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Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
UAE Vice-President seen playing Volleyball with residents at Abu Dhabi summer sports event
Abu Dhabi Summer Sports is a large-scale, climate-controlled event promoting fitness for all ages through over 12 sports and family activities/ Image Abu Dhabi Media Office TL;DR: UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour joined a volleyball match, reflecting hands-on leadership in promoting community sports. Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) is a seasonal indoor event designed to keep people active and engaged during the summer months. The venue spans 37,000 sqm and includes 52+ air-conditioned courts, supporting over 12 different sports. In the UAE, where extreme summer heat often limits outdoor activity, the response has been practical and purpose-driven. Initiatives like Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) are turning indoor spaces into large-scale, accessible venues for sport and wellbeing. It's part of a wider national effort, led by figures known for their visible, hands-on approach, to keep the country active, engaged, and connected year-round. That approach was clearly on display during a recent visit to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), where the event is being held. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, attended in an active capacity, engaging with organisers, reviewing the venue's facilities, and joining participants in a casual volleyball match. Inside the Setup: A Full-Scale Sports Environment Built for All The Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) event is a large-scale indoor initiative aimed at encouraging people of all ages to stay active, fit, and healthy throughout the UAE's hottest months. Organised by the ADNEC Group in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event brings together a wide range of sports and activities under one roof in a safe, climate-controlled environment. ADSS is built with both scale and purpose. Hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the venue spans more than 37,000 square metres, making it one of the largest indoor sports activations in the region. Its infrastructure includes: t one of the largest indoor sports activations in the region. Its infrastructure includes: 52 enclosed and air-conditioned courts and pitches, Facilities for over 12 team and individual sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and others, A 1.2-kilometre indoor running track for cardio training without braving the outdoor heat. What makes the event stand out isn't just the size but how it's designed to serve everyone, not just trained athletes or sports clubs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo Families, children, casual fitness lovers, and amateurs all have dedicated zones. From kid-friendly setups to structured games parents can join, the environment is curated to encourage shared experiences and long-term engagement in physical wellness. Sheikh Mansour was briefed by organisers on all aspects of the event: the design logic, activity zones, safety measures, and objectives behind the initiative. That includes the strategic aim of sustaining community-wide physical activity during a season where most people typically avoid it. No Formalities, Sheikh Mansour Played the Game What set this visit apart was not the speeches or the staging, it was the simplicity of it. After his tour, Sheikh Mansour joined a friendly volleyball match, playing alongside everyday participants. No grand announcement, no tightly choreographed ceremony, just a real game, in real time, among the people. This direct involvement aligned with the broader goals of the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) initiative: encouraging people across age groups and skill levels to take part in regular physical activity, even during the peak of summer. Following the visit, Sheikh Mansour commended the overall organisation, noting the event's accessibility, safety standards, and capacity to host a wide variety of sports. He highlighted its value in promoting community health, supporting active lifestyles, and providing well-equipped, climate-controlled spaces for year-round sport. A Broader Pattern in UAE Leadership Sheikh Mansour's participation fits into a larger national narrative, one where sport and wellness are not just government-supported, but culturally encouraged. Leaders across the Emirates frequently show up at local sports events, and many of them are athletes themselves. A notable example of leadership-driven fitness culture is Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, widely known as Fazza. He is an accomplished endurance rider with numerous international titles and pursues activities like skydiving, scuba diving, and flyboarding. Through his active presence on Instagram, Sheikh Hamdan makes fitness a visible, aspirational part of leadership, inspiring younger generations to embrace an active lifestyle.


