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Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE President honours judge who waived Dhs60,000 fine on an Afghan family
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday honoured judge Hamid Al Ali of the Umm Al Quwain Federal Court of First Instance who cancelled a Dh60,000 fine for an Afghani overstayer. Sheikh Mohamed said that what the judge did represents the traits and culture of the Emirati people. Judge Al Ali recalled this story after many years. He said that once he had a case of an Afghani overstayer who failed to renew residency visas for himself, his wife, and their four children over five years due to personal circumstances. When Al Ali asked about the reason the man said that his Emirati sponsor was diagnosed with cancer and he had to stay beside him in hospital and did not think about his legal status. Al Ali said that during the hearing, he saw the man's young son standing beside him and asked for his name, to be surprised that his name was Zayed. Al Ali then removed the UAE flag scarf from around his shoulders and wrapped the child's shoulders with it saying 'Zayed is not fined but honoured' before he cancelled the penalties.
Qatar Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Culture ministry marks 20th anniversary of 2005 Convention on Protection, Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions
QNA Doha The Ministry of Culture on Wednesday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The event, which marks the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, commemorated globally on May 21 each year, was organised in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science at Bayt Al Hikma Hall within the ministry's premises. Throughout the celebration, the ministry presented a broad spectrum of programmes aligned with the implementation of the convention, alongside a series of engaging sessions conducted with the participation of UNESCO Regional Office and Qatar National Commission. Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali said the ministry celebrates this day in recognition of cultural diversity, which constitutes a fundamental dimension in fostering dialogue among civilisations and cultures. This diversity is intrinsically linked to unwavering efforts aimed at developing cultural policies that bolster national creative production and position cultural industries as a vehicle for its protection, Dr. Al Ali highlighted. Dr. Al Ali added that Qatar has given special attention to cultural diversity and considered it part of its national challenges, emphasising that the nation strives to achieve this diversity through the Qatar National Vision 2030, in recognition of the fact that supporting this diversity is a vehicle for forging peace in the world. 'Cultural diversity is a source of unlocking human innovation in multiple fields, as it leads to the entwinement of culture with development. The nation has sought to empower this diversity within the Qatari community through the ministry-led role, which considers it as one of the key concerns of the Qatari community,' Dr. Al Ali noted. He highlighted that Qatar regards cultural differences as sources of societal enrichment and catalysts for the advancement of intellectual and creative capacities, for diversity enables not only the imparting of knowledge but also the sharing of lived experience. 'This diversity is an added value to the national identity, and there is no fear for an identity that stands on solid ground, as long as it believes in itself and values open dialogue with those who show respect for its culture,' he said, adding that this is exactly what the Qatari community has recognised since the days of the founding generation. Qatar has long been a welcoming place for people of all nationalities and cultures, and its people have always embraced others with open arms, holding fast to the belief that tolerance is the key to living peacefully among diverse nations, he underlined. Dr. Al Ali affirmed that cultural diversity is not a mere slogan but a lived reality embraced by society, one that the ministry actively seeks to reinforce, grounded in its conviction that cultural particularities serve as a vital bulwark against the forces of globalisation. 'The ministry affirms the capacity of culture to propel economic advancement and foster social cohesion. In pursuit of these objectives, a wide range of cultural initiatives has been launched both at home and abroad, with the Ministry working to activate cultural diversity through cultural weeks and the organisation of events for expatriate communities,' he highlighted. The recent conclusion of the Doha International Book Fair, one of the largest cultural events, embodies the nation's vision for cultural diversity. Work should consistently proceed to reinforce this diversity across all cultural platforms, ensuring that every single cultural domain reflects it and contributes meaningfully to sustainable development. Secretary-General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science Ali Abdulrazzaq Al Marafi stated that the Convention constitutes a pivotal milestone in international efforts to safeguard cultural diversity. He emphasised that the Convention reflects a shared vision aimed at promoting cultural pluralism as a foundational pillar of sustainable development. Building upon Qatar's unwavering commitment to these principles, he affirmed that Qatar's accession to the Convention stands as a clear testament to its dedication to advancing culture and affirming its pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant and dynamic community. He underscored the Commission's instrumental role in promoting awareness of this Convention and supporting its national implementation through coordination with relevant entities and the preparation of periodic reports. Al Marafi commended the ministry and national stakeholders for the latest report, reaffirming Qatar's commitment to cultural development. He highlighted the importance of global partnerships, particularly with UNESCO, in advancing the Convention's objectives. UNESCO Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the UNESCO Office in Doha Dr. Salah Khaled affirmed that this celebration is not merely a commemoration but a recognition of major achievements and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to a culture that embraces diversity, fosters creativity, and advances dialogue among peoples. Dr. Khaled added that since its adoption in October 2005, the Convention has served as a global framework for safeguarding cultural identities and reaffirming the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UNESCO's Declaration on Cultural Diversity. 