Day: February 10, 2024

BEIJING: China Mobile, the world’s largest telecom carrier by mobile subscribers, has successfully launched the world’s first satellite to test 6G architecture, marking a milestone in its efforts to explore integrated space and ground communication technology.

According to China Daily’s report, the recent launch last week involved a significant milestone in satellite technology. The test satellite deployed in the low-earth orbit marked a groundbreaking achievement as it incorporated the innovative 6G design architecture. Additionally, another satellite accompanying it showcased China Mobile’s advanced 5G technology.

The 6G test satellite hosts a distributed autonomous architecture for 6G, which was jointly developed by China Mobile and the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Innovation Academy for Microsatellites. The system, utilising domestic software and hardware, supports in-orbit software reconstruction, flexible deployment of core network functions and automated management, enhancing the efficiency and relia
bility of the in-orbit operation of the satellite core network, China Mobile said.

Set at an orbit height of approximately 500 kilometres, these experimental satellites offer advantages such as low latency and high data transfer rates compared with high-orbit satellites which travel at 36,000 kilometres.

Positioned as a crucial platform for future integrated space and ground networks, low-earth orbit satellites can address telecom signal coverage gaps in terrestrial mobile networks, providing higher bandwidth satellite internet services globally, according to China Mobile.

China Mobile said it plans to conduct in-orbit experiments based on these test satellites, accelerating the integration and development of space-to-ground technology industries.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), is set to host the annual Industry and Advanced Technology Forum at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024.

In line with WGS’ goal of shaping a better future for humanity, and the 2024 themes of ‘Reimagining Development’, ‘Future Economies’, ‘Sustainability’ and ‘New Global Shifts’, the forum will focus on driving sustainable industrial development.

The platform will bring together industry leaders and technology innovators to shape industrial pathways. It aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and foresight on technology to boost the industrial sector’s contribution to decarbonisation in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

The forum supports the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn, which aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector, st
imulate innovation, promote the adoption of advanced technology in industry, and cement the UAE’s position as a global hub for future industries.

By hosting the forum, the ministry seeks to accelerate the adoption of sustainability practices into industrial processes in line with Sustainable Development Goal No. 9, which calls for building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation. The initiative is in line with the UAE’s plans to achieve sustainable economic development and MoIAT’s strategic objectives to support the national industrial sector through the adoption of advanced technology solutions, driving the sector’s growth and sustainability, enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness and promoting it as a regional and global hub for future industries.

The Industry and Advanced Technology Forum brings together decision- and policy-makers, as well as local, regional and international government and private sector officials to discuss advanced industries, explore
the impact of technologies across sectors, and strengthen international partnerships.

Panel discussions

During the forum, MoIAT will host three panel discussions. The first, titled ‘The Industrial Decarbonisation Roadmap post-COP28’, will focus on the key role of international cooperation in accelerating the decarbonisation of industry and supply chains, in line with global climate change efforts and achieving sustainable economic development. The session will also discuss financing to support low-carbon sectors.

The session will be held with the participation of Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ahmed Samir Saleh, Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Trkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology, and Riad Mazour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade.

Technology transfer

The second session, titled ‘Technology Transfer and the Role of International Relations,’ will assess the local and international movement of technologies. It will focu
s on the importance of international cooperation in promoting innovation to develop technology solutions and enhance their transfer and exchange, as well as promoting equitable access globally.

The session will be held with the participation of Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Sciences and Technology at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Malta’s Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation.

Quality infrastructure

The third session, titled ‘Quality Infrastructure,’ will focus on the importance of robust quality infrastructure in achieving sustainable industrial development, driving sustainability and facilitating trade.

The session will be held with the participation of Dr. Farah Ali Al Zarooni, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Standards and Regulations Sector at MoIAT, Jo Cops, President of the International Electrotechnical Commission, Ciyong Zou, Deputy
Director-General and the Managing Director at UNIDO, and Ramy Zaki, CEO of Multinational Companies Business Group.