Gulf Insider
12-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Insider
Zayed National Museum Announces Abu Dhabi Opening
Zayed National Museum will open its doors to the public this year. The UAE national museum announced its opening for December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, which houses one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. The Zayed National Museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement. The museum will operate through immersive exhibitions, active research, and public programming, building on Sheikh Zayed's vision and upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and preserving legacy. The museum's collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations that speak to the heritage of the country, in addition to domestic and international loans. 'The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today's expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,' Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said. 'It is a tribute to his boundless belief in people, in their ability to learn, to uphold the values of unity, compassion and national pride. This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects, but through emotion, memory and vision. This institution will carry our story forward for generations to come,' he added. Sheikh Zayed held a conviction that an understanding of the past was essential to shaping the nation for the benefit of future generations. His passion for exploring the UAE's heritage and celebrating the influences that shaped Emirati culture led to the establishment of the country's first museum in Al Ain in 1971, followed by the opening of the Cultural Foundation in 1981. The museum's collection includes Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age artefacts, many of which were uncovered by archaeological teams over half a century ago. These discoveries, from the world's oldest falaj irrigation system to traces of Bronze Age copper mining, stand as evidence of the ingenuity and resilience of the UAE's earliest communities and reflect Sheikh Zayed's commitment to bringing the nation's history to light. Museum highlights will include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world's oldest natural pearls, shedding light on the history of pearling in the Arabian Gulf; the Blue Qur'an, one of Islamic art's manuscripts; and a recreation of a Magan Boat, the outcome of the museum's first research partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners designed the museum. The museum's design embodies the heritage of the United Arab Emirates, which is at the forefront of its sustainable design. Five steel structures rise above the museum and are inspired by the wing of a falcon in flight with falconry considered a practice that is part of Emirati culture. The museum will offer an inclusive and accessible experience that connects people across generations and geographies. Through its galleries, learning programmes and research, it will bring global perspectives into dialogue with the UAE's heritage and contemporary identity. From inspiring young people and engaging People of Determination and senior citizens, to driving international scholarship, Zayed National Museum will stand as a platform for cultural exchange and shared understanding. As part of Saadiyat Cultural District's mission to foster dialogue and promote cultural equity, Zayed National Museum will present collections and narratives that celebrate the region's heritage and represent Abu Dhabi's role as a crossroads of civilisations. It will stand alongside several cultural institutions within the District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a global meeting place for culture, ideas, and innovation.


Filipino Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi launches personalized weight loss programme; first in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi has launched the region's first Personalised Weight Management Programme to help residents manage their weight and prevent serious health problems. The program aims to lower the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and some cancers, improving the quality of life and helping people live longer, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported. An initiative of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), this is the first program of its kind in the Middle East that combines online health tracking, insurance support, and medical care tailored to each person. 'Our focus is on health – not just weight. This programme supports our vision for an active, health-conscious community, empowering individuals through personalised and science-driven solutions,' Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said. Those eligible include Thiqa insurance members aged 18 and above who are medically classified as overweight or obese. The plan includes early health checks, one-on-one coaching, diet and exercise guidance, and check-ups using the Sahatna health app.


Time of India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
UAE scientists create paper test that diagnoses diseases in 10 mins, no lab needed!
