November 7, 2022

Dubai Padel Cup is back to serve up month-long community carnival of world’s fastest-growing sport

DUBAI, The annual Dubai Padel Cup is set to serve up a month-long fiesta of action involving the world’s fastest-growing racquet sport and provide the UAE’s amateur padel-playing community with a tournament of their own ahead of the showpiece world championships, set to take place simultaneously and featuring the best players on the planet.

Returning for its second edition, the ongoing Dubai Padel Cup will run until 27th November, featuring a knockout league for amateur players across beginner, intermediate, and advanced divisions. Six padel clubs throughout the UAE will host the amateur competitions, along with various other community engagement initiatives and fan activations.

Participants from across the seven emirates are urged to sign up in pairs for the region’s most exhilarating community padel tournament, which will serve to reinforce the city’s burgeoning reputation as one of the sport’s global capitals and the epicentre of padel in the Middle East.

With the world’s top-ranked players having recently competed in the Emirate for the sport’s pinnacle event – the DP World Padel Championship 2022 – the organisers of Dubai Padel Cup are foregoing the star-studded exhibition matches of last year to focus on the community.

A headline event of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the amateur competition was launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, last year to encourage the public to pursue active and healthy lifestyles.

“We are delighted to be bringing back the Dubai Padel Cup for the second consecutive year as part of our commitment to supporting His Highness Sheikh Hamdan’s vision of enhancing the game’s popularity throughout the UAE, while encouraging the emirate’s population to live an active lifestyle,” said Ammar Al Awadhi, Head of Tournaments and Clinics for the Dubai Padel Cup.

“This year is already a landmark year for padel in Dubai with the world championships being held in the emirate. We have made certain structural changes to our month-long event format that will encourage more amateur padel players to compete and demonstrate their sporting talents at a time when excitement around the sport will be at fever pitch here in the emirate.”

The four-week competition is expected to draw close to 2,000 participants from more than 20 clubs and will further highlight Dubai’s capacity to stage top-tier, inclusive, community sports events, promote active lifestyles, and boost athletic participation across all levels.

This year’s Dubai Padel Cup will also include a series of other tournaments, including the first edition of the Gov Padel Cup, a corporate competition to be contested between Dubai’s myriad government entities. For those in the public sector, the event set for 17 until 20 November 2022, provides an intriguing chance to put their racquet prowess to the test.

“Padel is one of the fastest growing sports played by our employees and our customers, so we are thrilled to be continuing our support of the Dubai Padel Cup and part of the ongoing growth of the game across the emirate and the wider UAE,” said Moadh Bukhash, Chief Marketing Officer at Emirates NBD. “Healthy lifestyles play a huge role in fuelling residents’ fitness ambitions and our long-term partnership with Dubai Fitness Challenge galvanizes our commitment to this for our customers and staff.”

A ground-breaking “National and Expat” tournament whereby GCC Nationals and expatriates will pair-up to contest a five-day competition between 23rd and 27th November.

Meanwhile, in collaboration with Dubai Fitness Challenge, the public can book a free 30-minute padel coaching session across 20 clubs in the country. Open to male and female competitors of all levels and ages, the sessions aim to increase the number of active players in the country. Last year’s Dubai Padel Cup ran 655 free clinics and this year promises even more.

“The Dubai Fitness Challenge is now in its sixth year and is constantly getting bigger,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. “We are delighted to collaborate with the Dubai Padel Cup once again. Padel is such a fast-growing sport and represents a highly effective and accessible entry point for residents and visitors to start, resume, or simply maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. This year’s Dubai Padel Cup has a stronger focus on the community, so dovetails perfectly with Dubai Fitness Challenge.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

November 7, 2022

UAE President’s speech at COP27 outlined UAE’s vision, strategic approach to climate action, sustainability: Sultan Al Jaber

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, said that the speech of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the World Leaders Summit at COP27, held in Sharm El Sheikh, outlined the UAE’s clear vision and strategic approach to climate action and sustainability, and emphasised that effective climate action accelerates opportunities for sustainable economic and social development.