Source: Emirates News Agency

BEIJING: The Shendi Ta’Ke-1 well, China’s first borehole over 10,000 meters deep for scientific exploration, was drilled to a depth of 9,860 meters underground on Friday, setting a record as the deepest well in Asia.

With a design depth of 11,100 meters, the borehole is located in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert, the largest desert in China.

As per a report by China Central Television, the subterranean rock formations exhibit a complex structure, necessitating the drilling of the well through a total of 13 sets of formations spanning from the uppermost to the lowermost regions. The drilling process encounters a myriad of technical obstacles within the high-temperature setting below 10,000 meters, with the drilling tools being prone to significant softening akin to noodles. The successful construction of a well demands the navigation of multiple challenges of a technical nature, including excessively burdensome loads, extremely elevated temperatures, exceedingly high pressures, and exceptionally heig
htened geostress.

“For the first time in China, the Shendi Ta’Ke-1 used a 12,000-meter fully automated drilling rig with a lifting tonnage of 900 tons, a drill pipe with an ultra-high wall thickness and a tensile strength of 490 tons, and a drilling fluid that can withstand high temperatures up to 220 degrees Celsius. All these equipment fully support the drilling of the 10,000-meter well,” said Wang Chunsheng, chief technical expert of PetroChina Tarim Oilfield.

The Tarim Basin, where the Shendi Ta’Ke-1 well is located, is rich in ultra-deep oil and gas. The total oil and gas geological resources below 8,000 meters in the area exceed 9 billion tons of oil equivalent, accounting for more than half of China’s ultra-deep resources.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)honoured winners of the first edition of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award 2023 at a ceremony held at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi.

The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, EAD’s Vice Chairman, Eng. Awaidha Murshed Ali Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi (DCT), Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi Police Commander-in-Chief, Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), and Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED).

The ceremony was also attended
by Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Director of the Office of the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Fahed Salem Alkayyoomi, Undersecretary of the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EAD, Khadim Abdulla Al Darei, Advisor at the Court of the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth Directorate at ADNOC, alongside other officials, dignitaries and participants.

The ceremony began with a screening of an introductory video about the award, after which H.H. Sheikh Hamdan honoured the award’s 18 winners in recognition of their environmental achievements and excellence within their fields.

On this occasion, His Highness stated: ‘The emirate of Abu Dhabi is committed to following the approach by the l
ate Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the field of environmental protection.’ He also asserted the importance of the award in enhancing the efforts made by the UAE to achieve sustainable development and support distinguished ideas and projects in the field of environment and sustainability. He also stressed on how the award stimulates interest in scientific research in various environmental fields to adopt innovative scientific and practical solutions that will address current and future environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future for all.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan commended the award’s role in stimulating excellence and creativity in environmental preservation, protection and sustainability, its encouragement of initiative and leadership, and for its effects in enhancing interest in environmental work and boosting regulatory compliance.

His Highness congratulated all the winners in all categories of the award, and called on them to continue their distinguished achievements, success and leadership
in the future. He also expressed his hopes that his award would witness more participation in its next edition and would stimulate society, institutions and facilities to enhance interest in environmental work and nature preservation in our beloved country.

Bowardi said in his speech: ‘Caring for planet Earth is no longer a luxury, rather, preserving its natural balance and biological diversity has become the focus of attention of decision-makers, scientists and activists in the environmental field by launching inspiring and innovative initiatives. This will contribute to shedding more light on environmental challenges and their impacts and drawing everyone’s attention to the necessity of working in the field of environmental protection.’

Al Bowardi recalled the words of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, when he said, ‘Protecting the environment should not be and should not be seen as an issue for the government and official authorities only, but rather it is an issue that concerns us all. It is e
veryone’s responsibility, and the responsibility of every individual in our society, citizens and residents.’

