Dubbed the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), the trade fair runs from 5th to 8 December 2022.
Kageruka who delivered remarks virtually on the second day of the exhibition, invited them to visit national parks and other nature reserves. She also took them through Rwanda’s efforts to up-skill employees of the hospitality to enrich visitors’ experience and make their stay a memorable.
Rwandan companies also participated in the trade fair in which they were given floor to bring on board services offered to tourists with a view to encourage representatives of international companies to send tourists to Rwanda.
It also served as platform to create new connections paving the way for future collaboration.
Speaking to IGIHE, Kageruka said that they held a meeting with tour companies from different countries working closely with Rwandan companies.
As she said, many of them needed updates on the country’s efforts to promote high-end tourism.
Kageruka underscored that it was an opportunity to showcase Rwanda’s tourism offerings and how the country can help their tourists planning visits to Rwanda.
Participants from Rwanda who attended the trade fair include Manzi Kayihura, the Managing Director of Thousand Hills Africa; Roberto Viviani, Business Manager at Wilderness Safari; Simon Bruce Miller from Uberluxe Safaris and Reginal Hakizimana, Managing Director of Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris.
Others include Denis Lefebvre representing Palace Tours, Françoise Ihirwe Tunga from Volcanoes Safari; Danny Nizeye Business Development Manager at Akagera Aviation and Robert Gakimbiri, Customer Services Manager at Primate Safaris.
The figures were disclosed in Paris, the capital of France on 5th December 2022 at the launch of a business forum aimed at promoting Rwanda as an investment destination.
The forum which ran from 5th to 6th December 2022, was organized by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through its investment promotion division in collaboration with Rwanda’s embassy in France and the country’s Private Sector Federation (MEDEF).
The forum was an opportunity for Rwanda to interact with French companies and other members of the private sector based in France.
France is among European countries with growing investments in Africa, particularly in Rwanda after the normalization of ties between the two countries.
RDB indicated that Rwanda registered French investments worth US$197,503 164 (over Rwf200 billion) between 2011 and 2021.
Some of these investments were registered in the areas of real estate, technology and telecommunication, tourism and the financial sector among others.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura has told IGIHE that the forum is expected to increase the number of French investors in Rwanda.
“It will create job opportunities for Rwandans and lure French companies to invest in Rwanda. French investors spoke highly of Rwanda and took colleagues through Rwanda’s conducive business environment. Besides, they will serve as good ambassadors helping us to attract more investors in Rwanda,” he said.
Amb. Nkulikiyimfura further disclosed that these investors were taken through investment opportunities in various sectors in Rwanda including infrastructure.
French investors have been considering Rwanda as a potential investment destination owing to cordial relations between the two countries strengthened by the visit of French President, Emmanuel Macron to Kigali in May 2021.
It was the first visit of a French President to Rwanda over the past ten years. The visit left various agreements signed between both countries.
Stéphane Lelux, the CEO of TACTIS Innopolis, a tech company which has a subsidiary in Rwanda, said that the forum that brought together French and Rwandan investors is of critical significance, given that it was held 18 months after the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Rwanda.
As he said, eliminating double taxation to facilitate traders from Rwanda and France would be much welcomed and expressed optimism that it will be considered in the near future.
Rwanda has been registering French investments including ‘Girinzu’, a real estate project aimed at building affordable homes in Gahanga Sector of Kicukiro District.
The latter is a French investment by Chevrillon Group and Stéphane Monceaux in association with Rwandan Jacqueline Wibabara.
Girinzu seeks to build at least 200 housing units every year to bridge affordable housing gap in Kigali.
Among others, Duval Great Lakes Ltd, a subsidiary of French company dubbed Groupe Duval is developing a multibillion environmental-friendly complex known as ‘Inzovu mall’ at premises that used to house the Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court in Kimihurura, near Kigali Convention Centre.
The complex mall will be home to ‘Odalys City Business Apart Hotel’ with 140 service apartment rooms, conference rooms, offices, entertainment and exhibition areas.
It will also have Cinema rooms, markets, shops, bars and restaurants, Forex Bureaus, natural areas, children areas, playgrounds, pharmacies, clinics and others.
Once completed, the mall will be a complementary project besides Kigali Convention Centre.
It also supports entrepreneurs and invest in businesses that work for supporting the wellbeing of a natural world, for creating better jobs and opportunity, for sustainable growth.
