KALIMA NEWSLETTER OF THE EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND BAHRAIN

2018/19

UfschĂśtti, Lucerne, Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region, ÂŠ Stefan Tschumi

Be inspired by going to MySwitzerland.com/cities and discovering Swiss cities from a surprising perspective.

During my time in the UAE, I witnessed how this country underwent an incredible transformation. The introduction of the Ministers for Happiness, Youth and Artificial Intelligence as well as the creation of the all-new virtual Ministry of Possibilities and the fast-paced development of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi are only a few examples of the innovative spirit that drives the UAE’s vision for a greater, more

EDITORIAL

equal and brighter future. And with the Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE will get ever closer to fulfilling it.

Dear fellow Swiss citizens, dear readers and friends of Switzerland,

In terms of the excellent relationship between Switzerland and the UAE, I am especially proud of

I can hardly believe that a full year has passed,

how we were able to diversify the topics that we

since you last heard from us! As the Expo 2020

collaborate on. The last couple of years have seen

draws closer, time seems to go by a little bit faster

the introduction of a yearly bilateral Financial

every day. Still, we want to take a few moments to

Dialogue, innovative partnerships in the field of

share with you, some of the memorable initiatives

International Cooperation as well as the broadening

and events that the team at the Embassy of

of our cooperation in the energy sector, which

Switzerland has been busy with the last twelve

culminated in the election of Switzerland to the

months.

Council of the International Renewable Energy Agency in January 2019. These milestones were

As you will see, the thematic scope of this

possible only thanks to the mutual respect and

newsletter is as ambitious as ever: From an

admiration between my home and my host country.

overview of the Swiss activities during the Special

And I am certain that our relations will be further

Olympics World Games 2019, to the fascinating

enhanced in the future.

recount of our Consul’s long career and a report on the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019, you will

However, the Embassy could not do its job without

find a broad range of exciting articles to read up on.

the unrelenting support of the Swiss community in

To celebrate the Year of Tolerance, we kick off this

the UAE. Thank you for welcoming me and making

edition with an interview with one of the best known

me feel closer to home whenever we met. I have a

Swiss people in the UAE. Bishop Paul Hinder was

lot of inspiring discussions and wonderful memories

kind enough to answer a few questions for us and

to look back to and will miss the dynamism and the

we hope that you will enjoy his insights as much as

creativity that makes the Swiss community in this

we do.

country so special.

For me personally, 2018/19 was also a journey

I hope to see many familiar faces whenever I have

towards a new chapter. After four years in this

the chance to visit the UAE and wish you all the

magnificent country, I will go back to Berne this

best for your future endeavours!

summer to take over my new role as the Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division. In this sense, I will not completely abandon the UAE and will fortunately have many opportunities to come

Maya Tissafi

back.

Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE and Bahrain 

YEAR OF TOLERANCE 6

A CONVERSATION WITH BISHOP PAUL HINDER „there is a vibrant migrant church living in this country“

MEETING THE DETERMINED SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES 2019

„the biggest international humanitarian sports event ever“

EMBASSY AFFAIRS 16

FACTS & FIGURES 2019

LOOKING BACK AT 35 YEARS OF SWISS CONSULAR SERVICE WITH CONSUL JÜRG METZ „a truly thrilling, fascinating time“

YOUNG CITIZENS’ CELEBRATION 2018 / 19

A SHORT UPDATE ON BAHRAIN

SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABILITY IMPLEMENTED LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY - ADSW 2019

„only a holistic and multi-level approach can lead to a lasting effect on combatting global warming“

UNDERSTANDING THE SWISS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE GULF WITH NIKLAUS EGGENBERGER

„the GCC countries have traditionally offered generous support to those who are less fortunate“

FOCUS SWITZERLAND GETTING READY FOR SUMMER WITH SWITZERLAND TOURISM

KICKING OFF THE SWISS PAVILION FOR EXPO 2020

42 BEST OF THE REST

MOMENTS 2018/19

Y E A R

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T O L E R A N C E

A Conversation with

Bishop Paul Hinderâ€Š

A portrait of Bishop Paul Hinder

Bishop Hinder, you have been here in Abu Dhabi

decessor, Mgr. Bernardo Gremoli. During that time

for 15 years and personally witnessed the

Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the nation, died (2nd

incredible development that this country went

November 2004). An already planned visit to him

through in the last decade. How did this change

was no more possible because of his sickness.

affect your work as a high representative of the Catholic Church compared to when you started?

Compared to 2004, the Catholic Church in the UAE has developed remarkably in number as well as in

I landed on 25 January 2004 in Dubai and was

structures. Thanks to the generosity of the

ordained bishop in Abu Dhabi five days later. At that

respective rulers and with the help of our people we

time the sky scrapers in Jebel Ali did not yet exist.

could build or rebuild churches in Al Ain, Ras Al

And the skyline of Abu Dhabi was rather modest

Khaimah, Abu Dhabi (St Therese), Musaffah (St

compared to 2019. I have seen during these 15

Paul) and right now in Ruwais. We improved the

years a vertiginous development of the UAE in

structures of the existing schools in Dubai, Abu

almost every regard. When I came back from a visit

Dhabi and Fujairah, acquired two others in Dubai /

abroad after four weeks in certain parts of the

Muhaisnah and in Sharjah. Next September a

country the face had already changed again. The

brand-new Saint Maryâ€™s School will open its doors in

first 14 months I was the auxiliary bishop of my pre-

Ras Al Khaimah.

