Day: February 4, 2024

ABU DHABI: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the first Human Fraternity Majlis, which was organised today by the Muslim Council of Elders, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi.

Featuring global leaders, international officials, and influential voices from various sectors, the Majlis fosters dialogue and exchange of ideas focused on the imperative of human solidarity and the creation of a sustainable future.

The launch of this landmark event commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis.

During his speech, Sheikh Nahyan said that the Document on Human Fraternity reflects the vision of His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who enjoy strong support from the UAE leadership.

He added, “I am ple
ased to be with you at the Abrahamic Family House, which serves as a unique symbol of mutual understanding, coexistence and peace between people of different religions, to celebrate the International Day of Human Fraternity. We, at the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, are pleased to partner with the Muslim Council of Elders in organising this majlis which is vital for promoting human fraternity.”

Sheikh Nahyan said, “The people of the UAE are committed to weaving tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity into the fabric of our society, as well as to promoting these values worldwide.”

He explained that tolerance and human fraternity are the bridges that sustain the connection between the UAE’s residents despite their diversity. ‘We all respect one another because of our collective commitment to tolerance and human fraternity.’

The Human Fraternity Majlis held today included three main sessions with prominent international participation.

The first session focused on driving sustainability through co
operation in environmental conservation, promoting human fraternity towards a sustainable future, and the importance of aligning efforts towards that end, while striking a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

The second session focused on the role of women in leadership and the importance of overcoming barriers and building inclusive societies by empowering women, developing educational and mentoring initiatives and programmes, and formulating financial investment strategies to drive women’s professional and economic growth.

The final session focused on youth as ambassadors for unity and diversity.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) has issued over 300 authorizations for the installation of electrical metering devices dedicated to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, with the current tally of licensed EV charging facilities standing at 63 across the Kingdom.

The Commission’s records indicate a distribution of 49 publicly accessible charging stations alongside 14 privately owned stations. Additionally, there exists the capacity for the installation of multiple charging units at a single site, with 230 charging facilities currently holding establishment permits and undergoing the final stages of their licensing process.

Engineer Zaid Saaida, the Chief of the EMRC, highlighted the introduction of incentive schemes aimed at fostering investment within the EV charging domain, particularly emphasizing the deployment of rapid and ultra-rapid charging technologies.

He underscored that the development of the EV charging infrastructure is aligned with the national strategy fo
r economic modernization, which includes a detailed plan to bolster green mobility initiatives.

In the preceding year, the Commission processed 145 new applications for licensing or permit issuance pertaining to both public and private EV charging stations. This comprised 132 applications for public charging station permits, 6 for private station permits, and 7 for public station licenses.

Furthermore, the Commission reviewed 10,618 applications across various sectors for licensing within the same period, rejecting 72 of these applications due to non-compliance with regulatory standards.

The past year also saw a significant uptick in electric vehicle registrations, with a 146% increase recorded, elevating the count to 38,277 vehicles from the previous year’s 15,576.

Conversely, registrations for gasoline-powered vehicles saw a decline of 28%, totaling 11,263, down from 15,634 in 2022. Diesel vehicle registrations similarly fell by 14%, amounting to 8,104 compared to 9,456 in the preceding year.

Source:
Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke by telephone today to His Excellency Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and explored new opportunities for collaboration, especially in the economic and investment fields, to further the sustainable development ambitions of both countries and their people.

During the call, His Highness extended his congratulations to President Assoumani on his recent re-election and conveyed his best wishes for the Comorian president’s continued success in guiding his nation towards development and progress. His Highness expressed a keen interest in further strengthening ties between the UAE and the Comoros to support ongoing cooperation.

President Assoumani expressed his gratitude to His Highness for the congratulations and the heartfelt sentiments shared towards his country and its people. He reiterated a mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding the scope of co
operation across various sectors to further their shared interests.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The Higher Population Council has highlighted a significant shortfall in the early detection of reproductive cancers within Jordan.

It reported that a minimal percentage of women of childbearing age have engaged in either self-examination or professional evaluation for breast cancer in the past year, despite it being the most prevalent cancer type among this demographic.