Over the years, the BESTSELLER Foundation has made a huge impact on the lives of many people, and continues to strive for change.
The first day saw BESTSELLER Foundation and African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) organizing four sessions that brought together key note speakers, panelists and exhibitors to explore the World Circular Economy Forum main themes in Rwandan context and discuss national circular economy agenda.
The three-day hybrid event running from 6th to 8th December, attracted innovators, industry experts, academicians, and representatives from non-governmental organizations among others to discuss solutions and action plans to mitigate climate change.
Also present was Dr. Jeanne D’Arc Mujawamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, and the Director for International Affairs at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in the Netherlands, Dr. Peter Diez.
WCEF2022 seeks to create circular economy that promotes sustainability and economic growth. To achieve this, the forum has brought together stakeholders for discussions on the benefits of circular economy, share best practices, and develop strategies for implementation at a national level.
Among the speakers in this conference was Esethu Cenga, Co-founder and Director of Rewoven, a company committed to bridge the gap between fashion and sustainability.
Cenga narrated how as a child, she would go to buy food carrying a container from home.
This was all her way of pointing out how Africa has been sustainable from the very beginning as the container would then have more than one purpose; removing the need for envelopes or bags.
Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya highlighted the need for people to buy what they need, not what they want, even in this holiday season.
The forum is expected to foster collaboration between companies and governments. This will allow them to create more effective policies and solutions.
The forum also features an exhibition that showcases the latest innovations in circular economy technologies and applications.
Participants of the exhibition include AFLIMBA, a company dedicated to making stylish bags from old recycled jeans, represented by its founder, Planté Josue Niyomugenga.
There were several sessions held in the BESTSELLER ‘s circular economy hub that featured companies such as AMPERSAND, SLS ENERGY, UZURI K&Y and MASS DESIGN as they gathered to talk about local opportunities and bottlenecks faced by entrepreneurs.
The study conducted through the annual Rwanda Bribery Index released today, shows that bribes were mainly offered to secure utility services, jobs in the private sector, land titles and construction permits among others.
The survey which was first conducted in 2010 establishes and reports experiences and perceptions of Rwandans regarding bribery in the country.
It also indicated that 97% of individuals declining to offer solicited bribes end up receiving services for free. This means, only 3% are denied services over declining to offer bribes.
The purpose of their visit was to appraise the Minister and CDS about EASF activities and also discuss ways of strengthening EASF to be poised for future challenges.
The team also evaluated Rwanda’s pledged capabilities (military and police) in line with the EASF Force readiness assessment.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The 51st UAE National Day celebrations honour the monumental growth and continuous innovation of our great nation. Supported by Dubai’s prosperous retail sector, we will pursue the country’s legacy of bringing the nation and people together in a moment of unity and celebration.
“The city’s wide array of festivities to celebrate National Day will showcase the best Dubai has to offer across its iconic landmarks and world-class entertainment destinations. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the globe to join the citizens and residents of Dubai as we recognise and celebrate UAE National Day together – taking pride in the nation and sharing in extraordinary and enjoyable events for all.”
{{City decor}}
Keep an eye out for beautiful city decorations when celebrating the UAE National Day festivities in Dubai. Take in the amazing structures and lighting decoration across the city or have fun spotting the statues of the city’s favourite characters, Modesh and Dana, on the way.
From 2 to 11 December, shoppers might be lucky enough to meet with Modesh and Dana as the friends visit some of the most iconic spots in the city. To greet them, make sure to stop by the Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Gate Avenue, Ibn Battuta Mall, The Circle, Nakheel Mall, Al Khawaneej Walk, Deira City Centre and Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts.
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Head over to some of the best spots in the city to get full views of the fabulous fireworks displays for UAE National Day, in the four colours of the UAE National flag.
Don’t miss the vibrant showcases at Al Seef and The Beach opposite JBR and Bluewaters at 8PM, and The Pointe and Dubai Festival City Mall at 9PM on 2 December.
{{Concerts and shows}}
Get immersed in a concert experience like no other on UAE National Day, 2 December. Visit the stunning Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City for an incredible night of music featuring leading Emirati and GCC artists including Eidha Al Mehali and Dalia Mubarak. Doors open at 6:30PM, with the show running from 8:30PM to 12AM.
Tickets begin at just AED 100 and can be purchased from dubai.platinumlist.net.