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The beginning of this year was marked by the historic visit of His Holiness, Pope Francis, to Abu Dhabi. You certainly played a crucial role in making this visit possible. Can you explain, why it was so important to have the Pope visit the Gulf and speak to the numerous Catholics living in the UAE? There have been rumours regarding a possible visit of Pope Francis for quite a while. Invitations from different Gulf

His Holiness the Pope greets the faithful as he arrives in Zayed Sports City Stadium

countries to the Pope and visits of several rulers to the Vatican fuelled the

2019 was named the Year of Tolerance by the

speculations. I told Pope Francis more than once

UAE authorities. How does this strong

that he was eagerly expected by our faithful in the

declaration of religious tolerance impact the

Gulf. Nevertheless, the information about the visit in

dialogue of the Catholic Church with other faiths

February, which I received confidentially around 1

and communities, which you spoke about in

November 2018, was a surprise. When the visit was

your book? Has the interaction with the UAE

officially announced on December 6, we had less

federal and state institutions changed in the last

than two months left for the preparation of the

months?

mega-event. It would not have been possible without the UAE government who did everything to

The space of time since the visit of the Pope is too

make the visit a success. The Crown Prince, Sheikh

short to make a valid statement about the

Mohammed bin Zayed, and other officials made it

sustainability of the event and of the declaration,

possible that in a spirit of mutual understanding and

which was signed. However, I noticed already on

exemplary tolerance the visit could reach its

many occasions that “Human Fraternity” has

purpose. First of all, it was an extremely important

become a point of reference and will definitely find

step forward in the mutual relationship between

its entrance in the curriculum of our schools.

Christians and Muslims, expressed in the Abu Dhabi

Religious tolerance and mutual respect is not

Declaration about “Human Fraternity”. Secondly, the

happening automatically. It has to be learned and

visit showed to the whole world the openness of this

practiced in the schools, at the working place, in the

country for an event which only a few years back

mass media as well as on social media and so on.

would not have been possible. Thirdly, for the

Together with other Christian leaders I will surely

Catholic community in the country the Papal visit

continue, to build bridges and to take care of the

was a recognition of their existence. Actually, many

already existing bridges. I feel that the climate which

people within the Catholic Church, even in the

was already good before the Papal visit has further

higher hierarchy, are not aware of the fact that there

improved since Pope Francis has been in the

is a very vibrant migrant Church living in this

country.

country. The Papal visit made it visible for the whole world.

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What advice would you give to people arriving to the UAE from Switzerland or other Christian countries with regard to the practice of their faith? What differences await them and how can they prepare for religious life in a predominantly Muslim country?

Ambassador Maya Tissafi and her colleagues during the visit of Pope Francis

Many people coming from Switzerland and other countries in Europe think that

One of the challenges that you face on a daily

churches do not exist in this country and that the

basis as Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia is

practice of Christian faith is not allowed. It is

the diversity of origins and languages within the

important to get rid of this wrong prejudice.

Catholic communities in the region. How do you

Secondly, coming from a rather secularised part of

address this multitude of backgrounds? Does it

the world, our compatriots from Switzerland have to

have an effect on the way you convey messages

learn that religion in this part of the world is a matter

to the community?

of course (“Selbstverständlichkeit”). This can be a challenge for someone who has probably given up

The Catholic Church in the Gulf is multiethnic,

his or her religion a long time ago and / or is not

multilingual and multi-ritual. Different cultures,

used to practice publicly. Furthermore, a Swiss does

religious backgrounds and feelings have to be

not need to become a Filipino, an Indian or an

respected and coordinated. This is obviously a daily

African. However, it is necessary to show respect

challenge. Let us start with the language: we use

toward the different religious cultures and to get rid

English, a language which is the mother tongue of

of our quite common understanding that we are the

only a minority but used as “lingua franca”. It is

best and the most developed. I have learnt a lot

obvious that celebrating the liturgy, preaching and

from these people who generally are not particularly

singing in a language which is not the mother

educated but show me a life experience and simple

tongue of the people does not make the pastoral

faith which is stimulating. Newcomers may be

work easier. In order to balance the situation, we

disturbed by the muezzin who calls via loud-

have Church staff (priests, religious sisters, other

speakers to the prayer and feel that in this country it

faithful) who can accompany our faithful in the

is the best not to show our own belonging. My

different languages and traditions. This is a

experience is rather the opposite: People, including

challenge also for me as bishop as I have the task

the Muslims, respect and appreciate when we live

to combine diversity and unity and to sometimes be

our own identity. Sometimes our people from Asian

the troubleshooter in moments of conflicts.

and African countries are surprised to see that those

However, being in this situation for 15 years, I am

people who once brought the Christian faith to their

generally very edified to see how our faithful are

countries are no more or only rarely practicing their

living in a remarkable harmony. I feel that they are

faith. On the other hand, I have met people from

leading an example in a region of the world in which

Western countries who have rediscovered their

conflicts risk to destroy the social tissue of the

Christian identity because of the example the very

respective societies. Keeping together a community

simple people coming from other cultural areas

composed by people from more than 100 nations

have given.  

remains a challenge but I consider it as an important sign in today’s world.

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Meeting the Determined

Special Olympics World Games 2019â€Š

The team of Special Olympics Switzerland and Ambassador Maya Tissafi march into Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi for the opening ceremony

Y E A R

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An outside view of the House of Switzerland Abu Dhabi 2019

T O L E R A N C E

disabilities and fostered their inclusion through sports. This yearâ€™s edition was attended by over 7'500 athletes, 195 delegations and 20'000 volunteers from all over the world, which made it the biggest international humanitarian sports event ever. As a country with a long history of tolerance and inclusion, Switzerland has been part of this movement for over 20 years. Consequently, and to nobodyâ€™s surprise, our country was well represented

From 14 to 21 March 2019, the 15th Special

during the World Games 2019 as well! 64 athletes

Olympics World Summer Games were held in Abu

travelled to the UAE last March to compete in 12

Dhabi and Dubai. This sports event for people of

different disciplines, such as Basketball, Judo,

determination was initiated by Eunice Shriver, who

Swimming and Tennis. They were accompanied by

was a sister of the late President John F. Kennedy

the coaches and team members of Special

and founded the Special Olympics movement in

Olympics Switzerland as well as by their families,

1968. Thus, the World Summer Games 2019

who cheered for them during the competitions, shed

marked the 50th anniversary of a worldwide

tears when something did not go as planned and

movement that challenged the perception of society

celebrated their many victories. Thanks to their

towards people who suffer from mental or multiple

incredible willpower and their professional perform-

The President of the Special Olympics Switzerland Foundation, Prof. Kurt Murer, speaks during the opening of the House of Switzerland Abu Dhabi 2019

