Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock issues first batch of farm support certificates


The Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock (SDAL) has issued support certificates to eligible recipients as part of the first batch of diverse services aimed at providing safe and sustainable solutions for farmers.

The initiative aims to support farmers in contributing to food security. The event took place in the Customer Happiness Centre at the opening ceremony led by Dr Khalifa Musabeh Al Tunaij, Chairman of SDAL.

The centre provides a variety of government services related to agriculture and livestock, such as farm support, permit and certificate issuance, investment consultations in the agricultural and livestock sectors, requests for regulated stables in Sharjah’s pastures, and other services.

The Department’s Chairman, Dr Khalifa Musabeh Al Tunaij, emphasised the commitment of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to providing support for all that contributes to the sustainability of the agricultural and livestock sectors.

This involve
s assisting farmers and enabling the private sector to develop a complete self-sufficiency system that adheres to the highest food safety standards. The goal of this effort is to make the sector a valuable contributor to the food security system.

Al Tunaij went on to say that a second package of support services is being considered. It is associated with the idea of converting conventional farms into safe and sustainable, regulated farms.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Hamdan bin Mohammed issues Resolution on the Board of the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation


H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, issued Executive Council Resolution No. (95) of 2023 on the Board of Directors of Dubai’s Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation.

As per the Resolution, the Board will be chaired by Essa Abdullah Ahmed Al Ghurair, while Hamad Mubarak Mohammed Buamim will serve as Vice Chairman.

Other members of the Board include Hamda Ibrahim Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Abdullah Ali Abdulrazak Al Madani, Abdullah Saeed Majed Belyoahah, and Huda Essa Abdullah Buhumaid, along with representatives from the Islamic Affairs Charitable Activities Department, the Community Development Authority in Dubai, and the CEO of the Foundation.

The Resolution is effective from the date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Sheikh Hamdan also issued Executive Council Resolution No. (97) of 2023, appointing Thalal Khalifa Saeed bin Quraish Al Falasi as Assistant CEO of Corporate Support Sector at the M
ohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment. This Resolution is effective from 11 December and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Saqr Ghobash, Uzbek Senate Chair discuss parliamentary ties


Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), met with Tanzila Narbaeva, Chair of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) hosted by the UAE until 12th December 2023 at Expo City Dubai.

During the meeting, Ghobash said that the FNC is committed to aligning with the UAE’s vision on various issues, most notably achieving peace, security, and stability for the region’s and world’s peoples. He also stressed the importance of strengthening its ties and cooperation with various parliaments, unions, and international parliamentary organisations, considering the vital role of parliaments in representing their peoples amid global changes on various levels.

The UAE is committed to being a global leader in combatting climate change, and was the first Gulf country to join the Paris Agreement. It is the first in the region to declare a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, an
d it also has the world’s three biggest solar power plants, he added.

The UAE has one of the lowest carbon footprints from oil production, and its economy has diversified to having non-oil sectors that account for more than 70 percent of total, due to its environmental policies.

Narbaeva expressed her appreciation for the strong ties between the two countries and their peoples and highlighted the need to enhance their cooperation in various areas, most notably their parliamentary cooperation, given the vital role that parliaments play in fostering civilised dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among peoples.

She then commended the UAE for its achievements in various domains, such as sustainable development, education, innovation, space, and women’s rights, highlighting the significant milestone of having 50 percent of FNC seats occupied by women, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to empowering women.

She also invited Ghobash to visit Uzbekistan and the country’s senate to continue strengthening the
ir parliamentary cooperation in light of the agreement signed between the two organisations.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Ali Al Nuaimi receives French parliamentary delegation


Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Federal National Council (FNC) Committee on Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs, received Sébastien Chenu, First Vice President of the French National Assembly and the Head of the French-Emirati Parliamentary Friendship Group, and his delegation.

The meeting focussed on strengthening the parliamentary ties between the two sides and the topics of the parliamentary meeting that will take place on the sidelines of COP28.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed the key role of parliaments and parliamentarians in supporting their countries’ directions, policies, and goals regarding climate change and its impacts.

Dr. Al Nuaimi also highlighted the importance of mutual visits between the two sides to enhance their coordination and consultations during regional and international parliamentary events, especially those related to ensuring global security and peace.

Chenu lauded the UAE’s global efforts to preserve the environment for future generations.

The meeting
was attended by several FNC members.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dubai Police showcases 12 pioneering eco-friendly projects at COP28


As part of the force’s active participation in COP28, the Dubai Police stand at the Green Zone is showcasing an impressive array of 12 environmental projects.

Those projects include the Zero Carbon Police Force, the Dubai Resilient programme, iServe for sustainable and clean energy transport, the Wastewater-Based Epidemiology project, the Plant-based Remediation of Explosive Contaminated Areas project, the Eco-friendly Ammunition, Carbon Footprint Tracking for Crime prevention, Sustainable Disposal methods for explosives and ammunition, the Smart Horse Stable project, the Dubai Police eco-friendly smart boat (Haddad), diploma programme in Explosives, and a Resilience diploma programme.