Al Bowardi added, ‘Today we realise that we will not be able to address the exceptional challenges that our world faces today without discovering exceptional talents and bold ideas. Therefore, the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Environmental Award was launched to contribute to spreading environmental awareness and culture and motivate individuals and institutions towards environmental creativity and innovation.

‘This award seeks to support scientists and specialised experts who are working to find new and distinct environmental solutions. This is in light of the challenges facing the world in the field of the environment, which require continuous and integrated efforts to reach effective solutions.’

He pointed out that ‘In its first edition, the award witnessed clear interest, demand and interaction, and succeeded in discovering a group of individuals and institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi that alwa
ys seeks leadership in the field of environmental preservation and protection. This confirms the foresight and vision of H.H Sheikh Hamdan, who directed the launch of this award, which enhances the image and status of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi at the local and international levels.’

A total of 150 participants, comprising individuals and institutions from various environmental fields in Abu Dhabi, submitted applications to participate in the award, organized by EAD in cooperation with the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). Participants competed in three main award categories, with a further 6 sub-categories in each. 86applicants were qualified to participate in the award, while 68 participants completed the desk evaluation requirements, and 40 participants were shortlisted for final evaluation, which culminated in 18 winners.

Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Chair of the Award’s Supreme Committee, emphasised the importance of setting globally recognised standards for the award, which led to the succes
sful partnership with EFQM – one of the most prominent global organisations in performance excellence. This partnership resulted in EAD becoming the first entity in the world to develop standards related to environmental sustainability, based on international best practices, and approved by EFQM.

Russell Longmuir, CEO of EFQM, the award’s main strategic partner, said: ‘This is an important addition to the list of leading awards in the field of the environment and sustainability, and we affirm our continued commitment to supporting efforts to preserve the environment and achieve a sustainable future. We thank EAD for this opportunity to cooperate and partner on this important project, and we are proud to be part of these global efforts. We also look forward to continuing to work with all our partners around the world to achieve a better future for all.’

‘Through our award partnership, we developed the evaluation criteria and tool in cooperation with a team of experts from EFQM Middle East and EAD,’ he added.
‘Many introductory workshops were held, specialised evaluators and participants were trained, and the award’s evaluation cycle was successfully managed.’

Longmuir noted that the award drew attention to the evaluation and arbitration governance processes that ensured impartiality and fairness, with the entries judged by a specialised technical committee that included experts from the relevant fields. ‘The committee comprehensively reviewed each application to ensure adherence to the specified standards, and a team of 37 specialised evaluators was formed.’

During the ceremony H.H. Sheikh Hamdan awarded Mohammed Al Bowardi the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Honorary Medal in recognition of his great efforts in serving the nation for over nearly four decades, during which Al Bowardi worked to translate the vision of the wise leadership in preserving the environment, protecting biological diversity and achieving sustainable development. Al Bowardi has also made clear contributions and exerted outstanding
effort in launching several environmental initiatives in the field of preserving nature and living species, not only at the local level, but also at the international level.

The Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Medal, which honours the success stories of community members in Abu Dhabi who have positively impacted the environment, was awarded to 10 individuals in three sub-categories.

For the ‘Optimal Natural Resource Users Category,’ Saif Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi was awarded first place, and Saeed Salem Saeed Bulahj Al-Rumaithi came second.

In the ‘Environmental Initiator Category’, Arabella Willing was awarded first place, Muhammad Abdullah Al-Mazrouei placed second, while Fatima Saeed Al Ali and Muhammad Moheb Hassan Dowidar came in third place.

In the ‘Environmental Influencer Category’, Ghaya Saad Nassib Al Ahbabi won first place, Lara Rudar was awarded second, while Majid Abdullah bin Saad and Kathleen Russell received awards in third place.

