Every week, The National looks at the people and politics of the UAE, as the country steps more confidently forward on the world stage
August 14
UAE’s presence at Expo Milan spectacular
The presence of the UAE at the ongoing Milan Expo has been very strong, according to Abdullah Al Ayadarous, deputy commissioner for the country’s world fair pavilion. “The UAE presence at Expo Milan 2015 tells the epic of a nation that has excelled and fascinated the whole world,” said Mr Al Aydarous, who is part of a specialist team put together by the National Media Council, which oversees the UAE pavilion. Giorgio Starace, the Italian ambassador to the UAE, described the structure as “one of the most distinctive, organised and attractive pavilions at Expo Milano 2015 in terms of image, design and message.”
Greetings sent to South Korean president on national anniversary
President Sheikh Khalifa sent a congratulatory cable to the president of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-hye, in celebration of the country’s national day. Other officials to pay their respects included Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
August 15
Every Drop Matters for Dewa
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority launched the Every Drop Matters campaign to raise awareness among Dubai residents on the need to reduce water wastage and ensure its sustainability for generations to come. The campaign coincided with World Water Week that starts on Wednesday in Stockholm.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed wins endurance race
In the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, won the 120 kilometre Slovakian endurance race. The event, which attracted top horse riders from Europe and Asia, was staged in four legs.
August 16
National Archive signs agreement to renovate Napoleon Museum’s library
Under the directives of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the National Archive, which is affiliated to the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, has signed an agreement to renovate the library of the Napoleon museum on the Italian island of Elba. The agreement was signed by the archive’s director general, Dr Abdulla Mohammed Al Reyes, and the director of the museum. Dr Al Reyes said the renovation and digitisation of the library would take a year.
Mohammed bin Rashid issues law on judicial fees in Dubai courts
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No 21 for 2015 on judicial fees in Dubai courts. The law is aimed at regulating the fees imposed by courts of law in Dubai for the proceedings services in civil cases, claims and cassations.
August 17
Khalifa Foundation provides assistance to Somalians
Under the directives of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, and the orders of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, a delegation from the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation visited Somalia to assess the needs of those affected by the recent drought.
Innovation Pioneers Award deadline extended
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced an extension for the submission of entries to the Innovation Pioneers Award. The new deadline is October 15. The award seeks to instill the concepts of pioneering innovation in education, development of research skills, and honour UAE student innovators.
Condolences to Egyptian president on mother’s death
The President, Sheikh Khalifa, paid his condolences to Egyptian president, Abdel Fatah El Sisi, on the death of his mother. Other officials to pay their respects included Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.
August 18
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bids Indian PM goodbye
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and a host of officials said godbye to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at Dubai International Airport. Among those bidding farewell was Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai Civil Aviation president and Emirates Group chief executive, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Sultan Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and chairman of the mission of honour accompanying the guest, Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State, Mohammed Al Shaibani, Director General of the office of the Ruler of Dubai, and T P Seetharam, India’s ambassador to the UAE.
President receives letter from Tajikistan leader
President Sheikh Khalifa received a letter from Imam Ali Rahman, the Tajikistan president, addressing bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them. The message was received on behalf of the President during a meeting with Yusuf Bobokalonov, a Tajikistan embassy official.
August 19
HAI inaugurates solar-powered water station in Niger
Human Appeal International (HAI) commissioned a freshwater station in Niger’s Zinder region. During the inauguration ceremony, Abdullah Al Awadi, HAI assistant secretary general for administrative and financial Affairs, said that the Dh282,000 project would benefit 1,000 people.
Congratulations Afghanistan president on national day
The President, Sheikh Khalifa, sent a congratulations cable to Afghanistan president Dr Mohammed Ghani on his country’s national day.
August 20
UAE Consul General in Munich views goals and programmes of Sharjah Childrens Centre
The Consul General of the UAE in Munich, Khalid Al Muhairi, received a delegation from Sharjah Childrens Centre, under the management of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, headed by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. The Embassy organised field visits for the delegation to see the children’s centre in Munich.
UAE envoy presents credentials to Australian governor general
Dr Obaid Al Ketbi presented his credentials to Sir Peter Cosgrove, the governor general of Australia, as the UAE Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Australia.
