Tag: UAE Records

SHARJAH, U.A.E: Warsaw International Book Fair 2026 opens with Sharjah as its first-ever Arab Guest of Honour

In the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Sharjah officially opened its participation on Thursday as the first Arab Guest of Honour in the history of the Warsaw International Book Fair.

The emirate has brought to the European city a cultural project it has built over five decades, presenting a contemporary image of Emirati and Arab culture at one of Central Europe’s leading cultural events.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi joined Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Marshal of Sejm of the Republic of Poland; the lower house of the Polish parliament, Marta Cienkowska, Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage; Dorota Malinowska-Grupińska, Chairwoman of the Warsaw City Council, and Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Polish Senate; at the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the fair, which runs until 31 May at the National Stadium in Warsaw.

Following the ribbon-cutting, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi attended the opening ceremony, where she conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wishes for the fair’s continued success.

She said His Highness has devoted his life to culture because he believes books create the kind of dialogue that allows civilisations to meet with dignity and depth. She recalled the Sharjah Ruler’s words: “Dialogue between civilisations is not an option, but a necessity. And culture is not an inheritance we keep to ourselves, but a noble bridge through which we connect with others.”

Sheikha Bodour added that Sharjah is proud to be the Guest of Honour in a country that understands language as memory, identity and continuity. Describing Warsaw as a city shaped by history and renewed by culture, she said it reminds us that culture does not merely survive history, but has the power to transform it.

She added that Arab and Polish cultures share a deep understanding of literature’s role, noting that poetry in both traditions remains central to how societies understand themselves and express memory, values and belonging across generations.

Sheikha Bodour said Sharjah’s theme at the fair, “Two Civilisations. One Language of Letters”, celebrates difference and reflects the belief that civilisations do not have to resemble one another to understand one another; they only need to approach each other with patience, curiosity and empathy.

In closing, she said that Sharjah comes to Warsaw not only with its stories but also with an open invitation to read one another, translate one another, and imagine together. She expressed hope that the fair would spark a dialogue that continues long after its conclusion and grows stronger between Warsaw and Sharjah.

Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, said it was a cultural honour to welcome Sharjah as the Guest of Honour of Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, and described the emirate’s participation as a valuable cultural contribution that reflects the growing ties between Poland and the UAE.

He said books remain a powerful tool for fostering understanding and dialogue between cultures, while publishers continue to play a vital role in preserving and sharing knowledge across societies.

In her keynote, Marta Cienkowska, Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage, thanked Sheikha Bodour for her remarks at the opening ceremony and praised Sharjah’s appreciation of Polish culture and history. She said cultural exchange remains a powerful means of fostering dialogue and understanding between peoples, adding that the Warsaw International Book Fair plays a vital role in connecting readers, writers and publishers with Poland’s cultural scene.

Dorota Malinowska-Grupińska, Chairwoman of the Warsaw City Council, said Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour highlights the role of books and publishing in fostering cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. As a publisher herself, she said books serve not only as cultural products but also as a means of human connection and exchange, adding that Sharjah’s presence in Warsaw brings a new dimension to dialogue with the Arab world.

For his part, Jacek Oryl, Director of the Warsaw International Book Fair, said Sharjah’s selection as Guest of Honour marks a significant moment in the fair’s history and reflects growing cultural ties between Poland and the UAE. He added that the emirate’s participation offers visitors insight into Arab and Emirati culture through its literature, arts, thought and living heritage.

Sheikha Bodour led an official tour of the Sharjah pavilion alongside Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, joined by distinguished guests including Dr. Tomasz Makowski, Director of the National Library of Poland; and Grzegorz Jankowicz, Director of the Polish Book Institute, alongside publishers and representatives of cultural institutions from Poland and across Europe.

During the tour, visitors were introduced to key initiatives and programmes that reflect Sharjah’s cultural project, including works presented by Emirati publishers, initiatives led by the emirate’s cultural institutions, and heritage and artistic activities featured as part of Sharjah’s participation in the fair.

