ABU DHABI, U.A.E: ‘Zayed Sustainability Prize’ announces 33 Finalists Advancing Global Sustainability Initiatives

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has announced this year’s finalists following a deliberation by its esteemed Jury.

The winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on 1st December during the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held from 30th November to 12th December.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize’s Jury elected the 33 finalists from 5,213 entries received across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools – a 15 percent increase in submissions compared to last year. The new Climate Action category, introduced to mark the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and hosting of COP28 UAE, received 3,178 nominations.

From Brazil, Indonesia, Rwanda and 27 other countries, the finalists represent small and medium sized businesses, nonprofit organisations and high schools, and reflect the Prize’s growing mandate to reward innovations that transcend borders and tackle pressing global challenges.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said the finalists exemplify the remarkable ingenuity and unwavering commitment to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Dr. Al Jaber added, “The Zayed Sustainability Prize carries forward the enduring legacy of UAE’s visionary leader, Sheikh Zayed, whose commitment to sustainability and humanitarianism continues to inspire us. This legacy remains the guiding light of our nation’s aspirations, propelling us forward in our mission to uplift communities around the globe. Over the past 15 years, the Prize has been a powerful force for positive change, transforming the lives of over 378 million people across 151 countries. We have incentivised solutions that are driving climate and economic progress in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

“This cycle, we received a record-breaking number of submissions from every continent. The innovations put forth by the finalists reflect a profound dedication to inclusivity and an unyielding resolve to bridge critical gaps. These solutions directly align with the four pillars of the COP28 UAE agenda: fast-tracking a just and equitable energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people, lives and livelihoods and underpinning everything with full inclusivity. The work of these sustainability pioneers will contribute practical solutions for climate progress that protect the planet, improve livelihoods, and save lives.”

Through the Prize’s 106 winners to date, 11 million people have gained access to safe drinking water, 54 million homes have gained access to reliable energy, 3.5 million people have gained access to more nutritious food, and over 728,000 people have gained access to affordable healthcare.

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chair of the Prize Jury, said, “As global challenges continue to mount, our newest group of Prize finalists reveal the extraordinary efforts being made worldwide to meet the needs of the moment with purpose and innovation – inspiring hope for a brighter future. Whether it’s restoring the ocean wilderness, using technology to ensure better, more sustainable farm yields, or driving change for individuals without access to affordable healthcare, these innovators are transforming our world.”

The Health finalists are:
• Alkion BioInnovations is an SME from France that specialises in supplying cost effective and sustainable active ingredients for large-scale pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
• ChildLife Foundation is an NPO from Pakistan that employs an innovative Hub & Spoke healthcare model, linking Emergency Rooms as hubs to telemedicine satellite centres.
• doctorSHARE is an NPO from Indonesia dedicated to expanding healthcare access in remote and inaccessible regions using barge-mounted floating hospitals.

The Food finalists are:
• Gaza Urban & Peri-urban Agricultural Platform is an NPO from Palestine that empowers female agripreneurs in Gaza to achieve food security in their communities.
• Regen Organics is an SME from Kenya that specialises in a municipal-scale manufacturing process that produces insect-based protein for livestock feed and organic fertiliser for horticultural production.
• Semilla Nueva is an NPO from Guatemala that specialises in the development of biofortified maize seeds.

The Energy finalists are:
• Husk Power Systems is an SME from the United States of America that deploys AI-enabled minigrids that provide 24/7 renewable energy to homes, micro enterprises, health clinics, and schools.
• Ignite Power is an SME from Rwanda that specialises in delivering solar powered pay-as-you-go solutions to electrify last mile communities.
• Koolboks is an SME from France that provides off-grid solar refrigeration solutions with integrated Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring for last mile communities, through a lease-to-own sales model.


The Water finalists are:
• ADADK is an SME from Jordan that employs wireless smart sensors that use machine learning and augmented reality for the detection of both visible and hidden water leaks.
• Eau et Vie is an NPO from France that offers individual taps to the homes of impoverished urban residents, ensuring access to clean water in slum areas.
• TransForm is an NPO from Denmark that employs innovative soil filter technology for the cost-effective treatment of wastewater, sewage, and sludge without relying on energy or chemicals.

