Tag Archive for: Middle East

Andrew Stegmann
, ,

Uber Teams Up With Mastercard to Provide 120,000 Free Trips to Front-line Workers in the MEA Region

As cases of COVID-19 continue to escalate, those assisting communities continue to forge ahead. As they work tirelessly to continue to support, feed and protect communities, Mastercard has committed 120,000 free trips and meals to those supporting communities across the Middle East and Africa, which will be facilitated through Uber.

Uber is utilizing their technology and making available their wide network of drivers to ensure those who are supporting communities and the many frontline workers who need to be mobile, have a reliable and efficient way of getting around. Once qualifying workers have successfully signed up through Uber’s website, they can arrange transportation to and from their homes and to where they are needed, such as healthcare facilities or to feed the vulnerable. Uber has shared relevant health information with drivers to ensure they are well-informed in COVID-19 related safety protocols and have been provided with masks and sanitizer reimbursements.

Mastercard is helping people around the world navigate these challenging times. While ensuring that its network remains secure, resilient and reliable, Mastercard is also applying its technology, philanthropy, and data science expertise to rebuild healthy communities and ensure that economic growth is inclusive. As millions of people across the world come together to support, feed and protect their communities, Mastercard is extending its support to help those who help others.  

This strategic partnership between Mastercard and Uber spans across the region and through key partnerships will aim to support cities, hospitals, front line workers and marginalized communities with free rides.

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President Market Development, Mastercard, MEA explains, “Mastercard continues to partner with digital players across the value chain to build a more connected world by supporting our communities. With our partner Uber, we are committed to support healthcare and essential workers who are working tirelessly to take care of us. Uber’s mission to improve lives is matched with Mastercard’s mission of doing well by doing good, together we are focused on helping frontline workers across the region feel confident and safe with access to free transportation.”

Anthony le Roux Regional General Manager, Uber, Middle East and Africa, “It is our role to help the society by providing relief, especially those who work tirelessly to support our communities. This is the largest partnership for us across MEA and we are amazed at Mastercard’s relentless effort to make a difference. We are proud to be working alongside them to ensure those supporting our communities, especially those on the frontline, have access to safe and reliable transport.”

This is just a start and this commitment comes as part of Uber’s global pledge to help communities in need to “Move What Matters”.

Further initiatives from Uber in Africa:

  • Kenya: Uber has teamed up with The Nairobi Hospital and Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital to provide trips at a discounted fee to ease movement for medical professionals, ensuring that frontline workers have a reliable and efficient way of getting to and from where their services are required. To support the Kenya COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Uber has provided free trips and free deliveries from Uber Eats as they coordinate all coronavirus efforts in the country. Uber will also provide free rides to the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) and Ministry of Health staff.
  • Ivory Coast: Uber has partnered with Ivorian Ministry of Health and SOCIDA, Ivory Coast’s leading automobile dealers and distributors of the Renault, Suzuki, Isuzu and HELI brands, to provide free transportation to health workers in Abidjan.
  • Nigeria: Uber has partnered with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management & Social Development (MHA) in Nigeria to provide food packages to school children within Lagos and Abuja. The partnership will effectively mobilise transportation of needed food parcels to over 260 identified food banks, to bring necessary relief and support for up to 70 000 households via the foodbank distributions. This allows over 3 million school kids to be fed, while further supporting governmental response teams towards curbing the outbreak. 
  • Ghana: Uber is supporting FreeLunchGH and The Safe Space Foundation with free rides.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

Dubai to Welcome Tourists From July 7

Tourists will be required to present a recent Covid-19 negative certificate or undergo testing at Dubai airports.

Airports in Dubai will welcome tourists from July 7, 2020, it was announced on Sunday. The tourists will be required to present a recent Covid-19 negative certificate or undergo testing at the airport.

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management added that the emirate’s airports would start receiving residents stranded abroad from tomorrow (June 22). It also said that citizens and residents will be permitted to travel overseas from June 23.

This came as the committee announced new protocols and conditions for citizens, residents and tourists travelling into or out of Dubai airports.

