Latest news with #SheikhaBodourAlQasimi
The National
10-07-2025
- The National
Unesco nomination for Sharjah's Faya an extraordinary journey, says Sheikha Bodour
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi has told how Sharjah's historic Faya being nominated as a Unesco World Heritage Site is a moment she will always cherish. In an interview with The National, Sheikh Bodour reflected on the "extraordinary" journey that has led to this point, her personal connection to the land and people of Faya who have gone before and future plans for a site of extraordinary archaeological significance. Her comments come as the UN's cultural body is to make a decision on whether to grant the site - known as the 'Faya palaeolandscape' - World Heritage Status with a decision expected from July 11 to 13. The nomination underlines how the site is one of huge archaeological importance that is reshaping ideas of human history. The Faya palaeolandscape refers broadly to the Faya range - a chain of limestone outcrops called jebels stretching 20 kilometres from the northeast to the southwest formed more than 90 million years ago - and the surrounding area of rolling desert. Palaeo means ancient. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, centre, ambassador of the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination, at the Unesco meeting in Paris this week. 'As one of the most important archaeological sites around the world, Faya Palaeolandscape is a living testament to humanity's early presence in this region,' said Sheikh Bodour, who is ambassador for the Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Nomination. 'For over 210,000 years, this site has borne witness to the story of human innovation, resilience and adaptation in an arid environment.' How do sites win heritage status? To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria such as being "an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history". There are two types of world heritage sites – cultural and natural – with Faya listed under the former. If awarded the honour, Faya would join a distinguished list that includes Egypt's pyramids, India's Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. It is a complex and exhaustive process, however. The committee can defer a decision to ask for more information. Some may not be recommended and existing sites can be removed from the list. Faya was added to Unesco's tentative list in 2023 and formally nominated for world heritage status last year. But the work that has gone into the site – from excavations to studies to research - stretches back decades. Sheikha Bodour, who is leading the Sharjah team at the Unesco meeting in France, said the official journey towards the nomination of Faya 'has been nothing short of extraordinary' combining scientific diligence along with huge passion and belief in the site's potential. 'This work is not easy but it is essential,' she said. 'Every person involved in this journey — from archaeologists to community members — has contributed to something that will stand the test of time.' Treasured moment Speaking on a personal level, Sheikh Bodour said the nomination was the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and belief, and is a moment she 'will always cherish'. 'When I stand at Faya, I feel a deep connection; not just to the land but to the people who walked here long before us,' she said. 'They may not have known that one day we would be here, honouring their legacy but I believe they would be proud. Proud that we cared enough to protect what they left behind and to share their story with the world. It is a deeply emotional experience, one that I carry with me every time I think of this site and the journey it represents.' Faya is one of 30 landmark sites in the running for Unesco World Heritage status. Chris Whiteoak / The National The site is of crucial significance. Contrary to the long-held belief that the Arabian Peninsula served only as a corridor for migration from Africa, it is thought that people made a home at Faya. Those migrating from Africa could have even landed at Faya through a southern corridor across modern day Yemen rather than crossing intro Arabia farther north. It is further thought those present there could have taken advantage of climate changes and rains that turned the desert into lakes and grassland at times to build more long-term settlements. She pointed to the discoveries of stone tools uncovered at the site – some more than 200,000 years old – and how these discoveries had challenged the 'conventional understanding of early human migration'. 'For so long, we've viewed the Arabian Peninsula as a mere passageway, but Faya proves that it was a destination — a home, where humans settled, adapted and thrived. It shows us that our ancestors were not just surviving, but innovating, exchanging, and creating culture,' she said. Sheikh Bodour said for Sharjah to have a Unesco site, would be a recognition of the emirate's commitment to preserving the past but also 'not just a win for Sharjah but for the UAE and the entire region". 'To have Faya inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List will not just be a moment of pride for Sharjah and the UAE — it will be a recognition of the broader significance of the Arabian Peninsula in the global story of human evolution." Looking ahead, the UAE has also developed a management plan for the Faya, which will guide its conservation, research and visitor engagement to 2030. 