DUBAI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) – The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) partnered with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group to organise a campaign to plant 5,500 mangrove trees in the Jebel Ali Marine Reserve. The initiative aims to promote the preservation of natural resources and support national goals to sustain mangrove forests by planting 100 million mangrove trees in the UAE by 2030. DEWA also recognises the vital role of mangrove trees in preserving biodiversity, especially in the marine ecosystem.

The campaign involved the participation of about 350 DEWA employees and their families, as well as employees from some of DEWA's subsidiaries. DEWA also created an awareness campaign to highlight the importance of sustainability and ways individuals and organizations can support sustainability efforts. The campaign focused on enhancing water use efficiency and limiting waste, and also introduced stakeholders to DEWA's achievements and strategies that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

DEWA's awareness campaign included publishing tips and instructions for adopting a conscious and sustainable lifestyle through its internal channels and social media platforms. The organization also held competitions to motivate employees and customers to contribute to achieving sustainable development.

To raise awareness among students and faculty members, DEWA held virtual lectures about their role in supporting national and global efforts towards climate action by adopting positive behavior at home and work. Additionally, DEWA organized awareness activities at Global Village, introducing children to World Water Day with their cartoon characters, Noor and Hayat.

Overall, DEWA's campaign and awareness efforts serve as a great example of the importance of engaging all stakeholders in preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, “We strive to achieve sustainability through initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and wildlife, and fulfilling our commitments to meet the growing demand for electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, efficiency and sustainability. This is part of our vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2050.

“We also strengthen our participation in finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing the region and the world to ensure water security and the sustainability of water resources for our future generations, and raise awareness about water issues, and the importance of concerted efforts to enhance climate action, reduce carbon footprint, and preserve natural and water resources. Implementing the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy reduced water consumption by 21% per capita compared to 2010. This contributed to avoiding over 14 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in between 2011 and 2021.”

UMM AL QAIWAIN, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, has ordered the release of a number of prisoners from the punitive and corrective institutions in the Emirate, on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Saud expressed his sincere wishes to see the released prisoners take the opportunity to start a new life and become productive members of society.

This step comes as part of Sheikh Saud’s efforts to allow pardoned inmates to start a new life and bring about joy to their families.

ABU DHABI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has launched the complete “Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi” Arabic poetry series for World Poetry Day on 21st March.

The initiative aims to revive Arab poetic heritage by publishing a collection of 100 books compiled from original sources by a group of researchers specialising in Arabic poetry.

The series includes anthologies of Arabic poetry from the pre-Islamic era to the 18th century, with insightful introductions and explanations catering to a wide range of readers.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said, “The release of the full ‘Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi’ Arabic poetry collection is a cause for celebration, as we honour this essential component of our Arabic culture and language. Guided by the UAE’s vision for safeguarding and nurturing culture, we have developed a rich and unique reference for scholars and all those who love this authentic art form.

“A labour of love by the renowned poets, authors, and researchers created this valuable literary work, this initiative reflects the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s mission to promote Arab cultural and linguistic heritage and make it accessible to wider audiences.”

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, said that one key objective of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is to make significant contributions to the preservation of Arab heritage, where poetry features as a prominent element.

“The ‘Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi’ Arabic poetry series is an important achievement in this area, providing an integrated database that tracks the history of Arabic poetry. We are grateful to the 21 authors, researchers, and critics specialising in traditional Arabic literature, coming from countries across the Arab world, whose considerable talent and effort has resulted in this milestone collection,” he added.

The Centre launched the series’ first 25 books in 2021, while the second and third instalments of 25 books each were released in 2022. This release for World Poetry Day 2023 sees the complete collection of 100 books available for the very first time.