Swiss Embassy Newsletter EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Issu e # 003 | Spr in g 2017

Swiss performers of the duo In- motion during the last edition of the Swiss Days in Dubai

Th e Fu t u r e i s n ow !

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A Wor d f r om t h e Am bassador

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High ligh t s of t h e Year

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M ovin g beyon d t h e Clich és: An In t er view w it h Sw iss St ar M u sician Bast ian Bak er

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Sw iss Par t icipat ion in Du bai Expo 2020: Th e Fu t u r e Is Ou r Pr esen t So Let ?s Pr esen t ou r Fu t u r e

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Sw it zer lan d M ar k in g it s Pr esen ce at t h e Abu Dh abi Su st ain abilit y Week 2017

20 Tim e t o M ak e Happin ess Flou r ish : Th e Hist or y of a Sw iss Flow er Clock 23

Con su lar Sect ion : Wh at 's New ?

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Upcom in g act ivit ies

Th e Em bassy is n ow on Social M edia! @Sw issEm bassyUAE

A Wor d f r om t h e Am bassador

Dear fellow Swiss Citizens, ?Connecting minds, creating the future?: in a fast-changing world, where uncertainties can be a source of anxiety for many, the slogan of Expo Dubai 2020 must remind us that we are the actors shaping modernity. It is following this spirit that Switzerland has launched a round of consultations with its partners to discuss Switzerland?s presence in the forthcoming mega-event of 2020. Putting the emphasis on opportunity, in 2020, the Swiss Confederation will similarly ensure that its pavilion offers a platform to discuss topics such as sustainability and learning. It is driven by this mindset that the Swiss Embassy in the UAE took part, this year again, in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (pp 16), with an important delegation of innovative Swiss companies. But innovative clean technologies and the sustainable future we want can?t fructify without focusing on the education of our youth. Here, I am happy to share with you the news that Switzerland will be officially participating in Abu Dhabi World Skills 2017 taking place during the month of October (pp29). More than the youth, Switzerland remains committed to the emancipation of women and the important role they play in the development of our societies. It is in line with this commitment that the Swiss Embassy in the UAE has, this year again, organized its annual ladies?dinner, a good occasion to acknowledge the impressive gender-sensitive policies put in place by the Emirati Authorities, and their inspiring female-ministers. Further than acknowledging the work of those devoted women, Switzerland is also keen on learning from their experiences. It follows that the Swiss government was extremely happy to welcome H.H. Sheikha Lubna to Bern for a discussion on tolerance and looks forward to the forthcoming

conference in St Gallen, where the Minister of State for Youth will be speaking as well as to the official presentation of a Swiss Flower Clock to the Minister of State for Happiness (pp20). Those high level visits are extremely important for the long-lasting bilateral relations between Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates since they ensure the perennity of a productive and friendly dialogue. In that regard, the last 6 months have been very prolific, as we welcomed, in the UAE, the Mayor of Geneva, Guillaume Barrazone, the National Councellor Thomas Aeschi, the Chief of the Armed Forces Staff Major General Claude Meier, as well as the State Secretary for International Financial Matters Jรถrg Gasser, and we look forward to the forthcoming planned visit of Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Amman. Dear fellow citizens, in an era of global transformations, we should not be afraid of the future. With our innovativeness, our openness and even the little ?craziness? Swiss musician Bastian Baker talks about (interview pp 9), as Swiss, we are well equipped to contribute positively to the world of tomorrow, and share our experience with our Emirati partner, as well as the rest of the world following the motto: ?The Future is now!" Yours sincerely,

Maya Tissafi Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE

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H igh l igh ts of th e Year

November 2016 - Dubai Watch Week: A well-attended global event dedicated to the craftsmanship and innovation in the watch industry. The annual event, organized by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, represents one of the most important annual meetings for the watch industry, in the Middle East, with most of the important Swiss Manufactures present. From left to the right: Ambassador Tissafi; H.E. Abdulhamied Ahmed Seddiqi; Mayor of Geneva Guillaume Barazzone and President of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Carlos Lamprecht.

