Day: March 28, 2024

ABU DHABI: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has emphasised that the Zayed Humanitarian Day represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s humanitarian and development journey. It is an occasion to glean inspiration from the rich legacy left by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the giving and generosity fields.

Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement on the occasion of the Zayed Humanitarian Day: “While we have lost the champion of humanity, the Founder of the UAE’s charitable work, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, we renew our pledge and loyalty on this day of the Holy Month of Ramadan on the anniversary of his passing to continue his humanitarian legacy with many noble humanitarian stances and creative initiatives. The UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues on the same path to enhance its humanitarian message and bear its respons
ibility in alleviating the suffering of humanity.”

Sheikh Hamdan stressed that the UAE will not deviate from its unique approach to promoting charitable and humanitarian work. Through this approach, the UAE has achieved a qualitative leap and a significant breakthrough in improving the areas of relief aid, transforming it from mere temporary assistance in times of crises and disasters to development projects that contribute to advancing the development of less fortunate communities.

He added, “For us at the ERC, the Zayed Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to reflect on our journey, evaluate our progress, and push it forward. We actively contribute to mobilising support for programmes, developing partnerships with all sectors of society, and spreading the values and principles that we seek to achieve. We also work on harnessing resources and activating available mechanisms to achieve further expansion, adding new gains for the beneficiaries of our humanitarian and development activities inside the country a
nd abroad, and strengthening our ability to mobilise and prepare for disasters and respond quickly to calls of humanitarian duty everywhere. These are lofty goals that we always strive to achieve.”

He also praised the efforts of the ERC members and volunteers, stressing the great responsibility they bear and the vital message they carry in promoting the UAE’s humanitarian work.

In this regard, Sheikh Hamdan pointed out to the presence of the ERC volunteers in a number of troubled areas, especially in the Gaza Strip, where they provide support and assistance to those in need, alleviating their suffering from this ordeal.

The ERC Chairman also commended the role of philanthropists and donors in supporting ERC’s efforts. He stressed that their noble initiatives have enhanced the UAE’s stature in regional and international humanitarian forums, and have fulfilled the aspirations of many people affected by life’s misfortunes and helped them obtain their basic needs and improve their humanitarian conditions.

So
urce: Emirates News Agency

Three in four people would be happier living in a smart and connected city, according to a new report by Mastercard, which features insights related to human aspirations and technological progress for smart cities in the Middle East. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in urban areas, which places a renewed focus on urban living to ensure that the cities of the future are secure, sustainable and inclusive.

Mastercard Cities of the Future Report revealed that respondents in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE overwhelmingly agree that living in a smart city would make them happier (76%).

Priority innovations span connected buildings, smart travel and AI-powered services

The majority (62%) of respondents in Middle East and North Africa identified smart and connected buildings and homes as the highest priority innovation, followed by smart travel services (61%). Technological advancements widely generate more optimism than worry. Becoming less physically active is the top concern, followe
d by reduced human interaction and the loss of traditional jobs. AI and machine learning (58%) are considered the most important technologies for future cities.

Increased sustainability emerges as an aspiration

Public awareness of the need for climate action is high, and smart solutions to transform to clean and renewable energy (59%) emerged at the top of the list of anticipated outcomes across the MENA region. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, 85% of respondents believe their cities are ‘maturing’ or ‘mature enough’.

Urban residents seek digital access to services, strong data security and super-app convenience

MENA residents would like to see digitization make their living environments, workplaces, and payment experiences, more efficient. Digital access to services like banking, utilities, and transportation tops (59%) the list of aspects that would enhance their daily living experience in a city. This is followed by strong privacy and secure personal data (58%) and a single digital platform (super-app) tha
t integrates all services and information (53%).

Partnership crucial for urban innovation

Over the past year Mastercard has embarked on several initiatives with government entities, including the development of urban mobility. It is involved in the Riyadh Metro project, and also partnered with the Greater Amman Municipality to roll out Jordan’s first transit payment ecosystem, paving the way for seamless digital payments across the public transport network. In Dubai, alongside the UAE government, Mastercard is establishing a global Centre for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology to accelerate generative AI research. Mastercard partnered with the Administrative Capital for Urban Development to build the efficient digital infrastructure that will enable the New Administrative Capital to become Egypt’s first cashless city. Through working with public and private sector partners, Mastercard helps develop solutions to advance sustainability, small business success, digital transformation, tourism development, educat
ion, and urban mobility.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

SHARJAH: H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday launched the second phase of the Holy Quran’s Rhetorical Interpretation Encyclopedia and “The Qulun’ Narration from Nafi” the first of its kind in the Encyclopedia of Recitation Methods.

The launch took place during His Highness’s attendance at the annual ceremony for the graduation of the fourth batch of Quran readers certified by the Sharjah Holy Quran Academy, totalling 249 certified readers.

During the ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah signed the first edition of the second phase of the “Encyclopedia of Rhetorical Interpretation,” which comprises 16 volumes covering parts of the second quarter of the Holy Quran. This brings the total number of volumes of the Encyclopedia across both phases to 25.

Additionally, His Highness signed the first edition of the volumes of “The Encyclopedia of the Qulun’ Narration from Nafi,” marking the first encyclopedias of Quranic recitation methods, encompassing
10 volumes alongside the Noble Quran, along with its explanation of the Qulun’ Narration from Nafi’ Al-Madani in the margins.

The Encyclopedia of Rhetorical Interpretation is distinguished by its interpretive and rhetorical nature, offering a comprehensive interpretation of the Holy Quran. It provides precise linguistic explanations of words, drawing from primary linguistic references, Quranic lexicons, and commentaries, ensuring clarity and strength of expression while maintaining accessibility.

