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  In recognition of the vital role education plays in the UAE’s development vision, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has officially designated February 28 as the Emirati Day of Education . This day celebrates the contributions of everyone involved in the education system and highlights the UAE’s ongoing commitment to education as a core pillar of its national development. His Highness underscored that education has been central to the UAE’s plans since the nation’s founding. The annual observance will honor the key role education plays in societal development and the UAE’s cultural and intellectual renaissance. February 28 holds historical significance, as it commemorates the graduation of the first group of teachers from UAE University in 1982, a milestone event attended by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and other Rulers of the Emirates. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed that strengthening education has always been a top priority for th

  During his first official trip to the US since assuming th e UAE presidency, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with former US President Donald Trump on Thursday. He highlighted the UAE-US bilateral relations that have flourished for over 50 years, attributing their strength to a strong partnership. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his gratitude for Trump’s efforts in enhancing the strategic relationship between the two nations. Earlier, he also engaged in discussions with former US President George Bush, recalling Bush’s historic visit to the UAE in 2008. The UAE leader praised Bush for his role in strengthening UAE-US relations during his presidency. The former president shared his pleasure in meeting Sheikh Mohamed again and reflecting on key milestones in their bilateral ties. Sheikh Mohamed also acknowledged the contribution of Bush's late father in solidifying the friendship between the UAE and the US, noting that President Bush Sr. had been "a friend of the UAE and an ally to the r

  The UAE delegation participated in several important high-level meetings during the first day of the 79th United Nations General Assembly , engaging in key discussions with Member States, UN officials, and relevant stakeholders.  The delegation addressed priority issues including the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, reinforcing global health and prosperity, preventing and resolving conflicts through peaceful means, and tackling the climate crisis. The UAE’s active role in the 79th UN General Assembly was highlighted by their participation in multiple meetings covering the humanitarian response in Gaza and Sudan, climate resilience in relation to rising sea levels, the future of artificial intelligence, bridging the digital divide, and other relevant topics. Emirati representatives attended an event focused on leveraging the transformative power of artificial intelligence and cross-border collaboration to enhance the data available to decision-makers and key officials across

  The UAE has expressed serious concerns over Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and the ongoing escalation, warning of its impact on regional security and stability. In a statement, the Emirati foreign ministry emphasized the need to fully protect civilians and called for diplomatic solutions to the conflict, rejecting violence and escalation. On September 25, the UAE, along with the US, Canada, France, Germany, and other allies, issued a joint statement addressing the worsening humanitarian situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, exacerbated by the year-long Israel-Hamas conflict. The statement warned of the risk of further regional escalation, which benefits neither Israel nor Lebanon. The joint statement urged an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the border to create space for diplomacy, referencing UNSCR 1701 and 2735, which concern a Gaza ceasefire. The allies called on all parties, including the governments of Lebanon and Israel, to support the temporary truce and give dipl

  UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is currently on an official trip to the US, where he visited the Children's National Hospital on Tuesday. During his visit, he received a briefing on the facility's progress in pediatric surgery and healthcare advancements. The UAE has been a longstanding supporter of the hospital, and this visit by Sheikh Mohamed highlights the continued commitment to improving the care provided to young patients. As part of the tour, he visited the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. Sheikh Mohamed met with senior officials and medical staff and toured various specialist departments. The briefing included details on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Command Centre, a department that employs advanced artificial intelligence techniques. The Command Centre monitors patients closely to detect critical events and allows surgeons and cardiologists to provide telemedicine consultations to doctors worldwide, including at the UAE field hospi

  President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is currently on his first official visit to the United States since assuming the UAE Presidency. During his trip, he and US President Joe Biden reaffirmed the enduring bilateral relationship between their nations, engaging in discussions on key global and regional issues. On Tuesday, Sheikh Mohamed met with leading figures in the tech industry , including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Their talks centered on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology, as well as the expanding collaboration between the UAE and the US in this area. Highlights included the recent Microsoft-G42 partnership and the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership. Sheikh Mohamed underscored the UAE’s strong commitment to investing in AI and advanced technology as part of its broader development goals. He emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation

  UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is currently on an official visit to the US, where he met with US President Joe Biden and several key officials and industry leaders. Their discussions focused on critical matters of shared interest, including the situation in the Middle East and advancements in artificial intelligence. During the trip, Sheikh Mohamed also had the opportunity to meet with Emirati students studying in the US , as well as astronauts Nora Al-Matrooshi and Mohammad Al-Mulla, who recently graduated from NASA's astronaut training program. The meeting highlighted His Highness' support for the UAE's growing presence in space exploration. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his delight at meeting the young Emiratis, engaging with them about their academic progress and areas of specialization. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring they have the necessary support to succeed in their studies and careers. Addressing the students, Sheikh Mohamed encouraged th

  UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Joe Biden met on Monday in the US during an official visit by the Emirati leader. This visit marks the fourth bilateral meeting between the two leaders during the Biden-Harris administration. During their discussions, Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden reaffirmed the strong UAE-US strategic and defense partnership, explored ways to enhance cooperation in advanced technology and investments, and addressed global and regional issues. Both leaders committed to pursuing further opportunities to strengthen their partnership, promote peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond, and provide global leadership on key shared issues. The UAE-US relationship, spanning five decades, is built on a solid foundation. Building on the vision of Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden to advance safe artificial intelligence, UAE national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed and US national security advisor Jake Sullivan reaffirmed their countries' coo

  MDLBEAST Soundstorm is a vibrant cultural and music event, launched by the General Entertainment Authority in 2016. This colorful celebration unites international and regional artists, showcasing a unique blend of art, culture, and music from various regions. Aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the event plays a key role in boosting the country’s entertainment sector by highlighting its cultural richness. For MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2024, taking place in Riyadh , a star-studded lineup of global and regional talent has been revealed, including: - Akon - Afrojack - Tyler, The Creator - Black Coffee - David Guetta - Jason Derulo - G-Eazy - DJ Snake - Fluer Shore - Muse - 50 Cent - Chris Brown - Armin Van Buuren - Agents of Time The announcement, made on July 18, 2023, via the festival’s Instagram page, revealed that Grammy-winning rapper Eminem will also headline the event. MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2024 will kick off on Thursday, December 12, in Riyadh, with the XP Music Futures event

  President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is embarking on his first official trip to the US since assuming the UAE Presidency. He is set to push the UAE-US ties to a fresh “geo-economic phase” centered on economic performance and innovation, as per reports. “The purpose of the visit is really from an Emirati perspective, it is investing in our future … through an economic lens,” the leader’s most senior diplomatic advisor told reporters during a briefing in Dubai on Thursday. Gargash suggested that His Highness is going to seek to expand economic and security cooperation, but also important areas of mutual interest such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate and space exploration. Sheikh Mohamed and his US counterpart Joe Biden are going to highlight a half-century trajectory of UAE-US partnership in trade, investment and security, Yousef al-Otaiba, the Emirati ambassador to the US, posted on X ahead of the official trip on Monday. The agenda for the UAE leader’s meeting in t

  Despite significant assistance already provided to refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan, the UAE continues to enhance its support. The UAE has allocated $10.25 million in aid to various United Nations groups, focusing on the most vulnerable, particularly women and children. The funding will be distributed as follows: 1. $3 million to the World Health Organization to support mothers and children. 2. $2 million to UNFPA for women’s health programs. 3. $250,000 to the World Food Program for food assistance. 4. $3 million to help refugee women integrate with local communities. 5. $2 million to support women’s groups and their communities. On September 13, 2024, prominent UAE leaders visited Chad to assess the situation and engage with both refugees and local officials. They also interacted with the United Nations to discuss ongoing aid efforts. The UAE has established a hospital in Chad to support the influx of more than 630,000 refugees from Sudan, most of whom are women and children

  G42 and Microsoft are collaborating to enhance the quality and safety of artificial intelligence (AI) , with plans to establish two new research centers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). These centers aim to ensure AI is utilized responsibly and contributes to solving significant global challenges. The first center, developed jointly by G42 and Microsoft and supported by the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), will focus on AI accountability. Its purpose is to ensure AI technologies are applied in a way that avoids harm and bias. This center will: – Identify and promote effective AI application techniques. – Establish protective guidelines for AI use. – Assist Middle Eastern and developing nations in adopting AI responsibly. The center will bring together expertise from universities and companies to share insights on developing AI that is safe for global use. The second center is part of Microsoft's "AI for Good" initiative, ma

  The UAE and Australia have successfully concluded negotiations on a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) , which is expected to eliminate tariffs on about 99% of Australian products, resulting in an estimated $91 million in savings in the first year alone. The UAE is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade totaling $6.69 billion in 2023. Under the new agreement, Australian exports are projected to increase by $458 million annually. However, the UAE-Australia CEPA extends beyond financial benefits, according to Australia's Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell. He highlighted that the deal could enhance UAE investments in Australia’s critical minerals sector, with significant advantages also anticipated for the mining industry. The trade agreement, which is expected to take effect later this year, will further strengthen economic, social, and cultural ties between the two nations. Dr. Thani Al-Zeyo