Dec 2016 - Swiss Christmas Market: Organized by the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi, the Market took place at the Hotel Beach Rotana .

November 2016 - Meeting in Ras al Khaima: Ambassador Tissafi and Geneva Mayor Barazzone speaking with the Emir of RAK, H.H. Sheikh Saoud in Ras al Khaima during an official visit to the UAE.

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December 2016 - visit of Thomas Aeschi: Head of the National Council?s EFTA/EU Delegation, National Councillor Thomas Aeschi, visited the UAE to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Economy and the UAE International Investors Council. From left to right: Ambassador Tissafi, Thomas Aeschi and SBC Dubai Vice President, Urs Stirnimann.

January 2017 - Workshop between the Emirates Red Crescent and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation : In Abu Dhabi, the ERC and SDC, represented by Regional Advisor for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Niklaus Eggenberger, organised a two-day workshop in order to enhance knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in the field of humanitarian cooperation.

November 2016 World Government Summit Dubai: State Secretary for International Financial Matters Jรถrg Gasser discussing with IMF Director Christine Lagarde during his visit in the UAE .

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November 2016 Salon des Grandes Complications (SDGC ) in Dubai: Functioning as an annual exhibition designed to provide the watch making sector and independent watchmakers the opportunity to meet.

October 2016 - European Film Screenings: On 20 and 22 October, the Embassy projected 5 Swiss short movies in Dubai, in the framework of the European Film Screenings, a film festival supported by various European Missions in the UAE.

November 2016 - Team-building event: Boat trip during the last team- building event of the Swiss Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

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October 2016 - Swiss Business Council Award: Under the patronage of the Swiss Embassy, and supported by IWC Schaffhausen, the SBC Award is an annual award recognizing the role of one UAE and one Swiss personality who contributed to enhance the relations between Switzerland and the UAE. The 2016 Edition has been won by H.E Reem Ebrahim Al-Hashimi, Minister of State and Managing Director for the Dubai World Expo 2020 and Peter Baumgartner, CEO of Etihad. From left to right: IWC Regional Brand Director Middle-East Luc Rochereau, H.E. Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister for International Development collecting the Award on behalf of H.E Reem Ebrahim Al-Hashimi, Minister of State and Managing Director for the Dubai World Expo 2020, and President of SBC Abu Dhabi Jean-Marc Suter .

October 2016 - Swiss Business Council Award: Award winner Etihad Swiss CEO Peter Baumgartner and his wife, Sue Baumgartner.

December 2016 - Conference on the safeguarding of endangered Cultural Heritage: A Swiss delegation of the Federal Office of Civil Protection in charge of the protection of cultural property conducted by Ambassador Tissafi took part in a conference on the safeguarding of endangered cultural heritage in Abu Dhabi.

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March 2017 - Montreux Comedy Festival : In the framework of the Month of Francophonie, in collaboration with Montreux Comedy and Culture Emulsion, Presence Switzerland and the Swiss Embassy in the UAE organized an international comedy gala, including Swiss humorist Noman Hosni. The event took place Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

October 2016 - Béjart Ballet at the Dubai Opera: SWiss Béjart ballet company performing its outstanding contemporary pieces at the newly-opened Dubai Opera.

January 2017 - Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week : Reception at the Swiss Embassy in the framework of the ADSW. From left to right: Consul Jürg Metz, Ambassador Maya Tissafi, H.E. Shaikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director of the European Affairs Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy head of Mission Vincent Pasquier.

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November 2016Artistic night at the Residence: Musician Hana Boukhris playing the Kanoon during an evening of Music and Art at the Swiss Residence, celebrating the Sculptress Eva Moosbrugger and the young talented musicians of the Abu Dhabi- based "Pollen" platform.

November 2016 Artistic night at the Residence: A sculpture of Eva Moosbrugger displayed at the Residence of the Swiss Ambassador during a night of Art and Music.

February 2017 - IDEX Reception: A Swiss delegation came to Abu Dhabi on the occasion of the IDEX Exhibition. From left to right: Major General Claude Meier , Chief of the Armed Forces Staff; Ambassador Tissafi; Peter Winter, Director of the Aeronautical Systems Division of Armsuisse and Head of Aeronautical Procurement for the Swiss Government and Swiss Defense AttachĂŠ Colonel Girolamo Matteazzi.

