Latest news with #SultanbinMohammedAlQasimi


Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Arab Parliament for the Child to debate ‘Cultural Identity'
High-level support highlights importance This session holds exceptional significance as it is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the follow-up of His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League. This reflects the level of high-level support the Parliament initiative receives and underscores that the future of the Arab child is an integral part of a broader, comprehensive project. Identity as the foundation of awareness From this standpoint, several members of the Arab Parliament for the Child have expressed the importance of this topic and their readiness to discuss it under the dome of their parliament. They believe that cultural identity is not merely a topic to be debated, but the very essence upon which the Arab child's awareness is built. It serves as the gateway to their belonging to their homeland and a source of strength amid the challenges of globalisation and digital openness. Omani parliament head: Identity is rooted in values, not symbols Ilyas bin Awadh Al-Ma'ni, President of the Arab Parliament for the Child from the Sultanate of Oman, believes that true preparation for such a session lies in delving deep into the concept of cultural identity, researching its sources, and examining how it is influenced by the digital world and language challenges. He is convinced that identity is not just a set of symbols, but deep-rooted in language, values, and traditions. Ilyas is keen on reviewing successful Arab experiences in this field, consulting educators and intellectuals, and even speaking with children from his local community to understand how connected or distant they are from their language and identity. He points to the vital role that the family, school, and media play in embedding this identity. He adds that integrating heritage and the arts into curricula, and organising national activities and competitions, are effective ways to strengthen a child's pride in their identity. As he puts it, 'Preserving identity is not just an intellectual priority, but a civilisational safeguard for nations.' Jordanian member: Identity must be lived, not just studied Rabeea Ibrahim Abu Rumman, a member of the Arab Parliament for the Child from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, states that preparing for a topic like this is not limited to reading briefing papers. Instead, it requires genuine engagement with the lived reality of the Arab child amidst the challenges of social media and media openness. She explains that her planned intervention will focus on the voice of the Arab child, what belonging means to them, and what the family, school, and media can do to help them remain connected to their language and heritage. She emphasises the urgent need for purposeful and well-targeted Arabic media content for children and calls for cultural networking between Arab children through programmes and initiatives that promote the exchange of shared heritage and values. She concludes, 'Identity is not a luxury, but a safeguard that protects the child from dissolution, and a fundamental right of every child to know their origins, speak their language, and live their values.' Palestinian member: Identity must be protected from a young age Mai Jalal Abdulaziz, a member of the Arab Parliament for the Child from the State of Palestine, shared her perspective with a deep philosophical and human touch. She sees cultural identity not just as a topic for discussion, but as a vital project to protect Arab childhood from confusion and loss. She explains that a child is like 'soft clay' – shaped from an early age – and that the concepts and values instilled in them remain for life. If their identity is not safeguarded early on, they become fragile in the face of globalisation. Mai is preparing through in-depth research into the components of identity: language, heritage, historical symbols, customs, and traditions. She compares these foundational elements with the daily influences children face through screens. She says she is currently analysing children's behaviour on social media platforms, their use of the Arabic language, and whether their everyday cultural practices reflect authenticity or are dissolving into foreign influences. Proposals for action and digital awareness She also proposes practical steps, such as conducting simple field surveys to measure children's connection to their identity. Her planned parliamentary address will cover comprehensive themes, from language to digital media, passing through arts, diaspora, and artificial intelligence. Mai stresses: 'The Arab child today needs someone to listen to them, not to speak on their behalf… Identity is not taught—it is lived and experienced.' Mai affirms that the second session of the Arab Children's Parliament in Sharjah will undoubtedly be a moment of awareness and belonging—a pan-Arab platform that listens to the voices of future generations and, through them, draws the features of the Arab child's cultural identity in a changing world where values struggle to survive, and children search for their roots in an accelerating age. Iraqi member: Arabic is the anchor of collective memory Aws Mohsen Ali, a member of the Arab Parliament for the Child from the Republic of Iraq, adds that his focus on the Arabic language is not only driven by his belief that it is the carrier of identity, but also because it forms the core around which the collective memory of the Arab nations is built. Without it, thought is scattered, shared sensibility fades, and the Arab character loses its clarity in young generations. Therefore, he believes schools and educational curricula must form the first line of defence for the Arabic language. Curricula