'We are committed to making sure that Faya is not just a site of the past, but a place that continues to inspire and inform the future,' said Sheikha Bodour. The UAE has currently one site on the heritage list. The cultural sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa bint Saud and Oases areas) were collectively added in 2011. To date, Unesco has inscribed 1,223 cultural and natural sites in 168 countries on the list. RESULTS %3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E6pm%3A%20Baniyas%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(PA)%20Dh97%2C500%20(Dirt)%201%2C400m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Alajaj%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%20(jockey)%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%20(trainer)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E6.35pm%3A%20The%20Pointe%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C200m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Awasef%2C%20Pat%20Dobbs%2C%20Doug%20Watson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.10pm%3A%20Palm%20West%20Beach%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(TB)%20Dh82%2C500%20(D)%201%2C400m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Long%20Kiss%2C%20Jose%20da%20Silva%2C%20Antonio%20Cintra%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.45pm%3A%20The%20View%20at%20the%20Palm%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh87%2C500%20(D)%201%2C200m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Ranaan%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Bhupat%20Seemar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E8.20pm%3A%20Nakheel%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh105%2C000%20(D)%201%2C400m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Raaeb%2C%20Antonio%20Fresu%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E8.55pm%3A%20The%20Club%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh95%2C000%20(D)%201%2C900m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Qareeb%2C%20Sam%20Hitchcock%2C%20Doug%20Watson%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E9.30pm%3A%20Palm%20Beach%20Towers%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh87%2C500%20(D)%201%2C600m%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Falsehood%2C%20Adrie%20de%20Vries%2C%20Musabah%20Al%20Muhairi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Milestones on the road to union 1970 October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership. 1971 March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and 'strongly supports' the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates. July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE. July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement. August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year. August 15: Bahrain becomes independent. September 3: Qatar becomes independent. November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE. November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force. November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed. December 9: UAE joins the United Nations. COMPANY PROFILE Name: ARDH Collective Based: Dubai Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi Sector: Sustainability Total funding: Self funded Number of employees: 4 COMPANY PROFILE ● Company: Bidzi ● Started: 2024 ● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid ● Based: Dubai, UAE ● Industry: M&A ● Funding size: Bootstrapped ● No of employees: Nine The biog Favourite colour: Brown Favourite Movie: Resident Evil Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices Favourite food: Pizza Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon JOKE'S%20ON%20YOU %3Cp%3EGoogle%20wasn't%20new%20to%20busting%20out%20April%20Fool's%20jokes%3A%20before%20the%20Gmail%20%22prank%22%2C%20it%20tricked%20users%20with%20%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F% MATCH RESULT Al Jazira 3 Persepolis 2 Jazira: Mabkhout (52'), Romarinho (77'), Al Hammadi (90' 6) Persepolis: Alipour (42'), Mensha (84') UAE - India ties The UAE is India's third-largest trade partner after the US and China Annual bilateral trade between India and the UAE has crossed US$ 60 billion The UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India Indians comprise the largest community with 3.3 million residents in the UAE Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015 His visit on August 23-24 will be the third in four years Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016 Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in January 2017 Modi will visit Bahrain on August 24-25 WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE? 1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull 2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight 3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge 4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own 5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed Living in... This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country's most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Gulf Today
20-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
American University of Sharjah among top 18% internationally ranked higher education institutions
American University of Sharjah (AUS) has achieved its strongest results in the QS World University Rankings, climbing 60 places to reach 272 globally in the 2026 edition released on Thursday. This new position places AUS among the top 18 per cent of institutions worldwide-a consistent upward trend since 2018. The results reflect marked improvements across indicators such as employer reputation, academic reputation and citations per faculty. Globally, AUS ranked third for international faculty and fourth for international student diversity. Within the UAE, AUS ranked first for employer reputation and international student diversity and second for employment outcomes. It also retained its position among the top three universities nationally overall and made notable progress in academic reputation-rising from the top five to third place. It also maintained its strong standing in the top three nationally for international faculty. Sheikha Bodour addresses the conference at the American University of Sharjah. File AUS President Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said, "This achievement further validates the shared vision to develop AUS as a world-class center of academic excellence, beneficial research and global engagement. Our steady upward trajectory in recent years is the result of targeted investment in our people, collaborations and common purpose. We will continue to grow as a research-intensive institution that's fully committed to delivering education, competes at an international level and prepares students to lead with insight, intelligence and integrity in a complex world.' "We are seeing the impact of a clear institutional direction, strong leadership at all levels and the ongoing dedication of our faculty, students and staff to academic and research excellence,' said Dr Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. These latest results also reflect AUS' recent strategic investments in