President Sheikh Mohamed welcomes delegation from UAE Pilgrims' Affairs Office
Sheikh Mohamed praised the office's work in providing support to UAE pilgrims, from their arrival at the holy sites to their safe return home, reported state news agency Wam.
During the meeting, held at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed was briefed on the initiatives and programmes implemented by the office in serving pilgrims and ensuring their well-being while in Saudi Arabia.
He was also updated on the office's plans to further develop initiatives 'to better organise and manage the affairs of UAE pilgrims in the coming years'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
26 minutes ago
- UAE Moments
Ancient Christian Cross Discovered at an Abu Dhabi Island
Archaeologists from Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism have uncovered a 1,400-year-old Christian cross moulded on stucco on Sir Bani Yas Island, marking a significant milestone in the emirate's archaeological resurgence. The find emerged from renewed excavations that began in January at a long-studied church and monastery site on the island's eastern side. The cross, measuring approximately 27 cm in length, 17 cm in width, and 2 cm in thickness, was discovered face-down within courtyard houses that are thought to have housed monks. When flipped over, it revealed a beautifully preserved image—possibly placed on a wall and revered by worshippers. Its design is richly detailed, incorporating regional motifs such as a representation of Golgotha, floral elements, and niche framing, echoing artistic parallels from the Gulf and Mesopotamia. 'This discovery … is a powerful testament to the UAE's profound and enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness,' stated Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, reflecting the find's importance in highlighting the region's shared heritage. Sir Bani Yas Island, now a serene reserve home to gazelles and other wildlife, has been known since 1992 as the site of a 7th–8th century Christian monastery, with evidence of a flourishing monastic community, courtyard dwellings, and evidence of trade stretching across the Arabian Gulf. Archaeologists speculate that the newly excavated buildings housed senior monks in retreat, perhaps for meditation or periods of solitude or served as spiritual sanctuaries for affluent Christians. Features like thick stone walls, water cisterns, and traces of lamp use suggest a deliberate and refined habitational design. With this latest discovery, archaeologists plan further analysis, including radiocarbon dating and additional digs, to deepen understanding of the site. The existing church and monastery are already safeguarded under protective shelters, and a visitor center nearby showcases past finds such as chalices and a scorpion motif seal, offering the public a window into Abu Dhabi's ancient fabric. This ancient Christian cross thus not only offers a tangible link to the UAE's pre-Islamic religious history, but also underscores the enduring legacy of cultural plurality woven into the region's past and present.
The National
26 minutes ago
- The National
Arabic speaking placed front and centre in UAE's government schools
Arabic tests starting from first grade are to be introduced in government schools to gauge pupils' abilities as part of a nationwide push to preserve the language and encourage its wider use. A broader goal is to instil Emirati and Arabic cultural values across all walks of life in the UAE, the Ministry of Education said ahead of the new 2025/2026 academic year. Based on the language testing, plans to enhance the curriculum will be made if and when needed. 'The focus this year is on refining students' abilities and skills, national identity and an increased emphasis on language,' Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, said at a conference at the Zayed Education Complex in Al Warqa on Tuesday. 'Abilities in Arabic will be measured from grade one and improvement plans will be implemented if needed.' The ministry also introduced new criteria for hiring teachers at government schools, which will measure how well they know Emirati culture and society. 'A new psychometric was added when hiring new teachers,' Ms Al Amiri added. "The goal is to see how well the teachers would fit into the cultural environment of the UAE." Second-term exams cancelled The ministry also announced the cancellation of second-term exams, shifting towards continuous evaluation that reflects performance throughout the year. Instead of centralised exams, each school will have the freedom to carry out its own bespoke tests to assess a pupil's performance. The decision is part of broader reforms designed to enhance critical thinking and analytical skills while moving away from traditional high-pressure testing. Learning Arabic Private schools will also instil greater emphasis on Arabic from the 2025/2026 academic term. In June, the ministry mandated that all private schools teach at least 40 minutes of Arabic lessons daily, totalling 200 minutes a week. By 2027-2028, that number will increase to 300 minutes. The ministry said Arabic will be taught by qualified early childhood teachers using approved educational resources and age-appropriate teaching methods, suitable for native and non-native speakers. Under the new policy, Islamic studies will be taught to all Muslim children in kindergarten years for 90 minutes each week, divided into two 45-minute lessons or three each lasting for 30 minutes. Private schools must also include social studies in kindergarten education, which will focus on concepts of family, UAE geography and environment, social values and wider social studies. These will be taught through simplified, play-based approaches throughout the daily school programme, inside and outside the classroom. Mandatory AI classes Ms Al Amiri also explained how new AI classes will be implemented and what it will focus on depending on the student's grade. Announced in May by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the subject is to be introduced across all stages of government education in the UAE. 