should be developed in a modern style that helps children love their language and leads them to explore its richness rather than be alienated by it. Pride in Arab civilisation through education Aws emphasises the importance of integrating the vocabulary of Arab civilisation into classroom instruction—not just as a historical narrative, but as a living legacy that must translate into daily behaviour and national pride. He believes that the Arab child needs to be told clearly: 'You belong to a great nation that has significantly contributed to humanity in fields like science, medicine, astronomy, language, and literature.' This message instils confidence and belonging—something fleeting social media content or widespread foreign media cannot provide. Identity as a right and a responsibility As a member of the Child Rights Committee, Aws believes that the right to cultural identity must be prioritised among the fundamental rights of the child. He notes that identity can be erased not only through wars or occupation but also through neglect, indifference, and blind imitation of cultures that don't resemble ours. This leads to values being consumed as commodities, and belonging reduced to mere slogans. He explains that the Arab Children's Parliament is a space where this awareness, vision, and responsibility are expressed. For him, preparing for the upcoming session is not merely about drafting a speech or writing a position paper—it is an emotional and intellectual commitment to the belief that Arab cultural identity is not just a topic for debate, but a matter of existence and dignity. A heartfelt message to the Arab world Aws concludes with a heartfelt plea: 'From this parliamentary platform, I raise my voice on behalf of millions of Arab children to say: We are not asking to be copies of others—we want to be ourselves… with our language, our culture, our history, and our emotions. We want to grow up in an open world, yes—but with our feet firmly planted in our land, our identity, and our authenticity.' With these sincere and profound words, Aws—and all the members of the Parliament—embody the new consciousness carried by the Arab child today. They enter the second session hall in Sharjah not merely as seekers of knowledge, but as builders of identity and guardians of the cultural essence in a world that has no place for those who do not know themselves.


Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Mleiha National Park invites minds to discover unique experiences
With a range of educational experiences designed to bring history and ancient heritage to the forefront, the park serves as a perfect escape for those interested in expanding their historical knowledge and wonder; whether it's families and the general public, academic institutions, or cultural enthusiasts and history buffs; allowing them to come closer to history. Established through the visionary leadership of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; and developed and operated by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Mleiha National Park safeguards over 34.2 square kilometres of pristine and awe inspiring landscapes, a gateway to Arabia's ancient legacy, grounded in decades of meticulous research and findings led by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA). Ancient cosmopolitan hub Revealing Mleiha's extraordinary scientific value, this area has been excavated since 1973 with collaborative efforts from leading archaeologists from around the world. Through the years SAA has announced discoveries including Stone Age tools from Jebel Faya documenting ancient human migration, a monumental 4,500-year-old Umm an-Nar tomb preserved intact beneath the park's Archaeological Centre, along with compelling evidence of a powerful trading kingdom that thrived between the 3rd century BCE and 3rd century CE, as referenced in Greco-Roman texts. Among the most striking finds is Arabia's only known ritual horse-and-camel burial, a testament to the site's unique cultural practices. Mediterranean amphorae, locally minted coins inspired by those of Alexander the great and his Seleucid successors' currency, and South Arabian inscriptions further attest to Mleiha's role as an ancient cosmopolitan hub. Through a unique partnership; with Shurooq delivering world-class visitor experiences and sustainable infrastructure and SAA guaranteeing scientific integrity; this makes Mleiha a global model for heritage tourism. Diverse experiences to enrich the mind Aligned with the park's core ethos of history and education, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre allows visitors to encounter authentic and priceless artifacts. These include a wide range of arrowheads from the stone and iron ages, ancient coins; including those modeled after Alexander the Great's currency; Rhodian wine jars, and ancient inscriptions. With the addition of interactive displays and multimedia presentations, the centre brings the past vividly to life proving an experience that goes far beyond the museum walls. Mleiha also offers a diverse array of educational activities and adventures that transport visitors back in time, making history accessible and engaging for all age groups. Programmes like the 'Fossil Fun Expedition' invite young explorers to become paleontologists for the day, crafting fossil casts from real finds and learning about ancient seabeds and the creatures that once inhabited them. Interactive workshops such as 'Sounds of the Past' allow participants to experience ancient tool-making techniques, while the Valley of the Caves Tour and Jebel Buhais Tour immerse visitors in the daily life and burial practices of Neolithic and Iron Age communities. For those fascinated by the wonders of the universe, the Space Camp workshop offers an engaging introduction to astronomy and observational techniques through