Latest news with #Aletihad
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Aletihad receives delegation of senior Chinese media representatives
30 May 2025 00:25 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Zhao Liang, Charge d'affaires of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UAE, has visited the Aletihad News Center, accompanied by a high-level delegation of Chinese media the visit, Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi, Chief Aletihad News Center Officer, received the Chinese delegation, during which Zhao highlighted the growing role of the media in strengthening relations between the UAE and China and praised Aletihad's pioneering and influential Dr. Al Kaabi welcomed the visiting delegation, he stressed the importance of consolidating bilateral cooperation in the media two sides discussed avenues for future cooperation, including the exchange of expertise, joint media initiatives, and innovation in digital journalism. They agreed on the media's vital role in promoting mutual understanding and developing cultural and strategic relations between the two countries.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi sends 25 sea turtles home to Arabian Gulf
30 May 2025 00:20 MAYS IBRAHIM(ABU DHABI)The Arabian Gulf welcomed 25 old friends on Thursday, as rescued sea turtles swam back into their natural habitat, capping months of expert care and were released by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) at the beach of the Jumeirah Hotel on Saadiyat Island, in partnership with The National Aquarium and the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue marks the latest chapter in EAD's ongoing Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release Programme, launched in 2016. To date, the initiative has successfully rehabilitated and returned over 1,500 sea turtles to their natural habitat.'This year alone, we've rescued 287 turtles, including green turtles, hawksbills, and loggerheads,' Hind Al Ameri, Section Head of Marine Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation at EAD, told Aletihad. 'Twenty-five were released [on Thursday], and another 25 will follow [on Friday].' Following the Turtles' Journey Al Ameri explained that 15 of the rescued turtles have been fitted with satellite tags to monitor their movements post-release. 'Tagging allows us to track their migratory paths and behaviour after rehabilitation, helping us understand where they feed, nest, and how they adapt back in the wild,' she Dhabi is home to four sea turtle species, the most common of which are Hawksbill and Green turtles. Loggerheads and the rarer Kemp's Ridley also occasionally appear in UAE waters. 'This year, we came across a few loggerheads, which are rarely seen in our waters, and we're tagging them to learn more about the species,' Al Ameri satellite tags are attached to the turtles' shells and activated when the animals surface to breathe, pinging their location to researchers via satellite. This non-invasive technology provides critical insights into turtle ecology and helps shape marine protection strategies, Al Ameri said. What is Cold Stunning? Speaking with Aletihad, Scott McCoy, Zoological Director at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, highlighted the seasonal aspect of turtle rescues. 'Cold stunning is a major threat here. Juvenile turtles, unable to regulate their body temperature, sometimes get caught in cooler waters, becoming immobile and covered in barnacles,' he stunning occurs when sea turtles are exposed to a sudden or prolonged drop in water temperatures, causing their metabolism to slow down dramatically. Unable to swim or feed properly, these stunned turtles often float near the surface or wash ashore. Rescue efforts typically involve warming and rehydrating the turtles until they regain enough strength to survive in the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center plays a vital role in addressing such emergencies. 'This year, we've rescued 137 sea turtles and over 200 marine animals in total, including sea snakes, birds, and even dugongs and dolphins,' McCoy centre offers immediate and comprehensive care, leveraging over 25 rescue pools, an advanced water filtration system, and a dedicated animal hospital. 'We have a marine life ambulance and a response team that jumps into action when called by the EAD or the public,' McCoy added. 'Once stabilised, turtles are monitored for weeks to months before being cleared for release.'The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is also lending its expertise to support injured and stranded marine animals. 'We often receive turtles suffering from cold exposure, boat strikes, entanglement, or plastic ingestion,' Head Curator Lewis Cocks told Aletihad. 'Our team provides round-the-clock care, starting with a freshwater bath to remove barnacles, followed by diagnostics and, in some cases, surgical procedures such as fin amputations.'Cocks noted that even turtles with permanent injuries are given the chance to return to the sea. 'For example, turtles that become entangled in fishing lines may require amputation. In some cases, we do release turtles that are missing one or even two flippers, once they've fully recovered and can survive independently in the wild,' he explained. Rescue Meets Community Effort Al Ameri credited much of this year's turtle rescues to public reports. 'If you spot any marine animal in distress, whether a turtle, dugong, or dolphin, call the EAD hotline at 800-555,' she second release on Friday will see UAE schoolchildren actively involved in returning turtles to sea. Ten winning classes, selected through a quirky competition involving otters at the National Aquarium, were given the chance to name turtles and will help release serves as an opportunity to instil conservation values early on and shape the next generation of environment stewards, said Cocks. 'It's important to educate the younger generation by involving children and schools in these efforts,' he added. 'By doing so, we can teach them why we save turtles, why rehabilitation is necessary, and most importantly, what they can do to help prevent harm. One simple but powerful message is to reduce plastic waste by reusing and recycling. Teaching kids these habits early on helps protect the marine environment.' Abu Dhabi's waters support a population of over 6,000 sea turtles. EAD has been actively researching and monitoring these marine animals since 1999 to ensure their conservation and recovery in the region.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Zayed National Museum hosts region's first ‘Preserving Our History Symposium'
