Khalifa and Mohammad greet leaders

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a cable of congratulations to Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland, on the occasion of Ireland's national day. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also sent a similar cable of congratulations to the Irish president. Shaikh Khalifa and Shaikh Mohammad also sent cables of congratulation to Anerood Jugnauth, the President of Mauritius, on the occasion of Mauritius's national day.

Ruler's Court official appointed

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai issued a decree appointing Ahmad Mohammad Saeed Bin Humaidan as Dubai Ruler's Court Deputy Director. The decree shall go into effect from its issuance date.

Decentralisation of ministries

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Finance and Industry yesterday announced its intention to implement a system of decentralisation for individual ministries, as per directives from the UAE Cabinet. Ministries and governmental departments would be given enhanced financial and managerial independence to execute operations related to salaries, disbursement of social benefits, purchasing contracts as well as other procedures that are the core elements of governmental work.

Traffic awareness campaign

Sharjah: A three-day traffic awareness campaign by Sharjah police was launched yesterday in an effort to reduce reckless driving. The campaign comes as the police announced that the emirate had witnessed some 2,285 accidents, 150 deaths including 34 UAE nationals, and 2,598 injuries including 638 UAE nationals last year. The campaign is hosting more than 30 local and international professors and experts are discussing the best ways to reduce accidents.

Team to aid special needs passengers

Dubai: The Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai, has recently set a dedicated cross- functional team to work on enhancing the airport services for passengers with special needs. "(Reaya Team), which means (Cares), consists of Department of Civil Aviation staff who have dedicated themselves to providing better services to a special category of our customers," said Jamal Al Hai, Chairman of DCA Executive Board and Director Strategy and Management Excellence, the team sponsor.