Latest news with #SalemAlShamsi
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Free office space, workshops in Abu Dhabi for startups
Abu Dhabi is now home to a year-round hub for startups and organisations delivering social good, following the launch of Athar+, a permanent platform by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an. Unveiled at M39 this week, a vibrant co-working space in the capital, Athar+ represents a major expansion of Ma'an's earlier social incubator model, which was limited to just two cohorts annually. This new initiative is designed to be more inclusive and continuous, offering free office space, access to workshops, networking opportunities, and both financial and logistical support to startups, NGOs, and social enterprises making an impact in the emirate. 'Today, we are no longer only covering the traditional model of business incubation,' said Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Social Incubation and Contracting at Ma'an. 'We're covering ideation, social venture acceleration, and providing a social incubator that runs permanently throughout the year. Not every enterprise is at the same level of growth, Athar+ is designed to meet these different stages with tailored support.' Al Shamsi added that what makes Athar+ unique is its focus on outcomes: 'We always start with impact. Since launching Ma'an in 2019, we've built everything with that word in mind. Athar+ is the next step — the 'plus' is the continuous improvement and future focus.' The platform now accepts applications on a rolling basis, without limiting participation to a specific number or sector. 'Any enterprise addressing Abu Dhabi's social priorities and offering measurable social value can apply,' he said. New chapter for MS Group For Ahmad Al Shawa, General Coordinator of MS Group in Al Ain, the launch of Athar+ marks a much needed turning point. His organisation, which raises awareness and provides support to people with Multiple Sclerosis, was selected after a series of interviews with Ma'an. 'Just by being here, it's already an opportunity,' said Al Shawa at the launch. 'This is more than just office space. You're surrounded by incubators, startups, NGOs, and investors — it's a platform that brings the whole third sector together.' MS Group, which was first launched in 2009, has faced ups and downs over the years. With Athar+, Al Shawa hopes to rebuild the organisation's legacy and expand its reach through new partnerships and exposure. 'It fills a lot of gaps — especially in making connections, sharing experiences, and possibly finding sponsors or investors.' The group's recent inclusion in the Arab Union for MS was a key milestone. 'That partnership has helped us exchange experiences with MS groups across the Arab world,' he explained. 'Personally, as someone living with MS, I see the differences in treatment, awareness, and systems across countries. Learning from others makes a big difference.' AI to detect speech delay Hamdan Al Ali, a PhD student in natural language processing at MBZUAI, is another entrepreneur set to benefit from Athar+. His startup, Chatty Check, is an AI-powered game that helps diagnose speech delay in children — a condition affecting an estimated 14% of children worldwide. 'Instead of having a therapist sit with a child for 60 minutes, the child plays a game that incorporates the same diagnostic methods — like reading a story or talking, while the AI analyses the interaction,' said Al Ali. The tool is still in its pilot phase, currently being tested in nurseries in the UAE and Portugal, in both English and Emirati Arabic versions. Al Ali first joined Ma'an's original incubator, where he received guidance on scaling his idea. Now, with Athar+, he has access to the tools he needs to grow. 'I can pitch to investors, use the facilities, host presentations, and work out of a professional space — all of which are essential to taking the product to the next level.'
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
African Champions League title stays in Egypt after Pyramids beats Mamelodi Sundowns
CAIRO (AP) — The African Champions League soccer title stayed in Egypt with Pyramids winning the final Sunday just seven years after the club was renamed and moved to Cairo. The president of African soccer's governing body Patrice Motsepe presented the trophy after watching the South African club he owns, Mamelodi Sundowns, lose the second leg in Cairo 2-1, giving Pyramids a 3-2 aggregate win. Pyramids took a first-half lead with Congo forward Fiston Mayele's competition-best ninth goal. Defender Ahmed Samy added a second in the 56th minute for the team coached by Krunoslav Jurčić from Croatia. Iqraam Rayners cut the lead in the 75th and Pyramids survived pressure during 10 minutes of stoppage time added. Egypt now has a record 19 African club titles by four different teams. Al Ahly has 12, including the past two competitions, Zamalek has five and Ismaily one. Pyramids was rebranded and brought to the Egyptian capital in 2018 by Saudi sports executive Turki Al-Sheikh, who is now a key official in boxing. One year later the big-spending club's new owner was Salem Al-Shamsi, a businessman from the United Arab Emirates, who had been its vice president. Pyramids' first African title earned a place at FIFA's Club World Cup in 2029. Sundowns, which won its only African title in 2016, qualified to play in the United States next month in the first 32-team edition of the FIFA tournament. The South African club was drawn in a group to play Ulsan in Orlando on June 17, then Borussia Dortmund in Cincinnati and Fluminense in Miami. ___ AP soccer:
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sheraa, National Agriculture Centre forge strategic partnership
Attendance The ceremony was attended by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa). Building a resilient and sustainable food future for UAE Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said: 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the leadership's vision of building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. Supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers is central to our strategy for enhancing national agricultural production and competitiveness. Through our strategic collaboration with Sheraa, we aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts will lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, help reduce agricultural waste and improve resource efficienc—directly supporting our national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.' He added: 'The signing of this agreement during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscores the importance we place on the synergy between government entities, the private sector and entrepreneurship enablers. This collaboration ensures that necessary support is extended to farmers and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in the transition towards modern, sustainable agricultural systems.' Sustainable agriculture Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'This partnership stems from a shared belief that sustainable agriculture forms the foundation for future readiness and acts as a key driver of innovation. Sheraa remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, we are supporting a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to build impactful ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy.' The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE. This includes supporting startups within the sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and launching joint initiatives. The partnership also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology. The initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and creating new opportunities to scale their operations—further enhancing their contribution to the national food security agenda. MoUs The meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for joint cooperation in developing and implementing training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional collaboration within the agricultural sector. The MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and awareness programmes in agriculture, thereby enhancing the competencies of professionals and stakeholders and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The agreement seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and facilitate knowledge transfer by building the technical capabilities of national talent, supporting sustained excellence and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. It aims to contribute to sustainable development and food security through targeted educational and awareness initiatives that engage various segments of society, raise environmental and food-related awareness, and advance sustainability goals. The MoU also includes the development of effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives, guided by clear performance indicators. These mechanisms are intended to maximise impact, ensure accountability, and foster the continuous improvement of joint cooperation programmes. Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a general framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. The agreement supports projects and initiatives that align with the nation's environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security. This includes developing a portfolio of high-impact initiatives and projects eligible for support by the Fund, ensuring alignment with national strategies such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The MoU also emphasises the importance of supporting projects that strengthen food security while preserving environmental resources. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture by introducing incentive mechanisms and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship.
