Emirates

‘Our ambitions and aspirations in the new fiftieth are never-ending’: Ajman Ruler

AJMAN, 1st December, 2021 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, stated that the journey of the Union went from success to success thanks to the strong solidarity of the country's leadership tireless efforts, and their deep belief in the value of unity as a basis for building a modern state.

In his statement to 'Nation Shield', the UAE Armed Forces magazine, on the occasion of the UAE's 50th National Day, H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi said,'' Thanks to the Union, our country is working for the future, and our ambitions and aspirations in the new fiftieth are never-ending.'' Following is the full text of his statement on the occasion: ''On 2nd December, 1971, the world witnessed the birth of the state of the United Arab Emirates, the day will be remembered in history and remain alive in the conscience of the Emirati and Arab citizens.

No matter how many years pass, the Union will remain an immortal memory in our hearts, dear to our souls, which generations pass through. It is a reality we witness and the good we live in under the shadow of a lofty homeland in which human beings advance, their dignity preserved, and people enjoy security and prosperity.

On this occasion, dear to all of our hearts, I am pleased to extend my warmest congratulations and blessings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and to the people of the UAE, its residents and guests, on the occasion of the 50th National Day of our beloved country.

On this glorious day, joy fills our souls, and happiness fills our hearts, we remember the Founder of the Union, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who led the journey of construction, progress and renaissance. We will always appreciate his dedication and pay tribute to him. The journey of the Union went from success to success thanks to the strong solidarity of Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates, their pioneering efforts, and their deep belief in the value of unity as a basis for building a modern state, so that this nation remains strongly unified, stable in its cohesion, and a pioneer in its achievements.

If we want to talk about the gains and benefits of the Union, we cannot count them, but only point out that this experience has opened the door wide to unprecedented leaps in all fields. The union of the Emirates as a unified political entity allowed good management of wealth and resources. Through the past five decades, it emerged into a modern, prosperous state whose citizens enjoy prosperity and security. The state built infrastructure as a basis for economic and social development. It established urban, housing, educational, health, cultural, artistic and sports projects as per best international standards that caught the attention and astonished the world. In addition, various international exhibitions and festivals are being held in the country that attracts the world.

Thanks to the Union, our country is working for the future, and our ambitions and aspirations in the new fiftieth has no limits. Our wise leadership has set a national agenda replete with projects, ideas, initiatives, plans and visions that keep pace with the present and foresee the future to continue our blessed journey to build the glory and civilisation of a state that has become a symbol and example.

The interest of the State of the Union was not limited to the interiors only. Instead, it paid great attention to the world outside. The UAE had its pioneering initiatives in the field of tolerance, coexistence and confronting hatred. It embodied unlimited giving by providing material and moral aid to those in need worldwide without distinctions of race, colour, sex, or religion. This became evident during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as the UAE was one of the first countries to support humanitarian initiatives in the rest of the world.

In conclusion, we congratulate our leadership and people on the national day. We ask Allah Almighty to preserve our country and enable us to achieve the highest aspirations and dearest wishes under the Union State.''

Emirates

Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes Tarapaca Region, Chile

SANTIAGO, 26th March, 2023 (WAM) – A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck the Tarapaca region in Chile on Saturday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.

The quake was at a depth of 155 kilometers (96.31 miles) below the earth's surface, according to Reuters.

Emirates

RTA introduces Comprehensive Digital Experience Lab

DUBAI, 26th March 2023 (WAM) — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced the pioneering Comprehensive Digital Experience Lab, a first-of-its-kind initiative among Dubai Government organisations.
The Lab aims to bolster the quality of customer service provided via digital channels and enhance employees' experience with digital systems by engaging relevant personnel in digital service design stages.
The Lab enhances the quality and design of services from customers' perspectives while simultaneously improving and standardising their experiences across various digital channels. It also boosts the customer happiness index, the adoption of digital services and supplies the necessary technologies and skilled personnel to operate the Lab.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated during a tour of the facility, “The establishment of the Comprehensive Digital Experiment Lab aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance the well-being of Dubai and its global competitiveness. It also contributes to offering a variety of choices for residents to transform Dubai into the world’s best city for living.
“The Lab also embodies the instructions of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest city. This involves delivering comprehensive, interconnected, and proactive digital experiences for customers to ensure maximum happiness with the RTA's services. This drive aligns with the Services 360 Policy, which seeks to provide seamless and forward-thinking services across all digital platforms to measure up to customer aspirations,” he explained.
“The RTA is committed to playing a leading role in service digitisation by mapping out a comprehensive roadmap for automating services and tasks. It also strives to enhance artificial intelligence and data sciences, improve the operational efficiency through optimising the use of the existing resources, and expand the scope of digital partnerships and innovation,” Al Tayer added.
Mohammed Yousef Al Mudharreb, CEO of the Corporate Technology Support Services Sector, said, “The Lab has been designed in line with the world’s best practices, utilising international expertise and benchmarks from leading international companies. It features a dedicated test room for customers to evaluate services and engage with various experiments through guided sessions, trialling specific services on apps or alternative digital platforms.”
“By applying a range of tools, software, and devices, operators can gain insight into user behaviour to enhance and refine experiences. For example, CCTV cameras and eye-tracking instruments will record the user’s interactions with the service, which are then represented on heat maps displaying areas of focus and inattention. Accordingly, it enables the analysis of strengths and weaknesses, allowing for targeted improvements to the service based on customer reactions and attitudes,” he continued.
“The Lab also includes an observation room for monitoring the testing process or engaging in focus groups on service delivery. The room has screens that detect the customer's behaviour and interaction with the service on digital platforms,” Al Mudharreb added.
“The Comprehensive Digital Platform is a new concept in designing the User’s Experience. It focuses on engaging external and internal customers (employees) in various service design phases. The Lab has been used in key current projects such as RTA App, smart kiosks, and dashboards that serve the RTA’s decision-makers,” Al Mudharreb said in conclusion.

Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme issues 432 decisions worth AED 299 million

ABU DHABI, 26th March, 2023 (WAM) – The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme (SZHP), an initiative under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), has issued 432 decisions for housing aid valued at AED 298.7 million. This includes applications for house construction, completion, purchase, maintenance, and upgrade. The move is part of the Initiatives of the UAE President and is pursuant to the order of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to complete all housing grant applications submitted to the Programme, at a total cost of around AED 2.3 billion.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “As we welcome the holy month of Ramadan, the month of giving, SZHP continues its endeavors to enhance family stability, ensure decent living, and improve the quality of life of UAE citizens. The UAE’s wise leadership is deeply invested in the government housing sector as it helps build a cohesive society that can contribute to the progress of our nation.”
Eng Mohamed Al Mansouri, Director of SZHP, said: “We have set ambitious plans to meet the growing housing needs of UAE citizens. We work closely with our partners from the federal and local government, the private sector, and the banking sector to achieve these plans. The Programme follows in the steps of the founding father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, by contributing to the social wellbeing and prosperity of the people.”