Latest news with #UnitedArabEmiratesUniversity


Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Irrigation goes smart as AI-powered ‘Falaj' optimises water usage at UAE farms
17 July 2025 22:09 MAYS IBRAHIM (LIWA CITY)Innovators in the UAE have brought the ancient falaj irrigation system into the age of AI — this time as a tech-driven solution that promotes smart, sustainable farming amid climate and water United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), a team of experts has developed a next-generation 'Falaj' — a smart irrigation system that integrates advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise water usage. Mansoor Al Hosani, a horticulture student from the UAEU's College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, walked Aletihad through its features at Liwa Date Festival in Al Dhafra Region. The system is designed to optimise greenhouse irrigation through a seamless combination of smart sensors, AI algorithms, and remote-access capabilities, Al Hosani said. It operates on three main functions: monitoring, control, and alarm. The monitoring feature collects real-time data from sensors that measure soil moisture, temperature, pH levels, and electrical conductivity — metrics crucial for maintaining soil health and crop productivity. This continuous stream of information enables farmers to understand the needs of their crops and apply the precise amount of water at the right time, Al Hosani said. How It Works The control system is managed through a user-friendly mobile app that gives farmers full oversight of irrigation processes. 'This way, you don't need engineers or workers on-site all the time,' said Al Hosani. 'You can manage everything from anywhere in the world.'Users can choose to automate water delivery or make manual adjustments, and the app's intuitive interface ensures accessibility even for those with limited technical experience, he adjusting water flow or responding to changing environmental conditions, farmers have complete flexibility at their is also equipped with an alarm system, which immediately notifies users when environmental conditions deviate from optimal levels. Alerts for issues like excess heat or humidity allow farmers to take timely action before such changes can harm crop Hosani noted that this intelligent infrastructure is supported by several key components, including a soil moisture monitoring station known as the 'watchman.'A smart valve ensures efficient water distribution based on real-time pressure data, while a solar-powered system reduces reliance on the electric grid. The system also includes a frequency converter cabinet that helps maintain stable water pressure throughout the irrigation of this data is presented in real-time through a centralised dashboard, which enables fast, informed decisions, enhancing overall farm management and in collaboration with NAWA, a technology company specialising in agricultural innovations, Falaj supports various communication technologies, including 4G, Wi-Fi, and LoRa wireless protocols. Al Hosani also noted that the irrigation system ensures farming information is protected through robust data encryption.


Al Etihad
7 days ago
- General
- Al Etihad
Liwa Date Festival bridges generations in a celebration of tradition and innovation
16 July 2025 22:45 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (LIWA CITY)Amid rapid innovation and technological progress, the UAE has remained true to its roots: The Liwa Date Festival stands as a shining example, celebrating how the country honours its agricultural heritage and cultivates it for the modern ancestral knowledge passed down through generations, a new crop of experts and farmers are growing traditions into the future - and the festival has become the annual platform where insights are exchanged and new ideas are age-old agricultural practice still recognised by Emirati farmers today is a system called "the equation of equations", said Ahmed Al Mansouri, a visitor experience specialist for the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, who spoke at the ancient system is a "natural calendar" that divides the farming year into four 100-day periods."The first 100, known as the yellow period, begins on August 15 and ends on November 22. The second 100, referred to as winter, runs from November 23 to March 2. During this time, the weather cools, preparing the soil and trees for growth," Al Mansouri said."From March 3 to June 10, we enter the third 100, aligned with spring and early summer, when trees begin to flourish after winter rains. The final 100, also called the yellow period, lasts from June 11 to August 14, marking the culmination of the growth cycle."These are not random dates, Al Mansouri stressed, as these periods were ultimately tied to the life cycle of a date palm, from seedling to germination and growth."We monitor when seedlings are planted, typically from February 1 to March 2. Germination follows, and eventually, the tree is thinned and shaped to ensure even growth. Full maturity usually begins around April 22," he deep-rooted agricultural knowledge, new innovations continue to Alketbi, a horticulture student from the United Arab Emirates University's College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, studied tissue culture technology and presented his research that highlighted the benefits of cultivating palm trees in laboratory the complex process, Alketbi told Aletihad: "Using a small piece of plant tissue, known as a lip, we place it in a nutrient-rich medium. This controlled environment allows for rapid and healthy growth."From a single tissue, it's possible to produce as many as 2,000 to 3,000 palm seedlings in a process that takes five years, three in a lab and two in a greenhouse. "This method not only preserves valuable genetic traits but also ensures disease-free, high-quality plants for the market," Alketbi said.


Al Etihad
08-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
UAEU research reveals new insights into cellular regulation pathways
8 July 2025 19:26 AL AIN (ALETIHAD)A research team from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cells positively regulate their study offers new insight into the complex mechanisms that enable cells to adapt and respond to changing environmental research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad Tauqeer Alam, associate professor in the Department of Biology, College of Science, in collaboration with Prof. Markus Ralser from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, and Dr. Richard Notebaart from Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands. The study was published in the journal Molecular Systems student Sultana Mohammed Al Zubaidi and PhD student Muhammad Ibtisam Nasar were the first co-authors of the Alam explained that the research provided a comprehensive network of intracellular enzyme–metabolite activator interactions by integrating the yeast metabolic network with enzyme data from multiple species. The findings revealed that most metabolic pathways include activatory interactions often linking across different pathways, highlighting extensive regulatory crosstalk within the cell's metabolic key discovery is that the early steps in many metabolic pathways are positively regulated, effectively priming downstream reactions for more efficient execution. This enhances overall metabolic study also found that the most highly catalytic enzymes are often involved in secondary pathways, which are activated under specific environmental conditions. Meanwhile, macromolecules play an essential role in cell survival. Dr. Alam emphasised that these findings represent a major step forward in understanding how cells regulate internal processes. The insights open new avenues for research in metabolic engineering, biotechnology, and disease biology. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi


Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Planning to study in UAE? Here's what every International student must know
With world-class universities and a welcoming visa system, the UAE continues to attract students from across the globe offering diverse academic programs and scholarship opportunities in an increasingly global academic hub/Representative Image As the academic year winds down, students and parents begin exploring university options and academic majors that align with the student's goals. For international and non-GCC students, the UAE offers diverse educational opportunities from world-class universities to flexible visa options and scholarships. According to the UAE Digital Government, the country provides pathways for international students to enrol in both public and private institutions, making it a major hub for global learners. Higher Education Access for Foreign Students The UAE allows non-UAE and non-GCC students to study in public schools (for a fee) and at both public and private universities. Several institutions also offer scholarships and special programs for high-achieving international applicants. Recently, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) announced it will admit foreign students who meet academic standards and are able to pay applicable tuition fees. Official Guide for Foreign and Resident Students The UAE Digital Government outlines several key steps for international students seeking enrollment in private universities: Research accredited universities licensed by the Commission for Academic Accreditation. Verify that your chosen program is recognised by the UAE's regulatory bodies. Understand each institution's admission criteria and application timelines. Familiarise yourself with the visa requirements set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Coordinate with your embassy in the UAE for scholarship opportunities and procedural guidance. Students sponsored by foreign governments must liaise with their respective agencies for proper documentation and arrangements. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is your tinnitus getting worse? Do this immediately (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo Students can study and reside in the UAE under a visa sponsored by either their university or a UAE-resident parent or relative. The visa is typically issued for one year and is renewable with proof of ongoing enrollment at a licensed educational institution. Key Points on Sponsorship: Male students under 25 can be sponsored by a parent. Male students over 25 can continue under parental sponsorship with proof of enrolment in a year-long program. Female students can be sponsored by parents regardless of age. Visa Requirements for Students Before applying for a visa, the applicant must be officially accepted into a recognised institution. The visa application will then require: New students: Admission letter from a UAE university. Current students: Enrolment certificate. Medical fitness certificate from a UAE-approved center. Proof of sponsorship by a university, parent, or relative. Final approval from the GDRFA. It's advisable to consult the UAE embassy in your home country for detailed information and updates. Student Visa Duration and Conditions Validity: One year, renewable annually with updated proof of enrolment. Sponsorship: Can be from a university or a UAE-resident parent/relative. Fees: Typically between AED 5,500 ( 1,498 USD) to AED 6,500 ( 1,771 USD), depending on the institution (Source: GBS Dubai). Where to Apply: GDRFA e-service portals for each emirate GDRFA Dubai official website or app ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) app DubaiNow app Along with this, high-achieving students may qualify for long-term Golden Residency Visas of 5 or 10 years. This applies to individuals demonstrating academic excellence and offers a pathway to long-term stay in the UAE. (Source: Visit Dubai) Important Reminders All student visa applications must mee admission requirements. Visa approval remains subject to GDRFA review in each emirate. Students should maintain valid documents and stay up to date on university enrolment to avoid visa issues.


Gulf Today
06-07-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
UAE Chemistry Olympiad begins today in Dubai
The UAE will host the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), the world's leading scientific competition in the field of chemistry. Bringing together over 360 students from more than 90 countries in Dubai from 6 to 14 July 2025, this edition marks the largest participation in the Olympiad's history since its launch in 1968, underscoring the UAE's growing position in global science education. Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, noted that hosting this prestigious global event reflects the UAE's vision to become a hub for education, science, innovation, and academic excellence, and reiterates the country's unwavering commitment to nurturing young scientific talent. She added, 'This milestone will inspire Emirati students and help shape a new generation of scientists capable of innovation and global competitiveness. It also represents a national opportunity to enhance the quality of education and develop a learning environment that keeps pace with the world's best models.' Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), stated, 'The International Chemistry Olympiad 2025 serves as a prestigious global platform that celebrates academic excellence and fosters a spirit of scientific innovation among youth. It also underscores the prominent role of UAEU in advancing scientific research and learning. Our participation in this significant event reaffirms UAEU's commitment to national leadership in the generation, dissemination, and application of knowledge for the greater benefit of society.' He added, 'Through our engagement in this initiative, we reaffirm our mission to address global challenges and to contribute to shaping a future built on the foundations of knowledge, discovery, and innovation. At UAEU, we firmly believe that empowering youth and supporting global scientific collaboration are essential pillars for building a more prosperous and sustainable world.' Organised by the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE), the IChO 2025 agenda will feature advanced theoretical and practical exams, cultural tours, and social events that promote cultural exchange among youth from across the globe. This edition introduces cutting-edge technological innovations, including digital tools to monitor exam progress and an integrated practical testing environment, designed as a model for future educational laboratories. Four students, chosen through a rigorous national selection process, will represent the UAE at IChO 2025. The national team has completed an intensive training programme, including specialised workshops at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and a science camp at the Sirius Education Centre in Russia. WAM