30 May 2025 00:56 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) The Zayed National Museum hosted the 'Preserving our History Symposium' on May 28–29 at Saadiyat Island Rotana Hotel in Abu the course of the two-day event, local and international conservation professionals came together to engage in workshops and scientific in collaboration with West Dean College and Plowden & Smith, the event included paper, metal, textile and paintings conservation workshops for also featured workshops on 3D printing and digitisation; shedding light on UAE goals to preserve cultural heritage through innovation and to Aletihad, Fatima Mansoor Al Tamimi, Head of the Conservation Unit at the Zayed National Museum, said that this symposium is the first of its kind.'We organised it in partnership with West Dean College and Plowden & Smith, and it covers theory, practical work and scientific analysis,' she event featured a diverse series of workshops in paper and parchment conservation, metals, ceramics, painting, textile, 3D printing, replica making and digitisation.'Our goal at the Zayed National Museum is to preserve the history and culture of the UAE —continuing the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was deeply connected to his people,' she Tamimi explained that the symposium filled a major cultural void in the region.'We tailored this to address our needs in the UAE and the region. We are rich in heritage, but we lacked the programmes to educate the community on how to protect it.'She highlighted the importance of blending traditional conservation with modern tools: 'We are introducing 3D printing and replica-making as a way to safely display fragile items, especially when originals cannot always be shown. And in this digital era, we have also added digitisation and documentation into the programme.'The broader goal, she said, is about building a culture of preservation. 'We are creating a sustainable and aware community,' she added. Lizzie Neville, Head of the School of Conservation at West Dean College, told Aletihad: 'We wanted to show how conservation is a global, collaborative field.'She said the goal is to offer more specialist education: 'There is so much heritage here that needs to be preserved. We are now hoping to provide more specialist education to encourage people here to pursue conservation careers.'On 3D printing, Neville explained: 'If an object is too delicate to display or travel with, reproductions can be used instead — especially in schools or public exhibits.' Scientific analysis also comes into play.'We want to show what can be learned just by observing,' she said, noting examples like identifying materials and studying paper fibres under a materials were another focus.'Some modern plastics and papers are less stable than ancient ones,' she was a demonstration of proper textile handling too.'Our textile conservator showed participants the best ways to protect delicate garments.'Digitisation concluded the training.'Once records are safely preserved, they can be digitised and made accessible online,' said and founder of Al Majlis Abdulla Almansouri told Aletihad about his decades-long efforts to preserve Islamic and Emirati heritage.'I have major collections — Islamic, traditional Emirati, and one dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,' he said, listing items like swords and manuscripts, and pieces that hold real historical value for the UAE.'What started as a hobby over 30 years ago became a mission,' he the current symposium, Almansouri said: 'Last year, I asked Al Tamimi for access to training abroad. She replied, 'We will bring it here'. And they did.' The workshops, he added, taught him vital conservation skills: 'We learned how to store, transport, and restore different materials. It helped us a lot.'
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
Mental health, dangers of tobacco use in spotlight this May
30 May 2025 00:12 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In May, global awareness campaigns have spotlighted two major health issues: mental wellbeing and tobacco use. UAE healthcare providers have joined in marking Mental Health Awareness Month and are set to observe World No Tobacco Day on May 31. Doctors in the country told Aletihad that these initiatives are making an impact, with growing public awareness and shifting mindsets proving that consistent global reminders can drive meaningful change in health behaviours. Mental Health Awareness In the UAE, awareness of mental health issues has significantly improved, said Ahlam Salem, Clinical Psychologist at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC).'In the past few years, there's been a lot of education and campaigns. I now have patients — even from the older generation — who ask to see a psychologist. That shift in public perception is real,' she said. More young people have also been asking for support themselves, Salem added. 'I have had parents tell me, 'My child asked to see a psychologist'. The younger generation is far more aware and open.'In the workplace, there have been efforts to create supportive environments, she said. 'At ICLDC, for example, we hold staff wellbeing sessions, bring in yoga instructors, and block time to talk about stress and mental health strategies. It is about reminding people; especially healthcare workers — that caring for yourself is essential to caring for others.'When it comes to therapies, technology has made a difference in accessibility, the expert pointed out. 'Teletherapy has been fundamental. Patients from can now receive care without needing to travel. It has enhanced access and helped stabilise conditions.'Amid greater awareness and support, Salem reminded those silently struggling with mental health issues to seek professional help. 'You are not not a psychologist, speak to a primary care physician or a trusted loved one. You'd be surprised how many people are also struggling,' she said. To break stigma at the family and community level, she urged more open conversations. 'Just like you would treat diabetes, you should treat mental health. Seeing a psychologist does not always mean medication, and if it does, that is okay, too. We need to normalise that.' World No Tobacco Day Ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, Dr. Abdul Razzak Alkaddour stressed the significance of public education in encouraging more smokers to quit."One in four deaths is related to tobacco — and not a single organ in the body is unaffected,' said Dr. Alkaddour, Cardiology and Internal Medicine Consultant at HealthPlus Diabetes and Endocrinology linked tobacco use to serious cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and strokes — even in young people. 