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Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has won five major category awards from the Financial Times’ fDi World’s Best Free Zones 2024, including being ranked number one in the comprehensive global list of free zones.
Jafza said that winning these awards underscores its global standing in the field of trade and logistics, noting that it was ranked number one, in addition to the titles of “Best Industrial Zone” and “Best Sustainable Zone” for this year, in the global and Middle East categories.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, GCC, said: “As we approach our 40th anniversary, we are proud of our achievements in the fields of global trade and industry. Jafza has evolved over these four decades to meet the changes in the global trade arena and has maintained its leadership in promoting innovation and sustainable growth.
For his part, Abdulla Al Hashimi, Chief Operating Officer, Parks and Free Zones, DP World, GCC, said that these prestigious awards confirm the effectiveness of the investment approach in infrastructure and sustainability, after Jafza was able to establish the foundations of a vital infrastructure that benefits customers, and maintained the clarity of its goal of driving innovation and sustainable growth, by keeping pace with the latest developments in the sector, and responding to customer needs, while continuing to focus on efficiency.
Wasl, one of the largest real estate development and management companies in the region, has set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the ‘Highest Running Track on a Building’. Wasl’s Sky Track, located on the 43rd floor of 1 Residences, the luxury residential tower within the Wasl1 master development, exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to promoting fitness and healthy living and encouraging residents to pursue an active lifestyle.
Situated 157m above the ground, Sky Track is a 335m rooftop track where fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a unique experience surpassing a traditional gym workout. Walkers and runners alike are able to enjoy unrivalled views of Dubai that include Burj Khalifa, Zabeel Park, The Dubai Frame, Sheikh Zayed Road, old Dubai, and the Arabian Gulf.
The global fitness industry has seen significant growth in recent years aligned with increased awareness of the importance of physical activity. Community events organised in Dubai such as the 30-day Dubai Fitness Challenge have succeeded in inspiring residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Responding to this societal shift, Wasl prioritised health and well-being in its innovative development process by building the most iconic running track in the world.
His Excellency Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of Wasl, said: “We are delighted to achieve another Guinness World Records title for Dubai. We are humbled that Sky Track has achieved a world record, and happy that it will enhance residents’ daily lives. 1 Residences is a unique development that reflects the vision of our wise leadership in striving for excellence in all spheres. We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating projects that inspire and improve the well-being of residents and communities.”
Talal Omar, VP – MENA & Türkiye, Guinness World Records™ said: “We are consistently delighted by the ingenuity and ambition of record holders around the world. The achievement of constructing the highest running track on a building is not just a testament to architectural prowess but also to human aspiration. It’s remarkable how boundaries are continually pushed to redefine what’s possible.
This track isn’t just a feat of engineering, but a symbol of Dubai’s commitment reaching for the skies—both literally and metaphorically. We congratulate everyone involved in this monumental accomplishment.”
This is the second time that Wasl has been recognised by Guinness World Records following its ‘Largest Aerial Projection Screen’ record, which took to the skies in celebration of ‘Year of Zayed’ in 2018 to commemorate the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE.
1 Residences is a mixed-use development comprising 753 ready-to-move-in units. Residents can enjoy an array of exceptional dining, leisure, and entertainment facilities within the project, which also features two swimming pools, two state-of-the-art gymnasiums, a podium courtyard, children’s play areas, and BBQ pits, among many others.
In a significant initiative that reinforces its leadership in safety infrastructure and innovation, Dubai Civil Defence has launched the world’s first sustainable mobile floating fire station.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s strategy to constantly enhance its fire and rescue services and raise environmental sustainability.
Engineered to provide high efficiency in safeguarding marine activities as well as enhanced coverage and swifter response times, the new mobile floating fire station is set to transform maritime emergency response mechanisms in Dubai. The first of its kind in the world to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, the floating structure is 70% more cost-effective than traditional marine fire stations.
Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defense, said: “The deployment of the mobile floating fire station marks a significant step forward in our journey towards achieving global leadership in safety and security. The inauguration of this station not only demonstrates our dedication to generating innovative safety solutions but also aligns with our commitment to contributing to enhance Dubai’s overall infrastructure and services. A significant enhancement to our marine firefighting capabilities, this facility makes Dubai a frontrunner in reducing response times to maritime incidents, with a target response time of just four minutes.”
The launch of the floating station also increases the safety index in maritime navigation and water channels in Dubai with the use of innovative smart solutions, Al Matroushi added. The station’s strategic deployment will ensure comprehensive coverage across Dubai’s maritime and navigational zones that are crucial elements of the emirate’s geography, significantly enhancing Dubai’s responsiveness to accidents at sea, he noted.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the station embodies Dubai’s commitment to environmental conservation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency. With the capability to accommodate 16 individuals, the building stands out for its eco-friendly design. Operating as a mobile marine station, the floating structure eliminates the necessity for dedicated land space, resulting in both cost savings and a significant contribution to reducing carbon footprint and preserving green spaces. Additionally, the floating building showcases mobility with a notable speed of 11 miles per hour.
As Dubai continues to grow as a major hub for maritime trade and tourism, the floating fire station demonstrates the high priority the emirate’s leadership places on driving greater safety innovation and excellence. Through the implementation of innovative solutions and the latest technologies, Dubai Civil Defense continues to provide world-class fire and rescue services, contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in safety and security.
The $40m Bustanica hydroponic farm near DWC will produce more than a million kilos of greens annually with 95% less water than conventional farming.
Emirates has opened the world’s largest vertical farming plant in Dubai, a $40 million (Dh147m) joint venture with US-based Crop One, as the UAE continues to bolster its food and water security.
Bustanica, the 330,000 square-foot hydroponic farm located near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), is set to grow more than a million kilograms of leafy greens annually, or about 3,000kg per day, Emirates said in a statement on Monday.
Using 95 per cent less water than traditional farming and saving 250 million litres of water, Bustanica will grow fresh produce without pesticides, herbicides or chemicals.
“Long-term food security and self-sufficiency are vital to the economic growth of any country, and the UAE is no exception,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Group.
“Bustanica ushers in a new era of innovation and investments, which are important steps for sustainable growth and align with our country’s well-defined food and water security strategies.”
Bustanica is the first facility for Emirates Crop One, a joint venture between Emirates’ flight catering unit and indoor vertical farming firm Crop One.
Emirates Flight Catering, a subsidiary of Emirates group, supplies in-flight food for Emirates and other airlines at Dubai International Airport.
Vertical farming is a technique with a significantly smaller carbon footprint than traditional agriculture. This method grows plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water and without soil. They are grown in a fully controlled environment — everything from temperature, humidity, lighting, water and nutrients is precisely monitored, maximising growth and yield.
The new farm is in line with the UAE’s National Food Strategy 2051 agenda for reliable year-round crop production and stable supply chain that is independent of weather and attacks by pests or fungus.
Bustanica will rely on machine learning, artificial intelligence and advanced methods — and a specialised in-house team of agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists and plant scientists — to grow fresh produce.
Passengers on Emirates and other airlines can start consuming these leafy greens, including lettuces, arugula, mixed salad greens and spinach, onboard flights from this month.
UAE consumers will also soon be able to add these greens to their shopping carts at the nearest supermarkets, according to the statement.
Bustanica also plans to expand into the production and sale of fruits and other vegetables.
Bustanica will secure Emirates Flight Catering’s supply chain and reduce its carbon footprint by bringing production closer to consumption and “reducing the food journey from farm to fork”, Sheikh Ahmed said.
The plant opened after “significant planning and construction” and navigating the unforeseen challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Craig Ratajczyk, chief executive of Crop One, said.
“It’s our mission to cultivate a sustainable future to meet global demand for fresh, local food, and this first large format farm is the manifestation of that commitment. This new facility serves as a model for what’s possible around the globe.”