The Climate Action finalists are:
• CarbonCure is an SME from Canada that specialises in carbon removal technology. They inject CO₂ into fresh concrete, effectively reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining performance standards.
• Foundation for Amazon Sustainability is an NPO from Brazil that is dedicated to implementing projects and programmes that advance environmental conservation and empower indigenous communities to protect their rights.
• Kelp Blue is an SME from Namibia that contributes to the restoration of natural ocean wilderness and the mitigation of excess CO₂ by establishing large-scale giant kelp forests in deep waters.

The Global High Schools’ finalists presented project-based, student-led sustainability solutions, with finalists divided into 6 regions. The regional finalists include:

The Americas: Colegio De Alto Rendimiento La Libertad (Peru); Liceo Baldomero Lillo Figueroa (Chile); and New Horizons School (Argentina).
Europe and Central Asia: Northfleet Technology College (United Kingdom); Presidential School in Tashkent (Uzbekistan); and Split International School (Croatia).
Middle East & North Africa: International School (Morocco); JSS International School (United Arab Emirates); and Obour STEM School (Egypt).
Sub-Saharan Africa: Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy (Nigeria); Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School (Mauritius); and USAP Community School (Zimbabwe).
South Asia: India International Public School (India); KORT Education Complex (Pakistan); and Obhizatrik School (Bangladesh).
East Asia and the Pacific: Beijing No. 35 High School (China); Swami Vivekananda College (Fiji); and South Hill School, Inc. (The Philippines).

In the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, each winner receives US$600,000. Each of the six winning Global High Schools receives up to US$100,000.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited0