Alternatively, on the same date, visit Dubai Festival City Mall to see Fayez Al Saeed host the opening ceremony at Festival Bay with a live concert at 8PM, followed by a specially choreographed IMAGINE and fireworks show that will light up the sky in the colours of the UAE flag at 9PM. DJ Bliss will close the night with an electrifying performance at 9.15PM.
The popular Emirati singer Shamma Hamdan will perform an unmissable live show on 2 December at 8.30PM at the fountain area of City Walk.
Head over to the Dubai Opera on 2 December for an entertaining evening of stand-up comedy, singing and more with Moroccan comedian Abdul Rahman Ouaabed, popularly known as EKO. Doors will open at 7PM, with the show starting at 8PM. Ticket prices start at AED 250 and are available at Dubai Opera.
King of 90s pop, Lucky Ali, will be performing at The Agenda on 3 December as part of the Winter Music Fest, which will bring some of Bollywood’s most popular musicians to the city. Doors will open at 8PM with the show starting at 9.30PM.
Ticket prices start from AED 69 and are available at dubai.platinumlist.net.
Immerse in Korean culture through a Hallyu content exhibit at the Mall of the Emirates’ Art Centre until 3 December. Experience the country’s traditions, K-film culture and K-pop including a 3D virtual reality performance of pop group BTS through this two-week-long free showcase. More information is available at Korea: Cubically Imagined.
Experience traditional music while shopping with the travelling Al Harbia band on 2 and 3 December at various malls and locations in Dubai. Enjoy the cultural tunes at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Gate Avenue, La Mer, Ibn Battuta Mall, The Circle, Nakheel Mall, The Point, Al Khawaneej Walk, The Outlet Village, Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts, Hatta Wadi Hub, Al Seef and Bluewaters.
{{Family activations}}
Celebrate the spirit of UAE National Day with flag decorations and roaming entertainment all throughout Dubai Festival City Mall on 2 December. UAE nationals shopping for AED 300 or more from 1 to 5 December stand a chance to win Air Arabia tickets for two.
Visit Mercato Mall to enjoy live entertainment, musical parades and fun activities for the whole family from 2 to 4 December. Kids can take part in creative workshops, have their faces painted with UAE themed designs and admire the beautiful UAE lighting around the mall.
At The Pointe, alongside the breathtaking fireworks and fountain show at 9PM on 2 December, there will be activities in the event plaza for the little ones to enjoy.
Celebrate UAE National Day at La Mer and The Beach opposite JBR with special offers from 2 to 4 December. Visit The Beach opposite JBR on 2 December to sample delicious food and enjoy a spectacular firework display at 8PM. On 3 December, La Mer will host a traditional Al Harbia Band to entertain visitors.
Visit Al Khawaneej Walk, Boxpark and Last Exit Al Khawaneej for exclusive dining, shopping and entertainment deals, enjoy a true unity celebration feel with a special hospitality tent with coffee and dates service, a falconry show and folkloric music vibes from 2 until 4 December from 4PM until 10PM. Do not miss out on the special UAE National Day Parade on 2 December at Boxpark and Last Exit Al Khawaneej.
Mark this special occasion with great dining and exclusive offers at City Walk from 2 to 4 December. Catch the Musical Bands live performances on 3 and 4 December from 6PM to 10PM at City Walk’s fountain area.
The Ibn Battuta Mall will host fun activities for children including henna artists, face painting, origami and sand bottle workshops from 2 until 4 December at the main entrance of the Egypt Court in front of Kidz Palooza.
{{Gastronomy}}
To make the UAE National Day celebrations extra special and memorable, restaurants across the city have gone all out with special offers and curated tasting menus and events.
At the Lido on Queen Elizabeth 2, enjoy a sumptuous buffet of authentic Arabic food, for just AED 150 per person, inclusive of soft drinks and water. Children under 6 dine for free, while children aged 6 to 11 get 50 per cent off. This offer is available on 2 and 3 December between 6.30PM to 11.00PM, and can be booked via reservations.qe2@accor.com.
From 1 to 4 December, Mondoux pastry chefs will be creating a giant UAE flag with custom crafted cream and berry cakes. All restaurant guests will be offered a slice of cake on the house to celebrate UAE National Day.
At JA Resort, join the National Day celebrations with an exclusive performance by renowned Emirati singer, Fatima Zahrat Al-Ain, and her daughter Rawda, as well as a culinary feast featuring some of the most indulgent fare. That’s not all, on 2 and 3 December, guests can enjoy a festive buffet dinner, from 7.30PM to 11.30PM, for AED 550 per person onwards, at Palmito Garden, JA the Resort.