In a communique released by the Council on Sunday, coinciding with World Cancer Day on February 4th, it was noted that only 21% of women have undergone such examinations, with the figure slightly higher, at 27%, among those in the latter stages of their reproductive years.

This is in the context of a vigorous national initiative aimed at promoting early detection of this malignancy.

The survey revealed that 50% of women refrained from mammography due to perceived lack of necessity, while 38% cited the absence of symptoms or illness as their reason. Other deterrents included apprehension about diagnosis outcomes, insufficient famili
al or spousal support, issues related to service access, financial constraints, among others.

Pertaining to cervical cancer, the Council’s statement pointed out that although approximately 65% of reproductive-age women are aware of the Pap smear test, a screening procedure for cervical cancer, less than 24% of previously married women of childbearing age have actually undergone this test. The participation rate increases to one-third among women nearing the end of their reproductive phase but drops to 19% among those from the most disadvantaged socioeconomic strata.

It is important to note the absence of a cervical cancer vaccine provision in Jordan, attributed to the high costs associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing and vaccination, which are essential for cervical cancer prevention. Furthermore, there is a notable disparity in the emphasis placed on early cancer detection campaigns between genders, with male-specific cancers receiving considerably less attention.

The Council emphasized its co
mmitment to the enactment of the National Strategy for Reproductive and Sexual Health, which encompasses a broad spectrum of reproductive health aspects as highlighted during the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development.

This strategy serves as a foundational guideline for the universal accessibility to integrated services and information regarding reproductive and sexual health, aiming to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015-2030, particularly the third goal focusing on health and well-being.

The Council stressed the necessity for a holistic, interdisciplinary, and evidence-informed approach to cancer burden management in the Kingdom, advocating for comprehensive health coverage that spans prevention, early detection, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and palliative care.

This approach underlines the importance of formulating national cancer prevention and control strategies grounded in a cohesive and strategic framework.

According to the National Cancer Registr
y in Jordan, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of mortality, with a total of 10,006 new cases diagnosed in 2019, 76% of which affected Jordanian nationals. Women accounted for over half of these diagnoses, representing 52.1% of cases compared to 47.9% among men.

The crude incidence rate of cancer among Jordanians was reported at approximately 104 deaths per 100,000 population, with gender-specific rates of about 98 for males and 110 for females.

The Central region recorded the highest incidence of cancer, contributing to 71.2% of the total cases among Jordanians, followed by 11% in the North Region, and 4.3% in the southern Region.

Analysis of the 2019 data by age indicated that 44.5% of cancer cases were diagnosed in individuals aged 60 years and above, with males predominating in this age group at 57% compared to females. In contrast, females constituted a majority of 61.7% in the 30-59 year age group. Furthermore, 4.1% of new cancer diagnoses were among individuals younger than 15 years.

Globall
y, cancer represents a significant cause of mortality and a major barrier to increasing life expectancy across all countries. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is either the first or second leading cause of death before the age of 70 in 112 out of 183 countries, and ranks as the third or fourth contributing factor in 23 additional countries.

Statistically, one in every five men and one in six women worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, with mortality rates indicating that one in every eight men and one in every eleven women with cancer will succumb to the disease.

The disparity in cancer treatment and care availability is stark, with only about 14% of patients in need of palliative care receiving it. Whereas comprehensive treatment is accessible in over 90% of high-income countries, less than 15% of low-income countries can offer similar services.

World Cancer Day, observed today, is part of a global initiative spearheaded by the International Union Against Cancer aime
d at raising awareness, enhancing education, and motivating actions at individual, collective, and governmental levels.

It is asserted that over one-third of cancer cases can be prevented, and an additional third can be effectively treated if detected early and managed appropriately. Implementing strategies tailored to resource availability for prevention, early detection, and treatment could save millions of lives annually.

Source: Jordan News Agency

DUBAI: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced that Gulfood, the largest annual food and beverage sourcing event in the world, will take place from 19th-23rd February 2024, as the future of the food industry comes into focus. Gulfood continues to be the gold standard event for the global F and B community, with a record 5,500+ exhibitors and visitors from over 190 countries, and a footprint spanning 24 halls.

