Latest news with #SultanbinAhmedAlQasimi
Khaleej Times
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE delegation led by Sharjah Deputy Ruler visits Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan
A delegation from the UAE, led by Sharjah Deputy Ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, visited the Marka refugee camp in Jordan where over 70,000 Palestinian refugees are currently living. The delegation highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, and called for implementing sustainable development projects in health, education, and food security to provide essential life resource. 'The Palestinian people have endured decades of displacement and now face severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza as a result of the ongoing war, which has dismantled their social and institutional structures and deprived them of basic human rights, including access to education and healthcare,' the Sharjah Deputy Ruler said. 'Therefore, our humanitarian efforts must go beyond immediate relief to include sustainable projects that support current and future generations through health and education.' Al Qasimi added that humanitarian work is a religious and moral obligation, and a right of the vulnerable and the needy. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. His visit came alongside the the ongoing 'For Gaza' campaign, launched by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi during Ramadan, to provide comprehensive support for more than 20,000 orphaned children in Gaza. Last month, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) announced the launch of the campaign in partnership with Palestine-based Taawon Foundation to provide long-term care and essential services for orphaned children in the city. Food scarcity The delegation comprising representatives from TBHF, government entities, and private sector companies visited a food security project led by the humanitarian organization ANERA, which supports refugees and conflict-affected populations in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The initiative empowers refugee communities to produce food through farms and greenhouses, enabling year-round agricultural output. This model aims to strengthen self-reliance among refugees and lessen dependence on external assistance. Food scarcity is regarded as one of the fastest-escalating humanitarian crises, with immediate and profound impacts on communities during periods of conflict, instability, or natural disasters. The programme also included a visit to the Marka Girls' Preparatory School, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Sheikh Sultan also met with members of the student parliament from Marka Camp who shared their educational experiences and the challenges they face. He toured classrooms, engaged with teaching staff, and reviewed the school's development plans and the camp's future educational requirements. He also met with representatives of the Tawoon Foundation where they discussed strategies for rapid response to essential needs and plans to provide critical services across key sectors. The Tawoon Board of Directors briefed the group about the Noor program for orphan care, launched in the Gaza Strip, where the number of children orphaned by the war has exceeded 39,000. The delegation also heard a series of recorded and live contributions from program staff based in Gaza and Egypt. The visit concluded with a debriefing session involving the accompanying delegation to review the outcomes and examine best practices in humanitarian work within Jordan's refugee camps. The discussion also addressed how these models could be adapted and applied to support refugees and displaced persons within the occupied Palestinian territories. His Highness underscored the importance of developing humanitarian programs and initiatives that respond effectively to the unprecedented challenges facing the region.
Sharjah 24
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah's deputy ruler opens Islamic art exhibition in Oman
Cultural diplomacy through Islamic artistic heritage The opening ceremony commenced with a speech by Jamal Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman, who welcomed Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and the attendees. He emphasised that the exhibition highlights the evolution and beauty of Islamic art and results from cooperation between the National Museum and the Sharjah Museums Authority. Al Moosawi explained that the exhibition consists of three sections—Calligraphic Arts, Sciences and Innovations, and Harmony and Diversity—each featuring artefacts that illustrate the artistic richness and depth of Islamic civilisation over the centuries. He stressed that the exhibition aligns with the National Museum's commitment to cultural diplomacy, fostering awareness of Islamic heritage. Strengthening UAE-Oman cultural ties through the arts Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, expressed her delight at hosting the exhibition in one of Oman's leading cultural institutions, highlighting the strong fraternal ties and shared history between the UAE and Oman, strengthened by the leadership of both nations. Deemas noted that the visit of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to Oman was a key inspiration for organising this exhibition. It reflects his vision of using culture and the arts as a bridge to strengthen relationships and promote cultural exchange between the two nations. The exhibition further highlights the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and social connections that have flourished across generations. Rare Islamic treasures displayed for the first time outside the UAE She explained that the exhibition is not just a platform to display rare Islamic artefacts but also an opportunity to reflect on the shared