The ‘Environmental Research Project’ category recognise
s the best individual or collective scientific research in the field of environment and sustainable development, through which innovative scientific and practical solutions are presented to mitigate current and future environmental problems and challenges. Three research teams won the ‘Environmental Research’ sub-category award, which targets sustainable environmental development research in Abu Dhabi. Research on ‘Energy harvesting from the mixing of wastewater streams with different salinity for sustainable treatment and recharging of underground water aquifers’ was awarded first; ‘Monitoring the Water Quality of the Arabian Gulf from Space’ placed second, while ‘Phytochemicals of Conocarpus spp. as a Natural and Safe Source of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidants’ was awarded in third place.

Two research institutions competed in the ‘Research Institution’ sub-category, however, the award was withheld.

The ‘Environmental Performance Award,’ which focuses on best practices or pioneering activities in the fi
eld of environment and sustainable development for private institutions and industrial facilities, was awarded to five entities in the awards two sub-categories. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC GROUP) won first place in the ‘Commercial Category’ subcategory targeting private companies, the aviation sector and others, and RECAPP by Veolia won second place, with Aldar Properties taking third place.

In the subcategory ‘Industrial Category,’ Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was awarded first, and Dolphin Energy Ltd came second.

As a gesture of appreciation for individuals, research and institutions being awarded the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Environmental Award, the winners will receive a medal, a certificate of appreciation, and a financial reward. The first-place winner will receive AED 80,000, with AED 60,000 going to the runner up, and the third-place winner receiving AED 40,000.

The research team that wins the Environmental Scientific Research Award in the subcategory ‘Environmental Resear
ch Category’ will receive a medal, a certificate of appreciation, and a financial reward. The first, second and third-placed research teams will receive AED 250,000, AED 200,000, and AED 150,000, respectively.

The industrial institutions and facilities that win the Environmental Performance Award will also receive a certificate of appreciation and a shield. They will also benefit from accelerated environmental licensing and approval procedures, classification as low environmental risk facility, and a reduced number of environmental inspection visits. Winning industrial establishments have the right to place the award’s logo on its documents, publications, website, and in advertising campaigns until the results of the next session are announced.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Driven by its commitment to supporting creativity and innovation, and in conjunction with Innovation Month, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is organising ‘An Innovation Journey’ exhibition under the slogan ‘A World of Innovation… A Journey Towards the Future’. Held until 29 February, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of books and creative ideas.

Dr. Mohammed Salem AlMazrooei, Board Member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, said: ‘The exhibition reflects our vision to support and promote a culture of innovation in society. We seek to inspire visitors with ideas that nourish the mind and stimulate creative thinking, based on our belief that reading and knowledge are the basis for any comprehensive development renaissance.’

AlMazrooei added: ‘Today, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural dialogue and supporting education and scientific research. The library combines cultural heritage and technological innovations
to provide a unique experience for readers and researchers to exchange ideas and share knowledge.’

The exhibition aims to inspire visitors and stimulate innovation amongst community members by displaying a unique collection of books and titles from MBRL’s nine sub-libraries. Between culture, literature, economics, business, and human development, the exhibition features 135 books that shed light on a wide range of topics in Arabic and English.

Some of the most prominent titles in the exhibition are The Future of Innovation, Innovation in the Public Sector, Business Model Innovation, The Value of Innovation, Valuing Intellectual Capital, Moving the Needle, among others.

The exhibition enables visitors to learn about the latest theories, innovations, and developments in various fields. It also highlights the importance of reading and continuous learning as essential tools for personal and societal progress, creating a pioneering educational, cultural, and knowledge experience.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Librar
y adopts an effective strategy in organising diverse and free events and exhibitions throughout the year, based on its belief in the importance of culture and knowledge as the foundation for prosperity and progress. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library aims to create a rich environment that embraces creativity, stimulates intellectual dialogue, and provides an opportunity for learning, exploration, and the exchange of ideas. This reflects its vision to promote culture to build an advanced knowledge society.