International policymakers and F and B industry leaders have their sights firmly fixed on global food systems, and how they can be transformed to feed an ever-growing global population, while simultaneously building resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change, to avoid future crises. Innovations in ag-tech (a market set to almost double in size between now and 2030), the increasing use of AI in food production, reducing food loss and waste (which currently accounts for over a third of global food production), public-private partnerships, and investment in alternative proteins such as c
ultured meat can all help reduce food deprivation and feed the world through to 2050 and beyond.

‘Gulfood will be the first opportunity in 2024 for the global F and B industry to convene, and gain insight from some of the world’s leading food futurists into where the global food industry goes next. Gulfood will be the only platform to identify the business opportunities and forge the business partnerships brought about as the industry enters a new era, defined by paradigm-shifting technology such as AI,’ commented Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre.

Under the theme ‘Real Food, Real Business’, Gulfood 2024 will bring together global brands including Agthia, Al Ain Dairy, Americana, Dilmah, Hype Beverages, Japan Farmed Fish Export Association, JBS, Lactalis, Meat and Poultry Ontario, Monin, Tilda, Wilmar – as well as thousands of new exhibitors – to showcase authentic food products, ingredients, and culinary practices, make real business connections and seal over US$12 bil
lion in commercial deals. They will be joined by new country pavilions including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Venezuela.

‘Ghitha Holding, a subsidiary of International Holding Company PJSC (IHC), which owns 55 subsidiaries, 3 associates and 1 joint venture is thrilled to welcome the visitors and all business and government partners in the upcoming Gulfood 2024, as we see the region further boosting the economical trade between different verticals. As Gulfood is a place where F and B businesses innovate for a brighter future, we are confident that Gulfood will be a fruitful place of collaboration and further business growth with a focus on greater sustainability across the region,” said Falal Ameen, CEO – Ghitha Holding.

The Gulfood Inspire Conference will dive into a range of trending topics, including the tech-powered future of digitalisation, trailblazing innovations, the shift from linear to circular food systems, capitalising on investment and funding opportunities, and reimagining a global food system centr
ed on food safety, security and transparency.

Over 200 ministers, global F and B leaders, entrepreneurs, futurists, chefs, scientists and academia from all facets of the industry will lead a series of engaging keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, showcases and workshops, providing insights into the future of the F and B industry and unlocking new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.

Confirmed speakers across the 5 days include Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Denmark. Gary Urteaga, Founder and President of Jenesiz Capital, and first investor in Nutrishake Andino (now Nutri.co), a foodtech startup specialising in R and D of nutritional snacks using Andean cereals and superfoods like quinoa and amaranth. CTO and Founding Director of Nourish Ingredients – Dr. Anna El Tahchy. Global Food Futurist and Food Scientist – Tony Hunter; Innovation Trends Futurist – Daniel Levine; Food Futurologist – Dr. Morgaine Gaye; Applied Futurist – Tom Cheesewright; Bill McDowell, V
P of the Institute of Food Technologists; Dr. Miray Zaki, MD and Head of Sustainability Investments at Gulf Capital, Supply Chain Technology Expert – Erin Grover, Raymond Tham K W, Founder and MD of Mycrocell and many more.

Popular feature Top Table returns to Gulfood 2024, with a star-studded line-up of internationally renowned chefs showcasing traditional cooking methods, elevating authentic ingredients, and revealing the stories behind the world’s most beloved dishes.

Across the five days of Gulfood, over 100 chefs will present various cuisines across a series of masterclasses and chef talks. Top names participating in the programme include Chef Alain Passard of L’Arpege, Chef Enrico Cerea of da Vittorio, Chef Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, Chef Begona Rodrigo of La Salita, chef Mark Donald of The Glenturret and chef Pepe Solla of Sola restaurant. Home-grown talent includes Chef Akira Back of Akira Back in Dubai, and Chef Vladimir Mukhin of White Rabbit Krasota in Dubai. This year’s theme highlights
the union of heritage and traditional culinary practices with modern, trendsetting innovative techniques. For the first time, Top Table will host chefs with over 21 Michelin stars between them, in one exceptional live culinary showcase.