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ances, the Swiss athletes were able to win 12 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze medals! The Embassy of Switzerland played its part as well by giving the Swiss participants a home during their stay in the UAE, visiting the competitions and hosting thematic events. For the duration of the World Games 2019, the Tamarind Restaurant in the Hotel Capital Centre Arjaan in Abu Dhabi was transformed into a so-called

Swimmer Fabienne Salamin proudly presents her gold medal

‘House of Switzerland’. This meeting point for Swiss participants and friends of

did not stop there. The Federal Council nominated

Switzerland was located next to one of the main

National Councillor Christian Lohr as its delegate for

competition sites in the Abu Dhabi National

the World Games 2019. In the company of

Exhibition Centre. It offered Swiss specialties, such

Ambassador Maya Tissafi, he visited many

as Raclette and Basler Leckerli, as well as a Swiss

competitions and encouraged the athletes to give it

décor, a photo exhibition with impressions from the

their best. As the first president of the Special

Swiss athletes’ training for the World Games 2019

Olympics Switzerland Foundation, National

and even a chalet - it was a small piece of

Councillor Lohr has a profound knowledge about

Switzerland in the middle of Abu Dhabi! But the

the challenges that the athletes and their families

official support of Switzerland to the Swiss athletes

face during such a competition and in life in general.

The team of Special Olympics Switzerland gets ready for the official opening ceremony in Zayed Sports City Stadium

Y E A R

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T O L E R A N C E

National Councillor Christian Lohr and Ambassador Maya Tissafi visit the Boccia competition

To benefit from this long experience in the topic and

Switzerland and the Middle East.

to raise awareness about the difficulties that people with mental and / or physical disabilities still

Before going back to Switzerland, the Swiss

encounter in the professional world and in sports,

athletes and their families celebrated this amazing

the Embassy also invited Mr. Lohr to participate in a

experience in the UAE with a Swiss Night hosted by

panel discussion in the â€˜House of Switzerlandâ€™.

the Embassy. In the presence of National Councillor

Together with Prof. Kurt Murer, the current president

Lohr and Mrs. Christa Rigozzi, an Ambassador for

of the Special Olympics Switzerland Foundation,

the cause of Special Olympics Switzerland, they

and Mr. Hazem Ibrahim, the former Secretary-

could relax and look back at the many memorable

General of the National Council for Disability Affairs

moments that they had together in the previous

in Syria, Mr. Lohr explained to an international

days.

audience what has to be done to reach full inclusion of people with disabilities. The complementary

The Special Olympics World Games 2019 were an

perspectives of the three panelists allowed for a

event that will linger on with the Swiss participants

fascinating exchange and for a comparison between

and the people of the Embassy for a long time, as

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T O L E R A N C E

Impressions from the panel discussion in the House of Switzerland Abu Dhabi 2019

they illustrated a constructive and joyful way to approach the very serious topic of people of determination. The next Winter Games of Special Olympics will take place in 2021 in Sweden and the following Summer Games in 2023 in Berlin. We are already curious to see where the next chapter in 2025 will unfold. Maybe in Switzerland? You never know!

National Councillor Christian Lohr and Hazem Ibrahim discuss the inclusion of people of determination

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T O L E R A N C E

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Swiss Night in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the athletes of Special Olympics Switzerland in the presence of National Councillor Christian Lohr and Christa Rigozzi in her function as Ambassador for Special Olympics Switzerland

E M B A S S Y

A F FA I R S

FACTS & FIGURES 2019â€© 3043 SWISS CITIZENS IN THE UAE

German 34%

Other 15%

108 SWISS CITIZENS IN BAHRAIN German 25%

French 46% Italian 5%

Other 17% Italian 5%

<18 years

18 - 65 years

>65 years

58% MEN

French 54%

54% MEN

42% WOMEN

46% WOMEN

E M B A S S Y

A F FA I R S

Looking back at 35 years of Swiss Consular Service with

Consul Jürg Metz  The Great Wall of China in 2005

In June 1984, after a one-year selection and

After an interesting time in Berne, I drove our

engagement procedure, I finally got my appointment

overloaded car across the Alps to the first posting in

letter for the Swiss Consular Service. It was a sunny

Genoa, Italy, on the second New Years’ day 1985. It

September day when my family – wife and two

was one of the most severe winters of the century

daughters – packed up our household for the first

and what should have been a 6-hour drive took two

time and left our home city of Zurich for Berne, the

days! There was no Mediterranean climate to be

Swiss capital. There, I started the 2 years of

found on the Riviera, only heaps of snow – heating

education, which consisted of a 3-month course at

systems froze and transportation broke down for

the Foreign Department, followed by 20 months of

weeks. It was only in spring that matters finally

working and learning at a Swiss representation

improved. During the 1 ½ years of practical work in

abroad and final exams back in Berne. Consular

Italy, I learned the basics of the – at the time still

work consists of three areas: consular services for

quite old-fashioned – consular work and managed

Swiss citizens, immigration to Switzerland (mainly

to acquire a day-to-day grasp of the language. As a

issuance of visa) and administrative tasks

Swiss national language, Italian was also the

(Finances/HR/Admin).

working language in the Consulate General.

Summer 1986 saw me back in

E M B A S S Y

A F FA I R S

Working in Hong Kong in 1986

caused a lot of trouble.

