Day: March 2, 2024

A tribal reconciliation in Al-Qurayshiyah District Al-Bayda Governorate, ended a murder case between Al-Haddad and Al-Dhaheri tribes.

During the reconciliation, the blood relatives of the victim announced a pardon for the perpetrator, for the sake of Allah, and in honor of those present.

Source: Yemen News Agency

DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, today attended day three of the Gov Games 2024. The fifth edition of the event is being organised in partnership with DP World and in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council.

The Crown Prince of Dubai commended the support extended by various partners for the event, which serves as a platform to showcase talent, celebrate excellence, enhance skills and promote teamwork among participating teams. He highlighted the importance of robust partnerships between the public and private sectors in promoting community engagement, enhancing standards of performance, and fostering innovation in both sports and social creativity.

His Highness met with senior officials from the sponsoring entities and thanked them for their active role in the success of the largest edition of the Gov Games. They included His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and
Water Authority, His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, His Excellency Eng. Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Director General of the Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer Parks and Zones, DP World, Badr Salim Al Olama, Chairman of 7X, Omar Abdullah Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman of DAMAC Properties, Suhail Bin Tarraf, Group Chief Operating Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Ahmed Abu Rahima, Senior Vice President – Government Relations at du.

During his visit, His Highness witnessed strong competition between global teams in the Battle of the Cities and the Battle of the Community. With 194 teams participating from around the world, the four-day sporting extravaganza marks its largest edition to date.

The Gov Games 2024 is supported by a distinguished roster of partners and sponsors, including DP World as the Official Partner and the Dubai Sports Council as a Stra
tegic Sponsor. The Gold Sponsors are Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), Damac Properties, and Emirates Post Group (7X). Silver Sponsors are Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and First Abu Dhabi Bank. Dubai Festival City, Home Bakery, Al Fares International Tents, Jeep and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) are also supporting the event, in addition to the Event’s Security Committee, Dubai Health and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.

In the Battle of the Cities, teams demonstrated electrifying competitiveness, further reinforcing the Gov Games as a leading global sporting event. Teams from various countries including the UAE, Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Italy, Germany, Uzbekistan, Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia, Slovakia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, France, and Portugal took part in the event, highlighting its international scope.

The Gov Games Organising Committee announced the four outstanding tea
ms that have been qualified for the final challenge. Moscow, Russia clinched the top spot with 157.6 points, closely followed by Copenhagen, Denmark in second place with 156.7 points. Saint Petersburg, Russia secured the third position with 156.4 points, while Marseille, France claimed the fourth spot with 154.3 points.

The third day of the Gov Games 2024 saw the Battle of the Community category take centre stage, with 28 teams that had qualified through a rigorous preliminary round preceding the fifth edition of the event. Teams exhibited advanced competitive levels, signalling the growing awareness among community members on the significance of embracing a healthy lifestyle and actively participating in international sporting events in Dubai.

Block20 x Empire emerged triumphant in the Battle of the Community, securing first place with 131.3 points. Following closely, NAS claimed the second position with 129 points, while Umm Al Quwain secured the third spot with 128.1 points. Spirit Level rounded up the t
op four with 122.2 points.

The sponsors and partners of the Gov Games 2024 credited the event’s growth and expansion to the constant support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said: ‘DP World is immensely proud to partner with Gov Games for the second consecutive year. This event embodies the values of teamwork and determination that are closely aligned with our principles. The Gov Games inspires us to push the boundaries, promote well-being, and come together as a community in the spirit of friendly competition. The event has become a highlight of Dubai’s sports calendar that our employees and stakeholders hold in high regard.’

Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s support and patronage of the event have contributed to enhancing its position among the leading sporting events organised in Dubai,

Hareb noted that His Highness’s constant f
ollow-up of the competitions boosts enthusiasm among participating players and motivates them to perform at their best.

‘The Gov Games has become a pioneering sports initiative and a pivotal event on Dubai’s annual sports calendar, further solidifying Dubai’s standing on the global sporting map. Each year, the Gov Games sees a growing number of participants from outside the country and increased attendance,’ HE Hared said.

‘The number of teams representing entities from within the UAE and cities from various continents of the world, as well as the increase in events and categories, reflects the success of this initiative in achieving its goals. The event has successfully united cities worldwide in one gathering, fostering a competitive spirit aimed at achieving top rankings. This further reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global sporting hub,’ he added.

‘The distinguishing feature of these Games lies in the launch of new challenges and a diverse array of tasks each year, heightening the thrill and in
tensity of competition among all teams. The initiative encapsulates the spirit of unity among participants, fostering teamwork and collective problem-solving to achieve shared objectives and overcome obstacles.’