The fair’s inaugural day featured the IKAR Publishing Season Awards ceremony, organised by the fair. This year’s Ikar Award was presented to Polish author Professor Stefan Chwin in recognition of his literary and humanitarian contributions, and his role in defending human values and cultural memory in contemporary Polish literature.

The IKAR Publishing Season Awards also honoured Piotr Dobrołęcki, who received the Author award for his contributions to Poland’s cultural and literary scene, while Wydawnictwo Czarne received the Publisher award for its role in enriching the country’s publishing industry and bringing influential literary and intellectual works to readers. The Bookstore award went to Księgarnia Artystyczna Firmin w Gdańsku for its efforts to promote reading culture and strengthen the presence of books in community life.

This year’s Warsaw International Book Fair features more than 1,200 cultural and professional events, reinforcing its position as one of Central Europe’s leading cultural platforms. Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour presents a model for Arab cultural engagement built on dialogue, openness and the strengthening of connections between peoples through literature, arts, and knowledge.

Over four days, Sharjah is presenting on its 400-square-metre pavilion, an institutional and creative presence reflecting the diversity of the UAE’s cultural landscape, with the participation of 21 cultural, academic and media institutions, 36 Emirati writers, poets, academics and artists, alongside 15 Polish participants, in a programme based on direct dialogue between Arab and Polish cultural experiences and placing books at the heart of exchange between peoples.

Sharjah’s participation includes 35 cultural events, featuring 28 panel discussions, four poetry evenings, and three children’s workshops, held across the fairgrounds, the University of Warsaw, and the Grochoteka Public Library, in addition to 18 musical performances by the Sharjah National Band at the Warsaw National Theatre. These performances introduce fair visitors and audiences across Warsaw to the elements of traditional Emirati arts through a programme that links written knowledge with immersive cultural experience.

Sharjah will also be activating public spaces, libraries and theatres, transforming Warsaw into an open platform introducing audiences to the history and contemporary Emirati and Arab culture.

As a key part of the programme, the project Tasawurat (“Visions”) brings together 10 artists and designers from the UAE and Poland to produce works inspired by Arabic and Polish poetry, exploring themes including humanity, nature, the sea, and existential reflection. It combines elements of Arabic poetic tradition with poster art, a defining feature of Poland’s visual culture.

The emirate’s pavilion comprises a showcase of cultural and academic institutions.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

ABU DHABI, U.A.E : Sheikh Zayed Book Award names 2026 winners and outlines plans for 20th anniversary

Authors, scholars and institutions from Arab world and beyond honoured as Abu Dhabi prize celebrates two decades of cultural influence.

The 2026 winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award were announced on Friday, marking two decades of one of the Arab world’s most influential literary prizes.

Established in 2006 and held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed, the award has grown into a fixture on the region’s cultural calendar, drawing submissions from across the world and supporting the global reach of Arabic literature.

This year’s winners reflect that international scope, with recipients from countries including Egypt, Morocco, Germany and the UAE.

Egyptian writer Ashraf Elashmawy took the Literature prize for his novel Births in the Zoo, a work that explores shifts in Egyptian society through closely observed, character-driven storytelling. Moroccan researcher Mustapha Rajouane won in the Young Author category for a study examining how rhetoric shapes narrative in the modern Arabic novel.

In Translation, Iraqi-American scholar Nawal Nasrallah has been recognised for her English edition of a 13th-century Arabic culinary text, bringing a complex historical manuscript to a wider readership. Jordanian academic Zuhair Tawfiq received the Literary and Art Criticism award for his study of how Arab and western cultures have historically imagined one another.

German writer and translator Stefan Weidner won in the Arab Culture in Other Languages category for a major anthology of pre-Islamic Arabic poetry, while the Emirates Literature Foundation was honoured for its role in developing the UAE’s literary scene and supporting readers and writers.