historical legacy of the region. It highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity that defined Islamic civilisation throughout the ages. Among the significant pieces on display for the first time outside the UAE are a silver cup bearing the tughra (imperial signature) of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, a six-sided dining chair crafted for Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, and the first Islamic dirham minted in Baghdad after the Mongol invasion. Other notable exhibits include an 11th or 12th-century feline-shaped incense burner and a gilded ceramic ewer from the 13th century, exemplifying the artistic diversity of Islamic heritage. An immersive experience of Islamic artistic evolution Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi toured the exhibition, receiving detailed explanations about the 82 rare artefacts on display. These include Islamic manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, and historical coins, each illustrating the artistic evolution and cultural richness of successive Islamic civilisations. The exhibition celebrates the strong ties between the UAE and Oman and embodies the vision of the Sharjah Ruler to enhance cultural cooperation and use the arts as a medium for dialogue and mutual understanding. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the artistic and aesthetic dimensions of Islamic civilisation through a carefully curated selection of artefacts that narrate centuries of Islamic history. Promoting knowledge exchange and international cultural collaboration The exhibition aims to highlight the artistic achievements of Islamic civilisation, strengthen collaboration with regional and international cultural institutions, and raise awareness of the rich heritage of the Islamic world. By fostering cultural appreciation and knowledge exchange, the event contributes to a deeper understanding of the enduring artistic traditions of the Islamic world. Dignitaries and cultural leaders attend the grand opening The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Oman; His Excellency Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Oman; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority; Jamal Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman; along with several senior officials and diplomats.
Sharjah 24
10-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed attends group Iftar for judicial field members
During the event, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi greeted the members of the judicial Council, exchanging congratulations on the occasion of Ramadan. He prayed for the acceptance of good deeds, health, and well-being, wishing that this blessed religious occasion returns for many years to come. Meeting with the elderly and health care residents His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi also met with the elderly and those lacking health care in the Elderly Care Home, checking on their health and engaging in friendly conversations, wishing them continued health and well-being. Visit to the Social Care Home for Children Additionally, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi visited the social care home for children, where he met the residents and learned about the services provided to children from birth to age 18. He followed up on their academic progress and special needs, observing the facilities that create a suitable environment to enhance their skills and knowledge while instilling the best values and principles. Tour of the care home facilities Furthermore, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah toured the home's pavilions, familiarising himself with the types of individual and shared rooms, as well as the facilities, including a dining hall and nursing rooms. He took commemorative photos with the elderly residents and the staff of the Elderly Care Home.
Sharjah 24
07-03-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed honours 'Tamayuz' awards winners
Categories and winners The University of Sharjah won the award for the best institution in governance implementation, while the Invest Bank secured the first place in the best financial oversight category. The Sharjah Media City "Shams" received the award for the best entity in secret shopper reports, and the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority won first place in the best smart application category for its "Maraya" application. Additionally, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau won the award for the best website for its "Sharjah Events" site according to secret shopper reports. The University of Sharjah also took home the award for the best contact center based on secret shopper reports, while Arada Company won the best service center award for its "City Walk Sales Center." The awards for best entity in customer happiness and best entity in employee happiness were awarded to Sharjah Media City "Shams." The best outstanding practices awards were granted to the "Create with Shams" initiative by Sharjah Media City "Shams," the "House for House" initiative by Arada, and the "Maraya Platform" by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. Recognition of evaluation teams His Highness also honoured the judging and evaluation teams, presenting them with commemorative shields and taking photos with them, commending their efforts during the previous period. Speech by Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi During the award ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the "Tamayuz" Excellence Award, delivered a speech congratulating the winners of the first edition of the award. He expressed his happiness at the success of the first edition and noted that he felt the idea of the award was realised through the smiles and impressions of the attendees regarding the results. His