faculty recruitment, facilities, academic programs and high-impact research and innovation. The university launched six new research centres last year and continues to strengthen its research capabilities, with a focus on delivering real-world impact. Recent advances have included several patents for a targeted breast cancer therapy using immunoliposomes-tiny, fat-based carriers designed to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells-combined with ultrasound; compact radars for mini drones; and the launch of AUS' first university spin-off, ClymAct, which leverages blockchain technology to enable transparent carbon trading. Over the past couple of years, AUS has also increased its degree programs by about 33 percent, notably at the doctoral and master's levels. "With our comprehensive academic portfolio comprising of 33 undergraduate majors, 48 undergraduate minors, 21 master's degrees and eight PhDs, 354 world-class faculty members-of which approximately 92 percent hold terminal degrees-and one of the most vibrant and diverse student bodies anywhere in the world, AUS is poised for growth and ready to take a bold step into the next stage of its international higher education journey,' said Chancellor Laursen. WAM
Gulf Today
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
SRTIP stands as a national model for innovation: Sheikha Bodour
In a high-level meeting chaired by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) in its 4th session set the stage for the next phase of growth, building on past year's phenomenal achievements that have made it one of the region's fastest growth technology parks. The meeting, hosted at the iconic headquarters of BEEAH Group, brought together industry, academic, and government stakeholders committed to reinforcing Sharjah's position as a leading regional hub for innovation. Opening the session, Sheikha Bodour extended her gratitude to board members and stressed the importance of building robust partnerships across sectors. 'SRTIP stands as a national model for innovation, where the synergy between research, industry, and policy continues to unlock transformative opportunities. Our shared mission is to deliver impactful outcomes in sectors that matter most to the future of our society—healthcare, mobility, sustainability, and manufacturing,' she noted. SRTIP CEO Hussain Al Mahmoudi presented highlights of 2024, showcasing progress in major projects, business development, and further expansion. He outlined the outlook for 2025 with a renewed focus on infrastructure readiness, tenant growth, and attracting new innovation-driven enterprises. Al Mahmoudi said, 'With guidance from our board and support from our partners, SRTIP is entering an exciting phase of development—one that prioritizes performance, strategic land use, and sectoral innovation. Our commitment to national goals and global competitiveness is stronger than ever.' Master Planning and Sectoral Innovation in Focus: A detailed review of the Park's masterplan and leasing strategies was presented by senior members of the management team. Updates were shared on the progression of Phase 1 clusters, key land allocations for the SOTI initiative, and commercial partnerships like Base39. Sector-specific innovation efforts in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and mobility were spotlighted during dedicated sessions, including projections for business growth and key milestones. A roadmap for enhancing ecosystem dynamics through deeper academic engagement with institutions such as AUS and UOS, was presented, alongside policies to attract talent and incentivize innovation. Brand & Digital Transformation: The team also presented updates on brand visibility, digital transformation milestones, and SoiLab's role in driving innovation through prototyping and SME engagement. Internal transformation strategies, including HR development, were discussed as enablers of operational excellence. The board reviewed SRTIP's financial outlook through 2027, including budget projections for 2025. Audit insights were endorsed by the board, affirming the Park's financial and governance stability. The meeting concluded with an open discussion on next steps, followed by a tour of the 'Naseej: Threads of Hope' exhibition. With strong alignment between strategic planning and execution, SRTIP reaffirmed its role as a key driver of Sharjah's innovation economy. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD), which is affiliated with the Sharjah Department of Economic Development, reported that its member projects had earned AED3,484,680 in government contracts across the UAE in 2024, a 23.9% increase from 2023. Acting Director Fatima Al Ali stated that this rise underscores RUWAD members' strong position as trusted providers to federal and local government agencies. It also demonstrates a growing trust in the quality of services and goods provided by Emirati entrepreneurs, reinforcing their position in national development and public-private collaborations. She stated that RUWAD is dedicated to increasing its members' competitiveness through focused training programmes, awareness workshops, and discussions on government procurement methods. Members are also urged to join approved supplier platforms and take part in digital tendering processes. Al Ali also stated that the foundation works with key authorities such as the Ministry of Finance and Sharjah's Central Finance Department to foster a conducive business environment. These collaborations enable increased participation in bids and provide additional incentives and opportunities for enterprises. In 2024, 46 RUWAD projects signed 318 contracts with 42 federal agencies. The services provided varied from hospitality and catering to facility management and office operations. Leading contracting bodies included the Sharjah Police Academy, Kalba Municipality, and the Districts Affairs Department. By the end of 2024, the number of RUWAD members registered as suppliers with Sharjah's Central Finance Department had grown to 129, up from 14 the previous year, representing a 250% increase. This extension allows more projects to benefit from government procurement privileges. RUWAD members also closed 22 mutual deals as part of the 'Tashbeek' initiative, which aims to develop entrepreneurial relationships while also boosting collaboration and service integration.