Visitors of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library can know more details and information about the library’s workshops, seminars, and events held throughout the year and register and attend them for free, through the official website mbrl.ae, and by following the library’s social media channels

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Union for Human Rights Association held its first General Assembly in Abu Dhabi on 8th February 2024, with the participation of founding members and representatives from the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD) and the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD). The GA meeting witnessed the election of the members of the association’s board of directors for the first term, which will last for four years.

The General Assembly commended the commitment of the UAE and its wise leadership to establish national mechanisms concerned with human rights, especially the activation of civil society institutions, and the promotion of respect for human rights in the country and its continuous and constant effort to improve the human rights situation based on the constitution and national legislations.

The assembly also affirmed its commitment to achieving the goals and objectives for which the association was established, expressing its deep appreciation to the MoCD for its keenness to stren
gthen its partnerships with all civil society institutions in the country, and the interest shown by the DCD in supporting the association and achieving partnership in everything that contributes to the development and activation of civil society institutions in the country, and ensuring their important role in highlighting the civilised and human face of the UAE at all levels.

At the end of the GA’s work, the association’s board of directors held its first meeting, where the elections for the formation of the association’s board of directors for the first term, which ends in 2028, took place. The results of the elections were as follows:

Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Kaabi was elected as the President of the Association’s Board of Directors.

Mariam Al Ahmadi was elected as the Vice President.

Omran Al Khouri was elected as the Secretary General.

Salam Mohammed Abukarnib was elected as the Treasurer.

Israa Al Ameri was elected as a Member of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, President of the Union H
uman Rights Association, affirmed the association’s commitment to and support for the fundamental values and principles related to human rights, which are enshrined in the constitution and laws of the state, and in all conventions related to international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Al Kaabi explained that the association will target 16 integrated human rights specialties in its work, including providing advice on national reports submitted by the state to international bodies and mechanisms concerned with human rights, promoting respect for civil, political, economic, social and cultural human rights for all segments of society, and activating its regional and international role, in terms of interaction and participation with all bodies and mechanisms and in all international events and activities related to human rights, in addition to spreading the culture of human rights.

The Ministry of Community Development has announced its decision to declare and officially register the Unio
n for Human Rights Association as a public interest association. The association’s headquarters will be in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its scope of activity will be the United Arab Emirates.

Source: Emirates News Agency

AJMAN: The Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman announced that the total number of green buildings in the emirate has reached 8,335 buildings according to the green building standards for residential buildings.

This comes in line with the state’s directives and embodies the methodologies adopted in the Year of Sustainability, which continues its journey for the second consecutive year, emphasising its tangible positive results.

The municipality clarified in a press statement that the figure includes the buildings that have been completed since the beginning of the implementation of the first phase of the Green Building Decision issued in 2018 and until the end of last year 2023.

Eng. Khalifa Abdullah Al Falasi, Director of the Buildings at the department, confirmed that the municipality achieved the target number for last year related to green buildings due to its continuous efforts to increase energy efficiency, rationalise water consumption, and raise the vitality of buildings by applying the st
andards and requirements of green buildings for new residential villas in the emirate.

He explained that the department seeks to build a happy community that contributes to building a green economy, and accordingly, it aimed to provide a developed and sustainable infrastructure in a way that ensures that residents and visitors reduce carbon emissions in the emirate’s atmosphere and raise it to be a healthy and attractive city.

The Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman announced that the total number of green buildings in the emirate has reached 8,335 buildings according to the green building standards for residential buildings.

This comes in line with the state’s directives and embodies the methodologies adopted in the Year of Sustainability, which continues its journey for the second consecutive year, emphasising its tangible positive results.

The municipality clarified in a press statement that the figure includes the buildings that have been completed since the beginning of the implementation o
f the first phase of the Green Building Decision issued in 2018 and until the end of last year 2023.