Highness clarified that the award is not an end in itself but a means to achieve the previously stated goals, aiming to create a distinguished work system characterised by strategic agility, executive flexibility, and competitive capability through the collective efforts of all. He discussed the steps to achieve these goals through employee satisfaction and customer happiness, emphasising the need for best practices to be showcased to others, which creates a solid and transparent governance system. Future plans for the award His Highness, the Chairman of the "Tamayuz" Award, pointed out that there was a request to increase the number of categories for the next edition of the award and announce them. However, he preferred to postpone this until the results and contributions of the first edition could be studied in depth, considering the positives and negatives with the participation of the entities and incorporating their suggestions for the development and continuity of the award. He insisted that the selection of winners in all award categories should remain with the judges and that no new category for special recognition should be added, which he personally selects for entities with outstanding practices. This was to confirm the transparency, integrity, and fairness of the award, affirming that entities are capable of improving their performance and competing for the award categories. Closing remarks His Highness concluded his speech by noting that he was constantly informed about the positive competition among institutions and their commitment to attending workshops and training sessions. He praised several employees who attended additional special courses and workshops to gain more knowledge about governance and excellence, indicating that this reflects their strong commitment to development and improvement. He emphasised that competition was a motivation for development and innovation, and that excellence is a decision, not a choice. Insights from the Award Manager Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansoori, Director of the "Tamayuz" Excellence Award, delivered a speech at the beginning discussing the inception of the award. He noted that it had been on the desk of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, who wished to create a unified system or office responsible for governing all operations, applying it to all practices in the institutions under his leadership to enhance service quality. Al Mansoori explained that the team studied the idea and presented it as a comprehensive project developed by a team of experts and consultants from local talent, which His Highness approved for implementation in the institutions he heads. He remarked that the Chairman of the award envisioned it as a means to initiate improvement and development, serving as an incentive for institutions and teams. He recalled the launch of the award in October 2023 and the Chairman's remarks at the time, stating, "I am often asked what is the secret behind the excellence of the institutions I lead, and the answer is that these institutions excel because of the exceptional teams that have been carefully selected and given trust and support." He described these words as a great motivator for all. Team efforts and participation Al Mansoori addressed the efforts of the award's team, which prepared for the first cycle, which had a single main category since the original idea was based on governance in institutions. The team conducted benchmarking studies and developed the award guide leading to the launch of the electronic platform to facilitate participation, evaluation, and judging processes. He clarified that the judging committee members were experienced local personnel in the categories proposed in the first cycle of the award, such as governance and financial oversight. He confirmed that each entity would receive a detailed report on their participation aimed at transforming weaknesses into opportunities for growth and improvement, noting that future editions would witness participation from new entities led by His Highness, contributing to expanding the scope of participation and enhancing competitiveness. Al Mansoori concluded his speech by stating, "Allow me to title the last paragraph of my speech with the word 'enthusiasm.' The enthusiasm and interaction I witnessed on everyone's faces were clear and a great motivator for the award team to continue. The unparalleled enthusiasm from institutional leaders, teams, employee responsiveness, and the feedback from judges and evaluators who praised the response and interaction from the excellence teams was truly remarkable." Presentation of video material His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the attendees watched a visual presentation titled "Excellence is a Decision, a Renewed Vision, and an Ambition that Races Against Time," which addressed the goals of the award and highlighted its key figures and the participation of institutions along with the efforts of the teams that tirelessly strived to showcase the excellence of the participating entities. The award had conducted six training workshops attended by over 300 individuals, providing knowledge and establishing a path focused on continuous development, along with eight awareness publications that promoted a culture of excellence. A survey targeting customer happiness was participated in by over 55,000 customers, in addition to a survey for employees that included over 5,000 employees, and more than 530 evaluations for secret shoppers of service channels. The material also discussed the launch of the "Tamayuz" platform, which facilitates participants in submitting their files clearly and transparently, with over a thousand documents uploaded to the platform and 500 reports for secret shoppers, managed by eight excellence teams consisting of 33 members.
