Latest news with #AlHashmi
Observer
24-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Ras Markaz terminal exports 17 million tonnes of petroleum products
DUQM: Oman Tank Terminal Company (OTTCO) has exported around 17 million metric tonnes of petroleum products and handled 491 vessels through its Ras Markaz Terminal in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD) since its operations began in 2023 up to the end of April 2025. More than 950 million barrels of crude oil have been imported through the terminal, underscoring its growing strategic importance in global energy logistics. Engineer Salem bin Marhoon al Hashmi, CEO of OTTCO, highlighted the Sultanate of Oman's ambition to become a global energy hub, stating that the company's operational success is built on rigorous safety standards and operational excellence. 'Our location provides a direct link to major shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, opening access to markets across Asia, Africa, and Europe,' he said. The terminal's storage services currently meet local demand, but OTTCO is now focusing on expanding its global storage operations. A key milestone in this direction is a strategic partnership with the Dutch firm Vopak, one of the world's leading storage companies. The agreement aims to transform Duqm into a global storage hub and supports the OQ Group's broader strategy of launching a dedicated company for storing and handling particulates. Al Hashmi added that the partnership with Vopak is also helping OTTCO adopt international best practices, develop Omani talent in the energy logistics sector, and reinforce its sustainability goals. Among the company's clean energy initiatives are projects supporting the storage and handling of green ammonia and hydrogen — in line with growing global demand for low-carbon energy solutions. Engineer Salem bin Marhoon al Hashmi, CEO of OTTCO. 'Preliminary studies have already been completed to lay the groundwork for advanced infrastructure to store, handle, and export green ammonia,' he noted. OTTCO is also working on a shared smart infrastructure for storage services and establishing international partnerships to exchange expertise and accelerate development, in line with Oman's Vision 2040. The Ras Markaz terminal plays a vital role in supplying the Duqm Refinery through an 80-kilometre pipeline that transports crude oil from the terminal. The facility boasts eight large storage tanks, floating platforms for oil imports and exports, a 7-kilometre subsea pipeline, and a pumping station. Control rooms, administrative offices, and safety installations are also housed within the terminal. One of Ras Markaz's defining advantages is its ability to blend different types of crude oil and efficiently handle vessel loading and unloading. Positioned outside the Strait of Hormuz, the terminal offers international companies the flexibility to store crude oil in large volumes for any duration. Spanning 40 square kilometres, it has a projected storage capacity of up to 200 million barrels. — ONA
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Zayed honours Emirati runner Salem Al Hashemi
23 May 2025 12:06 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has honoured Emirati runner Salem Abdullah Al Hashmi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Running Team, in recognition of his remarkable achievement in completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors — one of the most prestigious and challenging series in the global long-distance running Hashmi successfully completed all six races in the series with an average finish time of under three major marathons in which Al Hashmi participated include the New York Marathon in November 2023, the Boston Marathon in April 2024 where he achieved his fastest time of 2 hours and 53 minutes, followed by the Berlin Marathon in September 2024, the Chicago Marathon in October 2024, the Tokyo Marathon in March 2025, and the London Marathon in addition to these achievements, Al Hashmi also participated in several other international and regional races, including the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, the Dubai Marathon, the Barcelona Marathon, and the Valencia Marathon — reflecting a distinguished and accomplished athletic the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised Al Hashmi for his exceptional dedication and efforts, noting that this achievement embodies the spirit of determination and perseverance that defines the Emirati people and their ability to represent the nation at the highest international levels. His Highness emphasised that Al Hashmi's outstanding performance in this elite global series serves as an inspiration to young athletes and further strengthens the role of both community and competitive sports within the Highness affirmed that supporting national talents across all sectors — particularly in sports — remains a top priority for the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in line with the vision of the wise leadership, which continues to invest in empowering athletes and promoting further stressed that success stories like that of Al Hashmi reflect the fruitful outcomes of investment in grassroots and professional sports alike. They also serve as evidence of Emiratis' ability to compete and succeed in the world's toughest athletic arenas, thanks to the nation's supportive environment and strategic Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan also received members of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council team and commended their exceptional efforts in organising impactful community events. His Highness highlighted the important role such events play in raising awareness about the benefits of sport, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles, and discovering and nurturing local talent within a motivating and supportive atmosphere. He expressed his appreciation to all teams and departments for their unwavering dedication and commitment to fulfilling the emirate's ambitious sporting and social his part, Al Hashmi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the honour, affirming that the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership and the continuous encouragement of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council played a vital role in turning this sporting dream into reality. He described his participation in the marathons of New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo and London as a unique experience and a significant challenge that contributed immensely to his athletic development and global Hashmi also acknowledged the importance of the support and encouragement he received from his teammates in the Abu Dhabi Running Team, in addition to his regular participation in the community races organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. These races, he noted, offer an ideal environment for nurturing talent and are a major driver for excellence and commitment in Hashmi, who works as an engineer at TAQA Distribution, began his athletic journey as a football player in the youth categories of Al Wahda Club, before transitioning into recreational running. Over time, he has evolved into one of the UAE's leading marathon athletes, successfully balancing a professional career with sporting achievements — making him a role model in combining personal ambition with national pride.