  The UAE has recently unveiled its ambitious "Invest in the Emirates" campaign, extending a global invitation to leading innovators, talents, and entrepreneurs to explore the exceptional opportunities within the country's thriving business landscape. The campaign will roll out in major cities such as Cannes, Munich, Paris, London, Zurich, Geneva, and New York. Introduced by Idris Elba, the "Invest in the Emirates" initiative encourages entrepreneurs and business leaders to bring their ideas to the UAE, where they can not only become a reality but also tap into global markets. As part of the campaign, Invest UAE will provide comprehensive resources for investors looking to establish businesses in the country. The initiative underscores the UAE’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem, offering full support, including funding, regulatory frameworks, and government backing. With a tax-free environment, extensive global trade and logistics networks, and a proactiv

  The UAE, working with the World Health Organization and others, evacuated 252 people from Gaza on Sept. 11 as part of ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian aid and medical care. Among those rescued were 97 critically wounded individuals, accompanied by 155 family members, including 142 children. "When the plane took off, everyone clapped," said Dr. Maha Barakat, a UAE official. "No one thought they would actually get the chance to leave until it happened." The evacuees flew from Ramon Airport in Eilat after crossing from Gaza via Kerem Shalom. This was the UAE's second flight, following a February mission for Gaza children. The evacuations are part of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan's plan to treat 1,000 injured children and 1,000 cancer patients in Abu Dhabi. The World Health Organization estimates over 10,000 Gazans urgently need medical evacuation. Barakat noted that the UAE is helping those who couldn't reach the Egyptian border afte

  The UAE has made remarkable strides in boosting clean energy's share in its total energy mix, achieving 27.83% in 2023, as stated by Suhail al-Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. The nation aims to further increase this figure to 32% by 2030. During a media briefing on September 15, Minister al-Mazrouei emphasized that from 2019 to 2022, the UAE successfully doubled its clean energy capacity as part of the UAE Energy Strategy, which seeks to triple the installed capacity by 2030. The country remains firmly committed to its energy transition goals under the UAE Consensus at COP28. The UAE hosted the annual climate summit in Dubai last November, drawing thousands of participants and advancing efforts in various sustainability areas. Al-Mazrouei also underscored the UAE’s dedication to fostering investment in clean energy. He noted that the country saw a 70% growth in installed clean energy capacity last year alone. Highlighting the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the Ministe

  Russia and Ukraine conducted a major prisoner exchange on Saturday, each releasing 103 captives in a deal mediated by the UAE . This brings the total number of prisoners exchanged through Emirati diplomatic efforts to 1,994. Ukrainian President Zelensky celebrated the release of 82 soldiers and 21 officers, attributing it to recent military actions in Russia. Russia, in turn, highlighted that its soldiers were captured in the Kursk region. This marks the third exchange since Ukraine's cross-border incursion into Kursk last month. The UAE has played a crucial role in mediating these exchanges, with the latest being the eighth since 2024 began. Ukrainian officials confirmed that 3,672 Ukrainians have returned home through 57 exchanges, including over 600 Russians captured during the Kursk incursion. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to both nations for their cooperation, emphasizing the trust placed in its diplomatic efforts. The success of these mediations underscores

  The US has quietly approved the sale of advanced Nvidia chips to G42, the UAE’s flagship company in its drive to become a global leader in artificial intelligence , according to recent media reports. Although this approval was granted earlier this year, it had remained unreported until now. This move marks a significant milestone for the UAE’s tech ambitions and the Gulf region as a whole, which is increasingly positioning itself as a global tech hub. However, the Biden administration harbors concerns about potential security risks. The UAE’s efforts to lead in AI have been in progress for years. Long before ChatGPT brought AI into the global spotlight and sparked a surge in demand for Nvidia’s top-tier chips, the UAE had been steadily investing in AI leadership. The country has also made long-term investments in securing sensitive data, removing older data centre components with Chinese ties, even if they were inactive. Earlier this year, G42 and Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion s

  HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed HE Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China, along with his high-level delegation on Thursday. His Highness expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen the longstanding UAE-China bilateral relations . The Chinese Premier’s visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. In detailed discussions, UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Premier Li Qiang explored various avenues of cooperation, focusing on enhancing and expanding their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Premier Li conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, to which Sheikh Mohamed extended his own greetings and congratulations on the upcoming anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Both leaders reviewed the progress of their bilateral cooperation, particularly in key sectors such as economy, trade, in

