Latest news with #Arabregion
Zawya
03-08-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Museum of the Future in Dubai welcomes 4 million visitors ahead of 4th anniversary
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi: The Museum of the Future embodies Dubai's ambition to become the premier platform for innovators and future makers The museum is a centre for knowledge, thought and both cultural and intellectual exchange. It contributes to reviving the civilisational role of the Arab region in shaping the future of humanity A total of 423 diverse events were held, featuring leading experts and specialists who explored the future of various sectors 610 media delegations from around the world visited the Museum of the Future to cover its various activities, events and happenings. Dozens of conferences and global gatherings are held throughout the year at the Museum of the Future Presidents and world leaders from Lebanon, Tanzania, Belgium, Vietnam, Liberia, Madagascar, El Salvador, Laos, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were among the recent high-profile visitors to the museum Dubai: Dubai's Museum of the Future celebrates another remarkable milestone, with more than 4 million visitors from around the globe since its official opening on 22 February 2022. This achievement reinforces the museum's status as one of the world's leading cultural and scientific landmarks, and among the most visited destinations both regionally and globally. This recent milestone comes less than four years after the museum's opening, underscoring its growing appeal as an exceptionally unique destination that blends science fiction, immersive experiences, and visionary foresight within an integrated system of knowledge and culture. The museum truly embodies Dubai's vision and mission to pioneer in foresight future-shaping. The Museum of the Future continues to fulfil its role as a global hub for innovation and future thinking, a unifying platform for changemakers, thought leaders, experts, and a key driver of scientific and technological progress on a global scale. His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Museum of the Future, stated that the museum's record number of visitors is a vivid embodiment of the exceptional vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to consolidate Dubai's position as a global hub for the future and a destination that embraces creators, scientists, and innovators from around the world. His Excellency added: 'The Museum of the Future embodies the ambition of Dubai to become a global capital for designing and shaping the future; a beacon of hope that brings together optimists and aspirants from all cultures and nationalities. The museum is not merely an architectural monument, it is a platform for empowerment and capacity-building, aiming to ignite the spark of inspiration in those who aspire to shape the future by posing big questions and anticipating possible answers.' His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi added: "The Museum of the Future is a vibrant centre for knowledge and thought, striving to enhance cultural and intellectual exchange and to revive the civilisational role of the Arab region in shaping the future of humanity. The museum will continue to make impactful contributions in supporting Dubai's and the UAE's future strategies across various fields, whether through its dialogue platforms, knowledge programs, or global partnerships with prestigious institutions and research centres.' 'We believe that the future is not something to be waited for but rather created. From this perspective, the Museum of the Future embraces the culture of future foresight that has transformed the UAE into one of the world's most advanced countries in less than fifty years. Like our city Dubai, the museum will remain a symbol of tolerance, coexistence, openness, creativity, and innovation, attracting diverse cultural, philosophical and social perspectives to establish a future rooted in the values of the UAE and the Arab world, and inspired by the journey of humanity,' His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi concluded. A Global Hub for Innovators and Decision-makers Located in the heart of Dubai, the Museum of the Future is a prominent destination for government officials, decision-makers, experts, intellectuals and hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It serves as a global platform for converging visions and ideas as well as a permanent platform for dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing the future of humanity. Since its opening, the museum has hosted 423 events, conferences, forums, and seminars, covering diverse topics such as AI, sustainable cities, and the future of education, health, economy, work, and technology. These events have also addressed the arts and numerous other fields, all with a focus on placing humanity's well-being at the forefront. International Delegations and State Visits The Museum of the Future has firmly established itself as one of Dubai's leading cultural landmarks and a top destination for visitors from around the world. It has also become a key destination for leaders, officials and dignitaries during their visits to the UAE. Over the past year alone, the museum has welcomed a number of international dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Lebanon, the Vice President of Tanzania, the Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, and the former President of the Republic of Liberia. The museum's guests included His Excellency Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar; His Excellency Félix Ulloa, Vice President of the Republic of El Salvador; His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic; and Her Excellency Željka Cvijanović, Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Museum of the Future also welcomed 610 international media delegations, who covered