UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council discusses future plans

DUBAI, The newly-established UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council held its first meeting to discuss the challenges, priorities, policies and legislation that serve the direction of the state and contribute to realising the aspirations of the government for the welfare of the Emirati people.

The council also reviewed the housing plans for the coming years and the provision of multiple financing options and solutions at competitive prices to reduce the financial burdens on the beneficiaries.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of the Council, said that the leadership pays top priority to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and decent, sustainable government housing to improve the living standards of the citizens. He referred to various projects aimed at enhancing public utilities and establishing fully-serviced, integrated housing complexes to meet the requirements of Emirati families.

He stated that the leadership expects the council to serve both the state and its citizens, realising happiness and social stability for Emirati families.

“As Emirati citizens remain the top priority of the government and its sustainable development driving engine for the next 50 years. All stakeholders are required to join forces and mobilise energies to prepare plans that fulfil aspirations of the leadership and Emirati people,” he said.

”The council is seeking a public-private partnership to conceptualise a comprehensive strategy that addresses current challenges and set priorities for the next 50 years,” he added.

On 12th October, 2021, the Federal Cabinet announced the establishment of the new council responsible for the planning and implementing infrastructure and housing projects that cater to housing needs over the following years. The council is mandated to ensure integration and comprehensiveness in planning and implementing infrastructure and housing projects.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher launches 4th cycle, allows foreign teachers to participate

ABU DHABI, The Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher announced the launch of its Fourth Cycle, during a press conference held at the Expo 2020 Dubai, which included members of the award, to highlight the latest developments.

The award’s new cycle will be open for foreign and non-Arabic speaking teachers in private schools and the international community who can apply and register for the award in the English language. The joining of a group of Arab countries alongside Switzerland and the setting of qualitative development plans is a step towards conveying the mission of the educational award to the world.

The press conference was attended by Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and General Supervisor of the Award; Eng. Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Award; Mohamed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Education Affairs Office at the Crown Prince Court in Abu Dhabi, and Member of the Supreme Committee; Dr. Mohamed Al Mulla, Chairman of the Technical Committee; Sheikha Kholoud Al Qasimi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Inspection Sector in the UAE, and Vice Chairman of the Technical Committee, and Dr. Hamad Ahmed Al Darmaki, Secretary-General of the Award.

Speaking at the press conference, Al Hammadi expressed his sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Sponsor of the Award, for his unstinted support for education and educational awards aimed at the teacher, including the Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher. The award was essential at this stage to become a real tool that translates the leadership’s aspirations in developing education by empowering the teacher who is the nerve-centre of the educational process and making innovation and creativity a sustainable means to pave the way towards building knowledge generations through creative learning environments.

He remarked that the award was launched in 2017, and within this short period, it has received a positive and wide response in the various participating countries.

He stressed that this was reflected in the expansion of the participation scope in the targeted countries. “Alongside achieving an additional gain that is the desire of other Arab countries to join, which they expressed, and that is something we are all pleased about. The Syrian Arab Republic, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of Tunisia joined the award in its Fourth Cycle. We always welcome the participating countries and appreciate their tireless efforts to be truly present in the field of knowledge and educational competitiveness through this pioneering award.”

He added that the award seeks universality and access to every teacher in all parts of the world, and in this regard, Switzerland, Finland and Austria have joined the award. “That is participation we are pleased with. It indicates a great global educational movement in which the award will be the main player.”

He expressed his sincere gratitude to the work teams in the participating countries, and the Ministries of Education, which supported the award’s objectives of the Third Cycle.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Emirates Post Group launches commemorative stamps featuring Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site

ABU DHABI, Emirates Post Group, in cooperation with Dubai Municipality, issued a set of commemorative stamps featuring the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site in Dubai, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the UAE. The stamps bear images of a “Golden Ring”, “Gold Crown Model”, and “Pottery Storage Jar”, all of which represent the most prominent unearthed artefacts at the site.

The release of the commemorative stamps is part of Emirates Post Group’s initiatives to promote the UAE’s cultural and historical heritage and commemorate important archaeological discoveries, in line with the directives of the UAE government to protect archaeological sites and preserve the country’s, as well as the region’s, history of civilizations.

Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, Group CEO of Emirates Post Group, said: “Issuing these stamps is in line with our commitment to promote the country’s prominent historical and cultural landmarks. Through the stamps, we seek to raise awareness about this archaeological discovery and its historical significance as the region’s major hub for copper smelting and the manufacturing of various tools and utensils during the Iron Age. Archaeologists confirmed that the site’s human activity dates back to more than 5,000 years, making this discovery an invaluable addition to the region’s rich culture and history. Emirates Post Group will continue its efforts and contributions to highlight and preserve the country’s culture and heritage by using commemorative postal stamps as tools of documentation for future generations.”

Ahmed Abdulkarim Ahli, Chief Executive Support Services Sector, Dubai Municipality emphasized the importance of initiatives aimed at reviving and preserving the country’s national heritage. He said: “Dubai Municipality collaborates with several local institutions to provide consultations and services related to the protection of our local heritage. Various strategies and approaches are adopted to promote and preserve our traditional values and customs.

“We are pleased to partner with Emirates Post Group in issuing this set of commemorative stamps for Saruq Al Hadid, in line with the strategies of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to support initiatives aimed at strengthening our national identity and heritage through cooperation with national institutions in the country,” he added.

Furthermore, Ahli stated that Saruq Al Hadid has become one of the most important archaeological sites in the Emirate of Dubai. The site was discovered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, when he noticed a difference in the shape of the sand dunes. Under his directives, teams of archaeologists conducted excavations and research at the site which revealed the historical importance of Saruq Al-Hadid. This breakthrough is considered the most important discovery in the Arabian Peninsula between the third millennium BC until the first century AD.

Saruq Al Hadid, which means ‘Way of Iron’, was believed to be the centre for metallurgical industries and commercial activities, and a crucial link to land and sea trade routes.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SLC ready to hold ‘Legislative Week 2021’ to explore future of legislative system

DUBAI, The General Secretariat of the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC) in the Emirate of Dubai is all set to host the 3rd edition of the Legislative Week from 14th to 18th November, titled ‘Legislation for the Future’.

Senior officials and legal professionals from Dubai government entities will attend the event to discuss the future of legislation, and explore opportunities for the modernisation and development of the legislative system in order to be fully prepared for furthering the future of the UAE as envisioned by the wise leadership.

The agenda of the Legislative Week 2021 features a series of virtual and in-person activities focused on the best ways to develop and prepare agile legislation that accommodates government policies on various areas, while ensuring legislative stability. Discussions will explore methods of developing and modernising the legislative framework, being key to implementing the 10 principles that will govern the future of the UAE over the next 50 years.

Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar Al Muhairi, SLC Secretary-General, said, “The ongoing preparations for the Legislative Week 2021 are fueled by the success of the previous editions of the event in providing a strategic knowledge exchange platform for enhancing the emirate’s legislative awareness. The Legislative Week is an important event for the dissemination, exchange, and enrichment of legislative knowledge, as well as an enabler for sharing best practices that support the upgrading of the legislative system, which is the cornerstone for advancing the drive for excellence spearheaded by Dubai.”

He highlighted that the upcoming edition of the Legislative Week will focus on the techniques of drafting future legislation that is capable of accommodating the quantum developments witnessed by Dubai and the UAE in preparation for the next 50 years. “The agility and resilience of the legislative system is critical to ensure that the fast-paced changes needed for achieving development are accommodated,” he added.

Al Muhairi elaborated, “Legislative agility is very important and an urgent requirement for developing viable, balanced, and supportive government legislation for the ‘Projects of the 50’. The SLC is committed to empowering government entities in Dubai by providing them with the necessary tools to enhance the agility, efficiency, and viability of legislation while maintaining stability of government policies.

“This will contribute to the achievement of government excellence by ensuring proactive and effective response to future requirements. Through virtual and in-person activities during the Legislative Week, we look forward to engaging our strategic partners and industry stakeholders in the process of developing legislation, in line with the UAE Centennial vision to become the best country in the world by 2071.”

Highlights of the Legislative Week 2021 will include the Legislation Lab, as well as a series of lectures for law students from various universities in the UAE on the following topics: ‘Legislation Stimulating Job Creation and Coping with Future Changes’, ‘Electronic Contracts’, and ‘3D Printers’. In addition, representatives from Dubai government entities will also hold sessions focused on the following themes: ‘Adopting Self-Assessment in Legislative Audit’, ‘Legalese’, ‘Creating Legislation for the Future’, and ‘Liability for Non-Disclosure of Infectious Diseases’.

Source: Emirates News Agency

18th International Roads Federation World Meeting & Exhibition to convene 7-10 November in Dubai

DUBAI, Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will host the 18th IRF (International Roads Federation) World Meeting & Exhibition during 7-10 November 2021.