The Encyclopaedias and Lexicons category went to Egyptian academic Mohamed Elkhosht for his six-volume Encyclopaedia of World Religions, and veteran Egyptian singer Nagat Al Saghira was named Cultural Personality of the Year, recognising a career that has helped shape modern Arabic song and language.

More than 4,000 submissions were received from 74 countries, underlining the award’s growing international profile. Since its launch, it has attracted more than 33,000 entries and honoured 136 winners, including writers, translators and cultural institutions.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak , chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the award continues to build on the UAE’s long-standing investment in culture and knowledge, while Ali bin Tamim, secretary general of the award, described it as a platform that has helped shape contemporary Arabic literary and research landscapes.

A programme of events is planned throughout the year to mark the award’s 20th anniversary. Winners will be honoured at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi, with Al Saghira receiving Dh1 million for being Cultural Personality of the Year, and other category winners awarded Dh750,000 each.

source/content: nationalnews.com (headline edited)

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From left, Nawal Nasrallah, Ashraf Elashmawy and Stefan Weidner are among the winners of the 20th edition. Photo: Sheikh Zayed Book Award

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EGYPT / IRAQ / JORDAN / MOROCCO / U.A.E

DUBAI Customs leads global digital innovation, earns 3 top accreditations

 Dubai Customs has continued its excellence in service innovation by obtaining three prestigious international accreditations from the Global Innovation Institute in the United States. This milestone once again highlights its ability to develop an advanced customs ecosystem built on innovation, proactivity and value creation.

The three accreditations covered high-impact projects representing a qualitative leap in service development: automation of vehicle clearance certificates, the mega X-ray scanner and the attestation service in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Two projects were classified at Level 2, which focuses on enhancing services to increase competitive value, while the third achieved Level 3—the institute’s highest classification—due to its strategic value in expanding service scope and strengthening long-term sustainability.

Atiq Al Mehairi, Executive Director of the Customs Development Division at Dubai Customs, stated that this global achievement reflects the organisation’s ability to translate its strategic vision into tangible results. By adopting advanced digital solutions, Dubai Customs has improved operational efficiency, accelerated procedures and enhanced trade flow. The accredited projects also represent a leading model in leveraging technology to support the business environment and reinforce Dubai’s position as a pivotal global hub in supply chains and international trade.

He added that Dubai Customs continues to develop an integrated suite of digital services that keeps pace with global changes and supports the competitiveness of the national economy. Investment in innovation and institutional capability development remains a fundamental pillar for achieving global leadership and strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading trade and logistics hub.

Dr. Hussam Juma, Director of Service Innovation Department at Dubai Customs, affirmed that this achievement is a significant addition to the organisation’s record and reflects renewed international confidence in its ability to develop services in line with the highest standards. He noted that Dubai Customs is steadily enhancing its global presence by investing in talent and fostering a work environment that encourages creativity and supports the adoption of innovative solutions.

He further emphasised that Dubai Customs continues to implement ambitious development initiatives based on adopting the latest technologies and automating customs procedures. These efforts contribute to improving operational efficiency, increasing customer satisfaction and supporting the Dubai Government’s direction towards delivering proactive and innovative services that meet future expectations.

Dubai Customs previously achieved a major milestone by obtaining the Certified Government Organisation – Excellence Level accreditation from the same institute in 2023. It became the first government entity in Dubai and the first customs authority globally to receive this prestigious classification, further confirming its leadership in delivering innovative government services aligned with global best practices.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

DUBAI, U.A.E. : Mohammed bin Rashid visits world’s largest privately owned dates factory Al Barakah Dates Factory at Dubai Industrial City

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, visited Al Barakah Dates Factory, the world’s largest privately-owned dates factory located in Dubai Industrial City.

The facility spans over 800,000 square feet, with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes, one of the market leaders for packaging and processing dates in the world.

