Category: 1arabia updates

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, joined other leaders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in offering condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, following the passing of Prince Mansour bin Badr bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The news of Prince Mansour's death in late April prompted an outpouring of sympathy from across the UAE. Sheikh Saud's message, delivered via an official cable, expressed his

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Sharjah, the emirate renowned for its cultural treasures, lies a haven dedicated to nurturing young minds. The Sharjah Children's Reading Center is a vibrant hub where children embark on journeys of discovery through interactive workshops that ignite their curiosity and broaden their horizons. Stepping into the center is akin to entering a wonderland of knowledge. Rows upon rows of books line the shelves, their colorful spines beckoning young readers to explore the worlds within.

Dubai's commitment to becoming a global sporting hub received a significant boost with the approval of designs for two new stadiums. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of Shabab Al Ahli Club, signed off on the architectural plans for dedicated homes for both Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl Football Clubs. The new stadiums, situated in Al Ruwayyah 3 and Al Jaddaf respectively, will each boast a capacity exceeding 20,

Despite the ever-growing presence of digital media, physical libraries and their treasured collections continue to hold a special place in the hearts of people worldwide, according to a panel of experts attending the 15th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF). The panelists, all distinguished figures in the world of literature and literacy, emphasized the enduring power of libraries to foster emotional connections with readers of all ages. One panelist, a prominent figure in the publishing industry, highlighted the irreplaceable role of

The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) 2024 buzzed with a different kind of energy this year. At the Wooden Books workshop, creativity wasn't just on display - it was being nurtured and transformed into tangible form. Here, children as young as eight were shedding their reader hats and becoming full-fledged authors, crafting their very own storybooks. The mastermind behind this imaginative workshop is Ghiwa Bouyounes, an interior designer with a passion for using her skills to ignite a love for

Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi has been re-elected President of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU) for another term. The announcement came during the JJAU's General Assembly meeting held on May 4, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, coinciding with the ongoing 8th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Alhashmi's re-election, achieved by acclamation, signifies the continued support he enjoys within the Asian Ju-Jitsu community. This second term allows him to build upon the progress made during his initial tenure. The JJAU, recognized by the Ju-Jitsu

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan,the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence,commended the vital role intellectuals play in safeguarding fundamental human values.His praise came during the Ishraqat Festival,which assembled over 80 Arab and international writers and thinkers.Minister bin Mubarak lauded the contribution of these intellectuals in conveying the festival's message of tolerance,coexistence,and human values to a global audience.The Ishraqat Festival,held at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair,served as a platform to showcase the UAE's unique approach to

The Sharjah Award for Creative Disabled People has opened its doors for applications,inviting individuals with disabilities across the MENA region to showcase their artistic talents.This prestigious award honors and celebrates the creative endeavors of people with disabilities, fostering a platform for them to gain recognition and validation in the cultural landscape.Established in 2010 by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services,the Sharjah Award acknowledges artistic excellence in nine categories:visual arts,literature,performing arts,media,film,photography,crafts,intellectual production,and digital arts.Open to people of all ages with disabilities,the

Indonesia, the world's largest island nation,is revving its engines for a bioethanol revolution. The government has set its sights on harnessing the power of plants – specifically corn,sugarcane,and even seaweed – to produce a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels.This ambitious plan is being spearheaded by Luhut Pandjaitan,Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment. Pandjaitan sees bioethanol as a critical weapon in the fight against air pollution, a growing concern in Indonesia's bustling cities. By replacing conventional fuel with bioethanol,the government

Leaders from Brazil and Japan recently joined forces in a vital environmental pledge.On Friday,Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida signed a comprehensive agreement in Brasilia focused on decarbonization initiatives and,most crucially,the protection of the Amazon rainforest.This collaborative effort comes at a critical time for the Amazon,often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" due to its vast capacity for absorbing carbon dioxide.Deforestation rates have surged in recent years,threatening the ecological balance of

The Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD),a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's industrial strategy,has inked a series of agreements that will see it allocate a staggering 5 million square meters of land to bolster its industrial capacity.This significant land allocation signifies KIZAD's unwavering commitment to attracting and fostering a diverse range of industries within its free zone ecosystem.The agreements encompass various sectors,including chemicals,logistics,food processing,and metals.This strategic move by KIZAD is anticipated to generate substantial economic benefits,not only by creating a plethora

The Joint Committee for Traffic Safety in Abu Dhabi has embarked on an ambitious initiative – the Vision Zero Strategy Development Project.This project signifies a commitment to creating a transportation system where human error doesn't translate to fatalities on the roads.The core principle behind Vision Zero acknowledges the limitations of the human body in surviving collisions.The project moves beyond simply reducing accidents; it aims for a complete elimination of traffic-related deaths.This initiative comes from a collaborative effort between various government