  The fifth session of the UAE-Kuwait Joint Higher Committee, chaired by Emirati Foreign Minister HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed , concluded with the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Executive Programmes, according to Khaleej Times. In his opening speech, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed welcomed his Kuwaiti counterpart, emphasizing that the committee’s meeting “reflects the deep fraternal ties between the two brotherly nations.” The agreements signed include: 1. MoU on Cooperation in Infrastructure 2. MoU on Cooperation in Standardisation Activities 3. MoU on Cooperation in Telecommunications and Information Technology 4. MoU between the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Kuwait's Cyber Security Centre 5. MoU between EDGE Group Holding (UAE) and Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence on Defence Procurement and Industries 6. Executive Programme for Educational Cooperation (2024-2027) 7. Executive Programme in the Field of Sports (2024-2026) 8. Executive Programme for Cultural Coop

  AI is poised to significantly impact the UAE economy in the next five years, contributing an estimated $100 billion (AED 367 billion) to the country's GDP, according to Abdallah Abu Al Sheikh, Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim. Speaking at the inaugural Dubai AI & Web3 Festival, Abu Al Sheikh highlighted that by 2030, AI is expected to contribute up to 14 percent of the UAE’s GDP. He also noted that the country's AI sector is on the cusp of major expansion, with projections suggesting that the market could grow to $50 billion by 2031. AI is already transforming industries such as healthcare, finance, and government by enhancing operational efficiency and enabling personalized services. The UAE’s strategic position as a global technology and innovation hub, supported by strong leadership and significant investments in digital infrastructure, has positioned it as a key player in the AI economy. Initiatives like the National Innovation Strategy and the Dubai Smart City

  In its September 2024 Monthly Oil Market Report, OPEC highlighted the strong performance of the UAE's non-oil sectors , suggesting the country's economic diversification strategies are paying off. According to the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, the city welcomed 10.62 million international visitors from January to July, an 8% rise compared to the same period last year. Visitor numbers included 1.77 million in January, 1.9 million in February, 1.51 million in March, and between 1.19 million to 1.5 million in the following months. Dubai seems poised to break last year's record of 15.37 million visitors, with its tourism strategies driving growth. The city's vibrant culinary and cultural scenes, along with its diverse population, continue to attract global travelers, while locals maintain their traditions. OPEC’s report also noted that the UAE is enhancing its appeal to foreign investors and skilled professionals by lowering business setup costs, reforming v

  The 6th Arab Water Forum, hosted by the Arab Water Council and dmg events, will take place from September 16th to 18th at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Organized in collaboration with the League of Arab States, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the triennial event has become a key platform for building partnerships and advancing collaborative efforts toward a water-resilient future. This year’s edition will include an international exhibition and more than 17 technical sessions, featuring keynotes, panels, and case studies that focus on policies, strategies, and solutions to enhance water security in the Arab region.  Prominent speakers include Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, President of the Arab Water Council; Hani Sewilam, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation; Aun Dheyab Abdulla, Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources; and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.  Prof. M

  On Tuesday, HH Shaikha Mahra, Princess of Dubai, unveiled a new perfume line named "Divorce" under her brand, Mahra M1. This announcement follows her public divorce from Sheikh Mana, an Emirati businessman, which she shared on Instagram on July 16. Shaikha Mahra, the 30-year-old daughter of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, posted a teaser for the fragrance on Instagram last Monday. The video featured striking imagery, including broken glass, black petals, and a black panther. Her decision to publicly divorce her husband using the triple talaq style via social media drew significant global attention. The couple had recently welcomed their first child just months before the split. The new fragrance line is one of many business ventures pursued by Shaikha Mahra, who is one of 26 children of HH Sheikh Mohammed, whose net worth is estimated between $14-18 billion. Shaikha Mahra is the daughter of Zoe Grigorakos from

  His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed is making his first official visit to India , accompanied by several UAE ministers and a business delegation. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening UAE-India bilateral relations. Upon his arrival on September 8, Sheikh Khaled was welcomed by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. His visit includes a comprehensive agenda, with discussions between Sheikh Khaled and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation. Additionally, Sheikh Khaled is scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may also be part of the dialogue, as reported by NDTV. On the second day, Sheikh Khaled is expected to participate in a business forum in Mumbai, attended by business leaders from both nations, further underscoring the growing trade and investment ties between the UAE and India. The UAE and India have a long-standing relationship, established in 1972, w

  In a letter published by *The Economist* on September 5, H.E. Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs of the UAE , emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Sudan to protect civilians. She highlighted the UAE's active role in the recent peace talks in Geneva, aimed at securing humanitarian access and ensuring the safety of all people, although none of the warring parties attended the U.S.-led negotiations. The Emirati minister underscored the UAE's contribution alongside the international community to end the conflict, intensify humanitarian efforts, and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese population. The Geneva talks, she noted, demonstrated global unity in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Nusseibeh pointed out that women remain the most affected in conflict zones, stressing the UAE's commitment to protecting all civilians from violence, including sexual violence. The UAE is also working to elevate and incorporate