Latest news with #SarahMooney
Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
‘Spark17' showcases innovative projects
The College of Communication at the University of Sharjah (UoS) has successfully hosted its 17th annual graduation project exhibition, 'Spark17,' under the theme 'Community Partnership.' The event was attended by Prof. Hamid MK Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the UoS, and Sarah Mooney, British Consul-General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, alongside numerous academic and professional figures. 'Spark17' reflects the University's strategy to match academic outcomes with labour market needs while fostering collaboration with local and international institutions. The event showcased innovative projects by graduating students, highlighting their professional creativity in addressing challenges facing the communication and media industry. The exhibition featured 48 graduation projects presented by 88 students across various specialisations: Public Relations (11 projects), Radio and Television (11 projects), Digital Media Design (16 projects), Digital Journalism (3 projects), and English Communication (8 projects). These projects were developed in collaboration with several local entities and in partnership with Sharjah Media City (Shams), the Sharjah Government Media Office, and the British Council. The graduation projects covered diverse topics reflecting the rapid changes in the media sector, with students focusing on employing modern technology and Artificial Intelligence in content production and design, including virtual reality, live broadcasting, and digital design. Projects also addressed key issues such as sustainability, environmental protection, climate change management, and women's leadership, alongside promoting volunteer culture and community service through media campaigns and public relations initiatives serving local community institutions and contributing to sustainable community development. Artistic works in directing, editing, presenting, filmmaking, and animation also stood out, combining creativity with human values, and reflecting the students' awareness of social issues and their aspirations to build purposeful and innovative media. This year, the British Embassy to the UAE participated as a guest of honour. The Embassy shared photographs showcasing features of British culture, film screenings from the British Council, and student graduation projects that were later shown at 06 Mall Cinema City. Prof. Jairo Lugo-Ocando, Dean of the College of Communication, emphasised that the exhibition represents an important platform for showcasing students' capabilities and innovations, enhancing their practical experience, and supporting their readiness for the job market through direct communication with decision-makers and specialists in media and communication sectors. He added that the exhibition reflects the College of Communication's commitment to equipping students with the skills and traits that would enhance their employability and supporting effective partnerships between academia and industry. WAM
Sharjah 24
02-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
UOS's Spark17 celebrates student creativity
Spark17 reflects the University's strategy to match academic outcomes with labor market needs while fostering collaboration with local and international institutions. The event showcased innovative projects by graduating students, highlighting their professional creativity in addressing challenges facing the communication and media industry. The exhibition featured 48 graduation projects presented by 88 students across various specializations: Public Relations (11 projects), Radio and Television (11 projects), Digital Media Design (16 projects), Digital Journalism (3 projects), and English Communication (8 projects). These projects were developed in collaboration with several local entities and in partnership with Sharjah Media City (Shams), the Sharjah Government Media Office, and the British Council. The graduation projects covered diverse topics reflecting the rapid changes in the media sector, with students focusing on employing modern technology and Artificial Intelligence in content production and design, including virtual reality, live broadcasting, and digital design. Projects also addressed key issues such as sustainability, environmental protection, climate change management, and women's leadership, alongside promoting volunteer culture and community service through media campaigns and public relations initiatives serving local community institutions and contributing to sustainable community development. Artistic works in directing, editing, presenting, filmmaking, and animation also stood out, combining creativity with human values, and reflecting the students' awareness of social issues and their aspirations to build purposeful and innovative media. This year, the British Embassy to the UAE participated as a guest of honor. The Embassy shared photographs showcasing features of British culture, film screenings from the British Council, and student graduation projects that were later shown at 06 Mall Cinema City. Prof. Jairo Lugo-Ocando, Dean of the College of Communication, emphasized that the exhibition represents an important platform for showcasing students' capabilities and innovations, enhancing their practical experience, and supporting their readiness for the job market through direct communication with decision-makers and specialists in media and communication sectors. He added that the exhibition reflects the College of Communication's commitment to equipping students with the skills and traits that would enhance their employability and supporting effective partnerships between academia and industry. For her part, Her Excellency Sarah Mooney, British Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, expressed her gratitude to the University of Sharjah for hosting the British delegation as a guest of honor at the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of such events in supporting cultural and academic exchange and strengthening bilateral relations. She also praised the quality of the projects on display, highlighting how they demonstrate the students' strong grasp of modern technologies and their ability to keep pace with advancements in AI and the demands of the digital age. On the sidelines of the exhibition, the University of Sharjah signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Visionaires company, aimed at enhancing cooperation in integrating AI-supported simulation technologies within the academic programs of the College of Communication. The agreement includes developing specialized educational modules, providing training workshops for faculty members, and exploring opportunities for joint research in entrepreneurship education, contributing to academic innovation and developing students' entrepreneurial skills. The memorandum was signed by Dr. Salah Taher Al-Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, representing the University, and Mr. Kunal Ougorah, Founder and CEO of Visionaires. The exhibition concluded with an awards ceremony honoring sponsors, partners, and organizing committees, attended by the university's vice chancellors, business community members, faculty, and students.
