Day: May 18, 2024

Faraya noted that there is great cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Interior and its counterparts in Iraq and Syria, but each country has its own capabilities and capacities, but each country must bear the burden of preventing any attempt to smuggle, pointing out that the quantities of narcotic substances seized during the first four months of this year, compared to last year, increased by about 6 million Captagon pills, most of which are directed to the Arab Gulf countries.

On the internal security situation, the Minister of Interior said that the crime rate in Jordan is within normal limits, the impact of the war on Gaza is minimal, and the government’s position is fully consistent with the position of the public, as Jordan has done everything it can politically and humanly to stand with the brothers in Gaza, and His Majesty King Abdullah II has moved diplomatically since the first day of the aggression to pressure towards stopping this war, as all Jordanians are united in solidarity to s
tand with the brothers in Gaza.

He added: “A strong Jordan is the only way to do more for our brothers and sisters in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. We are keen to support the Palestinian National Authority to enable it to confront Israeli arrogance, as stability in the West Bank is very important for Jordan’s national security,” Faraya added.

On the 2024 parliamentary elections, Faraya stressed that the elections are a constitutional entitlement and holding the elections is proof of the government’s confidence in itself and its citizens in implementing all constitutional entitlements, noting that the Ministry of Interior is working on preparing voter lists to be ready before May 26, to proceed with the rest of the procedures set by the Independent Elections Commission.

Faraya described the 2024 elections as qualitative, as it includes for the first time a national party list, and all licensed parties have equal opportunities, and the greatest burden is on the citizen to choose a representative who expresse
s the opinions of his constituents.

Source: Jordan News Agency

SHARJAH: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, attended Saturday’s evening Sir Bu Nair Festival 24 closing ceremony.

Friday and Saturday saw a plethora of government and community representatives join hands with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) to host the festival.

During his visit to the festival’s supplementary exhibition, Sheikh Sultan appreciated the event’s major accomplishments and the offerings of the participating organisations in maritime and environmental protection. The organisers outlined exhibits related to maritime history, biodiversity, and conservation initiatives.

The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah attended the festival’s closing ceremony and appreciated the many events and activities on offer, including exhibitions of marine heritage, Jet Ski performances, and talks regarding Sir Bu Nair Island’s significance. He thanked everyone who helped make the Sir Bu Nair Festival a success, paying tribute to the attendees, sponsors, and
volunteers.

Representatives from the Sharjah Police General Command, the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the Sharjah Sports Council, the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, and the General Directorate of Civil Defence were among the many government institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah that attended the festival.

Various government and private entities are offering their support and sponsorship to ensure the festival is conducted at the highest level, including the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Coop, Sharjah Driving Institute, and Zulal Water.

The first day of the festival featured numerous focused activities, including sports and tourism-related events. There was a volleyball match, a tug-of-war, kayaking, an obstacle course marathon, and a marathon race. Two guided excursions to Sir Bu Nair Island Reserve highlighted the reserve’s biodiversity, beautiful scenery, and ecological signif
icance; one of the trips was an evening excursion for viewing sea turtle hatching.

On day two, there was a fishing contest, a jet ski show, a guest speaker talking about marine legacy, and a theatrical production about maritime heritage.

Water sports, such as kayaking, were available during the two-day event, as were an e-games league and environmental cultural contests. Food carts stationed throughout the island catered to the hunger of athletes, spectators, and tourists.

Attending the closing ceremony along with the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah were Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah; Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA); Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB); Hassan Yacoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of Sharjah Media Council; a number of senior officials a
nd representatives of participating government agencies.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The UAE today sent the first relief plane carrying 100 tonnes of food, medical and relief aid to help the victims of the floods and heavy rains that recently swept Brazil. The plane has been dispatched under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said that the UAE’s robust monitoring systems track a wide range of natural disasters, including floods and their aftermath. When these disasters strike and cause damage, the UAE is quick to provide urgent humanitarian relief through its foreign assistance programmes. This aid helps people in affected countries recover from the devastation, especially vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly.

The minister indicated that the plane flown today is carrying 100 tonnes of relief, medical, and food aid, with two more aircraft scheduled to be sent over the next two days carrying 200 tonnes of aid, bringing the total aid to be provi
ded to around 300 tonnes in line with the UAE’s relief efforts.

Source: Emirates News Agency

VATICAN: Shaikh Al Mahfoudh bin Bayyah, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, and Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, discussed preparations for a conference on artificial intelligence (AI) and religions in Hiroshima. This conference, slated to take place in July, is part of the ongoing efforts of the “Hiroshima AI Process,” initiated by the G7 leaders recently.

During the meeting, both parties deliberated on the significance of broadening the reach of the Rome Call for AI Ethics to encompass all religions and human philosophies across the globe. This expansion aims to bolster the Call’s role in cultivating a moral imperative for goodness and to provide a framework for the unprecedented advancements in artificial intelligence.

The Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace emphasised that the Forum’s commitment to participating in the ‘Rome Call for AI Ethics’ and to preparing for the Hiroshima Conference reflect the UAE’s leadership vision in tech
nology. This endeavour is guided by the principles of human values, ensuring that science serves peace and fosters coexistence, happiness, and human brotherhood, he added.

He stressed that the UAE’s selection as one of the member states, and as the only Arab and regional nation in the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, underscores global recognition of the successful civilisational resurgence vision pursued by the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: The second edition of the UAE Schools and Nursery Show was launched on Friday at the Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS), and is slated to run until 9th May.

Organised by ECS with the support of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), the event serves as a platform for showcasing and exploring the UAE’s private schools and education projects.

Held under the umbrella of the International Education Show, the UAE Schools and Nursery Show provides a holistic picture of the latest practices, systems, and methodologies in the education sector, offering valuable insights into the best courses and offers by private schools and educational centres across the country.

The event was officially inaugurated by Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Expo Centre Sharjah, in the presence of Walid Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Deputy Chairman of the SCCI and Jamal Mohammed bin Huwaiden, member of
the Board of Directors of SCCI.

The attendees toured the exhibition, inspected its stands and pavilions, and received briefings from educational institution representatives on key educational and training programmes and scholarships on display at the event.

The 3-day event features an extensive list of key players in the UAE education sector, including major educational institutions, schools, nurseries, and private educational centres.

The UAE Schools and Nursery Show presents a plethora of state-of-the-art educational and training programmes, in addition to after-school programmes, services of centres for disabled children, child development initiatives, and extracurricular activities.

It also provides an indispensable opportunity for parents to engage with representatives of various educational institutions, including private schools and specialised institutes to get acquainted with their advanced educational curricula, training programmes, and other diverse offerings, so they can opt for what best suit
s their children.

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais emphasised that the fact that Expo Centre Sharjah organises the event is a testament to the SCCI’s commitment to diversifying the exhibitions it supports across various sectors and services. This includes efforts to advance the educational process in the emirate of Sharjah, highlighting the notable development in its education sector. The UAE Schools and Nursery Show provides a dedicated platform for educational institutions to showcase their programmes and promote their educational services to both parents and the community.

Source: Emirates News Agency

THESSALONIKI: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, underscored the undeniable impact of children’s literature in cultivating young readers’ awareness of global literary hubs.

Speaking at a recent panel at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TIBF), Sheikha Bodour detailed how such literature can vividly depict cities, spark an enthusiasm for learning and cultural appreciation, and nurture a lasting affinity for reading.

Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of introducing cultural themes to new generations in an accessible way, enhancing their future contributions to society.

In the panel discussion titled ‘Unlocking Worlds: Children’s Literature and World Book Capitals’ Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi was joined by Giota Livani, Publisher of Livani Publishing Organisation; Anna Routsi, World Book Capital Network Expert, Athens, and moderated by Greek journalist Lamprini Kouzeli, from the newspaper TO VIMA.

Inspiration behi
nd the book ‘World Book Capital’

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi shared the inspiration behind her children’s book, ‘World Book Capital,’ published in both Arabic and English by Kalimat Group. She emphasised how UNESCO’s World Book Capital Network has fostered a valuable exchange of experiences and expertise, after Sharjah proudly showcased its rich literary heritage on a global stage as World Book Capital in 2019.

Reflecting on Sharjah’s decade-long endeavour to attain the prestigious title, Sheikha Bodour acknowledged the collaborative dedication of various institutions and individuals that contributed to its achievement. By documenting this journey in her book it served as both a keepsake and a wellspring of motivation for aspiring leaders, and by revisiting key milestones in Sharjah’s evolution, she encapsulated the essence of its cultural narrative.

‘Leading the International Publishers Association and Kalimat Group allowed me to witness the profound impact of books. The moment we were handed the proverbial
baton from Athens is etched in our memory, signifying a profound responsibility towards this grand legacy. Even though the title was symbolic, we tirelessly continued to uphold our status as a World Book Capital beyond the official year, most notably through our community and library at Sharjah’s ‘House of Wisdom.’ This commitment was echoed when we then handed over the title to Kuala Lumpur,’ she stated.

Referencing the translation of her book into 11 languages, Sheikha Bodour highlighted the essential role books play in bridging cultures and civilisations, saying, ‘Books make us feel part of a vast global family, and illustrations play a key role in engaging with young readers. The artist’s work, featuring children from various cultures and countries, promotes values of tolerance and love from a young age.’

‘In today’s world, where online platforms compete for children’s attention, it is challenging to capture their focus. As writers, publishers, or illustrators, our task is to create engaging content tha
t nurtures their love for reading,’ Sheikha Bodour added.

Citing Einstein, Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of stories in children’s development: ‘If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales,’ underscoring the vital role of imaginative stories in stimulating creativity and enhancing intelligence in young minds.

