Latest news with #AhmedTalebAlShamsi
Al Etihad
01-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Emirates Foundation and Aldar Properties organise Better Together: Volunteer to Give Back to Workers initiative on International Workers' Day
1 May 2025 20:51 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) In line with the aspirations of the UAE Year of Community, Emirates Foundation, in collaboration with Aldar Properties, organised a volunteer initiative titled Better Together: Volunteer to Give Back to Workers, a national initiative that calls on individuals and institutions to embody the values of solidarity, giving, and shared at Space42 Arena in Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, the event aimed to highlight the essential role of workers in building the UAE's success, from shaping the physical infrastructure of its cities to supporting the systems that keep them running every day. As part of Aldar's belief that the welfare of workers is a cornerstone of sustainable, human-centred progress, the initiative outlines the importance of workers' wellbeing and a token of gratitude and respect for their ongoing dedication, more than 1,600 volunteers from across the community came together to assemble and distribute 24,000 gift packages to workers across the UAE. The event drew participation from diverse groups, including student volunteers from Aldar Education schools, volunteers from Emirates Foundation's Takatof programme, and Aldar employees, who joined in as part of the company's commitment to community engagement. In total, the initiative contributed more than 6,500 volunteering hours, reflecting the collective spirit of giving and solidarity within the UAE contributed across three shifts, from 9 am to 6 pm, embodying the spirit of collective giving and collaboration that defines the Year of the Community. This initiative emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of teamwork and volunteerism, serving as a living example of collaboration between institutions and the community. It embodied the noble values upheld by the UAE's vision, a compassionate and united society that never forgets those who build, give, and sow hope in every of the Emirates Foundation, His Excellency Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, said, "At Emirates Foundation, we believe that humanitarian and volunteer work is one of the most impactful ways to foster social cohesion and reinforce the bonds that unite our society. Better Together not only reflects the deep appreciation our community holds for the workers who help shape our everyday lives, but also instils in every volunteer the enduring values of respect, empathy, and gratitude. Initiatives like this are at the heart of our mission to build a more connected, compassionate, and inclusive UAE."Group CEO of Aldar Properties, Talal Al Dhiyebi, said, "This partnership is a testament to the unity that exists in local communities to champion and support the workers who are essential to economic progress in the UAE. This initiative builds on our shared ambitions of fostering an inclusive culture, and we are humbled to be part of the many impactful activities planned for the Year of Community throughout 2025.' 'Emirates Foundation continues to foster a culture of teamwork and community collaboration through strategic partnerships and impactful humanitarian initiatives, strengthening a cohesive society rooted in the values of giving, solidarity, and appreciation for all who contribute to the nation's growth and progress."
Al Etihad
01-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's NEP experts unveil 8 solutions to national challenges at BX Conference 2025
1 May 2025 17:19 ABU DHABI (WAM)Eight experts from the UAE's National Experts Programme (NEP 4.0 Cohort) have unveiled today eight innovative behavioural policy solutions at The Behavioural Exchange (BX2025). These solutions address some of the UAE's most pressing challenges, ranging from education and healthcare to sustainability, cultural identity, and food being held for the first time in the MENA region, takes place at New York University Abu Dhabi, from 30th April to 1st May experts' solutions showcase field-tested interventions designed to address key national challenges. Each project is developed using behavioural science methodologies and piloted during the solution reflects the UAE's strategic vision for the future, with a strong emphasis on innovation and social this regard, Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Director of the NEP, emphasised the active role of the UAE NEP experts in addressing contemporary challenges and developing effective solutions, particularly in areas of national priorities. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging behavioural science methodologies, grounded in scientific evidence and empirical studies, to shape policies tailored to various critical societal the projects, Khulood Alawadi's project focuses on empowering students by addressing the unique learning needs. Her proposal champions innovative, gender-responsive solutions that foster engagement, encouraging both academic success and active participation in civic Mohamed Al Ameri proposes behavioural interventions to reduce the incidence of rare genetic diseases through enhanced premarital screening Janahi outlines a consumer behaviour strategy to increase purchases of UAE-made goods using shelf labelling, mobile nudges, and retail loyalty incentives. Maryam Al Falasi focuses on food security, proposing a national food donation system using default prompts and behavioural incentives to reduce youth and digital engagement, Faisal Al Hawi introduces a school-and-home-based programme to reduce passive screen time among children aged 6–10. Sumaya Al Hajeri will launch a digital literacy campaign led by 'Digital Heroes,' encouraging responsible and values-driven social media use among UAE the culture and identity track, Rawdha Al Qubaisi proposes integrating certified Emirati cultural immersion into visa pathways and workplace onboarding to improve long-term expat engagement. Mohamed Alwahedi introduces a policy initiative to promote modest 'Medeem' weddings through defaults, social messaging, and community-led incentives.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
UAE's NEP experts unveil 8 solutions to national challenges at BX Conference 2025
RELATED TOPICS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ABU DHABI – Eight experts from the UAE's National Experts Program (NEP 4.0 Cohort) have unveiled today eight innovative behavioral policy solutions at The Behavioral Exchange™ (BX2025). These solutions address some of the UAE's most pressing challenges, ranging from education and healthcare to sustainability, cultural identity, and food security. BX2025, being held for the first time in the MENA region, takes place at New York University Abu Dhabi, from April 30 to May 1, 2025. The experts' solutions showcase field-tested interventions designed to address key national challenges. Each project is developed using behavioural science methodologies and piloted during the conference. Each solution reflects the UAE's strategic vision for the future, with a strong emphasis on innovation and social impact. In this regard, His Excellency Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Director of the NEP, emphasized the active role of the UAE NEP experts in addressing contemporary challenges and developing effective solutions, particularly in areas of national priorities. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging behavioural science methodologies, grounded in scientific evidence and empirical studies, to shape policies tailored to various critical societal issues. Among the projects, Khulood Alawadi's project focuses on empowering students by addressing the unique learning needs. Her proposal champions innovative, gender-responsive solutions that foster engagement, encouraging both academic success and active participation in civic life. Dr. Mohamed Al Ameri proposes behavioural interventions to reduce the incidence of rare genetic diseases through enhanced premarital screening practices. Mohamed Janahi outlines a consumer behaviour strategy to increase purchases of UAE-made goods using shelf labelling, mobile nudges, and retail loyalty incentives. Maryam Al Falasi focuses on food security, proposing a national food donation system using default prompts and behavioural incentives to reduce waste. On youth and digital engagement, Faisal Al Hawi introduces a school-and-home-based programme to reduce passive screen time among children aged 6–10. Sumaya Al Hajeri will launch a digital literacy campaign led by 'Digital Heroes,' encouraging responsible and values-driven social media use among UAE youth. In the culture and identity track, Rawdha Al Qubaisi proposes integrating certified Emirati cultural immersion into visa pathways and workplace onboarding to improve long-term expat engagement. Mohamed Alwahedi introduces a policy initiative to promote modest 'Medeem' weddings through defaults, social messaging, and community-led incentives.
