Fifty Years On: UAE captivates Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, with visionary tale of future-building
OSAKA (WAM) After a journey spanning more than half a century, the UAE has returned to make its remarkable presence felt in the heart of Japan, launching its distinguished participation in Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, following its initial participation in 1970.Under the theme 'Earth to Ether,' the UAE national pavilion opened its doors on Sunday to tell the world the story of a nation that transcended the limits of dreams and transformed them into a lived reality.It's an inspiring narrative of deep-rooted cultural origins intertwined with lofty space ambitions, a profound commitment to sustainability, and future-oriented healthcare.The UAE pavilion pulsates with a unique sensory experience, taking visitors on a journey through three captivating stations, where Emirati and global success stories are embodied, and the path of brilliant Emirati talents and international scientists who have left their mark in vital sectors is illuminated.From space explorers to healthcare pioneers and sustainability stewards, these leaders draw inspiration from their rich heritage to serve the future and make a real difference.Inside the pavilion, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Nawal Al Hosany, shines alongside environmental innovation pioneers, including the Executive Director of SS Lootah Group and Chairman of Lootah Biofuels, Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, and a renewable energy engineer at Masdar, Maryam Al Mazrouei. The pavilion celebrates global pioneers in artificial intelligence and hybrid energy, such as the innovative duo Hayk Vasilyan, Maryam Ahmed Hassani, Co-Founders of Hydro Wind Energy, as well as Martin Takáč and Samuel Horváth, machine learning scientists and professors at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.The pavilion highlights the UAE's role in developing leading medical solutions through influential figures such as Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre Ali Al Loghani, founder of the "Doctor Robot" project, and Dr. Habiba Al Safar, Professor and Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University, alongside international researchers in bioengineering and biology.Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, stands out, surrounded by ambitious young Emirati leaders in the astronomy and space sector, including Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions at the UAE Space Agency, Nora Al Matrooshi, Emirati astronaut - UAE Astronaut Programme at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, and Moza Al Maalla, a doctoral student in astronomy and astrophysics at Harvard University.
This station provides pavilion visitors the opportunity to explore the success stories of these dreamers who have soared with their nation's hopes towards the stars.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
23 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
Awqaf Dubai's endowment shares portfolio surpasses Dh9 million in H1
18 Aug 2025 12:44 DUBAI (WAM) The Endowments and Minors' Trust Foundation in Dubai (Awqaf Dubai) announced that the value of its endowment shares portfolio surpassed Dh9 million by the end of the first half of 2025, marking a 4.7 per cent increase from the same period last to a report by Awqaf Dubai's Investment Department, the robust performance of the endowment shares portfolio reflects the effectiveness of its investment policies in managing and growing endowment assets, safeguarding resource sustainability, and optimising returns to serve social and charitable portfolio comprises shares in companies listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market, highlighting the diversity and adaptability of Awqaf Dubai's investments in navigating market fluctuations. This approach underscores Awqaf Dubai's commitment to prudent investment strategies that ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of endowment Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of Awqaf Dubai, stressed the foundation's dedication to expanding the scope of endowment investments and diversifying its channels, in line with Dubai's ambition to lead in innovative endowment practices and support sustainable humanitarian noted that this reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to amplify the social impact of endowments and encourage broader community Mutawa noted that the rise in the portfolio's value reflects the generosity of endowors who have allocated financial shares to endowments, thereby strengthening the resources available for community and charitable Mutawa added that the full proceeds from the endowment shares are distributed annually to the designated causes, in accordance with the endowers' instructions. These include funding education for underprivileged students, providing medical treatment for those in need, supporting widows and orphans, empowering People of Determination, and other charitable initiatives. In 2018, Awqaf Dubai launched the 'Shares Endowment Service Initiative', the region's first dedicated account for managing endowment securities. This service enables citizens, residents, and financial investors to allocate part of their shareholdings as endowments, with the returns donated to eligible beneficiaries.
