Latest news with #ArabEmirates
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
"Hope remains": UAE's enduring humanitarian aid for Gaza illuminated in global documentary
Abu Dhabi: The International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council has released a documentary film highlighting the humanitarian efforts and initiatives provided by the United Arab Emirates to the residents of Gaza affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Strip. The film tells real-life stories of individuals who represent thousands who have received aid from the UAE, embodying the nation's historic humanitarian role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people. Titled "Hope Remains," the film premiered on the global Discovery Channel, reflecting international appreciation for the UAE's leading and continuous role in supporting Gaza's residents. As of last November, the UAE's contributions accounted for 42 per cent of the total humanitarian aid provided to the Strip since October 2023, amounting to USD 828 million. The documentary showcases the values of generosity and fraternity that define the UAE, its people, and residents. It features firsthand accounts from beneficiaries of UAE initiatives and interviews with aid workers involved in this humanitarian journey. Through unique and unprecedented scenes, the film illustrates the transformative impact on the health and psychological well-being of many who received assistance and initiatives. Beneficiaries recount the difficult circumstances they endured during the war and their initial despair, followed by the rekindling of hope, all conveyed through a narrative style that blends personal experience with storytelling. International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council plans to release "Hope Remains" in both its international and national versions, in Arabic and English, on its social media platforms and national television channels throughout June. This film is part of the Council's ongoing effort to highlight the humanitarian endeavours of various UAE organisations working in the humanitarian field. This recognition underscores the vital role these entities play in conveying the nation's humanitarian message, founded on fraternity and solidarity with brothers and friends worldwide. It is worth noting that last year, the Council launched "On the Frontline," a series of short documentaries showcasing individuals working and volunteering in relief and humanitarian initiatives implemented by Emirati entities within the UAE, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Gaza Strip. These films highlighted their roles in providing assistance and relief to the brotherly Palestinian people and enabling initiatives to achieve their objectives. They were broadcast on national television channels and digital platforms. The examples featured in the documentary series underscore the cohesive social fabric of the UAE, built on fostering values of goodness, solidarity, and human compassion with brothers and friends during times of adversity and crisis. Under the guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE continues to provide relief and humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza, driven by its commitment to alleviate suffering for the most vulnerable groups, especially children, who constitute nearly half of the Strip's population. Relevant UAE humanitarian teams are working tirelessly to achieve this goal, which is consistent with the UAE's fraternal stance and its steadfast approach to supporting brothers in times of crisis.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
MoHESR establishes Youth Council to increase young generation's contribution to advancing higher education sector
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: In line with the UAE leadership's directive to empower Emirati youth, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has formed its Youth Council to boost the involvement of the young generation in enhancing institutional work and government performance. The move aligns with Federal Youth Authority's Guide for Youth Empowerment in Federal Government Entities, reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to adopting national best practices in youth empowerment. The Youth Council aims to support the development of qualified national leaders in the higher education and scientific research sector. The newly established body will provide a platform for young employees to express their views, share innovative ideas, and hone their leadership skills. It will also launch initiatives proposed by young people at the Ministry, strengthening their contributions to improving the work environment. The Youth Council comprises 14 members from various departments within the Ministry. It is chaired by Rashid Karam Jalal Al Kaabi, Head of the Attachés and Support for Scholarship Students Department, with Mona Hassan Ali Al Shehhi serving as Vice President. Members include Fatima Ahmed Obaid Al Hammadi, Saleh Saif Mohammed Al Ameer, Maryam Fouad Ahmed Al Hammadi, Jawaher Obaid Sultan Al Janahi, Fatima Salem Saif Al Ghafli, Mohamed Khalifa Mohamed Saeed Al Qubaisi, Israa Abdul Karim Abdullah Al Ansari, Aisha Nasser Saeed Al Mazrouei, Hilal Hamdan Saif Al Busaidi, Sarah Mohammed Saeed Al Mansouri, Naema Salem Saeed Al Marzouqi, and Lulwa Ali Mohammed Al Tamimi. This initiative reflects MoHESR's commitment to promoting direct engagement with all segments of society, particularly youth. By involving young people in policymaking and initiative development, the Ministry is cultivating national talent capable of driving creativity, spearheading innovation, and contributing to sustainable development.
