Day: June 19, 2025

DUBAI, U.A.E. : PCFC and Government of Ghana Sign MoU to Establish an Economic Zone & Digital Incubator in Accra

Sultan bin Sulayem: PCFC is a key contributor to Dubai’s knowledge and innovation-based economy, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33

Samuel Nartey George: This partnership will position Ghana as a regional hub for technological advancement in Africa

The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Government of Ghana have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Ghana’s first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to accelerate the country’s transformation into a regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.

Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometer area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone’s operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. The MoU also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone.

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s global outreach and sharing Dubai’s pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. “This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC’s role as a key contributor to Dubai’s knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai’s status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation”.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana’s trust in PCFC’s expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. “This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana’s industrial and technological infrastructure”.

Hon. Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana’s economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. “This initiative aligns with Ghana’s vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.”

PCFC will implement and manage the advanced digital infrastructure in the zone to support the growth of local and regional businesses across Africa. The project will provide a robust platform for innovation, investment opportunities that empower global and local expansion.

Dedicated teams from both countries specializing in AI and investment will manage the zone, fostering innovation, business growth and regional connectivity. The collaboration aims to empower local communities, traders, and investors, driving inclusive and sustainable economic progress across the continent.

The partnership marks a major milestone in fostering international partnerships that advance technology and economic development, positioning Ghana at the forefront of Africa’s digital future.

source/content: emirates247.com (headline edited)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ARAB Excellence & New Records in Dubai Open Swimming Championship 2025

The Championship, which was held with participation of huge numbers of Olympic & world champions, took place at Hamdan Sports Complex and organized by Hamilton Aquatics and ESM Academy in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, as part of the Council’s policy to attract & develop sports talents, and in line with Dubai Government’s vision to attract & develop talents in all fields.

The Arab male & female swimmers have attained new records at the level of their national federations during this Championship. In this regard, the Tunisian swimmer Habiba Belghaith has set a new Tunisian record in the 50 M breaststroke (women’s category) with a time of 32.35 seconds, surpassing the previous Tunisian record of 32.68 seconds which was achieved by her compatriot Sara Lajnef.

Tara Aloul of Jordan finished the 200 M race (women’s individual category) within a time of 2:24.78 minutes to break her previous record of 2:25.56 minutes.

Zaid Al-Saraj from Saudi Arabia has attained a new Saudi national record in the 50 M freestyle (men’s category) with a time of 23.22 seconds, surpassing the previous record of his compatriot Yousef Bu Arish with 23.35 seconds.

The Lebanese swimmer Lynn Al-Hajj achieved a new record for the Lebanese open swimming in the 200 M breaststroke (women’s category), as she recorded 2:32.74 minutes, breaking her previous record of 2:33.22 minutes.

The British Olympic champion Ben Praud secured 1st place in the 50 M freestyle with a time of 21.99 seconds. The Switzerland’s Noé Pont, the bronze medalist in the 100 M butterfly at Tokyo Olympics 2020 and three-time world champion, has opened his 2025 season by setting a new world record of 22.83 seconds in the 50 M butterfly during the Championship.  

The Lebanese swimmer Lamar Al-Hajj from Decathlon Club was named as the Best Junior Female Swimmer, while Santiago Valbuena from Dhahran Youth Swimming Club in Saudi Arabia won the Best Junior Male Swimmer’s Award. The All-Stars Swimming Academy from the UAE claimed the Best Junior Club’s Title.

The Netherland’s Tessa Jelly from Feyenoord Albion Swimming Club won the best swimmer’s title in the women’s open category, besides the short distances’ title. The Netherlands’ Shawn Nieuwold from Feyenoord Albion Swimming Club won the best swimmer’s title in the men’s open category, and gained the short distances’ title. “My Swim Club” from Dubai won the Best Club’s title in the Open Category.

Distinctive Participation:

Dubai Open Swimming Championship was held with distinctive participation of 1,294 male & female swimmers who competed in 136 different races in juniors & professionals categories, represented 122 global clubs of 30 countries from the various continents of the world; these are: Algeria, Oman, Australia, Pristina, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Bahrain, Romania, Belarus, Russia, Egypt, Scotland, England, Serbia, Estonia, Seychelles, Faroe Islands, South Africa, India, Switzerland, Iran, Tanzania, Jordan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Lebanon, Uganda, in addition to the UAE.

Olympic Champions:

The Championship witnessed participation of elite of Olympic champions & world record’s holders, besides group of elite of swimmers from various countries of the world, and therefore the event has become one of the top competitive swimming championships. Among the prominent participants in this Championship were the British Olympic champion Duncan Scott, winner of 8 Olympic medals & 20 global medals / the Swiss Noy Bonte, who gained Olympic bronze medal and 19 world medals / the British world champion Ben Praud, the winner of Paris Olympics 2024 silver medal besides 29 world medals / the Canadian Marie-Sophie Harvey, winner of 21 world medals /Lara Van Niekerk, winner of two world medals.

source/content: emirates247.com (headline edited)

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ARAB