Emirates Press

ABU DHABI, The National Pavilion UAE (United Arab Emirates) has announced its upcoming exhibition at the Biennale Arte 2022 (Venice Biennale) titled “Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Between Sunrise and Sunset.”

The exhibition will present a new body of work created for the National Pavilion UAE by Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, a veteran of the experimental art community in the UAE.

The 59th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2022 (Biennale Arte 2022) will open to the public between 23rd April – 27th November, 2022.

This exhibition marks the National Pavilion UAE’s seventh participation at the Biennale Arte, along with its move towards an artist-led approach whereby Ibrahim nominated Allison to curate the exhibition.

The 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is curated by New York-based Italian curator and artistic director Cecilia Alemani under the theme “The Milk of Dreams,” which questions the representation of bodies and their metamorphoses, and the connection between bodies and earth.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said, “Emirati artists enjoy the support of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, which leads the cultural and creative sector in the UAE, and works to strengthen the UAE’s position on the global creative map. Our participation embodies the conducive cultural climate of the UAE that highlights diversity and enables the development of a thriving artistic scene. At the ministry, we believe in empowering our artists and creators for them to contribute to the country’s holistic and sustainable development.”

She explained that the exhibition will contribute to enriching the art movement in the UAE, showcase Emirati art to a wider cross-section of audiences and make it accessible to the world. “The UAE is an ideal platform for artists to grow and showcase their talent. We have legislations, infrastructure, equipment and advanced technologies to help them possess their art. Our participation will be an incentive for creative people to present innovative cultural and artistic works that reflect the development of our cultural sector, enhance the UAE’s positive image and keep up with its outstanding position globally.”

Curated by Maya Allison, Executive Director of The New York University Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, Between Sunrise and Sunset is an installation of human-sized, abstract and organic sculptural forms. The work draws from Ibrahim’s deep connection to the local environment of his hometown, Khor Fakkan – a city harbouring the rocky Al Hajar mountains on the east coast of the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

In resonance with this theme, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim’s biomorphic sculptures cluster in undulating colour and movement – suggesting bodies, mutation, and metamorphosis. These forms arrive from his physical dialogue with the work materials: accretions of papier-mâché are built up over loose skeleton structures that shift and settle into their final position as he works. Often incorporating actual earth, leaves, tea, coffee, and tobacco, the texture of the forms derives from his raw materials.

Ibrahim said, “Between Sunrise and Sunset highlights the connection I have with the nature of Khor Fakkan – my hometown and the place I continue to live in. The exhibition demonstrates the tension between Khor Fakkan’s colourful bright mornings, when the sun rises over the ocean, and the disappearance of colours in mid-afternoon when the sun drops behind the mountains that loom over my hometown.

“We can never see the sunset in Khor Fakkan, but we can imagine it on the other side of the UAE. I am looking forward to showing my new installation, working alongside Maya Allison and the National Pavilion UAE, to represent my country in our upcoming presentation at the Venice Biennale in 2022.”

Allison, in turn, said, “Over the years, I have closely observed Ibrahim’s work process and its intense and intimate relationship with each environment he encounters, whether that be the rocky mountainous landscape of his lifelong home, or the landscapes of his residencies in Holland, France, India, and beyond. Even after almost four decades of art-making, the artist continues to evolve and deepen his practice, with a stubbornly persistent exuberance, nourished by his connection to his work and his artist community.”

Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Between Sunrise and Sunset marks Ibrahim and Allison’s fifth collaboration together and the third book that Allison has worked on that studies Ibrahim’s work – marking a unique collaboration for them.

In the first monograph on the artist, the exhibition’s accompanying publication, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim: Between Sunrise and Sunset / Works: 1986-2022, is co-edited by Maya Allison and Cristiana de Marchi, artist, curator, and poet based between Dubai and Beirut, who has a long record of work with and writing on this UAE art community.

The National Pavilion UAE is commissioned by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and supported by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, with a permanent pavilion at the Venice Biennale’s Arsenale – Sale d’Armi.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has announced the launch of the “UAE Verify” platform, which allows government and private entities to verify the authenticity of digital documents issued by government authorities on an immediate basis and without the need for original hard copy or true copy.

The “UAE Verify” platform uses blockchain technology, which is a shared immutable real-time ledger for recording the history of financial transactions, contracts, and different documents. Blockchain technology helps in regulating data and digital documents, verifying their authenticity, sharing information and documents, and protecting privacy. The platform allows users to convert their documents to authenticated digital documents with a high level of privacy and security.

