Events/Conferences

Al Gharbia watersports festival kicks off in Mirfa next month

Final preparations are underway for the 5th Al Gharbia Watersports Festival that will take place in Mirfa, Al Gharbia, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The event is held under the distinguished patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative for the Western Region and is organized by the Western Region Development Council (WRDC).

Mohamed Hamad bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, Acting Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in the Western Region and the Director General of WRDC, said: “For the past few years the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival has attracted thousands of families and visitors to Al Gharbia. So for 2013 we have made sure there is something for everyone, meaning this year is going to be even bigger and better than anything we have ever organised before.” “Throughout the year we have been working closely our partners, local businesses, hotels, caterers and residents in Al Gharbia to promote the region as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country. As a result, we are now all set to welcome visitors from around the world to come and participate in the festival’s many activities,” he added.

Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, the Festival Manager, said that plans are being put in place to welcome the thousands of competitors and visitors expected to attend the watersports festival this year. “Along with the plans we have developed for the Festival, there will be a lot of exciting programs for families, where they will have the opportunity to engage in a whole host of fun activities open to the public, including new activities and our professional trainers on hand offering free coaching sessions during the week.” The Al Gharbia Watersports Festival is a 10-day extravaganza filled with wonder, water and world-class athletes. From kiteboards and surf ski kayaks in the waves to chilled-out camping and a DJ playing on shore, along with many other activities and surprises. Besides the sporting competitions that include wakeboarding, beach volleyball and beach football, the festival will also offer a night camp activities with festive food stations as well as a traditional ‘souk’ to satisfy eager shoppers.

Sheikh Sultan highlights the necessity to have a new theatrical movement

Sharjah, Nov 29th, 2010 — H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, addressed a speech to the dramatists all over the world in which he emphasized the necessity to have a new theatrical movement at a time when the call for cooperation and brotherhood began to recede.

In a speech to “Arab Theatre” magazine, Sheikh Sultan expressed his thanks and appreciation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization “UNESCO” in recognition of its great work in the educational, scientific and cultural fields allover the world.

He also expressed his thanks to the International Theatre Institute in recognition of its important role as a channel of communication between Western dramatists and Third World countries.

His Highness also asserted that promotion of theatre in the third world countries will not be achieved by seminars and brochures only but also by taking practical steps in this regard.

SCTDA to showcase Sharjah’s tourist attractions at ITB Asia

Sharjah, Oct. 17th, 2010 — Mohamed A. Al Noman, Director General of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in Sharjah, has reiterated the importance of increasing the number of tourists coming to the emirate from Asian markets.

This came shortly before the departure of a delegation from the Emirate of Sharjah to the International Tourism Bourse Asia (ITB Asia), which will be held at the Sontec Conference and Exhibition Centre in Singapore from 20 to 22 October.

Al Noman pointed out that the Authority is currently working on expanding in this market and are looking to enhance its level of presence by participating in annual exhibitions and special tourism bourses in order to raise the rate of flow of tourists to Sharjah.

The Authority’s participation in ITB Asia comes as part of its strategy and ongoing efforts to promote Sharjah’s tourism attractions and investment opportunities, as well as to boost the emirate’s position on the global tourism map, while confirming the success it has already achieved.

Speaking of the importance of the Asian market, Al Noman said: “In addition to our focus on the GCC and European markets during the past few years, we seek to take advantage of the Asian market by focusing on heritage, cultural and family tourism, eco tourism and elite tourism, as well as conferences. Our aim is to target Asian tourism markets such as China, Singapore and Hong Kong in this framework. The fact is that this market is one of the most promising markets to supply the region with tourists, and it will undoubtedly increase the percentage of tourism contribution to the GDP of the Emirate of Sharjah.” On Sharjah’s participation he said: “In line with its strategy, the SCTDA usually puts a series of activities and events on its annual agenda with the aim of highlighting and promoting Sharjah’s uniquely diverse tourism offerings, including heritage, cultural, entertainment and family attractions, in order to increase the flow of tourists to the emirate. Our participation in ITB Asia comes specifically as the flow of Asian tourists to the emirate is ever-increasing. In fact, Asian tourists accounted for 20 percent of the emirate’s total visitors up to the end of August this year.

“The SCTDA aims, through its participation in Asia’s leading tourism exhibition, to introduce Sharjah as a destination of choice and to further boost its position on the world tourism map. Our aim is also to promote the upcoming activities and major events that are planned for the rest of this year and the first quarter of 2011, namely the Sharjah Water Festival, the Sharjah Lights Festival and the Sharjah Grand Prix 2010 – the F1 Powerboat World Championships. There is generally great global interest in these unique festivals and events, which attract a large number of spectators and visitors from various cultural backgrounds”, he added.

Organized and led by the Authority, Sharjah’s delegation to ITB Asia includes representatives from various bodies and organizations within the emirate, including Sharjah International Airport Authority, Coral Beach Resort, Corniche Al Buhaira Hotel and Golden Tulip Hotel.

2nd Global Aviation Safety Conference for Humanitarian Air Activities will be held in October

Sharjah, August 24th, 2010 — In order to take a closer look and improve on already existing and globally accepted aviation safety standards, and identify aviation safety concerns, the World Food Programme (WFP), through its Sharjah-based Aviation Safety Unit, is organizing the 2nd Global Aviation Safety Conference (GASC) for Humanitarian Air Activities on October 11-12, 2010, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Sharjah.

With air transport being the fastest way to deliver humanitarian assistance during emergencies caused either by man-made or natural disasters, aviation safety is extremely important in order to avoid any accidents that may add further stress to what may already be considered as volatile situations. More importantly, proper adherence and implementation of aviation safety standards and procedures is an integral component that allows for the speedy and efficient delivery of food and aid which is critical in saving lives, says a press release.

