Latest news with #HamdanBinZayedAlNahyan
Mid East Info
21-07-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme Has Returned a Total of 2,355 Falcons to the Wild - Middle East Business News and Information
Entering its Fourth Decade with the Recent Release of 81 Falcons in Kazakhstan, Abu Dhabi,July 2025: With the release of 81 falcons in the Republic of Kazakhstan in May 2025, the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme has now entered its fourth decade. The recent release activity brings the total number of Saker and Peregrine falcons returned to the wild since the programme's inception to 2,355. The programme aims to increase falcon populations and protect them from a range of threats contributing to their endangered status such as expanding human activities that encroach on natural habitats, unsustainable breeding practices and climate change. For the ninth consecutive year, the programme saw 53 Peregrine falcons and 28 Saker falcons released in Kazakhstan – marking's the initiative's fourth decade of operation since it was established in 1995. The falcons' natural migratory range includes parts of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Mongolia and neighbouring countries in a region characterised by rugged mountains and vast plains that offer ideal habitats rich in prey. Prior to release, all falcons underwent comprehensive veterinary checks, intensive training and were fitted with identification leg bands and implanted with electronic microchips. Ten falcons (five of each species) were equipped with solar-powered satellite-tracking devices to monitor survival rates, dispersion and migration routes. The data collected will be used to support the ongoing development of rehabilitation, training and release methods. H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of EAD Board of Directors, and Vice Chairman of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, extended his sincere gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of EAD Board of Directors, for his patronage and continuous support of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme. His Excellency emphasised that the programme has become one of the world's leading initiatives for the restoration of endangered wildlife species. It stands as a continuation of the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father and a testament to Abu Dhabi's and the UAE's global leadership in nature conservation and the protection of biodiversity, which is essential for the wellbeing of both the environment and humanity. H.E. Al Bowardi commended the successful partnerships that have contributed to the programme's achievements. In addition to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, key partners include the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. He also acclaimed the support provided by the Office of the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Kazakhstan. His Excellency expressed his sincere appreciation to the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the relevant Kazakhstani authorities for facilitating the work of the joint team in implementing this program. About the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme: Marking Its Fourth Decade The Vision and the Founder: The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may his soul rest in peace) was deeply connected to nature and imbued with the rich heritage of his forefathers. From an early age, he recognised the growing environmental challenges posed by development and urban expansion, and took proactive measures to halt harmful activities such as the use of firearms in hunting. His deep passion for falconry inspired him to preserve its sustainable traditions, ensuring that falcons, their prey and natural habitats would endure for future generations. Sheikh Zayed launched globally recognised environmental initiatives as early as the 1960s. History records his remarkable success in saving the Arabian Oryx from extinction, along with his direct enforcement of laws banning the hunting of gazelles, birds, rabbitscand other wildlife. During this period, he also spearheaded the planting of millions of trees to enhance the wellbeing of both people and wildlife. His deep environmental values were brought to life through projects and programmes that had a lasting impact on the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of traditional, sustainable practices. Among his key decisions was the transition in 1993 toward the use of captive-bred falcons in response to the declining numbers of wild Saker falcons. From the very beginning, Sheikh Zayed insisted on releasing a significant portion of his falcons back into the wild after the hunting season, despite the ease of keeping them year-round thanks to advancements in falconry techniques and improved economic conditions. He remained committed to this sustainable practice, which aligned closely with his natural instincts and environmental awareness. In 1995, he directed the establishment of a programme to set up the mechanisms, procedures and standardised protocols required to fulfill the ultimate goal of falcon release: returning strong, healthy and native falcons to their natural environment at the right time and in the right place – all equipped to survive, compete, and thrive. The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme embodies the profound human values of gratitude and responsibility, allowing falconers to feel a deep sense of purpose in giving back to nature what they borrow from it. It also reinforces the vital balance