Every week, The National looks at the people and politics of the UAE, as the country steps more confidently forward on the world stage.
May 28
Ruler of Sharjah receives delegation from WHO regional office
Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, said that education was the basis for building societies and without it no health system could be established. Because of its keenness to develop an educated society, he said the emirate had come a long way in building an integrated, healthy and environment-friendly system. He made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the regional office of the World Health Organisation. Dr Sheikh Sultan briefed the delegation about Sharjah’s efforts to improve environmental, health and educational levels.
Polish deputy prime minister honours UAE Ambassador
Janusz Piechocinski, the Polish deputy prime minister and minister of economy, decorated Asim Al Rahma, UAE Ambassador to Poland, with the Order of Merit in appreciation of his efforts to strengthen and develop economic and trade relations between the two countries. He said Mr Al Rahma was the first Arab ambassador to be awarded the Order. He commended the role played by the ambassador in promoting and developing bilateral relations between the countries.
May 29
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed visits Joan Al Muhairi
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited the home of Joan Al Muhairi in Al Hail, Al Ain. Mr Al Muhairi and his extended family welcomed Sheikh Mohammed, who called the visit “an opportunity to meet citizens and exchange views with them”. Sheikh Mohammed and his hosts reflected on the cohesion of the national and social fabric between the leadership and citizens.
RAK Ruler marks 40th anniversary of RAK Academy
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has commended the President, Sheikh Khalifa, on his continuous support for the nation’s educational institutions to achieve even more progress and prosperity. The RAK Ruler made the remark during the ceremony, organised by the academy, to mark its 40th anniversary. Established in 1975 under the name RAK English School, it became the academy in 2011. It now includes three schools with a total enrolment of 3,266 students.
May 30
Palestinian Awqaf minister hails UAE humanitarian aid
The Palestinian minister of Awqaf and religious affairs, Sheikh Yusuf Adeis, praised the UAE for providing humanitarian aid to education and health in Palestine. Sheikh Yusuf made his comments while attending the ceremony for the 13th batch of graduates from the Holy Quran schools in the Tulkarm town of Anabta, which were supported by UAE charities. He praised the UAE Human Appeal International for its role in rehabilitating the clinic of the Zakat Committee and other humanitarian causes.
Cabinet endorses set up of UAE Gender Balance Council
The Cabinet has given approval to setting up the UAE Gender Balance Council to ensure greater participation by Emirati women in all fields. The council aims to reduce the gap between the sexes in the workplace to achieve balance in decision-making, strengthen the country’s position in global competitiveness reports, and make it a role model for gender balance. It is chaired by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Women’s Establishment, and will review legislation, policies and programmes to achieve gender balance in employment fields.
May 31
Sharjah Ruler opens conference on school theatre
Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, opened a conference on developing school theatre in the Arab region. “Theatre provides a forum for expression, constructive criticism and democracy, if it is invested in constructive proposals that reflect the values and traditions of society in a literary and intellectual way that preserves the Arab identity,” Dr Sheikh Sultan said.
UAE Military Attache office opens in Kuwait
Rahma Al Za’abi, UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, opened a Military Attache office in the emirate. Attending the opening were Dr Tariq Al Hidan, Assistant Foreign Minister for international organisations affairs; Lt Gen Mohammed Al Khoder, chief of staff of the Kuwaiti armed forces; GCC and Arab ambassadors; the UAE Military Attache to Kuwait, Col Ahmed Al Kaabi, and attache office members.
June 1
Ambassadors sworn in before Mohammed bin Rashid
Two new ambassadors have been sworn in before Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. The ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Dr Obaid Al Ketbi, UAE Ambassador designate to Australia, and Bilal Al Bodour, UAE Ambassador designate to Jordan, pledged their loyalty to the country and President Sheikh Khalifa.
Donation to Dubai fisheries
The Dubai Department of Planning and Development has given Dh1 million in support of the emirate’s fishing community. The move was part of its corporate responsibility programme and efforts to protect and develop fisheries. The funds will be used to support the second phase of the fishermen association’s farming project, which aims to increase the population of local species. These include hammour, subaiti, qabid, safi and sherri.
June 2
Hazza bin Zayed reviews local plants projects
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, National Security Adviser and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, was briefed on the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs’ projects and plans to decorate streets with trees and local plants, and to preserve the environment, especially irrigation networks, with ornamental plants. The meeting welcomed a group of children on the occasion of the Mid-Shaban Night, or Hag Al Leila.
Youth issues top priority for leadership
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, stressed that the UAE leadership attached great importance to empowering youth in all areas. He said the young generation were the builders of the future and a key factor in the country’s comprehensive renaissance. He made the comments during the meeting of the National Strategy for Youth Empowerment’s advisory committee at his ministry’s Abu Dhabi office.
June 3
UAE and Egypt conclude military exercise
The Armed Forces of the UAE and Egypt have finished their Siham Al Haq 3 (Arrows of Righteousness) joint military exercises in the Emirates. The manoeuvres reflected the historic and strategic ties between the two countries, and were aimed at enhancing and enriching the expertise, coordination and readiness of the units taking part.
Reconstruction of heritage village ordered
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has ordered the reconstruction of the heritage village in Eisema, which was destroyed by a fire on Monday. The village, in the south of the emirate, is used as a centre for national, social and traditional events. It was due to open during Ramadan. Abdullah Al Hanjari, an Emirati speaking on behalf of area residents, thanked Sheikh Saud. The Eisema site dates from the third millennium BC and is thought to have had close ties with the Umm Al Nar Civilisation, the name given to the ancient history of the UAE.
newsdesk@thenational.ae