Sponsored by the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) of Sharjah and held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Civil Aviation – Sharjah International Airport, the main goals of the conference are to help improve life-saving capabilities by ensuring safe air transportation; to provide a common platform of discussion between WFP and all other global and state aviation authorities as well as air operators engaged in humanitarian air operation; to coordinate and guide safety initiatives in order to reduce risk for humanitarian air operators and humanitarian aviation; and to encourage industry and government cooperation on common safety objectives.

Supported by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE, the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the US Department of Transportation and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), key organizations and individuals participating in the conference include Civil Aviation Authorities from countries in Africa, Asia, USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East and GCC; international humanitarian governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations such as ECHO, Red Cross (ICRC), MSF, MAF, and ASF; the United Nations WFP and other UN Agencies; passenger and air cargo operators and brokers; and local and regional airlines and airport authorities.

“Aviation safety is a very important issue around the world,” said Abdul Wahab Al Roomi, Director General – Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Sharjah. “As a civil aviation body, aviation safety is amongst out top priorities here at Sharjah International Airport. In fact, as a top priority, we have made a significant amount investment from our overall budget and even brought in international consultants in order to become the first airport in the UAE to have a GCAA approved Safety Management System. Such an approval was given to us only after a series of strict audit procedures by the GCAA.

“Furthermore, the Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation is committed to developing, implementing and improving appropriate strategies, management systems and processes to ensure that all our aviation activities uphold the highest level of safety performance that is required in accordance with national and international standards.

“Together with WFP’s Aviation Safety Unit which we already consider to be a part of our family here in Sharjah, we recognize the need to further enhance existing safety procedures, raise safety techniques across all facets of air operations and offer safety management workshops for both government and commercial aviation personnel.

“It is for this reason that, apart from giving our all out support to the World Food Programme’s operational needs, we have given our full support to this conference based on shared objectives and goals of further promoting aviation safety, not just in Sharjah, but in the entire global aviation industry,” Al Roomi added.

Describing the main functions of WFP’s Aviation Safety Unit, Capt. Samir Sajet, WFP’s Regional Aviation Safety Officer for Asia and the Middle East Region pointed out that among the unit’s main task is to improve the safety culture in the region by organizing international aviation safety seminars, conferences, and workshops as well as training.

“WFP Aviation provides air services on behalf of all the other United Nations agencies. We move humanitarian staff and relief items on behalf of agencies like UNICEF, UNESCO, WHO, UNHCR, and our operations are mainly in Africa, Asia and in South America,” Sajet said.

“As we implement the World Food Programme’s primary mandate to combat global hunger, the WFP Aviation’s headquarters in Rome is assisted by offices in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Sharjah that are dedicated to the issue of aviation safety. Because we are working in difficult environments and remote areas, we have additional safety requirements that are above international requirements.

“As such, apart from conducting safety monitoring and control of our operations, organizing conferences such as the 2nd Global Aviation Safety Conference is a crucial part of our job in order to boost aviation safety and identify main safety concerns in specific areas and how we can share such information in order to mitigate existing risks.

“We carry out such conferences in close coordination with local and international aviation authorities and other aviation-related service providers, and we are confident that the results of the discussions would greatly boost aviation safety. This would in turn enable the speedy, efficient and successful delivery humanitarian aid, as well as ensure better safety standards and procedures for the benefit of the general aviation industry,” Sajet added.

Speaker FNC to participate in 3rd World Conference of Speakers of Parliament

Abu Dhabi, July 15th, 2010– HE Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Speaker of the Federal National Council,(FNC) will head a delegation to the 3rd World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, which will commence on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.

More than 150 speakers of the parliaments will participate in the three days conference with its general debate on “Parliaments in a world of crisis: securing global democratic accountability for the common good”.

The agenda of the conference which will also be attended by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), includes reviewing and discussing a number of reports on strengthening the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and its relationship with the United Nations, building global standards for democratic parliaments, meeting the Millennium Development Goals.

A report on the Sixth Meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament will also feature in the meeting besides reports from the panel discussions and presentation and adoption of the Final Declaration.

The heads of Arab parliaments, members of the Arab Parliamentary Union will hold a coordination meeting before the third meeting of Speakers of world Parliaments.

HIMSS Announces 2010 Conferences in Gulf Region

Dubai, June 27th, 2010 – UAE will host three impactful events in one venue gathering the best minds in Healthcare IT Leadership, Management, and Insurance in the Middle East.
The 2010 HIMSS Middle East Health IT Leadership Summit, HIT Management Conference and Health Insurers Innovation Forum, are scheduled for 8-10 November 2010. This is the third edition of events sponsored by HIMSS in the region. This event will showcase the latest advancements and trends in Healthcare IT and Insurance Innovation.
“We look forward to returning to the Middle East region in 2010 to continue our collaborative efforts with health IT leaders in the region,” said H. Stephen Lieber, CAE, HIMSS President/CEO. ” The rapid growth in healthcare services in the region demands the educational and networking opportunities that HIMSS provides.” The Dubai Health Authority will also showcase its progress in digitizing the delivery of patient care to increase quality and decrease cost with an educational focus on global best practices in health information technology. “Dubai is one of the leading cities around the region, is seeking to simultaneously build large healthcare delivery systems along with high-quality healthcare delivery,” said Mubaraka Mubarak Ibrahim, Information Technology Director at the Dubai Health Authority.
She explained that the 2010 HIMSS Leadership Summit and Middle East Conference would build on the knowledge gained from the previous HIMSS Middle East conferences and global best practices. “The region needs ongoing and quality education to advance its adoption of the EMR. Combining these events will create a powerful mix of decision makers, implementers and innovators joining together cooperatively in a intimate setting.” The HIMSS Middle East Health IT Leadership Summit is a gathering of the CEOs, Hospital IT directors and governmental leaders of healthcare organizations throughout the region. The HIMSS Health IT Management Conference brings global best practices to the users and implementers of technology.
The Health Insurers Innovation Forum is a collaboration with MedicaIQ and will showcase the greatest innovations in the global health insurance industry, and tools for consumer driven healthcare and medicine. It will also provide a first ever look at the health insurance industry through the lens of the Healthcare technologist and leading global innovators. Current trends and much more will be discussed from the Gulf healthcare perspective

