Latest news with #SultanbinAhmedbinSultanAlQasimi
Sharjah 24
12-05-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed attends opening of 2nd Sharjah Education Conf.
Held under the theme " AI and Beyond: Smart Education Unlocking Potential in the Digital Age," the event took place at Al Razi Hall in the Colleges of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah. The opening ceremony of the conference—jointly organised by the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah—began with the UAE national anthem followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi delivered a keynote speech in which he expressed deep appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, praising his visionary leadership in transforming Sharjah into a hub of knowledge and innovation. He also extended gratitude to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, for her continued efforts in elevating education locally and internationally. His Highness welcomed attendees, including experts and scholars from around the world, and emphasised the vital role of collaboration between academic institutions in organising conferences and sharing scientific knowledge. He stated: "I welcome you to this significant global event, born from the collaboration between the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. This is more than an academic gahering—it is a celebration of partnership and shared aspirations rooted in institutional cooperation and a mutual dedication to excellence, innovation, and social impact. Through the exchange of expertise, research, and resources, we create an environment where ideas can thrive and innovations in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and smart education can be applied to build a better future. Scientific cooperation broadens the horizons of academic efforts and their role in driving meaningful innovation." His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah highlighted the significance of the conference discussions, noting that artificial intelligence has become a central force in reshaping the educational landscape. He emphasised that AI is revolutionising teaching methods, classroom dynamics, and institutional management. AI, he explained, enhances learning by fostering creativity and critical thinking among students, while also enabling the development of smart campuses that meet the highest standards. By streamlining decision-making through data and automating administrative processes, AI allows educators to focus more on direct engagement with students, ultimately maximising the effectiveness of the learning experience. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi acknowledged the challenges that accompany rapid technological advancement, emphasising the importance of using artificial intelligence responsibly. 'As we embrace these developments, we must also confront the challenges they bring,' he stated. 'We have a duty to ensure that AI is implemented ethically and equitably, in ways that reflect our values and serve the greater good.' He added that the future will favour those who begin preparing today, noting that the conference offers a valuable platform to explore how AI can be harnessed to create an education system that is not only smart, but also inclusive and sustainable. His Highness, the President of the University of Sharjah, reaffirmed the university's dedication to staying in the vanguard of scientific advancement and preparing students for the future. He said, 'The job market is changing faster than ever, with employers seeking graduates who not only have academic qualifications but also possess critical thinking, data analysis skills, and the confidence to work with artificial intelligence. At the University of Sharjah, we are committed to equipping our students for this evolving landscape through industry-aligned curricula, hands-on AI training, and strategic partnerships with leading tech institutions.' He added that the university aims to close the gap between education and employment by producing graduates who are ready to meet today's demands and lead tomorrow's innovations. Concluding his speech, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasised the vital role of scientific conferences in generating innovative ideas and bold solutions for educational advancement. He noted that such gatherings serve as platforms for idea exchange, collaboration, and open dialogue—key drivers in addressing educational challenges, reshaping the future of learning, and empowering the next generation. His Highness also reaffirmed Sharjah's commitment to reinforcing its global standing as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and innovation. Dr Tod Larsen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah and co-chair of the conference, delivered a welcoming address, expressing his deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi for attending and inaugurating the event. He emphasised the significance of the conference's focus on artificial intelligence, calling it one of the most pressing and transformative topics in global education today. Dr. Larsen highlighted the need to explore AI's broader societal and educational impacts, noting that its integration offers remarkable opportunities—from personalised learning and enhanced administrative efficiency to greater global collaboration in education. The Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah acknowledged the significant benefits of advanced AI technologies but also raised important ethical concerns. He stressed the need to ensure fairness in AI-powered systems and emphasised the importance of establishing boundaries to maintain control over these transformative tools. Dr Larsen concluded his speech by outlining the conference's goal: to offer balanced insights from global experts on the challenges of AI and to explore practical solutions for a sustainable, AI-driven future in smart education and digital transformation. In his keynote address, Dr Kamal Toumi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace and emphasised the enduring importance of human creativity. He noted that while AI is effective at handling routine cognitive tasks, it still lacks the depth of human critical thinking, innovation, and the ability to deliver nuanced, human-level problem-solving. Dr Toumi also shared a series of experiments comparing the capabilities of human and artificial intelligence, underscoring the unique value of human insight in an AI-driven world. Dr Kamal Toumi highlighted the importance of steering university education toward a balance between theoretical understanding and applied, experience-based knowledge. He emphasised the value of hands-on learning in preparing students for the real-world demands of the AI era. Toumi also discussed MIT's efforts to create a holistic educational environment that integrates technical skills with civic responsibility and ethical awareness. He pointed to the institute's collaborations with leading tech companies, which offer students practical opportunities and help advance research in artificial intelligence. His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah attended a panel discussion on the ethical challenges and governance of artificial intelligence in education, moderated by Dr Abbes Amira, Dean of the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of Sharjah. Dr David Toman opened the session by underscoring the transformative power of artificial intelligence while highlighting the complexity of regulating the technology. He stressed the importance of keeping AI open and accessible as a tool for expanding human knowledge and advocated for its thoughtful academic integration, along with ongoing training for users. Dr Nikolay Mehandjiev from the University of Birmingham Dubai addressed the need for transparency and ethical responsibility in AI use. He proposed establishing clear regulations to safeguard student privacy in educational settings, ensuring that AI tools deliver benefits effectively and with high professional standards. Dr Shermon Cruz of Northwestern University in the Philippines stressed that while artificial intelligence offers immense potential, full transparency in its use is unlikely. He called for a balanced and culturally sensitive approach, emphasising the need for collective responsibility to ensure AI is implemented in ways that align with societal values while maximising its benefits. Dr Habib Zaidi from the University of Geneva in Switzerland closed the session by highlighting AI's valuable role in supporting scientific research and education. However, he cautioned against excessive reliance on AI in the medical field. Drawing on experiences from the University Hospital of Geneva, Dr Zaidi underscored the importance of maintaining scientific integrity, ongoing training, and the necessity of expert referral when using AI in healthcare. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured the conference's keynote speakers in recognition of their valuable contributions to the event. The two-day conference, co-organised by the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, serves as a key academic platform for exploring the latest innovations in education and fostering research collaboration among local and international academic institutions. It also underscores Sharjah's position as a hub of knowledge and education, advancing its role as a global academic centre committed to building a smart and sustainable educational future. The conference seeks to examine how higher education and research institutions can prepare graduates equipped to navigate digital and technological transformations. It focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance teaching and learning environments and support the development of a sustainable knowledge society. Key themes include curriculum improvement, modern teaching strategies, faculty development, and fostering a culture of innovation and scientific research amid rapid technological change. The conference features extensive international participation, bringing together researchers, education experts, and policymakers from around the world. More than 130 scientific research papers will be presented by representatives from over 25 countries and 50 academic institutions, with strong representation from higher education institutions in the UAE. The conference programme includes parallel sessions, interactive workshops, and scientific tours, along with field visits to several specialised academic institutions. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, alongside Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Dr Todd Larsen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah; Dr Issam Al Din Ibrahim Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah; and Dr Awad Al Khalaf, Chancellor of Al Qasimia University. Also in attendance were members of the Boards of Trustees of both the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah, as well as distinguished scholars from universities and educational institutions worldwide.
Al Etihad
22-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Sharjah: 10 years of traffic violations waived off; all you need to know
22 Apr 2025 15:35 SHARJAH (ALETIHAD) The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), during its meeting on Tuesday, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), approved a decision regarding the waiver of traffic violations in Sharjah. Under the new decision, violations recorded by the competent authority at the Sharjah Police General Command will be dropped if 10 years have passed since the date of the violation. In addition, the decision stipulates a fee of Dh1,000 for submitting a request to waive traffic violations, with the following exemptions:- Verified death of the vehicle owner.- Verified continuous departure of the vehicle owner from the country for no less than 10 years.- Abandoned vehicles, where the owner cannot be reached. The meeting was held in the Sharjah Ruler's Office, with the attendance of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC).
