Mohammed bin Rashid honours winners of fourth Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction

DUBAI, 9th April 2023 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the winners of the fourth edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction, which recognises accomplished scientists and researchers. The award ceremony, held at the Za’abeel Palace, was attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the UAE places the highest priority on the development of science. Scientists represent one of our nation’s greatest assets and we are committed to recognising and fostering excellence in the scientific community. “Science and knowledge enable us to open new horizons of progress and shape a glorious future for the coming generations. Investing in human resources in the scientific field supports our strategic objective to transform the UAE into a global leader in vital sectors,” His Highness said. “Our unwavering commitment to developing the country’s scientific talent has led to the UAE becoming a destination of choice for the world’s brightest minds. We continue to provide the environment needed to enhance innovation and research and create a new generation of Emirati scientists who can contribute to advancing excellence in the field both locally and globally,” His Highness said. The award ceremony was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the Emirates Scientists Council; and Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Advanced Science and Technology. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid awarded the Medal for Scientific Distinction to Prof. Ehab El-Saadany, Professor of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Director of the Advanced Power and Energy Center at Khalifa University, UAE, and Prof. Ling Shao, Chief Scientist of Terminus Group, President of Terminus International, and one of the founders of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. Other winners included Prof. Qutayba Hamid, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Medicine at the University of Sharjah, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Medal; and Dr. Mohammed Al-Marri, Major, Dubai Police and Assistant Professor of Genetics at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, who was honoured with the Rising Scientist Medal. The Advanced Technology Research Council, which is headed by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, was awarded the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Supporting Scientific Research. Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council and Chairman of the Executive Board of Directors of the Edge Group received the Medal on behalf of the Council. Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of Emirates Scientists Council, highlighted the role of the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction in recognising exceptional achievements in the UAE’s scientific community, which supports national strategies to open new avenues of economic growth, improve the quality of life of the UAE’s people and raise economic sustainability. Members of the Emirates Scientists Council, heads of universities and members of the scientific and technological academic community also attended the award ceremony. The Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction is an initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to recognise scientists, researchers and establishments that have made exceptional contributions to scientific research in the country. The Award seeks to highlight their role in society and create an enabling environment for innovation and scientific research, especially for young scientists. ;quillbot-extension-portal;quillbot-extension-portal;quillbot-extension-portal

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Gulf Islamic Investments contributes AED10 million in support of “1 Billion Meals Endowment” Campaign

DUBAI, 9th April 2023 (WAM) — Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) announced its contribution of AED 10 million towards the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the largest Ramadan sustainable food aid endowment fund. II pledged to donate AED 10 million over a period of 5 years to help implement sustainable measures to fight and eradicate hunger within an institutional framework, as well as provide a food safety net for underprivileged populations. Mohammed Al Hassan and Pankaj Gupta, GII’s co-Founders and co-CEOs, said: “The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign represents a major shift in charity and humanitarian efforts in the UAE, fighting hunger through a sustainable food aid endowment fund operating within an institutional model. This approach adopts informed plans to provide aid to tens of millions of people struggling with food insecurity. “Joining the list of contributors to the campaign during the holy month of Ramadan reflects GII’s commitment to supporting UAE’s charity initiatives that leave a positive impression in the present and for the future, further highlighting the UAE’s leading humanitarian role,” they added. Organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, the “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign establishes the UAE’s unwavering commitment towards helping communities and individuals in need and hardship around the world. Donation Channels The “1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across five main channels including the campaign’s website (www.1billionmeals.ae), as well as a dedicated call center via the toll free number (800 9999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates NBD (AE30 0260 0010 1533 3439 802). Donations via SMS give contributors the option to donate AED 1 daily through a monthly subscription, by sending the word “Meal” to 1020 for du users, or to 1110 for Etisalat by eand users. Those who wish to donate to the campaign through the DubaiNow app can do so by clicking on the “Donations” tab. Hatem Mohamed

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Mohammed bin Rashid meets with Crown Prince of Ajman

class=”slides DUBAI, 9th April 2023 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, today met with His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman. During the meeting that took place at the Za’abeel Palace, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid exchanged Ramadan greetings with the Crown Prince of Ajman. The meeting was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and a number of other dignitaries, ministers and senior officials. Hatem Mohamed

