Emirates

American University of Sharjah celebrates Emirati women’s achievements

SHARJAH, 28th August, 2023 (WAM) — Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah (AUS), applauds the exceptional achievements of AUS Emirati female alumni, students and staff on UAE Emirati Women's Day 2023. With the theme "We Collaborate for Tomorrow," this occasion mirrors AUS' dedication to fostering innovation and empowerment at its core.

Sheikha Bodour expressed her pride in Emirati women, saying, "It is a day when we honour the incredible achievements and contributions of Emirati women to our society. Emirati women have broken through glass ceilings and demonstrated their prowess in every field imaginable. They have excelled nationally and globally, inspiring many new generations of women in our region. Education has been the cornerstone of this remarkable journey. Education has given Emirati women the courage to dream big and the tools to turn those dreams into reality… Every Emirati woman plays a vital role in shaping the UAE's trajectory."

Dr. Susan Mumm, Chancellor of AUS, said, "Emirati Women's Day is an occasion of great importance for the AUS community and the UAE as a whole. This day is a tribute to Emirati women's achievements and contributions across various fields. At AUS, we are immensely proud of our Emirati female alumni, students and staff, who have consistently demonstrated their dedication, leadership and commitment to shaping a brighter future for our society."

Spotlighting exceptional Emirati female alumni, AUS embraces visionary leaders across diverse fields. Among them, Dr. Wafa Khalfan stands out, symbolising impactful collaboration and progress. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (2008) from AUS and serving as an Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Sharjah, Dr. Khalfan's journey mirrors the transformative power of education and the evolving role of Emirati women.

Dr. Khalfan noted, "Education remains the cornerstone for Emirati women's success, irrespective of their chosen paths. A decade ago, postgraduate classrooms showcased a different landscape. Today, Emirati women form the majority, embodying the UAE's education-driven empowerment."

Notably, Dr. Khalfan's achievements include obtaining a PhD from the University of Glasgow and spearheading initiatives like the international TEDxSharjah event. She also chairs the Emerging Scholars Network at the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) and serves on the AUS Alumni Association council.

Aisha Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, embodies Emirati women's achievements. With a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (2005) and a Master of Business Administration (2017) from AUS, Deemas' journey exemplifies the transformative power of education in shaping leaders who drive positive change.

Sharing her thoughts on Emirati Women's Day, she stated, "My AUS experience expanded my perspective on women's multifaceted roles. It aligns seamlessly with the broader vision of equality, innovation and collaboration. Emirati Women's Day celebrates our determination, creativity and leadership, with each achievement being a stepping stone toward greater excellence."

Another exemplar, Fatima Al Shuweihi, Head of Cultural Guidance at Heart of Sharjah – Sharjah Investment and Development Authority "Shurooq," embodies AUS' impact. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (2008) and an Executive Master of Business Administration (2016), Al Shuweihi's journey reflects the bridge AUS forms between education and careers.

"Emirati Women's Day holds the significance of appreciating and empowering Emirati women, supporting their contributions to family, society and the nation's success. Their leadership roles across sectors are driven by capabilities and knowledge, with AUS playing a pivotal role in bridging education and careers. Initiatives like the Student Council offered on-campus jobs and labour market skills, further supported by the AUS Alumni Association's post-graduation assistance in enhancing leadership skills."

She highlighted Emirati women's pioneering roles, including the first woman to preside over an Arab parliament. Notably, Emirati women's representation on the Board of Books for Young People is a significant milestone. She advised aspiring Emirati women to transform theory into practical facts, as applying knowledge practically leads to success not just in courses but in life.

AUS has demonstrated its prowess in nurturing outstanding students who shine not only within the borders of the classroom but also in roles that extend beyond. The student Maryam Al Ansari stands as a testament to this achievement.

Al Ansari, majoring in integrated marketing communications and minoring in business administration, currently represents Emirati affairs and culture in the AUS Student Council. Emirati Women's Day signifies UAE's appreciation for women's authenticity, motivating Emirati women to excel continuously. Al Ansari's own journey reflects this dedication. On the significance of Emirati Women's Day, she emphasised, "It highlights how much the UAE values women for being authentic. It reminds us to push ourselves to excel, bringing pride to ourselves and the nation."

The accomplishments of AUS Emirati female alumni, students and staff indicate their dedication and achievements in diverse fields. These successful women showcase the university's dedication to innovation, reflecting the UAE's vision for a prosperous future.

Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions. Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories. Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).