In his speech at the launch event, Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, said: “With the launch of the “UAE Verify” platform, we take a new important step on the path of comprehensive digital transformation using future technologies such as blockchain, which is the technical basis for the “UAE Verify” platform. We are happy about this platform, which was the result of intensive cooperation between TDRA and many government entities, that worked together in a team spirit to serve the higher goals of the UAE government. On this occasion, I can only commend the partners of the first phase of the platform, namely the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Community Development, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, and the Dubai Land Department. I extend thanks to the rest of the authorities that have expressed their willingness to participate in the development of the “UAE Verify” platform to serve all customers.”

He added: “The launch of the “UAE Verify” platform harmonizes with the electronic transactions federal decree-law announced by our wise leadership and approved by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may Allah protect him, as part of a larger plan to develop federal legislation. The platform also harmonizes with the UAE Government Charter for Future Services. It will play an important role in developing digital services and channels and enhancing the happiness of society. In TDRA, we will continue our efforts to develop digital transformation pillars and principles based on our responsibility for regulation and enablement in the telecommunications and digital government sectors. We aim to continue the major achievements of our country during the next fifty years.

TDRA emphasized that the “UAE Verify” launch is a major stride to achieve the UAE Strategy for Government Services, which aims to provide human-centered services, establish trust between the government and the society, enhance the UAE competitiveness globally, and guarantee sustainability and efficiency.

Al Mesmar stressed that the launch of the “UAE Verify” platform comes as a result of a digital trust project that began about four years ago, thanks to the directives of the wise leadership to shape a future that matches the UAE’s position and lay scientific foundations for the future government. These directives were part of the UAE government annual meetings to prepare a development vision for the UAE’s future in preparation for the next fifty.

As part of the Digital Government Roadmap 2021-2025, the UAE Verify digital platform was launched to achieve 100 per cent digital government services in the country that are accessible to individuals, businesses and federal government employees. This initiative aims to attain six strategic and priority goals: provide a unified digital platform and common digital enablers; provide a world-class digital infrastructure; enable easy and quick integrated digital services tailored to meet the clients’ needs; upgrade digital capabilities and skills; prepare legislation to ensure seamless and holistic digital transformation; and increase the efficiency of government work.

The Digital Government Roadmap 2021-2025 targets to meet the digital needs of individuals, corporations and federal government employees. At the individual level, the roadmap seeks to provide easy access to accurate information, easy engagement with the government, reduced waiting time, and quick resolution of requirements and challenges. At the corporate level, it aims to provide reliable and secure digital systems, a clear regulatory environment, guidance in laws, policies, and regulations, and transparency in government transactions. At the government level, it will strive to promote human capacity development through training apart from providing tools necessary to efficiently deliver services and empower all government employees.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, Aldar Properties (Aldar) today announced an agreement with Diamond Developers, the mastermind behind The Sustainable City brand, to form a joint venture (JV) for the development of a fully sustainable and unique community on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.

The Sustainable City – Yas Island will span an area of 397,000 sqm in Yas North. It will be developed to align with the UAE’s net-zero goals and the highest sustainability standards, comprising 864 townhouses and apartments and 3,000 sqm of retail.

The agreement will enable the company to bring a tested model of sustainable development to Yas Island. ‘The Sustainable City’ branded concept and working model in Dubai was the first fully operational sustainable community in the Middle East and has already proven successful as an intelligent, live-work-and thrive destination that brings forward the 2050 global climate targets.

As a fully sustainable community, The Sustainable City – Yas Island will be powered by renewable energy, enabling residents to save up to 100% on energy bills. The masterplan amalgamates green, energy-efficient designs with a people-centric philosophy featuring car-free residential clusters, recycling facilities, and indoor vertical farming. In addition to residential and retail elements, the development will feature an equestrian centre, a mosque, cycling and jogging tracks, and spacious landscaped areas.

Jonathan Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Development, said, “This agreement marks an important milestone in Aldar’s strategy to accelerate sustainable development in Abu Dhabi. The Sustainable City – Yas Island will have all the elements of high-quality sustainable living and will complement our commitment to carbon reduction, in line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The development will also provide another new and exciting lifestyle choice for our customers right in the heart of the highly sought after Yas Island.

