UAE's Union for Human Rights Association holds its first general assembly

The UAE's Union for Human Rights Association held its first general assembly this week.

The meeting took place on Thursday of the association that was established to promote human rights across the Emirates.

Dr Fatima Al Kaabi was appointed as president of its board of directors, and affirmed the association's commitment to supporting the fundamental values and principles related to human rights, state news agency Wam reported on Saturday afternoon.

Those values, Dr Al Kaabi said, were enshrined in the constitution and laws of the state, and in all conventions related to international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Founding members and representatives from the Ministry of Community Development and the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi attended the general assembly.

The organisation's role will include advising on reports submitted by the state to international bodies and mechanisms concerned with human rights.

It will also promote respect for civil, political, economic, social and cultural human rights across all segments of society, Wam reported.

Mariam Al Ahmadi was named as vice president for the first term, which runs for four years.

The organisation is based in Abu Dhabi but covers the entire UAE.

HWJN

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Key facilities

Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills

The Bio

Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.

Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.

Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.

Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.

Expert advice

“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”

Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles

“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”

Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre

“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”

Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
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