Latest news with #MAYSIBRAHIM
Al Etihad
a day 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
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi 9th best city in the world for green spaces
29 May 2025 00:07 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)There's more to Abu Dhabi than sun-kissed deserts and towering skyscrapers. The UAE capital has been named one of the top 10 cities in the world for green spaces and access to nature, according to Time Out's latest global city results are based on a poll of 18,500 people from major cities 20 that made the list had the largest share of "good" or "amazing" ratings for their green space and access to Dhabi stands out as the only Middle Eastern city to make the list, with an 83% positive rating, earning it the ninth recognition reflects its strategic investment in sustainable urban planning, from lush city parks to coastal mangroves and vast desert Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) reports that the emirate now has approximately 5 million trees, achieving a ratio of 2.7 trees per trees cover 7% of Abu Dhabi City, 15% of Al Ain, and 30% of the Al Dhafrah this extensive greenery are urban parks such as Umm Al Emarat Park, Khalifa Park and Reem Central Park, which have become popular hubs for families, fitness enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering shaded walkways, botanical gardens and water features that provide both leisure and environmental benefits.A must-visit highlight is the Mangrove National Park – a unique urban ecological haven offering kayaking, birdwatching and serene nature walks just minutes from the city Time Out list was topped by Medellín, Colombia, where 92 of residents rated their city's green offerings as the "City of Eternal Spring", Medellín has undergone a green transformation in recent years, including the creation of cooling "green corridors" throughout its urban core. Boston and Sydney followed closely behind, with strong scores for walkability and diverse natural offerings.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Syrian minister shares plans for new economy, commends UAE's support in rebuilding efforts
29 May 2025 00:16 MAYS IBRAHIM (DUBAI)Syria is exploring the introduction of a new national currency, said Dr. Muhammad Nidal Al-Shaar, Syria's Minister of Economy and Industry, at the Arab Media Summit in is entering a transformative economic period following the lifting of US and European sanctions, according to Dr. minister described the country's current phase as a "historic turning point" that marks the beginning of Syria's recovery and reconstruction."The sanctions were the primary obstacle facing the Syrian economy," Dr. Al-Shaar stated, noting that their removal has already triggered strong interest from international the two weeks following the announcement, Syria received investment commitments exceeding $1.2 include an $800 million investment by the UAE to develop the port of Tartous; a deal Dr. Al-Shaar described as the "starting point of a new era of cooperation."He commended the UAE for its support in rebuilding efforts and promoting sustainable development across key sanctions withdrawn, the government is prioritising the creation of a stable and transparent investment Al-Shaar stressed Syria's commitment to attracting investors while protecting them from the kind of "investment chaos" seen in earlier phases of noted the government's selectivity in choosing investment partners, aiming to maintain strategic alignment and avoid a new investment law is currently being prepared to guarantee a safe environment for both Syrian and foreign investors, Dr. Al-Shaar law seeks to protect private ownership in line with the constitution and offers financial and regulatory incentives, as well as technical and administrative is also emerging as a key pillar of Syria's economic announced the upcoming release of a comprehensive national investment map for the tourism sector. "Tourism will be one of the main foundations of the Syrian economy," he said. The government is working with specialists to reshape the sector in a way that reflects Syria's historical and cultural identity, he added.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Science
- Al Etihad
Inside the EAD gene bank protecting UAE's botanical treasures
29 May 2025 00:04 MAYS IBRAHIM (AL AIN)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)'s Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC) in Al Ain is on a mission to preserve the UAE's native flora, and since it opened in 2024, it has already collected over 580 samples of 130 plant species from across the centre serves as a gene bank that stores plant material in multiple forms: seeds, tissue, live plants, DNA, and even with Aletihad at a media tour on Tuesday, Maher Kabshawi, Head of the Seed Collection and Preservation Section, explained the process that goes into conserving native plant seeds from across the UAE is no easy task, Kabshawi said. "We have to go to the wild during specific seasons when plants are mature but not dried out. It can take several attempts, especially when targeting rare or endangered species."The goal is to conserve around 600 documented plant species in the UAE, but due to the scale of this mission, priorities have been set, he said. The initial focus is on 23 Abu Dhabi species that have been considered "threatened" on the IUCN Red seeds undergo a meticulous multi-step process that includes cleaning, drying, testing, and cataloguing. Only once they meet strict moisture and quality standards are they stored in a 20°C cold room, designed to preserve up to 20,000 samples. Under these conditions, seeds can remain viable for up to 100 years, according to Kabshawi. A High-Tech Facility The seed lab, where cutting-edge innovation meets meticulous scientific methods, is the gateway for every sample that enters the the suite of specialised machines used at the lab is a videometer, the first of its kind in the country. This AI-powered device uses spectrometry to capture high-resolution images of seeds and read a wide range of traits, such as colour, shape, surface texture, and chlorophyll content."The videometer allows us to study seeds non-invasively," seed collection specialist Nuri Asmita said. "We can evaluate a seed's health, maturity, and moisture content without damaging it."The machine works by exposing seeds to specific light wavelengths, allowing scientists to detect internal traits based on how the seed reflects or absorbs tandem, the lab uses an aspirator machine to separate seeds from debris and impurities collected in the field. Once cleaned, seeds are packaged with another precision tool: a counter that uses a light beam to count individual seeds as they pass through. From Herbarium to Fungarium Plant specimens go to the herbarium, while tissue samples are used for cryopreservation and genomic research, supporting broader biodiversity conservation herbarium, which already houses over 4,000 sheets representing 705 species, uses digital imaging - including 3D rendering - to document and preserve plant specimens for future study."Once we press, dry, and mount the samples, we digitise them, creating a record that can last for a century," Sabitha Sakkir, a flora scientist, told centre has also launched the UAE's first fungarium, which currently includes around 40 fungal specimens, including the rare Ganoderma colossum, recorded for the first time in the country. Genome Sequencing One of the most ambitious