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Abdullah bin Zayed chairs Meeting of Emirates Research and Development Council, directs to define national research priorities

ABU DHABI, 9th January, 2022 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chairman of the Emirates Research and Development Council, presided over the first meeting of the Council, and directed it to commence defining the national priorities for research and development in the country to enhance its contribution to the sustainable economic growth of the UAE, and support the advancement of the country’s strategic sectors.

In that regard, Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government, private and academic sectors to unlock the potential of research, development and commercialisation across different fields.

Sheikh Abdullah added that the Council will serve as the cornerstone of the UAE’s research and development ecosystem, enhancing alignment amongst the federal government, local governments, the private sector and academia, and channelling their efforts towards developing solutions to challenges and realising the nation’s vision.

His Highness added that the impact of the Council will not be limited to the national level, as it will also be an active actor in the integration and participation of the UAE in the global science and technology ecosystem.

He also stressed on the importance of research and development to the nation over the next 50 years, which underlies our knowledge-based economy, and supports the aspirations of the country.

His Highness continued: "Today, we are meeting to affirm the encompassing contribution of research and development and its ability to develop the main sectors in the country. The Council is the nation’s highest authority for research and development, and we will build on the efforts that have been achieved in order to strengthen the UAE’s research and development capabilities."

The Council approved the approach to be followed in developing the national priorities, with a broad focus on the entire spectrum of research, from fundamental research through to commercialisation.

The council will also focus on key pillars of the ecosystem, highlighting the importance of fostering the national intellectual capital, developing the necessary funding models, and fostering collaborations to embed research and development as one of the key pillars of growth for the nation.

The Council will also work on increasing the impact of research outputs, and placing the necessary mechanisms to deploy research outcomes across the targeted areas.

The Council will also review current federal research spending and the scope of work of existing funds, to measure their outcomes and impact across the sectors of interest.

The Council acknowledged the importance of a sustained source of funding, a focus on directed research, and an emphasis on the role that basic science plays in creating a robust R&D ecosystem.

The Council is also working very closely with the UAE’s private sector and the science community to address current regulations and policies that enable the deployment of research outcomes.

Regulations and people play a vital role in the R&D ecosystem within the UAE, as the Council will continue to work on enhancing an environment supportive of testing research findings, deploying new technologies, and fostering talent across the spectrum. This includes enhancing intellectual property protection, and highlighting the importance of fostering local expertise and attracting international talent.

With an eye towards both the research priorities and the ecosystem, the Council approved the creation of four committees to tackle ecosystem diagnostics and ecosystem enablement. These included the Research and Development Policies Committee, which will work on developing, reviewing, and planning policies related to the R&D ecosystem and identifying its gaps.

The second is the Research and Development Commercialisation Committee, which will focus on identifying obstacles to commercialisation, while developing the necessary programs and partnerships to enable the deployment of research outcomes.

The Research & Development Human Capital Committee will focus on developing, attracting, and retaining scientific and research talents. The Research and Development Ecosystem Performance Committee will work towards enhancing the performance measurement aspects of R&D to understand the outcomes and impact on society and the economy, beyond an input-versus-output approach to measurement of R&D outcomes.

The Emirates Research and Development Council seeks to achieve a set of strategic goals for the country, including enhancing the governance of the R&D sector through unifying efforts and following up on performance, in addition to achieving alignment, coordination and national partnerships on R&D priorities, directions and objectives in the country, and encouraging the participation of government, academic, profit and non-profit institutions in developing and implementing R&D initiatives and programs in the UAE.

The council aims to attract and diversify funding sources for research programmes and institutions in the country to ensure the activation and sustainability of the R&D agenda and its commercial and industrial enablement.

The meeting was attended by the Council members including Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education; Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and the Secretary General of the Emirates Research and Development Council, and Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council.

The Council members from the academic sector and research institutions were also present, including Professor Eric Xing, President of the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Professor Ghaleb AlHadrami AlBreiki, Acting Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, Dr. Amer Ahmed Sharif, Vice Chancellor of the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Dr. Stephen Griffiths, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at Khalifa University.

The private sector Council members included Badr Salim Al Olama, Executive Director of UAE Clusters at Mubadala Investment Company, Dr. Saleh Al Hashemi, Director of Commercial and In-Country Value at ADNOC, Abdul Nasser bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, and Peng Xiao, CEO of G42.

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Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

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Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

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Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions.  Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories.   Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

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