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    أبوظبي في 12 سبتمبر /وام/ أعلنت جائزة زايد للاستدامة، الجائزة العالمية الرائدة التي أطلقتها دولة الإمارات لتكريم حلول الاستدامة المبتكرة، عن المرشحين النهائيين لدورتها لهذا العام بعد مداولات أعضاء لجنة التحكيم.        وسيتم الإعلان عن الفائزين في حفل توزيع الجوائز الذي تعقده الجائزة يوم الأول من ديسمبر القادم خلال مؤتمر الدول الأطراف في اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ “COP28” الذي تستضيفه دولة الإمارات في الفترة الممتدة من 30 نوفمبر إلى 12 ديسمبر المقبلين.        واختارت اللجنة 30 مرشحاً ضمن ست فئات تشمل الصحة والغذاء والطاقة والمياه والعمل المناخي والمدارس الثانوية العالمية.         كانت الجائزة قد تلقت هذا العام 5,213 طلب مشاركة، محققةً بذلك زيادة بنسبة 15 في المائة مقارنة بالدورة الماضية.. واستقطبت فئة العمل المناخي وحدها والتي تم استحداثها مؤخراً تزامناً مع عام الاستدامة في دولة الإمارات والاستعدادات لاستضافة مؤتمر(cop28) حوالي( 3,178) مشاركة.         تضم قائمة المرشحين النهائيين مؤسسات صغيرة ومتوسطة ومنظمات غير ربحية ومدارس ثانوية من البرازيل وإندونيسيا ورواندا و27 دولة أخرى، ما يعكس الانتشار العالمي المتنامي للجائزة وسعيها المستمر لتكريم الابتكارات التي تواجه التحديات العالمية الملحة في مختلف بقاع الأرض.         وبهذه المناسبة، قال معالي الدكتور سلطان بن أحمد الجابر، وزير الصناعة والتكنولوجيا المتقدمة، الرئيس المعيّن لمؤتمر الأطراف (COP28)، مدير عام جائزة زايد للاستدامة: “تواصل الجائزة إحداث تأثير إيجابي ملموس والارتقاء بالمجتمعات حول العالم تماشياً مع رؤية القيادة الرشيدة واستلهاماً لإرث الوالد المؤسس الشيخ زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان، طيب الله ثراه، في مجالات الاستدامة والعمل الإنساني.. وعلى مدار السنوات الخمس عشرة الماضية، أسهمت الجائزة في تحسين حياة أكثر من 378 مليون شخص في 151 دولة، وذلك من خلال تكريم ودعم الحلول المبتكرة القادرة على دفع التنمية الاقتصادية ومواجهة أزمة المناخ، لا سيما في المجتمعات الأكثر تأثراً بتداعيات تغير المناخ”.          وأضاف: “تلقت جائزة زايد للاستدامة في هذه الدورة عدداً قياسياً من المشاركات من كل القارات، وتقدم الابتكارات المقترحة من قبل المرشحين النهائيين حلولاً فعالة لمجموعة من التداعيات الملحة الناجمة عن تغير المناخ، ما يعكس الالتزام الراسخ للجائزة بإحداث تغيير واسع النطاق لبناء مستقبل أكثر استدامة ومرونة لكوكبنا.. وتنسجم الحلول المتأهلة مع الركائز الأربع للأجندة المناخية التي تسعى دولة الإمارات لتحقيقها خلال استضافتها لمؤتمر الأطراف (COP28) والهادفة إلى تسريع تحقيق انتقال منظم ومسؤول وعادل في قطاع الطاقة، وتطوير أداء التمويل المناخي، والحفاظ على البشر وتحسين الحياة وسُبل العيش، وضمان احتواء الجميع بشكل تام”.       وأسهمت الجائزة من خلال الفائزين بدوراتها السابقة، والبالغ عددهم 106 فائزين، في تمكين 11 مليون شخص من الوصول إلى مياه الشرب المأمونة، وإيصال إمدادت الطاقة النظيفة إلى 54 مليون منزل، وحصول 3.5 مليون شخص على الأطعمة المغذية، وتوفير الرعاية الصحية ميسورة التكلفة لأكثر من 728 ألف شخص.       من جانبه، قال فخامة أولافور راغنار غريمسون، رئيس لجنة تحكيم الجائزة: “تعكس الحلول المقدمة من المرشحين النهائيين لهذا العام الجهود الاستثنائية التي يتم بذلها في جميع أنحاء العالم لتسخير الابتكار بهدف تلبية الاحتياجات الراهنة الملحة في ظل تنامي التحديات المناخية، ما يبرهن على الدور المستمر للجائزة في تغيير العالم نحو الأفضل من خلال توفير منصة داعمة لرواد الاستدامة.. وتميزت الحلول بالابتكار والتنوع وشملت مجموعة مختلفة من التحديات بما في ذلك استعادة الحياة البرية في المحيطات، واستخدام التكنولوجيا لزيادة وتعزيز استدامة إنتاجية المحاصيل الزراعية، وتحسين الوصول إلى خدمات الرعاية الصحية ميسورة التكلفة في المجتمعات الأشد حاجة لها”.     وشملت قائمة المرشحين النهائيين عن فئة الصحة كلاً :.   – من “ألكيون بيو إنوفيشنز”، وهي من فئة المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في فرنسا متخصصة في إنتاج مكونات نشطة مستدامة وفعالة من حيث التكلفة للأدوية واللقاحات المستخدمة على نطاق واسع.   – “تشايلد لايف فاونديشن”، وهي منظمة غير ربحية في باكستان تستخدم نموذج الرعاية الصحية المبتكر (Hub and Spoke) لربط غرف الطوارئ مع بعضها البعض وبالمراكز التي تقدم خدمات التطبيب عن بعد عبر الأقمار الصناعية.   – مؤسسة الأطباء للرعاية “doctorSHARE”، وهي منظمة غير ربحية في إندونيسيا تعمل على توسيع نطاق خدمات الرعاية الصحية لتصل إلى المناطق النائية باستخدام المستشفيات العائمة المحمولة على السفن.   وشملت قائمة المرشحين النهائيين عن فئة الغذاء كلاً من:.    – منتدى غزة للزراعة الحضرية، وهو منظمة غير ربحية في فلسطين تهدف إلى تمكين رائدات الأعمال في القطاع الزراعي في غزة لتعزيز الأمن الغذائي في مجتمعاتهن.   – “ريجين أورجانيكس”، وهي من فئة المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في كينيا وتعمل على إنتاج البروتين المشتق من الحشرات لتغذية الماشية، والأسمدة العضوية لإنتاج المحاصيل البستانية. – “سيميلا نويفا”، وهي منظمة غير ربحية في غواتيمالا متخصصة في إنتاج بذور الذرة المدعّمة. شملت قائمة المرشحين النهائيين عن فئة الطاقة كلاً من:. – “هاسك باور سيستم”، وهي من فئة المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، وتعمل على نشر شبكات صغيرة مدعمة بالذكاء الاصطناعي لتوفير الطاقة المتجددة على مدار الساعة للمنازل والمؤسسات الصغيرة والعيادات الصحية والمدارس. – “إغنايت باور”، وهي من فئة المؤسسات  الصغيرة والمتوسطة في رواندا، وتقدم حلول الشراء بنموذج الدفعات الدورية (go-you-as-pay) بالاعتماد على الطاقة الشمسية لإمداد المجتمعات بطاقة الكهرباء. – “كولبوكس”، وهي من فئة المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في فرنسا، وتوفر من خلال نموذج التأجير المنتهي بالتمليك حلول التبريد بالطاقة الشمسية والمدعومة بنظام مراقبة قائم على تقنية إنترنت الأشياء (IoT) في المجتمعات غير المتصلة بشبكة الكهرباء.  وشملت قائمة المرشحين النهائيين عن فئة المياه كلاً من:.  – “عدادك”، وهي من فئة المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في الأردن، وتستخدم أجهزة استشعار ذكية لاسلكية مدعومة بتقنيات “تعلّم الآلة” والواقع المعزز للكشف عن تسربات المياه المرئية والمخفية. – “الماء والحياة” (Eau et Vie) هي منظمة غير ربحية في فرنسا، توفر صنابير مياه لمنازل الأسر الفقيرة في المناطق الحضرية، لتضمن بذلك إمكانية الوصول إلى المياه النظيفة في الأحياء العشوائية الفقيرة. – “ترانسفورم” هي منظمة غير ربحية في الدنمارك، تستخدم تقنية ترشيح مبتكرة للتربة لمعالجة مياه الصرف الصحي والمجاري والرواسب الصلبة دون الاعتماد على الطاقة أو المواد الكيميائية.  و شملت قائمة المرشحين النهائيين عن فئة العمل المناخي كلاً من:. – “كاربون كيور”، وهي من فئة المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في كندا، والمتخصصة بتقديم حلول إزالة الكربون.. ويتضمن حلّها حقن ثاني أكسيد الكربون في الخرسانة أثناء مرحلة الإنتاج مما يقلل من حجم الانبعاثات بصورة فعالة دون التأثير على معايير الكفاءة والأداء.  – “مؤسسة استدامة الأمازون” هي منظمة غير ربحية في البرازيل، وتنشط في تنفيذ المشاريع والبرامج التي تسهم في الحفاظ على البيئة وتمكين الأفراد من حماية حقوقهم.  – “كيلب بلو”، وهي من فئة المؤسسات الصغيرة والمتوسطة في ناميبيا، والتي تسهم في استعادة الموائل الطبيعية في المحيطات والحد من فائض ثاني أكسيد الكربون في الغلاف الجوي.   أما المرشحون النهائيون عن فئة المدارس الثانوية العالمية فقد قدموا حلولاً مستدامة قائمة على مشاريع يقودها الطلاب وتم تقسيم المتأهلين إلى 6 مناطق جغرافية.. وشملت قائمة المرشحين النهائيين عن هذه الفئة كلاً من:.  – منطقة الأمريكيتان: مدرسة الحرية للأداء العالي “Colegio De Alto Rendimiento De La Libertad” (بيرو)، مدرسة “ليثيو بالدوميرو ليلو فيغيروا” (تشيلي)، “مؤسسة أوزوريس – مدرسة نيو هورايزنز” (الأرجنتين).   – منطقة أوروبا وآسيا الوسطى: “معهد نورث فليت تكنولوجي” (المملكة المتحدة)، المدرسة الرئاسية في طشقند (أوزبكستان)، مدرسة سبليت الدولية (كرواتيا).   – منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا: المدرسة الدولية (المغرب)، “جيه إس إس الدولية” (الإمارات)، مدرسة المتفوقين للعلوم والتكنولوجيا بالعبور (مصر).  – منطقة إفريقيا جنوب الصحراء الكبرى: “أكاديمية جواني ابراهيم دان هاجا” (نيجيريا)، مدرسة “لايت هاوس الابتدائية والثانوية” (موريشيوس)، “مدرسة يوساب المجتمعية” (زيمبابوي).  – منطقة جنوب آسيا: مدرسة الهند الدولية العامة (الهند)، مجمع كورت التعليمي (باكستان)، مدرسة أوبهيزاتريك (بنغلاديش).  – منطقة شرق آسيا والمحيط الهادئ: “مدرسة بكين 35 الثانوية” (الصين)، “كلية سوامي فيفيكاناندا” (فيجي)، “ساوث هيل” (الفلبين).       ويحصل كل فائز ضمن فئات الصحة والغذاء والطاقة والمياه والعمل المناخي على 600 ألف دولار، فيما تحصل كل مدرسة من المدارس الثانوية العالمية الست الفائزة على ما يصل إلى 100 ألف دولار.  