its wide range of activations, experiences and events, highlighting its key role in shaping conversations about the future. It also drew visitors from over 180 nationalities, reinforcing its role as a cultural and interactive bridge between people from around the world. Pioneering Events and Valuable Initiatives Throughout the year, the Museum of the Future continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic platform, hosting a diverse range of unique events and initiatives that explore future challenges from scientific, humanitarian, and technological perspectives. The Dubai Future Forum is one of the most prominent of these initiatives, as it is the largest global gathering of futurists. It has hosted more than 3650 experts from over 100 states, acting as a platform for exchanging visions on the future paths of some of the most vital sectors. Global Conferences and Events The Museum of the Future hosts dozens of conferences, events, and global gatherings annually, including prominent activities as part of the 'Dubai AI Week,' which took place last April under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation Board of Trustees. The event welcomed more than 30,000 participants and experts from around the world, as well as the largest global technology companies and the most promising startups. The 2025 edition of 'Dubai AI Week,' organised by the Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence, is an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation. It included 10 major events across the city, more than 250 panel discussions and workshops and witnessed the launch of over 30 initiatives, partnerships and agreements between government entities, the private sector, investors and startups. Lessons from the Past at the Museum of the Future The Museum of the Future has launched a series of intellectual lectures, titled 'Lessons from the Past at the Museum of the Future'. As part of this series and throughout 2025, the world-renowned historian and researcher, Dr. Roy Casagranda, has been delivering lectures, drawing on his extensive expertise in the history of civilisations and his unique ability to present past stories and experiences in an inspiring way. This initiative aligns with the museum's commitment to strengthening its role as a platform for intellectual innovation, sustainable learning, and future foresight. The new program, which includes over 10 exclusive lectures, aims to explore key milestones in history in an interactive manner that highlights aspects that can be utilised and invested in effectively. Both the 'Future Talks' and 'Future Experts' series play a central role in the museum's annual agenda. Held regularly, these sessions tackle cutting-edge topics such as AI, sustainability, education, the arts, and the economy, featuring a select group of international thinkers, decision-makers, and experts. In a unique intellectual and cultural setting, the Museum hosts the 'Ramadan Majlis', bringing together a distinguished group of experts and thinkers for discussions that explore the role of values in shaping the future. These discussions focus on how ethical principles can guide the development of modern technologies, with the aim of fostering a more humane and responsible future. Empowering Future Generations he Museum is committed to empowering younger generations with future readiness skills through programs like the annual 'Future Heroes Summer Camp.' This initiative offers children and young adults a unique chance to explore the future through hands-on workshops and immersive experiences, equipping them with the creativity and knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Future-Focused Career Workshops The museum also hosts a series of workshops around future-focused careers that keep pace with the latest professional trends. These workshops focus on specialised sectors such as agri-tech, vertical farming, and careers in sustainability, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the skills required in an ever-changing world. The Future of the Video Gaming Industry The museum's hosting of the international Gaming Matters event marked a milestone in exploring the future of the video games industry. It brought together leading global companies such as Epic Games and Walt Disney, along with experts and designers from the esports sector, to exchange insights on future trends in this rapidly growing field. A Gateway to the Future for Everyone The Museum of the Future reflects Dubai's ambitious spirit, where creativity and innovation know no bounds. It represents the confluence of the past, present, and future in an exceptional architectural landmark designed to reflect human progress and serve as an open platform for imagination, experience and discovery. With over 4 million visitors, the museum proves that it's not just a unique architectural icon but also a vibrant space for engaging with and shaping the future, within an inspiring environment that celebrates the human mind and its capacity for imagination and change.
Times of Oman
02-07-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Social Development Ministry joins Global Network QABA
Muscat: Represented by the National Autism Centre, the Ministry of Social Development has joined the QABA board (Qualified Applied Behaviour Analysis Credentialing Board) as the first full member in the Arab region. The step reflects the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to improve the quality of services provided to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Full membership is granted to qualified institutions in recognition of their professional practices and integrated infrastructure of behavioural services. It offers the members priority in joining international partnerships and advanced training, with chances of upgrading to the status of 'accredited supervisory bodies' or 'approved staff field training institutions'.
