Abu Dhabi Police's Ramadan cannon is a link to nation's past
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Sharjah 24
06-08-2025
- Sharjah 24
Housing Department promotes family stability in 'Al Qutaina 1'
Architectural diversity Speaking exclusively to Sharjah 24, Hamad Saleh Al Hammadi confirmed that "Al Qutaina 1" project offers architectural diversity, allowing beneficiaries to choose one of three design facades: local, modern, or Islamic. This is before they enter an electronic lottery to determine the location of their home within the project. The department has reinforced this approach with streamlined procedures, communicating directly with beneficiaries and inviting them to its headquarters to receive keys and complete transactions quickly and efficiently, embodying its commitment to facilitating government services. Safe and comfortable housing The Head of the Media Department pointed to the technical support provided by the department to beneficiaries. The Planning and Survey Department team provided detailed maps of each home, while a field follow-up team was formed to visit families after receipt and inspect the homes to ensure their readiness for safe and comfortable housing. The project is the first of several phases embodying institutional integration that seeks to improve the quality of residential life through designs that meet families' needs while preserving their privacy. Al Hammadi added that the delivery of the first phase reflects the project's rapid completion and the department's commitment to the planned timeline. He noted that subsequent phases will witness further improvements and design options, meeting citizens' aspirations and enhancing the level of housing services in the emirate. Integrated quality of life Al Hammadi concluded his statement by emphasising that the Sharjah Housing Department will continue to work on delivering the next phases according to the highest construction and technical standards, ensuring the sustainability of housing and promoting family stability. This translates the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to build a community that enjoys an integrated quality of life.
Sharjah 24
04-08-2025
- Sharjah 24
"Hasad Volunteer" wraps up its 31st edition with a big turnout
This year, around 292 volunteers took part, which included 245 children and 47 adult volunteers who helped run various programs and activities throughout the Sharjah area, including places like Sharjah City, Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid, Al Bataeh, Mleiha, Al Madam, Khorfakkan, Kalba, and Dibba Al Hisn. The main goal of the camp is to teach kids the importance of volunteering and make good use of their school break by helping them develop their skills. It also aims to create a sense of belonging and responsibility through various community, cultural, humanitarian, and fun activities, all done in collaboration with several local government and private organizations. Hessa Al Hammadi, who directs the Community Cohesion Department at the Social Services Department, highlighted how popular the camp is among children. She mentioned that it provides an exciting learning space where kids can build self-confidence, work together, and develop a strong sense of national pride. The programs are designed with kids' age in mind and focus on teaching moral values and tolerance that have been passed down through generations. Al Hammadi also pointed out that the "Hasad" camp is hosted three times a year during school breaks, and it stands out as a major initiative that helps raise a generation that is aware and eager to help their community. She praised the contributions from both government and private partners who supported the camp's programs, ensuring a successful experience for everyone involved. The activities at the camp covered a variety of topics like the environment, social life, culture, religion, heritage, and knowledge. Participants also took part in workshops that focused on values, teamwork, and the importance of helping one another. To foster cooperation and leadership skills, the kids were divided into groups and guided by volunteer leaders. Overall, the "Hasad" camp continues to play a vital role in encouraging a culture of volunteering among young people, preparing them to uphold strong community values and to engage positively as they grow up.