OPEC to hold Anniversary quiz for Member Countries

Vienna, 17th June 2010 — Young national representatives from Member Countries will be tested on their knowledge of OPEC and the international oil industry at a quiz competition to be held at the Organization’s new Headquarters at the end of June.

The event, to be hosted on 30 June 2010 by OPEC Secretary General, Abdalla Salem El-Badri, forms part of the Organization’s 50th Anniversary celebrations and will be broadcast live on the OPEC website. It will see students between the ages of 15 and 18 competing against one another for three top prizes.

The contestants, one each from Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela will travel to the Austrian capital after successfully competing in and winning their Country’s qualifying competitions.

At the grand final, competitors will be tested over three rounds. The first will be on OPEC, while the second will carry questions on Member Countries. The top four from these rounds will then compete in the final round, which will be on the international oil industry in general.

The quiz is just one of many activities being held this year to mark the year-long OPEC’s Golden Jubilee celebration. The Organization was founded in Baghdad, Iraq, in September 1960, by an initial five Founding Members.

Sharjah awarded “Best Arab World Exhibitor” at the ITB 2010

Berlin, 14th March 2010 (WAM) — The emirate of Sharjah was awarded the Best Arab World Exhibitor Award amidst heavy competition at the International Tourism Bourse in Berlin, Germany. The award is granted based on an evaluation by the Business School at the University of Cologne of the 11,000 participating stands concerning design, creativity, promotional materials and information provided to ITB visitors. The Sharjah stand complied with all the requirements, seeing more than 25,000 visitors flocking to its stand during the exhibition.

The awards ceremony was attended by President of the German Tourism Association, Klaus Lapple, Lord Mayor of Berlin, Fritz Schramma, Prof. Dr. Aad Van Mourik, Dean of the Cologne Business School and ITB Coordinator Peter Wolfgang Klose, who witnessed Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), receiving the award. H.E. Mohammed A. Al Noman, SCTDA Director General, and members of the Sharjah delegation were also in attendance.

Commenting on Sharjah’s accomplishment at the ITB, Al Qassimi stated that the award – the fourth consecutive award for Sharjah at ITB – reflects the hard work put in by the SCTDA to promote Sharjah by painting a bright picture of the emirate at various international events.

Added Al Qassimi: “The international award gained today, which will be added to the vast list of accomplishments of the SCTDA, adds more responsibility and commitment towards supporting Sharjah’s status on the international tourism map, which we are keen to maintain under the support and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

“The International Tourism Bourse is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished travel and tourism events in the world, and Sharjah, through 13 years of participation, was again able to achieve successful participation at this international event by winning the Best Arab World Exhibitor Award for the fourth consecutive time, which I’m sure will be a driving inspiration for further achievements in the future.” He added: “As in previous years, the SCTDA stand was beautifully designed to reflect the emirate’s tourism, cultural and historical identity over an area of 303 sq. meters, with accurate publications in both English and German distributed to ITB visitors. A major part of the stand was specified to present and promote Sharjah’s cultural features, and included activities such as Emirati folklore shows, Henna drawing and genuine Arab hospitality.” Spearheaded by Al Qassimi, the delegation representing Sharjah at the International Tourism Bourse included members from 16 establishments from both the government and private sectors.

The SCTDA’s participation in the exhibition is in line with Sharjah’s strategies to promote tourism around the world, to put Sharjah at the lead in terms of the global tourism scene, and to promote the tourism sector in the emirate, which attracts more and more tourists each year due to its distinguished tourism aspects.

The international Tourism Bourse is one the biggest exhibitions concerned with the tourism industry, gathering a host of tourism experts from all over the world, with more than 10000 participants each year. This year’s ITB edition covered an area of over 160,000 sq. meters, with 12,000 participants from around the world.

42 Million date palms planted in UAE to change the color of the desert landscape

Al Ain, 3 March 2010 Under the towering leadership of H.H. The President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, there have been continued efforts to increase UAE dates productivity in order to make better use of the date palm industry and to produce an agricultural leap that has changed the face of the UAE desert. This will be point of special attention at the Fourth International Date Palm Conference which will illustrate the special attention and priority given by His Highness to this important economic sector.

The International Date Palm Conference is the fourth one in a series of international conferences organized by UAE during the last 11 years. The previous conferences were held in March 08 -10, 1998, & March 25 – 27, 2001, and 19 – 21 February 2006.

Date palm scientists, experts, and senior official! s from around the world will be able to exchange their know-how and experiences. The Honorable Ministers of Agriculture of the GCC member states will be invited to attend the conference in order to disseminate the up-to-date knowledge and recommendations at the official level.

Nearly 300 participants from 40 countries and several international organizations have already confirmed their participation to the Fourth International Date Palm Conference. Interesting abstracts are being submitted by participants from the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, K.S.A, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Spain, Sudan, Syria,, Tunisia, Turkey, U.A.E, U.K, U.S.A and Yemen.