“This approach is rooted in a comprehensive, integrated, and realistic view of the integral link between energy security and climate progress. If the world’s basic energy needs are not met, economic growth will slow, which, in turn, will have a severe impact on the resources needed to support climate action and drive a practical and economically viable transition in the energy sector. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed asserted that the UAE would remain committed to its role as a responsible supplier of low-carbon energy, while continuing to make significant investments in renewable and other zero carbon energy sources in the UAE and around the world,” Dr. Al Jaber explained.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said that His Highness’ speech emphasised that continuity and perseverance are at the core of the UAE’s strategy, and that the UAE will support Egypt’s COP27 Presidency and work with the international community to address the priorities of all parties.

“Our focus is on bridging the outcomes from Sharm El Shaikh to COP28, the Emirates Climate Conference, set to be held at Expo City Dubai next year, where we will strive to make as inclusive as possible, bringing all stakeholders together to shape climate action for years to come.

“COP28 is of particular importance, as it is set to deliver the first ever global stocktake of the progress the world has made towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. We will strive for consensus and raise ambition to achieve real progress across all tracks, and this includes supporting the countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, outlining measures for adaptation, and to address loss and damage.”

“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed that sustainable development has been a driving force of the UAE for decades. Our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was the first to lay the foundations for sustainability and urge the preservation of the environment and natural resources. He had directed to stop gas flaring decades before global mandates to do so,” Dr. Al Jaber went on to say.

“We remain committed to fulfilling our wise leadership’s vision and to continue to cut emissions from the oil and gas sector, while also investing in clean energy systems and driving progress in climate action,” he affirmed. “We have many achievements in this regard. We are the first country in the MENA region to commit to Net Zero by 2050. The UAE is now home to three of the world’s largest and lowest-cost solar plants. We have also set new records for the most cost-competitive wind power, in the UAE and internationally.”

“We are the first country in the region to deploy peaceful nuclear power and have pioneered a new value chain for clean alternatives, such as hydrogen. We continue to build bridges of cooperation with the international community and working to strengthen constructive partnerships to enhance energy security, the most recent being the UAE-US Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) to invest in clean energy.

“In the field of conventional energy, the oil and gas produced by ADNOC in the UAE is among the least carbon-intensive in the world, and we aim to reduce emissions by an additional 25 percent by 2030. ADNOC recorded the lowest levels of methane intensity in the energy sector two decades before a global pledge was made calling for a gradual reduction in methane intensity.

“ADNOC is also taking concrete steps to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations, with the UAE being the first in MENA to invest in industrial-scale carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS). ADNOC will continue to expand its capabilities in the field of CCUS to about five million tons annually by 2030.

“The electricity network of ADNOC’s onshore operations relies on emission-free solar and nuclear energy to secure 100 percent of its needs, while work is under way to provide clean electricity for its marine operations and raise the efficiency of energy and water consumption across all operations.

“These steps are important pillars in achieving a realistic and pragmatic transition in the energy sector by ensuring energy security while simultaneously focusing on reducing emissions from the current energy sources, as well as building a new system for clean energy. ADNOC has already commenced building this value chain for clean fuels, such as hydrogen.”

“The speech delivered by His Highness provides a clear roadmap and a comprehensive vision for addressing climate change challenges. We are guided by the vision of His Highness in dealing with the challenge with a positive mindset, and working to find appropriate solutions, in collaboration with partners who share the same vision and ideas, because the constant pursuit of progress is at the core of our approach,” Dr. Al Jaber said, in conclusion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

November 7, 2022

H.E. Abdulla Al Hamed launches ‘Abu Dhabi’s Community Campaign’ supporting the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation

H.E. Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), launched the ‘Abu Dhabi Community Campaign’ supporting the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation, ‘Hayat’. The campaign aims to encourage society members to register as organ and tissue donors, contributing to improving the quality of life of patients suffering from organ failure in the UAE and the region. Al Hamed, the first to register as an organ and tissue donor in the campaign, led by example, encouraging community members to follow suit and participate as donors in the ‘Hayat’ programme.

On the side-lines of the International Conference for Initiatives on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation that took place from 7 to 9 November in Abu Dhabi, the ceremony witnessed H.E. Al Hamed honouring several organ recipients, donors’ families and activists in the field, in appreciation of their sacrifice and effort for being a model of unity and selfless giving.

