
Mansour bin Zayed, Jordan's House Speaker enhance bilateral ties
During the meeting, Sheikh Mansour and Al Safadi engaged in cordial talks and explored ways to strengthen the fraternal ties between the UAE and Jordan.
Opportunities for cooperation across sectors
They also discussed opportunities for enhancing relations across various sectors, fostering mutual interests, and benefiting both nations and their people.
Attendees of the meeting
The meeting was attended by Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), along with several senior officials.

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Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
The Media's Role in Shaping 50 Years of Emirati Women's Stories and the Next 50
As we mark Emirati Women's Day, we celebrate not only the achievements of Emirati women, but also the platforms and voices that have carried their stories to the world. Over the past five decades, the UAE has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the role and visibility of women, a transformation that would not have been possible without the power of media to document, amplify, and inspire. From the earliest days of the Union, Emirati women have been part of the national story, breaking barriers in education, excelling in public service, leading in business, and shaping our cultural identity. The media has documented these milestones, capturing the journey from the first Emirati women graduates and diplomats to the astronauts, ministers, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons of today. This coverage has not been merely observational; it has been instrumental in changing perceptions, opening minds, and creating a shared national narrative of empowerment. The media's role has always been more than just reporting, it has been about framing possibility. The stories we choose to tell, the women we put on front pages, and the voices we feature all shape public imagination. When an Emirati girl sees someone who looks like her leading a ministry, heading a newsroom, or making groundbreaking scientific discoveries, she begins to envision her own potential. A Leader Who Shaped My Path For me personally, this journey has been deeply influenced by working alongside Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, a pioneering leader in the media industry whose vision, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence have inspired me on every step of my professional path. Under her leadership, I have learned that media is not just a profession, it is a responsibility. H.E. Mona's ability to combine strategic direction with a deep respect for the power of storytelling has been a living example of what it means to lead with purpose. Working on landmark initiatives such as the Arab Media Summit under her guidance has been transformative for me. These projects did more than just expand my technical skills, they broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of the industry, and shaped my own leadership style. Through her mentorship, I have learned to approach challenges with creativity, to value accuracy and depth over speed, and to always keep the audience, and our nation's values, at the heart of every story. Her example has taught me that leadership in media is as much about empowering people as it is about shaping impactful narratives. She invests in those around her, encourages potential, and creates opportunities for others to grow, lessons that have not only enriched my professional life but also my personal outlook. The Next 50: Empowerment as a Shared Responsibility As we look to the next 50 years, the responsibility for empowerment becomes a shared one. Media must continue to evolve embracing new technologies, engaging diverse audiences, and amplifying voices from every part of society. But equally, institutions, communities, and individuals must see themselves as co-authors of this national narrative. Empowerment cannot be limited to policy or celebration days; it is a daily practice of inclusion, opportunity, and respect. The UAE's approach has always been comprehensive ensuring that women's empowerment is not a separate track, but an essential part of the nation's development. This is why Emirati Women's Day matters for all women, and indeed, for all citizens. It is a day to reaffirm that our progress is collective, and that the achievements of one group are shared by all. We are now entering a global media environment where stories travel faster, but also risk being diluted or misrepresented. This makes it all the more critical for us to take ownership of our narrative to tell our stories with authenticity and courage, and to make sure they reach the widest possible audiences. The platforms may change from newspapers to social media, from television to virtual reality but the mission remains the same: to inspire, to educate, and to connect. Carrying the Flame Forward In the decades ahead, I believe the UAE's media will continue to be a force for good documenting the journeys of our women, championing their successes, and shining a light on the work still to be done. The next chapter will require us to be even more collaborative, more innovative, and more intentional about whose stories we tell and how we tell them. As I reflect on my own journey, I am grateful for the leaders who have shown me the way none more so than H.E. Mona Al Marri, whose example continues to inspire my commitment to telling the stories that matter. Her leadership has not only shaped my career but has also shaped me as a person planting in me the values, vision, and courage to contribute meaningfully to our national narrative. This Emirati Women's Day, I am reminded of something H.E. Mona often demonstrates through her work that the true measure of leadership is not in the titles we hold, but in the horizons we open for others. It is my hope that, in the years to come, I can carry forward even a part of the vision, generosity, and dedication she has shown so that the next generation of Emirati women will not only dream bigger, but know exactly how to make those dreams a reality. Maryam Al Mulla leadership@ Maryam Al Mulla is a leading Emirati media professional and the Director of the Dubai Press Club, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the UAE's media landscape and fostering dialogue between journalists, thought leaders, and policymakers across the region. With a career dedicated to strengthening the media industry, she has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that empower journalists and enhance the role of media in driving knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development. Under her leadership, the Dubai Press Club continues to be a hub for regional and international media engagement. She oversees flagship initiatives such as the Arab Media Forum and the Arab Journalism Award, which recognize excellence, inspire innovation, and elevate Arab journalism on the global stage. Her vision has positioned the Club as a platform that bridges cultures, promotes responsible reporting, and supports the professional growth of media practitioners. In addition to her executive role, Al Mulla is a respected advocate for media innovation, youth empowerment, and the integration of new technologies in journalism. She frequently engages in regional and international forums, highlighting the UAE's leadership in media development and the importance of fostering dialogue in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Beyond her work at the Dubai Press Club, Al Mulla contributes to broader efforts in nation-building and knowledge-sharing through her participation in strategic initiatives that advance the UAE's global reputation. She is recognized as a strong voice for women in leadership, inspiring the next generation of Emirati professionals to pursue careers in media, communication, and public engagement.


