Latest news with #AlDhaid
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Al Dhaid Date Festival introduces AI for the first time in dates competition judging
Sharjah: The Organising Committee of the Al Dhaid Date Festival has implemented artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time in 'Mazaiena Al Rutab' (Dates Beauty) Contest, one of the festival's flagship events, in a pioneering move that reflects the Committee's commitment to enhancing judging mechanisms and raising competition standards. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year's edition of the festival drew in leading date producers, palm farmers from across the UAE, and representatives from 15 agricultural companies, alongside key government and private sector stakeholders, and home-based businesses. It took place from July 23 to 27 at Expo Al Dhaid. This initiative marks the first of its kind in the UAE and reflects Al Dhaid Date Festival's strategic focus on innovation and elevating the overall participant and visitor experience. The newly introduced AI system is designed to strengthen evaluation standards through advanced analysis of quality, size, color, and appearance, ensuring objective, transparent, and efficient judging across the festival's core competitions. These include the flagship 'Mazaiena Al Rutab', as well as dedicated categories for local lemons and figs, the children's 'Rutab Al Kharaif Beauty' contest, and the women-only homegrown date competition, all of which saw contestants presenting premium varieties of locally produced dates. The Organising Committee emphasised that the adoption of AI is part of the Al Dhaid Date Festival's strategic vision to drive digital transformation and harness technology in supporting agricultural stakeholders. This move aims to modernise palm product assessment systems, positioning the festival as a key national platform in the sector. It also fosters the convergence of agricultural heritage and technological advancement, highlighting the productivity and diversity of local crop yields and solidifying the UAE's global leadership in date and palm production. For further information, please contact: Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Al Dhaid Date Festival cements its status as a leading platform for agricultural innovation and sustainability
Sharjah: The 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, held at Expo Al Dhaid, featured record participation from leading date producers and palm farmers from across the UAE. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year's edition hosted more than 15 agricultural companies showcasing the latest sustainable farming technologies, reflecting the sector's growing focus on innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge solutions to optimise farm performance and improve yield quality. Participants shared inspiring success stories that highlighted both the preservation of traditional farming practices and the advancement of smart and future-forward agriculture initiatives. Their contributions, marked by product excellence and innovation in production techniques, underscored the agricultural sector's strategic importance in driving food security and supporting sustainable development goals. Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication Department at SCCI and Head of the Al Dhaid Date Festival's Media Committee, said that this year's strong participation underscores the festival's role as a commercial and marketing platform for technology transfer among farmers. The festival showcases cutting-edge solutions in organic and sustainable farming, modern agricultural mechanization, and AI-driven farming processes, offering farmers a unique opportunity to learn about best practices that enhance output quality and operational efficiency. Al-Washah Dates Farm, led by owner Rashid Ahmed Al-Tunaiji, stood out for its display of premium local date varieties, including Khalas, Barhi, and Lulu. Produced under the highest quality standards, these offerings highlight the farm's commitment to combining traditional agricultural heritage with advanced practices in organic cultivation. Al-Fahd Dates Farm demonstrated an innovative business approach through its display of premium date varieties, highlighting its strategic investment in downstream industries. The farm showcased value-added products such as pure date syrup, high-quality date paste, and gourmet stuffed dates, all developed and packaged with advanced methods aligned with the expectations of both domestic and global markets. Young farmer Sultan Ali Al-Khuzaymi from the Emirate of Fujairah presented an inspiring success story that reflects the UAE's efforts to empower youth. His participation in Al Dhaid Date Festival stemmed from a deep family tradition in agriculture and a personal commitment to sustain and evolve their legacy. His product line stood out for its premium quality, comprising both heritage and enhanced date varieties, alongside organically cultivated Turkish figs. Participating farmers commended the consistent and substantial support extended by the Sharjah Chamber, highlighting its role in sustaining the festival's success and enhancing its impact on the agricultural community. For further information, please contact: Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
New youth-led initiative to boost palm sector innovation launched at Al Dhaid Dates Festival 2025
Sharjah: The Sharjah Youth Council (SYC), in collaboration with the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council, hosted an interactive youth session as part of the 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, which is organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) at Expo Al Dhaid and is concluding today, Sunday. Held under the theme "At the Heart of Sharjah Central Region… Our Youth: Leadership and Growth", the session aimed to reinforce the festival's role as a strategic platform for recognising agricultural innovation and empowering youth contributions to the future of the sector. The event was attended by H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI; and H.E Rashid Khalifa Al Mahyan, Chairman of the Parents Council for Male and Female Students in the Central Region, along with several senior representatives and members of youth councils from across the UAE. During the youth circle, officials announced the launch of an innovative youth-focused competition titled "Innovate with Dates," scheduled