'We have statistics from Mayo Clinic showing direct effects on coronary arteries after just weeks of smoking,' Dr. Alkaddour said. The specialist also expressed concern about the youth's exposure to tobacco through vaping and e-cigarettes. 'The brain continues to develop until age 25. Vaping in the teenage years affects impulse control, depression, and anxiety,' he said. He added that nicotine concentrations in vapes lead to early addiction and could be a gateway to cigarettes and other substances. 'This is a nicotine delivery system involving chemicals like formaldehyde, which can cause cancer and lung diseases.'The UAE offers comprehensive support for quitting tobacco, including licensed clinics, medications, and counselling, Dr. Alkaddour said. The first step is simply making the decision to quit, then reaching out for the help that's readily available. 'This is about trust, education, and creating systems that support lasting change,' he said.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tajikistan and UAE united in climate push as Dushanbe hosts glacier summit
29 May 2025 15:34 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Tajikistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Ashrafjon Gulov, said that the partnership between the UAE and Tajikistan is becoming a driving force for climate and water diplomacy, as Dushanbe is preparing to host a major international summit on glacier preservation.'When it comes to the water and climate partnership, Tajikistan and the UAE have a common vision in the international arena,' Gulov told Aletihad in an said that the UAE's growing role and experience in shaping global climate policies will be a key asset in achieving the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration. The Declaration is set to launch during the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, which kicked off in Dushanbe today and runs until June 1.'The UAE's enriched experience will significantly contribute to the advancement of the goals of the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration, taking into account the country being recognised as a global partner in climate-forward policy, a host of COP28, and a significant global investor in sustainable energy.'Gulov also highlighted the Emirates Polar Programme, which supports scientific research and exploration to address global challenges, and the UAE's role as host of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), describing both as examples of the country's commitment to sustainability and shared vision has translated into a series of high-level engagements, with the Ambassador pointing out Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon's participation in COP28 in Dubai, the visit of UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna Al Dahak, to the Dushanbe Water Conference in June 2024, and the joint hosting of a High-Level Event on Glaciers' Preservation by both countries at COP29 in efforts will continue into this week's Dushanbe summit, held as part of the UN-declared International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. According to the Ambassador, the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation seeks to bring global attention to the urgent need to protect glaciers as essential sources of water, energy, and food security.'By raising the need for glacier preservation, the Conference aims to align glacier preservation efforts with global goals for water availability, energy, and food security,' Gulov explained, adding that it will also focus on mobilising financial and technical resources to support the resilience of mountain communities and the sustainability of ecosystems conference also marks a culmination of Tajikistan's long-running advocacy to put water and climate at the centre of international diplomacy. Ambassador Gulov recalled that President Emomali Rahmon has led several initiatives adopted by the UN between 1999 and 2025, including the International Year for Fresh Water, the Water for Life Decade, the International Year of Water Cooperation, and the current Water for Sustainable Development Decade. The country has also championed the Dushanbe Water Process and launched the UN Groups of Friends on Water and Glaciers, with the goal of building lasting international momentum and coalitions around the protection of these critical home to 60% of Central Asia's water resources, is already witnessing the impact of glacial retreat. Over 1,300 of the country's 14,000 glaciers have disappeared, while the iconic Fedchenko Glacier has shrunk by 44 square kilometres. According to UNEP, more than half of Central Asia's glaciers could vanish by 2050, putting over 64 million people at said the conference will focus not only on scientific solutions like glacier monitoring, remote sensing, and engineering, but also on practical adaptation measures, including sustainable water management and terrace farming.'Sustainable agriculture can help protect mountain ecosystems. Among other practices, terrace farming, tailored to mountainous terrain, improves water management, reduces soil erosion, and preserves cultural heritage. Sustainable agriculture and water management, agri-food systems can help adapt to the climate crisis and increase livelihood resilience.'According to Gulov, concrete outcomes of the conference will include the Dushanbe Declaration on Glaciers, the Dushanbe Appeal, the launch of a Glacier Preservation Coalition, and new public-private partnerships to support climate-resilient infrastructure. The results will be carried into COP30 and the UN High-Level Political on the outcomes of the summit, the UAE and Tajikistan plan to present a united front at COP30, the Ambassador said, calling for the integration of glacier preservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), increased climate finance for glacier-dependent regions, and the formal recognition of cryosphere issues within UNFCCC processes.'By presenting a united front at COP30, the UAE and Tajikistan could elevate the discourse on glacier preservation, ensuring it becomes a central component of global climate action,' he added. The partnership is also looking beyond COP30. Tajikistan and the UAE are collaborating closely in preparation for the 3rd UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host with Senegal in 2026. Gulov said both countries intend to keep climate and water at the core of their joint diplomatic efforts.
