Every week, The National takes a look at the people and politics of the UAE as the country steps more confidently on to the world stage.
May 21
Arab information ministers approve UAE proposal on culture of tolerance and counterterrorism
A UAE proposal on the role of the media in promoting values of tolerance and combating extremism was approved by the 64th meeting of the Arab Information Ministers’ Council, which was held under the Chairmanship of the United Arab Emirates, at the General Secretariat of the Arab League in Cairo. The council emphasised the vitally important role of Arab media organs in spreading the culture of tolerance and fighting extremism using both traditional and modern media platforms to foster public opinion that advances values of tolerance among individuals and groups.
Nepal president hails the efforts of UAE voluntary medical team
Ram Baran Yadav, president of Nepal, commended the efforts of the UAE voluntary medical team that is working in Nepal under the auspices of the Zayed Giving Initiative. Mr Yadav was briefed on the humanitarian tasks of the hospital under the chairmanship of the Emirati heart surgeon Dr Adel Al Shamri, and Prof Dr Ram Makaju, head of the University Hospital in Nepal. During his visit to the field hospital, he met with the Emirati-Nepali medical, administrative and technical teams and was briefed on the missions it provided that resulted from strong and solid relations between the two countries.
May 22
ERC distributes more aid to those affected by the Yemen events
Emirates Red Crescent Authority (ERC) has distributed 1,225 tonnes of food to those affected by the events in Yemen. Ships carrying 4,000 tonnes of petroleum derivatives arrived in Aden to help operate Yemeni hospitals, whose medical services had deteriorated because of the lack of fuel. Earlier in the month, ERC dispatched 850 tonnes of relief materials, including 650 tonnes of food stuff and 180 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies.
UAE champions sustainable energy at United Nations
The UAE announced initiatives to speed deployment of clean energy at the UN Sustainable Energy for All (SE4A) Forum, notably in support of the UN’s goal to double the global share of renewables by 2030. The country’s actions included major domestic policy reforms, such as the tripling of renewable energy targets in Dubai, as well as initiatives on women’s empowerment, new laureates of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and expansion of the pioneering renewable energy aid programme, the latter of which had allocated more than US$750 million (Dh2.75bn) for fellow developing countries since 2013. “Sustainable energy is a cornerstone of our economic development goals and our foreign policy,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, Chairman of Masdar and member of the SE4A advisory board.
May 23
Al Rumaithi chairs UAE delegation to meeting of Arab chiefs of staff
The UAE took part in the second meeting of Arab armed forces’ chiefs of staff at the Arab League’s Secretariat General in Cairo. It was dedicated to complete discussions on the formation of a joint Arab military force to address challenges and threats facing the Arab national security, particularly those from terrorists. The UAE delegation was led by Lt Gen Hamad Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and included Mohammed Al Dhaheri, the UAE’s Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative at the Arab League.
Mohammed bin Rashid, Mohammed bin Zayed attend wedding reception hosted by Al Mansouri
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attended a reception hosted by Saif bin Rashid Al Mansouri on the occasion of the wedding of his son to the daughter of Isa Khalfan bin Kharbash. An audience of sheikhs, ministers, dignitaries, VIPs and senior civilian and military officials also attended the ceremony, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
May 24
Umm Al Quwain Ruler offers condolences to Kuwaiti emir on the death of Al Kharafi
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, has sent a cable of condolence to Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, emir of Kuwait, on the death of Jassem Al Kharafi, former speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud Al Mualla, Crown Prince of UAQ, sent a similar cable of condolence to the emir. The previous day, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, paid his condolences.
ADU awards Dh120,000 to winners of the 3rd UAE Undergraduate Student Research Competition
Abu Dhabi University has awarded 32 student teams with cash prizes, totalling around Dh120,000, during the finale of the 3rd UAE Undergraduate Student Research Competition. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the nationwide competition attracted 250 research submissions from about 800 undergraduate students in various fields, including electrical engineering, energy, architecture and urban planning.
May 25
Mohammed bin Rashid honours graduates of 24th batch of the Joint Command and Staff College
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the graduates of the 24th batch of the Joint Command and Staff College. The ceremony, held at the college’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, was attended by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, the National Security Adviser, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and other officials.
FNC issues statement on the 34th anniversary of GCC
The UAE has been and will remain at the forefront to develop and update the mechanisms of the GCC joint action, the Speaker of the FNC, Mohammed Al Murr, said. Led by the President Sheikh Khalifa, Mr Al Murr said: “This glorious anniversary comes at a time when serious developments are unfolding and dangerous challenges are sweeping across the region. The GCC has proven its ability to interact positively to face those challenges and overcome many of the risks and difficulties it encountered. It has also scored prominent and remarkable achievements that contributed effectively to the security, thanks to the support of the GCC leaders and peoples.”
May 26
UAE envoy commissions 45 wells in Tanzania
The UAE Ambassador to Tanzania, Abdullah Al Suwaidi, commissioned 45 wells in Loliondo, in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro district. The wells were dug as part of the UAE Water Aid (Suqia) initiative. Mr Al Suwaidi also announced that an additional 15 wells would be drilled as part of the initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Present at the commissioning were Tanzania’s tourism minister Lazaro Nyalandu, Saeed Al Mazrouei, an ERC representative, and Tanzanian officials and citizens of the district.
Maytha Al Shamsi and US ambassador discuss joint cooperation
Dr Maytha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairwoman of the board of directors of the Marriage Fund, and Barbara Leaf, US ambassador to the UAE, discussed issues related to youth and family building, and joint endeavours in these areas through the exchange of experiences and the preparation of research and studies. During the meeting, Dr Al Shamsi provided a detailed explanation of the role of the Marriage Fund as a social institution dealing with youth and family.
May 27
Forbes magazine ranks Sheikha Lubna 42nd among world’s 100 most powerful women
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, has been ranked 42nd among the world's 100 most powerful women, according to Forbes. Sheikha Lubna, the US business magazine said, was first this year among the most powerful women in Arab countries. Last year, she placed 55th, up from 67th in 2013. Sheikha Lubna has contributed to charities in her own time, volunteering with Friends of Cancer Patients Society, and serving on the board of directors for the Dubai Autism Centre. In 2004, she became the first woman in UAE history to assume a cabinet position when she was appointed Minister of Foreign Trade.
Abdullah bin Zayed leads UAE delegation to 42nd session of OIC Council of Foreign Ministers
Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed headed a UAE delegation to Kuwait to participate in the 42nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was launched today. In his opening speech at the two-day ministerial meeting, held under the theme Joint Vision in Promoting Tolerance and Rejecting Terrorism, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Kuwaiti emir, reiterated his country’s position in condemning the terrorist attack on a mosque in Saudi Arabia, which claimed more than 20 victims. He stressed Kuwait’s support to all actions Saudi Arabia undertakes to confront terrorism and maintain its security.