Berne for more schooling and

Despite the fact that life and

the final exams. During this

work was pretty challenging,

time, the following postings

my family’s time in Libya

were assigned and I was very

turned out to be very

pleased to learn that we would

fascinating.

spend the coming 4 years in Hong Kong. Back then, it was

My next transfer in summer

a fantastic city to live in: exotic

1991 to Vienna came as a

but with great quality of life;

surprise and proved to be a

easy to switch from the

very positive move: life was

European to the Chinese

easy and the standard of living

world, a great Swiss

excellent. During my first two

community, fulfilling work and

years, I managed the visa

mostly tropical climate. Our

section in the morning and the

girls started school at the

social security section in the

German Swiss International

afternoon. At the time, most of

School and in 1987 our son was born there.

the Swiss abroad were members of the voluntary Social Security Scheme and had to be “taxed” by

In the last century, we agents had no say in the

the Embassy.

In the second half of my posting, I

process of being transferred. Therefore, by the end

was in charge of the Consular section and took care

of 1989, I received the marching orders for my next

of the 12’000 Swiss citizens in Austria.

posting in Libya, where we arrived in spring 1990. Coming from Hong Kong, the living conditions

In May 1995, we cleared our beautiful house in

turned out to be rather challenging.

The focus of

Vienna and moved to New York. After a couple of

my work was definitely on administration. There

months in the visa section, I took over the social

were quite a few visas to be issued but consular

security department and was promoted to Vice

work was very limited. My own family represented

Consul (in those days, advancing up the scale was

10% of the Swiss colony! The poor infrastructure,

quite slow). My family enjoyed living in the New York

shortage of supply and the effects of the Gulf War

suburbs, where we rented a great Tudor-style house. Commuting however, was a bit of a hassle… In September 1998 we packed our things anew to cross the Atlantic and live in the Netherlands. Conditions in The Hague turned out to be great! Only the weather was a bit on the rainy side. I worked the whole spectrum of consular duties and – after 2 years – had the chance to take over as Head of Chancellery and be

With the family in Libya in 1990

promoted to Consul for the

E M B A S S Y

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It was in September 2007 that we went back to Europe – to Germany to be exact. The city was Stuttgart and I was responsible for the consular service in Baden-Württemberg. This time, the emphasis was on consular work; there were few visa applications and not too much administration. However, there were 28’000 Swiss citizens registered in the Bundesland and our work there is comparable to that of a small city in Switzerland. Stuttgart is only 2 ½ hours by car from Zurich, so we enjoyed renewing our ties to our home city. In the spring of 2011, I got my posting to Tokyo – back to the Far East again. Unfortunately, the start was not easy as we arrived in the midst of the tsunami and the following nuclear disaster at Fukushima. Coping with heavy aftershocks during many months was a further challenge. In Japan, the The Swiss Embassy in The Hague in 2001

main focus of my work shifted from the consular field to the administration of a big Embassy and to

Netherlands. During our time in The Hague, our

contingency planning. Moreover, we were back to

daughters finished school and left for university in

compound living, which – in my opinion – has its

Switzerland. We lived 5 years in the country until I

advantages such as no commuting and better

received my posting to China. Meanwhile, the

disaster-preparedness. Of course, life in a 34-million

system had changed and we now had to apply for

metropolis and in the Japanese world demanded a

new postings. So again, in the summer of 2003 it

certain degree of adaptation. Japan, being a larger

meant packing and shipping the household to the

country than it seems to the outsider, saw me

Far East.

travelling a lot in order to visit the Swiss communities scattered in these fascinating Islands.

Beijing proved to be my most challenging posting. I was Consul for China (except for the Shanghai

In September 2015, we moved one more time - to

area), Mongolia, and North Korea. Today, Beijing is

Abu Dhabi, my last posting and more than halfway

our biggest Embassy, which is the result of it

back to Switzerland. The climate was no surprise,

doubling its size from 2003 - 2007. The consular

Tokyo summers are just as hot and humid as any

affairs in China were easy to handle but the visa

September day in the UAE. Life seemed to be

section was the largest worldwide. The focus of my

easier here: lots of space, no real language barrier,

work was again on administration and included

good availability of European products. Work in Abu

oversight of three major reconstruction projects on

Dhabi however turned out to be more demanding

the large Embassy Compound. This was a new field

than expected. The focus was back on consular

in which I had much to learn. During my 4 years in

affairs and the visa section, the latter being the sixth

Peking, China was modernising quickly. It was a

biggest worldwide. In 2018 alone, we treated over

privilege and an outstanding experience to witness

24’000 applications! Furthermore, the consular

the daily routine changing so rapidly. Towards the

section has to deal with numerous cases of

end of our Beijing days, our son left the family as

consular protection, some with serious

well to take up his studies in Switzerland.

consequences for the persons involved. Since

E M B A S S Y

Embassies are not allowed to get involved in legal matters, these cases are quite difficult to handle. Therefore, even during the last four years of my career, I learned a lot, was confronted with ever-new situations and could acquire a wealth of new experiences. This summer, after 35 years in the foreign service, we will pack for the last time and move

In North Korea in 2005

back to Switzerland. This time, it will be rather different though, as I will go on pension. My wife and I are looking forward to a quiet life in our home town, where we will be reunited with our children and grandchildren. These 35 years abroad have been a truly thrilling, fascinating time thanks to the excellent colleagues and thanks to my wifeâ€™s unremitting support. It was an honour and privilege to serve for Switzerland in this capacity.â€Š

Dressing up to meet the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo in 2013

A F FA I R S

E M B A S S Y

A F FA I R S

#STAYINTOUCH #YoungSwissAbroad #MySwiss18

Young Citizens’ Celebration 2018/19  

Our young Swiss celebrating in Dubai in December 2018

Around 162’000 Swiss citizens living abroad are

traditionally known as “Jungbürgerfeier”, “jeune

under the age of 18. In 2017 alone, almost 8’000

célébration citoyenne” or “festa dei giovani cittadini”.

young Swiss citizens abroad celebrated their

During this ceremony, the young citizens were

majority. In order to duly honour this transition to

informed about their new rights and duties and

adulthood of its young citizens abroad, the Swiss

received a further insight into their homeland

Embassy in Abu Dhabi invited the vintages of 1999

through a short presentation about Switzerland and

and 2000 to a “Young Citizens' Celebration” which is

a subsequent quiz, in which they had to interact with

E M B A S S Y

A F FA I R S

each other to find the right answers to the

After this enjoyable evening, two young citizens

questions. Following the presentations, the young

agreed to respond to a few questions about

people came together for an aperitif, where they

themselves, their motivations and aspirations for the

were given the opportunity to exchange views and

future and what Switzerland means to them. You will

experiences with other young citizens, to discuss

find their answers below. Enjoy! 

about future plans and, of course, to ask questions to the representatives of the Embassy.

