DUBAI // As part of major changes to the Federal Government, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, made two more appointments on Thursday.
Sara Amiri is to lead the Emirates Scientists’ Council, while Abdullah Al Basti Al Marri has been appointed Secretary General of the Cabinet.
The newly-formed science council will launch programmes for the development of a generation of researchers, scientists and academics.
It will also call on researchers and specialists to periodically review policy for science, technology and innovation and to provide advice to decision makers.
Ms Amiri also heads the Emirati scientific team to explore Mars and works at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai.
The 29-year-old is the programme manager of advanced systems and is responsible for the expansion of the scientific team through partnerships with national universities and international institutes.
She was director of research and development in the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology and holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in computer engineering from the American University in Sharjah.
Before joining the Cabinet as its Secretary General, Mr Al Marri served as the director general of the executive office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. He held the position of executive director for the Government Development Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. He oversaw the launch of the UAE programme for government service.
He began his career in the Armed Forces in which he served for more than 11 years. He holds a master’s degree in quality management from the University of Wollongong in Dubai and a bachelor’s degree in information systems programming from the University of Dubai. He is a graduate of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development.
nalremeithi@thenational.ae
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
Facebook | Our website | Instagram