for the next edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival. The competition aims to stimulate youth innovation by encouraging the development of commercially viable, value-added concepts derived from dates in fields such as food manufacturing, biotechnology, and contemporary craft production. The session also featured the announcement of the Sharjah Youth Council's plan to establish the "Central Region Youth Council," set to be officially launched during International Youth Day on August 12, 2025. The new council will serve as a representative platform for youth in the Central Region, enabling their involvement in shaping and executing initiatives that address local priorities. It aims to ensure that regional development strategies are informed by grassroots insights and aligned with community needs. H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais reaffirmed the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to supporting youth empowerment by launching targeted initiatives that strengthen their contribution to economic progress. He emphasised the Chamber's efforts to foster entrepreneurial engagement among young individuals, particularly in the SME sector, by providing them with opportunities to unleash their creative potential and turn their innovative ideas into successful tangible projects. Moderated by Yaqoub Al Baloushi, Media Officer at the Sharjah Youth Council, the session highlighted key discussions focused on advancing national priorities that position youth as central stakeholders in the country's development agenda. It highlighted the importance of empowering the next generation as proactive contributors to future-building, in line with the objectives of the UAE's National Youth Agenda 2031. A distinguished panel of speakers contributed to the youth circle. Dr. Mariam Bin Haddah Al Suwaidi, President of Sharjah Youth Council, highlighted the Council's evolving role from mere representation to achieving real impact through the development of initiatives that address the genuine needs of youth. She noted that the establishment of the Central Region Youth Council reflects an institutional commitment to ensuring that the perspectives of young individuals inform policy and leadership decisions across the emirate. Abdullah Al Kaabi, member of the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council, stated that the entrepreneurial environment in the UAE has evolved into a key catalyst for empowering youth. He explained how the integrated ecosystem of mentorship and networking is opening new horizons for young people in the Central Region to transform their innovative ideas into viable and scalable business projects. Jassim Al Obaidli, Director of Youth Engagement at the Federal Youth Authority, spoke about the Authority's role as a national umbrella dedicated to youth empowerment and development across the UAE. Maha Al Muhairi, member of the UAE Youth Council for Agriculture, concluded the discussion by stressing the importance of youth empowerment in the modern agricultural sector. She noted that ensuring future food security hinges on the fusion of innovation, technology, and sustainability, presenting a unique leadership opportunity for the next generation. For further information, please contact: Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Al Dhaid Date Festival empowers productive families with new business and marketing opportunities
Sharjah: The 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, the agricultural and commercial annual flagship event organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), continues its vibrant events and activities at Expo Al Dhaid which will run until Sunday, July 27. In line with the UAE's 'Year of Community', this year's edition features strong participation from productive families and home-based businesses, who showcase a wide range of innovative and heritage-inspired products. The festival offers a dynamic platform that highlights the cultural and economic significance of the date palm and supports the commercial endeavours of productive families, thereby promoting their integration into the broader economic and social landscape. The productive families' pavilion drew strong visitor interest, offering a variety of value-added products and traditional crafts derived from the palm tree, including intricately woven baskets and heritage-themed containers. The pavilion also featured popular Emirati traditional dishes such as 'harees' and 'machboos', in addition to locally produced honey, unique Emirati spices, and premium Arabic coffee with its special blends. In his remarks, H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, said that promoting the involvement of productive families in the Al Dhaid Date Festival aligns with its strategic focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. It also supports the objectives of the UAE's 'Year of Community', aimed at fostering social cohesion and collaboration among all segments of society. One of the featured participants, Khesbah Saeed Mohammed, expressed her keen interest in taking part in the Al Dhaid Date Festival every year to exhibit her line of traditional crafts. She noted that her handmade products, including 'sarod' and 'mahafat', are crafted using inherited techniques taught by her mother. This underscores the role of the festival in preserving and sustaining palm frond crafts and heritage-based skills across generations. Maryam Al Yamahi presents a selection of artisanal products rooted in palm-related crafts, emphasising items like 'makhareef' and 'saf', which resonate with consumers as symbols of Emirati heritage. By incorporating modern design elements, Al Yamahi aims to align these traditional crafts with contemporary tastes and modern touches. She highlighted the festival's role as a strategic platform for productive families, enabling broader market access, supporting increased sales, and fostering business growth and project development. Running daily through Sunday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, this year's edition of the Al Dhaid Festival delivers a rich visitor experience centered on dates and seasonal fruits, while continuing to play a vital role in supporting and enabling productive families and homegrown producers. For further information, please contact: - Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Andrea Pirlo, the Italian world cup legend appointed head coach of Dubai's United FC?
