32 Emiratis Enrol in Specialised Scholarship Programmes Aligned with D33 Agenda

A total of 32 Emirati participants from the first cohort have
enrolled in specialised academic scholarship programmes launched by Dubai Customs in
collaboration with DP World for the academic year 2024-2025. This follows their successful
completion of the specific criteria and requirements for these programmes. Over 500
applications were received, and interviews were conducted for approximately 100
candidates, ultimately leading to the acceptance of 32 individuals.

Dubai Customs provides guidance and support for students and its employees to pursue
education in high-quality academic disciplines, aiming to equip and train them for careers in
logistics and customs. Through these educational programmes, students gain a
comprehensive understanding of business management, international trade, logistics
services, and supply chain management.

H.E. Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports,
Customs and Free Zone Corporation, expressed his satisfaction with the interest shown by
Emirati youth in their programmes designed to develop national talent and empower them to
contribute to the country’s economic development. “These programmes provide
opportunities for young people to demonstrate their capabilities and prepare for entry into the
job market. Emiratisation has become a priority due to its economic and social benefits. Our
efforts continue to make tangible progress in this strategic direction, and we are optimistic
that in the near future, Dubai and the UAE will achieve advanced Emiratisation rates,” he
stated.

H.E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, praised the
Emirati youth enrolled in the programme, encouraging them to maintain academic
excellence and seek knowledge from various sources to enhance their qualifications and
professional experience, thereby advancing their career paths. He affirmed that Dubai
Customs operates with a steadfast vision to support citizens by developing their academic
levels. The department is a leader in launching specialised training programmes for those
wishing to complete their studies in various fields of customs, logistics, and related economic

sectors, actively contributing to the development of a generation that understands the
importance of professional work in achieving sustainable development aligned with Dubai’s
social agenda.

The scholarship programmes introduced by Dubai Customs in collaboration with strategic
partners include a Bachelor’s degree in Global Trade, Customs, and Logistics for high
school graduates, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Digital
Commerce, and Supply Chain Management.

Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of Human Resources Division at Dubai Customs,
remarked, “We congratulate the scholarship candidates as they embark on the new
academic year. As a socially responsible government entity, we strive to prepare young
talent for leadership roles across various sectors.” He noted that Dubai Customs has played
a crucial role in designing and developing the scholarship programmes, allowing participants
to continue their education in specialised tracks aligned with their job roles. The department
has worked with DP World to implement criteria for selecting and categorising candidates
based on educational paths compatible with their qualifications, in addition to ensuring
proper guidance and training for scholars involved in the internship programme, along with
defining their responsibilities and tasks.

In a powerful demonstration of community spirit and environmental commitment, Sharjah Sustainable City, Sharjah City Municipality, and BEEAH joined forces to observe World Cleanup Day with a beach clean-up activity.   The activity took place at Al Khan Beach in the Emirate of Sharjah and was aimed at promoting environmental protection while raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding natural
landscapes, including beaches and aquatic life. During the hour-long activity, residents of Sharjah Sustainable City and employees from partnering organizations participated in collecting waste, which was then sent to a recycling waste management facility. Commenting on the initiative, Yousif Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Sustainable City, said: “As a leading sustainable community in the emirate of Sharjah, effective waste management and clean-up are central to our mission. As part of these efforts, we regularly collaborate with specialized organizations and encourage our residents to embrace sustainablepractices, including waste sorting. Today’s clean-up drive reflects our broader goals of fostering environmental responsibility and promoting sustainability beyond our community. I extend my
gratitude to Sharjah City Municipality and BEEAH for their support in making this event impactful
and advancing our commitment to sustainable living in Sharjah.”
For his part, His Excellency Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General of the Sharjah Municipality
(SM), affirmed that this initiative underscores the municipality’s commitment to enhancing the
urban and aesthetic appearance of the emirate and emphasized the importance of maintaining clean
beaches, which are distinguished tourist destinations that see significant traffic, especially during the
summer. His Excellency noted that Health, Safety, and Environment are among the priorities of the
municipality’s work and one of the core pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, with
cleaning campaigns playing an important role in these efforts.
Rafael Lopez, CEO – Waste Collection and City Cleaning at BEEAH, commented: “Preventing waste
from entering our surroundings is crucial to the health of ecosystems and communities. We are
proud to have collaborated with Sharjah Sustainable City and Sharjah Municipality, joining forces at
Al Khan Beach, to make a positive impact here in Sharjah, where we are fortunate to have incredible
nature and biodiversity. Clean-up initiatives like these immediately benefit our natural environment
in the short-term, but also inspire collective action in society towards a sustainable, climate-positive
future in the long-term.”
As the first sustainable master-planned residential community developed by the Sharjah Investment
and Development Authority (Shurooq) in partnership with Diamond Developers, Sharjah Sustainable
City has been at the forefront of supporting global efforts toward sustainable development. The city
regularly organizes community engagement activities aimed at sharing knowledge and raising public
awareness on critical areas, including waste management, pollution, urban farming, and health and
wellbeing. The clean-up program was part of these efforts and served as a significant event to
engage the community in broader environmental initiatives in Sharjah and the UAE. The World Cleanup Day has grown into the largest civic movement in human history since its inception in 2018. With a vision of a healthy and waste-free world, the day gained even greater significance last December when the United Nations General Assembly, in its seventy-eighth session, unanimously adopted a resolution designating September 20 as World Cleanup Day.

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.