'The subject will matter on teaching students how to use artificial intelligence in an ethical and responsible way," Ms Al Amiri said. "In the first and second cycle, there will be one class every two weeks focused on raising awareness towards the benefits and potential harms of AI, while on the third cycle it will be focused on using AI effectively." The subject will be taught by the same teachers that teach computer science; they were trained specifically to teach AI for this year. Additionally, there will be a specialised committee that makes sure the subject is being taught effectively. New schools, more teachers The opening of nine new schools, which will welcome more than 25,000 pupils, was also announced alongside 800 new teachers. More than 460 schools have been maintained and equipped, 5,500 buses allocated, more than 10 million textbooks printed and 47,000 laptops distributed, the ministry said. In addition, more than 23,000 educators participated in a specialised training week, totalling around 170 hours across 40 workshops for leaders and teachers, and 20 workshops for support positions. In the next academic year, the Educational Competency Assessment Project will target more than 12,000 cadres across kindergarten and Cycle 1 levels, and 11,000 cadres across cycles 2 and 3 to define clear career paths and empower staff in line with national education system requirements.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Ras Al Khaimah one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, say real estate industry leaders
Ras Al Khaimah is experiencing an unprecedented real estate boom, rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic property markets in the UAE, experts say. The emirate is shaping its skyline as it builds its resilient, diversified economy, in line with its ambitious strategy that centers around sound planning, sustainability, enhancing quality of life for its citizens and residents and world-class developments. In the past three years, property sales and prices have surged in Ras Al Khaimah, driven by a wave of hospitality, commercial and residential projects. Moreover, an expected population growth from 0.4 million to 0.65 million by 2030 is set to generate demand for an estimated 45,000 additional residential units. This sustained growth is anchored in a diversified economy, investor-friendly regulations and the entry of global developers into the market, such as Emaar, Aldar and Ellington, alongside local leaders Marjan, Al Hamra and RAK Properties. At the forefront of Ras Al Khaimah's transformation is Al Marjan Island, a premier waterfront destination making strides in the sector under the leadership of CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Abdooli, and playing host to ultra-luxury brands including Wynn, JW Marriott, Nobu, Missoni and The Address. Further expanding its offering, Marjan is developing RAK Central, a multifunctional hub that blends business, lifestyle and innovation, and is set to become one of the Northern Emirates' largest commercial districts. The development features premium Grade-A offices and prioritises environmental sustainability through cutting-edge green building practices, in line with the Emirate's 2030 Vision. Developer Al Hamra, led by CEO Benoy Kurien, continues to set the standard for integrated living with Al Hamra Village's more than 4,000 homes, golf course and vibrant community of over 10,000 residents, complemented by major projects such as Waldorf Astoria Residences, Falcon Island, Al Hamra Waterfront and the emirate's largest and most popular retail hub – Manar Mall. Further along the coast, RAK Properties is enhancing the Emirate's shoreline with its flagship Mina development, already home to award-winning resorts, such as Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah and InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah. The development is gearing up to welcome upcoming additions, such as Nikki Beach, Staybridge Suites and the planned Four Seasons. 'The vision for Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a reality,' said RAK Properties Chairman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi. 'We are creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that is attracting global investment while maintaining the unique culture and natural heritage of our Emirate.' The company's CEO Sameh Muhtadi said: 'What we have seen over the past couple of years is remarkable. We are witnessing unprecedented global interest – and this momentum will only continue.' Underpinning Ras Al Khaimah's real estate evolution is a robust infrastructure. The emirate boasts eight hospitals, including the state-of-the-art RAK Hospital, and a modern education system where private schools are regulated by the Department of Knowledge. Additionally, the emirate consistently ranks among the safest places in the world, adding to its growing livability credentials. Tourism is another central pillar of the Emirate's advancement, setting a record in 2024 that saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 1.28 million tourists, drawn by attractions such as Jais Flight – the world's longest zipline – Bear Grylls Explorers Camp and 1484 by Puro, the UAE's highest-altitude restaurant. A leading stakeholder in the sector is RAK Hospitality Holding, which, under CEO Alison Grinnell, continues to drive the tourism-hospitality nexus with strategic hotel acquisitions and innovative offerings. Ras Al Khaimah is one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, industry leaders say, as new beachfront apartments, luxury villas, golf communities and lifestyle hubs continue to attract investors and residents alike. At the heart of it all is Ras Al Khaimah's 2030 Vision – a sustainable, inclusive strategy that places people at its core. With more global developers, investors and residents joining the journey, the Emirate is becoming a benchmark for smart urban growth, vibrant communities and opportunity-driven living.