“Diamond Developers has the track record and expertise to deliver high quality sustainable projects and Sustainable City Yas Island will combine the best of Diamond Developers with the best of Aldar. We also expect to use our learnings from this partnership to introduce further sustainable solutions within our current and future developments.”

Faris Saeed, Chairman of Diamond Developers, said, “The successful replication and rapid growth of sustainable developments around the world depends on partnerships and collaborations between public and private sectors. We are pleased to join hands with Abu Dhabi’s leading developer Aldar, and believe this agreement offers substantive opportunities for the exchange of knowledge. As we work together towards building a more sustainable and prosperous future for the UAE, we pave the way to the evolution of a more sustainable infrastructure and a clear pathway to achieving net-zero.”

Construction of the AED 1.8 billion project is scheduled to commence in Q4 2022, with a 30-month completion target. The development will complement the diverse residential, retail, and entertainment offerings already available on Yas Island.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman, on the occasion of the first anniversary of his accession to power.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sent similar messages to Sultan Haitham on the occasion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Embodying the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE government launched the Coders HQ, a new transformational project that re-defines local coding communities, in partnership with more than 40 companies in the UAE and worldwide.

The project, established in the Emirates Towers, aims to build a new generation of coders, enhance their capabilities and skills in the fields of coding and technology, empower them with top-notch tools and expertise, and provide them with the opportunity to design innovative solutions to address local and global challenges, thus consolidating the UAE’s leading position as a global hub for coders and digital economy.

The project was launched in a virtual ceremony organised by the National Programme for Coders, in the presence of Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications, and representatives of partners in the project. Participants reviewed the key initiatives and programs that the Coders HQ will launch over the coming period.

Omar Sultan Al Olama said that launching the Coders HQ, comes under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to develop advanced coding communities as a key driver for shaping the future and harnessing the new, fast-growing digital economy, thus achieving the leadership’s vision and the 10 principles for the next 50 years, namely consolidating the position of the UAE as a global hub for talents, startups and innovators.

He added that the project embodies the UAE’s vision in preparing a new generation of coders, capable of finding innovative solutions to future challenges, exploring new opportunities to build a competitive knowledge-based economy, and creating a comprehensive development process based on investing in skills and talents to build their future capabilities. It further provides an incubating and stimulating environment for skilled coders, building an enabling ecosystem to help them innovate technical solutions to address challenges.

As one of the projects and initiatives of the National Programme for Coders, the Coders HQ aims to consolidate the position of the UAE as a global hub for coders and an incubating ecosystem for projects and innovative ideas for building a better future. It further features advanced technological infrastructure to facilitate coders’ work, and includes an events space, a supercomputer, and several workspaces. Over the coming period, 6 new coders’ HQs will be inaugurated all around the UAE.

The Coders’ HQ focuses on Four main objectives, namely, assessing the skills of coders in the UAE, developing them, enabling continuous communication among coders in the UAE and abroad, and providing coders with the best opportunities to help them enhance the UAE’s leadership in this field.

Among its activities, the project encompasses Nine main initiatives, namely “HQ learn” to provide practical training courses in different coding fields to different levels of coders, “HQ assessment” to provide a mechanism for evaluating the skills and performance of coders, “HQ meetups”, which focuses on developing and incubating software communities in all fields, and “HQ challenges”, to share private sector challenges whose winners receive prizes.

The Project also launched the “HQ hackathons” to organise a series of short hackathons in partnership with the private sector, where winners will be eligible for prizes, the “HQ conferences” to attract mega international conferences specialised in coding to the UAE, the “HQ get inspired” to hold a series of inspiring sessions presented by CEOs and technical influencers, “HQ internship”, to provide training opportunities for Emirati graduates in the digital companies, as well as “HQ 021”, a joint project with the United Arab Emirates National and Reserve Service Authority (UAENSR) to develop the talents of national service coders and help them reach global levels.

In line with the UAE’s wise leadership directions exhibited in the “Principles of the 50” document, the Coders HQ further announced organising training programs for Emiratis to facilitate their participation in the various fields of coding in the private sector, while providing them with the best global knowledge to hone their skills. 40 government, semi-government, private and academic entities will provide support to the training processes to help achieve the defined objectives and yield the best outcomes. These include Abu Dhabi University, Majid Al Futtaim Holding, Microsoft Middle East and Africa, IBM, Presales MERAT, Meta, Rabdan Academy, the American University in Dubai, DP World, ADNOC, and VMware.

Source: Emirates News Agency