During a visit to the stand, Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs in Dubai Police and Deputy Chairman of the Security and Operations Committee for the COP28, highlighted the force’s dedicated efforts, services, and projects showcased to the conference attendees. He emphas
ised the significant contribution of these projects and initiatives in raising awareness about security and law enforcement services.

Major General Al Ghaithi reaffirmed Dubai Police’s unwavering commitment to ensuring environmental security, fostering sustainable development, and maintaining a healthy environment in line with the remarkable progress and prosperity of the UAE. He emphasised the belief in the crucial role of security institutions in environmental conservation, underlining the importance of ecological security in safeguarding public safety, promoting social harmony, driving sustainable development, and enhancing Dubai’s global standing.

Major General Al Ghaithi, accompanied by Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Dubai Event Security Committee, and a group of officers and personnel, was provided with comprehensive briefings on various environment-related projects and initiatives. He received detailed explanations about each project and its profound significance in terms of e
nvironmental impact.

Zero Carbon Police Force Initiative 2030

Dubai Police has introduced the world’s first-of-its-kind initiative, the ‘Zero Carbon Police Force,’ at its stand during COP28, marking a global pioneering step. This project perfectly syncs with Dubai’s vision of establishing a green economy and promoting sustainable development.

It aligns seamlessly with several local and global strategies, including the Green Economy for Sustainable Development 2030, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Carbon Neutral Strategy 2050, and the UAE Centennial 2071.

This project also aims to implement sustainable practices and introduce innovative initiatives within the security and policing sector. It focuses on optimising energy consumption, diversifying energy sources, and ultimately achieving zero emissions by 2030, all while ensuring the continuous provision of security and safety services.

Dubai Resilient Program

The stand also has showcased Dubai’s
Resilient Program, aimed at bolstering the city’s capacity to anticipate and address risks, particularly those associated with climate change, future threats, emergencies, and crises.

This program strives to enhance Dubai’s well-being and prosperity by supporting critical sectors such as infrastructure, sustainability, tourism, economy, security, quality of life, and environmental conservation. It focuses on effectively responding to events and emergencies, facilitating a swift recovery. The program also aligns with the United Nations’ Ten Principles of Resilience.

iServe

The stand also has provided insights on the ‘iServe’ project, focusing on sustainable transportation and clean energy. This initiative emphasises converting Dubai Police’s utility vehicles into an institutional model, utilising eco-friendly vehicles and aiming to replace petroleum-based utility vehicles. The project aligns with Dubai’s Green Mobility initiative, promoting sustainable transportation practices.

Epidemiological Monitoring

The stand also presented the Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring initiative, which aims to leverage the sewage system for collecting information and data on epidemics, viruses, and germs that can be transmitted through human waste. This initiative includes a crucial component: predicting diseases before they become widespread.

By analysing data and information obtained from the sewage system, early indicators of infectious diseases can be detected before clear cases emerge within the population.

Environmental Remediation

The Dubai Police stand at COP28 has also presented a plant-based remediation of explosive-contaminated areas project, which supports global efforts to combat environmental pollution caused by explosives and hazardous waste. This initiative covers various aspects, including the production of military arms and ammunition, as well as military field activities.

The project introduced a scientifically-backed method for cleansing and purifying areas contaminated by explosives by utilisi
ng a ‘vegetative’ bioremediation approach using Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), an environmentally friendly, effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient method.

This grass demonstrates remarkable adaptability, thriving in diverse conditions such as water or soil enduring both low and high temperatures, whether exposed to natural or artificial light, day or night. Additionally,

Vetiver grass exhibits high resistance to the toxicity of explosives, possesses the capacity to absorb secondary explosive materials, and is effective in removing insensitive, high-explosive substances.

Eco-friendly Bullets

Dubai Police’s stand also features a recent study on adopting and efficiently using eco-friendly ammunition. This study aims to integrate environmental solutions into police operations to achieve sustainability within the law enforcement sector. It significantly contributes to Dubai Police’s vision of becoming the world’s first sustainable police force by 2030.

Carbon Footprint of Crime Prevention

Dubai
Police’s stand at COP28 is also presenting the Carbon Footprint project, which focuses on conducting studies to develop a system for calculating, measuring, and monitoring carbon emissions from crime prevention operations. This groundbreaking initiative, the first in the world, aims to measure annual emissions in alignment with Dubai’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions by 2050.

Sustainable Disposal of Explosives and Ammunition

The Dubai Police stand showcases the ‘Explosives and Ammunition Sustainable Disposal’ initiative, which allows explosive and fireworks companies operating in the country to dispose of expired explosives, ammunition, and fireworks safely. This initiative provides a comprehensive service that includes collecting and transporting materials for disposal.