TAG 91.1
an hour ago
- TAG 91.1
Abu Dhabi launches newborn genetic testing programme
Abu Dhabi has rolled out a newborn genetic screening programme for Emirati nationals across several hospitals, to enable early detection and diagnosis of genetic conditions. The Newborn Genetic Screening Programme offers whole genome sequencing to screen more than 815 treatable childhood genetic conditions, making it one of the most comprehensive genetic screening programmes for newborns in the world. Using genomics and artificial intelligence (AI), the first phase of the programme has been implemented as a voluntary option at Kanad Hospital and Danat Al Emarat Hospital, in partnership with M42. The initiative is planned to be expanded across all maternity hospitals to screen UAE Nationals and children of Emirati mothers born in the emirate, further strengthening Abu Dhabi's leadership in preventive healthcare and precision medicine. By collecting and testing cord blood samples at birth, with parental consent, healthcare providers can identify conditions that may not be apparent at birth but could significantly affect a child's health if treatment is delayed. The conditions screened under the programme include metabolic disorders, immunodeficiencies, hematologic conditions, and rare diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy, which is treatable by gene therapy. Results are reported within 21 days, and parents will receive genetic counselling and be referred to multidisciplinary specialists if any actionable findings are identified. Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Healthcare begins long before symptoms appear, and today, empowered by science and technology, we can act earlier than ever before." Dr. Mohamed Al Ameri, Acting Director of Genome and Biobank Division, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said: 'As we work to integrate genomics into our preventative healthcare infrastructure, we aim to expand this initiative to all maternity hospitals in the emirate, demonstrating how genomics can reshape healthcare, shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to a precise, proactive, and personalised approach that improves patient outcomes.' To support the rollout of the programme, DoH conducted a workshop to review the gene panel and patient journey with specialists from stakeholders across Abu Dhabi. DoH also collaborated with M42 to train 16 paediatricians and neonatologists across three maternity hospitals, Corniche Hospital, Danat Al Emarat and Kanad Hospital, on genetic counselling practices and the importance of newborn genetic screening. Early detection through this enhanced screening programme allows for timely medical intervention and aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to integrate genomics into various aspects of family health, including premarital screening and genetic counselling, thus creating a comprehensive, family-centred care ecosystem. These initiatives aim to reduce the prevalence of genetic diseases, inform reproductive choices, facilitate access to early intervention, and empower families with vital health information, fostering a future where personalised, preventative healthcare is the standard. The Newborn Genetic Screening Programme is one of several initiatives that have been made possible by the Emirati Genome Programme, such as the Premarital Screening Programme, harnessing the power of genomics and latest technologies to promote informed decisions. These efforts pave the way forward for more precise and effective treatments, ensuring the long-term health and wellbeing of future generations of Emiratis.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai deploys AI-enabled system to cut metro inspection costs and boost safety
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered inspection system for the metro network that it says will reduce costs, improve safety and cut the time needed for maintenance checks. The Automated Railway Infrastructure Inspection System (ARIIS), a robotic platform equipped with sensors, lasers and 3D cameras, autonomously inspects rail tracks and other critical infrastructure without disrupting metro operations, the RTA said in a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). The authority described the system as a model for employing AI in transport, in line with Dubai's strategy to expand smart technologies and strengthen its position in sustainable infrastructure. Cost and time savings According to the RTA, ARIIS has enabled the application of proactive maintenance strategies that extend the lifespan of metro assets while reducing periodic maintenance costs by up to 25 per cent. It has also cut the time required for routine inspections by 75 per cent, saving around 1,700 human working hours, the authority said. Traditional inspection methods have been reduced by as much as 70 per cent. The system's use of real-time data analytics has improved resource management efficiency by 40 per cent and minimised unnecessary interventions. Infrastructure condition assessments are now 40 per cent more accurate, which the RTA said has accelerated maintenance, reduced emergency interventions and enhanced overall network reliability. Rollout and future use The RTA said ARIIS is currently being phased in across selected metro lines, with plans to expand it to all routes once technical and operational evaluations are complete. The authority added it is studying the possibility of extending ARIIS or similar technologies to other modes of transport, including the tram, depending on infrastructure and operational needs. Data-driven inspections The system collects data on rail conditions such as cracks, wear and tear, and deviations. The information is then analysed using AI algorithms to support predictive maintenance. The RTA said this approach strengthens infrastructure sustainability, extends service life and ensures inspections are conducted in line with international occupational safety standards. Inspections are coordinated with the metro control centre and carried out during nightly maintenance windows to avoid disrupting passenger services. The authority said inspections have become 'faster and more accurate,' eliminating the need to suspend or delay operations.
