UAE, Kuwaiti collaborate to seize 3,750,000 ‘Lyrica’ Narcotic Capsules in joint operation, arresting three individuals

ABU DHABI: The UAE anti-narcotics agents successfully apprehended an individual with 2,750,000 of narcotic drugs in the Emirate of Ajman. This operation followed the recent arrest by the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait of two individuals at the Kuwait International Airport, who were found in possession of approximately 1,000,000 capsules of the narcotic substance Lyrica.

Through information exchange between the Interior Ministries of both countries, the operations of this trafficking gang, endangering community health and safety, were dismantled. This operation exemplifies the high-level coordination among counterpart agencies in the GCC countries, continuing the efforts of Interior Ministries to combat drug trafficking, apprehend dealers and smugglers, and safeguard society from this menace.

Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director General of Federal Drug Control at the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, affirmed the vigilance of control units in monitoring drug trafficking gangs. He emphasised the ability
of control agencies to locate, disrupt, and cut off the funding sources of such criminal networks.

Al Suwaidi conveyed his gratitude to the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait for their ongoing cooperation and coordination, contributing to the collective efforts of Gulf nations in ensuring the security, stability, and prosperity of their societies.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Mansour bin Zayed inaugurates first seawater desalination plant using reverse osmosis technology in Umm Al Quwain

UMM AL QAIWAIN: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has officially inaugurated the “NAQA’A” Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant in the Emirate of Umm Al Qaiwain. This plant stands as one of the largest seawater desalination projects using SWRO technology in the world.

With a capacity of 150 million gallons of desalinated water per day, the plant operates according to the independent producer system.

The ceremony was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Water and Electricity, along with Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of the company, and several senior officials.

Sheikh Mansour listened to a detailed explanation from the company’s CEO and the project team about the station’s mechanism and its implementation stages. The first phase, initiated during the second half of 2021, concluded with the station operating
experimentally at a daily production capacity of 50 million gallons. The second phase was completed, and the station began operating with its full production capacity of 150 million gallons per day by the end of 2022.

This huge project was a collaboration between Etihad Water and Electricity, Mubadala, and Saudi Arabia’s Utilities developer, ACWA Power.

Expressing pride in the completion of “NAQA’A”, Sheikh Mansour said, “We are proud of the completion of ‘NAQA’A’, an embodiment of the UAE’s approach and the vision of its leadership in ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations,” explaining that the project represents an important step towards bolstering the country’s capacity to address future water sector challenges, aligning with the UAE’s proactive approach towards a sustainable future.

Sheikh Mansour added that, given the UAE leadership’s keen focus on water security and relentless efforts in addressing water sector challenges, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan recently announced the “Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative” to combat water scarcity.

Sheikh Mansour added that the inauguration of “NAQA’A” reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to translating its water security priorities into actionable initiatives, reflecting the leadership’s dedication to sustainability and the well-being of its citizens.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Mansour lauded the national competencies of the UAE and stressed the importance of continuous development across vital sectors, particularly in water, research, development, and innovation.

In his remarks, Al Mazrouei commended the wise leadership’s unwavering support for infrastructure development in the water sector, facilitating significant advancements and contributing to the welfare of citizens.

He highlighted that with an annual production capacity of around 50 billion gallons, “NAQA’A” significantly bolsters the UAE’s water sector infrastructure, catering to the needs of approximately 2 million inhabitants in the country’s
northern regions.

He affirmed that the new plant not only enhances water security for the UAE but also supports the achievement of national strategies towards comprehensive sustainability.

The Minister also praised the continuous efforts of the Emirates Water and Electricity company in supporting national targets in the water sector and its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint through the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.

Al Ali underscored that the “NAQA’A” plant stands as one of the company’s paramount strategic projects, marking a proud achievement now operational at its full production capacity.

He elaborated that the company’s efforts spanned approximately 13 years, guided by a long-term plan. This plan entailed ambitious objectives aimed at progressively transitioning away from less efficient thermal technologies, with the overarching goal of reducing the carbon footprint by 75%.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE elected Vice Chair of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions

ABU DHABI: The UAE has been elected the Vice Chair of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions for 2025.

The appointment acknowledges the UAE’s contributions to cultural diversity and its role in fostering a multicultural and civilised tapestry both regionally and globally.

The appointment was made during the 17th meeting of the committee, which was recently held at UNESCO’s HQ in Paris, France. During the meeting, the UAE’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO nominated the country for the position of Vice Chair of the Committee for the period up to 2025, in view of its extensive experience in the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The UAE Permanent Delegation previously held the position of Rapporteur of the Committee in 2023.

In a statement, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Chairperson of the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, sa
id the UAE’s election as Vice Chair of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is a testament to the nation’s dedication to safeguarding and enhancing cultural expression.

‘With over 200 nationalities living in unity and governed by the rule of law across the nation, the UAE stands as a beacon of cultural diversity,’ he added.

‘This harmony is rooted in our commitment to dialogue, communication, and tolerance, creating a society where diversity is not only accepted but is the cornerstone of our progress and social development. This was made possible by our wise leadership’s vision, which has established the required frameworks and legislation, recognising that diversity is the key to social growth and evolution,’ Sheikh Salem said.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Ajman Ruler pardons 314 prisoners ahead of Ramadan

AJMAN: H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has ordered the release of 314 prisoners from punitive and correctional institutions in Ajman ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The inmates of various nationalities were selected based on good conduct and behaviour.

The gesture is part of the Ajman Ruler’s keenness to give prisoners an opportunity to start a new life and bring joy to their families.

Major General Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of Ajman Police, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Ruler of Ajman and hoped that this gesture would give the pardoned prisoners a chance to return to their families and reintegrate positively into society.

He added that the procedures for the prisoners’ release will be initiated immediately.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Sharjah Ruler inaugurates Arabian Tahr Project

SHARJAH: H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated, on Friday, the Arabian Tahr project within the new expansion of Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, in the city of Kalba, which aims to provide a large natural environment for breeding the endangered Arabian Tahr.

He also inaugurated the deer canopy area is parallel to Al Hefaiyah Protected Area, which provides a shaded platform for visitors to watch the deer.

Upon his arrival at Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, Sheikh Dr. Sultan listened to a detailed explanation about the efforts to preserve rare and endangered animals and birds, including the Arabian Tahr and the Nubian Ibex, which the Centre succeeded in resettling in Al Hajar Mountains.

He also learned about the new expansion and importance of the centre in caring for the mountainous environment, and contribution to consolidating the emirate’s plans to enhance its position in preserving environmental and biologi
cal diversity, and continuing to implement initiatives for the continuous preservation of natural life and encouraging the proliferation of endangered species from animals of the mountain environment.

The Ruler of Sharjah then moved to the deer shelters, which he directed to implement along the fence of Hefaiyah Protected Area on Kalba Road, representing a shaded platform to receive tourists, visitors and nature lovers to view the deer.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan witnessed the release of a group of the endangered mountain gazelle, which was resettled and multiplied in the reserve so that it lives within its natural environment.

He listened to an explanation about the umbrella area, what it provides to visitors, and its most prominent architectural and engineering details that add an aesthetic character to the city of Kalba. The area includes 26 umbrellas, in addition to a fence that separates umbrellas from the reserve to provide protection and safety for deer and mountain animals.

The umbrella area overlo
oks the forest of ‘umbrella thorn acacia’ trees, which extends in a gravel plain to the foothills of the opposite mountains, and is home to a large group of ‘mountain gazelle.’

The umbrella area is used as an ideal rest area and a place for sports enthusiasts and families. It includes 52 seats made of white cast aluminium with sections of high-quality treated wood for groups. The umbrellas are distinguished by their classic design mixed with elements of Islamic architecture in white and blue, which distinguishes the unique architectural identity of the city of Kalba.

The project serves a 2.6 km service road, and a 2.1 km walkway. The spaces adjacent to the canopies have also been planted with plants from the mountainous nature to enhance the general atmosphere of the place and increase the shade spaces available in the area, in addition to providing a number of 740 parking spaces along the road adjacent to the canopies.

Al Hefaiyah Protected Area is home to more than 30 different species of mountain
animals. Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, located at the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains adjacent to the city of Kalba, is famous for its rich biological diversity as it contains a variety of plants and animals, highlighting the uniqueness of the region and the harmony and integration of its natural elements.

The Arabian Tahr is classified as an endangered species. It is a diurnal animal isolated in small groups. It lives for 8 to 16 years, and its weight ranges from 15 to 40 kilogrammes. It is more concentrated on rugged mountain slopes near permanent water sources, and may swim in ponds, shallows and sand baths, as it depends for its food on water, grass, small shrubs, leaves and wild fruits.

The distinctive Nubian ibex is one of the animals that breed in regions of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Arabian gazelle is distinguished by its alert gaze and excellent senses of hearing and smell, in addition to its agility and fitness that help it escape, as its speed reaches 65 km per hour. It is a di
urnal animal that clings to the area in which it lives and prefers the mountainous or plateau environment. It feeds on grasses, herbs, shrubs, leaves and cones. Various plants. It lives between 8 and 13 years, and its weight ranges from 20 to 30 kilograms.

The Sharjah Ruler was accompanied by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; and a number of senior officials, heads and directors of government departments and notables of the city.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Crown Prince of Ajman launches ‘Ajman Vision 2030’

AJMAN: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council, has launched “Ajman Vision 2030”, which marks the culmination of collaborative efforts from various governmental and societal entities within the emirate, crafting a comprehensive roadmap toward the future.

The vision underscores the alignment of all policies and strategies with the national agenda, federal objectives, and readiness for the future, firmly anchoring the emirate’s commitment to a people-centric future. It delineates the emirate’s aspirations and goals, including developing skilled human capital to fulfil Ajman’s ambitions, enhance its appeal and liveability, and foster an inclusive society.

The launch event, held at the Ajman Stud on Thursday, was attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs
at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development; Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Representative of the Ruler of Ajman for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Ajman (Ajman DED); Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development; Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Municipality and Planning Department, a number of sheikhs, officials, and members of the Ajman community.

The occasion featured presentations outlining the vision’s principles and strategic directions, offering attendees insights into the transformative projects envisioned for the emirate.

In his address during the event, Sheikh Ammar highlighted the UAE government’s commitment to future-preparedness and individual development under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Min
ister and Ruler of Dubai. He highlighted the government’s emphasis on harnessing innovative technologies and ensuring a skilled workforce to make the UAE one of the world’s best countries in its golden jubilee.

He added that the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Ajman, inspired by the spirit of union, are committed to building a sustainable future economically, socially, and environmentally, focusing on human development, participation, and prosperity.

The Crown Prince underscored that Ajman Vision 2030 is a collective endeavour shaped by the contributions of over 3,000 individuals representing various community segments.

Sheikh Ammar continued, “We have developed several tools that have helped us sense the community’s priorities and understand its needs and aspirations. The results have shown a desire for more social, sports, cultural, and artistic activities, and more facilities designed for children and People of Determination.”

He added that studies have also shown the need for framework
s supporting entrepreneurs to attract an elite of global and local companies to establish their offices in Ajman to become key partners in economic and human development.

Sheikh Ammar outlined that the Ajman Vision is based on eight fundamental principles: sustainability, inclusivity, community centrality, governmental agility, future preparedness, accountability, cooperation, and the spirit of union. The Ajman Executive Council will ensure adherence to them and disseminate their culture.

The eight principles serve as the foundation for planning and implementation until 2030, encompassing diverse aspects of balanced development and have spurred collaborative efforts to design impactful projects.

Sheikh Ammar added, “Looking ahead, there will be a significant emphasis on community programmes, with a target to increase artistic, cultural, and sports activities by 400 percent by 2030.

As the youth segment represents 36 percent of the emirate’s population, the vision will work on developing policies t
hat harness this vital energy to maximise the emirate’s economic and social stature. In the coming days, we will launch a programme for ambitious young leaders, aiming to empower them with skills and knowledge to realise their potential.”

Sheikh Ammar reiterated the commitment to providing policies and programmes for children and women, fostering a modern institutional system guided by core principles, and accelerating development through partnerships with the private sector.

“Updating the urban plan of the emirate will be among our priorities, and we have already commenced work on the coastal development project for Ajman in recent months. This project will increase the public beaches by 300 percent and equip them with integrated urban facilities.

The coming months will witness the commencement of the “Heart of Ajman” project to double the emirate’s regional and global trade logistical capabilities.

The Crown Prince stated that the vision will increase spending on leisure and tourism activities i
n the Masfout area by 200 percent over the next four years.

He also lauded the efforts of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his team in the “Emirates Villages” project, which began in the Masfout area to enhance people’s lives.

“Ajman Vision 2030 symbolises the emirate’s aspirations and ambitions over the next six years, aiming to establish Ajman as a beacon of success and a model of inclusive development for all its residents,” he said.

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that providing a decent life for citizens is a strategic goal for the country’s leadership, which always ensures that the citizens enjoy all means of social stability, livelihood, and quality of life.

He commended the launch of the Ajman Vision 2030, which aims at achieving sustainable development, and emphasised the significant care given to the Masfout region by providing infrastructure, quality service systems, and creating job opportunities for its residents.

Sheikh Theyab poin
ted out that the Emirates Villages project aims to develop tourist, heritage, and service facilities in the Masfout region with a focus on empowering the residents of these villages with economic opportunities and integrating them into the development process.

For his part, Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi hailed the Ajman Vision as a guiding framework that embodies the objectives and aspirations of the wise leadership towards comprehensive and sustainable development. The vision stands poised to draw the future landscape based on national values and visions, leveraging the emirate’s resources, energies, and youth optimally.

He said, “This ambitious vision unfolds promising horizons and opportunities, accelerating the trajectory towards desired growth, development, and boosting the emirate’s competitiveness and attractiveness while preserving the UAE’s national identity. It focuses on economic, human, and cultural advancement, advanced infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, positioning Ajman
as a sustainable haven for happiness, societal well-being, and a hub for innovation and prosperity.”

Highlighting teamwork as pivotal in achieving this visionary agenda and its future goals, he affirmed the Department of Finance’s commitment to fostering flexibility, innovation, and efficiency in financial performance. It will continue its collaborative approach with partners to enrich the emirate’s developmental milestones, ensuring its sustained evolution and flourishing for decades to come.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi said that Ajman is poised for a bright and unified future, based on the values of the union and the spirit of cooperation.

He stated that the Ajman Vision 2030 epitomises commitment to sustainable economic and social development, achieved through effective integration and coordination with the national agenda and federal strategies.

The vision calls for building a flexible and sustainable society, where economic development is balanced with caring for the social dimensio
ns and preserving the environment, he noted. “We will work hard to achieve this ambitious vision, with a focus on meeting the aspirations of the emirate of Ajman and achieving the main goals of our sustainable vision.”

Sheikh Abdulaziz concluded, “We prepare for the future by keenly analysing trends and adopting cutting-edge technologies to ensure readiness for forthcoming challenges. Through Ajman Vision, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to comprehensive development and provision of high-quality community services, fostering communication and cooperation with all stakeholders to achieve these noble objectives.”

For his part, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi expressed pride in Ajman’s insightful visions, applauding the inspiring plans and comprehensive strategy formulated by the wise leadership. These initiatives, he noted, are geared towards empowering individuals and ensuring societal happiness.

He praised the Ajman Vision 2030, which sets out clear frameworks to enhance integration between
departments and institutions and activate partnerships to achieve optimal results.

“The emirate of Ajman has evolved into a paradigmatic city providing ideal living conditions, attracting investors and tourists, and embodying leadership, excellence, and prosperity under a leadership committed to supporting human advancement, fostering sustainable development, and pursuing a brighter future for all,” Sheikh Rashid concluded.

Dr. Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General of the Ajman Executive Council, affirmed that Ajman Vision 2030 has placed human development at the forefront of its priorities and is concerned with achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, which enhances social stability for current and future generations, and leads the emirate towards doubling its development plans.