Moreover, it meticulously examines the contextual relevance of each surah (Chapter), exploring its connections and nuances within the text.

Furthermore, the Encyclopedia delves into the linguistic and conceptual embellishments that enrich the Quranic text, elucidating nuances and semantic distinctions among Quranic terms. It relies on primary sources of Quranic exegesis, linguistic analysis, and rhetorical studies.

After the ceremony, the graduates of the fourth batch received their Quranic authorisations with a
continuous chain of transmission to the Prophet Muhammad; peace be upon him.

Source: Emirates News Agency

The Islamic Resistance announced, in a statement on Thursday, that it has targeted the newly-established Liman Brigade’s headquarters with artillery shells.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

RAMALLAH: Undercover Israeli occupation forces abducted two Palestinian youths today from the town of Turmus-Aya, located north of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian security sources informed WAFA that an undercover Israeli army unit sneaked into the town of Turmus-Aya and abducted two youths, whose identities have not yet been disclosed.

The two were forcibly transported to an unknown destination.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon announced, in a statement on Thursday, that it has targeted earlier this morning the settlements of Goren and Shlomi with rockets and artillery shells, in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on the southern towns and civilian houses, especially the Naqoura massacre and the attack on Teir Harfa and medics in the village.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

GAZA: Dozens of civilians were killed and others injured over the last hours in Israeli missile strikes and artillery shelling that targeted different parts of the Gaza Strip, said sources.

Medical sources reported that four civilians were killed and others were wounded as a result of the Israeli occupation’s shelling of different areas in the center and south of the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, three civilians were killed and 20 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on a house in the Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City.

Israeli fighter jets bombed residential buildings in the Al-Rimal neighborhood in central Gaza City and a building on Hamid street in Al-Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City, causing many casualties.

Meanwhile, Israeli tanks fired a barrage of gunfire in the vicinity of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City.

In Khan Yunis, a civilian was killed after being directly targeted by occupation forces in Hamad town, north of the city in the southern of the Gaza Strip.

The occupati
on aircraft carried out intense airstrikes targeting the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, and other areas north of the Gaza Strip.

In Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip, dozens of civilians sustained various wounds in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the vicinity of Al-Qassam Mosque.

Israeli occupation warplanes also targeted the city of al-Isra, northwest of Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) announced that the occupation released seven detainees from its crew after nearly 74 days of their detention, while the fate of eight others remains unknown.

PRCS stated in a statement on the ‘X’ platform that those released were detained during the Israeli military incursion of al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis on February 9th.

Among the detainees was the director of ambulance and emergency services in the Gaza Strip, Muhammad Abu Musabih.

At least 32,552 Palestinians, predominantly children and women, have been reported killed and over 74,980 others injure
d since the beginning of the ongoing Israeli war of genocide on Gaza on October 7th of last year.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

Israeli enemy reconnaissance planes have been overflying since early morning the southern border towns adjacent to the Blue Line.

Meanwhile, the outskirts of Naqoura, Alma as-Shaab, and Labbouneh are being hit with enemy artillery shells.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Amman: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, on Thursday, welcomed the International Court of Justice’s decision to impose fresh temporary precautionary measures in the case brought by the Republic of South Africa against Israel, which is accused of committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and of breaking its commitments under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

The ministry spokesperson, Ambassador Sufian Qudah, emphasized the significance of carrying out the ruling of the International Court of Justice, which demands that Israel cease its genocide in Gaza, as well as the need for cooperation with the UN on the entry of humanitarian aid, which would put an end to Israel’s atrocities against the Palestinian people, end to the hunger and the unparalleled humanitarian tragedy that goes against every human and moral principle, and give them access to the necessities of life.

Qudah also emphasized that in order to put an end to Israel’s ferociou
s war on Gaza, stop it from using starvation as a weapon against our Palestinian brothers, and force it to abide by international humanitarian law, the international community must adopt a strong stance.

Source: Jordan News Agency

The Israeli enemy targeted this morning the outskirts of the towns of Dhayra, Zebqine, Alma as-Shaab, Naqoura, Majdal Zoun, Teir Harfa, and Hamoul Valley, with artillery shells.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Amman: Audit Bureau of Jordan (ABJ) recently participated in the activities of 2024 Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum and Integrity Week, which is held in the French capital, Paris.

The events were held by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in the presence of world leaders at the Auditors Alliance meeting and Integrity and Anti-Corruption Forum.

At the Auditors Alliance discussions, ABJ Head, Radhi Hamadin, stressed the close relationship of auditing processes with integrity, professional competence, and ethical behavior.

Hamadin also said auditors need to harness modern trends in integrity, and adopt non-traditional models for a comprehensive approach that integrates professionalism, integrity, and ethics into auditing frameworks.

In a paper entitled: ” Role of Auditing in Promoting Integrity and Ethical Behavior,” he touched on the auditor’s important role to ensure compliance with regulations and laws and address implicit and fundamental risks, indicating import
ance of applying international standards for internal auditing, with focus on combating fraud.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Over 1.1M people in Gaza face an extreme level of food insecurity, the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office, OCHA noted on Thursday.

OCHA took to their official page on X to say that “access impediments persist and time is running out.”

“There is no alternative to the large-scale delivery of aid by land to have enough aid to save lives, esp. in the nort,” it said.

“Nevertheless, access impediments persist and time is running out,” it noted.

The Palestinian death toll from Israel’s deadly offensive against the Gaza Strip since October 7th, 2023, has now soared to 32,490, medical sources confirmed.

Sources added that at least 74,889 others have also been injured in the onslaught.

At least 76 people were killed and 102 others were injured in Israeli attacks that took place in the last 24 hours, they added.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon