Day: February 20, 2024

ABU DHABI: A two-day cultural symposium titled ‘Andalusia, a Forum of Civilisations and Cultures’ kicked off today in Abu Dhabi, featuring experts and professors from around the world to highlight a period of history that made invaluable contributions to the development of humanity,

Held on 20th and 21st February, the symposium, organised as part of the ‘Andalusia: History and Civilisation’ initiative, launched in June last year under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, aims to spotlight and deepen understanding of the Andalusian civilisation, where values such as peace and tolerance stood out. The symposium’s dialogue sessions cover a range of topics, including Andalusian literature, sciences and knowledge, the Moriscos, and artistic and literary heritage.

Culture ‘is the soul of the people; defending and protecting culture is a categorical imperative of the whole world’, United Nations translator Ja
ime Sanchez, who spoke about translations in Andalusian literature during the symposium, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

“The study of Arab culture is vital; all interested countries must make an effort to find ways to cooperate and disseminate this culture through joint projects and funding,” the expert added.

Sánchez said it is “extraordinary”, describing the launch of this type of initiative, which shows “great generosity” on the part of the Government of the United Arab Emirates. “This type of contribution gives visibility to the work being done” in Arab studies, he explained.

For his part, Jose Miguel Puerta, professor at the University of Granada and one of Spain’s leading professors of Arabic studies, stressed that the culture of the period of Al Andalus (Andalusia) “is central to the evolution of human knowledge”.

“Advances in medicine, botany, philosophy and mathematics came through the Arabs. The production in all these fields during Al Andalus is significant for the world’s progress,” said
Puerta.

For this reason, he said, “we must encourage and promote the study of Arabic. Arabic is a living language, the study of which brings us closer to a key piece of knowledge for the history of humanity”.

The expert considered it essential that institutions and governments promote the study of this culture and establish centres that link Spain and the Arab world through the common denominator of Andalusia to benefit both peoples.

During the opening session of the symposium, Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director-General of the National Library and Archives, said that the key objective ‘is to highlight Andalusia as a civilisation rich with literature and knowledge, showcasing it as an example of cultural convergence, civilisations coexistence, and the embodiment of tolerance and synergy among people’.

The ‘Andalusia, a Forum of Civilisations and Cultures’ symposium continues to build on the “significant success of its inaugural cultural symposium held in the Spanish capital, Madrid”, he added.

Source: Emira
tes News Agency

DUBAI: Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, and Member of the Board of Trustees of the United Arab Emirates University, participated in a session focused on media issues organised by the university.

The session was attended by Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).

During the session, attended by the senior leadership of the university and media and communication students, Al Marri explored the dynamic shifts sweeping the media landscape. She shared her perspectives on the far-reaching impact of technological advancements and their implications for industry practices. Shealso addressed the challenges faced by the global media sector and strategies to engage and attract younger generations to the industry.

Exploring the current state and future prospects of the media sector, she discussed the impact of social media on socie
ty and optimal strategies to combat fake news and false information.

Al Marri imparted crucial advice to media students seeking to enhance their skills and enhance their prospects in the competitive job market. She also advised them on the core skills that they need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences participates in Emirates Innovates 2024 events by organising a series of activities and initiatives aimed at enhancing creative thinking and innovation trends in both the educational and medical fields from 19th to 22nd February.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General and CEO of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, said, ‘The organisation of Innovation Week activities by the Foundation coincides with the institutional events of Emirates Innovates 2024, which emphasise the necessity of enhancing national and societal efforts towards advancing innovation and creativity in the UAE to global horizons.’

Dr. Al Suwaidi added that Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation is keen on expanding its services in the field of innovation, especially as it operates the first digital manufacturing lab, the FabLab UAE.

The Secretary-General and CEO of Hamdan Foundation further explained that the ac
tivities of the Foundation during Innovation Week include a specialised training programme in mechanical machine manufacturing in collaboration with the University of Wollongong in Dubai, as well as a workshop for Dubai government employees on artificial intelligence and its applications in manufacturing innovative projects. He also mentioned that there are many topics related to innovation and digital manufacturing such as programming, design, artificial intelligence, and other activities offered at the FabLab UAE. The events also include an exhibition of innovative projects aimed at enriching and disseminating the culture of innovation and manufacturing in society and attracting outstanding and innovative students.

Dr. Al Suwaidi welcomed the participation of government and educational institutions in Innovation Week, affirming the readiness of the FabLab UAE team to meet the requirements for the success of this important national initiative.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs launched Innovation Week in alignment with the UAE Innovation Month “UAE Innovates 2024”, under the slogan “Shaping the future of customs work”.

It includes a diverse range of events and programmes in collaboration with strategic partners and the private sector. A key part was the launch of the Innovation Ideas Hackathon, which runs until February 29th and aims to attract innovative and creative ideas for the customs work system, helping drive leadership for Abu Dhabi Customs across its various sectors. It targets participation from strategic partners, stakeholders, university students, and all segments of society to submit their creative ideas through Abu Dhabi Customs’ ‘Ibtikar’ platform.

This took place during a ceremony held at the ‘Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort’ in Abu Dhabi, attended by executive directors, department heads from Abu Dhabi Customs, as well as representatives from federal and local government entities and the private sector
.

Fahad Ghareeb Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Support Services Sector at Abu Dhabi Customs, inaugurated the ceremony with a speech, stating, “At Abu Dhabi Customs, we believe that innovation and artificial intelligence are the way towards global leadership, providing a model for a new and pioneering customs system that keeps pace with the upcoming era of technological progress, consolidate our institutional reputation, meet aspirations, and align with our country’s economic growth, contributing to making it one of the most innovative nations in line with the wise leadership’s directives.’