UAE's 10-minute paper test can be quickly modified to detect COVID-19, malaria, dengue, chickenpox, and more/ Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office A breakthrough in infectious disease testing is set to revolutionize the way healthcare is approached in low-resource and remote settings. A team of scientists at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has unveiled a paper-based diagnostic tool, the Radially Compartmentalised Paper Chip (RCP-Chip), capable of detecting diseases in under 10 minutes. This innovation is a game-changer for fast, affordable, and portable disease screening without the need for complex lab equipment or trained personnel. Addressing the Global Need for Rapid Testing The RCP-Chip was conceived during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was grappling with a shortage of efficient testing methods, particularly in areas with limited resources. "Our goal was to create something fast, affordable, and easy to use, especially in areas where lab access is limited," said Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at NYUAD. Qasaimeh is the senior author of the study that led to the development of the RCP-Chip. The new tool offers a simple and rapid solution for detecting infectious diseases. "It uses a minimal number of reagents and requires only a small sample to run," Qasaimeh added, emphasizing the affordability and efficiency of the device. This paper-based diagnostic chip can be deployed easily in diverse settings, from remote villages to urban areas, and can significantly improve healthcare access. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo A Versatile Diagnostic Tool While the RCP-Chip was originally designed to detect COVID-19, its capabilities extend far beyond the novel coronavirus. According to Qasaimeh, the device is easily reconfigurable to diagnose other diseases such as chickenpox, dengue, malaria, and more. "With minor modifications, it can be adapted to diagnose a wide range of diseases or even test hormones and metabolites," Qasaimeh explained. This flexibility positions the RCP-Chip as a multi-purpose diagnostic tool that could be used in various medical fields, from general infectious disease testing to monitoring chronic health conditions. "What makes it truly impactful is its real-world potential," said Pavithra Sukumar, a Research Assistant at NYUAD and the co-first author of the study. Sukumar highlighted the tool's capacity to significantly improve outbreak responses, enabling faster isolation, treatment, and control. In situations where time is of the essence, such as in epidemic or pandemic scenarios, the rapid testing offered by the RCP-Chip can help curb the spread of diseases before they become uncontrollable. Simple, Cost-Effective, and Portable One of the standout features of the RCP-Chip is its portability. Unlike traditional diagnostic devices that require sophisticated lab setups, the chip can be operated with minimal resources. "It requires a heating stage at around 60 degrees Celsius, which can be easily achieved with common household devices like a hot plate or an oven," Qasaimeh explained. The simplicity of the design allows for easy transport and deployment, ensuring that healthcare workers in areas with limited infrastructure can use it effectively. Moreover, the RCP-Chip uses saliva samples instead of traditional swabs, making it even more convenient and comfortable for patients. "In a short amount of time, you can deploy it for use in almost any area," Qasaimeh said. This feature was a key motivation behind the development of the tool, aiming to reduce the time and cost typically associated with traditional diagnostic methods. From Concept to Commercialization The development of the RCP-Chip was not without its challenges. Due to pandemic-related lab access restrictions, the team faced delays during the initial stages of research. "In the initial phase, we focused on designing the chip and brainstorming the approaches," said Qasaimeh. It wasn't until restrictions were eased that the team was able to conduct in-depth testing of the device. "After initial curfews, gradually we were allowed access to labs, and that's when we deepened the research and began testing the device," he explained. Despite these challenges, the team successfully filed a patent for the device and launched a startup to commercialize it. Biotech companies have already expressed interest in the innovation. "We aim to find investors so that we can continue with the development stage of the device," Qasaimeh added. The focus now is on bringing the device to market and further developing its translational potential, ensuring that it can be adapted for various purposes in the healthcare sector. With the growing demand for affordable and effective diagnostic tools, the RCP-Chip is poised to play a pivotal role in global healthcare. Its low cost, speed, and versatility make it an ideal solution for resource-limited settings, providing a much-needed alternative to current testing methods.


Filipino Times
24-05-2025
- Science
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi uses drones to disperse over 6.5 million seeds across nature reserves
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has completed a large-scale seed dispersal project using custom-designed drones, spreading more than 6.5 million seeds across 320 hectares of nature reserves. The move is part of efforts to restore natural habitats and support the emirate's climate strategy, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported. 'We successfully implemented one of the largest drone-based seeding operations ever undertaken in Abu Dhabi, within a notably short timeframe. This achievement is in line with Abu Dhabi's Climate Change Strategy and covered a total of 320 hectares of habitat, many of which were seeded for the first time,' said Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD. The project, done with UK-based restoration company Dendra, used custom-made drones to plant seeds in remote areas, allowing work to be finished faster and without disturbing fragile land. Native plants like Samar (Vachellia tortilis), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), and Desert Cotton (Aerva javanica) were seeded in Jebel Hafit's mountain slopes. In Qasr Al Sarab's sand dunes, seeds included Fire Bush (Calligonum polygonoides) and Rimth (Haloxylon salicornicum). The agency's team, including young Emirati talent, studied soil and vegetation before seeding to match each area with suitable native species. This ensures better chances for the seeds to grow and thrive. EAD will monitor the seeded areas using AI-powered sensors to track plant growth. The project builds on the agency's earlier rangeland studies launched in 2024 to help improve land management across Abu Dhabi.