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Emirates

National Experts Programme introduces new cohort, mentors for its third edition

ABU DHABI, 17th February, 2023 (WAM) — The National Experts Programme is contributing to the development of 15 UAE-based specialists over a rigorous eight-month programme that combines academics, immersive work experience, and one-on-one mentoring by sector leaders to foster knowledge exchange and innovative thinking.

Developed under the direction of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the National Experts programme (NEP) is a launchpad for Emirati specialists who strive to play a leading role in the transformation of future-growth sectors. Now in its third edition, NEP focuses on three strategic clusters: Economic Growth, Social Development, and Sustainability and Infrastructure.

With the UAE hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) this year, this edition places added emphasis on sustainability. The learning and development programme supports the UAE’s strategic vision and fosters the development of sector leaders by cultivating specialised expertise and leadership skills in outstanding UAE-based professionals and equipping them to make a transformative impact on key social and economic sectors.

Through work sharing, shadowing, networking and other experiential activities, a selection of high-level, industry-leading mentors accelerate the personal and professional development of NEP participants, further cementing the value of lifelong learning, innovation and education as key pillars in the nation’s ongoing progress.

“The National Experts programme, created to contribute to the UAE’s long-term strategic economic development, will be an essential platform to recognise promising young leaders and nurture the next generation of Emirati talent. The third edition’s participants were selected from nearly 900 applicants through a competitive selection process,” Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, Director of the programme said.

The NEP fosters the development of sector leaders who will help shape the country’s future. The programme cultivates a pool of Emirati professionals recognised as outstanding performers in their field and equips them to have a transformative impact on key social and economic sectors carefully aligned with the country’s national priorities. Participants will enhance their expertise, professional skills, and leadership ability by mastering five key mindsets for lifelong learning.

The list of mentors and participants in three strategic clusters and their sub-sectors are as follows:-
Economic Growth

• Economic Development:
Mentor: Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy
Participant: Mohamed Tarmoom, Senior Associate, UAE Investments at Mubadala Investment Company

• Media and Creative Economy:

Mentor: Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office

Participant: Waheeda Alhadhrami, Director of National Cultural and Creative Industries Promotion Department at the Ministry of Culture and Youth

• Space:

Mentor: Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

Participant: Abdulla Alshehhi, Head of Strategic Research at the UAE Space Agency

• Technology and Innovation:

Mentor: Peng Xiao, Group CEO at G42

Participant: Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari, CEO, HCMS.ai

• Advanced Sciences and Research:

Mentor: Professor Eric Xing, President at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

Participant: Dr. Ameena Al-Sumaiti, Associate Professor at Khalifa University

• Tourism and Hospitality:

Mentor: Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of India, Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts

Participant: Aisha Al Matrooshi, Tourism Sector Industry Development Section Head, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

Social Development:

• Education:
Mentor: Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education
Participant: Hareth Alhashmi, Director of Strategy Success at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

• Culture:

Mentor: Omar Saif Ghobash, Ambassador to the Holy See and Assistant Minister for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Participant: Eman Al Mughairy, Head of Communication at Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy

• Community Development and Social Services:

Mentor: Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of State

Participant: Talal Faris, Division Manager, Family and Community Division at Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development

• Policy and Government Services:

Mentor: Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General at the UAE Cabinet

Participant: Salama Alfalasi, Senior Programmer and Chairwoman of Dubai Police Young Leaders Council at Dubai Police Headquarters

• Health and Well-Being:

Mentor: Dr. Jorge A. Guzman, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Participant: Fatima Al-Ali, Project Manager at Mubadala Health

Sustainability and Infrastructure

• Energy and Renewables:

Mentor: Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
Participant: Saood Alnoori, Head of Diplomatic Engagement at the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change

• Food and Water Security:

Mentor: Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment

Participant: Hamad Alshehhi, Investment Manager at ADQ

• Mobility and Logistics:

Mentor: Falah Mohamed Al Ahbabi

Participant: Abdulla Alhaidan, Project Manager, Project Management and Group Planning at DP World

• Environment and Climate Change:

Mentor: Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

Participant: Maitha Al Hameli, Section Manager – Marine Assessment & Conservation at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

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Emirates

“Matwa’a Al-Freij” is a new community initiative from IACAD

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai has
announced the launch of its new community initiative, “Matwa’a Al-Freij”
aimed at meeting the needs of new generations by providing Quran
memorization and knowledge sessions tailored to various age groups. This
initiative seeks to enhance values of knowledge and Islamic education
through a unified digital platform, set to launch in October 2024 and run until
June 15, 2025.

Commenting on the initiative, His Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al-Muhairi,
Director General of the department, stated that ” Matwa’a Al-Freij”
designed specifically for females, is part of a series of community initiatives
undertaken by Dubai Islamic Affairs to achieve the goals of Dubai’s Social
Agenda 33, particularly those related to building a happier, more connected,
tolerant family while holding onto national values and identity.

