Measures against Qatar do not target citizens: UAE cabinet

The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, praised the initiative of UAE president His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to take into consideration the humanitarian situation of Emirati-Qatari families in the light of the latest decisions to sever relations with Qatar.

The Cabinet also welcomed the joint statement issued by the governments of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt regarding the list of Qatari personalities or entities or the ones supported by Qatar and constitute a threat to the security and peace in the region. The list includes 59 individuals and 12 institutions.
Qatar row

It equally welcomed the recent statements of US President Donald Trump regarding Qatar and his clear message to the Qatari Government to stop funding terrorism and to immediately begin to correct its policy.

The Cabinet stressed that combating extremism in all its forms has become a necessity and requires a firm and rapid stance to cut off all means of financing from any side.

During the session, the Cabinet affirmed that the decision taken by the UAE and a number of neighbouring states to sever their relations with the Qatar comes after a long and sustained attempt to correct the course of Qatar's policy, notably its support to terrorism and its drive for disturbing the security and stability in the region. A number of Joint efforts preceded the latest decision and those included the 2014 Riyadh Accord, of which the Qatari government violated its pledges.

The Cabinet expressed its concern with the systematic support of the Qatari government for extremist individuals and groups, and its financing of terrorist groups. The Cabinet condemns the escalation by the government of Qatar, and called for addressing the crisis objectively in a reasonable manner to maintain Qatar's as a valuable member in the gulf region.
Not targeting Qatari citizens

The Cabinet pointed out that the measures taken do not target the Qatari citizens, but aim at correcting the Qatari government path and maintaining the partnership that brings security and stability for all in the region.
Year of Giving

It adopted a legislative framework to put forward a law for the volunteer work in the UAE, in line with the Year of Giving initiative. The law aims to maximise the benefits of volunteer work across the UAE through coordinating initiatives and creating innovative incentives. It also ensures that volunteer work goes in line with UAE vision and strategy as well as ensures highest standards in terms of quality and efficiency.

The law, which targets both institutions and individuals, will serve as a reference and will require adequate documentation of all voluntary work in the UAE.
Climate Change

On the environmental level, the National Plan for Climate Change for the years 2017-2050 was approved by the Cabinet. The plan aims to consolidate all efforts at the national level, and to outline future strategies and policies contributing to the achievement of UAE Vision 2021 pertaining to enhanced sustainable environment and strong global leadership in climate change issues, in line with the Paris Climate Accord.
Made in UAE

The Cabinet also approved the standardization of the Made-in-UAE label. The national label of origin will impose a number of criteria for usage, registration, renewal and permits. The label seeks to strengthen the manufacturing sector as a whole and to introduce a new approach based on science and technology.
Food Safety

The Cabinet also adopted the Regulations for the Federal Law on Food Safety to ensure food safety and sustainability of local production. The law protects public health by reducing food-borne diseases and protecting consumers from counterfeited food or items not approved for consumption, as well as facilitate the flow of food products in a convenient and easy way to and from the UAE. The new regulations will also contribute to the social and economic development by maintaining the confidence of consumers and stakeholders in the food industry in the UAE market.
Media regulation

The Cabinet approved the issuance of a federal law to regulate media activities. The law will identify the general principles, framework, and standards controlling the issuance of media licenses, as well as all media activities, and monitoring media content in the state according to the laws and regulations, and in accordance with the public policies of the state and the directives of the federal government. The law also aims at assisting media outlets in fulfilling their roles in UAE economic development.

In the regulatory affairs, the Cabinet adopted the Consolidated Final Account for the fiscal year 2016, and approved the restructuring of the UAE Space Agency Board chaired by Ahmad Abdulla Belhoul AlFalasi, and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Board chaired by Talal Hamid Belhoul.

The Cabinet adopted and ratified a number of international conventions. These agreements come within the framework of the UAE's keenness to strengthen its ties with the international community. The cabinet held its meeting on Tuesday afternoon at the Presidential Palace and was attended by His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior among other senior government officials.

Source: Khaleej Times