ABU DHABI, 12th June, 2024 (WAM) — President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today welcomed teams that participated in the UAE Pavilion at the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, which took place in Qatar from 2 October 2023 to 28 March 2024.
During the meeting at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Highness expressed his appreciation for the teams’ efforts, which showcased the UAE’s rich legacy of environmental stewardship and agricultural innovation since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He also commended their unique initiatives and future plans in developing sustainable agricultural solutions.
His Highness congratulated the teams on the pavilion’s achievement of receiving the Gold Award for the Best Self-Built Pavilion at the exhibition, emphasising that this success reflects the capabilities and expertise of UAE professionals participating in international exhibitions and events.
The UAE President praised the spirit of cooperation among the pavilion’s organisers, which contributed to presenting a positive image of the UAE and its vision in the field of sustainability, alongside innovation and investment in technology to protect the environment and its resources.
The organisers of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha expressed their pleasure at meeting His Highness, affirming that the success of their participation was the result of his continuous support and commitment to ensuring the UAE’s participation was distinctive and highlighted the country’s achievements on various levels.
They also extended their best regards to His Highness on the upcoming Eid Al-Adha, praying to God to protect him and bless him with continued health and wellbeing.
Last October, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening of Expo 2023 Doha, inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment.”
The UAE participated in the exhibition with a pavilion themed “Nurturing Legacy,” overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and the National Projects Office. The UAE Pavilion was selected based on its alignment with Expo 2023 Doha’s themes, innovative landscape design, thoughtful plant species selection, use of sustainable materials, and engaging environmental and cultural programming. Additionally, the UAE Pavilion was recognised for its guest experience, which reflected the UAE’s culture and sustainable journey.
The pavilion design, which spanned an area of 2,290 square metres, was inspired by the Ghaf tree, the UAE’s national tree, following the path of its roots to its branches and leaves and featuring rammed earth walls built from locally sourced materials and a roof made with palm leaves. The pavilion also contained a garden with local plants, including fruit trees, flowers, spices, herbs, and medicinal plants, among others.
The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court, and a number of officials.
UAE President welcomes teams from UAE Pavilion at International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha
Mohammed bin Rashid presides over swearing-in ceremony of new members of Dubai’s Judicial Inspection Authority
DUBAI, 12th June, 2024 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of three new members of Dubai’s Judicial Inspection Authority.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council, also attended the ceremony that took place at the Union House in Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed wished the new judges success in their roles, emphasising their crucial role in enhancing Dubai’s judicial efficiency. He also highlighted the vital part that judges play in upholding fairness, protecting society, and maintaining the rule of law.
Members of the Judicial Inspection Authority who were sworn in included Dr. Mostafa Ali Khalaf Mohamed Amin, Dr. Hussein Ali Saleh Al-Amri, and Dr. Nassar Mohamed Sabeitan Al-Halama. The newly appointed officials pledged to uphold justice, abide by the law, and perform their duties with integrity.
The ceremony was attended by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Judicial Council; Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, the Attorney General of Dubai; Dr. Saif Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director General of Dubai Courts; and Judge Mohammed Mubarak Al Sabousi, Director of Dubai’s Judicial Inspection Authority.
تصريحات حمدان بن محمد خلال حضور “خلوة الذكاء الاصطناعي في دبي”
حمدان بن محمد: شهدت اليوم خلوة الذكاء الاصطناعي بدبي التي جمعت أكثر من 2500 مسؤول حكومي ومدير تنفيذي وخبير متخصص ضمن 35 جلسة حوارية وورشة عمل، وتم خلالها إطلاق شراكات ومبادرات جديدة هدفها صناعة مستقبل واعد لهذا القطاع. خلال الحدث، التقيت عدداً من مديري ومسؤولي الجهات الحكومية بدبي والرؤساء التنفيذيين للذكاء الاصطناعي الذين اعتمدنا تعيينهم في 22 جهة حكومية، ووجهنا بتحويل مخرجات الخلوة لمشاريع ومبادرات ترتقي بريادة دبي في التوظيف الأمثل لتطبيقات الذكاء الاصطناعي والاستفادة من فُرصِهِ اللامحدودة.
