Day: April 22, 2024

ABU DHABI: The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) announced the results of the fourth edition of its Quality of Life Survey, which aims to measure quality of life indicators for all members of society across various demographics.

The survey serves as a unique platform facilitating communication with the community to understand their views in line with internationally recognised methodologies. The DCD uses the survey to identify social challenges and conduct analyses to inform the development and implementation of policies, programmes, and initiatives. The overarching goal is to elevate the quality of life and enhance social services of all members of Abu Dhabi society. Notably, the questionnaire saw the participation of 92,576 individuals representing more than 160 nationalities. The results underscored the stability within Abu Dhabi society, with an overwhelming 93.6 percent of participants expressing a sense of security and safety.

This survey marks the fourth edition, following three p
revious rounds that engaged around 300,000 citizens and residents, allowing them to actively voice their opinions on key social matters and the overall quality of life in the emirate. The DCD also announced the commencement of the fifth edition of the survey, underscoring its commitment to ongoing monitoring of the emirate’s quality of life. The initiative seeks to analyse current and anticipated challenges, with a primary objective of crafting strategies, policies, and initiatives. These efforts aim to establish a pioneering and distinguished social system, dedicated to ensuring a decent quality of life for all members of society.

Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the DCD, since its establishment, has adopted the best internationally approved methodologies for formulating policies, strategies and plans in the short and long term. Additionally, it has been keen to identify the aspirations of the emirate’s residents and the social cha
llenges they face.

From this standpoint, the DCD launched a quality of life survey based on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) indicators, which is applied in 38 countries around the world.

Dr. Al Khaili said, ‘Over the course of four rounds, the results of the survey confirmed the excellence Abu Dhabi has shown in many key indicators such as security and digital quality of life. Additionally, it has shown a number of social priorities that require the strengthening of cooperation between entities and partners in a way that serves all segments of society. Over the past few years, we have launched many strategies, initiatives and policies based on the results of the questionnaire.’

He stressed that the launch of the fifth edition of the survey is an affirmation of the department’s endeavour to establish a safe, stable and prosperous society, ensuring a promising future for future generations. The role of the survey is not only limited to collecting the opinions of participants
but goes beyond that to involve community members in drawing up strategies, policies, programmes and initiatives that aim to enhance the lifestyle in Abu Dhabi, as they are a major partner in shaping a better future for the emirate.

For her part, Shaikha Alhosani, Executive Director of the Social Monitoring and Innovation Sector at DCD, said, ‘The Quality of Life survey is an important step towards drawing a clear map of the quality of life in Abu Dhabi, and providing a general overview of the issues that concern society, in addition to identifying areas of improvement in various aspects of life. The survey is one of the methodologies aimed at continuously identifying the challenges facing society, as it provides accurate information and statistics on which the DCD relies on to improve work mechanisms and develop social policies and strategies through sustainable and successful solutions.’

Several important results were revealed through the survey, as it included the very important axis of security and safe
ty. The satisfaction rate of the participants, who confirmed that they felt safe and had no problem when walking alone at night, was 93.6 percent, indicating that Abu Dhabi enjoys a safe and stable environment.

Meanwhile, 75.4 percent of participants in the social relations index indicated that they could rely on relatives and friends when needed. As for the axis of satisfaction with family time, participants who were happy with the amount of quality time they spent with the family was 73 percent.

Under the housing index, 70.6 percent of participants expressed being satisfied with their current housing, and the level of satisfaction with quality of life reached 6.94 on a scale of 0-10. The happiness level within the population experienced a slight increase from the 7.63 points recorded in the previous survey, rising to 7.69 points in the current edition.

In terms of satisfaction with family income, 34.3 percent of participating heads of households expressed satisfaction or complete satisfaction with their
family income. Additionally, 64.7 percent of employed participants conveyed job satisfaction.

The Quality of Life index is based on a global model and concept applied by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to help analyse and improve life quality in all its dimensions. The results are analysed and compared with the results of a number of countries around the world, which consider the quality of life as a fundamental pillar in the growth and development of a nation. These countries include the USA, Britain, Finland, Norway, France, and Italy, and the comparison is done to identify the activities and best practices in important social fields and to achieve a strong position among the indices of global competitiveness.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: Kuwait Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s first visit to Jordan this week is of special importance as it underscores the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and close coordination on regional issues, according to officials.