The Dubai World Cuisine movement, launched during the last edition of Gulfood, will also be back, with a series of city-wide dinner collaborations. Dubai World Cuisine provides a platform for homegrown chefs to collaborate harmoniously with culinary icons from around the world, shaping the cultural identity of Dubai and helping establish it on the world’s culinary map. Bringing exceptional talents from Europe, that will impart their legacy, heritage, and cultural richness through ancient and traditional cooking techniques, seamlessly merging them with modern and innovative approaches.

The YouthX Chef Challenge, a launchpad for empowering promising F and B talent with a career-changing experience, will also be back in an expanded, international format for its third edition at
Gulfood 2024.

The international grand finale of the third edition of the YouthX Challenge will pit teams from leading restaurants and hotels in the UAE (SLS and Atlantis The Palm), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Four Seasons Riyadh), Kenya, and the USA against each other for a chance to win an internship at an international 3-Michelin star restaurant. Last year’s winners recently completed a successful internship with Chef Heinz Beck at La Pergola in Rome.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The Ministry of Health has advanced to the second stage of the Best Arab Ministry award for its commitment to implementing institutional excellence standards at par with international benchmarks. Embracing innovation, development, and performance governance, the ministry aligns its strategies with national visions and sectoral goals.

In a statement released on Sunday, the ministry highlighted its efforts over the past year in refining its strategy to harmonize with national visions. It revamped its administrative structure in tandem with the updated strategic plan and enlisted proficient experts across various medical domains. Strengthening employee relations and implementing comprehensive reforms, the ministry aimed to elevate its performance standards significantly.

Dr. Safaa Oran, the Director of Institutional Development and Quality Control at the Ministry, emphasized that the Arab Government Excellence Award seeks to foster Arab collaboration in management practices, implement international best
practices, and spotlight successful administrative models within the Arab region.

The award recognizes exemplary Arab entities across 15 categories, spanning individuals and institutions. These categories include the best Arab ministry, governmental body or institution, developmental initiative or experience, projects empowering youth and enhancing education, as well as initiatives focusing on health sector development, infrastructure, and community empowerment, alongside outstanding Arab smart government applications.

Source: Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: The inaugural Human Fraternity Majlis successfully concluded today at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, UAE, after bringing together global leaders to reinforce their collective commitment to global peace and unity

Organised by the Muslim Council of Elders, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, this landmark event commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Document on Human Fraternity, co-signed by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and His Holiness Pope Francis.

Featuring global leaders, international officials, and influential voices from various sectors, the Majlis successfully fostered dialogue and exchange of ideas focused on the imperative of human solidarity and the creation of a sustainable future. This year’s gathering placed a special emphasis on empowering youth and women, recognising their critical roles in promoting the principles of fraternity and solidarity.

Reflecting on the day’s achievements, the rece
ntly appointed Secretary-General of The Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, Khaled Ghanim Al Ghaith said, “Today’s gathering was a profound testament to our collective commitment to fostering human fraternity. The engaging discussions and insights shared underscore the urgency of our mission to build bridges of peace and understanding across diverse communities. It is through such united efforts that we can pave the way towards a more compassionate and inclusive world.”

Prior to his appointment of Secretary General of The Higher Committee for Human Fraternity, Al Ghaith has held numerous diplomatic positions in government, from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia, Non-Resident Ambassador to Brunei and Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs.

Al Ghaith said, ‘We are understanding today more than ever before, that the promotion of human fraternity emerges as a crucial endeavour. Through my work at the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity I look forward to urging individuals an
d communities to embrace diversity, foster understanding, and construct bridges across cultural, religious, and social divides.’

The Human Fraternity Majlis featured insightful sessions on collaborative environmental stewardship, the empowerment of women in leadership, and the role of youth in promoting unity and diversity. These discussions not only highlighted the challenges faced by our global community but also showcased innovative solutions and commitments to action.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The cinematic creation “The Load,” crafted by the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army’s (JAF) Military Media Directorate in 2024, has earned a coveted spot in the semi-finals of prestigious international film festivals, including the US-based Oniros Film Awards, New York International Film Awards (NYIFA), and the UK’s CKF International Film Festival (CKFIFF).