Pirlo's first match in charge of United FC is scheduled for September 20, when they face Al Dhaid in Dubai/ Image: X Italy's legendary midfielder and World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo has officially embarked on a fresh chapter in his managerial career as the newly appointed head coach of Dubai-based United FC. The club, only founded in 2022, has quickly risen through the ranks of UAE football and now looks to Pirlo's vast experience to push them toward greater heights in the country's competitive first division. A Landmark Signing for a Young Club United FC, also known as Dubai United, is a rapidly emerging Emirati professional football club. Founded just under three years ago in September 2022, the club immediately set ambitious goals for itself. Under the leadership of President Ilie Cebanu, the club has focused on laying a strong foundation both on and off the pitch. Playing home matches at Dubai's ISD Stadium Pitch, United FC has paired its investment in infrastructure with impressive on-field results. In their inaugural 2022-23 season, United FC earned promotion from the UAE Second Division by finishing second, boasting the best offensive and defensive records in the league. Their dramatic end to that campaign included crucial victories over Fleetwood United FC and Al-Hilal United FC, securing their spot in the UAE First Division for the 2025-26 season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo With such rapid progress, the appointment of Andrea Pirlo signals United FC's desire to establish themselves as a formidable force in the UAE. Club President Ilie Cebanu expressed his enthusiasm: 'We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family. He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level.' The club's official statement added: "United Football Club is delighted to officially announce the appointment of Andrea Pirlo as the new head coach of the first team. A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006 and one of the most iconic midfielders of his generation, Pirlo brings with him a unique footballing vision and valuable coaching experience gained at Juventus and Sampdoria. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter in United's history and reflects the club's growing ambitions on the football pitch in the UAE. " Andrea Pirlo: From Midfield Maestro to Managerial Mind Andrea Pirlo, now 46, is widely regarded as one of the best deep-lying playmakers in football history. Known for his sublime vision, impeccable technique, and exceptional free-kick ability, Pirlo's playing career is decorated with top honors. He played 116 matches for Italy, becoming a key figure in their 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph, where he earned the Bronze Ball and was named in the Team of the Tournament. Beyond that, he starred in multiple European Championships and World Cups, earning recognition among the world's elite midfielders. At club level, Pirlo's journey took him from his hometown Brescia to Inter Milan, then to AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Later, at Juventus, he collected four consecutive Serie A titles and domestic cups before finishing his playing career with a stint in MLS at New York City FC. He retired in 2017 after a remarkable 22-year professional career. Pirlo transitioned to coaching in 2020. His managerial timeline includes: Juventus (2020-2021): Taking over from Maurizio Sarri, Pirlo won the Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia in his first year. Despite this, he was dismissed after one season due to a fourth-place Serie A finish and a round-of-16 exit in the Champions League. Fatih Karagümrük (2022-2023): Pirlo signed a one-year contract with the Istanbul-based Turkish Süper Lig club. Under his guidance, the team finished 9th. The club decided not to renew his contract before the season's end. Sampdoria (2023-2024): Appointed in June 2023 to lead the recently relegated Serie B club back to Serie A, Pirlo faced a challenging campaign. Sampdoria finished seventh and were eliminated in the promotion playoffs. A poor start to the following season led to his dismissal in August 2024. Despite these mixed managerial results, Pirlo remains a respected football thinker, known for his unique style and vision on the pitch. What Lies Ahead for Pirlo and United FC? Pirlo's appointment is more than a routine coaching hire; it is a statement by United FC about their ambitions in the UAE's football scene. For Pirlo, this role offers a significant opportunity to rebuild and redefine his coaching philosophy in a new environment. Having been out of management since August 2024, when he left Sampdoria, Pirlo arrives in Dubai refreshed and eager. The club confirmed that he has already arrived and will start training the team soon in preparation for the upcoming season. His first official match in charge is scheduled for September 20 against Al Dhaid.