Date Palm festival to be held in Pakistan this year. Ambassador Tirmizi
Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm & Agriculture Innovation met Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Envoy to United Arab Emirates (UAE) today.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss collaboration between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s capacity in date palm cultivation, production and processing technology. They discussed preparations in the context of upcoming Date Palm festival in Pakistan, scheduled to be held in the last quarter of 2024.
The Secretary General reaffirmed support of Khalifa Award for development and strengthening of date palm cultivation sector in Pakistan.
Ambassador Tirmizi appreciated the support of Khalifa International Award and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to collaborate for organizing the festival in Pakistan as well as implementation of earlier signed MoU between the two sides. Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of National Food Security & Research and Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agriculture Invocation UAE have signed an MoU in February 2024.
Sheikha Bodour urges graduating students to ‘stand up for what’s right’ at AUS Spring commencement ceremony
Sharjah, June 9, 2024: American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the achievements of 753 of its graduating students in its Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies held on June 8. Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, conferred the degrees on graduate and undergraduate students during one session in the morning and another in the afternoon in University City Hall in Sharjah, recognizing their years of commitment to their education.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikha Bodour said that academic and material success were important in life, but that strength of character was the true measure of a person’s worth.
‘Every action you take, whether in your family, your workplace, or your community, will contribute to shaping the world in which you and your children will live,’ she said.
‘Character is about doing the right thing, especially when it’s difficult and when there’s no tangible reward (…) Have the courage to speak up and stand up for what’s right. Congratulations, Class of 2024, your journey is just beginning, and I’m eager to witness your positive impact on the world.’
Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, congratulated the graduating cohort.
“AUS takes pride in providing a deep and rigorous level of training in our students’ chosen area of study, delivered alongside a broad exposure to the liberal arts and the opportunity to explore passions and evolving interests. This results in a student experience that demands true dedication and passion, and I want to congratulate you all on not only succeeding in making it through a truly immersive experience, but excelling in your achievements and creative milestones, in so many ways,” he said.
Sheikha Bodour awarded Fatima Rashid Bintaliah, a finance major, the President’s Cup for the highest-grade point average, and Jawwad Imran Sheikh, a mechanical engineering major, the Chancellor’s Cup for an outstanding combination of academic excellence, general character and service to the university.
During the morning ceremony, student speaker and mechanical engineering major Malek Bachir reflected on the university journey he and his fellow graduates embarked upon, highlighting the challenges they overcame and the triumphs they celebrated along the way.
Having overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and building a vibrant community upon returning back to campus, Bachir said that it is in struggles that true strength can be found.
“Our journey has taught us that within every challenge lies an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to excel. Despite the physical distance, we came together, supported one another, and pushed the boundaries of what we thought possible. And once we came back on campus, this graduating class led initiatives that not only brought us even closer but also made a significant impact on our community,” said Bachir.
From volunteering at the world’s biggest climate change conference COP 28, impactful initiatives led by student clubs and organizations, to forming a united front at the “Tarahum for Gaza ” event to support people in need, Bachir highlighted the power of community.
Bachir dedicated her success to his late father, whom she lost during the COVID pandemic.
“Today we also remember those who— though may not be here with us physically—left a lasting impression on our lives…My father’s spirit and legacy inspired and will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life and I am eternally grateful for him. This sentiment, I know, is shared by many of us who have lost loved ones and are feeling their loss especially today. Together, we honor their memory, and carry their legacy forward with every step we take,” she said.
In the afternoon ceremony, student speaker and biology major Abdelhamid Khodja highlighted the challenges and triumphs of adapting to online classes and the perseverance required to continue their university studies amidst the COVID pandemic. He urged students to be proactive in creating their own opportunities.