He added, “With the directives and visions of H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, the emirate has drawn a path of leadership and excellence in various fields,
and Ajman Vision 2030 comes to enhance these gains and create a new renaissance in which the efforts of all government entities and the private sector are shared, and led by qualified national cadres capable of keeping pace with future developments.”

Ajman Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan that outlines the emirate’s goals for the next decade. The vision is based on eight strategic principles:

– Spirit of the Union: Ajman is committed to a unified future. The emirate will align its policies and strategies with the national agenda, federal strategies and objectives, and coordinate effectively with other emirates.

– Cooperation: Ajman is committed to a collaborative future. The emirate will increase strategic cooperation with the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and the community.

– Accountability: Ajman is committed to fulfilling its commitments and being accountable to the community. The emirate will promote transparency in developing and monitoring commitments.

– Future Prepar
edness: Ajman is committed to being prepared for the future. The emirate will analyse and anticipate future trends and challenges in all development areas and harness modern technologies and innovative solutions.

– Agility: Ajman is committed to a flexible future with a responsive community that adapts quickly to change, with high levels of participation.

– Community Centrality: Ajman is committed to a people-centred future. The emirate will focus on the health and social well-being of individuals and communities, and consult with people and businesses to ensure their participation in government decision-making.

– Inclusivity: Ajman is committed to an inclusive future. The emirate will empower people to ensure their full integration and participation in society, promote equal opportunities for all, and enhance youth and elders integration and well-being.

– Sustainability: Ajman is committed to a sustainable future. The emirate will promote economic activities with high added value and specialised
knowledge, meet the economic and social needs of the population while ensuring environmental sustainability, become a results-based government, and shift spending towards achieving the most important long-term results.

Ajman Vision 2030 has identified a set of strategic directives and objectives, including:

– Enhancing the competitive business environment and investment climate that drives economic development: This will be achieved by creating a business-friendly environment, encouraging and facilitating investment, strengthening the commercial infrastructure, and facilitating trade and the commercial environment. In addition, the vision aims to develop a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, start-ups, and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to enable increased private sector participation in public projects and services.

– Building human capital capable of achieving the emirate’s aspirations: This will be achieved by ensuring world-class education that drives academic
achievement and prepares for the future, encouraging research and development (R and D) and innovation in the emirate, and strengthening workforce skills and lifelong learning.

– Enhancing the emirate’s attractiveness and liability: This will be achieved by improving the performance of city operations and public services, creating active urban centres, facilitating access to green and blue spaces, sports and recreational facilities, and community facilities, and promoting health, safety, and well-being.

– Transforming Ajman into a centre for arts and culture: This will be achieved by protecting cultural heritage, highlighting and developing it, supporting community participation in artistic and cultural activities, and supporting the development of the arts and cultural sectors.

– Achieving integrated and sustainable transportation: This will be achieved by improving the quality of the road infrastructure, improving the quality of the public transportation network, and encouraging active transportati
on by providing an environment conducive to walking and cycling.

The Ajman government is committed to achieving these goals through a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves all stakeholders.

One of the vision’s goals is to improve environmental sustainability by achieving sustainable waste management, reducing pollution, improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of alternative energy, protecting biodiversity, and preserving natural resources.

Additionally, the goals also include building a comprehensive, cohesive and empowered society by empowering the social services system and its effectiveness, promoting gender equality, empowering women, children, youth, People of Determination and the elderly, preserving the Emirati national identity, and enabling the contribution of the private sector and society to the social sector agenda.

The vision is concerned with transforming the government into a pioneering government characterised by agility, innovation, efficiency, and focus on
results. This is an approach that requires increasing agility, innovation, and efficiency in government structures, ensuring the readiness of plans, policies, laws, and regulations for the future, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government services, and ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of physical and digital assets.

This also requires improving financial performance and increasing focus on results through preparing a results-based budget and measuring performance, involving the community and stakeholders in decision-making, and facilitating their access to information.

Source: Emirates News Agency