UAE

Illustration by Joaquin Kunkel

UAE Updates

A look at what's been going on in the UAE this week.

Apr 23, 2017

####H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed meets with Vladimir Putin On April 20, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The two leaders discussed trade between the UAE and Russia, as well as the security situation in Yemen and Syria. According to The National, observers believe that the UAE is in a good position to contribute toward finding solutions to the wars in Yemen and Syria, being friends with both Russia and the U.S.. Vladimir Putin expressed trust in the investment and economic cooperation between both countries, which has been growing in the past years. He also expressed concerns about the Israeli-Palestinian situation and developments in Iraq and Libya.
####Electronics recycling plant to open in Dubai
Enviroserve UAE will construct a recycling plant for electronic waste toxins in Dubai Industrial Park. The plant will be capable of treating 39,000 tons of electronics annually and will protect water for farm use.
Metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury, which are found in circuit boards, can decompose in regular landfills and pollute underground water reservoirs. Much of the UAE’s water used for farming comes from these potentially polluted reservoirs and if the water is contaminated, the food products pose a health risk to humans.
The construction of the plant is financially supported by the Swiss Government Export Finance Agency, and the plant will employ Swiss technology in its treatment.
The plant will be the leading one in the region. The UAE generates the most electronics waste in the GCC, with every citizen generating 17.2 kilograms annually.
####Dubai Police launches beach quad bike
On April 19, Dubai Police announced the launch of a new police quad bike, which will patrol Dubai beaches. Its purpose is to prevent beach crimes and help tourists feel safe.
The quad bikes will also provide services and function as guide points to tourists. It will carry first aid kits and a mini fire extinguisher and will be able to help tourists with moving their bags.
The announcement came as UAE newspapers reported on UAE cities being among the safest in the world. On a list compiled by Numbeo.com, Abu Dhabi was announced the safest city in the world in terms of crime. Dubai placed 10th out of 288 on the list.
Jakob Plaschke is News Editor. Email him at feedback@thegazelle.org.
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