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
EAD completes project to disperse 6.5m native seeds across nature reserves
22 May 2025 10:21 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has completed its 2025 native seed dispersal programme in nature reserves. The initiative, conducted in partnership with UK-based environmental restoration company Dendra, used custom-designed drones to carry out aerial agency continues to advance its drone-based seeding programme through the expertise of a dedicated team comprising seasoned professionals and promising young Emirati talent. The team carries out comprehensive studies and precise assessments of vegetation cover within the targeted reserves, taking into account soil characteristics and their suitability for the native plant species selected under the Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: '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.'This initiative underscores the agency's commitment to harnessing advanced artificial intelligence tools in support of environmental sustainability and reflects our leadership's ongoing vision to safeguard natural ecosystems through the integration of innovation and technology in pursuit of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.'A total of 6.5 million seeds from native species were dispersed, including Samar (Vachellia tortilis), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), Rumex (Rumex limoniastrum), Cleome )Cleome pallida(Desert cotton (Aerva javanica) and Panicum (Panicum turgidum) in the mountainous slopes and wadi habitats of Jebel Hafit National for the Sand dunes ecosystems of Qasr Al Sarab Nature Reserve, seeds of Fire Bush (Calligonum polygonoides), Rimth (Haloxylon salicornicum), Tricholaena (Tricholaena teneriffae), Panicum (Panicum turgidum), and Agriophyllum (Agriophyllum minus) were use of drones enables the agency to cover extensive areas in significantly less time compared to traditional manual seeding methods. This technology also facilitates operations in remote and difficult-to-access terrain without the need for vehicles, thereby reducing environmental disturbance to fragile marks only the beginning of the process. EAD will continue to monitor the designated areas to assess vegetation response over time, employing AI-powered sensors and advanced monitoring technologies to track the growth of shrubs and native plants. This initiative builds upon the natural rangeland study programmes launched by the agency in 2024 and is continuing into 2025. These efforts aim to establish a comprehensive, field-based assessment of current vegetation conditions, serving as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of grazing regulations and other environmental management measures across Abu Dhabi. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
06-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi hosts first regional seagrass scientific workshop
6 May 2025 21:14 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre, the largest facility of its kind in the region, recently hosted the first Arabian Regional Scientific Seagrass Workshop in partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) – Dugong MOU Secretariat, and with the participation of Professor Emma Jackson, President of the World Seagrass Association. The workshop brought together marine researchers and environmental experts from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman to highlight the vital ecological role of seagrass in Arabian coastal ecosystems. Discussions focused on the current state of regional research and strategies to improve conservation efforts. (Supplied) Seagrass meadows, marine flowering plants found in coastal waters, offer critical ecosystem services including oxygen production, sediment stabilisation, blue carbon storage, and essential habitat for marine life such as dugongs and sea turtles. Abu Dhabi's coastline hosts nearly four percent of the world's seagrass, supporting one of the largest populations of dugongs, which feed almost exclusively on seagrass ecosystems are in global decline, losing an estimated 110 km² annually since 1980 due to threats such as coastal development and marine heatwaves. The workshop addressed urgent knowledge gaps and promoted data-driven conservation, while fostering regional collaboration to protect these Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said the agency is working with partners to develop tools, including artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring, to better protect seagrass meadows and enhance biodiversity resilience in the Arab Elise Marquis, Director of the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre, emphasised the role of seagrass in supporting marine biodiversity and storing blue carbon. She noted the workshop's importance in building collaborative scientific networks, and in driving forward a new era of seagrass research and conservation in the CMS Secretariat highlighted the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough Initiative, launched during COP28, as a global effort to protect seagrass habitats critical to migratory species such as dugongs and sea Abou-Atieh, Executive Coordinator of the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi, said the workshop supports greater regional collaboration to fill knowledge gaps and accelerate conservation progress, helping to ensure a sustainable future for marine life. The event reaffirmed the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre's leading role in marine conservation and scientific research, advancing biodiversity protection efforts across the Arabian region.