September 2016 ? Matterhorn Award: Mr Peter Harradine, President of the Swiss Business Council Dubai and Northern -Quote Author Emirates, presenting the Lord of the Matterhorn to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), during the Swiss Business Council Dubai & Northern Emirates 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner .

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November 2016 - Sauber F1 Team at the Residence: The Embassy, together with the Swiss Business Council Abu Dhabi, hosted a reception with special guests of the Sauber F1 Team at the Residence of the Swiss Ambassador, on the occasion of the final Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. From left to right: Monisha Kaltenborn, Sauber F1 Team leader; Ambassador Tissafi and Markus Ericsson, Sauber pilot.

March 2017 - Promotion of Switzerland: This year again took place the annual Ladies Gala Dinner organized by the Swiss Embassy in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism and 8 managers of Swiss Deluxe Hotels. The event hosted more than 70 inspirational UAE-based ladies.

February 2017 - World Government Summit: Swiss Special Envoy for Global Sustainable Development Michael Gerber speaking in Dubai about the importance of water management.

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M ovin g beyon d t h e Clich ĂŠs: An In t er view w it h Sw iss St ar M u sician Bast ian Bak er 7

On 28.01.2017, Swiss musician Bastian Baker and band came to Dubai for an exclusive concert at Madinat Theatre in the framework of the Swiss Days. To the 500 people who came to see him, the 25-year-old singer performed his magic mix of folk and rock songs, catching the heart of an entire ballroom completely charmed. After the concert, the Swiss Embassy Newsletter (SEN) had the fantastic opportunity to catch up with the singer and explore his thoughts on music, life and, of course, the UAE. SEN: Wh at a gig, w h at gr eat en er gy an d w h at a f in ale! I t h in k you r eally w on over t h e cr ow d t on igh t , w h ich w as pr obably n ot an easy m ission w it h t h is k in d of set u p an d seat in g ar r an gem en t . Is it you r f ir st sh ow in t h e UAE an d w h at do you t h in k of t h e au dien ce? Bastian Baker: These shows are always extremely challenging because, well you know, you are in front of an audience half of which has never heard of you and came out of curiosity. But, that?s what I like because it really gives me a true incentive to give the best of myself. And by the way, you know, that night, I had a broken ligament in my foot; I hope you guys did not notice (laugh), but it was actually

very hard and painful to move on the stage! Otherwise, it was my first show in Dubai and I definitely loved it. The whole stay in the region was crazy, we could experience so much: with the band, we had this night in the desert and had so many amazing encounters and we also had good fun at the gig, and this is what matters the most! SEN: In Sw it zer lan d, an d it s n eigh bor in g cou n t r ies, you ar e a r eal st ar , an d ever yon e k n ow s you . In a cou n t r y lik e t h e UAE, people k n ow less abou t Bast ian Bak er . Is t h at som et h in g you appr eciat e or dislik e bef or e get t in g on st age? Bastian Baker: As I already said, I personally find it very challenging, but this is simultaneously a great opportunity to win more fans and get your fan base to grow! SEN: You st ar t ed you r car eer ver y ear ly (15 year s old) an d som e people can h ave dif f icu lt ies in accept in g a car eer pr ogr ess. We k n ow t h at ou r colleagu es f r om t h e ?Nat ion al? r ef er r ed t o you as t h e ?Sw iss Ju st in Bieber ?. How do you deal w it h t h is an d h ow do you 10