Vietnam's tourism industry is enjoying a stellar year so far,with revenue surpassing $10.7 billion in the first four months of 2024.This impressive figure marks a significant increase compared to the same period in 2023,solidifying Vietnam's position as a highly sought-after travel destination.The tourism boom can be attributed largely to the easing of travel restrictions.With borders reopening,Vietnam has witnessed a surge in international arrivals.The country's unique blend of cultural experiences,stunning natural beauty,and delectable cuisine has proven to be a magnetic draw

Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates - May 3,2024 - Khalifa University (KU) has achieved a landmark accomplishment by securing the top position among universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and an impressive 40th place overall in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2024.This remarkable rise signifies KU's unwavering dedication to academic excellence and its continuous growth as a leading institution for higher education and research within the Asian continent.The 2024 THE Asia University Rankings evaluated a total

The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and Uzbekistan have solidified their partnership with a new five-year framework agreement and a $20 million loan.Signed on May 3,2024,in Vienna,the agreement signifies a commitment by OFID to support Uzbekistan's ambitious development agenda through $500 million in fresh financing.This partnership extension comes on the heels of a successful funding history between the two parties.OFID has already provided Uzbekistan with close to $760 million in loans,supporting nearly 30 projects across both the public and

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) actively participated in the inaugural G20 Sherpa Meeting held in Udaipur,India,from December 4th to 6th,2022.This marked the second consecutive year that the UAE attended the G20 Sherpa Meeting as a guest invitee.The G20 Sherpa Meetings serve as preparatory sessions for the G20 Summit,bringing together representatives from member countries to discuss priorities and pave the way for fruitful discussions among leaders.The UAE delegation,led by His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh,Minister of State and UAE Sherpa

Dubai International Airport has soared to new heights,claiming the coveted title of "best in overall passenger satisfaction" according to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Global Airport Monitor survey.This accolade comes as a testament to the airport's unwavering commitment to providing a world-class travel experience.The 2003 survey,which surveyed over 50,000 passengers across 35 participating airports,revealed Dubai exceeding expectations in a wide range of service areas.Passengers lauded the airport for its efficiency,cleanliness,and overall ambience.The availability of top-notch amenities like duty-free shopping,business

Poetry enthusiasts in the Arab world can rejoice as the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) releases a new edition of its acclaimed magazine,"Million's Poet." This publication serves as a companion piece to the popular television program of the same name,which celebrates the art of Nabati poetry,a centuries-old tradition within the region."Million's Poet" magazine delves deeper into the world of Nabati poetry,offering insightful commentary,interviews with renowned poets,and analysis of the works featured on the program.The latest issue promises

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) opted to maintain its key interest rate,the base rate,at 5.40%.This decision,announced on May 1st,2024,aligns with the US Federal Reserve's recent move to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged.The base rate is a critical indicator that influences borrowing costs throughout the UAE's financial system.By setting this rate,the CBUAE can steer economic activity.Lowering the base rate generally encourages borrowing and investment,potentially accelerating economic growth.Conversely,raising the base rate makes borrowing more expensive,which can slow

In a move that underscores its commitment to inclusive education,the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) has distributed assistive devices to schools in the Al Gharbia region.These devices are specifically designed to enhance the learning experience of students with hearing disabilities.The initiative comes as part of ADEC's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap for students with special needs and ensure they have the tools they require to thrive in the classroom.The distributed devices encompass a range of technologies,catering to the diverse

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai recently announced a series of improvements to the city's public bus network.This includes the inauguration of the strategically located "Stadium Bus Station" in the Al Qusais area,adjacent to the Stadium Metro Station.Designed to enhance commuter experience,the new station aims to reduce travel times and provide seamless connections between buses and the metro network.It will serve as the primary hub for routes 19,F22,F23A,F23,F24,and W20,with route 23 also incorporating a stop at the station.This

The spirit of resilience will take center stage at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with the announcement of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. Comprised of 36 athletes, this remarkable group will compete under the Olympic flag, representing the more than 100 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.Hailing from 11 different countries of origin, these athletes have overcome extraordinary challenges to pursue their Olympic dreams. Now, hosted by 15 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), they stand ready to showcase their talent and determination

The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) witnessed a significant surge in new investor participation during the first quarter of 2024.According to Hamed Ali,Chief Executive Officer of DFM,the market attracted a staggering ten times the average number of new investors compared to the five-year period leading up to 2019.This impressive growth highlights the DFM's increasing appeal and its efforts to cultivate a broader investor base.Ali made these remarks during a panel discussion at the 2nd Capital Markets Summit 2024.He emphasized that attracting

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) announced on Wednesday,May 1st,2024,that it would keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.40%.This decision aligns with the recent move by the US Federal Reserve to maintain its target federal funds rate.The CBUAE's base rate,also known as the Overnight Deposit Facility (ODF) rate,influences borrowing costs throughout the UAE's financial system.By keeping the rate steady,the CBUAE aims to maintain stability in the country's monetary environment.The bank's decision comes amidst a period of