During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for advanced food industries through innovation, stronger production chains, and boosting the competitiveness of national products. He noted that the dates industry is a successful example of turning the country’s agricultural heritage into a modern, high-value-added sector that supports the economy and enhances food security.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE continues to invest in key sectors that impact people’s lives, especially the food sector, and is developing its national industries to be more globally competitive through advanced technologies, higher production efficiency, and expanded access to international markets.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed added that the dates industry is part of the UAE’s identity and heritage, and its development reflects a vision of turning resources into sustainable opportunities.

He also said humanitarian initiatives in the sector, including efforts to combat malnutrition, reflect the UAE’s commitment to improving lives and addressing global food security challenges.

During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, accompanied by Malek Al Malek, Chairman of TECOM Group, was briefed by the factory founder Saleem Mohammed and his son Yousuf Saleem Mohammed, Managing Director, on production lines, manufacturing and packaging stages, as well as the factory’s range of products.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the global reach of the factory’s products, which are exported to 97 countries, with the US, the UK, and EU among the key markets.

The factory is located in Dubai Industrial City, part of TECOM Group’s industrial parks, which was launched in 2004. The Dubai Industrial City hosts over 350 factories and more than 17,000 employees, and is strategically located near Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Etihad Rail’s freight terminal, ensuring strong logistics connectivity. The factory reflects private sector success in the food industry, and was founded by businessman Saleem Mohammed, who began his career in Dubai in 1983 before moving into dates trading and processing in the 1990s.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E : Emirati CEO of GSU recognised as pioneer of Arab–African cooperation

The African media organisation Financial Afrik, during the current edition of its annual conference hosted by the Gambian capital Banjul, selected Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of the UAE-based company Global South Utilities, as a pioneer of Arab–African cooperation, as part of a list of 100 influential African figures in the fields of economy, investment, and development, in recognition of his role in supporting sustainable energy projects and promoting long-term investment across the African continent.

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia received Alshimmari and expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s support and investments in the continent.

This recognition marks the second of its kind that Alshimmari has received within a few months. In September, he was awarded the Officer of the National Order of Chad by Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, one of the country’s highest honors, making him the first foreign company CEO to receive this distinction from the Chadian president. The award recognised Alshimmari’s commitment to delivering the Noor Chad Solar Power Plant in record time.

Alshimmari has emerged as one of the UAE’s prominent young executives in the renewable energy sector. He previously held senior positions at Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Masdar, and worked on cross-border renewable energy projects, before assuming leadership of Global South Utilities, a subsidiary of Resources Investment Group in Abu Dhabi.

Following the award ceremony, Alshimmari said, “In Africa, energy is neither a luxury nor a technical issue. When electricity reaches an African village, it is not just lighting, but life in motion. Schools operate, clinics remain open, and the economy moves. This is the Africa we are working for.”

Alshimmari recently stated during the Global South Utilities Forum, hosted as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, that, “In the Global South, sustainability is not a vision of the future-it is the price of delay, paid today,” adding that, “While much of the world debates sustainability in the Global South, the UAE is busy building it.”

The company is currently implementing several renewable energy projects in a number of African countries, including Madagascar, the Central African Republic, the Comoros Islands, and Chad, contributing to improving local production capacity and supporting economic stability.

Global South Utilities aims to reach a production capacity of 750 megawatts by 2027, having so far financed projects with a total capacity of nearly 400 megawatts, including projects implemented within the African continent.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E.)

ALGERIA / EGYPT / LEBANON / MOROCCO / PALESTINE / SYRIA / DUBAI, U.A.E : Mohammed bin Rashid honours winners of 2025 edition of Great Arab Minds initiative

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the six winners of the Great Arab Minds 2025 edition at the Museum of the Future in Dubai.

Great Arab Minds is the largest Arab initiative dedicated to celebrating outstanding Arab achievement, highlighting contributions to advance human civilisation, support the expansion of scientific and knowledge-based endeavours, and showcasing the creative impact of Arab talent across the region and globally.