The initiative stands out for its safe and environmentally friendly approach to disposing of explosives, fireworks, and ammunition, ensuring no environmental contamination. The device used in this initiative is equipped with a speciali
sed filter to absorb smoke generated during the combustion process, which is then treated in an eco-friendly manner, adhering to the highest international safety and quality standards.

Haddad: Eco-Friendly Smart Police Boat

The Dubai Police’s stand also showcases the eco-friendly smart police boat Haddad, the first of its kind in the region and a global pioneer in various aspects. This project involves inventing an intelligent security boat powered by clean energy by talented young Emiratis.

The boat boasts several notable features, including self-control, self-monitoring, and remote control capabilities. It also contributes to environmental preservation by replacing fuel-dependent security boats, reducing approximately 5,170 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Smart Stable

The stand is also briefing COP28 visitors about the Smart Stable project, which stands as the world’s first entirely solar-powered smart stable. This innovative facility utilises solar energy to power cooling systems, lighting,
and other amenities. The operation and monitoring of the stables are controlled through intelligent systems accessible via tablets and mobile devices, ensuring efficient horse management. This project directly aligns with the future vision of environmental sustainability.

Resilience Diploma

At its stand, Dubai Police also has provided an overview of the Resilience Diploma, which aims to support the emirate’s global endeavours across diverse domains, with a particular focus on climate change, environmental concerns, institutional resilience, and the protection of human and property, as well as various systems of life.

The diploma is designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and expertise in different aspects of resilience. It equips them with strategic planning skills, risk analysis capabilities, and the ability to ensure business continuity, fostering resilience within the public and private sectors.

Explosives Diploma

The Dubai Police presented a project to qualify officers by introducing a diploma in
explosives sciences, “Explosives and Ammunition Applied Sciences and Technology”. This is the first academic security diploma accredited by the National Qualifications Center in coordination with the Ministry of Education at the national level.

The academic diploma, which lasts for two years, aims to enhance the efficiency and readiness of specialised teams in bomb disposal, dealing with explosives, and detecting them.

This is to achieve a success indicator for the plans to handle explosives. In addition to a course on the safe disposal of ammunition and bombs, students are taught how to safely dispose of ammunition and explosives in ways that prevent environmental pollution and limit the emission of environmentally harmful gases.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Mohammed bin Rashid meets with climate policy and space sector decision makers attending Space Agencies Leaders’ Summit at COP28


His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with senior officials and decision-makers from leading global agencies shaping climate policies and space programmes, on the sidelines of their participation in the Space Agencies Leaders’ Summit, at Expo City Dubai.

The summit, the first of its kind, was held during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, being hosted in the UAE until 12th December.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid highlighted the UAE’s ambitious clean energy and space projects, which are aligned with the country’s sustainable development goals and its commitment to contributing to building a brighter global future. He said these projects reflect the UAE’s dedication to fostering innovation, international coo
peration, and finding effective solutions to global challenges. He commended international space agencies for their vital role in advancing knowledge and solutions for environmental protection and sustainable development.

The meeting was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.

The Space Agencies Leaders’ Summit, organised by the UAE Space Agency, brought together more than 20 international space agencies.

The summit, which witnessed the participation of senior officials and decision-makers from the world over, discussed ways of enhancing data sharing between established and emerging space nations, strengthening climate research by allocating resources and funding for climate research initiatives within the space sector, supporting climate monitoring initiatives by establishing new programmes, and promoting sustainable space operations by minimising the environmental impact of space programmes.

The Space Agencies Lea
ders’ Summit ended with a Space Sector Pledge for Enhancing Space-Based Climate Initiatives to accelerate climate action by financing climate programmes and strengthening climate research to meet global commitments outlined by the Paris Agreement in 2015.

During the summit, international space agencies pledged to enhance mutual exchange of scientific data and boost climate research while promoting sustainable space activities and financing space-climate initiatives.

Demonstrating its pioneering role as an enabler of the space sector, the UAE Space Agency has played an instrumental role in organising the Space Pavilion at COP28, under the slogan ‘Space for Sustainability’.

The Space Pavilion will host an extensive programme featuring numerous presentations and over 60 panel sessions on harnessing satellite data, leveraging space technology for sustainability, addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation strategies, the latest sustainable technologies and initiatives in the space sector, finan
cing for space-climate initiatives, and methane and greenhouse gases.

Other attendees at the meeting included Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology; Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC); Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; Salem Butti Al Qubaisi; Director-General, UAE Space Agency, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC; Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC; Ibrahim Hamza Al Qasim. Deputy Director-General, UAE Space Agency; UAE astronauts Sultan Al Neyadi and Hazza Al Mansoori. Mohsen Al Awadhi Director of Space Missions Department, UAE Space Agency; Omar Hassan Al Shehhi Head of Space Quality Standards Section, UAE Space Agency.

Source: Emirates News Agency