This achievement places The Load alongside other remarkable international films in the short films category, with the final selections set to be announced between now and mid-April.

Among the contenders in the short films category, The Load stands out alongside two Emirati films and a Turkish production. Together, they compete with a total of 78 films at the Oniros Film Awards and 76 films at the NYIFA.

Within the CKFIFF competition, The Load proudly represents the sole Arab and Middle Eastern film in the race, securing a spot among the top 16 films globally.

Brigadier General Mustafa Hiyary, Director of the Military Media Directorate, emphasized
that the conception of The Load aligns with JAF’s vision to utilize diverse communication channels and harness the influential role of art in combatting and raising awareness about the perils of drug abuse, a pervasive issue affecting many societies globally.

The film aims to unveil the harsh reality of drug dealers, criminal gangs, and smugglers who exploit societal vulnerabilities to ensnare individuals and subject them to various forms of violence, he added in a press statement on Sunday.

Hiyary stated that the film’s production plan was meticulously crafted to actualize its educational vision, integrating it into the compelling narrative that illustrates the painful struggles of families devastated by the drug scourge. The military team dedicated their capabilities to translating the film’s message and bringing to life the challenging realities faced by these affected families.

Major Muhammad Al-Twaijer, the film’s director and screenwriter, elaborated on the dramatic philosophy underpinning The Load.
The narrative is built on the ancient wisdom: “The end of life begins with an evil thought. Either you give up on it and survive, or you choose to go after it and end up dead.” The storyline revolves around the character Abu Omar, a simple fifty-year-old man, resisting the sinister plans of “Odeh,” the antagonist aiming to lure Abu Omar into criminal activities.

The ensuing dramatic events unfold a tale of betrayal, treachery, and the destruction of humanity as greed takes hold, illustrating the consequences of succumbing to the temptations of the dark side.

The Load marks a significant milestone as the first-ever production entirely undertaken by the Military Media Directorate. The film, from conception to execution, including writing, directing, production, cinematography, and editing, was orchestrated by the Military Media Center.

Source: Jordan News Agency

DUBAI: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has entered into a strategic partnership with ‘Shamal Holding,’ a leading diversified investment firm managing a portfolio of extraordinary investments, experiences, and assets, to undertake the construction of a two-lane bridge in each direction spanning 1500 metres. The bridge extends from Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour, an exceptional seafront district that hosts the region’s marina.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, expressed his delight with the signing of the agreement with ‘Shamal Holding’ to provide a direct entry/exit for Dubai Harbour to ease the movement of visitors and residents. ‘RTA would construct a bridge of two lanes in each direction spanning 1,500 metres and accommodating 6,000 vehicles per hour. The bridge extends from the fifth intersection on Sheikh Zayed Road (near the American University in Dubai) to Dubai Harbour Street. It passes by the intersection of Al Naseem Street with A
l Falak Street and crosses over the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street up to Dubai Harbour,’ explained Al Tayer.

‘The project also includes surface improvements at four intersections along the bridge: the fifth intersection on Sheikh Zayed Road, the intersection of Al Falak Street with Al Naseem Street, the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street with Al Naseem Street, and Dubai Harbour Street. When completed, the project will improve the flow of traffic and reduce the travel time from 12 minutes to 3 minutes,’ he added.

Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Shamal Holding, said; ‘We are pleased to collaborate with the Roads and Transport Authority to accomplish this strategic project, which represents a major turning point in the development of the Dubai Harbour district. This aligns with our plans and aspirations to offer the best integrated community in terms of quality of life and the well-being of residents and visitors. Upon its completion, th
e bridge will provide free traffic flow to and from Dubai Harbour, which occupies an exceptional location on the scenic seafront of the Emirate of Dubai. This project is part of our commitment to building extraordinary residential and tourist communities, in line with the urban and architectural development plans of Dubai. We also appreciate the unlimited support and cooperation from the Roads and Transport Authority in achieving the future aspirations of the Emirate in all our projects.’