During the conference, Al Hamed inaugurated an exhibition displaying more than 70 works of art and literature highlighting organ donation and its history, both locally and globally. It featured creative artworks, drawings, and inspiring stories by children who have received transplants, in addition to works by professional and local community participants, some of which have won international awards.

H.E Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) stated: “In honour of the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and in the footsteps of the nation’s leader, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we continue to consolidate Abu Dhabi’s global position as a leading destination for healthcare. In this, we serve as an incubator for innovation in life sciences, enhancing capabilities in organ donation and transplantation by supporting The National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation, ‘Hayat’, which is aimed at improving the health and safety of communities.”

Al Hamed added: “We have learned from the magnanimity of our wise leadership, the highest meaning of giving, of tolerance, of brotherhood and how to extend a helping hand to those in need. These are well-established societal values that are embodied in organ donation, a noble humanitarian act that gives others renewed hope in life. These values create a vivid scenario of community solidarity, where organ donation, whether during life or after death, saves many patients, affording them a full recovery. I invite everyone to contribute to instilling hope in the lives of many around us by registering for the ‘Hayat’ programme.”

The Abu Dhabi community campaign focuses on encouraging all society members to register their request and consent to donate organs and tissues post-mortem, highlighting the success achieved by Abu Dhabi, and showcasing the experience and capabilities of the emirate in areas of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

The programme also aims to continue raising awareness among the community on the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding the chance of developing lifestyle-related diseases and organ failure, and thus reducing the need for transplantation. This awareness includes regular physical activity and adopting a healthy diet to avoid chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and other health problems.

From his side, H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), stated: “Organ donation is a noble act. Both in life and after death. One person has the potential of saving the lives of eight individuals who are in desperate need of an organ donation. Donating an organ is really a gift of life to many patients, including those suffering from cancer, heart disease, lung failure, cirrhosis, kidney failure and more. As part of The National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation, ‘Hayat’, and on behalf of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, we urge all members of society to learn about the programme and take the initiative to register on the ‘Hayat’ platform, thereby contributing to saving and improving the lives of many around them in need. Thus, together we can create hope and give the gift of life to many patients.”

The International Conference for Initiatives on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, held in Abu Dhabi from November 7 to 9, 2022 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), aimed to shed light on global experiences and best practices related to the scientific, charitable, societal and legal aspects of organ donation, in addition to raising awareness around healthy living and prevention of disease in the community.

The National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue, ‘Hayat’ is a national system to enhance efforts for the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues in accordance with the highest international standards and practices in the United Arab Emirates and the region. Working in coordination with various strategic partners locally and globally to save lives, it continues to improve the health and safety of the community and improve the quality of life. The programme is a synergy of collaborative efforts of many federal and local authorities, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention – UAE, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and several governmental and private health facilities across the country.

The conference was organised by the National Organ Donation and Transplant Committee, represented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention – UAE, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority, health facilities specialising in organ transplantation, and several other local and federal stakeholders. The conference activities were launched with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as the destination partner, Abu Dhabi Media Company as a media partner and Etihad Airways as the official carrier of the conference, in addition to several healthcare facilities in the Emirate, including Pure Health, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company “Seha” and Seha Kidney Care and Pure Lab. In addition to Community Support Partners include Emirates Red Crescent, the Authority of Social Contribution ‘Ma’an’, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Abu Dhabi Police, Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

The programme invites community members to learn about the importance of organ donation and register on the official website to become a donor post-mortem through the website: https://mohap.gov.ae/ar/services/social/organ-donation.

Source: Department of Health Abu Dhabi

November 7, 2022

Dubai to host World Hospital Congress 2022

DUBAI, The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will co-host the 45th World Hospital Federation’s World Hospital Congress, under the theme «Global Learnings, Local Actions: Sustainable Healthcare».

The Congress will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DWTC), from 9th-11th November 2022, with pre-congress activities taking place on 8th November.

More than 1,000 participants from 60 countries are expected to attend the conference.

Dr. Ramadan Al Blooshi, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Conference, said the Congress will discuss the latest global developments related to health care challenges faced by hospitals around the world, better application practices, innovations, smart solutions and digital technology in the health sector as well as how to provide sustainable health services to members of society and ensure the service continuity during and after crises.