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
National Agriculture Centre and Sheraa Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance AgriTech Entrepreneurship in the UAE
The partnership aims to foster innovation in the agricultural sector and support Emirati entrepreneurs and farmers in achieving national food security and sustainable development goals. Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – May 2025 – In a step towards fostering innovation in agriculture and strengthening sustainable food security, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to promote agritech entrepreneurship across the UAE. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) on the sidelines of the final day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Her Excellency Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Her Excellency Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa). Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said: 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the leadership's vision of building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. Supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers is central to our strategy for enhancing national agricultural production and competitiveness. Through our strategic collaboration with Sheraa, we aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts will lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, help reduce agricultural waste and improve resource efficiency—directly supporting our national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.' He added: 'The signing of this agreement during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscores the importance we place on the synergy between government entities, the private sector and entrepreneurship enablers. This collaboration ensures that necessary support is extended to farmers and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in the transition towards modern, sustainable agricultural systems.' HE Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'This partnership stems from a shared belief that sustainable agriculture forms the foundation for future readiness and acts as a key driver of innovation. Sheraa remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, we are supporting a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to build impactful ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy.' The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE. This includes supporting startups within the sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and launching joint initiatives. The partnership also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology. The initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and creating new opportunities to scale their operations—further enhancing their contribution to the national food security agenda. The meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for joint cooperation in developing and implementing training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional collaboration within the agricultural sector. The MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and awareness programmes in agriculture, thereby enhancing the competencies of professionals and stakeholders and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The agreement seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and facilitate knowledge transfer by building the technical capabilities of national talent, supporting sustained excellence and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. It aims to contribute to sustainable development and food security through targeted educational and awareness initiatives that engage various segments of society, raise environmental and food-related awareness, and advance sustainability goals. The MoU also includes the development of effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives, guided by clear performance indicators. These mechanisms are intended to maximise impact, ensure accountability, and foster the continuous improvement of joint cooperation programmes. Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a general framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. The agreement supports projects and initiatives that align with the nation's environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security. This includes developing a portfolio of high-impact initiatives and projects eligible for support by the Fund, ensuring alignment with national strategies such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy . The MoU also emphasises the importance of supporting projects that strengthen food security while preserving environmental resources. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture by introducing incentive mechanisms and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
National Agriculture Centre, Sheraa forge strategic partnership to advance AgriTech entrepreneurship in UAE
1 June 2025 00:03 AL AIN (WAM) In a step towards fostering innovation in agriculture and strengthening sustainable food security, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to promote agritech entrepreneurship across the UAE.A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) on the sidelines of the final day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al ceremony was attended by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa).Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said: 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the leadership's vision of building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. Supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers is central to our strategy for enhancing national agricultural production and competitiveness. "Through our strategic collaboration with Sheraa, we aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts will lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, help reduce agricultural waste and improve resource efficienc—directly supporting our national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.'He added: 'The signing of this agreement during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscores the importance we place on the synergy between government entities, the private sector and entrepreneurship enablers. This collaboration ensures that necessary support is extended to farmers and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in the transition towards modern, sustainable agricultural systems.'Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'This partnership stems from a shared belief that sustainable agriculture forms the foundation for future readiness and acts as a key driver of innovation. Sheraa remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, we are supporting a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to build impactful ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy.'The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE. This includes supporting startups within the sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and launching joint initiatives. The partnership also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and creating new opportunities to scale their operations—further enhancing their contribution to the national food security meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for joint cooperation in developing and implementing training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional collaboration within the agricultural sector. The MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and awareness programmes in agriculture, thereby enhancing the competencies of professionals and stakeholders and promoting sustainable agricultural agreement seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and facilitate knowledge transfer by building the technical capabilities of national talent, supporting sustained excellence and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. It aims to contribute to sustainable development and food security through targeted educational and awareness initiatives that engage various segments of society, raise environmental and food-related awareness, and advance sustainability goals. The MoU also includes the development of effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives, guided by clear performance indicators. These mechanisms are intended to maximise impact, ensure accountability, and foster the continuous improvement of joint cooperation Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a general framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. The agreement supports projects and initiatives that align with the nation's environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the 'We the UAE 2031' the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security. This includes developing a portfolio of high-impact initiatives and projects eligible for support by the Fund, ensuring alignment with national strategies such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The MoU also emphasises the importance of supporting projects that strengthen food security while preserving environmental resources. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture by introducing incentive mechanisms and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship.
