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Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates contribution of its 30,000-strong volunteer workforce on International Volunteer Day

DUBAI, 5th December 2021 (WAM) – Expo 2020 Dubai celebrated its 30,000-strong volunteer workforce on Sunday as part of International Volunteer Day, applauding their dedication and commitment to the World Expo, alongside their wider contributions to society.

A series of events and panel discussions, held in partnership with the Ministry of Community Development and the United Nations Volunteers Programme, brought together representatives of Expo and local volunteering services to highlight the vital role that volunteers play at Expo 2020 Dubai – and also the successes of the mega-event’s volunteer programme, the experience it offers participants, and the diversity of both the nationalities involved and the roles available.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers are the embodiment of the UAE's diverse and cooperation-loving community. We are proud that the volunteers – Emiratis and expatriates – demonstrate the best of our nation, and share with us the journey of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future' through their dedication and commitment, providing visitors with the highest-quality service. Expo 2020 Dubai volunteers have put themselves in the service of the nation and humanity.

"The volunteering experience enhances an individual's skills, and allows them to give back to society and contribute to building a meaningful legacy for the UAE and the world at large. And Expo 2020 is a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with valuable learning and networking opportunities."

Ahmad Julfar, Director General of the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA), said: "Volunteering is a noble human value that enhances social cohesion. Our participation in this event highlights the importance of consolidating joint efforts, honouring volunteers, and improving the services provided to volunteers, enhancing the position of the UAE as an influential charitable and humanitarian country."

Expo 2020’s volunteer programme features 30,000 volunteers, occupying different roles, serving visitors and participants, with allocations based on skills and interests. In Sunday’s flagship event, a group of 50 volunteers representing their peers were honoured on the Jubilee Stage in a moment of recognition and universal celebration. High levels attendees at the open afternoon event, which adopted a ‘party’ atmosphere, included Sheikh Nahyan; Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai; and Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development.

The event began with the announcement of three global ‘Volunteer Heroes’, selected by the Ministry of Community Development, Emirates Foundation and the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE). They were Jonas Abujate, Provincial Youth Council of Cabo-Delgado; Kar Yeung Lam, Agency for Volunteer Service, Hong Kong; and Maja Sruk, Volunteers’ Centre in Zagreb, the latter accepting the award herself on stage.

Earlier on Sunday, experts also discussed how volunteers play an invaluable role in working to improve the lives of those around them, and looked ahead to the release of the UN’s State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR), which shows how volunteerism can play a central role in strengthening people-state relationships, promote better governance and help build more equal and inclusive societies.

The UAE itself has several institutions dedicated to volunteerism that organise volunteer work and community-service activities throughout the country, helping young people develop skills and acquire experience. These bodies also support the principle of specialised volunteering – enhancing the attributes of volunteers according to their academic and practical specialisations, provided by the National Volunteering Platform, which allocates volunteers as a result of their interests and experiences.

International Volunteer Day on 5 December was designated by the United Nations as an international observance day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism in various fields, and raise awareness about the important contribution of volunteers to society.

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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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