Latest news with #AYSHASHAAYA
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAE's dugong ambassador participates in vital marine research at SeaWorld
28 May 2025 23:42 AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)On May 28, World Dugong Day, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi shone the spotlight on Malquot, a gentle but curious male dugong and an ambassador of his alone and in poor health in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve in 2019 when he was just a week old and with no mother in sight, he was rescued and brought into the care of specialists; he was given the name Malquot, meaning "one who was lost and then found."Six years later, the marine mammal is in a healthy condition, thriving under the expert supervision and support received at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi."One of the main drivers for us to do the Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm here at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was to highlight him and build a habitat that represented his natural environment so he could thrive," explained Rob Yordi, General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue now resides in the Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a habitat designed to mirror the warm, shallow waters of Abu Dhabi, which is home to the second largest concentration of dugongs in the world, with around 3000 dugongs in the enjoys the companionship of other sea creatures and is delighted by the many faces of visitors who come to greet him and share the unique experience of feeding one of a few dugongs in human care globally, Malquot has "volunteered" to be part of a groundbreaking research in partnership with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD)."All of our animals in SeaWorld, we consider that they have choice and control. So, we always ask him if he would like to participate in his own research to study him. He's smart and intuitive. He loves his training sessions and always challenges his trainers," added contribution to the research could help ensure the future of his species, as dugongs face threats in the wild, from degradation and marine traffic to entanglement in the nets of the fishers. James Cook University of Australia is participating in a research programme, in collaboration with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, in a bid to understand the creature's behaviour, habits and needs, and Malquot is only too ready and willing to join the team for this new study.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
Over 1.4 million motorists in Abu Dhabi benefit from traffic fine discounts in 2024
27 May 2025 00:30 YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA, AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)Traffic fine discount schemes have provided much respite to millions of motorists across the UAE over the years, including Abu Dhabi's ongoing 'Pay Early, Gain Surely' to a recent report by Abu Dhabi Police, around 1.4 million motorists benefitted from the emirate's campaign in 2024 alone - a 20.77% rise compared to schemes are part of the UAE leadership's broader approach aimed at easing financial pressures faced by citizens and residents through practical, humanitarian measures. While most emirates announce fine discounts - up to 50% - around major national occasions and for limited periods, Abu Dhabi's campaign has been consistently active for several years. How the Scheme WorksThe 'Pay Early, Gain Surely' initiative offers motorists a 35% discount on traffic fines if they are paid within 60 days of the violation date. If the payment is made after 60 days but within one year, a 25% discount applies. However, the discount does not extend to severe violations, Abu Dhabi Police said. In addition to the discount, the campaign enables traffic fines to be paid in interest-free instalments over a 12-month period through participating banks. The scheme applies to both vehicle and driver Dhabi Police regularly issues reminders to motorists to take advantage of the scheme, reminding the public of its benefits and deadlines through a series of General Mahmoud Yousef Al Balushi, Director of the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate in the Central Operations Sector, said that the campaign seeks to promote happiness and positivity among users. He added that the Directorate has made sustained efforts to deliver services via channels equipped with advanced features that streamline user experience and enhance customer campaign also includes a broad awareness component. In collaboration with the Community Police Department, the Directorate hosts workshops and community councils, alongside awareness films that are shared via social pages, print, and broadcast media. Officers also regularly distribute informative booklets among Musallam Mohammed Al Junaibi, Director of the Traffic Violations Collection and Follow-up Department, explained that the awareness campaigns seek to encourage vehicle owners to pay traffic fines by informing them of the benefits of early payment and the potential consequences of delays. Easy Payment ServiceIn January 2024, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, launched an 'easy payment' instalment option for settling fines issued by the ITC. Currently, the service is available to credit card holders from First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), and Mashreq Bank, provided they contact the bank within two weeks of payment to request an instalment plan. Fines can be paid via Abu Dhabi Government's digital platforms, including Tamm Smart App, or through in-person transactions at customer service and happiness counters. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Charm of diversity, cultural exchange shines at Sorbonne University's International Day
17 Apr 2025 00:47 AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) on Monday marked International Day, an annual event that celebrates the rich diversity and cultures of its students, faculty, and staff. With colourful displays of cultural performances, traditional attire, music, authentic cuisine and interactive activities, the event brought the community together and showcased the charm of cultural exchange. "Our university is a symbol of cultural diversity. We have more than 1,400 students representing more than 60 nationalities. Today is an occasion to reinforce the mutual understanding between the people and to work together despite the differences," said Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, in her opening in 2006, the university attracts students from all over the world, and its motto "A bridge between civilisations", reflects its emphasis on connecting cultures."What I enjoy the most about International Day at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is how it brings everyone together to celebrate different cultures," said Maryam Alblooshi, a Record Management and Archival Science student at from celebrating its diversity, the university provided a space for students with private businesses to participate in the event. From handmade crafts to food products, many students sought the opportunity to present their unique ideas and share their passion with their peers."Participating in the event helped me promote my business. People get to see how an Emirati woman can promote her business through authentic work. I believe many people here appreciate this aspect," said Alya Alzaabi, an Applied Foreign Languages student at Raghad Almazroei, a Record Management and Archival Science student at SUAD, the event offered a platform to promote her chocolate business."It helped me gain exposure among my colleagues in the university. The fact that they see the name means it will stay at the back of their heads, even if they don't buy it now," Almazroei Marieme SOW, a Senegalese student studying Applied Foreign Languages at Sorbonne University, said studying in the UAE broadens her horizons. "It helped me have a very open mindset. It showed me that being in a multicultural setting can help someone grow and learn from others. It also showed me that coming from different backgrounds, what unites us is learning from each other's differences."