The Swiss Justin Bieber is something I would often hear couple of years ago, something the media would actually refer to when they would hear about me for the first time. I have never had a problem with that, especially because I have always considered Justin Bieber to be a positive comparison. Indeed, you might find some people who do not like him much, but he remains one of the most appreciated artists throughout the world, and therefore, I have never been one of those Justin Bieber haters (laughs) ? At the opposite, I have a lot of respect for him: he has great songs, great stage presence, and the way he has been dealing with his career from such a young age is outstanding. You know, at the end of the day, this kind of comparison is a media thing and I don?t really care. Of course, I would rather hear I am the Bruce Springsteen of Switzerland (laughs), but I still have got to make my way through the years to get to that. SEN: Du r in g you r t r ip t o t h e Un it ed Ar ab Em ir at es, you h ad t h e oppor t u n it y t o see Du bai an d also visit Abu Dh abi, w h at w as you r spon t an eou s im pr ession abou t t h e t w o places? Bastian Baker: After visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I have to say, I have been very impressed. I mean, if you like architecture and if you are interested in

how cities are built, it is amazing, it is brilliant. Imagine, 60 years ago, this was just a desert and to see the quality of living you can have here now, it is simply amazing! Actually, I was really surprised, we went to good restaurants, good bars, went to the desert, visited the Grand mosque, I have even played golf (laughs). We definitely made the best out of our trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi! SEN: You ar e a ver y ?global? per son , com f or t able in sever al lan gu ages an d con st an t ly on t h e m ove. On t h e ot h er h an d, you do n ot h esit at e t o pr ou dly display you r ?Sw issn ess?. For Bast ian Bak er , w h at does it m ean t o be Sw iss? Bastian Baker: Being Swiss is a promise of quality: our people are often punctual, with a good education. They know how to speak several languages because we actually have 4 national languages, so we tend to be more open-minded. When you meet Swiss people in the world, most of them tend to have good jobs and a lot of responsibilities and I think this is because we are very honest and you can therefore trust the Swiss (laughs). As a Swiss, I know the image of our people can also be grey and my goal is to change that, I want to surprise the people especially when I am on 11 stage.

My ?Swissness? is also about that little craziness and this willingness to make a few more jokes, during my shows, than others would (laughs)! SEN: We h ave h ear d f r om you r m an ager t h at you w er e t ak in g a br eak f r om t ou r in g t o r ef ocu s a bit on t h e m u sic an d on com posin g, can you t ell u s m or e abou t you r plan s f or t h e n ext m on t h s.

SEN: Dear Bast ian , it w as gr eat ch at t in g w it h you an d w e w ish you t h e best of lu ck w it h you r n ext adven t u r es ah ead. Bastian Baker: Thank you very much for the interview, I am glad you enjoyed the show and I really hope you will come back for the next shows we will organize in the region. Have a great day!

Bastian Baker: I don?t think that taking a break would be the right thing to say, because I will still be touring and performing in Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona as well as at a couple of festivals in the summer, and hopefully also come back to Dubai and Abu Dhabi (laughs). But yeah, I want to write some more songs and will soon move to the US ? Nashville to be more precise ? to work on a catalogue of 40 songs, of which I will choose the 12 best and put them on a record that I am planning to release by the end of 2017 or beginning of 2018. So, that?s the plan and the next months will be interesting. I have already got couple of songs ready, songs that I am excited about, and that I keep playing to people to get their feedback and see which songs they prefer!

"My ?Swissness? is also about that little craziness and this willingness to make a few more jokes, during my shows, than others would !"

Bast ian Bak er

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Sw iss Par t icipat ion in Du bai Expo 2020: Th e Fu t u r e is ou r Pr esen t so Let ?s Pr esen t ou r Fu t u r e 10

The plans that have been put in place and the progress being made in delivering them are impressive!?: The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Secretary Vicente Loscertales is impressed by what he sees upon observing the Dubai area of Jebel Ali, where Expo 2020 will take place. In fact, not less than 3.9 million cubic metres of earth have already been moved since construction works started, in an area that could soon become an important symbol of the growing integration taking place between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or the emergence of what some have optimistically called ?Abudubai?.