The event, which is themed: Roads To Tomorrow, will feature the participation of 250 speakers and road specialists. It is expected to attract 1500 visitors from 60 countries in addition to the participation of 100 international firms and start-ups.

The opening session is featured by speeches of keynote addresses including Abdullah Al-Mogbel – IRF Global Chairman, Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, and Lord Philip Hammond – Ex Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK. During the opening ceremony, IRF’s Man of The Year Award will be honoured.

Over the four days of the event, about 70 sessions, panels and workshops will take place covering the strategic direction and roadmap that reflects key policies and research in the fields of roads, smart mobility, and the use of artificial intelligence in highway designing and managing. Topics also include infrastructure pathways to smart driving, asphalt pavement innovation, survey techniques, and zero-death strategy.

The event offers prospective investment opportunities as well as Research and Development in the fields of road sector, smart mobility, product marketing and the support for profitable strategies that contribute to driving the business scope of researchers, manufacturers, consultants and decision-makers in the UAE’s roads and infrastructure sector.

Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer will deliver a keynote speech on Day 2 of the 18th IRF World Meeting & Exhibition. His speech will touch on the future of roads and the sustainability of the infrastructure. A session will be held to review the next generation of road mobility, and another session will shed light on Transport Beyond Covid-19 pandemic as well as a session on traffic safety and achieving zero road deaths.

Day 2 will witness the release of IRF’s report “ITS for Climate Change” and a ceremony for honouring IRF Award winners. Day 3 will see a session about Speeding up Knowledge Sharing and Talent Development and another session for discussing Decarbonising Roads. Day 4 will be devoted to site visits and technical tours of several RTA’s projects such as Dubai Intelligent Traffic Systems Centre, Dubai Water Canal, Improvement of the Dubai-Al Ain Road, and a footbridge at the Marina.

The International Road Federation is a global nonprofit organisation and supported by regional offices throughout the world. The IRF serves a network of public and private sector members in more than 115 countries. It aims at easing mobility & trade and forging a link between improved roads and the global economy besides facilitating the tasks of concerned personnel in the field of transport.

The IRF is dealing with public and private sectors to keep abreast of the latest scientific and technological developments relating to modern roads and land transport networks as well as monitoring roads traffic movement. It seeks to promote roads traffic safety, encourage the implementation of economic and environmental programmes to improve roads network, provide educational and training programmes relating to roads maintenance, share knowledge with international organisations and support the efforts of national and regional road committees.

IRF also compiles and classifies statistical, technological, and economic data of relevance to the improvement of roads standards, contributes to the improvement of technical standards, and supports local and regional research relating to roads. As such, it aims to be a global platform for exchanging potential solutions at par with the highest global standards.

Source: Emirates News Agency

National Festival of Tolerance to be held in global version conveying peace message from Expo 2020 Dubai

ABU DHABI, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, announced the launch of the fifth annual session of the National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence from 14th to 20th November, 2021, under the slogan of “On Zayed’s Approach”.

”We are so proud that the activities of Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence involve the living embodiment of the acts and words of the great Founding Father, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was an example and a role model in terms of his keenness to enhance the principles of tolerance, coexistence, fraternity, hope and joint action in the UAE and worldwide. Shaikh Zayed was also a role model of allegiance and belonging to our religion of righteousness, beloved homeland and eternal nation. Sheikh Zayed was further an example of positive communication with others and the ability to understand and respect different civilisations and cultures,” Sheikh Nahyan said.

He also pointed out that this year, the National Festival of Tolerance has deeper themes. It coincides with the UAE’s celebrations of the fiftieth and Expo 2020 Dubai, where it welcomes the whole world with its aspirations, ambitions and challenges. So, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence decided to make a global festival. Most of the festival activities will be organised among the world representatives in Expo 2020 Dubai. Besides, the festival’s main initiatives and activities will address humane issues of the interest of all nations and peoples. In particular, the speakers and guests of the festival are international figures in terms of their positions and places.