Eng. Khalifa Abdullah Al Falasi, Director of the Buildings at the department, confirmed that the municipality achieved the target number for last year related to green buildings due to its continuous efforts to increase energy efficiency, rationalise water consumption, and raise the vitality of buildings by applying the standards and requirements of green buildings for new residential villas in the emirate.

He explained that the department seeks to build a happy community that contributes to building a green economy, and accordingly, it aimed to provide a developed and sustainable infrastructure in a way that ensures that residents and visitors reduce carbon emissions in the emirate’s atmosphere and raise it to be a healthy and attractive city.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Artificial Intelligence and the next frontiers are among the main themes addressed by the upcoming World Governments Summit 2024, held in Dubai between 12th and 14th February, due to its deep impact across various key sectors, and the potential major transformation it could bring to communities around the world.

The World Governments Summit will host more than 100 personalities and leaders of giant AI companies and will bring together business owners, experts and major players in the field of AI, alongside government leaders in meetings that aim to result in solutions that empower governments to keep pace with AI developments and be fully prepared to deal with its challenges and utilise its great potential.

Such meetings aim also to create frameworks to face AI challenges through dialogue and partnerships.

Ministers from around the World

The World Governments Summit will host several key government leaders and international organisation officials involved in advanced technology and AI, including Dr
. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology in Egypt; Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations of Azerbaijan; Mohamed Abdallahi Louly, Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation of Mauritania; and Kathi Vidal, Under-Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property of the United States and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Also, present are leaders of giant AI companies, including Chat GPT developer and CEO of Open AI Sam Altman; Yann LeCun, Vice President and Chief AI Scientist at Meta; Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA; Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ; AJ Abdallat, CEO of Beyond Limits; and Werner Vogels, Chief Technology Officer at Amazon.

The list of WGS attendees also includes a host of top experts, CEOs and founders of major AI, advanced technology and smart applications companies, and pioneers of AI integration.

Impacting Trends in Key Sectors

This powerful list of AI stakeholders at the W
orld Governments Summit highlights the major global momentum the event enjoys, as well as its impact on shaping the global trends of key sectors. Similarly, the huge participation at its various sessions and workshops proves WGS has become the ideal and largest global platform for governments, organisations and businesses to share knowledge, forge partnerships and come up with creative concepts and ideas to maximise the benefits of positive change and global progress.

An Agenda to Boost the Role of Governments

The World Governments Summit agenda is full of sessions, workshops and side events addressing the various aspects of AI and its applications. The Artificial Intelligence Forum will act as a catalyst for international cooperation and multi-sector partnerships, further driving responsible AI-centric progress for the benefit of all communities.

The Forum looks into reaching a global consensus on developing and adopting principles of responsible AI, by launching global dialogues that bring together priva
te and public sector officials. It also addresses enhancing AI capabilities by developing education and infrastructure sectors and formulating future policies.

The WGS agenda also features special dialogues with developers of major AI programmes, a panel discussion about governments’ ability to keep up in the age of AI, and the role of governments in shaping the future ethics of AI.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Barka: Nama Water Services pursues to implement the best international practices for wastewater treatment and reuse as part of Oman’s strategic approach to minimize groundwater depletion and contribute towards the environmental sanitation. Such efforts are well demonstrated in expanding green areas and promoting food security by utilizing treated effluent water for crop irrigation.

In pursuit of these goals, Nama Water Services is working on flagship engineering projects where the wastewater treatment process goes through several stages to ensure full filtration of the effluent water and its validity to be reused for multiple purposes.

The treatedeffluent network for Ash-Shakhakhit region in the Wilayat of Barka is among these ambitious projects.

Speaking about the project, Abdulkarim Mohammed Al Hinai, Senior Operation and Maintenance Manager at Nama Water Services highlighted that the treated effluent water supply project for Ash-Shakhakhit region, which is executed in collaboration with the Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, is part of Nama’s endeavors to utilize the treated water for irrigation. This would help maintaining groundwater reserves, expanding planting areas, and maximizing productivity; thus, creating a positive impact on the food security.