The objective of the conference is to provide an opportunity for updating scientific information on different aspects of the date palm production chain from farm to consumers. It is also a forum to compare the recent experiences in the United Arab Emirates with those of other date growing countries. Above all it is to foster international technical cooperation on different aspects of date palm production chain.

The theme of the conference is to explore new dimensions and challenges for sustainable date palm production under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of UAE.

The conference will be in the international limelight due to the renowned speakers who will be attending the conference from all over the world. Besides there will also be senior officials from different date growing countries. A wide range of scientific subjects related to all aspects of date palm production will be presented. What makes this event much awaited event in haloed circles is: the scientific input from many countries of the world; innovative approach to scientific sessions; informational exhibition; and tours to the various sites of technical or tourist interest around United Arab Emirates.

The Conference has been slated to start from 15th of March at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi. The main subjects that will come under debate will be as follows: Current Status of Date Palm Cultivation in the World; UAE date palm cultivation experience; Impacts of date culture on the environment and desertification control; Date Palm Research and Development; Molecular and genetic engineering; Germplasm and propagation; Improved date palm cultural practices; Date palm protection – focus will be on the most important diseases, pests and major diseases of date palm; and physiological disorders.

With a view of enhancing the production and proliferation of date palm research in the UAE and rewarding those individuals and institutions that have contributed substantially to it – The Khalifa International Date Palm Award was set up.

The Award mission is to encourage people involved in cultivation of date palms: researchers, growers, exporters, whether individuals or institutions, and to honor figures engaged in the date palm industry at the local, regional and international levels.

The conference and the award are some of the radical steps that the government has undertaken to make UAE’s landscape abundant in more ways than one by bringing the desert soil alive with the ever-increasing date palm development. Earning a Guinness Book Award for planting the most number of date palms was no surprise last year for UAE.

More Details about the 4th International Date Conference

Proposed Duration & Venue

Duration: Monday – Wednesday 15 – 17 March 2010.
Venue: The Conference will be held in Abu Dhabi City.

Content

• Current Status of Date Palm Cultivation in the World,
• Molecular and genetic engineering,
• Germplasm,
• Propagation,
• Cultural Practices,
• Pests and Diseases Management,
• Post Harvest and Processing Technologies,
• Nutrition and Health
• Economics and Marketing,
• N.B: Several round tables and brainstorming meetings will be organized.
VII. Who Should Attend

The Fourth International Date Palm Conference is open to all people interested in date palm industries. The conference provides a forum for updating on current issue importance to this industry as well as information on new products and services. Participants will be from the public and private sectors who deal with the aspects of the date palm from producer through consumers.

Examples of the participants are:
• Date Palm Growers
• Executive Management of Grower Organizations
• Market Managers and International Traders
• Scientists of all aspects of Dates and Date Palm Cultivation
• Government Agencies and Departments
• Specialized Research and Development Centers
• Processors and Agro-industrialists
• Suppliers of Packages, Transport Operators, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Planting Material, Farm Equipment and Requisites
• Nutrition and Health Specialists
• Biotechnologists, Regulators and Consumers.

Booths

The following booths will be organized during the Conference:

1. Date Palm photo gallery with pictures and photos of the organized International competition.
2. Date Products and by-products.
3. Date Palm Extension Program illustrating modern cultural practices.
4. Control of the Red Palm Weevil.
5. Date palm research program in various fields.
6. National handicrafts made from date palm leaves and other by-products.
7. Modern Agricultural Machinery dealing with Date Palm Cultivation.
8. Date Palm Tissue Culture Propagation.
9. Date Palms and Food Security.

Conference Committees

High Committee

Dr. Abdulla Al-Khanbashi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, Conference’ Chair.
Prof. Ghaleb Ali Alhadrami, Dean College of Food and Agriculture (UAEU). Chair Scientific Committee.
Prof. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Chief Technical Advisor, Director, UNDP-UAE University, Chair, Organizing Committee.

Scientific Committee

Prof. Ghaleb Ali Alhadrami, Dean, CFA, UAEU, Chair.
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Muhsen Salem, CFA, UAEU.
Prof. Mahmoud Abdulrahman Alafifi, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Mohamed Gheblawi, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Wissam Ibrahim, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Ibrahim Omer Mohamed, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Shyam S. Kurup, CFA, UAEU.
Prof. H. Hughes, Colorado State University, USA.
Dr. E. Blumwald, University of California Davis, USA.
Dr. E. Arias, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Italy.

Organizing Committee

Prof. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Director, DPRDU-UAEU, Chair.
Eng. Mouza Nasser Al Shamisi, DPRDU-UAEU.
Dr. Salih Abdu Al Sharaby, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Ibrahim E.H. Belal, CFA, UAEU.
Dr. Abdel Wahed Husni Al-Amouri, CFA, UAEU.
Eng. Ali Mohamed Ali Antali, CFA, UAEU.
Eng. Galaleldin A. Ibnaouf, CFA, UAEU.
Eng. Aisha Al Jabri, CFA, UAEU.
Mr. Fadil Mohamed Al Amri, Director, Community Relations Dept., UAEU.
Mr. Salem Al Kaabi – Director, General Service Department, UAEU.
Mr. Mohamed Dissawi, Office of the Finance Auditor, UAEU.
Mr. Jihad K. Jihad – Printing Department, UAEU.
Mr. Mamdouh Haikal – Centre for Educational Technology (CET), UAEU.
Mr. Faraj Kotb Faraj – Centre for Educational Technology (CET), UAEU.
Mr. Moamar Abdel Ilah, Purchasing Dept., UAEU.
Mr. Yaqoob Yousuf, Community Relations Dept., UAEU.
Mr. Ali Mohamed Fadil, Community Relations Dept., UAEU.