hands-on activities, where participants use high-powered telescopes to explore celestial objects in the night sky. One of the highlights of the workshop is the chance to create a model comet using dry ice and various compounds, simulating the makeup of real comets while discovering their significance within our solar system. These tailored educational programmes also ensure meaningful learning for every age and interest, where school groups engage in hands-on discovery through supervised fossil hunts and archaeological sites explorations, making history tangible and intriguing. University students and researchers are able to delve even deeper with specialised programmes analysing ancient trade systems or settlement patterns. For families and groups, activities that combine adventure with learning, guide guests across archaeological sites, geological formations, and hidden wadis, and the Standard Educational Package provides a comprehensive introduction to the region's flora, fauna, geology, and archaeology, with hands-on workshops and guided site visits that cater to students and lifelong learners alike. An archive of human resilience Reflecting on the park's importance and historical value, Omar Jasim Al Ali, Manager of Mleiha & Strategic Projects said, 'This ancient landscape is an archive of human resilience and transcends tourism by providing a living and experiential destination where visitors engage authentically with the UAE's deepest roots. We invite the public to connect with history and nature through hands-on learning and storytelling that celebrates our land's role in shaping the course of civilisation. Mleiha preserves the UAE's past not just in books, but in the very land beneath our feet, offering every visitor the unique chance to understand this region's legacy and literally walk in the footsteps of those who shaped it millennia ago.' With its global recognition and new discoveries continually emerging, Mleiha National Park represents a pioneering approach to heritage stewardship and the park welcomes year-round visitation for scholars, students, and travelers seeking to witness where humanity's shared past resonates across millennia.


Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SPC Free Zone announces streamlined summer business setup offer
Announced this month, the initiative combines speed, simplicity, and strategic value for companies targeting the UAE and regional markets as it builds upon Sharjah's global reputation in being a strategic hub for knowledge-based industries. Unlimited opportunity and full turn-key services The core offer packages a business license and one investor visa for a total discounted cost of AED 12,500, and a key advantage is the dramatically accelerated processing time; upon approval, the business license is issued instantly, while the residency visa is processed within an impressive five working days. Businesses benefit from access to over 2,000 permissible activities covering the entire publishing value chain, including book and digital publishing, printing, packaging, translation, content creation, distribution, graphic design, and media services. The offer also includes the flexibility of the Flexi-Desk package, allowing companies to sponsor an unlimited number of additional visas for employees as they grow. Founders retain 100% foreign ownership and enjoy full repatriation of capital and profits. Through a collaborative network, SPC Free Zone also facilitates seamless financial integration by providing clients direct access to a network of over 10 leading UAE and international banking partners. This established network simplifies the often complex process of opening corporate bank accounts, offering businesses a range of tailored financial solutions and removing a major operational hurdle for new market entrants. Additional support features encompass complimentary company name availability checks and a commitment to rapid callback support; typically within 60 seconds when requested; facilitating a smooth setup journey. A tailored ecosystem Beyond the immediate promotion, SPC Free Zone provides a uniquely tailored ecosystem. Established in 2017 by decree of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, it holds the distinction of being the world's first free zone dedicated exclusively to the publishing, printing, and allied creative industries. Notably, SPC Free Zone pioneered the world's first AI-generated business license, reflecting its commitment to digital innovation, and all licenses issued carry MOFA (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) certification, ensuring global document recognition and legal compliance for international operations. This initiative is a cornerstone of Sharjah's strategy to cement its position as a global cultural and knowledge hub, further bolstered by its UNESCO World Book Capital designation in 2019. The zone offers businesses a supportive, collaborative environment operating within a tax-exempt and customs-duty-free framework, specifically designed for publishers, printers, authors, translators, designers, and technology providers. Commenting on the promotion, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City said, 'Sharjah's vision has always been to empower the written word and those who bring it to the world. This summer initiative reflects our commitment to removing barriers for global publishing and creative talent. By offering speed, simplicity, and significant value, we aim to attract innovative businesses seeking a strategic base to serve regional and international markets.' The summer promotion is available for a limited period. Entrepreneurs and businesses interested in leveraging this accelerated setup opportunity are encouraged to initiate the process by submitting their details through the online form available on the SPC Free Zone website.


Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah readies for APC with broad participation
The session is set to take place from 22nd to 26th July, under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the guidance and direct supervision of His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League. A Unified Arab Spirit to Empower Children The general session will be held at the Sharjah Consultative Council headquarters in Sharjah, amidst broad Arab participation and a united Arab spirit aimed at empowering children in parliamentary practice and instilling values of identity, belonging, and responsibility. Organising Committee Holds Coordination Meeting In this context, the organising committee of the APC held an extensive meeting at the Parliament's headquarters in Sharjah, attended by His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC), along with all members of the organisational, technical, and media committees. The meeting focused on reviewing final preparations and logistical and technical arrangements to welcome delegations from Arab countries, as well as the official delegation from the Women and Children Department of the Arab League. The goal is to ensure full readiness of sites and teams ahead of this special Arab parliamentary event for children. Detailed Review of Logistics and Programme The meeting featured a detailed review of reception plans at UAE airports, coordination of transportation and accommodation procedures, and inspection of residence and training facilities. It also included a briefing on the general programme, which features training workshops, parliamentary sessions, field visits, and accompanying activities designed to deepen parliamentary awareness and foster cultural and social cohesion among the participating Arab children. Task Distribution and Volunteer Coordination Discussions also covered the distribution of responsibilities among various working teams, the follow-up on committee progress, and coordination mechanisms with volunteers, who will play a pivotal role in organising the events and providing both logistical and administrative support. Emphasis on Strong Media Presence The meeting underlined the importance of media coordination and comprehensive coverage that reflects the high standard of preparations and performance, while conveying the message of the APC in building bridges of communication between generations. Media professionals and journalists will be welcomed to the event, with coordination underway with relevant institutions involved in the session to ensure extensive media coverage that matches the scale of the occasion. Delegations Arriving from 22nd July Delegations will begin arriving in Sharjah from 22nd July, where they will be received at the airport by the working teams and accompanied to their accommodation. The Parliament's General Secretariat has prepared a rich programme, including an intensive training workshop prior to the formal session. The workshop aims to equip the young members with parliamentary speaking skills, proposal drafting, and conscious engagement with the session's theme: 'The Cultural Identity of the Arab Child.' Enriching Visits and Activities The programme also includes distinctive visits, most notably to the 'Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators,' where the children will take part in interactive activities in the 'Skills Lab.' In addition, the twelfth issue of the 'Young Parliamentarian' magazine will be launched—serving as a platform for children's free expression and documenting their parliamentary journey. A Platform for Empowerment and Expression His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child (APC), praised the spirit of teamwork and the efforts of all committees and teams during the meeting. He noted that holding the second session in Sharjah is a continuation of a solid Arab journey in supporting childhood and a reflection of Sharjah's vision in preparing an Arab generation capable of dialogue, collaboration, and responsibility—aligned with the broader Arab direction of building the future of children on foundations of empowerment, identity, and knowledge. Sharjah as a Beacon of Creative Empowerment He affirmed that Sharjah—through the vision of its leadership and with the support of the Arab League—represents a vibrant platform for creativity and empowerment, and an institutional hub that embraces Arab children and provides them with an inspiring environment for thought and expression. This comes within a pioneering parliamentary experience that reflects the aspirations of the Arab nation towards building a conscious and promising generation.


Sharjah 24
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Parents Council honors high school toppers
Muhannad Abdullah Al Bustani, Chairman of the Sharjah Parents' Council, affiliated with the Department of Suburbs Affairs, thanked His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for instilling a love of knowledge in the emirate's people and establishing the University of Sharjah as a major academic institution in the country. This provides a great impetus for students to pursue academic excellence and enroll in this university . Al Bustani explained, in statements to 'Sharjah 24,' that the honoring ceremony was titled "Sharjah Students and a Date with Glory... Celebrating the Makers of the Future in the Year of Community." He noted that the ceremony honored the students' families in appreciation of their efforts throughout their studies and to encourage their children to excel . He added that Dr Agamy presented, in his address to the students and their families, the university's academic programs and courses that meet the aspirations of students in various fields. He also reviewed the new trends in students' studies in artificial intelligence and advanced technology .