parts of the PGRC's mission is genome collaboration with G42 and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the centre completed sequencing for six native species in its first phase, including the iconic Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria), dwarf palm, and seagrass (Halodule uninervis)."Sequencing is complex," Salama Al Mansoori, Plant Conservation Specialist at PGRC, told Aletihad. "It's time-intensive and technically demanding. That's why we prioritise species based on IUCN Red List classifications and ecological importance."Phase two of genome sequencing will focus on three key species, each vital to their respective ecosystems, according to epapposum (Arfaj), which supports desert biodiversity, plays a role in soil stabilisation and helps regulate microclimates. Orchradenus arabicus, a salt-tolerant shrub, enhances vegetation in saline habitats, supports pollinators, and aids in land restoration. Halophila stipulacea, a key seagrass species, stabilises sediment, improves water quality, and provides habitat for marine life, indicating healthy coastal DNA from arid-adapted species is especially challenging due to their fibrous structures, requiring laborious preparation and contamination control across three genome sequencing platforms for best-in-class resolution. A Glasshouse for Native Flora A highlight of the centre is its 1,000-square-meter glasshouse, which simulates five major UAE habitats: coastal areas, sand sheets, sand dunes, wadis, and than 65 native species grow here under controlled conditions, according to horticulture specialist Hassan Al Mansoori pointed out that the building itself is a nod to local heritage and environmental consciousness. Its circular design mirrors the cross-section of the Ghaf tree, while the façade takes inspiration from Ghaf structure uses terracotta for natural cooling, skylights for daylighting, and solar panels that provide more than 25% of its energy needs. Even the paint is chosen carefully to avoid disorienting migratory birds, she the centre is not yet open to the general public, it actively hosts school and university interactive exhibition area with nine installations engages students in conservation science, plant identification, and genomics. Al Mansoori said the centre will launch educational programmes next month, offering students aged 15 and up a week-long, hands-on experience working alongside scientists.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
From digital twin to driverless cabs: How Abu Dhabi uses AI to shape ideal city for residents
27 May 2025 00:15 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and smart mobility to guide urban planning and infrastructure development, according to Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).Speaking at the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit on Monday, Al Shorafa detailed how the emirate was building a city that is sustainable, resilient, and tailored to the needs of its to DMT's approach is the creation of a "digital twin" of the city - a high-fidelity virtual replica that simulates infrastructure, human movement, and tool allows planners to visualise and manage urban growth more efficiently and design infrastructure that aligns with real-time needs, Al Shorafa also enhances emergency response by ensuring safety teams gain quicker and more accurate access to critical infrastructure data, he Shorafa also pointed out that DMT has spent the last two years collecting extensive datasets across Abu Dhabi's districts, including traffic patterns, demographic trends, and community insights have allowed the government to shape infrastructure development with surgical actively engaging residents and incorporating their feedback through AI-powered platforms, Abu Dhabi has launched several projects that directly reflect public demand, according to Al Shorafa. One result: the opening of more than 224 new parks in just one added that AI has also helped DMT identify the root causes of congestion and educational imbalances, such as mismatches between where people live and where schools are located, prompting targeted infrastructure responses. Self-driving Rides, Electric BusesAs part of its wider efforts to build a future-ready city, Abu Dhabi is also integrating smart mobility solutions. "Abu Dhabi was the first … in the region to deploy autonomous taxis. And we've been deploying autonomous buses and testing them for three years," Al Shorafa visitors can book a self-driving ride from the airport to key destinations via ride-hailing ahead, Al Shorafa said the city plans to fully electrify its public bus fleet by 2030, supported by a robust digital foundation that enables the rapid integration of new Dhabi has the necessary resources in place, he said, and it is actively updating policies to support its goals. Smart, Integrated Urban PlanningThe inaugural Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit is held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and Abu Dhabi's DMT, and in collaboration with One Development. "In a rapidly evolving world, smart cities are no longer a luxury - they are a strategic imperative. The focus is not solely on technology, but on how we harness it to boost efficiency, enhance quality of life, and accelerate development," said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, in her welcoming speech."Abu Dhabi is advancing confidently toward a new urban model, one rooted in innovation and driven by data, with sustainability at its core. This summit serves as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration to build more resilient and inclusive cities. It aligns with the declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, underscoring the UAE's dedication to placing people at the centre of urban progress," she summit brings together a cohort of real estate leaders, investors, innovators, and architects from across the region and around the world, serving as a platform to explore the future of smart cities, promote sustainable urban solutions, and highlight investment and development opportunities in the region's real estate first day's programme featured keynote speeches and interactive panel discussions exploring the future of smart cities and the development of advanced his opening keynote, Eng. Mohamed Almansoori, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, highlighted smart and integrated urban planning as a cornerstone in the path toward sustainable development."The UAE continues to play a pioneering global role through distinctive initiatives, including the Urban Development Agenda Platform for Asia and the Pacific, which was launched in partnership with Malaysia and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the field of sustainable urbanisation," he discussions also explored the critical role of effective policies and strategic public-private partnerships in accelerating development through institutional his address, Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman of ONE Development, described the UAE as one of the most advanced and resilient ecosystems for private sector growth, especially in urban announced the launch of DO Hotels, an AI-powered hospitality concept developed in partnership with singer Amr Diab. The day also featured an award ceremony honouring a group of the region's most influential real estate leaders, including prominent government officials, entrepreneurs and businessmen. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
