Day: March 19, 2023

SHARJAH, 19th March, 2023 (WAM) — Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), has paid tribute to long-serving AUS employees, as the university marks its Silver Jubilee. Fifty-five members received recognition at the annual Staff Appreciation Dinner, which was held outdoors on the AUS plaza with 480 AUS staff attending. The annual event celebrates the hard work and dedication of AUS staff members throughout the year. Sheikha Bodour applauded 30 staff members and three agency cleaners who have worked at AUS for 25 years, and 22 staff who have given 15 years of service. Sheikha Bodour said, “Whether it’s 25 years of service or 15, what we’re really celebrating is the commitment, dedication, and positive influence these employees have had on so many young minds. Over the past quarter of a century, the AUS staff have been instrumental in making the university what it is today: a cradle of learning excellence that prepares young adults to be the future change-makers and leaders the world needs.” Dr. Susan Mumm, Chancellor of AUS, stated, “The annual Staff Appreciation Dinner is a special occasion because it is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how hard you have all worked throughout the year and for AUS to extend its utmost gratitude for all that you do. Your dedication and relentlessness give me great pride and continue to inspire us all. You are an integral part of the AUS story, particularly that we are celebrating today the pioneering staff members who have served this institution since its inception. There is nothing more rewarding than to consistently work with a reliable professional team who is committed to the success of this institution. Thank you for everything you do, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you as AUS embarks on breaking new ground in the future.” The event opened with the recently debuted AUS anthem sung by students from the Performing Arts Programme, directed by Dr. Darren Dandridge, Assistant Professor in Performing Arts. It also features a digital art gallery highlighting staff artwork, a staff talent performance by the AUS Academic Support Centre’s Wency Villamora, and a vibrant dance performance by the Indian Student Cultural Club. Sartaj Saifi, Civil Services Supervisor in the Department of Facilities, added, “AUS is home to me. I started in 1998 when AUS was one year old. I lived the flourishing of this young, yet dynamic, educational institution day in and day out. I am honoured to be one of the pioneers who lived to witness its current glory. The progress in my work since I started until today motivated me, and it is a confirmation to others with big dreams that places like AUS can make their dreams come true. I would like to thank AUS, and my department, for all the support and for the honour of being recognised for my years of service in AUS. As I said, AUS is home, where my dreams came true.” For Dorothy Moras, Registration Officer at the Office of the Registrar, her 25 years of AUS have been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. “It has been a great journey to witness AUS’ impressive growth throughout this time. No one thinks about how long they plan to stay in a place of work, but from the very first day, I have never considered leaving because of the fantastic supportive and nurturing environment that has become second nature to us. This acknowledgement of my long-standing service by AUS makes me feel even more valued and appreciated as an employee, and it brings me great joy to know that the efforts of the institution’s pioneers are being recognised,” she said.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH, 19th March, 2023 (WAM) — Saned Integrated Facilities Management, which is associated with Sharjah Asset Management, recently took part in the Sharjah Building Safety Forum. The forum was organised in partnership between Saned, Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority, and the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and was held at the American University of Sharjah. The primary aim of the forum was to inform attendees from real estate companies, real estate developers, landlords’ associations, maintenance companies and facilities management companies about the latest developments, laws and safety procedures pertaining to buildings in Sharjah. Sultan Al Ketbi, CEO of Saned, said, “We are participating in this forum to achieve our vision of becoming the leading company for managing service providers in the Middle East. Our goal is to influence the facilities’ management industry with the highest quality and most advanced practices, utilising the latest global technologies and top human resources, all while pursuing sustainable business practices. l Ketbi continued: Our aim in participating is to introduce Saned’s work, which encompasses managing integrated facilities as well as various aspects of health, safety, and environmental management. This includes developing fire prevention strategies, conducting HSE and training, integrating safety systems, implementing building and structure designs and providing other technical services relevant to both sectors. We hope to familiarise all participants, including government and private agencies, real estate owners, and landlords, with the full scope of our work.” l Ketbi stressed that, through the forum, they seek to encourage all participants to install a safety system. We will seek to reach and comply with 100 percent of the owners of real estate investors and facilities in the Emirate of Sharjah to which the decision to install and connect a safety system for the protection of buildings from fires and accidents is applicable. The installation of a “safety” device is compulsory for all facilities in the Principality, applying the highest levels of protection and safety. ccording to Sultan Al Ketbi’s statement, it is necessary for all personnel working in facilities management, security, and safety in both government and private sectors in the Emirate of Sharjah to enrol at the Salama Institute. The purpose of this enrolment is to ensure they are qualified and familiarised with accident prevention methods, fire safety awareness, emergency response plans, and reduce wrong practices that may lead to injuries at work sites. Prevention and Safety Authority and Saned showcased a safety device during the meeting that links fire systems in facilities to both the General Directorate of Civil Defence’s operating room and Saned’s own operation room. This is aimed at decreasing the response time to deal with fires, to safeguard members of the community from the potential danger of fire. The device features an alarm system that triggers in the event of fire or other emergencies. Saned and Prevention and Safety Authority evaluated the function of the Salama Institute, a collaborative venture between them. Its primary objective is to raise awareness of health and public safety in Sharjah by offering training on occupational safety practices across various workplaces. Sharjah Asset Management Company is the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah. Its goal is to promote economic and social development, accelerate sustainable economy in the emirate, and partner with both public and private sectors. They encourage investment and community responsibility through the optimal use of resources. Ultimately, their aim is to meet the needs of the community of Sharjah and ensure their sustainable well-being.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABUDHABI, 19th March, 2023 (WAM) — The UAE expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with Ecuador and Peru over the victims of the earthquake that struck the two countries, resulting in a number of casualties. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the governments and peoples of the Republic of Ecuador and the Republic of Peru, and to the families of the victims of this tragedy, and its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured. Khoder Nashar

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, 19th March, 2023 (WAM) — Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, said that under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has strengthened its multilateral relations with the sphere of francophone nations. In a statement regarding the UAE’s participation in global celebrations of the International Day of the Francophonie, which is marked annually on 20th March, Nusseibeh stressed that the UAE has built bridges of knowledge and communication and affirmed its belief in the values and principles upheld by the mission of the Francophonie, such as peace and solidarity. On the occasion of the annual event, Nusseibeh stated, “The UAE has an influential role in the international arena and hosts important international events. This enables it to support the mission of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, the official platform for multilateral cooperation between French-speaking nations. Our support reflects positively on member states and helps to achieve their aspirations.” He added, “The UAE was honoured to receive the written support of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie for our hosting of the 28th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28). We encourage participation by Member States of the Francophonie in the conference in a manner that serves our common interests.” “The UAE’s participation in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and their annual celebrations reaffirms the country’s deep commitment and solidarity to the nations and peoples of the Francophonie, and in particular their youth as the engine of future development,” Nusseibeh concluded. Khoder Nashar

Source: Emirates News Agency