“As graduates equipped with the knowledge that we have today, we have a renewed sense of responsibility to enter the world and strive to make it a better place than we found it. I am reminded of a powerful saying by the great writer George Bernard Shaw: ‘Don’t wait for the right opportunity, create it.’ And in a world brimming with challenges and uncertainties, this principle has never been more relevant. Our society is facing pressing issues such as climate change, social injustice, public health crises, and the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence,” he said.
Khodja added: “I urge you to heed the call to action embedded within today’s theme: Wait not for opportunities, create them. Because the problems we face today require all of us to collaborate to find creative solutions. So, as we embark on this next chapter of our lives, let us be catalysts for change, architects of societal progress and champions of justice. Each and every single one of you possesses the power to shape the world in accordance with our shared values and aspirations. So let us seize this moment with courage and compassion, knowing that our actions today will echo far into the future.”
The breakdown of the Class of Spring 2024 is as follows:
Total graduating students: 753
Undergraduate students receiving degrees: 653
Graduate students receiving degrees (master’s and PhD): 100
Male graduates: 305
Female graduates: 448
UAE nationals graduating: 154
A breakdown of the graduating class by college/school is as follows:
College of Architecture, Art and Design: 114 undergraduates and 5 graduates
College of Arts and Sciences: 141 undergraduates and 13 graduates
College of Engineering: 224 undergraduates and 73 graduates
School of Business Administration: 174 undergraduates and 9 graduates
For more information on the Class of Spring 2024, click here.
Attached Photos:
1-5. Photos from press release titled Sheikha Bodour urges graduating students to ‘stand up for what’s right’ at AUS Spring commencement ceremony
6. Additional and high resolution photos link:https://we.tl/t-meef34MBSn
7. Video Link: https://we.tl/t-gRFkccEpiZ
Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi Museum Unveils Exhibition of Historic Correspondence
Sharjah Museums Authority is proud to announce the launch of its latest
exhibition, “Letters Exchanged: Correspondence of Sheikh Saeed and
His Family,” at the historic Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi
Museum.
This unique exhibition, taking place at the 125-year-old house reopened
last October after rejuvenation, marks the first public display of a
collection of rare letters exchanged between Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al
Qasimi, his family, friends and acquaintances.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi,
Deputy Head of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in
Kalba, in the presence of Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of
Sharjah Museums Authority, His Excellency Abdullah Ghanem Al
Zaabi، Chairman of AhyaKalba Council and a number of officials and
academic and cultural figures.
Included in the exhibition are noteworthy messages such as a heartfelt
letter from Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad bin Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi,
Ruler of Kalba, to his daughter, Sheikha Aisha bint Saeed and another
to his cousin, Shaikha bint Saif Al Abdouli.
Furthermore, the exhibition features a letter from Latifa bint Ali bin
Darwesh, mother of Sheikh Saeed and aunt of Sheikha bint Saif Al
Abdouli, to her granddaughter Aisha bint Saeed. This particular letter
captures the grandmother’s joy upon the birth of her great-grandchild,
emphasizing the strong family ties that are a hallmark of Sharjah’s
heritage.
These handwritten letters, delivered by messengers, played a crucial role
in the social and political discourse of the time, providing deep insights
into the cultural and social milieu of Sheikh Saeed and his
contemporaries. They also poignantly illustrate deep familial bonds,
mutual care and respect.
In addition to the letters, the exhibition showcases various objects,
including women’s costume, materials of personal adornment and
household items that further enrich the narrative of the museum’s
namesake.
From May 29 to December 31, 2024, ‘Letters Exchanged’ offers a rare
glimpse into a pre-modern and not so distant era of communication,
before the advent of modern postal systems, emails and social media.
This collection of letters has been generously shared by the Bin Darwesh
family, courtesy of Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Darwesh.
For their preservation, meticulous copies of the letters are displayed
ensuring the longevity of the original invaluable documents for future
generations to appreciate and study.
These personal documents are part of a broader collection preserved by
Sharjah Museums Authority, offering visitors a window into the rich
tapestry of familial and social relations of Sharjah’s past.