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRAES (U.A.E)

ABU DHABI, U.A.E: ADNOC Secures 30% Stake in Azerbaijan Gas Field

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. has bought a 30 percent stake in Azerbaijan’s Absheron gas and condensate field in a further extension of bilateral energy partnership between the UAE and the Asian country.

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, known as SOCAR, and TotalEnergies both have 35 percent shares in the field.

The investment is part of ADNOC’s growth strategy to meet growing global demand for lower-carbon energy, and the first gas from Absheron was successfully delivered in early July 2023, according to press release from the firm.

As part of their expanding partnership, ADNOC and SOCAR also signed a memorandum of understanding that will see both companies evaluate potential areas of collaboration across renewable energy, low carbon solutions and upstream projects in the UAE, Azerbaijan and internationally.

Musabbeh Al-Kaabi, executive director of low carbon solutions and international growth at ADNOC, said: “We believe this strategic partnership with SOCAR and TotalEnergies, unlocks the potential of the Caspian region for decades to come, and complements a broader energy collaboration between the UAE and Azerbaijan that will accelerate the growth of the global renewable energy sector, as both countries take bold steps to transition towards a lower-carbon future.”

SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf praised Azerbaijan’s “favorable investment climate” for attracting foreign investors in the energy sector.

He added: “This particular deal underscores our commitment to strengthening the relations with our partners and reaffirms Azerbaijan’s position as a reliable partner in the energy sector. We are excited to embark on this journey with ADNOC along with TotalEnergies, building upon our shared vision and complementary strengths.”

In March, ADNOC offered with BP to jointly acquire 50 percent of Israeli offshore natural gas producer NewMed Energy for about $2 billion, marking their entry into Israel’s growing energy sector.

The firm has sharpened its focus on the gas market as competition for liquefied natural gas has ramped up following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Europe in particular needing large amounts to help replace gas piped from Russia.

ADNOC listed its gas business in March after raising $2.5 billion from an initial public offering, which was the world’s biggest in the first quarter.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: UAE’s Minister for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi Elected as Chair of WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13)

The General Council of the WTO has elected Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, as Chair of the World Trade Organisation’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13).

The Ministerial Conference, attended by leading representatives from the 164 countries and customs blocs that make up the WTO, will take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.

MC13 comes at a critical time for world trade, and the conference will build on the outcomes of MC12, review the performance of the multilateral trading system, make decisions on the future work of the WTO, and set up the roadmap for MC14.

“This is a pivotal moment for world trade,” commented Al Zeyoudi. “As a Ministerial Conference, we have to tackle pressing issues and challenges, consider all the forces shaping the future of trade and come up with clear solutions, and challenge ourselves to take actionable decisions that move the needle on making trade more efficient, inclusive and sustainable.

“At the heart of all of this is the need to modernise trade and embed technology across supply chains, and we look forward to working closely with all the members of the WTO to make real progress at MC13. Our goal must be driving forward momentum for more change at the conference in Abu Dhabi next year, but also in the years to come, and I have the utmost confidence in our collective ability to make this happen.”

The announcement was made during the WTO General Council in Geneva, Switzerland, where he met with the WTO Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

During their meeting they discussed the preparations for MC13, in addition to the landmark inclusion of trade as a thematic day at COP28, which is set to take place in Dubai later this year.

Dr. Thani delivered his first address as Chair at the General Council, where he stressed the importance of building resilient trade frameworks to tackle today’s challenging landscape.