He added that the department aims to provide advanced educational
opportunities that align with community needs and contribute to establishing a
strong foundation of Islamic values and principles, preparing a generation of
girls linked to the Book of Allah and His Sunnah. This initiative will also help
discover and nurture local talents by utilizing qualified retired Emirati women
with backgrounds in Islamic studies or Quran certification, emphasizing that ”
Matwa’a Al-Freij” will be the most accessible and recognized platform
within the community.

” Matwa’a Al-Freij” is an educational Quranic platform that enables
participants to learn and memorize the Quran remotely, employing modern
and innovative learning methods. It targets females aged 16 and above and
welcomes participants from people of determination and seniors, striving to
cultivate a conscious generation that positively impacts the community
through specialized lessons in the Quran, worship jurisprudence, and Islamic

values via interactive sessions on a digital platform. The initiative boasts
flexible lesson timings to cater to the needs of its target demographic.

Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim Abduljabbar, Acting Director of the Maktoum Centers for
Quran and Islamic Sciences, noted that the ” Matwa’a Al-Freij” initiative
was created to address the educational needs of females by offering diverse
lessons suitable for various age groups through a unified digital platform. He
affirmed the department’s commitment to providing an official platform for
knowledge exchange and enhancing Islamic values.

Dr. Abduljabbar added, “We encourage all interested women to register and
participate in this initiative, as it is an opportunity for development and active
engagement. We look forward to welcoming participants and supporting all
those wishing to join.”

It is worth mentioning that registration for the initiative will open during the first
week of October 2024, featuring sessions for Quran memorization and Islamic
sciences, scheduled throughout the week according to age groups.
Applications to become a “Matwa’a Al-Freij ” teacher can be submitted
through the Dubai Jobs app, adhering to the criteria set by the department.

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Emirates

Dubai Customs Triumphs Globally with Five-Star Excellence Award for Government Communication

through its Corporate Communication Department, has won the prestigious International Best Practice Competition (IBPC) award, earning the “Excellence Level – Five Stars” in Government Communication. This recognition highlights the department’s achievements, initiatives, innovations, and future vision. It also aligns with Dubai’s government efforts to create an innovation-driven environment, nurture talent, and institutionalize creativity. The award strengthens Dubai’s global standing, as the IBPC is a
renowned international competition, where organizations from around the world showcase their
best practices based on a framework of excellence and leadership. The winners are announced
during a special ceremony hosted by the Centre for Organizational Excellence Research (COER) in
New Zealand. This year, 72 organizations from 10 countries participated in the competition.
H.E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, expressed his pride in
receiving this esteemed award, noting that it reflects Dubai Customs & strategic focus on fostering
a culture of creativity and innovation. He emphasized the importance of enhancing Dubai’s
global reputation through such awards, which highlight improvements in the customs
experience, service development, and effective communication with local and international
stakeholders. He added that Dubai’s forward-looking vision aligns with the leadership’s goals of
achieving excellence in applying international standards in digital content and integrated
institutional work.
Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of the Corporate Communication Department, noted that Dubai
Customs surpassed many global organizations in the 10th edition of the competition,
establishing its government communication as a global model of innovative practices. He also
highlighted that these international awards contribute to the department’s continuous success
and its strong presence in the Dubai Government Excellence Program. The Corporate
Communication Department has won numerous global and local awards, including the
International Brilliance Award for Best Marketing and PR Team at the BOC Brilliance Awards in
London, the Bronze Award for Environmental Excellence at the 14th Annual World Summit for
Corporate Social Responsibility, the Global Sustainability Peacock Award from the Institute of Directors in London, and the Best Government Communication Team Award at both local and Arab levels from the Sharjah Government Communication Awards.

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Emirates

Dubai Future Foundation Issues Special ‘Global 50’ Report on Youth Ahead of UN Summit

The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) hasvlaunched a special edition of its ‘Global 50’ report, exploring innovative solutions that empower youth and future generations.
Released ahead of the 2024 United Nations’ Summit’ of the Future’ the ‘Global 50: Future
Opportunities’ report complements the forthcoming UN ‘Pact for the Future’ ‘Declaration on
Future Generations’ and ‘Global Digital Compact’, which focus on addressing challenges and
opportunities of today and for years to come.
This edition features insights from both international and UAE experts, spotlighting
opportunities that drive innovation, address global challenges, and support sustainability. The
strategies outlined aim to enhance public health, advance technology, stimulate economic
growth, and promote environmental sustainability. By capitalizing on these opportunities,
societies can adapt to evolving circumstances, strengthen resilience, and ensure a thriving future
for upcoming generations.
The ‘Global 50’ report, published annually by DFF, highlights 50 opportunities for growth and
well-being across diverse sectors. This special edition focuses on areas relevant to the summit’s
theme of empowering future generations.
Contributors to this edition include Dr. Ameena Al-Sumaiti, Associate Professor at Khalifa
University, who explores how AI-powered smart homes could revolutionize urban living by
adapting to human needs. In addition, Lambert Hogenhout, Chief Data and AI Officer at the
United Nations Secretariat, reflects on the concept of ‘Public AI’, posing the question, “What if
part of AI was a public good?”

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