Web Release
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Web Release
Sultan bin Ahmed tours Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, emphasised that responding to the escalating humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians—particularly in the Gaza Strip—requires a united mobilisation of resources to implement sustainable development projects. These must target sectors such as healthcare, education, and food security to ensure the basic needs of the Palestinian people are met. His Highness called upon charitable individuals and organisations to support these efforts, which embody the highest humanitarian responsibility towards those who are displaced, injured, or in need. These remarks were delivered during His Highness's visit to the Marka refugee camp in Jordan, home to over 70,000 Palestinian refugees. He led a delegation from the Emirate of Sharjah comprising senior officials and representatives from The Big Heart Foundation, as well as UAE government entities and private sector organisations. The visit aimed to study leading examples of sustainable humanitarian projects, particularly in health, education, and food security, and to rally both human and financial resources to implement similar initiatives in Gaza and in countries hosting Palestinian refugees, ensuring their sustainability and responsiveness to critical needs. His Highness stressed that the suffering endured by the Palestinian people and their homeland is indescribable, and that offering support and consolidating all humanitarian efforts is the minimum that can be done. He affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, at both leadership and public levels, has always stood by the Palestinian cause. He also praised Jordan's long-standing humanitarian role, having hosted over four million Palestinian and Arab refugees, providing them with the means to live with dignity despite challenging circumstances. His Highness further noted that the Palestinian people have experienced decades of displacement and forced migration, and today the people of Gaza are enduring one of the harshest humanitarian crises due to the ongoing conflict. This has resulted in the breakdown of their social and institutional infrastructure, depriving them of fundamental rights including access to education, healthcare, and basic public services. Thus, the foundation's humanitarian strategy is focused not only on emergency relief, but also on implementing sustainable initiatives in healthcare and education. He stated that access to healthcare builds thriving communities, while education protects future generations from the lasting psychological and physical impacts of war—even if the situation eventually improves. Describing the current crisis as a pivotal test for the entire humanitarian ecosystem, His Highness stressed that all those who are committed to humanitarian principles must now step up and act. Despite the immense challenges, he said the mission must continue, supported by devoted individuals and organisations across the world. He added that humanitarian work is not just a moral or ethical responsibility, but a religious obligation and a fundamental right for the vulnerable and disadvantaged. This visit comes as part of the ongoing 'For the Children of Olives' campaign launched last Ramadan by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation. The campaign aims to provide holistic support for more than 20,000 orphans living in Gaza. It guarantees their right to education, healthcare, psychological support, nutrition, and adequate shelter. During the visit, His Highness toured the Marka Girls Preparatory School, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). There, he met with a delegation including UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General Natalie Boucly, UNRWA Jordan Field Director Olaf Becker, and Engineer Rafiq Kharfan, Director-General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs at Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions focused on ways to strengthen collaboration and build partnerships to support humanitarian projects benefiting Palestinians in Gaza and refugees in Jordan—particularly in the areas of education, health, and community welfare. His Highness visited several classrooms, engaged with teaching staff and students, and reviewed the learning environment. He examined how the educational process is managed, discussed future infrastructure needs in the camp, and explored the school's key scientific laboratories and facilities that support hands-on learning and enhance the educational experience. His Highness also met with several male and female students representing the 'Student Parliament' at Marka Camp. During the meeting, His Highness listened to a detailed presentation from the students about the educational process and the challenges they face, as well as their academic needs that would help improve the quality and efficiency of education in line with the rapid advancements across various fields. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah then visited the food security project run by the humanitarian organisation ANERA, which supports refugees and conflict-affected populations in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. His Highness was briefed on the project's approach, which focuses on transforming aid into sustainable food production within refugee communities. This is achieved through year-round farming initiatives using greenhouses, enabling communities to grow their own food. The model aligns closely with the sustainable development goals of The Big Heart Foundation for Gaza, given its vital role in enhancing self-reliance among refugee and displaced populations and reducing dependency on external aid. The absence of food is often among the fastest and most devastating humanitarian consequences during conflicts and disasters. His Highness explored the farming techniques used in the project and reviewed the main crops produced using modern methods that conserve water and soil while ensuring sustainable output. These efforts are key to securing food supplies for those affected and establishing long-term food security. Following this, His Highness, in his capacity as Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, along with the accompanying delegation, visited the Taawun Foundation—The Big Heart's partner in the 'For the Children of Olives' humanitarian campaign. The visit included a consultative meeting to discuss recent humanitarian developments concerning Palestinian refugees in Jordan and displaced persons in Gaza and the West Bank, in light of ongoing tragic conditions. The discussions also addressed ways to respond quickly and effectively to secure essential living conditions and explored future plans to provide critical services across sectors. During the visit, His Highness and the delegation viewed a series of video materials recorded inside Gaza, depicting the painful reality and suffering of its people, who are deprived of the most basic human rights. During the meeting, Dr Nabil Qaddumi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Taawun Foundation, delivered a speech welcoming the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and his accompanying delegation. He praised The Big Heart Foundation's significant efforts and the fruitful humanitarian partnership with Taawun in serving Palestinian refugees. The Taawun Board of Directors presented the 'Noor Programme for Orphan Care', which the foundation launched in Gaza. The war has left more than 39,000 children in the Gaza Strip orphaned. The delegation also listened to several recorded and live contributions from programme staff based in Gaza and the Arab Republic of Egypt. His Highness concluded the visit with a meeting alongside the accompanying delegation, during which they reviewed the outcomes of the visits and examined the best humanitarian models currently implemented in Jordan's refugee camps. They discussed how to adapt these experiences to benefit refugees and displaced people within the occupied Palestinian territories. His Highness noted that the world today is in urgent need of evolving humanitarian programmes and initiatives to meet the unprecedented challenges facing the region. The Sharjah delegation accompanying the Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation included: Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Sultan bin Saud Al Qasimi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation; Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Advisory Board Member of The Big Heart Foundation; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment and Advisory Board Member of The Big Heart Foundation; Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director of Sharjah Media City 'Shams'; Alya Obaid Al-Musaybi, Director of The Big Heart Foundation; along with several officials and representatives of supporting private sector companies. The Big Heart Foundation is among the world's leading humanitarian organisations, continuing to provide support for Palestinian families in the West Bank, Gaza, and refugee camps in host countries. The foundation delivers a broad range of development projects across vital sectors to ensure dignified living for displaced and vulnerable communities.
Al Etihad
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Sultan bin Ahmed tours Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan
13 Apr 2025 14:16 SHARJAH (WAM) H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, emphasised that responding to the escalating humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians—particularly in the Gaza Strip—requires a united mobilisation of resources to implement sustainable development must target sectors such as healthcare, education, and food security to ensure the basic needs of the Palestinian people are met. He called upon charitable individuals and organisations to support these efforts, which embody the highest humanitarian responsibility towards those who are displaced, injured, or in remarks were delivered during H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed's visit to the Marka refugee camp in Jordan, home to over 70,000 Palestinian led a delegation from the Emirate of Sharjah comprising senior officials and representatives from The Big Heart Foundation, as well as UAE government entities and private sector visit aimed to study leading examples of sustainable humanitarian projects, particularly in health, education, and food security, and to rally both human and financial resources to implement similar initiatives in Gaza and in countries hosting Palestinian refugees, ensuring their sustainability and responsiveness to critical needs.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed stressed that the suffering endured by the Palestinian people and their homeland is indescribable, and that offering support and consolidating all humanitarian efforts is the minimum that can be done. He affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, at both leadership and public levels, has always stood by the Palestinian cause. He also praised Jordan's long-standing humanitarian role, having hosted over four million Palestinian and Arab refugees, providing them with the means to live with dignity despite challenging circumstances.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed further noted that the Palestinian people have experienced decades of displacement and forced migration, and today the people of Gaza are enduring one of the harshest humanitarian crises due to the ongoing conflict. This has resulted in the breakdown of their social and institutional infrastructure, depriving them of fundamental rights including access to education, healthcare, and basic public services. Thus, the foundation's humanitarian strategy is focused not only on emergency relief, but also on implementing sustainable initiatives in healthcare and stated that access to healthcare builds thriving communities, while education protects future generations from the lasting psychological and physical impacts of war—even if the situation eventually the current crisis as a pivotal test for the entire humanitarian ecosystem, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed stressed that all those who are committed to humanitarian principles must now step up and act. Despite the immense challenges, he said the mission must continue, supported by devoted individuals and organisations across the added that humanitarian work is not just a moral or ethical responsibility, but a religious obligation and a fundamental right for the vulnerable and visit comes as part of the ongoing 'For the Children of Olives' campaign launched last Ramadan by H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation. The campaign aims to provide holistic support for more than 20,000 orphans living in Gaza. It guarantees their right to education, healthcare, psychological support, nutrition, and adequate the visit, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed toured the Marka Girls Preparatory School, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). There, he met with a delegation including UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General Natalie Boucly, UNRWA Jordan Field Director Olaf Becker, and Engineer Rafiq Kharfan, Director-General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs at Jordan's Ministry of Foreign discussions focused on ways to strengthen collaboration and build partnerships to support humanitarian projects benefiting Palestinians in Gaza and refugees in Jordan—particularly in the areas of education, health, and community welfare.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed visited several classrooms, engaged with teaching staff and students, and reviewed the learning environment. He examined how the educational process is managed, discussed future infrastructure needs in the camp, and explored the school's key scientific laboratories and facilities that support hands-on learning and enhance the educational experience.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also met with several male and female students representing the "Student Parliament" at Marka Camp. During the meeting, he listened to a detailed presentation from the students about the educational process and the challenges they face, as well as their academic needs that would help improve the quality and efficiency of education in line with the rapid advancements across various Deputy Ruler of Sharjah then visited the food security project run by the humanitarian organisation ANERA, which supports refugees and conflict-affected populations in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was briefed on the project's approach, which focuses on transforming aid into sustainable food production within refugee communities. This is achieved through year-round farming initiatives using greenhouses, enabling communities to grow their food. The model aligns closely with the sustainable development goals of The Big Heart Foundation for Gaza, given its vital role in enhancing self-reliance among refugee and displaced populations and reducing dependency on external aid. The absence of food is often among the fastest and most devastating humanitarian consequences during conflicts and disasters.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed explored the farming techniques used in the project and reviewed the main crops produced using modern methods that conserve water and soil while ensuring sustainable output. These efforts are key to securing food supplies for those affected and establishing long-term food this, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed, in his capacity as Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, along with the accompanying delegation, visited the Taawun Foundation—The Big Heart's partner in the "For the Children of Olives" humanitarian visit included a consultative meeting to discuss recent humanitarian developments concerning Palestinian refugees in Jordan and displaced persons in Gaza and the West Bank, in light of ongoing tragic conditions. The discussions also addressed ways to respond quickly and effectively to secure essential living conditions and explored future plans to provide critical services across the visit, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed and the delegation viewed a series of video materials recorded inside Gaza, depicting the painful reality and suffering of its people, who are deprived of the most basic human the meeting, Dr Nabil Qaddumi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Taawun Foundation, delivered a speech welcoming the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and his accompanying delegation. He praised The Big Heart Foundation's significant efforts and the fruitful humanitarian partnership with Taawun in serving Palestinian Taawun Board of Directors presented the "Noor Programme for Orphan Care", which the foundation launched in Gaza. The war has left more than 39,000 children in the Gaza Strip orphaned. The delegation also listened to several recorded and live contributions from programme staff based in Gaza and the Arab Republic of Egypt.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed concluded the visit with a meeting alongside the accompanying delegation, during which they reviewed the outcomes of the visits and examined the best humanitarian models currently implemented in Jordan's refugee discussed how to adapt these experiences to benefit refugees and displaced people within the occupied Palestinian territories. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed noted that the world today is in urgent need of evolving humanitarian programmes and initiatives to meet the unprecedented challenges facing the region. The Sharjah delegation accompanying the Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation included: Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Sultan bin Saud Al Qasimi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation; Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Advisory Board Member of The Big Heart Foundation; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment and Advisory Board Member of The Big Heart Foundation; Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director of Sharjah Media City "Shams"; Alya Obaid Al-Musaybi, Director of The Big Heart Foundation; along with several officials and representatives of supporting private sector companies.