'The Convention has empowered communities and cultural practitioners worldwide. Since ratifying the Convention in February 2009, Qatar has remained committed to advancing its principles through ambitious cultural projects, international partnerships, and a vision that positions culture as a driver of sustainable development and a bridge to peace,' he said. Dr. Khaled noted that over the past two decades, the concept of cultural protection has undergone a profound transformation. Since 2005, he added, UNESCO has worked with over 159 countries, including Qatar, to convert the convention's principles into concrete programmes. The International Fund for Cultural Diversity has been created, along with the launch of the Creative Cities Network, which now includes over 300 cities worldwide, he highlighted. He affirmed that Doha joined the network in 2021 in the field of design, in recognition of Qatar's efforts to promote culture and creativity as part of its sustainable urban development
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
1,414 Emirati entrepreneurs benefit from Ruwad's Programs
Ambitious Development Vision Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, stated that the foundation is implementing a set of ambitious training projects as part of its vision to empower Emirati talents in entrepreneurship. The programs aim to open promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and support their ventures across sectors, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a preferred destination for national entrepreneurs. Comprehensive Training Approach Al Ali added that Ruwad's training and diploma programs provide participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills in administrative, financial, marketing, and legal fields. These are delivered through an integrated approach that combines real-world theoretical insights with hands-on application. Expanding Training Partnerships She noted that Ruwad has successfully built strong partnerships with various academic institutions, including universities, centers, and institutes, in addition to specialised entrepreneurship training entities. These collaborations support the delivery of advanced training using modern technological tools and applications. Entrepreneurial Topics Covered The training workshops and programs addressed a wide range of topics, from general skill-building and business management to specialized content for launching small projects, financial accounting, and taxation for SMEs. They also included mini-MBA programs, specialized diplomas, introductory workshops, and knowledge development sessions. Diverse Beneficiary Groups Al Ali expressed pride in the foundation's role in upskilling various groups involved in or aspiring to join the entrepreneurial sector. These include existing entrepreneurs, aspiring startup founders, school and university students, government employees, retirees, and holders of home business licenses like Etimad and Masar. Cumulative Training Milestones Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research, and Events Department, revealed that by the end of 2024, Ruwad had delivered a total of 395 training programs and professional diplomas since its establishment. These amounted to 3,555 training hours over 1,139 training days, with a total of 9,724 participants. 2024 Training Outcomes In 2024 alone, Ruwad conducted 56 training programs and workshops, comprising 351 training hours over 106 days. The total number of participants was 1,402, including 483 male entrepreneurs (34.2%) and 931 female entrepreneurs (65.8%). Ambassadors Program Expansion Ruwad also launched the second edition of its 'Entrepreneurship Ambassadors' diploma program, graduating 13 government employees from Sharjah after completing an 8-day course that included 50 training hours. Highlights of 2024 Programs Notable training programs in 2024 included four discussion evenings focused on entrepreneurship in the industrial sector, with participation from 64 projects. The AI-driven marketing innovation program hosted 47 trainees, while 44 participated in the supply chain and logistics program. Additionally, 25 trainees joined the entrepreneurial psychology program, 18 participated in the tourism entrepreneurship program, and 16 attended the digital marketing strategies program. Strengthening Strategic Alliances Throughout the past year, Ruwad enhanced its strategic partnerships for entrepreneurial training. Existing collaborations were strengthened, and new ones were established with institutions such as the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah, the Federal Tax Authority, the Sharjah Planning and Survey Department, and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. New Collaborative Ventures Ruwad also initiated new training partnerships with various Sharjah entities, including the Central Finance Department, Sharjah Private Education Authority, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Documentation House, Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Police Academy, Al Dhaid Municipality, and library administrations in Kalba, Khorfakkan, and Al Dhaid.