Regarding the details of the festival’s activities and initiatives, Sheikh Nahyan said, “The festival activities will last from 14th to 20th November, including those of our partner ministers, authorities, establishments, universities and schools. The key activities will be launched at 11:16 on 16th November to commemorate the International Day for Tolerance. This day will witness a large set of international activities which the ministry will share in detail with media, but maybe briefed as follows: First: Launching Global Tolerance Alliance The Global Tolerance Alliance will be announced in an epic scene where everybody pledges to exert all possible efforts to enhance the culture of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. It is a unique global initiative to be launched from the UAE to the world as a platform. This event represents an opportunity to express our firm commitment to welcome all people, understand and respect their needs and constantly work to realise common knowledge and mutual enrichment for the human.

Second: Global Interfaith Summit “Towards Compassionate World”

Expo 2020 Dubai will embrace the festival’s main activities where the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence will launch the Global Interfaith Summit under the theme of “Towards Compassionate World through Tolerance and Interfaith Understanding”. Religious leaders from all over the world will attend the summit. They will come to Expo 2020 Dubai to hold a dialogue, reach a common understanding, search for the points which could unite the world and set aside detestable sectarian conflicts and tendencies.

The festival is keen to host international prominent speakers in this summit, including Marina Sereni, Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will speak about strengthening of humanity through international collaboration and interfaith dialogue; Dr. Muhammad Al Duwaini, Deputy of the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, will address the issue of the faith that is rooted in human values; Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, will also tackle the importance of multilateralism and fraternity as a path towards a cohesive society, while Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Representative for the U.N. Alliance of Civilisations, will discuss the notion of “Bridging Divides Catalyses Interfaith and Understanding” and other religious leaders.

Third: Global Youth Forum in Expo 2020 Dubai Out of the concern to convey the message of tolerance, coexistence and dialogue to the global youth as they are the most important sector in our world, the ministry will launch the “Global Youth Forum” titled “From Youth to Future Thinking”. It will spotlight the world’s need to share use the creative abilities of youth from different nationalities and specialities. The forum provides the opportunity to host young global leaders, introduce their visions about the future and establish sustainable programmes in all areas capable of coping with the endless rapid changes. Sheikh Nahyan added that the forum’s message integrates with “Champions of Tolerance” programme showcasing its Expo 2020 Dubai global version. This year, each country participating in Expo will have one representative.

Fourth: “Voices of Tolerance” the world sings for peace, love, and human fraternity in Expo 2020 On its first day, the festival asserts the importance of the active and essential role of arts and music which can deliver the message to the people’s hearts everywhere through the initiative of “Voices of Tolerance”. It is a musical performance of peace, love and sympathy from the United Arab Emirates to all nations and peoples. Some 219 persons, representing the states in Expo 2020 Dubai, will participate in this artistic humanitarian performance which the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence produces.

Fifth: “Tolerance and Inclusivity for Women’s Rights Conference”

The 2nd day of the festival will be dedicated to supporting and spotlight woman’s efforts and the vital role of fostering the values of tolerance and coexistence (nationally and internationally). That is why the festival organises “Tolerance and Inclusivity for Women’s Rights Conference” with two panels. The first panel is titled “Role of Social Norms in the Gender Gap”, and will discuss the methods to establish and empower the values of tolerance and coexistence. The second panel will be titled “Importance of Tolerance, Coexistence and Inclusivity in Fragile Contexts”, where speakers will focus on rebuilding a stable social fabric.

Sixth: Open Invitation for All to involve in the festival Sheikh Nahyan has sent open invitations to all partners of the ministry, ministries, authorities and institutions, whether federal, local or private, to participate in the interactive activities.

He has invited students of universities, schools and the global audience in Expo 2020 Dubai to share the efforts to foster the culture of tolerance and experience. All activities will be broadcast live on the ministry’s website to familiarise them with the activities.

Seventh: UAE’s Experience of Tolerance in Global Vision in Expo 2020 Sheikh Nahyan said, “the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence was keen to cover different activities in the festival which are provided by the ministry in cooperation with a large number of national and international institutions and authorities. In addition, it was interested in organising joint activities in cooperation with the international pavilions participating in Expo 2020 Dubai. He highlighted the fact that Expo 2020 Dubai is a great opportunity to pave the way for more than 192 countries, which are participating in Expo 2020, to take part in the events of the festival and get introduced to the concepts of the Emirati experience in the area of tolerance. We are proud of our national experience of tolerance and coexistence, which was started 50 years ago by Sheikh Zayed, and the care of our wise leaders after him.

Eighth: Importance of Media to Promote Global Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan underlined that all programmes and activities of the festival will be shared through both classic and modern media in an effort to reach everybody, welcoming all groups of the society to participate and follow the festival’s events.

Source: Emirates News Agency