Andreas Chahidi

Elena Burgener

Which languages do you speak?

English, French, Greek, and Arabic to some extent

Swiss German, English and some French

How long have you lived in the UAE?

12 years

15 years

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to study medicine and to specialize into

I have applied to a few universities in Europe to

surgery – hopefully in Switzerland. And if I don’t

study Medicine in English.

study in Switzerland, I hope to go back there after finishing university.

What does Switzerland represent to you? I go there every year for Christmas and the summer

What does Switzerland represent to you?

to visit my family. Dubai has definitely become a

It’s my home country. By blood, technically I am

home to me. But whenever I go back to Switzerland

more Greek, but I grew up in Switzerland and that’s

and spend time with my family, I feel at home there

why it’s more of a home country to me.

as well. What makes Switzerland special for you? The immense amount of freedom in relation to public transportation and being able to spend time outdoors in nature. Even though I love living in the warm climate of Dubai, going back to Switzerland every year is a nice change of pace.  

E M B A S S Y

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A Short Update on

Bahrain Since February 2018, the Swiss accreditation to the

Gathering with the Swiss community in Manama in June 2018

Kingdom of Bahrain lies officially with the Embassy of Switzerland in Abu Dhabi. This change of accreditation from Doha was much appreciated by the authorities in Manama. In just a short period of time, the relationship between the two countries has been strengthened and trust was built. Switzerland and Bahrain engaged in political consultations early 2018 and several bilateral agreements are currently being discussed. Implementation of Memoranda of Understanding in the field of Human Rights also continued. The latest visit of March 2019 to Bahrain in this regard has shown how much both sides appreciate cooperation. A forthcoming visit of a Bahraini delegation to Switzerland is planned in October 2019. Ambassador Maya Tissafi at the King Hamad Centre for Peaceful Co-Existence

of the World Cup football game Switzerland-Serbia. The gathering took place at Mövenpick Hotel, which delighted the guests with a touch of Swiss cuisine and specialities from home! The game was a great opportunity to bring together several members of the community including children and retirees. The great performance of the Swiss national team was the cherry on top and lead to a victory over Serbia (2:1), paving the way for the 1/8 finals. The event was a success and highly appreciated by the Swiss community in Bahrain. During the event, Mr. Jürg Metz informed the community about the Embassy’s Consular Services and answered related questions. The day before, Mr. Metz did the periodical check of the Visa-Outsourcer VFS in Manama to ensure quality and timely services for the residents of

On a lighter and more personal note, the Swiss

Bahrain. The Consul General Honorary to the

Embassy is also keen on engaging with its

Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Humbert Buemi and his

community in Bahrain. In June 2018, the Head of

family participated in the event and helped mobilise

Chancellery, Mr. Jürg Metz, and the diplomatic

the Swiss community. The Embassy wishes to make

officer in charge of Bahrain, Mr. Pascal Raess,

this a annual gathering and is currently planning a

travelled to Manama to participate in the screening

similar event during the second half of 2019.  

E M B A S S Y

A F FA I R S

E M B A S S Y

A F FA I R S

The Embassy team in May 2019

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Sustainability implemented locally and globally

ADSW2019 

State Secretary for Energy, Benoît Revaz, and Ambassador Maya Tissafi cut the ribbon for the Swiss Pavilion at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019

The past twelve months have shown how engaging

After last year’s success at the Abu Dhabi

the discourse on climate change is. People –

Sustainability Week in January 2018, Switzerland

especially young people – are demanding more

could also show this year its deep commitment to

awareness and efficient actions taken against

engage in the important discussion on climate and

climate change. Switzerland acknowledges that only

environment as well as enabling practical and

a holistic and multi-level approach can lead to a

theoretical exchange in the field of sustainable

lasting effect on combatting global warming. What is

energy production.

the role of the Swiss Embassy, as a representation of Switzerland in the UAE with regard to climate

On the base of local involvement, the Swiss

change?

Embassy met with the Dubai Municipality on an

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

active engagement and exchange on waste

experiences with the private and public sector. Their

management. On a multilateral level, Switzerland

three-day trip included visits to the Hitachi Zosen

took part in the General Assembly of the

Inova offices, governmental briefings by the Federal

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Office for the Environment (FOEN) and an

and has been elected as one of the council

inspection of a waste-to-energy plant in Lucerne.

members for 2019-2020. Furthermore, it acted as a connector of a local and international audience by co-organising with the Italian Embassy a discussion and exhibition on different perspectives of climate change as well as positioning Swiss expertise as a committed actor in the discussion on climate change.

Casting the Swiss vote for the new Director General of IRENA

Meeting with the Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, H.E. Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi

Exchanging with the business community during an event at the residence

The next step marked the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in January 2019. The Swiss Embassy gladly welcomed BenoĂŽt Revaz back, the Director of the Swiss Federal Agency of Energy. As the main event of the ADSW, the 9th meeting of the Official Meeting with the Dubai Municipality

General Assembly of IRENA took place, with 156 countries participating. After eight years of Adnan