Al Etihad
20-03-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi reviews Al Qasimi optical observatory
20 Mar 2025 22:39 SHARJAH (WAM)H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, reviewed the proposed Al Qasimi Optical Radio Observatory project, set to be established on Jebel Al-Kitab, during his visit to the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology on Thursday the presentation, the future vision of the observatory was outlined, aiming to position it as a scientific institution and a national symbol of excellence and innovation. The project aspires to invest in developing national talent, fostering international collaborations, and laying the foundation for scientific advancement that aligns with the UAE's aspirations for space Qasimi Observatory will be the first officially registered and licensed astronomical observatory in the UAE for space-related activities, offering services in tracking, monitoring, and space situational awareness. It will house the largest optical telescope in the Arabian Gulf region, making it the most advanced in the Arab world. The observatory will feature three primary observational stations dedicated to stellar and exoplanet research, star formation studies, and galaxy analysis through spectral addition to supporting astronomical research and education, the observatory will provide public engagement programmes, scientific workshops, and hands-on training for researchers and enthusiasts. It will also focus on southern sky observation, filling an existing scientific gap in this observatory's objectives align with the University of Sharjah's EDGE strategy, which focuses on localisation, digital transformation, international collaboration, and entrepreneurship.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also reviewed the Sharjah CubeSat Laboratory, which presented its scientific goals and achievements, including its role in building national expertise, fostering innovation, and advancing technical and scientific capabilities. The lab specialises in the design, operation, and development of CubeSats, providing technical training and investing in talent development through capacity-building lab's achievements include projects such as Sharjah-Sat 1 and Sharjah-Sat 2, as well as scientific publications, training programmes, and the establishment of ground stations. Future plans for the laboratory extend until 2031, aiming to enhance research and space exploration efforts.H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also explored the Meteorite Laboratory, which comprises the UAE Meteor Monitoring Network, meteorite analysis units, and an extensive collection of meteorite samples and impact fragments. The laboratory houses 8,111 meteorite specimens, impact fragments, and related elements, and plays a key role in research, student training, and hosting projects in the Meteorite Laboratory include:- Developing a meteorite law for the UAE- Expanding the UAE Meteor Monitoring Network- Processing and analysing affected meteorites- Enhancing meteorite display and preservation techniques- Upgrading meteorite analysis equipment- Strengthening collaborative initiatives with various entitiesThe visit concluded with a presentation on the Sharjah Planetarium's latest achievements, including the development of new live astronomical shows using advanced simulation software and narrated presentations. The planetarium offers diverse topics such as auroras, cosmic clouds, the International Space Station, violent cosmic phenomena, the Moon, and the Islamic lunar calendar. Additionally, the presentation covered the planetarium's participation in local and international events, along with ongoing development projects aimed at enhancing community engagement and public awareness in astronomy.