Eng. Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Director General of the Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), said: “Emarat’s gold sponsorship of the fifth edition of the Gov Games comes as part of our commitment to play an active role in the success of various initiatives aimed at enhancing the mental, physical, and emotional health of the community and improving the quality of life for individuals.

‘This contributes to achieving the objectives of the Dubai’s Social Agenda 33, to establish Dubai as a hub for sports and an enhanced quality of life, alongside other initiatives outlined for the next decade. We are keen on actively sponsoring and participating in the Gov Games, as this initiative represents a unique opportunity to strengthen connections between various government entities.’

Ali Sajwani, Managi
ng Director at DAMAC Properties, stated: “In line with our social responsibility and to support government initiatives, we proudly sponsor the Gov Games, reflecting our commitment to implementing the visionary leadership’s efforts in enhancing Dubai’s global status for hosting and organising sports competitions. We take pride in hosting the successful “Battle of The Community” qualification event at DAMAC Hills 2, preceding the final challenges. We also value DAMAC’s strong participation in the Gov Games, recognising the significant competition among participating teams as a testament to the event’s importance and the substantial role sports play in enhancing community well-being.”

Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, Group CEO of 7X, said: ‘Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, the Gov Games stand as a beacon of innovation, teamwork, and excellence. Our Gold Sponsorship of this premier event mirrors 7X’s core values of driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of excellence across all facets of our operatio
ns. It reflects our commitment towards fostering a culture that is driven by performance, collaboration, and sets new standards in team dynamics and achievement. The Gov Games provides a unique platform that showcases the powerful synergy between the public sector and private sector’s commitment to fostering a community that values resilience, teamwork, and diversity, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a city of unity and collective achievement. We are thrilled to support our community’s wellbeing and celebrate what can be achieved together.”

Manea Juma Alkindi, Member of Sports Committee, DEWA, said: ‘Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is participating in the fifth edition of the Gov Games as Silver Sponsor. The Authority is represented by a men’s team and a women’s teamThe Authority continues to encourage employees to participate in various sports activities to promote the concept of teamwork and adopt a healthy lifestyle. We are confident in the ability of both teams to achieve excellence again this year,
following the outstanding results achieved by the Authority’s teams in the previous four editions, and we wish them success.’

Attending today’s games, Suhail Bin Tarraf, Chief Operating Officer at FAB, said: ‘As a spectator watching the Gov Games, it must be said that the standard of competition is extremely high, and it is impressive to see the teams working so closely together to complete the challenges set for them. First Abu Dhabi Bank congratulates all participants in the games and wishes today’s qualifiers success in the next round. We look forward to the remainder of the 2024 edition, and to supporting this outstanding and unique event as it continues to grow in future years.’

Hayssam Hajjar, Director Asset Management UAE, Al-Futtaim Real Estate said, ‘Dubai Festival City’s prime location with easy access to many of the city’s landmarks make it an ideal hub for city-wide events such as Gov Games, one of the biggest events happening in Dubai this year. In addition, it’s expansive and unique waterfront
destination will provide a stunning setting for competitors in what is sure to be another fantastic edition of the event. Collaborations with the government entities are imperative for the private sector to support Dubai’s vision of becoming one of the most vibrant and active cities globally, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.’

Abdullah Al Mulla, Co-Founder of Home Bakery, said: ‘We are delighted to be part of such a significant event and celebrate the success achieved through collaboration among entities in the UAE. Being involved in this event marks a significant milestone for us, and we take great pride in witnessing the ongoing advancements and opportunities the UAE continues to present.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

Gaza: The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said Saturday that the death toll from the Israeli war rose to 30,320 and the injured to 71,533 as relentless bombing continued for the 148th day.

It said Israeli occupation forces carried out 10 massacres in the last 24 hours that claimed 92 lives and injured 156.

It said civil defense teams recovered the body of a man from the Nabulsi Circle in Gaza City, bringing to 116 the number of people killed while trying to get flour.

The ministry also said 13 children died at Kamal Adwan Hospital due to malnutrition and shortages of medicine.

In Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, 3 people were killed and seven injured as Israeli artillery bombardment targeted a group of people trying to pick herbs to satisfy their hunger as the occupation army continued to bar the entry of aid into the enclave.

In the southern town of Rafah, an Israeli drone targeted a civilian vehicle in the Al-Shaboura neighborhood, killing two people and wounding a third, and all of them were trans
ferred to the Kuwaiti Hospital, said the ministry.

It also said many bodies remained buried under rubble or on roads, as the occupation forces prevented ambulance and civil defense crews from reaching them.