Dubai Harbour stands out for its prime location, nestled between Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah, in proximity to iconic landmarks like Burj Al Arab and Expo Dubai. The seafront district is an exceptional lifestyle destination, boasting iconic vistas and a convenient location. It combines a wide range of living, retail, and hospitality choices. It is also home to Skydive Dubai, featuring a 770-metre-long runway that extends 550 metres into the Arabian Gulf.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Emirate of Abu Dhabi officially took up the mantle of organising and hosting the 20th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) 2027 for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), organised by the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO), during the celebration held at the Sheikh Zayed Festival (SZF) in Al Wathba in the presence of a cohort of leaders and officials.

Dr. Joseph J. Murray, WFD’s President, passed the baton to Abdullah Al Humaidan, ZHO’s Secretary-General.

H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ZHO’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, extended his highest congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the 20th WFD 2027 for the first time in the MENA, following a fierce competition from other biding countries during the voting process that took place during the 19th WFD held in Jeju, South Korea.

H.H. Sheikh Khalid also congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; and His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, wishing protection, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE.

Sheikh Khalid thanked all the institutions and entities cooperating with ZHO and the team that prepared a comprehensive host biding file, playing a great part in winning the vote of the Congress members to choose the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In this context, H.H. spoke highly of the good coordination with representatives of the deaf associations and organisations from Arab countries and the WFD’s friendly countries, noting that this significant achievement reflects the great confidence of the international community in the UAE and its advanced infrastructure that highlights the great, successful organisation of major int
ernational events and activities, especially those for people of determination.

H.H. also confirmed that ZHO had begun, before the event, to prepare for hosting the Congress in order to make it the best ever in the WFD’s history, as 125 countries and more than 2,000 deaf participants from all over the world are expected to participate.

For his part, Abdullah Al Humaidan voiced his extreme pleasure with Abu Dhabi’s official takeover of organising the WFD Congress 2027, stressing that this step fulfills the vision of the UAE, in general, and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in particular, on serving the people of determination, in an effort to build bridges of cooperation and exchange experiences with relevant local, regional and international partners with regard to develop and exchange experiences with various international bodies specialised in welfare of people of determination.

Hosting the WFD Congress for the first time in Abu Dhabi comes in implementation of the decision of the 19th Congress held in Jeju, So
uth Korea. Organised by ZHO, the 20th Congress will discuss common visions on integrating the deaf category into societies and raising awareness about their rights, capabilities and importance in the development process.

Organisers said the Congress is such an opportunity for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to present its successful story in caring for and empowering various categories of people of determination, especially the deaf, and a number of initiatives and policies that are consistent with international standards and embody the keenness to care for people of determination with the aim to render them active players in the sustainable development, as well as highlight efforts to create an appropriate environment that enhances life quality for people of determination and their families, and harness their energies to be able to produce and give, and facilitate their integration into society.

The meeting also aims to exchange the best global practices, experiences and knowledge among participating countries, a
nd exchange views and opinions on qualifying the deaf in all fields, providing all necessary care for them, developing relations with national organisations and federations concerned with the deaf group from countries around the world.

The Congress includes a large cultural program of stage performances, cinema, exhibitions, arts, and visits to the most prominent local landmarks. The WFD works on promoting the human rights of deaf around the world, focusing on improving the status of national sign languages, delivering better education for the deaf, improving access to information and services, in addition to improving the human rights of deaf in developing countries, and encouraging the establishment of organisations for the deaf.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The Water Authority (WA) has concluded a training program for a second batch of participants from the Palestinian water sector, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The graduation ceremony took place in the presence of representatives from the JICA office in Amman and Palestine, as well as dignitaries from the Palestinian Water Authority.

The Ministry’s statement on Sunday highlighted that a total of 9 trainees, representing various Palestinian municipalities and water institutions, actively engaged in the comprehensive training program hosted at WA’s Water Training Center in Amman.