The UAE has been accelerating its support of AgriTech companies to reduce reliance on food imports, which is thought to make up nearly 90 per cent of food consumed in the country. Abu Dhabi has launched a number of initiatives, including $41m in grants and incentives worth $545m to support expansion.
UAE residents are already seeing evidence of recent efforts to localise agriculture: locally harvested produce at the market or on dining menus is now a common sight. Much of this has surfaced over the past few years as vertical and hydroponic farming ventures, research and cloud-seeding bear fruit.
AquaFun, anchored in the Gulf waters alongside the JBR beach, has received a Guinness World Record certificate for being the world’s largest inflatable water park.
Launched for the first time in 2016, AquaFun has now expanded to three times its original size to reach 42,400 square metres. It currently forms the words ‘I love (heart symbol) Expo 2020 Dubai’, which can be seen from aircraft flying into Dubai.
It features over 72 obstacles and operates all year round. Prices start from Dh155 for an all-day pass ticket.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “To secure another world record for Dubai during such an important event in our calendar, the Dubai Shopping Festival, is a moment of real pride for the city.
Ahmed Ben Chaibah, CEO & Founder of AquaFun, said the aim with the project five years ago was to enrich the Dubai Marina and JBR areas’ offerings.
Emirate bagged yet another world record in the final week of its shopping festival.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been elected President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) following the FIA Annual General Assembly gathered in Paris , on December 17th, 2021
Mohammed Ben Sulayem of the UAE will be the first non-European president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), motorsport’s world governing body.
The 60-year-old Dubai-born former rally driver was standing against British lawyer Graham Stoker, who has been Todt’s deputy president for sport since 2009.
The FIA is the governing body for Formula One, the World Rally Championship, World Endurance, and Formula E among other series. “The votes are in and we’ve won. We are thrilled that 62% of all clubs have given us their vote,” said Ben Sulayem’s ‘FIA for Members’ campaign on Twitter. An FIA spokesman confirmed the result.
A tasty Guinness World Record was broken at Expo 2020 Dubai , four days after the initial attempt was postponed due to a tropical storm in the region.
A warm, sweet scent filled the air inside the Swedish Pavilion at the world’s fair, as an attempt to create the world’s “longest cinnamon bun train” got under way.
Fifteen hundred sticky and delicious buns, made from about 6kg of butter, 11kg of sugar and 36kg of flour, were placed in a spiral pattern on a large circular table.
All ingredients used to make and connect the buns – which were comically referred to as the “original gangsters of Swedish bakery” by the chefs – had to be edible, so no glue, tape or sticks were used.
“To bake our way into the record books is a testament to the hard work, agility and dedication that you see every day in our 22 cake shops,” said Tushar Fotedar, a director at Mister Baker.
The world record commemorates Fika, which is a Swedish social phenomenon that brings together colleagues, family members and friends over coffee and pastries.
Dubai project recognized as largest single-site natural gas power facility in the world.
Dubai has chalked up another Guinness World Records entry — and this time it’s for a gas project.
The Jebel Ali complex of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has been recognized as the largest single-site natural gas power generation facility in the world, state news agency WAM reported.
The complex has an electricity generation capacity of 9,547 megawatts.
The Palm Fountain at The Pointe, the Palm Jumeirah broke the record for the World’s largest fountain.
The Palm Fountain measures 7,327 sq. metres and spreads 14,000 sq. feet of sea water equipped with shooters capable of blasting water 105 metres into the air and features 3,000 LED lights in multiple colours.
UAE’s ‘Hope or Emirates Mars Mission’ was launched heading for Mars.
A rocket carrying a Mars Hope Explorer developed at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai took off. The historical event also marked the 50th anniversary of the Founding of the UAE.
It is expected to travel 493.5 million kilometres over 9 months to reach orbit around Mars in 2021. It will stay 20,000 to 40,000 Km above Mars and orbit the planet every 55 hours.
The H2A rocket carrying the Hope Explorer lifted off from Tanogashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Successfully launched by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.