between wildlife and natural resources, which falconers depend on to continue their cherished cultural practice. Planning and Implementation: Preparations for the programme begin before the end of the annual falconry season. The release date is determined with great precision to align with the falcons' migration to their breeding grounds. Release sites are carefully selected from an array of safe locations situated along known migratory routes. Before being released, the falcons undergo an intensive pre-release programme that includes veterinary supervision and medical examinations to ensure they are free of bacterial, parasitic or viral infections. The selected falcons are subjected to daily training exercises to improve their fitness over several weeks. During this period, they are fed a special diet to increase their body weight, enhancing their chances of survival during the critical two-week adaptation period after release. Falcons that are not ready for release are kept at the hospital for rehabilitation and will be reintroduced into the wild in subsequent years. The programme ensures that only falcons of pure wild origin and in excellent health are released. Each falcon is assigned a unique serial number, which is placed on a leg band and embedded in a subcutaneous microchip, which can be read using a specialised scanner to identify the bird if it is recaptured. The falcons are transported according to a meticulous protocol that prioritises their safety and comfort, while ensuring their timely arrival for release. During transit, the birds are sprayed with water to help them remain calm and regulate body temperature. Upon arrival, they undergo another health check, are weighed and are examined for signs of dehydration or broken feathers. Only falcons that are fully ready are released, giving them the best possible chance to return safely to the wild. Hundreds of miles of terrain are surveyed to find suitable habitats where falcons can immediately begin relying on themselves for survival, including hunting. These sites may be near water sources, mountains or open plains. Prior to release, the field team re-surveys the selected area to ensure it is free from threats, checks wind direction, and looks for the presence of competing raptors. These measures maximise the falcons' chances of survival in the wild. Tracking and Monitoring: Modern technology has played a vital role in tracking the movements of falcons after their release, helping to assess their ability to survive and adapt to life in the wild. A selected sample of falcons is equipped with solar-powered satellite-tracking devices, with an operational lifespan of three to five years. These devices provide essential data, including location, altitude and body temperature. The data is transmitted daily via satellite and filtered before being sent by email to the National Avian Research Centre of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in Abu Dhabi. Through this process, the programme has successfully gathered accurate, long-term data by tracking falcons well beyond their release. Lessons Learned: We have learned a great deal about falcon breeding grounds and migration routes – spanning seas, valleys, reefs, mountain slopes and plateaus – from the far reaches of Asia and Europe to Africa, through the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula. We have also learned how to collaborate effectively with countries, partners and local communities to achieve the programme's noble goals. This initiative has taken us to remote and distant regions of the world – places we might never have reached were it not for our deep commitment to ensuring that our falcons successfully return to safe habitats with suitable climates and abundant prey. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD: Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
Gulf Today
14-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Hamdan Bin Zayed hails President's support for EAD
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), commended the unwavering support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that this steadfast backing has enabled the agency to achieve remarkable progress through a diverse portfolio of strategic projects and initiatives, all aligned with its vision to conserve fish stocks and ensure their sustainability for future generations. This came during his visit to the headquarters of EAD, in the presence of Sheikh Hazza Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EAD, Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region and Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the agency. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan commended the pioneering achievement of EAD in raising the sustainable fishing index from 8.9% in 2018 to 97.4% by the end of 2024. This places Abu Dhabi first globally in this index, as EAD has implemented comprehensive, globally informed measures and procedures for sustainable recovery of fish stocks. Key actions include regulating fishing activities through the adoption of sustainable gear, managing recreational fishing, and establishing six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network to oversee and control fishing practices. EAD has also advanced the sustainable aquaculture sector in Abu Dhabi. To further enhance fish stocks, the agency has undertaken coral reef restoration and installed artificial structures as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens initiative. The EAD team also presented the Dalma Fish Project to him, an initiative that cultivates