Last yearâ€™s road to political and economic

Amin, under whose leadership IRENA has grown

engagement with sustainability started off in June

into an agency with 160 accredited countries and

with a meeting between Dawood Al Hajiri, Director

further 23 in the application process, this year a new

General of Dubai Municipality, and Vincent

Director General had to be elected. The two

Pasquier, Deputy Head of Mission, covering the

candidates for the position: the Italian Francesco La

topic of waste management and the already existent

Camera and the Colombian German Arce. With an

know-how of the Swiss private sector. The meeting

overwhelming majority Francesco La Camera, the

lead to a visit of a delegation from Dubai

former Director General in the Italian Ministry of

Municipality to Switzerland and an exchange of

Environment, was elected, who has shown in years

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Looking at the Arctic. Last Frontier exhibition with the Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, and the Italian Ambassador, Mr. Liborio Stellino

of experience his commitment to a multilateral

Abu Dhabi assembled different projects of Swiss

engagement, which will serve him well when

research institutions on global warming and climate

tackling the challenges of his new position.

change. The central piece was a reproduction of the Swiss Camp, the first automatic meteorological

On the sidelines of IRENA, the Swiss delegation

station in Greenland, which was founded in 1990

was invested in several high-level meetings with

and is still in use today. By connecting the Arctic

ministers and other high-ranking government

with the Swiss Alps the exhibition could show how

officials. Especially enlightening was the meeting

this environment serves as an ideal place for Swiss

with H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of the newly

research. For the diverse presentations and

established Ministry of Climate Change and

discussions – co-organised by the Italian Embassy

Environment. The discussion circled around energy

– we could not only win Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi but

efficiency and the possibilities of digitalisation, and

also Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the former President

how today’s (Swiss) technology can lead to an

of Island and now Chairman of the Arctic Circle,

efficient energy transition. On that note, the Minister

Benoît Revaz and Prof. Konrad Steffen, Director of

expressed a possible cooperation with Switzerland.

the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and

The involvement of the Swiss private sector – as a

Landscape Research (WSL).

vital partner – in meetings with governmental representatives of the energy sector of Abu Dhabi

Switzerland is looking into a future of multi-levelled

and Dubai and with its presence at the Swiss

engagement on local policy and projects with

Pavilion could be guaranteed and is highly

representatives of the Swiss private sector, on a

appreciated.

multilateral level as new council member of IRENA, and also on a level of local and international public

Open to an interested public, the exhibition Arctic.The Last Frontier at the New York University

engagement on combatting climate change.

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

The Arctic. Last Frontier exhibition in New York University Abu Dhabi

Prof. Konrad Steffen of ETH Zurich speaking at the Arctic Forum

A reproduction of the Swiss Camp in New York University Abu Dhabi

The former President of Island Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson speaking at the Arctic Forum

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

ÂŠ Carsten Egevang

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

ÂŠ Marina Aliverti

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Â© Paolo Solari Bozzi

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Â© Ragnar Axelsson

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Understanding the Swiss International Cooperation   in the Gulf with

Niklaus Eggenberger 

Our Regional Advisor for International Cooperation with representatives of the Emirates Red Crescent

Why is the Swiss Agency for Development and

donor with an average annual ratio of its official

Cooperation (SDC) present in the UAE and the

development assistance to gross national income of

region as a whole? Should it not focus on

around 1.2%, compared to Switzerland’s average of

countries in need of aid?

0.45% per year.

You know, this is a question that I am often asked.

Furthermore, many of the challenges that affect

We are, in fact, present in the UAE and Gulf region

more vulnerable countries in the region (some of

precisely because we want to support those who

which are focal countries of the Swiss International

are most vulnerable and in need of aid. You see, the

Cooperation) and the world, including Switzerland –

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are

such as climate change, water scarcity or food

important providers of development and

insecurity – are of a global nature and require

humanitarian assistance. They have traditionally

global, coordinated and collaborative responses in

offered generous support to those who are less

line with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for

fortunate or facing crises not only in the region but

Sustainable Development.

also worldwide. In attestation of this, since 2013, the UAE stands out as the world’s largest foreign aid

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Building on Switzerland’s long history and extensive

chain. During one of the first exchanges I had with

experience in international cooperation, SDC

IsDB officials in Jeddah, interest was expressed in a

engages in a dialogue on development issues of

relatively small but highly successful SDC pilot

mutual concern with key GCC domestic and foreign

project on water productivity (WAPRO) in Pakistan

aid actors; we exchange knowledge and capacities

which has exactly the same aims that they are

with them and explore options for co-financing of

trying to achieve. Therefore, an agreement was

projects in needy third countries as well as of global

reached whereby Switzerland finances, with

initiatives. The main aim is to increase effectiveness

relatively little money, a type of South-South

and sustainability – and, thereby, achieve more

knowledge transfer from its WAPRO project in

impact – of our international cooperation efforts

Pakistan to the Bank’s large-scale initiative in

through coordinated, collaborative approaches

Western Africa. The Bank, thus, acts as a powerful

along shared principles, international standards and

multiplier of Swiss knowledge and allows

good practices.

Switzerland to have additional development impacts in third countries without having to finance the roll-

Additionally, through its Cooperation Office in

out of the initiative itself – a clear triple win-win

Amman in Jordan, SDC engages in a policy

situation for all parties involved!

dialogue with the UAE (and other GCC and Arab states) with the aim to improve the framework

Another example is that of Almarai – the largest

conditions for labor migrants and share good

Food and Beverage Company in the Middle East

migration policy practices among concerned

and North Africa region (MENA) – that, thanks to the

governments.

facilitation of Switzerland, has recently joined the Alliance for Water Stewardship, an SDC partner that

What are the main partners for Switzerland in

promotes the use of scarce water resources in an

the region? Can you give a few examples of how

economically beneficial, socially equitable and

the specific partnerships work?

ecologically sustainable manner.