Emirates 24/7
27-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
UAE University and Dubai Media Council announce strategic partnership at Arab Media Summit 2025
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and the Dubai Media Council (DMC) today announced a strategic partnership at the Arab Media Summit 2025. Unveiled on the opening day of the summit, held from 26–28 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the partnership reflects the Council's commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and advancing the media, education and knowledge sectors. The announcement was made in the presence of leading figures from regional media and academic institutions. As part of the strategic partnership, the two institutions will undertake joint initiatives focused on developing training programmes and knowledge-driven projects that serve the community and promote national identity. The partnership also seeks to support initiatives that address the fast-evolving media landscape and help cultivate a new generation of skilled Emirati professionals capable of shaping a dynamic media narrative aligned with the UAE's vision and values. Both parties will work together to implement specialised practical training programmes for university students, support media coverage of research projects and key national events, provide training opportunities within leading media organisations, and launch community and cultural initiatives with a strong national focus. His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), said the collaboration with the Dubai Media Council reflects the university's commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading national entities. He noted that such collaborations reinforce UAEU's role as an academic and intellectual centre of excellence supporting the country's priorities and future aspirations. Nusseibeh added that the joint initiatives will enable students to gain from advanced expertise in the media sector and develop their skills in a hands-on, knowledge-enriched environment. This, he said, will prepare future professionals capable of crafting a modern media discourse that reflects national values and adapts to the sector's rapid evolution, while also supporting research and media innovation. Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, said the partnership reflects the Council's commitment to strengthening the national media ecosystem through impactful collaborations with leading academic institutions. Al Marri noted that such partnerships are vital to empowering young media talent with advanced tools and equipping the sector with professionals who can respond to ongoing transformations. Al Marri added: 'The Dubai Media Council is working to establish high-impact partnerships that support the UAE's vision for a comprehensive and future-ready media sector. This collaboration provides a strategic framework for knowledge exchange, skills development, and the launch of innovative media and cultural initiatives that reinforce national identity, uphold values of excellence, and keep pace with local and global media transformations.' This strategic partnership is part of the efforts of both parties to contribute to establishing a responsible media culture and enhancing joint research and media production, further strengthening the UAE's position as a regional knowledge and media hub. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Gulf Marine Services PLC 2024 financial results
Gulf Marine Services PLC ("GMS" or the "Company"), a leading provider of self‐propelled, self‐elevating support vessels to the offshore energy industry, is pleased to announce its full year financial results for the year to 31 December 2024. 2024 Financial Highlights Group concluded the refinancing of US$ 300.0 million loan facility (US$ 250.0 million term loan amortised over five years and US$ 50.0 million working capital facility), denominated in United Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED). Net bank debt down to US$ 201.2 million (2023: US$ 267.3 million). Net leverage ratio reduced to 2.0 times (2023: 3.05 times). Revenue increased by 10% to US$ 167.5 million (2023: US$ 151.6 million) driven by the improvement in fleet average day rates across all vessel classes. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 15% to US$ 100.4 million (2023: US$ 87.5 million) driven by increase in revenue. Adjusted EBITDA margin also increased to 60% (2023: 58%). Finance expenses drops by 25% to US$ 23.5 million (2023: US$ 31.4 million), driven by the lower level of gross debt, the cessation of 250 basis points (bps) PIK interest and a reduction of the margin rate by 90 bps when the Group's net leverage ratio passed below 4:1 as of March 2023, and a further reduction in the margin by 10 bps when the net leverage ratio passed below 3:1 as of March 2024. Additional reduction in margin rate is expected due to successful refinancing at better terms. The Group reported a net profit of US$ 38.3 million (2023: US$ 42.1 million). Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue is down 3% points to 51% (2023: 54%). Underlying general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue is down to 6.8% (2023: 7.1%). Net reversal of impairment of US$ 9.2 million (2023:US$ 33.4 million) reflecting continuous improvement in market conditions. Impact of changes in the fair value of the derivative decreased to US$ 5.3 million (2023: US$ 11.1 million), due to lower number of outstanding warrants offset by an increase in share price of the Company. 2024 Operational Highlights New charters and extensions secured during the year totalled 23.8 years (2023: 8.4 years). Strong operational efficiency is maintained with average fleet utilisation of 92% (2023: 94%). Average day rates increased to US$ 33.1k (2023: US$ 30.3k) with improvements across all vessel classes. Consistent low operational downtime of 1.0% (2023: 0.8%). Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR) remaining at zero for 2024, while Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) further reduced to zero (2023: 0.18). 2025 Strategic Progress and Outlook Adjusted EBITDA guidance is set at US$ 100 million to US$ 108 million for 2025. We are in the process of assessing the 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance. Target utilisation for 2025 currently stands at 96%. Anticipate continued improvement on day rates as our vessel demand outstrips supply on the back of a strong pipeline of opportunities. Average secured day rates are 6% higher than 2024 actual levels.