The program encompassed a blend of practical and theoretical training, focusing on treatment plants, the responsible reuse of treated water, and hands-on experience in WA’s laboratories.

The statement further elucidated that the participants were extensively exposed to the latest advancements in international water treatment and reuse technologies. Renowned specialists and technicians,
possessing significant expertise in the water sector, guided the trainees through cutting-edge practices and methodologies during the program, it added.

Source: Jordan News Agency

SHARJAH: In November 2021, Fahad Badar, an Arab mountaineer from Qatar, underwent surgery, having four fingers on his left hand amputated due to frostbite at 8,051 metres on Broadpeak. Doctors didn’t expect him to resume mountaineering for at least a couple of years. However, in less than a year, in July 2022, Badar scaled K2, the world’s second-highest peak, famously known as the savage mountain for its arduous and unpredictable climbing conditions.

The passionate adventure traveller told his Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2024) audience on the event’s inaugural day to never give up their passions at an inspiring talk ‘To the Summit: Finding the Strength to Keep Moving Forward’, he led at the SEF 2024 Creative Stage, one of the four specialised zones the festival offers under the theme ‘Our Shared Canvas’.

‘Mountaineering is my passion, and I was devastated when doctors said that I would take at least a couple of years to recover and adapt well to doing basic things with a hand with no fingers. Peo
ple were quick to pronounce an end to my passion for climbing. Even I became afraid of my life. I wondered how I would tie my shoelace. But instead of worrying, I channelled my fears, and without telling anyone of my plans, I trained hard for my next climb and was able to scale K2 in 10 months. Fear can fuel success; we should learn how to channel our worries and fear positively,” said Badar while delivering his talk.

Badar is the first Arab mountaineer to summit two of the world’s highest mountains, Everest and Lhotse, in one trip. His life story is an inspiration to people in all walks of life. “Achievements can make one complacent and comfortable, but it is failure that fuels the desire to succeed and achieve new feats,” said Badar, encouraging people to work hard and chase their dreams.

When asked if he ever feels like giving up, Badar surprised the audience and said, “Almost every day. Giving up is easy. I have an urge to give up almost every day, but I also have a burning desire to keep my passion for
mountaineering alive and continue scaling new heights, which keeps me going. We should learn how to deal with stress. We should be able to understand the reasons for our stress and worries and work around them to our advantage. I strongly believe that a few days of pain lead to years of glory.”

Badar was part of a stellar lineup of speakers and panellists sharing invaluable advice and wisdom on the Creative Stage on the first day of the Sharjah Entrepreneurial Festival 2024.

The stage witnessed invigorating performances by Ebrahim Al Dubai, Aafarynesh, Elijah Semine, Ananya, and Big Hass. Kim A. Page, Founder of Right Kind of Loud, hosted a workshop on ‘Making Yourself Unforgettable – Networking and Connecting,’ emphasising the importance of networking and showcasing one’s work on public and digital platforms. The Sharjah Youth Council Discussion Circle hosted a panel discussion on ‘Starting a Business in Sharjah’ with speakers Dr. Alia Abdel Wahab Al Madani, Co-founder of Yeppley Project Specialist, Head o
f Oral, Maxillofacial, and Humaid Al Kindi, Head of the Institutional Excellence Department, Vice President of the Sharjah Youth Council.

Maha Al-Saati, a Saudi Arabian female film-maker, shared her views on ‘Making Films from What We Know,’ while Kareem Abou Gamrah, Co-founder and CEO of Peace Cake, shared some good advice on ‘Future-proof Content Creation.’ The stage also hosted an important talk on ‘Mental Health in the World of Content Creation’ by renowned Emirati influencer Khalid Al Ameri. Lastly, the stage featured the Seffy Awards Emerging Founders Pitch.

Source: Emirates News Agency

NABLUS: Extremist Israeli colonists tonight gathered at the entrance of the town of Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, and set rubber tires on fire, reported security sources.

Sources informed WAFA that colonists gathered at the entrance of the aforementioned town and set rubber tires on fire, impeding the movement of local Palestinians on the main road linking Ramallah and Nablus.

Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA