Latest news with #Allay
Sharjah 24
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SGCA calls on global innovators in 'Soft Power'
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the award reaffirms its focus on the 'Soft Power' category to recognise innovative communication strategies that use culture, arts, sports, technology, music, and drama to strengthen communication between governments and societies, while shaping global perceptions. This category reflects a modern yet comprehensive approach to human interaction and engagement. The 'Soft Power' category aims to redefine communication by embracing the latest technological advances and creative methods. The award is currently accepting nominations until July 24, 2025. It features 23 categories across five main sectors: Government and international organisations, private sector, individual awards, partner awards, and jury awards. Those interested in participating in the 2025 edition, with winners set to be honoured this September. His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, noted that the award highlights the UAE's and Sharjah's efforts to establish an international presence. 'Incorporating soft power into communication helps build global partnerships, attract investment, and encourage cultural and scientific exchange, all of which contribute to long-term social and economic stability,' Allay emphasised. The SGCA promotes the use of tools such as music, film, arts, drama, and sports as effective mediums for public communication. These forms of expression play an important role in overcoming language and cultural barriers, raising public awareness, reinforcing national identity, and promoting shared human values. This year's judging panel, made up of communication and media experts, will evaluate entries in the 'Best Investment in Soft Power to Support Communication Programs' category based on objective criteria. Evaluation will include the originality and clarity of the message, its alignment with a soft power medium, and its global reach. Judges will also assess the message's ability to challenge stereotypes or convey universal human values, along with measuring public engagement. Special emphasis is placed on innovation in communicating the message and its potential to make a lasting impact. Last year, the 'Soft Power' category was awarded to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), hosted by the UAE. The event earned recognition for its use of creative communication and cultural diplomacy to raise awareness about climate change, while showcasing opportunities for sustainable investment. It was widely considered a standout example of how storytelling can turn a policy message into a global call to action.
Sharjah 24
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Xposure concluded its 9th edition with over 30000 visitors
Allay confirmed the successful conclusion of the 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival, which saw a wide attendance exceeding 30,000 visitors. This was the first edition held in Aljada area of Sharjah, establishing the festival as a leading global platform in the world of photography and visual arts. In exclusive statements to "Sharjah 24," Allay emphasised that the festival attracted a select group of international and local photographers, offering interactive workshops, panel discussions, and specialised art exhibitions. This made it an exceptional event for photography enthusiasts and those interested in the visual arts. The large turnout highlights the festival's importance in enriching the artistic and educational landscape in photography and enhancing Sharjah's role as a global center for visual creativity. He expressed gratitude and appreciation to the participating photographers, workshop presenters, and everyone involved in the festival, commending the efforts of the organising teams that contributed to providing an exceptional experience for visitors and participants. He affirmed that 'Xposure' will continue to evolve and expand in future editions, remaining a primary destination for photographers and artists from around the world.
Jordan Times
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Xposure 2025 kicks off in Sharjah: Global celebration of photography, storytelling
SHARJAH, UAE — The 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival opened with grandeur as Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi inaugurated the event at Aljada, Sharjah. The festival, reaffirming the irreplaceable power of human vision and artistry, extends through February 26, thereby marking the outset of a seven-day global convergence of photography, filmmaking and visual storytelling. Spanning 49,000 square metres, Xposure 2025 brings together 420 renowned photographers, filmmakers and industry experts from 48 countries. Through a dynamic programme composed of solo and group exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops, the festival cements Sharjah's reputation as a global centre for cultural and artistic exchange. In his opening address, Director General of SGMB Tariq Saeed Allay emphasised photography's powerful ability to capture reality and evoke deep human emotion. 'When the first photograph was taken in 1826, the process was far from the simple click of a button we know today. It was a painstaking endeavour requiring hours of preparation and patience," Allay said. "At the time, capturing just 50 images was considered a scientific and artistic achievement, akin to uncovering the secrets of an unseen world. In 2024 alone, nearly two trillion images were taken globally, an undeniable testament to humanity's innate desire to document, express, and preserve memories,' he noted. Contrasting AI-generated renditions of iconic images like the Afghan Monalisa with authentic photography, he posed a pivotal question: 'What gives an image its true power?' The answer, he argued, lies not in algorithms but in the raw, unfiltered vision of photographers who brave the world's harshest landscapes, take risks, and wait for the defining moment — immersing themselves in the lives of others to capture images that resonate, move, and inspire. Allay added that while AI has carved a role for itself in research, analysis, and innovation, no machine can replicate the instinct of the human eye, the depth of human emotion, or the irreplaceable power of lived experience. Reaffirming Xposure's founding purpose, he reiterated the festival's commitment and dedication to honouring and celebrating photographers whose work goes beyond mere technical expertise, through redefining storytelling through patience, dedication, and an unrelenting pursuit of truth. 'And what better place to celebrate such vision than Sharjah?' he said, reinforcing the unshaken Emirati standing as a distinguished global beacon and hub of cultural excellence, literature, and the arts. The festival's global stature was reinforced by a keynote speech by Glen Gainor, who is Head of Production at Amazon Original Films. During the inaugural ceremony, Gainor lauded Sharjah's commitment to education and cultural excellence under the leadership of Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. He highlighted that beyond words, pointing that photography serves as a universal language, one capable of transcending borders and shaping global narratives. 'Xposure is not just a festival; it is a platform where cultures converge, where ideas take form, and where the world's most pressing issues, from climate change to social justice, find visual representation,' Gainor said. He also noted the transformation of storytelling in the digital arena, where platforms like YouTube and AI-generated images have revolutionised how people consume and generate visual content, warning that 'technology may enhance storytelling, but it can never replace the authenticity, patience, and depth that human photographers bring to their craft.' Moving forward, among Xposure's most compelling discussions delved into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and photography. As AI-generated images increasingly blur the boundaries between truth and illusion, Xposure 2025 posed a pivotal question: What ultimately determines an image's authenticity? The festival's opening film explored this theme in depth, drawing a striking visual comparison between pixels in an image and cells in a living organism, each an essential component of a larger whole. Enhanced by a live performance blending poetry and music, the screening reinforced photography's profound ability to shape human awareness and foster global connections. More than just an exhibition, this year's Xposure serves as a call to action. From documenting humanitarian crises to exposing environmental devastation, the festival highlights the critical responsibility of photographers to capture truth in its most unfiltered form. An Immersive Platform for Photography Enthusiasts Xposure 2025 presents a dynamic and engaging experience for both professionals and aspiring photographers. Attendees can take part in specialized workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, portfolio reviews, and guided tours. Also, the fourth edition of the Conservation Summit will spotlight photography's crucial role in capturing environmental challenges and amplifying global awareness. The opening ceremony welcomed a distinguished gathering of guests, including Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler's Office Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, and First Lady of Zanzibar Mariam Mwinyi.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Allay Therapeutics Announces First Patients Dosed in Pivotal Phase 2b Registration Trial of ATX101 for Post-Surgical Pain Management After Knee Replacement Surgery
ATX101 is designed to provide extended pain relief after surgery, reducing the need for opioids and improving patient recovery Phase 2b registration trial is assessing the efficacy and safety of ATX101 for post-surgical pain management in total knee replacement patients and is currently enrolling across U.S. clinical sites Maruishi Pharmaceutical, Allay's partner in Japan also has enrolled first several patients in Phase I/II open-label study SAN JOSE, Calif., February 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Allay Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering ultra-sustained analgesic products to transform post-surgical pain management and recuperation, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 2b registration trial evaluating ATX101 for the treatment of post-surgical pain following total knee replacement (TKA) surgery. ATX101 is a novel investigational analgesic that provides extended pain relief after surgery, reducing the need for opioids and improving patient recovery. "We're thrilled to achieve this important milestone with the patients dosed in our Phase 2b registration trial of ATX101," said David Hewitt, Chief Medical Officer at Allay Therapeutics. "This trial is a significant step forward on our path to changing the paradigm of postoperative pain management by providing a simplified locally targeted solution that provides sustained analgesia in the weeks following surgeries. Building on promising data from our earlier dose-ranging studies, we are excited to see how ATX101 can help improve patient outcomes, reduce opioid use and improve function more rapidly than currently available therapies." The Phase 2b registration trial of 200 participants undergoing total knee arthroplasty (replacement, or TKA surgery) is being conducted at multiple U.S. sites and is a three-arm, randomized, controlled study evaluating treatment with ATX101 1,500 mg versus placebo and bupivacaine active comparator. A prior dose-ranging Phase 2b trial achieved clinically meaningful durable treatment effects with ATX101 versus standard-of-care bupivacaine based on pain intensity out to four weeks, with less use of opioids and meaningful improvement in functional activities up to 60 days following surgery. Allay Therapeutics' Japanese partner Maruishi Pharmaceutical has also dosed the first patient in January in a Phase I/II multi-center open-label safety study of ATX101 in Japan. Initial clinical data from both studies is expected to be shared in the second half of 2025. About ATX101 ATX101 is a novel investigational configuration of an approved, well-characterized, validated intracellular sodium ion channel blocker, bupivacaine, and a biopolymer that has been designed to provide weeks of pain relief following total knee arthroplasty (TKA, or replacement), a common orthopedic surgery. ATX101 has a high density of drug within its small footprint to allow for ultra-sustained analgesia. It is placed in minutes at the end of standard surgery to deliver its analgesic effect over weeks before eventually dissolving into water and carbon dioxide. The simple procedure does not require specialized training and is intended to replace the existing complex mix of analgesic products used for shorter-term pain management in the post-surgical setting. ATX101 is an investigational product that has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. About Allay Therapeutics Allay Therapeutics is pioneering ultra-sustained analgesic products to transform post-surgical pain management and recuperation for patients and physicians. Our proprietary technology platform combines validated non-opioid analgesics and biopolymers to create dissolvable candidates to deliver pain relief within a targeted site over weeks: an order of magnitude greater than the longest-lasting pain treatments currently available. Our platform and vision were shaped by The Foundry incubator and Lightstone Venture's Singapore Fund. Allay unites a dynamic, global team of entrepreneurs, scientists, clinicians and innovators in the San Francisco Bay Area and Singapore. Learn more at View source version on Contacts For further details, please contact: Investors Adam Media allay@
Gulf Today
10-02-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Khorfakkan tests grit of over 5,000 participants
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter The Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) Tigers Challenge organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau today, Saturday, in Khorfakkan, attracted more than 5,000 participants and supporters in different categories and endurance levels in the largest obstacle race in the country. The OCR Tigers Challenge, staged amidst the picturesque nature and the early morning breeze of Khorfakkan, the Bride of the East Coast, witnessed enthusiastic participation from adventure enthusiasts who took part in various exciting competitions targeting various age groups, over multiple distances. While adults raced over 4 kilometres and 8 kilometres, children's races were in the range of 600 metres and 1,200 metres. The OCR Challenge included a variety of obstacles designed to test physical strength and endurance of participants who competed in an atmosphere of infectious enthusiasm, excitement and positive energy. Participants also negotiated the challenges of climbing walls, barbed wire barriers, crawling, running and swinging with ropes and were divided into two main categories for adults and children starting from the age of four. Cash prizes were allocated to the winners of the first places in the 8 km race. The first prize winners in the men's and women's category received $2,000 , while the runners-up in the second and third place received $1,000 and $500 respectively. The first prize winners in the 400-km category, both men and women, received $750, while the runners-up in the second and third place received $500 and $250. Speaking on the occasion, Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, stressed that hosting of the OCR Challenge stems from the emirate's vision to promote a healthy sports culture and make sports part of the daily lifestyle of Sharjah's residents and visitors. Allay expressed his pleasure over the huge turnout for the sporting spectacle, which reflects the community's interest in sports and physical activity. The SGMB Director General pointed out the importance of these sporting activities to encourage individuals of all ages to challenge themselves physically and mentally and add new accomplishments to their credit in an environment full of positive energy, promote a healthy lifestyle and spread the culture of sports among all segments of society. The race participants and spectators also thanked the organisers and lauded the successful organisation of the event in cooperation with a number of sponsors supporting community sports, with the aim of enhancing Khorfakkan's position as a distinguished sports destination at the state level. They pointed out the world-class professional facilities and equipment organised for race and the sporting spirit of challenge and the races that were designed for various fitness levels and ages of the participants, which made the race an exceptional experience for everyone. The OCR Challenge championship attracted support of a number of government and private entities, including Sharjah Police General Command, Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, Khorfakkan Hospital, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, Zulal Water Factory, Sharjah Social Services Department, Khorfakkan City Municipality, Khorfakkan Club, Bee'ah Group, Sharjah Sports Council, University of Sharjah, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club and Oceanic Hotel. Diversity and endurance The first race targeting adults included two categories – a 4-km race with 15 challenges and an 8-km race with 20 challenges, as well as a 400-metre race with 10 obstacles. The open race for children aged 4 to 14 years was divided into two categories, a 600-metre race for children aged 4 to 6 years and a 1200-metre race for children aged 7 to 14 years. The city of Khorfakkan on Sharjah's east coast is known for its natural beauty and numerous tourist, cultural and sports attractions. The city is loved for its moderate climate, spectacular coastline and beaches, mountains, valleys and waterfalls.