In order to achieve the desired impact mentioned before, SDC partners with important multipliers that can make a difference such as ministries, multilateral and national development funds and large companies. One example of this is SDC’s collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), a multilateral development financial institution with 57 member

Planting rice seedlings in Pakistan with the support of SDC

countries. Among its projects, the IsDB finances a USD 370 million program in 10

What are the main challenges that the region

West African countries (some of which are also

faces in terms of development and the

SDC focal countries) to boost rice production and

environment? How can Switzerland contribute

productivity in a water-efficient, sustainable way by

to solving them?

also involving the private sector along the value

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

quality and negatively affect ecosystems. Agriculture accounts for around 80% of the region’s groundwater use, therefore alternative solutions must be sought and, in this regard, there is a huge potential in the reuse of treated wastewater. Currently, wastewater treatment average in the GCC is around 56%, while only 43% of the treated wastewater in the region is being recycled, thus, contributing to only 1.8% of total water supply. Despite this and various other efforts undertaken towards sustainable water resource management, it remains a fundamental challenge for the region. Switzerland has a lot of experience in the sustainable use of its natural resources, and water has been a priority of Swiss foreign and development policy for a long time. In fact, SDC was the first development agency to create a global water programme to address water as a global challenge, and, being the “water tower” of Europe, Switzerland has gained extensive experience in managing (shared) water resources in an Water-efficient rice farming

integrated, sustainable way. Switzerland also has the ability to innovate as well as to catalyse

You may be aware that the MENA region is the most

innovations to tackle global challenges such as

water-scarce region in the world; over 60% of the

water scarcity – or food security and climate change

region’s population lives in areas with high water

which are intimately linked to water security.

stress, compared with a global average of about 35%. But what is possibly even worse is that

Furthermore, under the title of “Blue Peace” or

according to a survey of MENA experts and leaders

“water diplomacy”, Switzerland uses water as a tool

conducted by the World Economic Forum, the

for conflict prevention and sustainable peace

majority of respondents identified water crises as

building, by promoting and encouraging

the greatest threat which the region is least

transboundary water cooperation between riparian

prepared for – ranking even higher than political

countries. This is even more important considering

instability or unemployment.

that 60% of surface water in MENA, a conflict-prone region, is shared among several riparian states and

GCC countries depend on groundwater and

each MENA country shares at least one

desalinated water to meet their needs (domestic

groundwater aquifer with another country.

consumption, industries, agriculture). However, 50%

Therefore, Switzerland offers countries its support in

of their groundwater abstraction is unsustainable as

managing their water resources more effectively

it not only contributes to the depletion of

and in reducing tensions between different users at

groundwater aquifers but also to the deterioration of

both the national and regional levels.

water quality due to increased salinity. Additionally, brine discharge from desalination plants, pollution,

You have been in this position for 4 years.

and untreated wastewater also degrade water

Which achievements are you most proud of?

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Last but not least, another success I am proud of is the Arab Gulf Programme for Development AGFUND joining as a strategic partner of the Swiss Capacity Building F a c i l i t y, a p u b l i c - p r i v a t e development partnership with the Swiss finance sector that assists financial institutions in developing countries in significantly scaling up their outreach to poor people. AGFUND board meeting with Nobel Prize winner Prof. Mohammed Yunus and Queen Sofía of Spain

The Expo 2020 will integrate

many development topics, such as I am most proud of the “Task Force on Water” that

s u s t a i n a b i l i t y, w a t e r m a n a g e m e n t a n d

Switzerland has initiated and built up within the

education. How does the Swiss Agency for

framework of the high-level dialogue that the

Development and Cooperation plan to engage in

members of the OECD Development Assistance

this global event?

Committee (DAC) have with the ten largest donor agencies on the Arabian Peninsula. Switzerland

On the one hand, we will integrate “Blue Peace” into

was asked to host this Dialogue in 2017 and

the Swiss pavilion. As mentioned above, it is a

organized an additional “Arab-Swiss Water Day”

Swiss foreign policy priority to promote

during which matters related to effectiveness and

transboundary water cooperation, strengthen hydro-

sustainability in water resource management were

diplomacy and leverage water as an instrument to

discussed. Many participants then suggested to

prevent conflict and sustain peace. This innovative

integrate water into the Arab-DAC Dialogue for the

approach and initiative that now has become a

long term. The Task Force is co-led by Switzerland

global movement, very much relevant particularly

and Kuwait and comprises six of the ten most

for the MENA region, shall be presented in the

important donors of the Arabian Peninsula, among

Swiss pavilion for broader audience.

them the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. On the other hand, we were asked by the Dubai I am also proud of having been able to motivate

Expo 2020 Global Practice Programme to

Almarai to join the Alliance for Water Stewardship

showcase successful projects and solutions for

(AWS). We are currently planning a sensitisation

achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development

workshop on water stewardship, i.e. water use that

Goals, e.g. in the fields of promoting livelihoods and

is economically beneficial, socially equitable and

enterprise development; water, food and energy

environmentally sustainable, at our Embassy in Abu

security; health and education; or inclusive and

Dhabi. The workshop shall comprise different

sustainable service delivery. Selected projects will

stakeholders from the UAE government and the

be spotlighted online as well as on site in the

corporate sector that can make a big difference in

thematic opportunity pavilion of the Expo that is

terms of water efficiency if they adopt the standards

expected to see around 25 million visitors, which, of

of the AWS.

course, offers good visibility for Switzerland. 

F O C U S

S W I T Z E R L A N D

Getting ready for summer with

Switzerland Tourism  Switzerland and move around, often on the Grand Tour of Switzerland, visiting various places and destinations. In the UAE, we additionally focus on expats from the Indian subcontinent with our brilliant rail product, the Swiss Travel Pass and the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. A truly unique experience! Which destinations are Switzerland’s most wellkept secrets and where can people learn about Matthias Albrecht, Director of Switzerland Tourism in the GCC

what our country has to offer “off the beaten track”?