Jordan Times
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
Xposure 2025 kicks off in Sharjah: Global celebration of photography, storytelling
SHARJAH, UAE — The 9th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival opened with grandeur as Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi inaugurated the event at Aljada, Sharjah. The festival, reaffirming the irreplaceable power of human vision and artistry, extends through February 26, thereby marking the outset of a seven-day global convergence of photography, filmmaking and visual storytelling. Spanning 49,000 square metres, Xposure 2025 brings together 420 renowned photographers, filmmakers and industry experts from 48 countries. Through a dynamic programme composed of solo and group exhibitions, panel discussions and workshops, the festival cements Sharjah's reputation as a global centre for cultural and artistic exchange. In his opening address, Director General of SGMB Tariq Saeed Allay emphasised photography's powerful ability to capture reality and evoke deep human emotion. 'When the first photograph was taken in 1826, the process was far from the simple click of a button we know today. It was a painstaking endeavour requiring hours of preparation and patience," Allay said. "At the time, capturing just 50 images was considered a scientific and artistic achievement, akin to uncovering the secrets of an unseen world. In 2024 alone, nearly two trillion images were taken globally, an undeniable testament to humanity's innate desire to document, express, and preserve memories,' he noted. Contrasting AI-generated renditions of iconic images like the Afghan Monalisa with authentic photography, he posed a pivotal question: 'What gives an image its true power?' The answer, he argued, lies not in algorithms but in the raw, unfiltered vision of photographers who brave the world's harshest landscapes, take risks, and wait for the defining moment — immersing themselves in the lives of others to capture images that resonate, move, and inspire. Allay added that while AI has carved a role for itself in research, analysis, and innovation, no machine can replicate the instinct of the human eye, the depth of human emotion, or the irreplaceable power of lived experience. Reaffirming Xposure's founding purpose, he reiterated the festival's commitment and dedication to honouring and celebrating photographers whose work goes beyond mere technical expertise, through redefining storytelling through patience, dedication, and an unrelenting pursuit of truth. 'And what better place to celebrate such vision than Sharjah?' he said, reinforcing the unshaken Emirati standing as a distinguished global beacon and hub of cultural excellence, literature, and the arts. The festival's global stature was reinforced by a keynote speech by Glen Gainor, who is Head of Production at Amazon Original Films. During the inaugural ceremony, Gainor lauded Sharjah's commitment to education and cultural excellence under the leadership of Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. He highlighted that beyond words, pointing that photography serves as a universal language, one capable of transcending borders and shaping global narratives. 'Xposure is not just a festival; it is a platform where cultures converge, where ideas take form, and where the world's most pressing issues, from climate change to social justice, find visual representation,' Gainor said. He also noted the transformation of storytelling in the digital arena, where platforms like YouTube and AI-generated images have revolutionised how people consume and generate visual content, warning that 'technology may enhance storytelling, but it can never replace the authenticity, patience, and depth that human photographers bring to their craft.' Moving forward, among Xposure's most compelling discussions delved into the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and photography. As AI-generated images increasingly blur the boundaries between truth and illusion, Xposure 2025 posed a pivotal question: What ultimately determines an image's authenticity? The festival's opening film explored this theme in depth, drawing a striking visual comparison between pixels in an image and cells in a living organism, each an essential component of a larger whole. Enhanced by a live performance blending poetry and music, the screening reinforced photography's profound ability to shape human awareness and foster global connections. More than just an exhibition, this year's Xposure serves as a call to action. From documenting humanitarian crises to exposing environmental devastation, the festival highlights the critical responsibility of photographers to capture truth in its most unfiltered form. An Immersive Platform for Photography Enthusiasts Xposure 2025 presents a dynamic and engaging experience for both professionals and aspiring photographers. Attendees can take part in specialized workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, portfolio reviews, and guided tours. Also, the fourth edition of the Conservation Summit will spotlight photography's crucial role in capturing environmental challenges and amplifying global awareness. The opening ceremony welcomed a distinguished gathering of guests, including Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler's Office Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, and First Lady of Zanzibar Mariam Mwinyi.