He added that the conference will also discuss the challenges and solutions of the health care workforce, ways and processes to ensure the well-being of health care providers, attention to comprehensive patient-centred health care to improve outcomes, the importance of building knowledge, skills and confidence for the success of a leader, and the role of leadership in building and shaping successful health institutions.

30 workshops will precede the launch of the Congress, and will witness the participation of executive leaders across various international hospitals.

The Congress will also be accompanied by a specialised medical exhibition in which more than 13 local, regional and international companies will present their latest developments and health innovations related to various medical specialties.

Source: Emirates News Agency

November 7, 2022

Emirates Health Services hosts international inspection mission of occupational radiation protection appraisal service

DUBAI, The National Radiation Protection Centre at Emirates Health Services (EHS) has hosted an international inspection mission tasked with assessing the occupational radiation dosimetry lab.

Hosting the mission forms part of the UAE’s efforts to assert its leadership and stand out with all of its health and prevention services.

Providers of occupational radiation dosimetry services in the UAE showcased the achievements they have made so far, and presented their plans to further enhance performance in the field.

Dr. Amina Al Jasmi, Director of the Radiology Department at EHS, underlined the importance of ensuring protection against occupational radiation exposure for professionals whose jobs call for using and handling radiation and radioactive sources across health and industrial sectors, revealing the future plan to expand the scope and reach of services offered by the National Radiation Protection Centre.

Maryam Al-Hajri, Head of the National Radiation Protection Centre, asserted that the Centre offers occupational radiation dosimetry services to government and private entities around the UAE, and is continuously working to upgrade and modernise its services to meet international standards for protection against radiation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

November 7, 2022

Dubai is set to host the Healthcare Future Summit

DUBAI, Dubai is set to host the Healthcare Future Summit (HFS), on November 12th and 13th, one of the most important scientific gatherings in the world.

Approximately 1700 health professionals including 114 speakers from more than 40 countries are participating in the event.

HFS 2022 serves as a global platform for knowledge and innovation. It also serves as an interactive platform for decision-makers, planners, specialists, and healthcare entrepreneurs from both the public and private sectors.

The summit will take place at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences – MBRU and is supported by the Dubai Health Authority.

HFS 2022 is held under the theme “Bringing Healthcare Communities Together”, and focuses on 9 key pillars: Healthcare Innovation and Technology, Pharma in Healthcare, Point of Care: Post Pandemic Lifestyle Journey, Travel Safety and Aerospace Medicine, Maritime Healthcare, Leadership in Healthcare, Patient Safety, Occupational Health, and finally Start-ups and Healthcare Disruptions.

Dr. Ramadan Alblooshi, Acting Director of Public Health Protection Department at Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Head of Scientific Committee for HFS, stated: “DHA is eager to support the Healthcare Future Summit and other international medical gatherings being hosted by Dubai in order to foster and promote exchange of the latest medical information and share experiences and knowledge.”

Dr. Ramadan emphasised that the Summit provides a opportunity for all participants to form new business partnerships and investments, and develop a shared vision for the future of healthcare.

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of Healthcare Future Summit and Chairman of INDEX Holding, stated: “We are honoured to be a part of the Healthcare Future Summit this year alongside some of the industry’s largest names. Many attendees from the first HFS will join us in Dubai for the first time, and we anticipate that the second Summit will result in the formation of solid connections and strong ties in the healthcare sector that will benefit everyone everywhere. The Summit will also provide a unique platform for exchanging information, sharing experiences, and learning about the industry’s most recent technological advancements.”

He continued: “Although employment in the healthcare and social work sectors have increased by 42 percent since 2000, we need further development in these sectors because it is expected that more than 1 billion people will reach the age of 70 and above by 2050, so we need to make sure that people are cared for in the future.”

Notably, the healthcare sector is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries with a value of approximately $8.45 trillion in 2018 and rising to $10 trillion over the last four years, demonstrating that advances in technology and scientific research.

The second Healthcare Future Summit is organised by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est., a member of INDEX Holding and supported by Dubai Health Authority.

Source: Emirates News Agency