Gulf Today
05-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UK-GCC free trade deal will provide big boost to UK exporters: Mooney
A UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement could be transformational for UK food and drink exports. If secured, it could lead to reduced or eliminated tariffs on key UK exports, making British products more competitive in the GCC market, said Sarah Mooney, HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan. Addressing a breakfast event in Dubai, she explained, 'Currently, UK exporters face tariffs of up to 25% on cereals, 15% on chocolate, 12% on baking products, 10% on sweet biscuits, and 5% on soft drinks. Removing these barriers would not only make British products more affordable but also enhance trade relationships and increase accessibility to high-quality UK food and drink across the region.' 'Given the GCC's appetite for premium and high-quality products, an FTA would provide a significant boost to UK exporters looking to expand their footprint in the Middle East.' About the UK's participation in the recently concluded Gulfood, Sarah Mooney revealed, 'The UK has a significant presence at Gulfood this year, demonstrating our commitment to fostering trade relationships and showcasing the best of British food and drink. We have a robust cross-section of companies exhibiting at the UK Government stand, featuring products ranging from drinks to savoury snacks and much more besides. As well as dedicated country pavilions for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the UK's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is also exhibiting dairy and meat from Britain to highlight the UK's particular strength in these sectors. This broad presence reflects the high level of demand for British food and drink in the GCC, driven by our strong reputation for quality, provenance, and innovation.' She added, 'We see Gulfood as an important platform to strengthen trade relationships, engage with key buyers, and highlight the UK's leadership in food sustainability and production standards.' Highlighting the popularity of British food and drink in the region, Mooney said, 'British food and drink products are well respected in the GCC for several reasons. First and foremost, the UK has a globally recognised reputation for producing high-quality food and drink, underpinned by stringent food safety and traceability standards. Consumers in the region appreciate the rich heritage of British cuisine, from iconic cheeses and meats to innovative snack and beverage brands that align with modern tastes.' She added, 'The GCC market is discerning, with a growing appetite for premium, sustainably-produced goods. UK food and drink exports to the GCC reached £817 million in 2023, with the UAE alone accounting for £420 million of that figure, demonstrating the strong and growing demand.' Explaining the demand for UK products in the GCC, she said, 'The GCC market is characterized by a strong demand for premium food and beverages, and the UK is well-positioned to meet this demand. The UAE ranks among the top global markets for consumer spending on food and non-alcoholic beverages, with consumer spending per capita projected to reach £4,830 in 2025. Saudi Arabia is also seeing significant growth in its premium food segment, with 65% of Saudi shoppers indicating a willingness to pay more for quality products. British dairy, premium grocery items, and high-end snacks are particularly well-suited for this market. Additionally, high-end restaurants and hotels in the UAE and Saudi Arabia frequently reference the origin of their meat and fish, showcasing Scottish seafood and Welsh lamb as premium offerings.' Sarah Mooney concluded, 'The UK's food and drink industry has a long-standing and growing presence in the GCC, driven by strong demand for premium, sustainable, and high-quality products. The region presents exciting opportunities for UK businesses, particularly in sectors such as premium grocery, dairy, seafood, and non-alcoholic beverages. With the potential of a Free Trade Agreement on the horizon and continued investment in sustainable and innovative food production, we are confident that UK food and drink will remain a key player in the GCC market for years to come.'