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Abdullah bin Zayed, Blinken review regional developments

BU DHABI, 9th April, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, have reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East. This came in a phone call between the two ministers, during which the UAE’s top diplomat emphasised on the importance of stopping escalation between Palestinians and Israelis and working to push forward the region’s paths of peace and stability for the prosperity and well-being of its peoples. The two top diplomats also addressed regional and global events, as well as efforts to maintain world peace and security. Hatem Mohamed

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Hamdan bin Mohammed launches Dubai Future Fellowship

DUBAI, 9th April 2023 (WAM) H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), today announced the launch of the Dubai Future Fellowship programme. The programme aims to engage current and future economic leaders to contribute towards shaping Dubai’s policies, regulations, and business practices and further enhancing the city’s leading regional and global role as an incubator for the most promising innovators of the future. The programme has identified leading experts, entrepreneurs, innovators, and representatives of international organisations and institutions to join the programme aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in designing the future of vital sectors. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “By establishing the Dubai Future Fellowship, overseen by the Dubai Future Foundation, we aim to provide a platform for impactful dialogue on creating a better future for all. The initiative is another significant step in Dubai’s journey to become a leading city of the future by fostering strong partnerships.” He further said: “Dubai continues to invest in designing the future. This initiative will act as a source and sounding platform for new initiatives and opportunities to strengthen Dubai’s economic competitiveness and its emergence as one of the world’s best places to live in. The ‘fellows’ in the programme will be trusted advisors who can help us develop new concepts that will boost Dubai’s readiness to integrate changes in the economy, technology, education, and all aspects of our daily lives. “Identifying, working with, and trusting those who have intimate knowledge of Dubai and what is happening around us is a crucial part of our efforts to foresee, design and execute the future. These efforts are underpinned by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.” He added: “The ‘fellows’ will work together to anticipate the future of key sectors, identify and harness opportunities, and study potential challenges. The ‘fellows’ will also shed light on the most significant global transformations, emerging technologies and new economic sectors.” The Dubai Future Fellowship programme features diverse specialised fields including health, education, technology, entrepreneurship, retail, environment, banking, commerce, real estate, media and entertainment, law, arts, tourism, hospitality, sports, and space, among others. The fellowship represents an international network of distinguished personalities and experts who are known for their achievements in the government, economic, technological, and future sectors. The network will be instrumental in developing and implementing future-oriented strategies in Dubai and the UAE. The Dubai Future Fellowship programme will contribute to enhancing Dubai’s ranking in global competitiveness indices by providing recommendations on various key sectors, as well as addressing challenges and opportunities and suggesting new initiatives to further develop these sectors. The ‘fellows’ will hold regular meetings and workshops to discuss the future of key sectors in Dubai, in addition to preparing annual reports and launching specialised programmes and initiatives. Further, the ‘fellows’ will help identify key sectors that will drive the future of Dubai’s economy. They will also suggest solutions to challenges and facilitate collaboration between the public and private sectors, both locally and internationally, to achieve this goal.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Tunisia’s tourism receipts up 64%, rake in over 1 billion dinar in Q1 2023

TUNIS,9th April, 2023 (WAM) Tunisia’s Cumulative tourist revenues exceeded the 1 billion-dinar milestone in Q1 of 2023, climbing 64% compared to the same period last year, according to data published by the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT). Cumulative labour income also saw an 8.5% increase, reaching 1.9 billion dinars, against 1.7 billion dinars at the end of March 2022, Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) reported quoting the BCT. Likewise, external debt services surged 23%, reaching 2.4 billion dinars during the first three months of the current year. However, net foreign exchange assets dropped from 22.7 billion dinars, or 122 days of imports at the beginning of April 2022, to nearly 22.1 billion dinars, the equivalent of 95 days of imports on Friday, April 7. The overall volume of refinancing exceeded 16.5 billion dinars as of March 7, 2023, up 46.8%, compared to the same period in 2022. Tariq Al Fahaam/ Hatem Mohamed

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)