It is in this area that the 2020 World Expo will take place in just over three years? time. The exhibition, articulated around the theme ?Connecting Minds, Creating the Future?, signals the country?s ambition to work with new generations and develop partnerships across sectors, organizations, and geographies, to ultimately address the many challenges of a fast changing world. Accordingly, the ambitions of the United Arab Emirates for this important event which will also mark the country?s 50 years anniversary are important. In fact, it is expected that the Expo, a powerful economic and cultural catalyst, will attract between 25 to 30 million visitors and bring important investments and jobs to the country while consolidating

Dubai?s role as a connecting centre between Europe and two very fast developing continents: Africa and Asia. Switzerland, an important historical partner of the UAE, was very rapid to acknowledge the importance of this global event and show its support by becoming the first country to confirm its involvement and officially register its participation in the Expo 2020. Moreover, the Confederation?s proactive behavior attests to the two countries? profound economic cooperation. In fact, here it is worth noting that the UAE is Switzerland's most important partner in the Gulf region, with Swiss annual Exports to the region being worth over CHF5 billion (2015) and a trade volume of around CHF8.8 billion (2015).

It is probably because of this vibrant economic relationship and the recognition of the role of the Emirati and Swiss private sector as a catalysts for this partnership that Switzerland initiated, in the months following its declaration of participation, a series of workshops with the private sector in Dubai and Switzerland to ensure that companies are consulted and that their proper understanding of the region is factored into the planning of the Swiss pavilion and the several activities taking place around it, in the framework of the World Expo. Following this logic, the last workshop?s edition, which took 14

gave the opportunity to more than 100 companies to receive an update on Expo 2020, get additional information on the several opportunities the platform offers and meet with the Swiss government team in charge of the Swiss participation, including Presence Switzerland and the Swiss Ambassador to the UAE, Maya Tissafi. The encounter also gave an exclusive opportunity for the private sector to discover the preliminary design concept of the Swiss pavilion and discuss it. Furthermore, due to its pro-active behavior, the Swiss Confederation also became one of the first countries to be allocated a plot by the Expo committee, an important milestone, as this will have an important impact on the architects? work when concretely giving life to the Swiss pavilion.

Looking ahead, based on these workshops and the Swiss political validation process, Switzerland is expected to start building its pavilion in the first months of 2018. This context will also represent a good occasion for the Swiss Embassy in the UAE to increasingly communicate about Swiss culture, know-how and values to ensure that this global event is well leveraged. For instance, the Swiss Embassy is consolidating its programme of public diplomacy by a

newly established presence of the Representation on social media (Twitter; Instagram). Indeed, in a country where Solar Impulse reminded everyone that Swiss-made is a synonym for innovation, quality and tradition, it will be more important than ever to give Switzerland a voice during the Expo and ensure that the Swiss pioneering message to the world is well received: the future is our present so let?s present our future!

Rendering of a possible Masterplan of Expo 2020.

"The plans that have been put in place and the progress being made in delivering them are im pr essive!? Vicen t e Loscer t ales (BIE secr et ar y )

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Sw it zer lan d M ar k in g it s Pr esen ce at t h e Abu Dh abi Su st ain abilit y Week 2017

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is an annual event that offers an important global platform for regional and international dialogue, cooperation and networking for international institutions and organizations (such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank etc.), private sector enterprises, government authorities, NGOs and experts from the environment, energy, water and other related sectors, whose stated goal is to provide a sustainable future for generations to come.

The 10-day series of conferences and exhibitions hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi?s renewable energy company, took place between the 12th and the 21st of January 2017 and brought together once again heads of state, policy and decision makers, business leaders, scientists, academics and other experts to address the energy and sustainability challenges of the future. This year, the ADSW took on even more significance as it was the first international event promoting sustainable development and the use of renewable energies to take place following the historic entering into force in November 2016 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement which, to date, has gained 141 ratifications. The sheer number of participants and visitors (over 38,000) indicated a strong interest

in and willingness to address the numerous global challenges in the field of sustainable development, especially those related to the adverse effects of climate change such as water scarcity and food security.