Al Etihad
22-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) partners with 6 UAE universities to integrate inclusion-focused learning into curricula
22 Apr 2025 11:26 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has partnered with six universities across the UAE as part of the Universal Design for Inclusion Programme. This agreement formalises NMSS's collaboration with higher education institutions, integrating inclusion-focused learning into university curricula and empowering students to develop innovative solutions that enhance to raise awareness on cognitive, mobility, and communication challenges faced by People of Determination, the programme will empower youth to develop innovative, inclusion-focused solutions that address real-world one of NMSS's flagship initiatives, the programme aims to educate university students about multiple sclerosis (MS), while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to develop universally accessible and culturally relevant designs, fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone can be an active part of in partnership with leading universities across the UAE, the Universal Design for Inclusion programme provides students with opportunities to explore inclusive design principles through NMSS-led awareness sessions, expert-led workshops, and interactive discussions with inclusive innovators and, most importantly, the end-users. These sessions allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers faced by People of Determination, empowering them to develop viable solutions that promote accessibility and Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation and Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, His Excellency Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, said, 'Empowering youth to become changemakers is at the heart of this programme. The Youth Awareness Programme is a crucial step in supporting a new generation of innovators who are committed to designing a more inclusive future. This initiative is about more than awareness; by combining education with practical design challenges, we are empowering students to become advocates for accessibility and equipping them with the skills to create meaningful solutions that improve lives.''We are especially grateful to the universities and faculty members who have integrated this programme into their curriculum. Their commitment has made this initiative possible, ensuring that students engage with accessibility as a core design principle from the outset of their careers. This initiative is about more than awareness; it's about action. By involving students directly in the creation of solutions, we are nurturing a generation that not only understands accessibility but champions it.'A first-of-its-kind initiative at this scale in the UAE, the programme is being implemented across six leading universities, spanning 11 campuses, including Abu Dhabi University, University of Sharjah, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), Khalifa University, Al Ain University, and six Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al began their journey with Empathy Workshops, which offered them firsthand insights into the lived experiences of People of Determination. These sessions allowed participants to experience and understand daily challenges through interactive activities, ensuring that student-led innovations are informed by real-world mentorship and educational workshops included industry experts inspiring students with their own solutions, start-ups and successful advocates and ambassadors also played a key role in the programme, sharing real-world insights into communication, mobility, and cognitive challenges as will present their final prototypes to a panel of experts, who will assess their feasibility, functionality, and potential for implementation. Outstanding projects will be recognised through an expert jury award, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, solution-driven top three winning student teams will be onboarded into the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) youth incubation platform, Startup Dojo. This collaboration provides young innovators with mentorship, pitch training, and access to grant disbursement guidance, helping them develop their prototypes into real-world of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Her Excellency Sara Belhaif Al Nuaimi, said, "At Sheraa, we're proud to support the final stage of the Universal Design for Inclusion Programme by welcoming the winning teams into our Startup Dojo. This reflects our commitment to empowering youth to turn inclusive ideas into scalable ventures that address real societal needs.''We believe inclusivity is key to strong, thriving communities. This programme provides students with valuable insight into real-world challenges and inspires practical solutions for all. At Sheraa, we're proud to help turn these ideas into reality through mentorship and support, shaping a more inclusive future.'Sheraa will provide a mentorship session for the winners and runners-up, guiding them through the grant disbursement process, as well as a pitch training session to help them prepare for their final presentations at the September awarding with the UAE's national vision for inclusion, the programme reinforces the importance of universal design in education, public spaces, and community engagement. By fostering early exposure to inclusion-driven innovation, NMSS aims to cultivate a future where students of all abilities collaborate to design a world that is not just for People of Determination but with keeping with the UAE's Year of Community slogan, Hand in Hand, the initiative mobilises key players across the ecosystem - including industry leaders, educators, and community members - to drive inclusive design forward. This collaborative effort embeds accessibility at the core of innovation, ensuring that inclusion is a shared responsibility that strengthens society as a whole.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
National MS Society signs MoU with UAE universities to drive inclusive design innovation