Language of the Conference

Arabic and English.

Post Conference Tours

• The Emirates Date Factory – Al Saad
• Al Ain Date Oasis
• UAE University and Date Palm Tissue Culture Laboratory
• Other important sites and historic places.
The participation in these post conference tours will be on a voluntary basis and will take a full day (Thursday 18 March, 2010).

Conference Sponsors

United Arab Emirates
UAE University
Khalifa International Date Palm Award
Arab Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
Date Palm Friends Society
Date Palm Global Network
Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
United Nations Development Program
and other Organizations to be announced.

More details can be had from the following contact details.

Mr. Abdul Rasheed (Tel: +971 50 583 83 76 (mobile), +971 3 783 23 34 (Ext. 207) (office), Fax: +971 3 783 24 72, E-mail: rasheed.e@uaeu.ac.ae

Sharjah Museums Department celebrates Arabic Language Day

Sharjah, 21st Feb. 2010 In line with USESCO’s International Mother Language day Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) celebrated the Arabic Language Day on Feb. 21 .The move was to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The initiative is part of SMD’s commitment to highlight the importance of the Arabic language in the community, and to maintain national heritage, history and identity.

In celebration of the Arabic Language Day, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum hosted artist Khalifa Al Sheimi who gave a lecture on the types of calligraphy and tools used. The museum also organized an exhibition called “Calligraphy as an art” where tools used in calligraphy were on display. Al Eslah School Museum also displayed some of the writing tools used in the past in the United Arab Emirates.

“Celebrating the Arabic Language Day confirms our commitment to respect and further promote our mother tongue, which is a symbol of national identity and belonging. The Arabic language with its distinguished linguistics holds the strength to promote nation-building and strengthening cultural ties,” said Manal Ataya, Director General, SMD. “Arabic is also the language of the Holy Qu’ran, the basis of our unity, and the mirror of our present and future,” she added.

“Calligraphy is part of the Arabic language. If language is the link between civilizations, calligraphy documented it and passed it down over the generations. It also paved the way for fair competition among artists to excel in their work as can be witnessed at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum,” said Buthaina Al Rasasi, Curator, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum.

Al Eslah School Museum was established in 1935 as the first formal educational institute to be opened in Sharjah. The mission of the Al Eslah School Museum is to enable the generations of the past and of the present to meet and to maintain Emirati customs and traditions regarding the Arabic language, religion and Islamic education.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, the only museum in the Arab world devoted entirely to calligraphy, aims to instill the art of calligraphy in the people and visitors of Sharjah and to set new standards both locally and internationally.

Created by local artists and well-known international calligraphers, significant works of art from the Arab world demonstrate the complexity of this vibrant art form and its historical and Islamic foundations. Arabic calligraphy seen on canvas, wood, paper and ceramics will inspire visitors with its positive and living energy.

The Sharjah Museums Department, established in 2006 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, aims to promote the emirate’s rich legacy of arts, heritage and culture.

Dubai Media City Hosts Registered Freelance Professionals at MMS

WAM Dubai, 4th Nov. 2009  Dubai Media City (DMC), a member of TECOM Investments, has said that it is promoting freelancers and companies affiliated to the Media Business Centre to successfully showcase their services at the Media and Marketing Show (MMS) 2009, the Middle East’s premier industry-focused show for media and marketing industry.

Through their presence at the DMC stand, the freelance professionals and companies are receiving an opportunity to network with regional players and prospective clients at the MMS exhibition whic opened on 3 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and will remain open till 5th November 2009.

Dubai Media City is providing the service at no extra cost to the freelancers, and the offering will be a regular feature at the annual event.

Mohammad Abdullah, Executive Director of Dubai Media City, said: “The Media and Marketing Show 2009 offers the industry valuable opportunities to showcase its products and services, explore new partnerships, and expand businesses. The event is also a great opportunity for freelancers and companies to enhance visibility and build new links with the region’s expanding media industry.

“Dubai Media City seeks to facilitate excellence in the industry that witnesses the collective synergy of every kind of media business. We are delighted to support the event and welcome all initiatives that strive to raise media excellence.” The Media Business Centre, set up to promote talent and entrepreneurship in the region, continues to remain a key offering at Dubai Media City. The centre offers fully furnished and serviced business units that are ideal for professionals and start-up companies looking to operate out of Dubai.

Dubai Media City is the official patron of the Media and Marketing Show 2009, the region’s premier forum that showcases latest industry initiatives, trends and technologies in advertising, broadcasting, entertainment, events, marketing, new media, outdoor advertising and publishing in the Middle East.

Official emblem of the National Day celebrations approved

Dubai, Oct 31st, 2009: The Higher Committee for the UAE’s National Day celebrations headed by HE Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Oweis, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development has approved the official emblem of the celebrations for 2009 and decided to circulate it as the symbol for all formal events across various emirates.

The Committee also affirmed the launch of the celebrations dedicated website and a call center by mid-November.

Al Oweis said that the choice of the logo for the 38th National Day celebrations was approved by consensus of the Higher Committee members and was chosen as the most expressive one from a group of five different entries.

The minister, who is also the chairman of the Higher Committee, said that the logo would be circulated to sub-committees to be adopted as the symbol of the events and official ceremonies.

He added that the logo is the true expression of the bond of love and patriotism cherished in the hearts of all citizens towards every part of their motherland. Among them are the people who lived the days of the formation of the UAE as well as the young generation who witnessed the renaissance.