As always, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) meeting ? which serves to advance the global renewable energy agenda and accelerate the transition and de-carbonization of the global energy mix ? kick-started the ADSW and included government officials from more than 150 countries. As Switzerland is very active in the field of sustainable energy, it is represented every year by a delegation which takes part in the IRENA Meeting as well as the other ADSW events. This year, the delegation was composed of the Head of the Swiss Federal Office for Energy, Jean-Christophe FĂźeg, and Diplomatic Advisor, Simon Buschi, together with Swiss Ambassador to the UAE, Maya Tissafi, and Deputy Head of Mission, Vincent Pasquier. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, opened the ADSW?s main anchor event, the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). Invited to the opening ceremony ? which attracted some 3,400 delegates ? were the presidents of Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Paraguay and Montenegro. 17

In addition to the WFES, during which trends and challenges in renewable energy generation and deployment were discussed, several other events running parallel to one another included: the International Water Summit which promotes water sustainability in arid regions; the Eco Waste Exhibition which presents technologies and methods of waste management and recycling; the Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) which focuses on encouraging innovative solutions from female executives and community leaders; and the ADSW Student Exclusive entitled ?Creating a Sustainable Future By Empowering Young Minds? which motivates young innovators to take up the lead in green energy.

in 2014 when the Award for Large Corporations was won by Swiss power and automation giant, ABB.

The WFES is also the main platform for announcing the winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize. This annual award ? established in 2008 ? acknowledges and funds sustainable initiatives for clean energy from around the world in five main categories for: large corporations, small and medium enterprises, global high schools, non-profit organizations and lifetime achievement. More than 200 million people worldwide have been positively impacted by the winners of this Prize. Switzerland made its mark here as well

"This year, the ADSW took on even more significance as it was the first international event promoting sustainable development and the use of renewable energies to take place following the historic entering into force in November 2016 of the Paris Climate Change Agreement which, to date, has gained 141 ratifications."

Over 800 companies from around 45 countries exhibited their technologies and, like every year, Switzerland had a pavilion dedicated to promoting innovative Swiss ideas and businesses in the field of renewable energies (such as specialized battery systems, solar cells, hybrid engines etc.). The Swiss pavilion was inaugurated by Ambassador Maya Tissafi and Director of T-Link (the pavilion organizers), Carl Ziegler, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Feedback from the exhibiting companies was very positive regarding the organization and the high level of interest expressed by the numerous visitors to the Swiss pavilion.

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Finally, the Swiss Embassy in the UAE is not only keen on promoting Swiss enterprises and leaders in green energy but is also doing its bit in helping to ?save the environment?. Starting with its Chancellery fit-out, which received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver award for commercial interiors, to ensuring that waste is properly sorted and recycled and receiving the Certificate of Environmental Accomplishment from Shred-it Company, which attested that the Embassy?s participation in its paper shredding and recycling program helped save 52 trees from destruction in November 2016.

A delegation conducted by Ambassador Tissafi at the Swiss Pavilion during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. 19

Tim e t o M ak e Happin ess Flou r ish : Th e Hist or y of a Sw iss Flow er Clock 13

Every year since 2012, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network measures the happiness of people from over 150 countries and publishes its findings in the World Happiness Report. To measure happiness, several variables are used which include the perceived happiness of a country?s citizens as well as its real GDP, life expectancy, generosity, social support, levels of freedom and corruption. The countries are individually evaluated, then compared and finally arranged in the World Happiness Index.

For the year 2016, this time again, Switzerland is topping the Index, having been ranked the second happiest country in the world after Denmark. While it is certainly pleasing to find Switzerland topping the World Happiness Index, one might wonder what the classification is truly about. To answer this question, some historical background is needed.

In September 2015, at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted. The Agenda comprised seventeen concrete goals that all UN-member states should achieve by 2030 in order to ensure global

sustainable development. The Agenda's underlying assumption is that sustainability and human well-being are not driven and fostered by economic growth alone, but need a holistic agenda of economic, social, and environmental objectives. It was inspired by this diagnosis, that the first World Happiness Report got published. For the initiators, the situation was clear: happiness correlates with economic, social and environmental variables and should therefore be used as a primary indicator to measure if a country is on track to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

As for the United Arab Emirates, the country showed a remarkably high -Taj Mohammad score in the World Happiness Index for 2016, ranking as the 28th happiest country in the world ? the highest rank among the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This may be attributed to the great efforts the country has expended over the last few years in order to increase citizen satisfaction ? a commitment that had also been acknowledged in the 2015's edition of the World Happiness Report, which praised the Emirati Government?s dedication to make happiness and well-being among the central tenets of its national agenda. 21

In this dynamic, in February 2016, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum created a worldwide buzz by announcing the establishment of a Ministry of Happiness, with Ohoud Bint Khalfan Al Roumi as a Minister of State for Happiness. As explained by the ruler of Dubai, the ministry should "channel policies and plans to achieve a happier society" as well as "align and drive government policy to create social good and satisfaction."