Dear Matthias, Switzerland is generally a popular holiday destination for people in the

On our brand new website MySwitzerland.com you

region during the hot summer months. Which

find basically everything… the famous attractions

are the most visited places for tourists from the

but also the hidden gems and secrets. The website

Gulf?

has been launched by 1st of May 2019 and can now be the “homepage” for any digital initiatives, social

Geneva, Zurich and Interlaken are the most visited

media as well as augmented and virtual reality.

places. But people are curious to see new places,

Regarding the secrets, there are still some Swiss

they discover Switzerland more and more. Every

destinations which the local tourists haven’t really

year we have a better distribution of tourists in

discovered yet even though I am certain that they

Switzerland!

would love them. For example Neuchâtel in Western Switzerland, the area around Romanshorn

Can you talk a little bit about the differences

and Rorschach at Lake Constance in Eastern

between the countries in the region. What are

Switzerland as well as Locarno and Ascona in the

the specific preferences for tourists going to

Ticino. I personally like the mountains in Uri:

Switzerland and how do you cater to them?

Beautiful nature, clear air and not that many tourists.

We focus our marketing on the local population. The preferences of people from the GCC countries are

Where do you see the biggest potential for

quite similar - they all like to travel with their

improvement or development for tourism in

families, often by car, and they all love the nature.

Switzerland?

This is clearly the number one reason why people from the region go to Switzerland. Furthermore,

There is still a big untapped potential in the GCC for

thrilling but non-exhausting experiences are on top

autumn and winter holidays. We work on the winter

of the list as well as boat rides on our beautiful

since several years now, there is growth… but not

lakes. People normally stay several days/weeks in

as dramatic as we would like to have it. 

F O C U S

S W I T Z E R L A N D

Shift to inspiration at MySwitzerland.com/summer and share your

F O C U S

S W I T Z E R L A N D

r most beautiful experiences at #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND

F O C U S

S W I T Z E R L A N D

Kicking off the

Swiss Pavilion for EXPO 2020  Planting the Swiss flag on the spot of the future Expo 2020 Pavilion

October 2020 is approaching quickly and with it the

responsible Swiss authorities together, the first step

Expo 2020 in Dubai. The motto is “Connecting

of Switzerland’s presence at Expo 2020 was made.

minds, Creating the future” and we enthusiastically

After this amazing experience on the ground of the

adhere to it!

future pavilion, the delegation had the chance to meet with H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Director General

Therefore, we officially kicked off the Swiss Pavilion

of Expo 2020 and Minister of International

in mid-June 2019 in Dubai. In the presence of a

Cooperation, for a constructive and interesting

Swiss delegation led by Dr. Markus Seiler, the

discussion, on the on-going developments.

Secretary-General of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nicolas Bideau, Head

This launch was moreover an ideal opportunity for

of Presence Swiss, and Ambassador Maya Tissafi

Manuel Salchli, our Commissioner General, to hold

the first sod was cut. Bringing contractors and the

Switzerland’s third Expo workshop with partners

F O C U S

S W I T Z E R L A N D

from the business community. The theme for the Swiss Pavilion: From Tradition to Innovation - as beautifully exemplified by the contrast between the photographical recreations of today’s Switzerland and the constant data flow underlying our modern country. He offered an overview of the layout of the future pavilion, which evokes a scenic route by hiking through Switzerland and discovering the layers of modern cities. Apart from the general outline, Mr. Salchli also presented various opportunities for Swiss businesses to be involved and show presence at the Expo 2020. These

With the business community at Switzerland’s third Expo 2020 workshop

opportunities are carefully integrated into the overall

weeks, which will be held over the time of these few

design of the pavilion: partners can choose to be

months. These highlight one particular and pressing

present right at the entrance in custom-made

issue in this modern world and will be celebrated by

crystals or at a later stage of the experience in

all participating countries. Stay tuned for more info

arcades that are inspired by the ones found in the

on this exciting way to join efforts across all pavilion

Swiss capital.

of Expo 2020!

We are also looking forward to a diverse and

If you are interested to actively participate in the

engaging program in 2020 and 2021! You can mark

Swiss Pavilion, we invite you to study our business

21 February 2021 in your calendar, as it will be the

concept. Starting from 3 July 2019, you will find all

Swiss National Day during Expo 2020. An occasion

the relevant details on our website (https://

to celebrate and promote the uniqueness of

houseofswitzerland.org/de/events/expo-2020-dubai)

Switzerland and its heritage. We are also delighted

where we are going to upload a detailed brochure

to take part and invest into the thematic focus

on 3 July 2019. Be part of it! 

Secretary-General Dr. Markus Seiler and Ambassador Maya Tissafi with H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020

F O C U S

S W I T Z E R L A N D

F O C U S

S W I T Z E R L A N D

The final design for the Swiss Expo 2020 Pavilion

- B E S T

O F

T H E

R E S T-

MOMENTS 2018/19 „…honouring the art of Swiss watch making with H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance“

- B E S T

O F

T H E

R E S T-

„…celebrating our National Day“

- B E S T

O F

T H E

R E S T-

„…a warm welcome after a hot summer“

- B E S T

O F

T H E

R E S T-

„…awarding SwissEmirati excellence with IWC Schaffhausen“

- B E S T

O F

T H E

R E S T-

„…only the snow was missing!“

- B E S T

„…a global lens on what makes Switzerland so unique, sponsored by First Abu Dhabi Bank“

O F

T H E

R E S T-

- B E S T

O F

T H E

R E S T-

„…designing (for) a sustainable future“

- B E S T

O F

T H E

R E S T-

„…rocking the house Swiss style!“

- B E S T

O F

T H E

R E S T-

„…ensemble pour la langue française“

- B E S T

„…promoting extraordinary hospitality with Swiss Deluxe Hotels!“

O F

T H E

R E S T-

IMPRESSUM Written, edited and designed by the Embassy of Switzerland to the UAE and Bahrain Cover depicting a Swiss swimmer during her training for the Special Olympics World Games 2019 Picture by KALIMA 2018 / 19 was published in Abu Dhabi (UAE) in June 2019

SwissEmbassyUAE

Published on Jun 25, 2019

Swiss Embassy Newsletter Issue 005

Kalima - the official Newsletter of the Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain - is a publication discussing Switzer...

Swiss Embassy Newsletter Issue 005

Published on Jun 25, 2019

Kalima - the official Newsletter of the Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain - is a publication discussing Switzer...

swissembassyuae

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