Al Bawaba
06-05-2025
- Science
- Al Bawaba
The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center and Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Organize First Regional Seagrass Scientific Workshop
The Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, the largest dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region, recently hosted the first Arabian Regional Scientific Seagrass Workshop, organized in partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) – Dugong-MOU Secretariat and in presence of professor Emma Jackson, President of the World Seagrass Association. The event brought together leading marine researchers and environmental experts from United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Oman to spotlight the vital role of seagrass habitats in our Arabian coastal ecosystems, sharing the current status of seagrass research and knowledge in the region and discussing the way forward to improve the conservation of seagrass. Seagrasses are marine flowering plants found in coastal areas worldwide, providing vital ecosystem services such as oxygen production, sediment stabilization, blue carbon sequestration, and essential habitat for numerous marine organisms, including migratory species like dugongs and sea turtles. For example, with nearly four percent of the world's seagrass, Abu Dhabi's shores are home to a large population of the vulnerable species of dugongs, commonly known as sea cows, relying almost exclusively on seagrass, with adults consuming up to 40 kg a their importance, seagrass meadows have been declining globally at an alarming rate of 110 km2 per year since 1980 due to significant global and local threats (coastal development and marine heatwaves for example). This workshop highlighted the urgent need to address any knowledge gaps and promote scientific-based conservation strategies. It served as a platform for knowledge exchange, enabling regional scientists to share insights on the current state of seagrass research, identify critical research priorities and foster collaborations aimed at advancing conservation efforts across the region. It also strengthened sustainable research partnerships that support ongoing scientific dialogue and advance initiatives to preserve these vital ecosystems in the Arab Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector from EAD said: "The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi commits to collaborate with local, regional and international partners to develop tools to protect our marine ecosystems, including the use of artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring technologies, to enhance our understanding and protection of seagrass meadows across the Arab region, given their importance in conserving biodiversity and sequestering carbon, thus enhancing the resilience of our coastal ecosystems. This regional workshop marks a significant step toward strengthening scientific collaboration and sharing expertise to ensure a sustainable future.'Dr. Elise Marquis, Director of the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, said, 'Seagrass meadows are not only vital for marine biodiversity, they also play a crucial role as blue carbon habitats. Through our dedicated seagrass research program, the Center is committed to advancing our understanding of seagrass ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf and the broader region. This workshop represents an important step toward initiating a dynamic, collaborative effort to enhance seagrass research. We are entering a new era of opportunities for seagrass conservation, and we are immensely proud to be actively instigating it.'CMS representatives highlighted the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough Initiative, initiated at COP28, which aims to establish a global framework for seagrass conservation, which is a crucial habitat supporting migratory species such as dugongs and sea turtles. Ms. Rouba Abou-Atieh, Executive Coordinator of CMS Office – Abu Dhabi said, 'Seagrass ecosystems are vital for migratory species like dugongs and sea turtles, yet they remain under-researched and at risk. This workshop strengthens regional collaboration to bridge knowledge gaps and advance conservation. We hope this workshop will foster further collaboration within the Arabian region to advance the seagrass conservation agenda.' By hosting this event, the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center reaffirmed its pivotal role in supporting marine conservation efforts and strengthening partnerships that contribute to impactful scientific research, enhancing the protection of marine biodiversity in the region and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