His Highness affirmed that the Great Arab Minds initiative was designed to expand the horizons for established and emerging Arab talent, nurturing and investing in their potential; recognise Arab achievement across research, development, innovation, technology, culture, and architecture; and to reinforce a culture of pride and sustained support for Arab individuals who have inspired significant progress in key fields.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today, we honour Great Arab Minds in recognition of achievements that advance civilisation and build societies. From the Museum of the Future in Dubai, we reaffirm our support for Arab talent committed to innovation, creativity, and excellence.”

His Highness further said, “We congratulate the winners of the Great Arab Minds 2025: Professor Abbas El Gamal in the Engineering and Technology category, Dr. Nabil Seidah in the Medicine category, Professor Badi Hani in the Economics category, Professor Majed Chergui in the Natural Sciences category, Dr. Suad Amiry in the Architecture and Design category, and Professor Charbel Dagher in the Literature and Arts category. We encourage them to continue their journey of achievement and contribution, serving as true role models for younger generations in our region and around the world, inspiring them to shape a better future through science and knowledge.”

His Highness expressed his confidence in the ability of Arab talent to drive progress in scientific research, knowledge creation, and the cultural sector, supported by expertise, institutional support, and the ambition of young people across the region.

Focused on a better future

Sheikh Mohammed noted that the Great Arab Minds initiative will continue to highlight the achievements of Arab individuals who look to the future with optimism and pursue ambitions that recognise no limits.

The awards ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture); and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chair of the Higher Committee for the Great Arab Minds initiative, was among numerous ministers and senior officials in attendance along with scientists, academics and diplomats.

His Excellency Al Gergawi stated that the Great Arab Minds initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed represents a profound recognition of Arab achievement across disciplines, and a significant strategic investment in empowering talent and encouraging renewed contributions to Arab intellectual and scientific progress.

He added that the Great Arab Minds initiative embodies Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to inspire confidence in Arab capabilities and motivate individuals to take an active role in shaping their societies and the future of a region that has long contributed to human civilisation through science, literature, thought, and architecture.

‘Powerful message’

He praised the achievements of the Great Arab Minds awardees across medicine, engineering, technology, sciences, architecture, arts, and literature, saying, “Your presence today on the Great Arab Minds 2025 platform at the Museum of the Future sends a powerful message to hundreds of millions of young people to pursue excellence, achievement, and leadership in research, innovation, creativity, and knowledge, and to help shape a brighter future for Arab and human civilisation.”

The award recognised one winner in each of its six categories: Medicine, Economics, Engineering and Technology, Natural Sciences, Architecture and Design, and Literature and Arts.

In Medicine, Dr. Nabil Seidah was honoured for his medical and research achievements in cardiovascular health and cholesterol regulation.

In Economics, Professor Badi Hani was awarded for his pioneering contributions to econometrics and the development of economic analysis tools, particularly in panel data analysis. His work enabled more accurate and in-depth analysis by combining data across multiple time periods and sources.

In Engineering and Technology, Professor Abbas El Gamal was awarded for his pioneering contributions to network information theory.

In Natural Sciences, Professor Majed Chergui was honoured for his contributions to understanding light-matter interactions, developing techniques and applications that enable the study of ultrafast molecular and material dynamics at the atomic level.

In Architecture and Design, Dr. Suad Amiry was honoured for her contributions to preserving Palestinian architectural heritage through documentation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historical buildings.

In Literature and Arts, Professor Charbel Dagher was honoured for a body of work that constitutes a key reference in the study of Arab and Islamic arts, Arabic calligraphy, and modern visual arts.

Professor Abbas El Gamal said, “I extend my sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his vision in launching Great Arab Minds. Being honoured in this way is deeply meaningful to me.”