This exhibition is a landmark event in the preservation and celebration
of Kalba city’s cultural heritage, inviting everyone to explore the rich
history and architectural beauty of the Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al
Qasimi Museum, a cultural and historical hub attracting visitors locally
and from across the globe.
For more information about the exhibition, please visit
https://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/
Sharjah Aquarium Showcases Achievements and Initiatives on World Oceans Day
Since its opening in 2008, Sharjah Aquarium, under the Sharjah Museums Authority, has established itself as a leading recreational and educational center that significantly contributes to environmental awareness and marine life conservation.
The Aquarium stands as a prominent example of continuous and dedicated efforts to protect the oceans and preserve marine biodiversity through its numerous initiatives and achievements.
Rashid Al Shamsi, Curator of Sharjah Aquarium, emphasized that the aquarium plays a pivotal role in promoting education and environmental awareness.
“Throughout the year, it offers various educational programs targeting all age groups, from students to researchers and the general public,” he said.
These programs include educational tours and interactive workshops that focus on the importance of the marine environment and the necessity of preserving it and its biodiversity.
Al Shamsi added that the aquarium’s efforts are highlighted through organizing numerous awareness campaigns, initiatives, and participation in scientific research aimed at protecting endangered marine species, improving environmental conditions of the oceans, and encouraging sustainable behaviors.
“These efforts play a crucial role in preserving natural resources for future generations.”
As always, Sharjah Museums Authority, represented by Sharjah Aquarium, makes a significant and impactful presence in specialized global events.
It joins the international community in celebrating World Oceans Day observed on June 8 each year, by participating in the “Beauty of the Marine Environment” initiative in collaboration with Khorfakkan University.
This initiative showcases the latest environmental conditions of the UAE’s marine environment, highlights the secrets of its coral reefs, and emphasizes the diversity of its fish wealth.
The aquarium’s participation reflects its full commitment to protecting the marine environment and continuing efforts towards a sustainable future for the coming generations.
It achieves this through various initiatives, workshops, campaigns, and unique programs under its social responsibility initiative “Because We Care,” which aims to educate the public on the importance of preserving the marine environment and raise awareness about the dangers of pollution caused by irresponsible behaviours, such as the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation and Release Program, the annual carnival, and the annual “Clean Up” campaign.
Additionally, regular workshops allow visitors to feed fish and touch marine creatures, bringing the public closer to the marine environment and encouraging better protection efforts.
As part of the initiative targeting different community members, including Khorfakkan University students, the aquarium offers two workshops: one for families and another for university students.
The event also features characters interacting with the public, the use of interactive screens within the aquarium, and displays of diverse fish species along with entertaining activities such as face painting.
The celebration includes a lecture by Khorfakkan University titled “Under the Waves: Exploring the Hidden World of Coral Reefs in the UAE,” with university students participating in various activities and engaging in a specialized scientific lecture on marine and ocean environments during their visit to the aquarium.
The authority invites all community members, especially families with children, to seize this opportunity to learn about local fish species and their environment through display images, enjoy face painting, participate in family workshops, and interact with characters.
Through Sharjah Aquarium and its diverse activities and programs, SMA aims to enhance awareness of marine environmental issues among different community members, inform them about the UAE’s most important natural resources, and the role of coral reefs in maintaining ecological balance and providing natural habitats for many marine creatures.
Furthermore, it highlights the importance of fish wealth as an essential part of the country’s natural and economic heritage.
The Authority stresses the importance of public awareness in protecting the marine environment and preserving marine biodiversity by utilizing all available tools, including organizing events, interactive activities, and launching campaigns that actively contribute to a deeper understanding of marine environmental challenges and encourage sustainable practices to conserve these resources.
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Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi Meets with FCCI Chairman Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazrui to Enhance Economic Cooperation between Pakistan and UAE
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Trimzi, met with His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazrui, Chairman of the UAE Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) at Abu Dhabi. This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ways and means to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. Ambassador Tirmizi invited the Chairman and the UAE busienss community to participate in Pakistan’s Food and Agriculture Exhibition (FoodAg 2024) to be held from 9-11 August 2024 at Expo Centre Karachi. The Chairman assured Chamber’s support in strengthing economic and business linkages between the two sides. He assured that the possibility of UAE’s delegation from various Chambers of Commerce in the Exhibition will be explored.
Human-Centric, Hybrid AI Opens Up New Possibilities
We are at the beginning of the most exciting and probably one of the most historic moments in technology. The era of mobile AI is here — which for Samsung opened up by the introduction of Galaxy AI features on the Galaxy S24 series, our first AI phone.
Revolutionizing Mobile Experiences With a Hybrid AI Approach
To bring the real-life benefits of generative AI technology to the Galaxy S24 series, we took a hybrid approach to our AI integration. AI offers so many possibilities, and we believe mobile devices are the primary access point for unlocking its potential as users around the globe continue to rely on their phones for most of their day-to-day needs.
The essential role that mobile devices play in everyday life means they are very personal items that people use during many critical and memorable moments. We understand these behaviors and believe smartphones should work harder so that users can truly make the most of important moments in a simpler, more intuitive and more epic way. We also recognize the importance of privacy which is why we give users full control over what they share and what they keep private.
We believe our hybrid approach is the most practical and reliable solution to meet all these needs and puts Samsung ahead of the curve. We are providing users with a balance between the instant responsiveness and extra privacy assurance of on-device AI and the versatility of cloud-based AI through open collaborations with industry-leading partners in offering a variety of functions they need for daily life.
Expanding Possibilities With On-Device AI
We made the Live Translate feature on-device AI based because voice calls are the most basic feature of a smartphone, yet also an intimate and private means of communication. Samsung has committed to empowering users to communicate without language barriers, while at the same time ensuring every communication is safe and private.
To make this feature a reality, our R&D team worked day and night as part of a collaborative process that truly brought out the best in our teams. From determining the right size of AI language models to training and testing in real-life scenarios, our R&D organizations within the MX business challenged themselves and pushed beyond the limits of what we thought was possible to get this feature running entirely on-device.
Samsung’s global R&D networks around the world, which are in charge of growing the best talents and developing core technologies in each region, have also played a pivotal role. Samsung Research Centers around the globe, including Poland, China, India and Vietnam, have dedicated themselves to developing and expanding the languages supported by Galaxy AI. Languages are very cultural, contemporary and localized, so to help people break down language barriers and communicate more naturally, the role of our local R&D offices is even more crucial in opening up new possibilities for users in more regions than ever before.
All these efforts have enabled Samsung to offer something completely new which I’m excited to share. Soon, Samsung is extending the power of Galaxy AI beyond Samsung’s own native calling app by expanding Live Translate to other third-party message apps to support voice calls. So you can stay in contact with friends or colleagues, communicating on your favorite apps in multiple languages.
And since this feature has been integrated into our on-device AI language translation model, users will be able to experience barrier-free communication without worrying about privacy issues like personal data being shared outside their phone when using Live Translate.
I expect that more and more mobile AI features will be incorporated inside mobile devices as the intelligent computing power of the latest chips — particularly NPUs — advances at a blazing fast speed, along with other technologies. This will enable more people to embrace AI and make every day more convenient while offering greater peace of mind.
Growing Galaxy AI for Tomorrow’s Needs, Today
This exciting news is all part of the extension of our commitment to Galaxy AI and entering the next phase of the mobile AI era. The introduction of Galaxy AI on the Galaxy S24 series was only the start. To deliver a completely new and unique AI experience, we will further optimize the Galaxy AI experience for the upcoming foldable devices. Our foldables are the most versatile and flexible form factor in Samsung Galaxy and when combined with Galaxy AI, these two complementary technologies will together unlock all new possibilities.
Samsung is also committed to expanding Galaxy AI experiences across the broader Galaxy ecosystem in a way that only Samsung can. As the mobile AI era moves forward at a rapid pace, Samsung is accelerating mobile AI innovations to meet the needs of not only today, but tomorrow.