The visit on Tuesday, the Emir’s first since assuming power, comes amid regional turmoil, foremost of which is the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza and concerted efforts to halt the war, they said.

Kuwaiti Ambassador Hamad Rashid Al Marri said in an interview with Petra that Jordan enjoys the respect of Kuwait, adding that the two countries saw eye to eye on the Palestinian issue and the quest for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Marri said Jordanian-Kuwaiti relations are historic and robust, anchored in mutual respect, shared interests and concerns and the pursuit of the welfare of the two countries’ people.

Kuwaiti investments in Jordan of $20 billion, spanning sectors such as telecommunications, electronics,
banking and engineering industries, highlight the depth of economic ties and reflect Jordan’s investment-friendly environment, he added.

He said Jordan’s sizable community in Kuwait, estimated at around 64,000, had their contributions to Kuwaiti society as they hold key professional positions with various governmental bodies.

On Gaza, Marri said the two countries were united in condemning the Israeli aggression and advocating for the access of humanitarian aid to alleviate the dire situation in the besieged enclave. He said the Kuwaiti embassy in Amman has canceled national celebrations this year in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Azmi Mahafza, and the Minister of Government Communications, Muhannad Mubaideen, will meet Tuesday with journalists on international exams.

The “Educational Pathways and International Tests” will start at 12:30 pm on Tuesday at the Ministry of Government Communications HQ.

The meeting will focus on international exams (PISA), educational paths and electronic questions (question bank).

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul Monday discussed, over the phone, the Israeli war on Gaza and efforts to resale a ceasefire.

Safadi congratulated Cho on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, stressing his keenness to strengthen relations between Jordan and Korea.

Cho and Safadi reiterated their keenness to expand cooperation between the two countries, strengthen ties and coordinate on regional and international issues.

Safadi and Cho, whose country is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, discussed regional developments and efforts to stop the Israeli war against Gaza and reduce the escalation in the region.

Safadi praised Korea for voting last week in favour of the State of Palestine becoming a full member of the United Nations.

He lauded Korea’s support of a ceasefire in Gaza, the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to the embattled enclave and the two-state solution.

Separately, Safadi and the United Nati
ons High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, discussed, over the phone, efforts to stop the Israeli ongoing war on Gaza.

Safadi stressed the “need” to bind Israel to international law and international humanitarian law, stop the war crimes against Palestinian Gazans and hold Israeli officials accountable.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Occupied Jerusalem: More than 300 Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank stormed the courtyards of the Al Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.

According to a statement, the Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem said the Jewish settlers who stormed Al Aqsa Mosque were “heavily” guarded by the Israeli occupation forces.

The Jewish settlers carried out performed “provocative” rituals in the Mosque’s courtyards, according to the statement.

So-called temple organisations called for incursions into the Al Aqsa Mosque to present the “sacrifice” of the Jewish Passover at midnight tonight.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Huneiti Monday welcomed at the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army, Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Defense Forces Gen Mubarakh Muganga and an accompanying delegation.

They discussed aspects of military cooperation and joint coordination between the two countries’ armed forces in various military operational, training and logistical fields.

Huneiti stressed the importance of strengthening military ties between the two countries, adding that future plans aim to raise joint military cooperation regarding agreements, exercises and training courses, to enhance combat capabilities and unify military concepts between the two armies.

Muganga stressed the deep relations between the two friendly countries, commending Jordan’s pivotal role in combating terrorism and extremism and achieving security and stability in the region.

The army chiefs and senior officers listened to a briefing on areas of military cooperation in line with the
nature of developments at various levels.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Gaza: The Civil Defense Service in the Gaza Strip said Monday that it uncovered three mass graves at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, south of the Strip with hundreds of people who were killed by Israeli forces.

“We have so far recovered 283 bodies of martyrs from the mass graves in the courtyard of Nasser Medical Complex since the withdrawal of the occupation army from the area,” it said in a statement.