Source: Jordan News Agency

SHARJAH: ‘Hello, this is Nouf Al Hosani from ‘Sharjah Voice,’ the podcast channel of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau. Today our guest is a well-known Emirati photographer from Abu Dhabi Fatma AlMosa,’ the chirpy-sweet voice of the Emirati podcast host fills the air in the podcast studio at Xposure International Photography Festival (Xposure 2024), the world’s largest celebration of photography, film and other mediums of visual arts in Sharjah. Among the new and ambitious endeavours of the 8th and biggest edition of the festival organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) are a podcast studio, cinema hall and film workshop chambers.

In keeping with the times and trends, SGMB launched its podcast channel at Xposure 2024 to chronicle the professional journey of photographers and film directors gracing the event. A day’s log at ‘Sharjah Voice’ includes 4-6 interviews of 15-20 minutes duration. While Nouf is the host for the Arabic sessions, her colleague and photographer Neale Bayly conducts the
English shows.

A visionary project of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC), ‘Sharjah Voice’ will soon cover other events of SGMB such as the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF). The target audience of the podcasts are government entities and students, and the talks will be streamed on YouTube, Spotify as well as the SGMB’s podcast channel.

The debut edition of Sharjah Voice will introduce 23 guests at Xposure – nine in Arabic and 14 in English; Nouf’s guest list includes Mohammad Al Kaabi, Ahlam al Bannai and Nayla al Khaja while Bayly will host Dan Winters, Britta Jaschinski and the like, whose works are being exhibited at Xposure 2024.

On the third day of Xposure, the guests of the hour-long podcasts in English and Arabic are Charlie Hamilton James and Fatma AlMosa respectively. ‘The guests will speak about themselves, their journey into photography, their experience at Xposure and Sharjah. We have covered p
hotographers whose portfolios are sports and current affairs, and we will also introduce lensmen who focus on portraits and black and white photography. I want to focus on Emirati photographers who have not been in the limelight and whose works need more attention,’ said Nouf, who is taking baby steps into podcasting along with SGMB.

‘I love meeting people and hearing their success stories,’ added Nouf, a graduate in video and communication and a long-term employee and MC at SGMB events.

Xposure 2024 is taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah from February 28 to March 5, 2024.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Majid Qatarneh Saturday received a copy of the credentials of Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe Crispen Toga Mavodza, as accredited, non-resident ambassador to Jordan.

Source: Jordan News Agency

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) has received a US delegation featuring representatives from diverse economic sectors at the council’s headquarters.

Led by Sam Hassoun, President and CEO of Global Leadership Alliance, the American delegation was received by Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Council. Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the Council, was present.

The delegation was introduced to Sharjah’s economic status, its appealing investment climate, sophisticated infrastructure, progressive and adaptable legislative framework, as well as its cultural flourishing and high-calibre economic initiatives, developed in tune with the emirate’s strategic economic diversification policy.

During the meeting, the council reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Sharjah’s ties with American entities, particularly in parliamentary and economic sectors.

The council also organised a visit for the delegation to Bee’ah Group, where they received a comprehensive briefing on Bee’ah’s l
eading integrated services and innovative solutions in environmental management, renewable energy, and technology.

They were also introduced to Bee’ah’s projects and initiatives in environmental sustainability both within and outside the Emirate of Sharjah. Additionally, the delegation learned about Bee’ah’s promising innovations and future solutions across various sectors, particularly in renewable energy and green mobility.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasised that the meeting will further boost the already growing Sharjah-US relations, which are pwered by a mutually beneficial partnership.

Al Nuaimi noted that Sharjah takes a particular interest in enhancing its collaborative and operational relationships with its key global partners, including the U.S.

He stressed that the Council, driven by the wise directives and vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, prioritizes economic, cultural, and educational development. It is committed
to pushing the emirate’s sectors to new horizons through its sessions, committee efforts, and various programmes, aiming to simplify business processes and bolster the business community’s growth.

Al Nuaimi added that the delegation’s visit provided an opportunity for the American business leaders to gain insights into Sharjah’s investment atmosphere, positioning it as a premier global business hub.

He emphasised that sustainable development and environmental issues hold significant importance for the Council, given its pivotal role in addressing the impacts of climate change and improving society’s quality of life.

Al Nuaimi noted that the Council pays utmost attention to monitoring the efforts of organizations and institutions involved in environmental matters, including Bee’ah Group, the emirate’s environmental arm.

For their part, the US delegation commended Sharjah’s parliamentary developments, which reflected positively on bringing about significant milestones. They noted that the visit would pave t
he way for strengthening economic collaboration and boosting investment prospects in both nations, aligning with the mutual interests of both sides.

Concluding the meeting, the delegation embarked on a tour of the SCC’s premises, where they were briefed on its various facilities, including the main hall and the council’s library, which houses an extensive collection of books spanning political, economic, and cultural subjects.

Source: Emirates News Agency