Al Etihad
31-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Inside Museum 1185: Keepsakes from a life of honour and service to UAE
1 Aug 2025 00:07 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)What began as a simple effort to gather keepsakes from a distinguished career in public service — medals, certificates, gifts, and souvenirs — soon evolved into something greater. As he retraced his journey, Dr. Obaid Al Ketbi realised it was no longer just his story, but part of the nation's. All the mementos from Dr. Al Ketbi's 43-year career - spanning the UAE Armed Forces, the Abu Dhabi Police, and diplomatic posts - are now preserved in Museum 1185, situated right within his home in the UAE capital. 'The idea of establishing Museum 1185 stemmed from my conviction that every human experience has value and deserves to be preserved and narrated,' Dr. Al Ketbi told Aletihad . The museum's name itself holds deep emotional significance for Dr. Al Ketbi. 'The number 1185 has been my travelling companion from the very start. It has been my military ID number since 1977, and it has lived with me and in me as a number of belonging,' he said. 'After a very long process, I find that naming the museum by this number is the least we can offer in gratitude and in loyalty for a journey that started on support of the state and concluded also with a message of love and gratitude.' Inside, more than 15,000 items are on display. These include a Guinness-verified world record medal; more than 150 official awards and medals, such as the Stevie Awards from the US, the General Secretariat of the GCC, and the Golden Lion Award from Italy; and memorabilia from more than 160 countries. The museum features rare and meaningful artefacts - from military documents and communication tools to medals, photos, and official gifts. 'It also features communication tools, documents, and images that chronicle pivotal moments in the UAE's history and the journey of its leaders,' he 1185 is a reflection of Dr. Al Ketbi's illustrious career. Dr. Al Ketbi's journey began in 1977 when he graduated from Zayed II Military College and started a journey of public service spanning 43 years. He climbed the ranks of the UAE Armed Forces to attain the rank of Major General, occupied key positions as Chief of Logistics Staff, and commanded humanitarian operations in Iraq, Kosovo, and Lebanon. His leadership role was also reflected in the police hierarchy as Deputy Chief of Police Officer at Abu Dhabi Police and member of the Executive Council, and later in the diplomatic spectrum as UAE Ambassador to Australia as well as non-resident Ambassador to a number of Pacific states. In 2019, he was named an Assistant Minister for Military and Security Affairs. A Certificate From Sheikh Zayed Among the many meaningful artefacts on display, one holds the most profound emotional value: a princely certificate presented by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 'It is not only a document of honour; it is a symbol of a profound personal and spiritual relationship with the Founding Father of the nation and my spiritual father, who instilled in us the values of loyalty, belonging, and sacrifice.' In order to involve the community, especially the youth, in the museum's activities, it holds workshops, field trips, and events. It works with schools and universities, including NYU Abu Dhabi, and collaborates with the National Library and Archives. 'We place great importance on effective community engagement, particularly with the youth, believing that museums not only serve a documentary role but also play an educational and developmental role,' he said. An Open Invitation to All For Dr. Al Ketbi, the mission of the museum is greater than mere preservation. It is an open door for citizens and visitors from around the world to seek inspiration in the nation and in a man's sense of duty. 'From this point of view, I always try to share this experience with museum visitors ... to let them know that standing on the top only comes from painstaking efforts, toil and loyalty to one's country,' he said. 'The museum is more than a repository of memory; it is an open invitation to all who believe that the experience of one can become a resource for the many,' he added. As one of the few personal and private museums in the UAE, 1185 has a distinctive place in telling the story of the UAE. 'Private museums such as the Museum 1185 help play an important complementary role, a role that tells the story of the nation, the country, and the personal, human side of individuals, supplying a more comprehensive view of national history,' Dr. Al Ketbi said. 'Visitors can experience history through captivating personal stories that are linked to the spirit of the nation.' He noted that the museum is a cultural oasis that seeks to advance national pride and national values. 'Museum 1185 equally embodies a living testament to cultural diplomacy, showcasing to its cross-visiting audiences from all over the world the fundamental legacy upon which the UAE was established: Tolerance, giving and cultural openness towards the rest of the world,' Dr. Al Ketbi said. Going Smart, Going Global Dr. Al Ketbi hopes to increase the accessibility and dynamism of the museum with the use of technology. Plans include a dedicated mobile app, holographic displays, 360° virtual tours, as well as a mobile exhibition that will bring the museum's message to schools and international cultural events. 'We believe in the importance of integrating modern technology into the museum experience,' he said. 'We are also working on launching an app that will allow visitors to learn about the story of each piece using their personal mobile phones. We also have plans for a mobile exhibition that will carry the museum's message to schools and communities across the UAE, and even abroad.' Building Great History Dr. Al Ketbi aspires for Museum 1185 to become a leading cultural centre for telling human and national stories, and a platform for intergenerational dialogue.'I want it to inspire young Emiratis to carry their passion and identity confidently into the future,' he said. 'The legacy I hope the museum will leave behind is to stand as a testament that serving one's country is not a job, but an honour and a responsibility. And that every sincere effort, no matter how small, contributes to building a great history. I want every young Emirati who visits the museum to feel they have a role and a place in this ongoing narrative,' he said.