Times of Oman
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in Arab forum for equality in Algeria
Algiers: The Sultanate of Oman participated on Wednesday in the Fourth Arab Forum for Equality 'Dialogue and Solutions' 2025, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, represented Oman at the forum. This year's forum focused on discussing regional priorities to address inequality and social protection amid the crises facing the Arab region. It examined how social protection systems can reduce inequalities stemming from economic, environmental, humanitarian, and political challenges, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development. During a panel discussion on 'Financing Comprehensive Social Protection,' Dr. Al Najjar highlighted Oman's key national experiences and practices in this field, including the implementation of a social protection system to enhance financial and operational efficiency, diversify funding sources, and provide direct cash benefits to the elderly, children, orphans, widows, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. She also addressed ways to strengthen integration between government and private sectors and civil society institutions to expand social protection coverage. Emphasising that investment in social protection is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and social well-being, she noted its alignment with the goals of 'Oman Vision 2040.' The forum, attended by ministers, officials, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and experts, facilitated the exchange of national and international experiences on reducing inequality in the Arab region. It showcased best regional and global practices in social protection systems, their role in mitigating inequality, supporting vulnerable groups, and engaging stakeholders in solution-driven dialogue to enhance social cohesion. Sessions covered topics such as 'Extending Social Protection to the Informal Sector,' 'Social Protection Under War, Israeli Occupation, and Conflict,' 'Social Protection as a Pathway to Reducing Inequality,' and 'Innovative Solutions to Strengthen Social Protection.' Discussions concluded with a focus on 'Global Partnerships for More Effective Social Protection.' -ONA
Arab News
20-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Why healthy land is our greatest economic asset
The signs are becoming harder to ignore. Crops are failing more often. Wells are yielding less water. Dust settles where food once grew. In many parts of the world, the land is growing tired — less able to support the people who depend on it. And as the soil weakens, so too do the livelihoods, economies and communities built upon it. While land degradation is a global concern, its impact is especially pronounced in the Arab region. Stretching from North Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, this part of the world is among the most vulnerable. Nearly 90 percent of land is already degraded and a combination of rising temperatures, water scarcity and stressed agricultural systems is placing an increasing strain on people and ecosystems alike. Here, land degradation is not just about the environment — it affects the fundamentals of daily life. It shapes whether families can grow enough to eat, whether young people envision a future at home and whether communities can remain self-reliant. In some areas, it has already contributed to displacement and tension over dwindling natural resources. While agriculture still employs 38 percent of the workforce across the Arab region, half of all calories consumed are imported. With droughts intensifying and arable land diminishing, pressure is mounting on food production and rural livelihoods across the region. Without meaningful investment in sustainable land use, the divide between those with access to fertile land and food and those without will only deepen. Still, this is not just a problem to solve; it is a chance to rethink how we value and manage land. Not as something to be used up, but as a foundation to be protected and solidified. We now know that land restoration delivers real returns. For every dollar invested, studies show a return of $7 to $30 in benefits. Globally, restoring 1 billion hectares of degraded land could generate up to $1.8 trillion in value annually. These are not distant ambitions — they are within reach. Healthy land is not just an environmental priority, but a cornerstone of long-term resilience and prosperity. Ibrahim Thiaw Yet the financing gap remains stark. To meet global restoration targets by 2030, investments to the tune of $1 billion dollars per day are needed. The private sector currently contributes 6 percent of total investment. Scaling up both public and private finance and redirecting harmful subsidies toward sustainable land use will be necessary to keep our economic models sustainable. Encouragingly, the Arab region is taking meaningful steps. The Arab Coordination Group has pledged $10 billion by 2030 to address land degradation and strengthen drought resilience. It is a significant move, but far more is needed. Globally, $7 trillion continues to support land-harmful subsidies and unsustainable practices, underlining the urgency of shifting resources toward land restoration. To shift direction, we need smarter tools for investment. One of these is the Sustainable Return on Investment — a way of measuring success that includes not only financial returns, but also climate stability, biodiversity, food security and human well-being. This approach can guide both public and private capital toward lasting impact. As we marked World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, our message was clear: Healthy land is not just an environmental priority, but a cornerstone of long-term resilience and prosperity. Because when we restore land, we restore choices. We restore hope and dignity. And we rebuild the foundation of a more secure, equitable, and livable world for all. • Ibrahim Thiaw is under-secretary-general of the UN and executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
Times of Oman
17-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
FAO: Over 46 million hectares of agricultural land degraded in Arab region
Geneva: More than 46 million hectares of agricultural land, particularly in the Arab region, are at risk due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, soil salinisation from irrigation practices, increasing sand and dust storms, rising temperatures, and water scarcity linked to climate change, according to a study by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The organization noted that with less than 4% of land in the Arab region allocated for restoration, the area is falling short of global targets. It added that restoring 26 million hectares of degraded agricultural land could reduce the yield gap by up to 50% for oil crops and enable cereals, roots, and tubers to achieve optimal productivity. FAO emphasised the urgent need for a specialized regional initiative—one that facilitates cross-country cooperation—tailored to local contexts and focused on rehabilitating agricultural land to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and build sustainable, resilient agrifood systems. Globally, the organisation estimates that up to 1.66 billion hectares have been degraded by human activity, with over 60% of this area comprising agricultural land, including pastures. Given that 95% of global food production depends on land, this widespread degradation poses significant challenges to agrifood systems, prompting calls for integrated solutions to prevent, reduce, and reverse land degradation.