Sharjah 24
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
DoC releases Issue 334 of Al Rafid Magazine
A landmark historical publication One of the highlights is the encyclopedic work titled The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in the Annals from 1497 to 1757 , authored by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Spanning 21 volumes and including 1,138 rare documents, the work documents over two and a half centuries of regional history. Advancing education and research The magazine also sheds light on the launch of the Sharjah Council for Higher Education and Scientific Research, aimed at improving educational quality and aligning it with labor market needs. It further highlights the University of Sharjah's partnerships with global institutions such as the Royal European Academy and its introduction of programs in AI and sustainability. Celebrating international recognition The issue honours Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi for winning the Bologna Ragazzi International Children's Literature Award for her book House of Wisdom , making her the first woman from the Gulf to earn this accolade. It also features Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi's recognition with the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Republic for her role in fostering UAE–France cultural dialogue. Youth, arts, and innovation Coverage includes the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, held under the theme 'Education through Books,' with 1,024 interactive activities and the launch of the 'Reader of the Century' platform. It also details the success of the third Sharjah International Animation Conference, where 72 global experts discussed the future of animation with a focus on AI technologies. Preserving heritage and supporting Arab poetry The Sharjah Art Museum's 28th anniversary celebration and the launch of the 'Generations Meeting' heritage initiative are featured. The issue concludes with coverage of the sixth Moroccan Poets Festival in Tetouan, which gathered over 40 Arab poets, along with reports on the activities of poetry houses across the Arab world—underscoring Sharjah's continued leadership in supporting Arab cultural dialogue.
Gulf Today
25-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape advances in its nomination for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The UAE has reached another defining moment in its cultural and scientific journey, as Sharjah advances the nomination of the Faya Palaeolandscape for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Situated in the Central Region of Sharjah, this ancient desert site holds one of the world's oldest and most uninterrupted records of early human presence, dating back to over 210,000 years. Formally nominated in 2024 under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, the Faya Palaeolandscape is now under evaluation by UNESCO World Heritage Center. The property is being recognised not only for its archaeological depth, but for its potential to reshape our global understanding of how early humans lived in arid environments, moved and evolved across Southeast Arabia. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi spearheads global outreach for Faya's UNESCO nomination Spearheading global outreach for Faya's ongoing World Heritage nomination is Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi,who serves as the official ambassador of the nomination file. Her role reflects a collective national effort to elevate the property's international status, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and scientific advancement. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi commented, 'Faya offers one of the oldest and most complete records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years - a living archive that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we have learned to survive.' 'The Faya Palaeolandscape's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world', she added, affirming the significance of this nomination in shaping global heritage discourse. Why Faya matters: A closer look at the landscape While much of the region has been viewed as a mere transit point for early human migration, interdisciplinary scientific research and archaeological discoveries conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the University of Tübingen in prehistory studies and Oxford Brookes University for paleoenvironmental studies, confirmed that the Faya property served as a destination for early human settlement during climatically favourable periods. The convergence of essential resources—water from springs and wadis, stone raw materials like flint for tool-making, and shelter within the jebels—made sustained occupation possible. Over the past 30years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct layers of earth, each representing a different period of human occupation, and providing unprecedented insights into early human migration and adaptation. These game-changing discoveries offer a fresh understanding of human migration from Faya, which holds the most detailed record of ancient human life in Arabia. From these facets of discovery, which have fully revealed the site's potential to offer a rare and completely intact record of human survival in the face of environmental adversity, Faya's potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) has been established. H.E Eisa Yousif, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasised: 'The preservation of Faya is deeply anchored in Sharjah's Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, which ensures its protection for future generations. Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah'. 'As we advance Faya's UNESCO World Heritage nomination, it is important to emphasise that our collaborative efforts have made this a global project; one that connects the past with the present more strongly, adding to the rich global corpus of archaeological discoveries. This property, therefore, holds immense value for the world - not just Sharjah and the UAE', he added. The future of Faya The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, which will guide its conservation, research, and visitor engagement from 2024 to 2030. This plan aligns with UNESCO's World Heritage standards, ensuring that the site is preserved while also allowing for continued exploration and education.
