Emirates

Mohammed bin Rashid’s second children’s book launched on board the International Space Station

DUBAI, 1st September, 2023 (WAM) – The Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) today announced the launch of the second children’s book authored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, titled ‘The Journey From the Desert to the Stars’.
In an unprecedented event, the launch took place aboard the International Space Station (ISS), a fitting stage that echoes a recurrent theme in the book − the UAE’s journey from modest beginnings to stellar heights. Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi marked the occasion by reading select passages from the book.
The five stories in the book form a poignant memoir of key moments in the UAE’s remarkable development journey. The stories show how the nation's accomplishments mirror His Highness's conviction that perseverance is the key to success. Within the pages of the book, His Highness also offers young readers a treasure trove of wisdom – the invaluable lessons gained from diverse experiences from his childhood and youth that shaped his values and outlook on life.
His Highness begins the book with the words, “The beginning of any transformative endeavour is unforgettable; it lingers in your mind and leaves a lasting impression.” The evocative opening encapsulates His Highness's enduring commitment to change and progress.
In a video shared on social media, astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi provided a brief overview of one of the five stories featured in the book, ‘My First Teacher’. "Today, I'm thrilled to share with you, from space, the launch of the second children's book by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. It features inspiring tales from His Highness's life, presented in an engaging manner, brimming with hope and ambition, and aimed at children in the UAE and worldwide. In one of the stories, His Highness discusses the UAE's space journey that commenced during the time of the late Sheikh Zayed. I am honoured to contribute to the realisation of this vision."
Mona Al Marri, Director General of GDMO, said the book weaves together significant moments from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed's life with landmark events in the history of the UAE. ‘The Journey From the Desert to the Stars’ provides young readers with a deep understanding of His Highness’s values such as loyalty, belonging and service to the nation. It also illustrates how a vision can be transformed into national success and inspire generations of citizens to strive for excellence, she further noted.
She further said the book reflects His Highness’s deep commitment to cultivating a love of reading among the younger generation. His passion for promoting the reading habit is exemplified by a host of initiatives, most notably the ‘Arab Reading Challenge’, an event that features the participation of millions of avid young readers from the region and around the world, she said. Al Marri noted that the book's unveiling aboard the ISS is a tribute to the realisation of the vision for space exploration laid down by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
The Director General of GDMO thanked the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi for facilitating the launch of the book from the ISS. She said MBRSC has played a vital role in making the UAE's space ambitions a reality and commended the contributions of Emiratis to the global space sector.
Sultan Al Neyadi further said the book reflects His Highness's dedication to creating a brighter future and nurturing the values of patriotism and loyalty among the youth. The launch event coincides with the conclusion of Al Neyadi's groundbreaking six-month mission to the ISS.
GDMO partnered with local Emirati talent to produce the book. The book was published by the local publishing house Al Hudhud, a member of ‘Proudly from Dubai’, a network of promising Dubai-born businesses created by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office. The book also features illustrations by Emirati artists Ali Kashwani and Ahmed Al Mansouri.
The five captivating stories in ‘The Journey From the Desert to the Stars’ include ‘The Northern Tent’, which narrates the circumstances surrounding the UAE's foundation in 1971. ‘My First Journey’ recounts His Highness’s very first visit to London with his father, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, and how this experience inspired his involvement in the establishment of international airports and Emirates Airline. In ‘The Secrets of the Sea’, His Highness speaks about his deep connection with the sea, which inspired the launch of Dubai’s ports and DP World.
Other stories include ‘First Place’, in which His Highness speaks about Burj Khalifa and the passion instilled in him by his father to be the best. ‘My First Teacher’ reflects on his profound connection with the sky and stars. His contemplation on whether Emiratis would ever venture into space became a reality with the successful launch of the UAE’s ambitious space missions, including the groundbreaking Hope Probe.

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).