Since both Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates recognize the importance of proactively promoting happiness nationally, and as a gesture in this context, a gigantic flower clock will be gifted by Switzerland to the Minister of State for Happiness, H.E. Ohoud Bint Khalfan Al Roumi on the 4th of May 2017. The five by five meter flower clock decorated with real flowers is manufactured in Switzerland by Indukta, a Swiss company specialized in the production of tailor-made clockworks and will be accompanied by an exhibition organized by Switzerland Tourism. The exhibition will take place from the 4th to the 6th of May 2017 in Abu Dhabi at Yas Mall, and will showcase images of Switzerland's natural beauty on cubes placed in the mall's center square. While the natural images will leave grownups with a smile

on their faces; little visitors will also be invited to join the festivities and enjoy chocolate activities, taking place around the cubes. After the exhibition, the flower clock will be permanently exhibited in Abu Dhabi, and is likely to leave anyone looking at it with a sense of contentment. In this regard, the flower clock might well be Switzerland?s small but fine contribution to the UAE?s happiness.

"For the year 2016, this time again, Switzerland is topping the Index, -Taj Mohammad having been ranked the second happiest country in the world after Denmark."

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Con su lar Sect ion : Wh at 's New ?

I. On lin e Desk f or Sw iss Nat ion als Residin g Abr oad II. Bet w een UAE Residen t s goin g t o Sw it zer lan d an d Sw iss Cit izen s r esidin g in t h e UAE: M appin g t h e Ph en om en on III. ?Toget h er ?: Th e n ew Sw iss In t egr at ion App

On lin e Desk f or Sw iss Nat ion als Residin g Abr oad

Since few months now, Swiss citizens can utilize the ?Online desk for Swiss nationals residing abroad?, a new tool provided by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and enabling its users to benefit from online consular services. With the online desk, Swiss citizens can enter their own data themselves at any time or place, while autonomously viewing their data as well as ordering and paying for consular services (using a credit card via ePayment) anywhere in the world. The desk can be accessed on the FDFA website www.eda.admin.ch under 'Online desk' and on the websites of the Swiss representations.

as well as all mobile devices (laptops, tablets and smartphones). Also, the FDFA plans to expand the innovative services offered via the online desk in order to ensure a better and faster communication between Swiss citizens and their Swiss representations abroad. The representations can also -Quote Author be contacted for any queries or questions related to the new online desk.

Fully committed to the protection of client data, registration on the online desk is possible in two ways: two-factor-authentication via SMS to a mobile telephone number; or using SuisseID and a digital identity card (more information on www.suisseid.ch)

Furthermore, it is worth noticing that the new online desk has a responsive web design and can be used with a PC, 24

Bet w een UAE Residen t s goin g t o Sw it zer lan d an d Sw iss Cit izen s r esidin g in t h e UAE: M appin g t h e Ph en om en on

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Swiss Citizens residing in the UAE in 2017

UAE Residents to Whom Switzerland issued a Visa in 2016.

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?Toget h er ?: Th e New Sw iss In t egr at ion App

Living in Switzerland: This is the theme of the SRG SSR?s integration application, ?Together ?. Users can easily find out about life in Switzerland in a fun way with a quiz, discover the ins and outs and stay up to date with the latest information concerning the Swiss Confederation thanks to a news feed. All of this in German, French, Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic.

Why do bin bags have a certain colour in Switzerland? How long is a ?vignette? (motorway tax sticker) valid for? Which language is spoken at the southernmost tip of Switzerland? What does ?simplified naturalisation? mean?