The minister hailed the position the country has achieved under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of Emirates.

12 elements of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding UNESCO

ABU DHABI, Oct. 1st, 2009: 12 elements of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding in eight countries were identified by UNESCO’s Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage during its current 4th session in Abu Dhabi.

3 elements were nominated by China alone. These are Qiang New Year festival, Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges and Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering. China yesterday had 22 nominations approved for UNESCO’s other Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 13 additions to the same list came from Japan. These were among a total of 76 cultural treasures given protection status by UNESCO on Wednesday.

The inscription of the said cultural practices in need of urgent safeguarding in Belarus, China, France, Kenya, Latvia, Mali, Mongolia and Viet Nam, which were examined by independent experts, inaugurate UNESCO’s List of Intangible Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

The Committee, which was chaired by UAE’s Awadh Ali Saleh Al Musabi, considered that the viability of these cultural elements is endangered, despite the efforts of the communities or groups concerned. Following the inscription, States concerned will implement specific safeguarding plans, as indicated in their nomination files. Intangible cultural elements in need of urgent safeguarding will be eligible for financial assistance from the Fund established to this end.

Following is a detailed list of the 12 newly inscribed elements: Belarus / Rite of the Kalyady Tsars (Christmas Tsars) The Kalyady Tsars (Christmas Tsars) is a ritual and festive event celebrated in the village of Semezhava in the Minsk region of Belarus. Typical Belarusian New Year celebrations take place according to the old’ Julian style calendar and are combined with distinctive local performing arts. About 500 men participate annually in the event, of which seven are chosen to play the roles of �Kalyady Tsars’ in the national historical-religious drama �Tsar Maximilian’. Additional comic characters of the dzed (old man) and baba (old lady), played by a young girl and boy respectively, interact with the audience. During the drama, �tsars’ visit the local houses of unmarried girls to give comic performances and receive good wishes and awards. The procession continues into the night, lit by torchlight. The incorporation of dramatic allusions to aspects of modern life as well as to ethnic communities, groups and individuals has established the drama as a vivid example of cultural diversity. At present, the ceremony, although popular with older residents, is diminishing in popularity with the younger generation. This may result in a gap in transmission of knowledge regarding the production of costumes, instruments, interior decorations and particular dishes associated with the event – intangible heritage that may not outlast the present generation of residents.

China / Qiang New Year festival The Qiang New Year Festival, held on the first day of the tenth lunar month, is an occasion for the Qiang people of China’s Sichuan Province to offer thanks and worship to heaven for prosperity, reaffirm their harmonious and respectful relationship with nature, and promote social and family harmony. The solemn ritual sacrifice of a goat to the mountain is performed by villagers clad in their finest ceremonial dress, under the careful direction of a shibi (priest). This is followed by the communal sheepskin-drum and salang dances, led by the shibi. The ensuing festivities combine merrymaking with the chanting of traditional Qiang epics by the shibi, singing and the drinking of wine. At the end of the day the heads of families preside over family worship during which sacrifices and offerings are made. Through the festival, Qiang traditions distilling history and cultural information are renewed and diffused, and social behaviours are reinforced, the community expressing respect and worship towards all creatures, the motherland and their ancestors. Participation in the festival has declined in recent years due to migration, declining interest in Qiang heritage among the young and the impact of outside cultures, but the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake that destroyed many of the Qiang villages and devastated the region put the New Year festival at grave risk.

China / Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges Wooden arch bridges are found in Fujian Province and Zhejiang Province, along China’s south-east coast. The traditional design and practices for building these bridges combine the use of wood, traditional architectural tools, craftsmanship, the core technologies of �beam-weaving’ and mortise and tenon joints, and an experienced woodworker’s understanding of different environments and the necessary structural mechanics. The carpentry is directed by a woodworking master and implemented by other woodworkers.

The craftsmanship is passed on orally and through personal demonstration, or from one generation to another by masters teaching apprentices or relatives within a clan, in accordance with strict procedures. These clans play an irreplaceable role in building, maintaining and protecting the bridges. As carriers of traditional craftsmanship the arch bridges function as both communication tools and venues.

They are important gathering places for local residents to exchange information, entertain, worship and deepen relationships and cultural identity. The cultural space created by traditional Chinese arch bridges has provided an environment for encouraging communication, understanding and respect among human beings. The tradition has declined however in recent years due to rapid urbanization, scarcity of timber and lack of available construction space, all of which combine to threaten its transmission and survival.

China / Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering The traditional Li textile techniques of spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering are employed by women of the Li ethnic group of Hainan Province, China, to make cotton, hemp and other fibres into clothing and other daily necessities. The techniques involved, including warp ikat, double-face embroidery, and single-face jacquard weaving, are passed down from mothers to daughters from early childhood through verbal instruction and personal demonstration. Li women design the textile patterns using only their imagination and knowledge of traditional styles. In the absence of a written language, these patterns record the history and legends of Li culture as well as aspects of worship, taboos, beliefs, traditions and folkways. The patterns also distinguish the five major spoken dialects of Hainan Island. The textiles form an indispensable part of important social and cultural occasions such as religious rituals and festivals, and in particular weddings, for which Li women design their own dresses. As carriers of Li culture, traditional Li textile techniques are an indispensable part of the cultural heritage of the Li ethnic group. However, in recent decades the numbers of women with the weaving and embroidery skills at their command has severely declined to the extent that traditional Li textile techniques are exposed to the risk of extinction and are in urgent need of protection.