Professor Majed Chergui said, “I am Algerian of Syrian origin, born in Morocco and raised in Algeria and Lebanon. In this way, the Arab world comes together in who I am. For me personally, this award is not only the highest recognition of my achievements; it touches me deeply because it comes from an Arab country.”

Dr. Suad Amiry said, “In 1981, when I decided to live in the city of Ramallah, my aim was to study traditional architecture in rural Palestine. Ten years later, I founded the Riwaq Centre, which since then has been dedicated to documenting, restoring, and rehabilitating architectural heritage in Palestine. Winning this award is a great honour for me and for the Riwaq Centre.”

Professor Badi Hani said: “This award recognises not only my work, but also the people and places that shaped me, my family, my mentors, my city, and the Arab world that nurtured my earliest aspirations.”

Dr. Nabil Seidah said, “My father’s adage, that knowledge is something no one can ever take away from you, has been the principle that guided me throughout my journey. Your trust represents a powerful motivation for Arab scientists to serve as role models for future generations, and I pledge to continue serving science with the same passion that has always driven me.”

Professor Charbel Dagher said: “Commitment to the Arabic language has remained a defining hallmark of everything I have done: teaching, writing, and research, to the point that I live within Arabic itself. We cannot exist outside our language or our culture. Allow me to share this award with those who supported me, and my gratitude extends to everyone who has worked and continues to work to ensure that Arabic remains a living language of science, knowledge, and culture.”

The awardees were chosen by six high-level specialised committees, one for each category. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, chaired the Economics Committee; Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, chaired the Engineering and Technology Committee; Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, chaired the Literature and Arts Committee; Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences headed the Medicine Committee; Professor Sehamuddin Galadari, Senior Vice Provost-Research and Managing Director of the Research Institute at New York University Abu Dhabi chaired the Natural Sciences Committee; Professor Hashim Sarkis, Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology chaired the Architecture and Design Committee.

In addition to the committee chairs, the specialised committees also included Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Center; Dr Mohammed Madhi, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at UAE University; Dr Rabah Arezki, Chief Economist for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region at the World Bank and Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government; Ferid Belhaj, Fellow at the Policy Center for the New South; and Dr Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund.

The committees also included Professor Ismael Al Hinti, President of Al Hussein Technical University; Adel Darwish, Regional Director of the International Telecommunication Union; Dr Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandria; His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of Dubai Health Authority; Professor Elias Zerhouni, Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins University; Dr Noureddine Melikechi Dean of the Kennedy College of Sciences and Professor of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Lowell; Professor Nader Masmoudi, Professor at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University Abu Dhabi; Dr Latifa Elouadrhiri Laboratory Directed Research Staff Scientist at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility; and Professor Dr Jehane Ragai, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at The American University in Cairo.

The specialised committees also included Dr Adrian Lahoud, Dean of the School of Architecture at the Royal College of Art; and Professor Ali Malkawi, Professor of Architectural Technology, Director of the Doctor of Design Studies Program, and Founding Director of the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities.

The Nominations Committee included Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs; Chucrallah Haddad, Partner and Head of Advisory at KPMG Lower Gulf; Abdulsalam Haykal, President and Founder of Majarra Company; Ali Matar, Head of LinkedIn Middle East and North Africa and Emerging Markets in Africa and Europe; and Saeed Al Nazari, Secretary-General of the Great Arab Minds Initiative.