In his address, he called for focused and decisive deliberations amongst WTO members ahead of MC13, and commented, “Trade policy extends far beyond the scope of trade itself; it is about shaping our common future. It is our collective responsibility to contribute to a predictable, rules-based, and open trade and investment environment that creates prosperity for all – and this is precisely why the success of MC13 is so imperative.”

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

ABU DHABI, UAE: NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)-led Researchers Develop Smart Pill to advance Diagnosis, Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders

 A group of researchers led by a professor at NYU Abu Dhabi has developed a non-invasive system to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. 

Researchers have produced 3D magnetic field gradients using high-frequency electromagnetic coils to track the movement of an ingestible smart pill through the gastrointestinal tract, NYUAD said on Tuesday. 

The ingestible wireless device measures and transmits the field magnitude to determine its precise location, which is then sent to a smartphone via Bluetooth technology. 

It reportedly allows for a more accurate evaluation of the movement of food from the mouth through the throat, esophagus, stomach, intestines and out of the body. 

The system has been modeled using the digestive systems of large animals. 

Existing smart pills do not offer the large field-of-view, high spatial resolution and fully wireless operation that the 3D magnetic field gradient developed by the researchers allows for, WAM reported.  

“The smart pill our team has developed represents a more accessible and efficient approach to assessing GI motility that can benefit both patients and medical providers,” Khalil Ramadi, NYUAD assistant professor of bioengineering, said. 

“This is a new frontier for medical diagnosis and evidence-based treatment and has the potential, with further research and refinement, to revolutionize how we can most effectively address health challenges that impact millions of people worldwide,” Ramadi added.

It is estimated that more than one-third of the world’s population suffers from gastrointestinal disorders.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The new non-invasive system aims to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. (Shutterstock)

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E.)

WORLD RECORD: EMIRATES (U.A.E) : NYU Abu Dhabi Research Scientist to Publish the World’s First Arabic Mars Atlas

NYU Abu Dhabi research scientist Dr. Dimitra Atri has produced the world’s first ever Mars atlas in Arabic, Emirates News Agency reported.

The atlas uses data from the UAE’s Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) — also known as Hope or Al-Amal — in order to make the findings of the probe more accessible to both the UAE’s Arabic-speaking population and the rest of the world.

The Mars Atlas Project combines various images from the Hope probe to map the planet’s surface.

The end result is a comprehensive view of Mars and stunning images of a planet that once had similar atmospheric conditions to Earth.

Dimitra Atri used data from UAE’s Hope probe to map the red planet.

Atri and his team compiled the atlas by processing observational data from EMM’s Emirates eXploration Imager, one of three instruments onboard the orbiter. The device will also assist the team in showing how the planet changes over the course of one Mars year, which is roughly equivalent to two Earth years.

As more data from the Hope probe becomes available, the atlas will be gradually updated.

The data will help scientists gain a better understanding of the planet’s atmospheric thinning, which has caused it to cool and dry over the last 4 billion years.

Atri predicts that the collected data will be used to answer unsolved scientific questions about the erosion of Mars’ atmosphere.

The findings could help the international scientific community to better understand Earth’s atmospheric processes, he said.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

 UAE : Federal Supreme Council elects Mohamed bin Zayed as UAE President: May 14th, 2022

The Federal Supreme Council today unanimously elected His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the United Arab Emirates.

The Council held a meeting today at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, chaired by Huis Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain; and H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs said that according to Article 51 of the Constitution, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was unanimously elected as the President of the UAE to succeed the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan .

Their Highnesses, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates have reaffirmed their keenness to continue implementing the authentic values and principles laid down by the late deceased, Sheikh Khalifa, following on from the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These have consolidated the UAE’s status at both regional and global levels.

The Federal Supreme Council expressed its full confidence that the people of the UAE will remain, as Sheikh Zayed and the founders believed, “a faithful guardian of the Union and its gains at all levels”.

Their Highnesses wished H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan success in serving his people and country.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his appreciation for the precious trust placed in him by his brothers, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, praying to the Almighty to guide and help him to bear the responsibility of this great trust and to fulfil its tasks of serving his country and people.

source/content: wam.ae

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E.)

Dr. Farida Al Hosani becomes First Emirati Female to join World Health Organisation’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework Advisory Group

Dr Farida Al Hosani.