Al Shamsi added, “Last year, Abu Dhabi Customs succeeded in establishing 40 innovation labs, generating over 2300 ideas and suggestions as recorded by the ‘Ibtikar’ platform. Several innovative projects were completed to enable the digital institutional environment and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, a set of initiatives and measures were adopted that contributed to developing and empowering customs wo
rk in Abu Dhabi, making it exemplary among best global practices.”

Abu Dhabi Customs Innovation Week also featured an exhibition showcasing prominent innovative projects and initiatives, with participation from federal and local government agencies like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Additionally, innovators and contributors to the innovation journey at Abu Dhabi Customs were honoured, and a creative laboratory was held with the participation of private sector representatives and clients from express shipping companies and clearance firms, along with a variety of other activities.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The second UAE Electric Vehicle Grand Prix (UAE EVGP) for high school teams will be held on 2nd March at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi. The race will draw more than 400 high school students in teams from 21 UAE schools, five teams from the US, and one team apiece from Egypt and Italy.

NYU Abu Dhabi is the academic partner for the event, which is organised by both Global EEE, a US-based non-profit organisation focused on education, energy, and the environment, as well as the UAE-based 3elm Education and Training Consultancy focused on talent development and labour market alignment.

The teams use engineering principles to build single-person electric cars from standard kits, with room for customisation and innovation. Then, they race them in an efficiency challenge, applying classroom knowledge to real-world problems.

The teams have received guidance and support from their teachers and technical experts. They also attended an orientation session and subsequent mini-conference
at NYU Abu Dhabi’s campus.

The UAE EVGP is a platform for hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts in an exciting real-world context. The competition is designed to enable students to embrace their soft skills through teamwork, time management, leadership, innovation, and self-confidence.

The students will compete on the Al Forsan closed karting track while carefully managing their limited battery capacity. Teams are ranked based on the most laps completed, and the top three receive the winners’ trophies. Other awards include the fastest qualifying time, technical innovation, women in science and engineering (WISE) award (individual or team), the coveted ProjoTech award, and more.

The panel of judges comprises experts from the private sector, academia, and government, including representatives from the US Department of Transportation and the Washington DC Department of Energy and Environment.

This year the UAE EVGP is made possible with the partnership of key orga
nisations, including the US Mission in the UAE, ProjoTech, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, and PepsiCo.

‘NYU Abu Dhabi has a vital role in the wider academic community in nurturing and inspiring young minds and fostering sustainable innovation among high school students,’ said Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi Mariët Westermann. ‘We are delighted to collaborate with Global EEE in providing a hands-on environment where students apply what they learn in the classroom to devise real-world solutions in an exciting setting. This learning experience requires teamwork, critical thinking, leadership, problem-solving, and communication, and will undoubtedly prompt curiosity and ideas for a more sustainable tomorrow.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: vThe Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ajman Free Zone have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of licensing higher education institutions (HEIs) owned by the latter.

The goal is to provide high-quality higher education in the emirate and offer students multiple study options, aligning with their passions and aspirations and enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Mohamed Al Mualla, Under-Secretary of Academic Affairs at MoE, and Ismail Al Naqi, Director-General of the Free Zones Authority in Ajman.

Dr. Mohamed Al Mualla highlighted that the MoU supports MoE’s efforts to create an innovative and globally competitive educational system, meeting future labour market requirements.

He expressed the ministry’s keenness to attract leading HEIs to provide quality education that enhances students’ abilities to contribute to enhancing the efficiency of government and local performance.

Dr. Al Mualla emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to colla
borating with federal and local government entities to develop a comprehensive and integrated educational system. This goal is to align with the government’s vision of building a knowledge-based society and achieving sustainable development, enhancing the competitiveness of community members across all fields.

Ismail Al Naqi praised the strategic cooperation with MoE, highlighting the significance of the MoU as a crucial step in attracting investments and advancing economic development in the emirate.

He said, ‘At the Ajman Free Zone, we are committed to delivering sustainable, best services and facilities to fulfil the diverse needs of our customers.’

The MoU facilitates the granting of a commercial licence to any HEI affiliated with the free zones of Ajman Free Zone, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Additionally, HEIs obtaining a commercial licence from the Ajman Free Zone must also acquire the institutional licence and programme accreditation from the Ministry’s Commission for Academic Acc
reditation department.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The UAE continues its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip through the “Gallant Knight 3” humanitarian operation, launched under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

From 11th to 18th February, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) extended aid to three key governorates in the Gaza Strip, namely “Rafah Governorate,” “Central Governorate,” and “Khan Yunis Governorate.”

The assistance included food and medical supplies, winter clothes, lighting units in displacement centres. Furthermore, the ERC initiated a bakery project aimed at alleviating the severe shortage of bread within the Gaza Strip.

Launched in November 2023, “Gallant Knight 3” reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to providing crucial humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza. This operation embodies the UAE’s unwavering solidarity and support for the Palestinian people, demonstrating its dedication to alleviating their suffering and improving their living conditions
.

Source: Emirates News Agency

HATTA: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today extended his condolences over the passing of Abdullah Mohamed Almuqbali during a visit to the condolence majlis in Hatta.

His Highness expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased, offering prayers for God Almighty to bestow His boundless mercy upon the departed and grant his family patience and solace.

Accompanying His Highness were His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court, and His Excellency Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security.

Source: Emirates News Agency