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
1,414 Emirati entrepreneurs benefit from Ruwad's Programmes
22 May 2025 09:18 SHARJAH (WAM) In 2024, a total of 1,414 Emirati entrepreneurs benefited from training programmes and professional diplomas offered by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation 'Ruwad' affiliated with the Sharjah Department of Economic initiative falls within Ruwad's annual plan to equip project owners with the skills needed to establish and manage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, stated that the foundation is implementing a set of ambitious training projects as part of its vision to empower Emirati talents in entrepreneurship. The programmes aim to open promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and support their ventures across sectors, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a preferred destination for national Ali added that Ruwad's training and diploma programmes provide participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills in administrative, financial, marketing, and legal fields. These are delivered through an integrated approach that combines real-world theoretical insights with hands-on noted that Ruwad has successfully built strong partnerships with various academic institutions, including universities, centres, and institutes, in addition to specialised entrepreneurship training entities. These collaborations support the delivery of advanced training using modern technological tools and training workshops and programmes addressed a wide range of topics, from general skill-building and business management to specialised content for launching small projects, financial accounting, and taxation for SMEs. They also included mini-MBA programmes, specialised diplomas, introductory workshops, and knowledge development Ali expressed pride in the foundation's role in upskilling various groups involved in or aspiring to join the entrepreneurial sector. These include existing entrepreneurs, aspiring startup founders, school and university students, government employees, retirees, and holders of home business licenses like Etimad and Masar. Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research, and Events Department, revealed that by the end of 2024, Ruwad had delivered a total of 395 training programmes and professional diplomas since its establishment. These amounted to 3,555 training hours over 1,139 training days, with a total of 9,724 participants.
Gulf Today
21-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE urges private firms to meet Emiratisation targets for Q1 2025 before June 30
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025 and achieve a growth of 1 percent or more in the number of UAE citizens employed in skilled jobs out of their total skilled workforce by 30 June. Starting from 1st July, the Ministry will begin verifying the extent to which companies have complied with the set targets, as well as other related requirements, which include registering the Emirati nationals they employ with a social security fund and consistently paying the required contributions. Compliance with these conditions allows companies to avoid financial contributions, which will be imposed on establishments that violate these terms. Farida Al Ali, MoHRE's Assistant Under-Secretary of National Talents, said, "The impressive performance we have seen in the labour market, coupled with the UAE's rapid economic growth, serve to enhance private sector companies' ability to meet their Emiratisation targets. This progress goes hand in hand with a well-established partnership approach between the Ministry and the Nafis programme, supporting the achievement of Emiratisation policies and targets across the private sector.' Al Ali praised the private sector's engagement with Emiratisation policies and its commitment to meeting the required targets, which has had a positive impact on this national priority. The number of Emiratis working in the private sector has reached an unprecedented milestone of over 136,000 UAE citizens employed across 28,000 companies by the end of April 2025, she revealed, asserting her confidence in these companies' ability to continue meeting their targets, particularly by taking advantage of the Nafis platform, which hosts a large pool of qualified Emirati candidates suited for the targeted jobs. Furthermore, she noted that the Ministry will continue to offer incentives and benefits to companies that achieve exceptional Emiratisation results, which include membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club. Benefits for members of the Club include financial discounts of up to 80 percent on MoHRE service fees and priority in the government procurement system, which enhances their business growth opportunities. The Ministry has developed a highly efficient digital field inspection system to detect fraudulent practices, such as engaging in 'Fake Emiratisation' schemes or attempting to circumvent Emiratisation targets. Between mid-2022 and April 2025, the system successfully flagged around 2,200 establishments found to be in violation of Emiratisation policies and decisions, and legal actions have been taken against them. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation provides various channels to report practices that violate Emiratisation policies in the private sector, including a call centre that can be reached at 600590000, in addition to the Ministry's smart application and official website. WAM