Sheikha Bodour concluded by stressing the power of translation in disseminating knowledge and literature, fostering dialogue and communication among people. She underscored her belief in translation as a bridge that connects cultures and broadens mutual understanding.

Giota Livani shared first impressions of Sheikha Bodour’s book during the session, saying, ‘When I first saw the ‘World Book Capital’ book at the Cairo International Book Fair, it sent chills down my spine. I was particularly captivated by the harmonious colours on the book cover, symbolising the earth that has seen countless generations, del
ivering a profound artistic message.’

Livani highlighted the importance of the World Book Capital network and the cooperation among various capitals, describing it as an effective means of bringing peoples and cultures closer through books. Concluding her remarks, Livani unveiled the Greek edition of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi’s book, expressing her admiration and appreciation for the efforts in translating and publishing the book, which enriches global cultural dialogue.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The TRENDS Research and Advisory stand at the 2024 Thessaloniki International Book Fair in Greece attracted numerous officials, writers, researchers, and the public.

Visitors explored dozens of titles from TRENDS’ diverse research publications, which analyse current issues and predict future trends. Panel discussions with several academic and research institutions explored prospects for joint collaboration to enhance knowledge and the role of scientific research in shaping the future.

On the sidelines of the book fair, as part of TRENDS’ European research tour, the TRENDS delegation and researchers discussed with Dr. Maria Gavouneli, Director-General of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), and Dr. Emmanuella Doussis, Director of the Master’s Program in Southeast European Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, prospects for mutual cooperation and the importance of scientific research in facilitating dialogue and promoting knowledge.

Source: E
mirates News Agency

DUBAI: The Emirati Human Resources Development Council, in collaboration with Al Ghurair and Amana Group, proudly announced the offering of 50 private sector job opportunities to Emiratis during a highly successful Career Open Day held at the Al Khawaneej Majles.

The event attracted a diverse audience of Emirati job seekers eager to explore new career opportunities. The partnership with Al Ghurair and Amana Group underscored a shared commitment to supporting Emirati career development and economic growth.

Engineer Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai, said: ‘This event is a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide meaningful private sector career opportunities for Emiratis and to collaborate with esteemed organisations that share our vision for national talent development.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

GENEVA: The AI for Good Global Summit 2024 will open in Geneva, Switzerland, on 29th May with the UN’s first AI Governance Day to discuss how best to implement principled AI frameworks while ensuring that no country is left behind.

AI Governance Day will welcome ministers and regulatory authorities from over 70 governments-nearly half representing developing countries-as well as representatives of industry, academia, civil society and United Nations agencies.

The day is organised and hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Agency for Digital Technologies, ahead of two days dedicated to exploring how new technology can support sustainable development.

‘The world needs AI technologies that are safe, secure and that go beyond bias to benefit everybody,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. ‘AI Governance Day will reinforce important international principles as AI advances, while also ensuring that all countries are represented so that we can move forward together.”

Natio
nal and regional initiatives on AI regulatory frameworks have clarified essential principles of equitability, inclusivity, safety and security to ensure that the rapidly evolving technologies benefit all of humanity.

AI Governance Day will focus on globally inclusive implementation of frameworks based on these principles.

The discussions will also explore the role of international technical standards and capacity development to provide effective, consistent AI governance worldwide within an environment of inclusion and trust.

‘The objectives of AI Governance Day align with those of the recent resolution on AI adopted by the UN General Assembly,” said Bogdan-Martin. ‘The historic General Assembly resolution gives greater strength and impetus to the AI for Good initiative by promoting responsible AI that leads to a better life for all – the very essence of ITU’s work on artificial intelligence.”

The AI for Good Global Summit will showcase innovations in generative AI, robotics, and brain-machine interfaces
that can accelerate progress in areas such as climate action, accessibility, health, and disaster response.

Summit speakers, including some of the world’s most recognised voices on AI, will explore the latest breakthroughs in AI and examine actions to ensure that AI works to humanity’s benefit.

Source: Emirates News Agency

BEIJING: First opened in 2009, Baiheliang Museum is China’s first underwater museum in the section of the Yangtze River in Fuling City, southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality.

According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), the museum is accessible to visitors without requiring them to dive. Instead, visitors can take a 91-metre-long escalator to reach a depth of about 40 metres underwater in the Yangtze River within a short period. Through observation windows, people can closely admire the inscriptions on the underwater ridge.

Baiheliang, literally “White Crane Ridge”, is a 1,600-metre-long and 15 metre-wide smooth stone ridge engraved with inscriptions about China’s longest river, dating from 763 in the Tang Dynasty to the early 20th century.

It is claimed to be the world’s oldest hydrographic survey device and is one of the four state-level national treasures in the Three Gorges area.

On the huge rock are 20 fish sculptures that serve as water-level markers and about 30,000 characters of Ch
inese poems from different dynasties.

Source: Emirates News Agency