local fish in marine cages and stands as the first in the Middle East to integrate artificial intelligence into aquaculture practices. During the presentation, the team highlighted several of the agency's most innovative initiatives, including the use of AI in fisheries management, which is the first-of- its-kind globally. This technology enables the identification of fish species and the estimation of their size and weight, contributing to more effective data collection and the sustainable development of the fisheries sector. Sheikh Hamdan concluded the visit by praising EAD's ambitious developmental vision and its unwavering commitment to advancing environmental sustainability across the emirate. He highlighted the agency's impactful policies, continuous pursuit of innovation, and strong engagement with partners, fishermen, and community members as key drivers in achieving the emirate's objectives, particularly the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. WAM
Gulf Today
06-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Hamdan Bin Zayed reviews Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority plan
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, received a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, led by Chairman Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, at Al Seef Palace in Abu Dhabi. The meeting came within the framework of the wise leadership's continued support for national efforts to preserve heritage and strengthen its presence in society. During the meeting, the strategic framework of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority was reviewed. The framework encompasses over 62 projects and 231 activities, reflecting the Authority's vision to solidify and promote national identity values rooted in heritage across generations. The strategy aims to nurture talent in heritage and poetry, empower the heritage economy through the support of traditional crafts and industries, and enhance the global presence of Emirati heritage. Sheikh Hamdan stressed that safeguarding authentic Emirati heritage and passing it on to future generations is a national and societal responsibility. He said this responsibility reflects the vision of the UAE's leadership and deep-rooted identity, affirming that Emirati heritage will remain a vital and inspiring presence in the lives of the country's youth. He highlighted that this interest stems from the directives and continued support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who places great emphasis on Emirati heritage as a fundamental pillar of national identity and a source of inspiration for future generations. Sheikh Hamdan praised the efforts of the Authority and its personnel, commending the initiatives that align with community aspirations and preserve the nation's collective memory. He instructed the expansion of activities and the enhancement of outreach and public communication tools to boost the UAE's cultural presence locally and globally. Liwa Dates Festival He was also briefed on the details of the festival and event plans for the Al Dhafra Region, which annually attract more than 450,000 visitors. Among the key events is the 21st edition of the Liwa Dates Festival, which draws over 116,000 visitors and is supported by a budget exceeding Dhs14 million. The festival supports farmers and productive farms while stimulating economic and tourism activity in the region. It also reinforces the status of the palm tree as a symbol of the UAE's rich heritage. The event features 23 competitions, including contests for dates and summer fruits, among others, with total prize money exceeding DhsD8 million. The festival includes dedicated areas for participating entities, traditional markets, productive families and heritage crafts, thereby enhancing community participation and encouraging future generations to uphold traditional customs and values. WAM
Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Hamdan Bin Zayed visits Adnoc's strategic facilities in Jebel Dhanna
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, visited key Adnoc facilities in Jebel Dhanna on Saturday, including the site of Adnoc's new underground salt dome storage project. During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed was briefed on Adnoc's ongoing strategic initiatives to enhance the UAE's energy security and storage capabilities. The salt dome development, a pioneering project in the region, will provide Adnoc with advanced hydrocarbon storage infrastructure, supporting the flexibility and resilience of the nation's energy supply chain. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed commended Adnoc's continued commitment to sustainable growth, technological innovation, and national development, particularly in the Al Dhafra region. He also praised the dedication of Adnoc's workforce and their role in reinforcing the UAE's position as a responsible and reliable global energy provider. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of dignitaries and senior government officials, His Highness was welcomed by Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Adnoc Managing Director and Group CEO. Dr Sultan Al Jaber said, 'We are honoured by the visit of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to our facilities in Jebel Dhanna. His presence reflects the strategic importance of this location and ADNOC's role in building future-ready infrastructure that supports the UAE's long-term economic and energy goals.' The visit underscores ADNOC's alignment with the UAE leadership's vision to build a diversified and sustainable economy powered by advanced industrial capabilities and world-class energy solutions. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed was accompanied by Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, and a number of senior officials. Separately, Adnoc announced at the Make it in the Emirates forum, which concluded recently, the award of contracts valued at Dhs543 million ($147.8 million) to nine of its suppliers for locally made industrial products to be used across its value chain. The agreements were enabled by Adnoc's In-Country Value (ICV) programme and span a diverse range of products. These include personal protective equipment (PPE), chemicals for drilling and production, valves, biodiesel and corrosion inhibitors. The agreements will strengthen the resilience of Adnoc's supply chain, reduce reliance on imports and create more private sector jobs for Emiratis. Adnoc's ICV programme is providing a platform for businesses to capitalise on its diverse commercial opportunities as it delivers on its plan to locally manufacture Dhs90 billion ($24.5 billion) worth of products in its procurement pipeline by 2030. Yaser Saeed Almazrouei, Adnoc Executive Director, People, Commercial and Corporate Support, said, 'Through these long-term contracts for made-in-the-UAE products, we are turning our business demand for critical industrial products into tangible opportunities that empower manufacturers in the UAE to grow and compete. These awards highlight the attractive commercial opportunities ADNOC is creating for businesses that are ready to 'Make it in the Emirates'.' Al Ghaith Industries, Union Chlorine LLC, C1 Water Industries LLC, RAK CHEM Industries and EMOCHEM are among the manufacturers awarded supplier contracts. The contracts build on the success of ADNOC's ICV programme, which has driven AED242 billion back into the UAE economy and enabled jobs for 17,000 Emiratis in the private sector since 2018. At 'Make it in the Emirates', which took place last week in Abu Dhabi as a premier gateway to invest in the UAE's industrial ecosystem, Adnoc has been detailing numerous commercial opportunities across its value chain. Manufacturers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore the 'Make it with Adnoc' app, which provides businesses with visibility into products Adnoc plans to purchase, offering a more streamlined and integrated procurement process. Meanwhile, Adnoc announced that its partners across its supply chain commit to invest Dhs3 billion ($817 million) in manufacturing facilities across the UAE. The announcement was made at the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum currently underway in Abu Dhabi. The facilities are located across Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), Dubai Industrial Park, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) and Umm Al Qaiwain. They will create more than 3,500 highly skilled private sector jobs and manufacture a wide range of industrial products including pressure vessels, pipe coatings and fasteners. WAM
Gulf Today
14-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
EAD plants over 4 million coral fragments
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), has directed the expansion of the scope of the agency's coral rehabilitation project to outplant more than four million coral colonies in the emirate's waters by 2030. This will cover an area estimated to be more than 900 hectares, making it the largest coral rehabilitation project in the world. EAD's coral rehabilitation project had successfully reached the target of one million colonies whereby restoration took place in eight different sites, covering over 300 hectares. This has led to an increase in Abu Dhabi's coral coverage as the restored coral areas have seen over 95 per cent success rate. The restored sites are already showing signs of recovery, as life is starting to form around them, with more than 50 percent increase in fish biomass and diversity. Furthermore, exceptionally and atypical of corals, those in the nursery and across restored areas continued to grow even during the summer, which indicates their ability and high resistance to withstand severe climatic conditions. The scope of the coral restoration project included the development of coral nurseries that help mitigate the adverse impact of both natural and anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs arising from coastal development and climate change, including the immediate threat of rising seawater temperatures. The first phase of the project included an evaluation, which highlighted resilient reefs and potential donor sites, and identified nursery sites to ensure a protected growth environment. This is based on different criteria such as water quality, currents, depth, and temperature. This was followed by the establishment of several underwater nurseries to nurture and grow corals collected from suitable reefs, with a production capacity of up to one million coral colonies. In the second phase, the nursery stock was harvested and transported to various sites for rehabilitation and to restore the integrated coral ecosystem. The third phase includes the completion of nursery stock harvesting and site restoration through coral translocation to degraded areas. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said, 'Following the successful outcomes of the coral restoration project so far, with us planting one million coral colonies, the EAD bi is now even more committed to continuing and expanding the Coral Restoration Programme. WAM