The committee said the announcements will allow thousands of people affected by worldwide restrictions in passenger air traffic since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to resume their travel plans.

The decisions have been announced as per directives issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow-up of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

Relo Originals: Being Water-Wise

Written by Quintin Coetzee

Cape Town, where our head offices are located, is currently going through a severe drought. As a result, residents are having to think of new and inventive ways to save water, both to avoid being fined, and to try and help the environment. Many other cities around the world are currently facing similar problems.

There are many ways that one can be more water-wise, and this article outlines a few recommendations.

As you can see in the image above, we have recently installed a water storage tank in our office garden. This tank is linked to the gutters, and collects rain water for storage and later use. Whenever needed, we can take buckets to the tank, and retrieve clean water to use wherever we like. These storage tanks can be professionally installed if you’d prefer not to DIY, and can be purchased in different sizes from Builder’s Warehouse. Prices can be found here.

We also have a special drip system set up to water our rooftop vegetable garden, which you can read more about here. The system involves a number of rubber tubes that route from a storage source. These tubes slowly release water into the beds of vegetables, and can easily be tied to prevent water flow. The water storage is even contributed towards from waste water dripping from air-con condenser units.

Drip Irrigation System

 

 

Other tips for saving water are:

  • Storing recycled water and using it to flush toilets, by pouring it into the cistern or bowl. (Water stored for long periods of time should be treated).
  • Stacking dirty dishes and washing only once per day.
  • Only washing clothes when you have a full load.
  • Showering instead of bathing, and reducing shower times.
  • Watering your garden when the sun is low, to prevent lots of evaporation.
  • Fix all drips and leaks at home and in the office.
  • Install a water meter or monitor your bills to track your usage, and set goals for yourself each month.
  • Invest in appliances that are rated for efficient use of water.
  • Lobby your city to invest in sustainable water solutions.

There are numerous places around the world where the demand for water is not met. The problem affects an estimated 2.7 billion people for at least one month of every year, across every continent, and is particularly pressing in cities, as the global urban population grows. Currently, almost four billion people live in cities, with a further 2.5 billion expected to join them by 2050.

Over the past few years, both Los Angeles and São Paulo have been impacted by major droughts affecting their surrounding states. In response to the absence of snow, California governor Jerry Brown announced mandatory regulations that prohibited the watering of ornamental grass, required new homes to use drip irrigation, and directed water agencies to set up new pricing structures to maximize conservation.

Further east, Singapore, Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi, Doha have some of the lowest access to freshwater in the world, and make use of desalination plants, which convert ocean water into freshwater.

Much of western Queensland, Australia experienced drought between 2013 and 2015, affecting agriculture as well as residents. In response to further drought warnings in the area earlier in 2017, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation offered online advice to farmers on assistance available to them in their local areas.

As we attempt to combat climate change, saving water helps people the world over. Not only does doing so benefit the environment, it can also save you money.

For more water tips and information relevant to Cape Town’s water situation, visit the City of Cape Town website.

For more information about how we can assist you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4].

 

Andrew Stegmann

Frasers Hospitality Expands Business In Africa, Middle East

For the first time also, Frasers will expand into Saudi Arabia with properties in Jeddah, Khobar and Riyadh. This is in tune with the development of Jeddah Economic City and the government’s plan to expand the Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport. Because of this, inbound tourism is set to increase 6.1 percent per annum by 2020.

Meanwhile, new properties in Congo and Nigeria will mark Frasers Hospitality Group’s initial expansion into the African market. The growth potential of some areas in Africa is promising, thus an essential aid to the group’s growth strategy.

“The Middle East and Africa are significant growth markets in our global expansion plans. As the regions continue to emerge as business hubs, our properties in key cities will be well positioned to cater to the needs of travelers,” said Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Hospitality Group, in a statement to Travelers Today.

Meanwhile, business spending in Africa is expected to grow from $2.6 trillion in 2015 to $3.5 trillion by 2025, which is likely to see an increase in business travel to the region. “We are targeting key business centers such as Nigeria’s capital Abuja and Africa’s largest city, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in the region in the coming years.”

Source