The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Preserving Arabic is key, and it should start in the classroom
Language isn't just a medium of communication. It is also integral to our identities – 'the pedigree of nations', as the 18th-century English writer Samuel Johnson described it. This is in line with much of the thinking in the UAE, which has witnessed much emphasis on the need to promote Arabic-language use. The UAE's Ministry of Education recently announced a nationwide push to preserve Arabic and encourage its wider use. When the new academic year begins next week, it will introduce Arabic tests starting from the first grade in government schools. The results of these tests will provide the basis for whether or not the ministry decides to enhance the curriculum. Other measures include a mandate for private schools to teach at least 40 minutes of Arabic lessons every day, with a plan to increase their duration the following academic year. New criteria have also been introduced for hiring teachers at government schools that will measure how well they know Emirati culture and society. As Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri said on Tuesday, the focus is on 'refining students' abilities and skills, national identity and an increased emphasis on language'. The context for these measures appears to be the justifiably growing disquiet among experts over the rising prominence of English at Arabic's expense as the preferred language of communication for young people in many Middle Eastern countries. There is, of course, little doubting the pride of place Arabic enjoys in the world today, and its place as the language of the Holy Quran. It is spoken by more than 400 million people in 22 countries, and it is one of the UN's six official languages. By some estimates, at least 50 languages feature words derived from Arabic. While Arabic is a language that is more than 2,000 years old and will continue to be actively used, we are living in an epoch that is defined by ever greater levels of globalisation, migration, cosmopolitanism, urbanisation and internet penetration. As the Sudanese author Leila Aboulela wrote in these pages, 'if English is the language of school and mall, the enthusiasm among parents to promote Arabic language skills will wane'. Arabic isn't the only language that is competing for mind space with English among youngsters today. This trend has taken root in other parts of Asia and Africa, too. The English-speaking societies of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have also seen a considerable decline in their native tongues. But the status of English – as the global language, and one that vastly improves employment and career growth prospects – is also beyond doubt. Policymakers in the UAE understand this innately. They know that sensible policy can ensure learning additional languages doesn't have to come at a cost of ignoring one's native tongue. This is especially given that fluency in more than one language tends to boost cognitive ability, academic performance and employability. As the eighth-century emperor Charlemagne said, 'To have a second language is to have a second soul.' Writing in these pages on the subject of preserving Arabic, the Emirati writer and researcher Sultan Al Qassemi once asked whether Arabic speakers can globalise and modernise without losing their language. Judging by this week's announcement – which includes added emphasis on learning Arabic as on subjects of the future like artificial intelligence – it is clear that UAE policymakers intend to do just that.


The National
17 hours ago
- The National
Sudan mediators urge rivals to ease worsening aid crisis
Sudan is in the grip of a worsening humanitarian crisis with ever more people facing 'severe malnutrition and famine', a group of peace brokers including the UAE has warned. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the US and Switzerland said the Sudanese people's needs were reaching 'critical levels'. They made seven demands to the combatants in Sudan's civil war – the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces – to help ease the crisis. The demands include keeping key routes open for aid convoys, such as roads to the stricken Darfur region where prosecutors in The Hague have alleged war crimes. The rival powers are urged to 'lift all bureaucratic impediments' affecting aid. The two warring sides are told to 'ensure safe passage for civilians to access assistance', and guarantee that aid workers will not face retaliation if they lend assistance in areas held by their rivals. They should also 'allow and facilitate a sustained UN humanitarian presence', particularly in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, restore communications across Sudan, and 'ensure the protection of critical civilian infrastructure' such as energy and water, the countries said. The civil war in Sudan has been raging since April 2023. In recent months the country has found itself effectively divided between two rival governments after the RSF established an administration in areas under its control. Army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan moved this week to place allied fighters under the military's control. The UAE and its four partners, along with the UN and African Union, have acted as go-betweens in the conflict. After talks in Geneva last year they named themselves the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (Alps) Group – a nod to the Swiss hosts. They called on fighters to abide by commitments they made in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2023 to protect Sudan's people. The combatants had pledged to avoid attacks on civilians and allow them to leave besieged areas. 'The Alps coalition is appalled by the continuous deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Sudan, including the growing number of people in situations of severe malnutrition and famine,' the countries said on Wednesday. 'Civilians continue to pay the highest price for this war. With the situation in Sudan worsening and humanitarian needs reaching critical levels, urgent action is needed by the conflict parties to protect civilians and allow and facilitate humanitarian access to those in need.'