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Wararka Maanta

Europe’s Message Is Clear: Tolerance Cannot Be a Cover for Extremism

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  Today’s demonstrations across Berlin, London, and Paris sent a message louder than any political statement: Europeans are no longer willing to watch their societies drift toward instability under the banner of “tolerance.” The crowds that filled the streets were not driven by hatred or exclusion — they were driven by a simple demand that every government should take seriously: security first. For years, extremist networks — especially the Muslim Brotherhood — have learned how to operate behind the shield of religious discourse. They present themselves as community leaders, activists, or “voices of the marginalized,” all while pushing agendas that undermine national cohesion, exploit public freedoms, and create parallel societies. Europe’s mistake was assuming these groups were harmless. But as today’s protests showed, citizens have learned the truth the hard way. They’ve watched radical narratives spread in schools and community centers, foreign-funded networks penetrate local ...
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How the UAE Became a Global Leader in Competitiveness in 2024

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In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position as a global leader in competitiveness, showcasing impressive strides in economic growth, government efficiency, and technological innovation. The UAE's remarkable achievements in 2024 highlight its forward-thinking leadership, proactive policies, and commitment to human development as the foundation of its progress. This blog explores the factors behind the UAE's success, its impressive rankings, and what other countries can learn from its model.

The UAE’s Impressive 2024 Rankings

The UAE has consistently risen through global competitiveness rankings, and 2024 is no exception. The country ranked 1st globally in 223 indicators, up from 215 in 2023. Moreover, it secured a place in the top 10 for 661 indicators, compared to 604 the previous year. This continued growth highlights the UAE's strong and sustained commitment to improving various sectors, from infrastructure to entrepreneurship.

In the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, the UAE made a significant leap, climbing to 7th place globally. This is a notable improvement, solidifying its position as a leading economic power. The UAE excelled particularly in economic performance, where it ranked 2nd globally, government efficiency (4th), and business environment efficiency (10th). These rankings reflect a combination of strategic investments, pro-business policies, and an efficient governmental framework.

Key Factors Behind the UAE’s Success

Several factors have contributed to the UAE's rising competitiveness, including:

  1. Visionary Leadership: The UAE’s leadership has focused on creating a robust and diversified economy, prioritizing sustainable development and human capital. Policies have been aligned with long-term goals, such as enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents.

  2. Proactive Economic Initiatives: The UAE has launched various initiatives to support its economic system, including tax incentives, investment-friendly policies, and a clear strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). The country ranked 2nd globally for new FDI projects, with over 1,300 new projects in 2023 alone.

  3. Technological Innovation: The UAE has embraced technological advancement to drive competitiveness. It ranks 1st globally in ICT infrastructure and has made significant progress in digital services, which is evident from its top scores in global indices like the United Nations E-Government Survey.

  4. Infrastructure and Transport Development: The UAE’s infrastructure development has been a key driver of its competitiveness. The country has invested heavily in roads, airports, and ports, ranking 1st in road quality and 9th globally in port efficiency. Its civil aviation sector also ranks among the best, with world-class airports and air transport services.

  5. Focus on Human Development: The UAE’s leadership has made human development a core pillar of its growth strategy. The country has ranked 1st regionally in the Human Development Index and is a global leader in entrepreneurship, securing the top position in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor for three consecutive years.

Lessons for Other Countries

The UAE’s model offers valuable lessons for other nations striving to improve their global competitiveness. Key takeaways include:

  • Long-Term Vision: The UAE’s success is rooted in clear long-term planning, with a focus on diversification, sustainability, and innovation. Countries with a vision for future growth can build resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges.

  • Investment in Human Capital: By prioritizing education, skill development, and creating opportunities for its citizens, the UAE has built a competitive workforce. This commitment to human development is essential for fostering growth and innovation.

  • Government Efficiency: The UAE has shown that effective governance, transparency, and policy consistency are vital for improving business conditions and attracting investments. Efficient public services can create a more conducive environment for private sector growth.

  • Technological Embrace: Embracing technological advancements not only enhances service delivery but also strengthens global competitiveness. Countries should invest in digital infrastructure to stay ahead in the global race.

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Flash Floods Displace 107,000 in Somalia: Urgent Humanitarian Response Needed

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In a distressing development, flash floods, triggered by heavy rains, have wreaked havoc in the Baidoa district of southwestern Somalia, resulting in the displacement of approximately 107,000 people, according to a statement released by the United Nations' humanitarian agency on Sunday. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations (OCHA) reported that numerous homes, including improvised shelters housing more than 86,700 internally displaced people across 136 displacement sites in Baidoa, were submerged in floodwaters. These flash floods mark the onset of the October to December rainy season in Somalia, which is expected to bring above-normal rains and increased flooding due to the influence of El-Nino conditions in the region, as stated by OCHA in its latest update. Somalia has already endured five seasons of drought since mid-2021, leading to the displacement of over 1.4 million people and the loss of 3.8 million livestock. The recent heavy rains ...
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Turkish Bank Opens First Foreign Branch in Somalia: A Milestone for Economic Growth

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In a significant development for the East African nation, the Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) announced on Sunday that Ziraat Katilim Bank of Turkey has established its presence by opening a branch in Mogadishu. This marks a historic occasion as the Turkish financial institution becomes the first international bank to operate in Somalia in over half a century. The establishment of Somalia's first foreign bank branch has the potential to bring about a positive transformation in the country's financial sector. This transformation is expected to result from increased economic opportunities and expanded trade relations between Somalia and its international partners. "The new branch of Ziraat Katilim Bank in Somalia is expected to offer a wide range of corporate banking services to businesses, international institutions, and development partners," stated the Central Bank of Somalia in a press release issued in Mogadishu. The journey to this milestone began in 2022 when the C...
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Somalia Joins UN FAO Commission to Combat Desert Locust Infestation

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In a significant stride towards combating the persistent threat of desert locusts, Somalia has ascended to a pivotal position as the seventeenth member of the Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This milestone membership, marked on Wednesday, solidifies Somalia's commitment to manage and mitigate the devastating impact of locusts on agriculture and food security. According to the FAO's assessments, Somalia has demonstrated remarkable advancements in constructing national institutional and technical capacities for locust management since 2020, with substantial assistance from the FAO and other partners. Shoki AlDobai, the team leader for FAO's Locusts and other Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases, emphasized Somalia's significance as a critical breeding ground for locusts. AlDobai highlighted that Somalia's inclusion in the Commission would not only benefit the country...
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Somalia's Prime Minister Calls for Unity in Countering Extremism

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In a significant move to address the ongoing security challenges in Somalia, Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has taken the initiative to engage clerics and religious leaders in the fight against extremist ideologies. The Prime Minister inaugurated a conference in Mogadishu, emphasizing the critical role of clerics in promoting peace, reconciliation, and countering extremist ideologies within the nation. During the conference, Prime Minister Barre stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, intellectuals, clerics, and the people to address the various challenges facing Somalia. He highlighted the pivotal role that clerics and Imams play in raising public awareness and countering the extremist narratives propagated by groups like al-Shabaab and ISIS in the region. "I urge you to engage in reconciliation, stabilization, state-building, and the finalization of the constitution," Prime Minister Barre stated, highlighting the government's achievements in co...
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