Widely known as the ‘Arab Nobel,’ the Great Arab Minds initiative recognises distinguished Arab achievement and highlights extraordinary contributions that reflect the region’s historic role in advancing knowledge and human progress globally. For a third consecutive edition, the initiative continues to strengthen its position as a platform for celebrating Arab creators and as a point of reference for promising Arab talent, by highlighting achievements that inspire young people and contribute to expanding Arab participation in global knowledge and civilisational advancement.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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ALGERIA / DUBAI, U.A.E / EGYPT / FRANCE/ LEBANON / MOROCCO / PALESTINE / SWITZERLAND / SYRIA / U.S.A

EGYPT : SHARJAH, U.A.E : Sharjah Ruler honours Egyptian literary Mohamed Salmawy at 44th SIBF opening

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair on Wednesday, where he honoured Egyptian writer and playwright Mohamed Salmawy as the Cultural Personality of the Year.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

In his keynote address, Sheikh Sultan welcomed guests and the delegation from Greece, this year’s Guest of Honour, noting that Sharjah is marking 100 years since the establishment of its first library, a milestone he said reflects the emirate’s enduring commitment to knowledge and culture.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan honoured Egyptian writer and playwright Mohamed Salmawy, naming him the Cultural Personality of the Year in recognition of his distinguished literary career and contributions to Arab theatre, fiction, and cultural life.

In his acceptance speech, Salmawy expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying: “Sharjah honoured me and all Arab intellectuals when it first honoured the written word over four decades ago by founding this book fair as a celebration of thought and knowledge. It honoured us again when it built museums, hosted exhibitions and conferences to celebrate our heritage and contemporary arts. Sharjah chose to embrace culture and has rightfully become one of the most important beacons of cultural enlightenment in the Arab world.”

“Our gathering here at the Sharjah International Book Fair is a renewed call to continue along the path of faith in culture and ideas—through words and books. It is a call to believe in the unity of the Arab human spirit—from Egypt to the UAE, from Yemen to Morocco, from Syria to Somalia. This meeting reminds us of the role of the Arab intellectual—not as a mere observer of his time, but as an active, influential force responsible for lighting the way amid the darkness some would impose upon us,” he added.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of the Turjuman Award to Dr Ondřej Beránek for his Czech translation of The Mission of Ibn Fadlan, published by Academia Publishing House in the Czech Republic. Organized by the SBA, the AED 1.4 million prize is the world’s most valuable award for the translation of an original Arabic work into another language.

The Ruler of Sharjah also announced the completion of the first phase of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, which aims to document Arabic and Islamic sciences, literature, and the humanities, including biographies of scholars, philosophers, writers, linguists, poets, rulers, and thinkers from the dawn of Arab history through the Islamic civilization.

He said the team, working under the supervision of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, has completed 44 volumes covering linguistic and religious sciences, with the second phase, focused on the humanities, expected to be finalized next year.

Representing Greece, Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Culture Jason Fotilas expressed deep gratitude to Sheikh Sultan, highlighting the centuries-old cultural ties between Greece and the Arab world and thanking Sharjah for choosing Greece for this year’s edition.

In a related event, the Egyptian General Book Organization (EGBO) will host a special book signing for Salmawy on 6 November at 4pm at its pavilion within the fair. Organized by Egypt’s Ministry of Culture, the event will honour one of the Arab world’s most distinguished literary figures and celebrate his lifetime achievements.

A distinguished gathering of Arab and Egyptian writers, intellectuals, and media figures will attend the ceremony, where Salmawy will sign several of his notable works published by EGBO, including The Fairy, Beyond the Moon, The Last Station, and his memoir My Journey, which chronicles his rich literary and cultural life.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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EGYPT / SHARJAH, U.A.E

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES University registers a patent for an innovative graphite compound extracted from date syrup

The United Arab Emirates University announced that it has obtained a new patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the field of environmental science and renewable energy, which is the invention of a carbon nitride graphite compound supported by date syrup.

This patent represents an important step in the development of photocatalytic technologies for converting water into hydrogen using light, which represents a significant advance in sustainable energy technology.

The innovative compound, developed by a team of researchers at the United Arab Emirates University, including PhD student Malath Sulaiman, under the supervision of Dr. Mohammed Taher, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, uses date syrup as an aid to accelerate the photocatalytic process. The compound is manufactured by mixing carbon nitride graphite with date syrup at high temperatures, which improves the efficiency of converting water into hydrogen.

