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Emirates Literature Foundation highlights best Emirati literary achievements

DUBAI, 30th November, 2021 (WAM) — The best Emirati writing from each decade of the last 50 years is being celebrated by the Emirates Literature Foundation to commemorate the United Arab Emirates' 50th National Day.

The work of the venerated poet Ousha bint Khalifa and prolific short-story writer Mohammed Al Murr are among those highlighted among the best literary achievements of the last half century profiled by the not-for-profit organisation which supports and nurtures a love of literature in the UAE and the region.

"For a young country with a comparatively young literary tradition, we have developed a vibrant literary scene and a wonderful array of Emirati talent," said Isobel Abulhoul, CEO and trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation. "We are on the cusp of an exciting new era for literature from the UAE."

Notable authors on the wide-ranging list include novelist Maha Garghash, children’s author and illustrator Maitha Al Khayat, poet and film maker Nujoom Al Ghanem and sci-fi writer Noura Al Noman.

A selection of the top names, including Dr. Afra Atiq, Omar Saif Ghobash, Salha Obaid and Dubai Abulhoul, will be taking part in the 2022 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (3-12 February), along with new up-and-coming Emirati writers and performers.

The latest episode of the Boundless Book Club features Emirati writer Eman AlYousuf and Festival Director Ahlam Bolooki in conversation about popular Emirati books and genres, while Omar Saif Ghobash joins the conversation to talk about his own upcoming novel. The feature about the UAE’s evolving literary landscape is available on the blog.

"One of our aims is to provide a platform for more Emiratis to tell their stories," continued Abulhoul. "We do this through initiatives such as First Chapter, our new global standard mentorship programme, designed to nurture emerging writing talent. We want to encourage new voices, telling our unique stories and the perspectives that currently may not yet be known beyond the region. Authentic narratives, whether it is the retelling of our traditional folk tales or insight into contemporary lives, are all equally important and need to be heard throughout the world."

First Chapter, the ELF Seddiqi Writers’ Fellowship, is the first initiative of its type in the region for aspiring writers from the UAE and is free to successful applicants.

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Emirates

Hamdan bin Mohammed launches “04” unified interactive platform to link Dubai Government & its customers

DUBAI, 21st March, 2023 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, launched “04,” a platform connecting Dubai Government and its customers with a view to encouraging them to contribute to enhancing Dubai’s government services. The platform enables customers to submit suggestions, comments and complaints in three steps via an omnichannel experience.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “We have learned invaluable lessons from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that being proactive is the key to the government of the future. To become a proactive government, we must actively listen to the people and make informed decisions based on their input.”

His Highness said that the aim of the “04 Platform” is to bridge the gap between government and its customers. HH said: “Dubai’s model for future governments relies on a strong connection between the leadership and customers, whom it views as strategic partners in designing, implementing, and evaluating the services.” The platform will allow officials and stakeholders to directly receive and respond to customers’ opinions, suggestions, and ideas, as well as any challenges they may face.

His Highness added: “We have great confidence in the government work team, and I urge everyone to consistently engage with customers to meet their aspirations and exceed their expectations. Our ultimate goal is to promote the happiness of society and reinforce Dubai’s position as a world leader in government. We must have the courage to implement necessary changes in our relentless pursuit of excellence, paving the way for a better tomorrow.”

“04 Platform”
The launch of “04 Platform” aligns with Dubai’s ‘360 Services’ policy, which places customers at the heart of the process of developing government services and provides them with a unified platform to voice their opinions, offer suggestions and raise any challenges or complaints.

Developed by the Dubai Model Centre of the General Secretariat of The Executive Council and the Dubai Digital Authority, with the participation of more than 40 government entities and others, the “04 Platform” represents an innovative customer interface for all citizens, residents, and even visitors.

The platform aims to elevate customer satisfaction and happiness to new heights by providing a seamless experience for users. Customers can submit their feedback in just three simple steps: visiting the website (04.gov.ae), selecting the feedback category, and receiving a reference number for tracking and follow-up on their enquiries. The system also supports submission via WhatsApp for Business, where users can add 600500055 as a contact and message directly to provide their feedback.

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Emirates

Humaid Al Nuaimi opens Raqib Mosque in Ajman

AJMAN, 21st March, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman performed the Maghrib prayer today at Al Raqib Mosque in the Al Raqib area of Ajman, marking its opening in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council.

The mosque, built in the modern Islamic style, accommodates up to 1,350 worshippers, and its architecture relied on a system of building with portable walls without columns, in addition to external worship spaces, ablution facilities, an external hallway, extensive lush gardens, and parking lots.

The ruler of Ajman was briefed on the mosque's specs, listening to a comprehensive explanation of the mosque and its various facilities.

He commended the attention accorded to mosques across the nation by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.

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Emirates

Fatima bint Hazza honoured with Arab Woman Award in London

LONDON, 21st March, 2023 (WAM) — The Arab London Foundation awarded Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and the Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation, the Arab Woman Award 2023, in recognition of her outstanding achievements and efforts in empowering women in various fields, especially cultural and sports.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the award in the culture category during a ceremony held in London, UK, to present the annual Arab Women Awards in its eighth edition under the theme "Tell Her Story," in tribute to her initiatives and successful endeavours in promoting the role of women.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan has been nominated for this award for her pioneering role in the cultural scene within the country and the region. She launched initiatives to provide access to education in affected areas in Bangladesh, built schools in Kenya, and established the Fatima bint Hazza Fund for Emirati women to enable them to pursue higher education at prestigious universities worldwide. Sheikha Fatima also launched several initiatives for young people through the Fatima bint Hazza Cultural Foundation, which focuses on art, literature, sustainability, and community interaction. It is worth noting that the foundation is also launching a series of short stories for young people that focus on culture, local identity, and sustainability.
The Arab London Foundation praised Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza's active role in empowering women in various fields, saying, "Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan is committed to enhancing the role of women in various ways, as she is a supporter of sports and arts, and we are honoured to bestow her with the Achievement Award in Cultural Development."
In her speech during the ceremony, Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza greeted Arab women, considering that "this ceremony is a celebration of women's ability to excel, succeed, and contribute positively to the world."
She also thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for their keenness to encourage women and provide them with all they need to play a positive role in society and achieve their dreams.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza added that "effective participation and making progress and positive change are the core values that we have been raised on. I am proud to represent my country, the UAE, where women have not had to struggle to obtain their rights, but have always been at the forefront since the establishment of the state."
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan stated that our founding father, Sheikh Zayed, instilled in us the idea of dreaming without limits and contributing to society through knowledge and good treatment. He believed that women are not only half of society but also the creators of future generations. He was ahead of his time in recognizing the role of women, even before advanced countries began to develop strategies related to this role. The presence of ten female ministers in the UAE government is evidence of gender equality in the country.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan expressed her gratitude to her great inspiration, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the "Mother of the Nation," President of the General Women's Union, Chair of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Chair of the Family Development Foundation. Sheikha Fatima is continuously inspired by her strength and immense interest in women's social and governmental affairs.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan concluded her statement by saying that her father, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, never stopped believing in and supporting her until she reached where she is now. He is one of the many male supporters of women in the UAE.
It is worth mentioning that the Arab London Foundation Award aims to highlight the successes of Arab women and honour distinguished women who have made a positive impact in the fields of education, literature, culture, media, entrepreneurship, science, community service, and more.
The Arab London Foundation launched the Arab Women's Award in 2014 in collaboration with the Mayor of London, government institutions, and British universities to show great appreciation for the achievements of Arab women worldwide.

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