The statement pointed out that it was a clear evidence that the occupation army had carried out field executions at the hospita

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) concluded trading with a marginal decline of 0.17 percent, settling the index at 2,443 points.

Monday’s trading saw the exchange of 3.7 million shares across 2,667 transactions, amounting to a total trading value of approximately JD6.6 million.

Among the listed companies, the shares of 31 experienced a decline, while 24 saw an uptick in prices. Meanwhile, the shares of 38 other companies remained stable throughout the trading session.

Source: Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: A local English newspaper has highlighted the significance of recognising individuals who embody the essence of goodness and contribute positively to society, especially in a world often dominated by headlines of conflict and challenges.

‘Acknowledging people who exemplify goodness and contribute in positive ways to a country can inspire all citizens, not just the young, to lead their lives in purposeful ways. That recognition is always meaningful to people who receive it and the act of bestowing it is befitting of a healthy and functioning society. The Abu Dhabi Awards are one such way that the UAE honours people who champion humanity in distinct ways,’ The National said in its editorial on Monday.

In the UAE capital on Friday, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured eight people at the 11th Abu Dhabi Awards for their contributions to various fields in the UAE.

‘The recipients of the Abu Dhabi Awards truly embody the timeless values of giving, compassion, and altruism
, and through their deeds they have positively impacted UAE society in a variety of ways,’ Sheikh Mohamed said.

Since the Awards were instituted in 2005, people from all walks of life have been nominated and had this honour bestowed upon them.

In 2007, for instance, as the awards gained traction, there were more than 34,000 nominations, nine of who were ultimately given the honour. In the nearly two decades since, more than a quarter of a million people have been nominated, from as many as 135 countries.

The editorial continued, ‘It goes to show how much inspiring work is constantly under way in this country, work that is often being done quietly without attention sought by the people who are making significant and selfless contributions for the larger good.’

Over the years, the awardees have included men and women across ages and nationalities. They have made contributions in fields as varied as conservation, genetics, Arabic poetry and nursing. These are people who have achieved distinction in important
sectors such as education, health care, the environment and Emirati culture.

In 2014, the late Peter Hellyer, a long-time columnist for The National, was nominated for his contributions in the field of archaeology in the UAE.

This year, one of the younger winners at the awards includes a 16-year-old working to tackle bullying and ensuring safety for minors while online. These are all issues that deserve discussion. There are other, more established voices – champions of education, for example – who have been rightfully recognised as well.

‘Being inspired by other people and learning from their examples is the human tendency, whether in peer groups or on a larger canvas. The Abu Dhabi Awards are a great example and embodiment of this. While a nation such as the UAE benefits from being led by a visionary government, it is also the contributions of ordinary people, who dedicate much of their time improving communities, that strengthens the fabric of a society, adds to the welfare and makes it a better country
for all,’ concluded the Abu Dhabi-based daily.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Salt: Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) President Ahmed Ajlouni discussed on Monday with Morihata Shingo, chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Jordan, advancing collaboration in automotive technology.

The discussion centered on establishing state-of-the-art laboratories for maintenance of hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as the training of faculty members in this field.

The two sides signed minutes of the meeting, outlining a comprehensive training program tailored for university professors with the participation of members of other technical institutions.

Under the agreement, JICA pledged support to equip laboratories at BAU’s Faculty of Engineering Technology and Maan University College with cutting-edge technical apparatuses. This assistance will facilitate the implementation of a two-year training regimen, encompassing both practical and theoretical components, aimed at equipping students with the requisite skills for careers in hybrid and electric vehicle m
aintenance.

Ajlouni expressed appreciation for JICA’s unwavering support, emphasizing the transformative impact of the equipment on Maan University College’s academic program. He highlighted the broader implications of this collaboration, envisaging strengthened ties with the industrial sector and heightened responsiveness to local market demands.

Morihata reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to enhancing technical education and vocational training in Jordan. The localized training initiative for lecturers and engineers from diverse universities epitomizes this dedication, he said, underscoring JICA’s emphasis on aligning skills with evolving market needs.