-Quote Author

?Together ? - the new integration app ŠSRG SSR

Those are some of the questions you will be able to answer by downloading this new interactive and fun application, which has been developed by all of the SRG SSR?s units (RSI, RTR, RTS, SRF and SWI) and which aim is to tackle questions from day-to-day life, while providing answers and other useful information. The "Integration" application can be downloaded from GooglePlay or iTunes for free. 26

Sculpture of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely and painting of Nikki de St Phalle during an exhibition organized by the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in Manarat Saadiyat.

Upcom in g Act ivit ies 21

An n a Rossin elli at t h e Sw iss Spr in g Fest ival (28.04.2017)

Fr an cof ilm (02-06.05.2017)

Swiss Star singer-songwriter Anna Rossinelli, who represented Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest, will be performing live and for the first time in the UAE, at the Swiss Spring Festival , an event organized by the Swiss Business Council and under the Patronage of the -Quote Author Swiss Embassy. Join us for a gathering of the friends of Switzerland and a pleasant evening of music at the Lake Garden, Hilton Corniche Abu Dhabi.

The Francofilm festival comes back to the United Arab Emirates for a new edition taking place at the VOX cinemas. Starting on the 17.05.2017, you will be able to enjoy in Dubai and Abu Dhabi a range of the francophone movies that have marked 2016 and 2017.

Swiss musician Anna Rossinelli will be performing in Abu Dhabi at the Lake Garden, Hilton Corniche, on the 28.04.2017, in the framework of the Swiss Spring Festival.

Switzerland will be presenting the Oscar nominated Swiss movie, "My Life as a Zucchini", a touching animation describing the life of a young boy, after the death of his parents, on the 19.05.2017, at 6 p.m., at the Cinema VOX in Abu Dhabi.

"My Life as a Zucchini," a movie from Claude Barras., on the 19.05.2017, at 6 p.m., at the cinema VOX in Abu Dhabi.

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Pr oject ion of " Jou r n ey of Hope" an d Pan el Discu ssion on M igr at ion at M an ar at Saadiyat (08.05.2017) In collaboration with the Cinema Space Abu Dhabi, the Swiss Embassy organizes an exciting panel discussion on the topic: "Mixed Migration in the 21st Century: a Paradigm Shift?".

With of the UNHCR, -Quoterepresentatives Author IOM, the Emirates Red Cross and the Regional Advisor of the Swiss Development Agency, moderated by the Delma Institute, the stakeholders will discuss the new transformational changes that took place in the field of migration over the last decades.

Ar t Abu Dh abi (7-11.11-2017)

Designed as a venue specialized in contemporary art, taking place in the cultural district of Saadiyat island, Abu Dhabi Art offers a multi-disciplinary experience combining an art fair with diverse arts programmes. The art fair presents innovative and established galleries from around the United Arab Emirates. An event not to be missed!

The Discussion will be followed by the projection of the Academy Award winner movie, "Journey of Hope", telling the story of a Turkish Family migrating to Switzerland looking for a better future. "Journey of Hope", directed by Xavier Koller.

Art Abu Dhabi (7-11.11.2017) in Manarat al Saadiyat

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Wor ld Sk ills Abu Dh abi

M ENA Ger iat r ic Su m m it

(14- 19.10.2017)

(02- 03.11.2017)

With more than 51 skills represented, WorldSkills Abu Dhabi is a vocational skills excellence competition involving 77 countries and its 44th edition will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from October 14 ? 19 2017.

At a time of unpredictable challenges for health, one trend is certain: the ageing of populations is rapidly accelerating worldwide. In fact, for the first time in history, most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond.

-Quote Author

Switzerland will take part in the competition and will be represented by SwissSkills in what is considered as the largest event ever held at ADNEC.

In the framework of the competition, Switzerland will run a holistic programme, where the public will have the chance to discover the innovative approach of Swiss professional education through workshops and pedagogical activities.

Healthy ageing is more than just the absence of disease; it is the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.

Organized by the Swiss Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates between the 02-03.11.2017 in Dubai and chaired by Swiss Professor Jean Pierre Michel, President of the scientific committee of the event, the platform will discuss good practices in the field of Geriatric Health.

The programme will soon be released, so stay tuned!

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