France / The Cantu in paghjella: a secular and liturgical oral tradition of Corsica The paghjella is a male Corsican singing tradition. It combines three vocal registers that always enter the song in the same order: segonda, which begins, give the pitch and carries the main melody; bassu, which follows, accompanies and supports it, and finally terza, the highest placed, which enriches the song. Paghjella makes substantial use of echo and is sung a capella in a variety of languages including Corsican, Sardinian, Latin and Greek. As both a secular and liturgical oral tradition, it is performed on festive, social and religious occasions: in the bar or village square, as part of liturgical masses and processions and during agricultural fairs. The principle mode of transmission is oral, largely through observation and listening, imitation and immersion, commencing first as part of young boys’ daily liturgical offices and then later at adolescence through the local Church choir. Despite the efforts of its practitioners to revitalize its repertoires, Cantu in paghjella has gradually diminished in vitality, due a sharp decline in intergenerational transmission caused by emigration of the younger generation and the consequent impoverishment of its repertoire. Unless action is taken, Cantu in paghjella will cease to exist in its current form, surviving only as a tourist product devoid of the community links that give it real meaning.

Kenya / Traditions and practices associated to the Kayas in the sacred forests of the Mijikenda The Mijikenda include nine Bantu-speaking ethnic groups in the Kaya forests of coastal Kenya. The identity of the Mijikenda is expressed through oral traditions and performing arts related to the sacred forests, which are also sources of valuable medicinal plants. These traditions and practices constitute their codes of ethics and governance systems, and include prayers, oath-taking, burial rites and charms, naming of the newly born, initiations, reconciliations, marriages and coronations. Kayas are fortified settlements whose cultural spaces are indispensable for the enactment of living traditions that underscore the identity, continuity and cohesion of the Mijikenda communities. The use of natural resources within the Kayas is regulated by traditional knowledge and practices that have contributed to the conservation of their biodiversity. The Kambi (Councils of Elders) acts as the custodians of these Kayas and the related cultural expressions. Today, Mijikenda communities are gradually abandoning the Kayas in favour of informal urban settlements. Due to pressure on land resources, urbanization and social transformations, the traditions and cultural practices associated to the Kaya settlements are fast diminishing, posing great danger to the social fabric and cohesiveness of the Mijikenda communities who venerate and celebrate them as their identity and symbol of continuity.

Latvia / Suiti cultural space The Suiti are a small Catholic community in the Protestant (Lutheran) western part of Latvia. The Suiti cultural space is characterized by a number of distinct features, including vocal drone singing performed by Suiti women, wedding traditions, colourful traditional costumes, the Suiti language, local cuisine, religious traditions, celebrations of the annual cycle, and a remarkable number of folk songs, dances and melodies recorded in this community. Older forms of extended family structures are still common here, and such families, where the transfer of skills from generation to generation takes place, are important bastions of Suiti cultural heritage. The synthesis of pre-Christian traditions and religious rituals has created a unique blend of intangible cultural heritage in the Suiti community. The pillar of Suiti identity – the Catholic Church – successfully recovered following the Soviet period and as a result, the Suiti cultural space has experienced a gradual renaissance. However, today only a few, mostly old people, have a good knowledge of Suiti cultural heritage, and thus there is an urgent need to disseminate this knowledge and to involve more people in its preservation by recovering elements preserved only in written documents, film archives and museum depositaries.

Mali / The Sank mon: collective fishing rite of the Sank The Sank mon collective fishing rite takes place in San in the S gou region of Mali every second Thursday of the seventh lunar month to commemorate the founding of the town. The rite begins with the sacrifice of roosters, goats and offerings made by village residents to the water spirits of the Sank pond. The collective fishing then takes place over fifteen hours, using large and small mesh fishing nets. It is immediately followed by a masked dance on the public square featuring Buwa dancers from San and neighbouring villages who wear traditional costumes and hats decorated with cowry shells and feathers and perform specific choreography to the rhythms of a variety of drums. Traditionally, the Sank mon rite marks the beginning of the rainy season. It is also an expression of local culture through arts and crafts, knowledge and know-how in the fields of fisheries and water resources. It reinforces collective values of social cohesion, solidarity and peace among local communities. In recent years, the rite has seen a decrease in popularity that threatens its existence, contributory factors including ignorance of the event’s history and importance, a gradual decrease in attendance, occasional accidents during the event itself and the degradation of the Sank pond due to poor rainfall and the effects of urban development.

Mongolia / Mongol Biyelgee: Mongolian traditional folk dance The Mongol Biyelgee: Mongolian Traditional Folk Dance is performed by dancers from different ethnic groups in the Khovd and Uvs provinces of Mongolia. Regarded as the original forebear of Mongolian national dances, Biyelgee dances embody and originate from the nomadic way of life. Biyelgee dances are typically confined to the small space inside the ger (nomadic dwelling) and are performed while half sitting or cross-legged. Hand, shoulder and leg movements express aspects of Mongol lifestyle including household labour, customs and traditions, as well as spiritual characteristics tied to different ethnic groups. Biyelgee dancers wear clothing and accessories featuring colour combinations, artistic patterns, embroidery, knitting, quilting and leather techniques, and gold and silver jewellery specific to their ethnic group and community. The dances play a significant role in family and community events such as feasts, celebrations, weddings and labour-related practices, simultaneously expressing distinct ethnic identities and promoting family unity and mutual understanding among different Mongolian ethnic groups. Traditionally, Mongol Biyelgee is transmitted to younger generations through apprenticeships or home-tutoring within the family, clan or neighbourhood. Today, the majority of transmitters of Biyelgee dance are elderly, and their numbers are decreasing. The inherent diversity of Mongol Biyelgee is also under threat as there remain very few representatives of the distinct forms of Biyelgee from different ethnic groups.