“At a total cost of RO 2,3 million and an execution timeframe of one full year, the project, which has been assigned to Al-Matar Group Company, entails more than 40 km of pipelines with diameters ranging from 63mm to 500mm to supply treated effluent water to around 60 farms in the initial phase. 54 applications have been made so far to connect farms with treated effluent water”, Al Hinai added.

He elaborated: “We have future plans for expanding treated water network to cover the entire area stretching from Sultan Qaboos Street towards Al Batinah North Governorate and to accommodate the area located along Al Batinah Highway Street on the opposite side. The plan is designed to ensure connecting more than 200 farms, in line with the proje
ct’s objective of increasing the number of farms utilizing the treated water, and also reflecting on the keenness of the Ministry to achieve the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by increasing the agricultural areas and promoting the food security in the Sultanate of Oman.”

Al Hinai also explained that “The project is supervised by a joint committee comprising Nama Water Services and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Nama Water Services oversees the execution of the project through the establishment of the network and connection of the treated effluent water, noting that the utilization of the treated water will be free of charge for the first year and the connection application will be processed for a nominal fee. Moreover, the Ministry is working to promote the awareness among farmers for the importance of utilizing treated water, and soil testing before and after connecting the water besides its role of spreading knowledge of the crops that can be irrigated by treated effluent water
. The focus will be placed on the fruitful crops, except the leaf ones.

Abdulkarim Al Hinai pointed out that “There are future water treatment projects, including an agreement which has been already made with Al-Amerat plant to supply treated water to a neighboring agricultural area. The company has been also considering linking Barka plant with the line heading to Al-Seeb with a possibility of connecting treated effluent water to A’Seeb farms besides connection from Barka plant to the Agriculture Research Center in Barka.

Several farmers benefiting from the project expressed their pleasure at delivering treated water to their farms. They highlighted that the project would contribute to bring some abandoned farms to life again after being unsuitable for farming; due to the soil salinity; resulting from water salinization. It holds promise for increasing crops productivity and therefore promoting the food security in the Sultanate of Oman.

Sultan Rashid Al Kalbani, a farm owner benefitting from this vital p
roject, expressed his appreciation to the government, represented by Nama Water Services, for developing this network to support farmers by supplying treated effluent water to their farms. Al Kalbani explained that “The project will promote cultivation of fruits and vegetables to cover the needs of local markets and contribute to food security.”

“The project assumes particular importance in this area, where most farms have recently been affected by soil salinity, making farms unsuitable for cultivation. This has led farmers to be reluctant, abandoned their farms, and considered converting them to other uses, including residential and industrial purposes; due to the lack of irrigation water and high freshwater prices”, Al Kalbani stated.

He further pointed out that “Implementation of this project will set the farms again to the right track as it will bring them to life and stimulate their production cycle. This has also been manifested by the high turnout of farmers for connecting their farms with treated ef
fluent water. It inspires optimism for extending green areas, maximizing production and diversification of crops. It will also help to raise the farmers’ income and positively reflect on their quality of life. Consumers would also benefit from this project through crops affordability and accessibility.”

Explaining on the high turnout of farmers to utilize the effluent water, Hamoud Saif Al Raqadi, a farm owner, has stressed that the high demand from farmers for the use of treated water is attributed to the shortage and salinity of groundwater. Both Ash-Shakhakhit South and Abu Al Nakheel South regions are renowned for many farms with a variety of crops. However, most farms have been deserted due to salinization. Only a few farmers managed to keep parts of their lands; given the expenses of the water desalination. The newly treated effluent water network will mark a new beginning in restoring the farms, expanding the green areas with different yields, and increasing crop and livestock production.

Al Raqadi f
urther added that “The treated water irrigation project will unquestionably help preserve the region’s groundwater reserves, especially with the fact that the treated water is a viable economic alternative for farmers, which greatly helps improve the environmental conditions and minimizing the groundwater depletion.”