AbuDhabi Public Health Centre, the region’s first dedicated centre protecting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of Abu Dhabi’s population by raising public and preventative healthcare awareness, is pleased to announce that H.E. Dr Farida Al Hosani, Infectious Disease Expert and Executive Director of Infectious Diseases and Official Spokesperson for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Health Sector, has joined the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework (PIP Framework) Advisory Group as a Member for the period 2022-2024.

Members of the Advisory Group are appointed by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation and serve, in their personal, expert capacity, for a period of three years. The key goal of the framework is to improve and strengthen the sharing of information about influenza viruses with human pandemic potential, and to increase the access to vaccines and other pandemic related supplies for developing countries.

The PIP Framework is focused on the sharing of information around influenza viruses and promoting the access to vaccines and other benefits. It was adopted in May 2011 by the 64th World Health Assembly which comprises 18 members drawn from three Member States in each WHO Region.

source/content: mediaoffice.abudhabi

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

World’s Largest Hand-Knotted Carpet Housed in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi – UAE.

 The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s main prayer hall housed the world’s largest carpet, a unique masterpiece with dazzling beauty and design. The carpet was hand-knotted by a group of the world’s most skilled artists and weavers.

The wool and cotton carpet was hand-crafted by around 1,200 artisans. It is 5,400 square metres, with 40 knots per 6.5 centimetres and 2.5 billion knots for the entire carpet, weighing 35 tons after completion.

Despite its enormous size, the carpet was designed as a single piece, which qualified it for the Guinness Book of Records in 2017 as the largest carpet in the world. Its knotting took approximately 12 months.

With unique harmony and integration of aesthetic elements, the carpet covers the floor of the main prayer hall and magnifies its splendour. The hand-woven carpet has an astonishing design, looking like a reflection of the above chandelier. Its background features a variety of 25 natural colours from traditional herbs, including local madar roots, pomegranate peels, leaf veins, and others.

The carpet is predominately green, bringing a sense of calm and comfort to the place. To maintain the beauty of the design, a shaving technique was used to define the rows of worshipers on the carpet.

The carpet weaving took place in three large workshops on a built-up area of 5,000 square metres. The carpet’s high-quality materials, colours, and creative design make it one of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s finest elements. It is carefully supervised by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, with its maintenance work taking more than 12 days according to thoughtful plans by specialized teams.

source/content: wam.ae

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

‘Lamat Shaml’ Wins ‘UAE President’s Cup World Series for Purebred Arabian Horses’, Germany: September 2021

‘Lamat Shaml’ wins 28th edition of UAE President’s Cup World Series for Purebred Arabian Horses in Germany.

 “Lamat Shaml,” owned by Walid bin Zayed, galloped to win the Cup.

Evsheim grass track in the German city of Baden-Baden hosted the seventh leg of the global series of races, in one of the largest confrontations and the most important races on European tracks.

Since 1994, the UAE President Cup Series has put Arabian horse racing in the spotlight on some of the biggest stages in the world. 

source/content: wam.ae

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pix: wam.ae

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder – Abu Dhabi Festival

Huda I Alhamis-Kanoo, Patron of the Arts

  • Founder – Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) – 1996
  • Founder & Artistic Director : Abu Dhabi Festival (2004)

www.admaf.org / www.abudhabifestival.ae

Awards:

  • The Abu Dhabi Award and Abu Dhabi Medal (conferred by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi)
  • The UN-affiliated Women Together Award
  • The Aspen Institute Emerging Voice Award for Cultural Stewardship
  • The Puccini Festival Foundation Award,
  • The Middle East Institute’s Visionary Award,
  • etc…

Orders Conferred:

  • The Commander of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic (Orden de Isabel la Católica), conferred upon her by HM Juan Carlos, former King of Spain, by order of HM Philip IV, King of Spain
  • The Medal of Civil Merit of Spain
  • The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz)
  • Commendatore dell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà of Italy
  • Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur of France
  • Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France
  • The Belgian Officer of the Order of the Crown, bestowed upon her by HM Albert II, King of Belgium
  • The Gloria Artis Medal of Poland
  • Order of the British Empire (OBE), bestowed upon her by HM Queen Elizabeth the Second
  • etc…

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Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo is the founder of Admaf and artistic director of the Abu Dhabi Festival. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Festival / pix: thenationalnews.com

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)