Emirati-owned Monno Ristorante will be serving guests a limited-edition UAE Flag pizza made in true Neapolitan style, on 2 December, in honour of the UAE’s 51st National Day.
At Mangolia Bakery Springs Souk, the celebrations for UAE National Day include a special cupcake decorating workshop on 30 November from 10AM to 11AM or 4PM to 5PM. Pre-booking for a spot is required.
Rove Hotels, Project Chaiwala, and Frying Pan Adventures are back with a food and chai tour, specially curated for UAE’s National Day celebrations, in old Dubai.
Discover authentic, local street food, and other treats on 3 December, from 8.45AM to 11.45AM and 10.45AM to 1.45PM, for AED 125 per person. To book a place on this limited-edition tour, visit www.fryingpanadventures.com.
Time Out Market Dubai celebrates UAE National Day with celebratory traditional dancing and activities for children from 2 to 4 December. For those celebrating over the weekend, Time Out Market Dubai’s Weekend Breakfast is available on Saturday and Sunday from 10AM until 1PM. Exclusive breakfast-inspired dishes will be served, priced from AED 32 to AED 75. Located in the beautiful Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai, the market also offers an incredible mix of cuisines, expertly curated by Time Out editors.
{{Events and activities}}
Get ready for an unmatched football experience at Budx FIFA Fan Festival at Dubai Harbour which is now open and runs throughout the National Day festivities right up until 18 December. Join in the excitement as up to 10,000 fans converge to celebrate the beautiful game in a state-of-the-art, immersive atmosphere. International artists like Brazilian diva Ludmilla, and local DJs such as Mr Shef Codes, Kaboo and Flippside will keep the electric vibes going between and after matches. Ticket prices start from AED 79 per person at Budxfifadubai.com, the venue offers access to 21+ only.
Visit the Meydan Racecourse to see the region’s most skilled horses and talented jockeys go head to head for a grand prize. This high-spirited domestic challenge runs along with the international Dubai World Cup Carnival, with races scheduled from 25 November to 19 February. Tickets start at AED 2, for more information, please visit Dubairacingclub.com.
Watch hundreds of regional and international rugby teams put their best foot forward during Emirates Dubai 7s at the Sevens Stadium, one of the largest sports and entertainment festivals in the Middle East, from 1 to 3 December. Sample delicious cuisine and enjoy family-friendly activities, including powerhouse performances by headliners Gorgon City, The Cuban Brothers and Craig David presents TS5. Book now at Dubai Rugby 7s.
Join the Skechers Performance UAE National Day Run 2022 at The Track Meydan Golf on 2 December at 7.30AM. This community challenge will see runners of all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts, come together to mark this momentous occasion. Sprint or stroll distances of 3km, 5km, 10km or 16km on the closed-off roads in this scenic area while taking in views of the city skyline along the course. Adults pay AED 175 per race while children can participate for AED 125 per race. To sign up, visit PremierOnline.
From 3 December to 17 February the world-famous Murder Mystery experience makes its way to Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai. This 90-minute interactive entertainment program allows participants to use their detective skills to solve a mystery while uncovering secrets and hidden motives along the way. All contestants can enjoy a 30-minute food and drink service on the terrace with spectacular creek views before the activity. To book a spot, visit murdermysteryexperiences.com/dubai.
From 1 until 3 December Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts will host special UAE National Day celebrations including arabic tents with henna, live cooking and kids face painting, folkloric entertainment from Ayala Dancers and Hag al Laila Traditional Kids Dance as well as an interactive Love the UAE activation wall. For more information visit Riverland Dubai.
For more information on all events and activities, please visit dubaicalendar.com.
{{Raffles and prizes }}
Until 30 November download the Idealz app or visit www.idealz.com and purchase a Rosa Set worth AED 50 to gain entry into an amazing raffle that will allow the winner to take home an incredible two million dirhams (AED2,000,000) for the big UAE National Day Grand Prize. The raffle draw will take place on 2 December.
From 1 to 4 December purchase goods for AED 200 at stores excluding hypermarkets across Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif to enter into an exciting daily draw and win big. Four winners from each of the malls will be in with a chance to win 51,000 SHARE points, worth AED 5,100.
Every year, UAE National Day is celebrated on 2 December to mark the official formation of the nation and the start of the federal unification of The Emirates in 1971. To join in the UAE National Day celebrations, check out nationaldaydubai.com for more information and @CelebrateDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.
{{About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment}}
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events.
Their discussions were held on Sunday 4th December 2022 as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta has confirmed.
They were held amidst deteriorated relations between Rwanda and DRC over reciprocal accusations.
Rwanda accuses DRC of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to destabilize its security while the country accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC).
DR Congo officials have been claiming that their country was invaded by Rwanda through M23.
In a message posted on his Twitter handle, Blinken said that he had productive conversation with President Kagame to underscore the need for peace and security in eastern DRC.
He further said that ‘The United States urges Rwanda to honor commitments made in Luanda, including ending Rwanda’s support to M23’.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied the accusations of supporting M23 and urged DR Congo not to externalize its problems.
The rebel group resumed fighting accusing DRC of failure to implement peace accords signed in 2013.
In a message posted on Twitter, Minister Biruta underscored that President Kagame had good discussions with Blinken ‘but differences in understanding of the issue remain’.
He also said that ‘the wrong and misguided approach of the international community continues to exacerbate the problem’.
“A lasting solution requires the responsibility to be placed where it belongs,” said Dr. Biruta.
Minister pointed out the dysfunction of the DRC government and its institutions, and the support to FDLR as the first issue.
Minister Biruta also highlighted that ‘External interference and dictates in regional and continental efforts that serve to shield DRC from accountability and emboldens them to be unresponsive to commitments made through ongoing processes’ is among other issues holding back efforts to find a solution.
“M23 should not be equated to Rwanda. It is not Rwanda’s problem to solve. The security concerns of Rwanda need to be addressed, and where others may not feel obliged to, Rwanda is and will continue to do so,” he noted.
Gilbert Niyitanga, 20, and Cyiza Jean Claude, 19, were arrested red-handed in Bukomeza Village, Nkanga Cell of Sake Sector at about 10:30p.m. with the stolen motorcycle registration number RE908Z, Bajaj Boxer, and the bicycle.
They were at the time attempting to hide the motorcycle and bicycle in the bush, Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
“Niyitanga and Cyiza stole the motorcycle and bicycle and were at the time hiding them in the bush, but fortunate enough, security personnel on the night patrol saw them that night.
Following their arrest, they were cooperative and disclosed that they stole them the previous day and were in the process of getting buyers,” SP Twizeyimana said.
They were handed over to RIB at Zaza station for further legal process.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one (1) person.
The latest estimate shows that more than one billion people around the world volunteer their time, skills, and experience to help improve the communities they live in. The impact of climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic, together with political and economic shocks around the world, highlight the challenges facing many people and communities in their daily lives.
“On International Volunteer Day, we pay tribute to volunteers across the globe,” said Toily Kurbanov, Executive Coordinator of UN Volunteer Programme. “Their time, efforts and passion make a positive impact on people’s lives and help address the planet’s most challenging issues. On behalf of everyone at the UN and elsewhere, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for their ongoing commitment,” he added
The UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/57/106), co-sponsored by 142 Member States and adopted on 26 November 2002, calls upon stakeholders to support volunteerism as a strategic tool to enhance economic and social development. As of today, 78 United Nations Volunteers in Rwanda serve support 14 UN agencies towards Development Programs to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
The Government o Rwanda is recognized for incorporating volunteer services in the national planning process and establishing a national coordination framework to effectively harness the national and international volunteer resources at the country’s disposal.
Volunteerism in Rwanda is exercised through the provision of services to the community such as Umuganda, Ubudehe, Umusanzu (Communal self-help activities based on solidarity), Abunzi, local government councils (Njyanama), Gacaca judges, electoral commission agents, community health workers (abajyanama b’ubuzima) and traditional birth attendants among others.
“I commend the Government of Rwanda for being recognized as an excellent example of volunteerism, including traditional forms of mutual aid and self-help, formal service delivery and other forms of civic participation, in economic and social development, benefiting society at large and communities. I would like to welcome the work of volunteers and request them to continue their efforts,’’ Odette Bagitengire, the UNV Programme Country Coordinator.
To mark the 2022 International Volunteer Day, the One UN Rwanda joined the Government of Rwanda, partners and the community of Gicumbi District in the “umuganda’’ activity held in the Gicumbi District, Byumba sector, Gisuna Cell, Rwiri village where they participated in erosion control activities (kurwanya isuri).
