Al Kindi said the10th National Environment Day this year brings into focus achievements made by the UAE in the field. The events will highlight various issues relating to the environment and its challenges.

Meanwhile, Dr Salim Al Dhahiri, Director-General of the Federal Environment Agency (FEA), said that a series of activities would be held to mark the day including a concert on February 28 at the Emirates Palace Hotel.

A national ecological charter will be declared on the occasion and a nation-wide campaign will be launched from February 6 to 19, to increase public awareness about the environment.

Pamphlets will also be distributed at petrol stations. Carnivals and processions will be organised in Abu Dhabi to mark the occasion.

DM panel for nationals’ welfare

DUBAI — The Dubai Municipality has decided to set up a committee to enhance the living standards of nationals, following the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, regarding the development of residential areas in the emirate as part of the Strategic Plan for Dubai.

The committee will be called the ‘Residential areas development committee for citizens in Dubai’.

Nasser Hassan Lootah, Acting Director of the Dubai Municipality, said the committee was formed to strike a balance between using land to meet the demands of sustainable development and infrastructure and preserving natural resources.

The committee will be headed by Engineer Essa Al Meydor. The committee will also ensure that bachelors and labourers will not be staying in areas with local population.

70pc DuBiotech infrastructure ready

DUBAI — Over 70 per cent of basic infrastructure at the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech) has been completed ahead of scheduled, according to Dr Abdulqader Alkhayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech. Addressing business partners and associates to mark the second anniversary of DuBiotechs launch at a dinner reception last Monday, Dr Alkhayat said the project has generated immense interest among top global names in biotechnology.