of shares.

It also reviewed and discussed a number of reports, and approved international agreements with friendly countries.



Penalties Imposed on Hajj Fraudsters

Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
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Penalties Imposed on Hajj Fraudsters

Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih

Several countries, whose citizens died during this year’s Hajj season, have revealed a joint effort with Saudi Arabia to tackle companies issuing unauthorized Hajj visas.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s extensive media campaigns warning against performing Hajj without proper permits and highlighting strict penalties, some pilgrims didn’t abide by the regulations which led to unfortunate outcomes.

Saudi Arabia on Monday commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas. These countries have taken steps to prevent future violations.

Meanwhile, Riyadh is treating both authorized and unauthorized pilgrims for heat exhaustion, with high temperatures causing the deaths of 1,301 pilgrims, most of whom were unauthorized.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan have accused tour companies of deceiving visitors by issuing unauthorized Hajj visas.

Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub said these companies encouraged visitors to break the rules by staying in Makkah two months before the Hajj season.

Jordanian government spokesman Muhannad Mubaideen confirmed that investigations found some citizens were deceived by unscrupulous individuals and certain offices, as reported by the Jordan News Agency (Petra).

On Tuesday, the Jordanian Judicial Council revealed the results of an investigation into unauthorized Hajj trips by Jordanians, which resulted in 99 deaths this year.

The council ordered the closure of companies that facilitated these illegal trips and seized their illegal earnings.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities have revoked the licenses of 16 tour companies for illegally organizing Hajj trips without providing services to pilgrims.

The officials of these companies have been referred to the public prosecutor, and the companies have been fined to compensate the families of deceased pilgrims, according to the Egyptian Cabinet.

Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farouk praised the excellent cooperation between Saudi and Egyptian authorities. He noted the high-level coordination on Hajj matters and other bilateral issues.

On his part, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Minister of Religious Affairs Brahim Chaibi following the deaths of 60 Tunisian pilgrims, as reported by the Tunisian Consulate in Jeddah.

Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas praised Saudi Arabia’s successful organization of this year’s Hajj. He thanked the Saudi leadership for ensuring a smooth Hajj experience and highlighted the efficiency of the “Makkah Route” initiative.

Saudi Arabia emphasized that Hajj permits are not just entry passes but crucial tools for locating and providing timely care and services to pilgrims.

The Saudi Interior Ministry explained that the absence of permits made it challenging to reach some unauthorized pilgrims and obstructed the delivery of necessary services and care.