Project coordinator Muhammad Matouq revealed that over 50 educators are slated to benefit from JICA’s localized training initiative over the ensuing two years.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Vice President of Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) Counselor Nawaf Al-Mahamel underscored Monday the importance of raising awareness about corruption risks, prevention methods, and promoting transparency and integrity at every level.

Al-Mahamel stated during his speech at the opening of the inaugural “First Performance” conference, held in collaboration with the British Embassy, that anti-corruption efforts are not limited to a specific entity, underlining that they constitute an integrated system where roles are distributed among all entities, based on their ethical, professional, and national responsibilities.

He welcomed participants to this conference aimed at implementing the codes of conduct launched by the Civil Service Comission for government institutions, aligning with the vision of administrative reform in the public sector outlined in the government’s agenda, which includes enhancing the integrity and transparency of public sector performance.

The United Nations Convention against Corr
uption, signed by Kuwait in 2003, urged the need for parties to the convention to develop and disseminate codes or ethical standards to ensure proper, reputable, and sound performance in public positions, he added.

International and local efforts to combat and prevent corruption have increased in recent years, within a framework known as “preventive measures,” which focuses on establishing administrative and legal controls to regulate procedures, guide behavior, and raise awareness within communities, he explained.

On her side, Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Kuwait Sunny Ahmad, said in her speech during the conference that “this initiative is not just about enhancing operational standards; it is a call to ensure a future, where high levels of professionalism and ethical behaviour are the norm.” “We can ensure that the Kuwaiti public sector not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity – and becomes a shining example for others across the world,” she expl
ained.

“I would like to pay special tribute to the five agencies who have helped pilot this accreditation scheme before the wider rollout, each of whom have been awarded with bronze status in recognition of their efforts to date,” she mentioned.

“The areas of focus of these agencies range from environment, food and nutrition, to social security and economic development, demonstrating that the principles embedded in Nazaha’s Ethical Code of Conduct, are relevant across all aspects of public service,” she added.

“By aligning with the standards set out by the accreditation system, agencies can not only demonstrate their commitment to improving service delivery, but also reassure the public of their dedication to ethical behaviour, fostering a more trustworthy relationship between the Government and its citizens,” Ahmad pointed out.

“By its public entities embodying the principles set out in Nazaha’s Ethical Code of Conduct, Kuwait not only strengthens its own governance but also elevates its standing on the
world stage. This increases trust in public service delivery, and also has a positive ripple effect for companies and investors who are looking for transparent and stable operating environments,” she added.

“As we mark the 125th anniversary of official diplomatic relations between the UK and Kuwait, we are reminded of the deep and enduring ties that bind our nations,” she said, adding “The declaration of 2024 as the Year of the Kuwaiti-British Partnership is not only a celebration of our shared history, but also a signal of our respective Governments’ shared commitment to furthering our collaboration across key areas including the standards, transparency and overall quality of public service delivery.”

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Amman: Senate President Faisal Fayez on Monday discussed with Moroccan Ambassador Fouad Akhrif expanding ties between Jordan and Morocco across various domains, as well as regional developments.

Fayez emphasized the deep-rooted Jordanian-Moroccan relations, which are based on mutual respect and the pursuit of common interests. He called for bolstering efforts, particularly in economic and investment fields, urging increased bilateral trade and the removal of barriers to closer cooperation.

The discussion also tackled the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Fayez highlighted His Majesty King Abdullah’s relentless endeavors for regional peace, underscoring the imperative of halting the Israeli war and implementing international resolutions on the Palestinian cause.

He reiterated the King’s warnings of the adverse consequences of Israel’s belligerent policies, emphasizing the need for concerted international action to address the root causes of
conflict and insecurity in the region.

Highlighting the shared commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution, Fayez and Akhrif emphasized the urgency of ending Israeli atrocities against Palestinians and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The Moroccan envoy hailed the level of relations with Jordan, urging expansion of cooperation.

He commended His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts in advancing regional peace and stability, reaffirming the two-state solution as the basis for achieving lasting security and prosperity in the Middle East.

Source: Jordan News Agency