Abu Dhabi — The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six leading universities across the UAE as part of the Universal Design for Inclusion Program. This landmark agreement formalizes NMSS's collaboration with higher education institutions, integrating accessibility-focused learning into university curricula and empowering students to develop innovative solutions that enhance inclusivity. Designed to raise awareness on cognitive, mobility and communication challenges faced by People of Determination, the program will empower youth to develop innovative, accessibility-focused solutions that address real-world needs. As one of NMSS's flagship initiatives, the program aims to educate university students about multiple sclerosis (MS), while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to develop universally accessible and culturally relevant designs - fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone can be an active part of society. Delivered in partnership with leading universities across the UAE, the Universal Design for Inclusion program provides students with opportunities to explore inclusive design principles through NMSS-led awareness sessions, expert-led workshops, and interactive discussions with inclusive innovators and, most importantly, the end-users—people living with a chronic condition. These immersive, interactive sessions allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers faced by People of Determination, empowering them to develop viable solutions that promote accessibility and inclusion. His Excellency Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation and Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said: 'Empowering youth to become changemakers is at the heart of this program. The Youth Awareness Program is a crucial step in supporting a new generation of innovators who are committed to designing a more inclusive future. This initiative is about more than awareness; by combining education with practical design challenges, we are empowering students to become advocates for accessibility and equipping them with the skills to create meaningful solutions that improve lives. 'We are especially grateful to the universities and faculty members who have integrated this program into their curriculum. Their commitment has made this initiative possible, ensuring that students engage with accessibility as a core design principle from the outset of their careers. This initiative is about more than awareness; it's about action. By involving students directly in the creation of solutions, we are nurturing a generation that not only understands accessibility but champions it.' A first-of-its-kind initiative at this scale in the country, the program is being implemented across six leading universities, spanning 11 campuses, including Abu Dhabi University, University of Sharjah, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), Khalifa University, Al Ain University, and six Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. The initiative will involve over 500 students, more than 45 faculty members and industry experts, and host over 15 immersive workshops. Students began their journey with Empathy Workshops, which offered them firsthand insights into the lived experiences of people with chronic conditions. These immersive sessions allowed participants to experience and understand daily challenges through interactive activities, ensuring that student-led innovations are informed by real-world needs. Subsequent mentorship and educational workshops included industry experts inspiring students with their own solutions, start-ups and successful outcomes. Accessibility advocates and chronic illness ambassadors also played a key role in the program, sharing real-world insights into communication, mobility, and cognitive challenges as end-users. Students will present their final prototypes to a panel of experts, who will assess their feasibility, functionality, and potential for implementation. Outstanding projects will be recognized through an expert jury award, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, solution-driven design. The top three winning student teams will be onboarded into the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) youth incubation platform, Startup Dojo. This collaboration provides young innovators with mentorship, pitch training, and access to grant disbursement guidance, helping them develop their prototypes into real-world solutions. Her Excellency Sara Belhaif Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), said: "At Sheraa, we're proud to support the final stage of the Universal Design for Inclusion Program by welcoming the winning teams into our Startup Dojo. This reflects our commitment to empowering youth to turn inclusive ideas into scalable ventures that address real societal needs.' She added 'We believe inclusivity is key to strong, thriving communities. This program provides students valuable insight into real-world challenges and inspires practical solutions for all. At Sheraa, we're proud to help turn these ideas into reality through mentorship and support—shaping a more inclusive future.' Sheraa will provide a mentorship session for the winners and runners-up, guiding them through the grant disbursement process, as well as a pitch training session to help them prepare for their final presentations at the September awarding event. Aligned with the UAE's national vision for inclusion, the program reinforces the importance of universal design in education, public spaces, and community engagement. By fostering early exposure to accessibility-driven innovation, NMSS aims to cultivate a future where students of all abilities collaborate to design a world that is not just for people of determination but with them. In keeping with the UAE's Year of Community slogan, Hand in Hand, the initiative mobilizes key players across the ecosystem - including industry leaders, educators, and community members - to drive inclusive design forward. This collaborative effort embeds accessibility at the core of innovation, ensuring that inclusion is a shared responsibility that strengthens society as a whole. About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Established in 2022 under the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a UAE-based NGO created to better the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their communities in the UAE through education, advocacy and advancing global efforts to finding a cure for MS. NMSS is governed by a board of trustees, advised by a local and international Strategic Advisory Committee and Medical Advisory Committee, and supported by MS ambassadors and volunteers. Together, they ensure that people living with MS have access to high quality care and get the guidance they need through reliable resources. NMSS works with leading national medical institutions and renowned global partners to build a trusted network of healthcare providers and support organisations. The society aims to raise awareness of MS, create a holistic ecosystem for the MS community in the UAE, and provide support and resources for individuals affected by MS. For more information about MS and the NMSS, please visit Visit the NMSS's official social media platforms for the most recent updates and insights. Instagram: NMSsocietyUAE Facebook: National MS Society UAE LinkedIn: National Multiple Sclerosis Society UAE YouTube: NMSSocietyUAE X: NMSsocietyUAE