Mongolia / Mongol Tuuli: Mongolian epic The Mongolian Tuuli is an oral tradition comprising heroic epics that run from hundreds to thousands of verses and combine benedictions, eulogies, spells, idiomatic phrases, fairy tales, myths and folk songs. They are regarded as a living encyclopaedia of Mongolian oral traditions and immortalize the heroic history of the Mongolian people. Epic singers are distinguished by their prodigious memory and performance skills, combining singing, vocal improvisation and musical composition coupled with theatrical elements. Epic lyrics are performed to musical accompaniment on instruments such as the morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) and tovshuur (lute). Epics are performed during many social and public events, including state affairs, weddings, a child’s first haircut, the naadam – a wrestling, archery and horseracing festival – and the worship of sacred sites. Epics evolved over many centuries, and reflect nomadic lifestyles, social behaviours, religion, mentalities and imagination. Performing artists cultivate epic traditions from generation to generation, learning, performing and transmitting techniques within kinship circles, from fathers to sons. Through the epics, Mongolians transmit their historical knowledge and values to younger generations, strengthening awareness of national identity, pride and unity. Today, the number of epic trainers and learners is decreasing. With the gradual disappearance of the Mongol epic, the system of transmitting historic and cultural knowledge is degrading.

Mongolia / Traditional music of the Tsuur Tsuur music is based on a combination of instrumental and vocal performance – a blending of sounds created simultaneously by both the musical instrument and the human throat. Tsuur music has an inseparable connection to the Uriankhai Mongolians of the Altai Region, and remains an integral part of their daily life. Its origins lie in an ancient practice of worshipping nature and its guardian spirits by emulating natural sounds. The Tsuur is a vertical pipe-shaped wooden wind instrument with three finger holes. Simultaneously touching the mouthpiece of the pipe with one’s front teeth and applying one’s throat produces a unique timbre comprising a clear and gentle whistling sound and a drone. The Tsuur is traditionally played to ensure success for hunts, for benign weather, as a benediction for safe journeys or for weddings and other festivities. The music reflects one’s inner feelings when travelling alone, connects a human to nature, and serves as a performing art. The Tsuur tradition has faded over recent decades as a consequence of negligence and disrespect of folk customs and religious faith, leaving many locales with no Tsuur performer and no families possessing a Tsuur. The forty known pieces preserved among the Uriankhai Mongolians are transmitted exclusively through the memory of successive generations – a feature making this art highly vulnerable to the risk of disappearing.

Viet Nam / Ca tr singing Ca tr is a complex form of sung poetry found in the north of Viet Nam using lyrics written in traditional Vietnamese poetic forms. Ca tr groups comprise three performers: a female singer who uses breathing techniques and vibrato to create unique ornamented vocal sounds, while playing the clappers or striking a wooden box, and two instrumentalists who produce the deep tone of a three-stringed lute and the strong sounds of a praise drum. Some Ca tr performances also include dance. The varied forms of Ca tr fulfil different social purposes, including worship singing, singing for entertainment, singing in royal palaces and competitive singing. Ca tr has fifty-six different musical forms or melodies, each of which is called th? c?ch. Folk artists transmit the music and poems that comprise Ca tr pieces by oral and technical transmission, formerly, within their family line, but now to any who wish to learn. Ongoing wars and insufficient awareness caused Ca tr to fall into disuse during the twentieth century. Although the artists have made great efforts to transmit the old repertoire to younger generations, Ca tr is still under threat due to the diminishing number and increasing age of practitioners.

Dubai to Host DERMA 2009

DUBAI, Jan, 27th, 2009: Dubai will host the Dubai World Dermatology ‘&’ Laser Conference ‘&’ Exhibition (Dubai Derma 2009) from 2th to 28th April this year at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The annual event is devoted to dermatology, skin care, skin Lasers and anti aging. The theme of this year’s edition is “Skin Health is our Concern”, said organizers in a press release today.

The event is to be held under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, and President of Dubai Health Authority between 26 and 28 January.

Chairman of the Dubai Derma 2009 Ibrahim Galadari said an innovative workshop will take place on the 27th and 28th of April. Experts in fillers and mesotherapy will discuss and share their experiences at the a “Meet the Experts”.

He said dermatologists, dermatology resident physicians and medical students will provide updates on the latest advances and practices in dermatology, laser treatments, anti – aging, skin and hair care and other dermatological therapies. Continuing medical educational hours will be also granted as part of attending this enormous event.

About Dubai Derma 2009

Drink Technology Expo from 14th Dec

DUBAI – Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri will inaugurate on Sunday the Dubai Drink Technology Expo, the first-ever beverage technology, liquid food and mineral water event in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The three-day expo will be held in the Zabeel Hall of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The high-profile exhibition will present a range of products and services available worldwide in the area of beverage technology and liquid food.

The event will focus on promoting the latest drink processing and packaging systems, light machinery, equipment, technology, materials and services to brand owners, retailers, beverage service operators, manufacturers, processors and logistics service providers.

DDTE Schedule at a glance 
Exhibition
Sunday December 14th  10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday December 15th  10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday December 16th  10:00 am – 6:00 pm
 
Who will attend DDTE? , Wholesale/ retail beverage merchants, Importers , Distributors , Franchisers
Beverage service operators/ providers , Beverage brand owners , Financers & Funding Associations
International Beverage Associations/ Communities , Manufacturers and processors
Beverage marketers/ sales agents , Hotel Groups , Caterers , Packaging companies, Restaurants
Specialist colleges/ universities/ institutions , Trade and business magazine in the beverage industry