Dr. Mohammed Taher, the project’s principal investigator, explained: “We are proud of this invention, which reflects the United Arab Emirates University’s commitment to innovation in the field of renewable energy. By combining date syrup with carbon nitride graphite, we were able to develop an effective material that can greatly enhance the photocatalytic process, helping to address the challenges of climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.”

This discovery is the result of ongoing efforts by researchers at the United Arab Emirates University, who are working on developing innovative solutions to environmental and energy challenges. Initial studies have confirmed that the new compound is capable of generating hydrogen with high efficiency, opening up new and wide-ranging applications in the field of clean energy and green hydrogen production, and represents a promising step towards enhancing the UAE’s position in the renewable energy sector globally. 

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

The UAE’s Permanent Representative Engineer Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi to ICAO is appointed Vice-President of the Council, October 2025

 The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) elected Engineer Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the ICAO, as Vice-President of the Council.


A press release issued today by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) stated that the election of the UAE’s representative confirms the UAE’s leading position in the international civil aviation sector and reflects the great confidence it enjoys from member states on the ICAO Council, as well as the appreciation for its prominent role in supporting ICAO’s efforts aimed at enhancing the safety, security, and sustainability of the global aviation sector.


His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, said that the election of the UAE’s representative to this high-profile position reflects the international appreciation of the country’s contributions to the development of civil aviation policies. It also underscores the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its active participation within the ICAO Council and contributing more strongly to the formulation of decisions affecting the global aviation sector, reflecting its ambitious vision for international cooperation and leadership in this field.


For his part, Engineer Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, the UAE’s representative to ICAO, expressed his pride in this international assignment, stressing that his election represents a significant responsibility and an opportunity to continue strengthening the UAE’s presence within the organization and support international efforts aimed at developing the civil aviation sector according to the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

U.A.E. : EDGE signs agreements with Hungarian company 4iG to develop defense solutions for European and African markets

EDGE, the world’s leading advanced technology and defence group, and 4iG Aerospace, the leading ICT, space and defence industries group in Hungary and the Western Balkans, have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to establish significant and wide-ranging industrial cooperation between the UAE and Hungary.

During a state visit by an official UAE delegation to Hungary, EDGE and 4iG signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enabling a broad technology partnership for the joint development and marketing of advanced defense systems, including EDGE’s Skyknight air defense missile system, Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 cruise munitions, and Vega and Orion autonomous air traffic control solutions.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “Our goal, through strengthening partnerships with  partners like 4iG, is to help countries develop and adopt advanced sovereign defense technology and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape calls for renewal programs to leverage the latest autonomous technologies and counter rapidly evolving airborne threats. This collaboration enhances EDGE Group’s ability to continue delivering competitive, NATO-compliant, and export-ready solutions, in support of Hungary’s national objectives and as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.

For his part, 4iG CEO Istvan Šarhigyi said: “The agreements signed today represent a significant achievement in 4iG’s international efforts in the defense sector. By partnering with one of the world’s fastest-growing defense technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success in European and African markets on a mutually beneficial basis. EDGE Group’s trust and openness provide Hungary with the opportunity to transform into a strategic player in the global defense innovation ecosystem.

Under the first agreement, the two companies will establish a broad technology partnership to jointly develop and explore cross-market opportunities for next-generation autonomous aerial systems (AAAS), counter-AAAS solutions, and space technologies in Central and Eastern Europe and Africa.

The agreement also covers the possibility of establishing a joint venture. The second agreement focuses on the potential development and production of the Sky Knight domestically deployable air defense missile system and the Shadow high-precision cruise munition series in Hungary.


The third and final agreement aims to provide EDGE’s Vega autonomous air traffic management and Orion drone swarm management systems to the European market, with the potential for joint development of air traffic control solutions. The MoU also includes an evaluation of the possibility of establishing a joint venture as a European development and sales center for the Vega and Orion systems.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)