A new programme to promote the success of Emirati alumni who studied at UK institutions by building networking opportunities was announced on Friday.
The UAE UK Alumni Jubilee Programme will be funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The queen died last September, aged 96, after 70 years on the throne.
The programme will aim to bring together alumni in business and industry and policy makers to help with network building and will hold an annual award event.
The UAE's ambassador to the UK, Mansoor Abulhoul, announced on Twitter that he had signed an agreement with the British Council to create the UAE UK Alumni Jubilee Programme.
He published images on social media showing him signing the agreement alongside Scott McDonald, the chief executive of the British Council.
“Today, @UAEEmbassyUK signed an MoU [memorandum of understanding] with the @BritishCouncil to form the 'UAE UK Alumni Jubilee Programme',” he tweeted.
“To be funded as a personal gesture from @HHShkMohd in memory of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it recognises the contribution of UK education through Emirati UK alumni.
“The landscape of our alumni is vast from the sciences to the arts and everything in between. Our alumni are role models for the next generation and include the likes of astronaut @Astro_Alneyadi.
“Career success often comes from academic achievement enhanced by professional networks. As a graduate of @UniversityLeeds, I’ll be first in line to sign up!”
He singled out the success of UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, who studied at the University of Brighton and received a bachelor's of science in electronics and communications engineering in 2004. Dr Al Neyadi is currently on a six-month stay at the International Space Station.
It is hoped the initiative will further strengthen ties between the UK and UAE.
Mr McDonald said he was honoured to sign the agreement.
“I was honoured to sign an agreement today with His Excellency, @MansoorAbulhoul, Ambassador of the UAE to the UK, to support a world class alumni programme for Emirati students who have studied in the UK, further strengthening ties between our nations,” he tweeted.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