Source: Oman News Agency

Benghazi: The Criminal Investigation Agency branch in the border municipality of Amsaad seized 24.743 Tramadol pills.

The agency’s communication office stated that the operation took place after information was received from the agency’s branch in Amsaad, indicating the presence of smuggled materials through the roads prepared for smuggling on the Libyan-Egyptian border, and among these materials were hallucinogenic pills called “Tramadol.”

The office added that the operation included assigning a search and investigation team in civilian clothing on the roads prepared for smuggling on the Libyan-Egyptian border and preparing an ambush for the smugglers who managed to escape towards the Egyptian border, leaving behind a shipment of hallucinogenic pills that the agency’s members seized and referred to the Public Prosecution

Source: Libyan News Agency

Muscat: The trade balance of the Sultanate of Oman recorded a surplus of RO 6.9 billion at the end of November 2023, compared to a surplus of RO 9.5 billion during the same period in 2022, according to preliminary statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

Statistics indicate that the value of merchandise exports at the end of November 2023 recorded RO 20,636 billion, declining by 11.4% from the same period of 2022, when it was RO 23,289 billion, while the value of merchandise imports to the Sultanate of Oman amounted to RO 13,639 billion, decreasing by 0.5% at the end of November 2023 compared to the same period last year, which amounted to RO 13,702 billion.

The decline in the value of exports is mainly due to the decline in the value of oil and gas exports to RO 12,525 billion, a rate of 17.7% from the end of November 2022, which amounted to RO 15,215 billion.

Among oil and gas exports, the value of crude oil exports amounted to about RO 8,904 billion by the end of November
2023, recording a decrease of 17.3% compared to the same period of the previous year, and the value of refined oil exports decreased to RO 1.3 billion, or 23.5%. The value of exports of liquefied natural gas decreased to RO 2,321 billion, by 15.7%, compared to the end of November 2022, which amounted to RO 2,752 billion.

The statistics revealed a decline in the value of non-oil merchandise exports by 1.4% at the end of November 2023, to reach RO 6.767 billion, compared to the end of November 2022, when it was 6,866 billion at the time.

Mineral products had the highest value among non-oil commodity exports, reaching RO 2.496 billion, an increase of 20.3%, followed by ordinary metals and their products at RO 1,216 billion, a decrease of 11.1%, followed by chemical industry products, with an export value of RO 929 million, a decrease of 30.3%.

The value of exports of plastic and its products and rubber and its products decreased to RO 814 million, by 21.6%, while exports of live animals and their products inc
reased by 23%, to reach RO 365 million. The value of exports of other products reached RO 948 million.

The value of re-exports increased to RO 1,343 billion, or 11.1%, by the end of November 2023, compared to the end of November 2022. The value of re-exports of transport equipment recorded an increase of 5.2% to record RO 377 million. The value of re-exports of other products also increased.

The value of electric machinery and equipment group rose by 18.5% to reach RO 361 million, and the value of live animals and products rose by 77.4% to RO 103 million.

On the other hand, metal products had the largest value of merchandise imports to the Sultanate of Oman, recording RO 3,846 billion at the end of last November 2023, declining by 4.6%, followed by machinery, appliances, electrical equipment and their parts at a value of RO 2,069 billion, recording a growth of 7.5% by the end of November 2023.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia topped the trade exchange transactions in non-oil exports, and their value at the end
of November 2023 amounting to about RO 981 million, an increase of 29.7% from the end of November 2022, while the United Arab Emirates topped the trade exchange transactions in re-exports from the Sultanate of Oman, where the value reached RO 465 million at the end of November 2023. The United Arab Emirates also ranked first in the list of top countries exporting to the Sultanate of Oman, with a value of RO 3,628 billion, a decrease of 8.6% from the end of November 2022.

Source: Oman News Agency