logo
Hamdan bin Mohammed visits ‘Dubai Dates' exhibition, approves Dh1 million grant for participants

Hamdan bin Mohammed visits ‘Dubai Dates' exhibition, approves Dh1 million grant for participants

Al Etihad5 days ago
31 July 2025 21:31
DUBAI (WAM) His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, visited the 'Dubai Dates' exhibition organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre.During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed toured several pavilions and issued directives sanctioning a grant of Dh1 million for exhibition participants in recognition of their efforts to preserve and promote the UAE's rich cultural heritage.His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed was accompanied during the tour by Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook, CEO of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, and departmental directors from the Centre.His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed was updated on key facets of the festival, including various sections dedicated to promoting date palms and their cultural and social significance. His Highness subsequently ordered the allocation of Dh1 million as a grant to be distributed among the festival's participants.The generous gesture reflects His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed's sustained support for the Centre's mission and his commitment to empowering initiatives that support both the advancement of Emirati heritage and the community.Expressing his deep gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Bin Dalmook affirmed that the generous support for the festival is nothing new but represents the continuation of a legacy of leadership committed to strengthening national identity and cultural heritage.Bin Dalmook stated, 'The visit of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed is a great honour for us, and his generous grant serves as a powerful motivation for all participants and organisers. His Highness's directives represent the compass that guides our Centre's activities, defining our priorities and opening new avenues for innovation in heritage preservation.'He added, 'The date palm is deeply rooted in the Emirati people's culture and identity. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan's presence with us clearly reflects the leadership's strong commitment to this treasured legacy and its dedication to safely entrusting it to future generations in the most dignified and authentic form.
'At the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, we continue to fulfil our role through such events by showcasing the cultural richness of Dubai and the UAE, guided by His Highness's vision while staying committed to a comprehensive approach that both safeguards the past and builds for the future.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Get up to 9-day break around UAE's Eid Al Etihad holiday; here's how
Get up to 9-day break around UAE's Eid Al Etihad holiday; here's how

Al Etihad

time6 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

Get up to 9-day break around UAE's Eid Al Etihad holiday; here's how

6 Aug 2025 00:23 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)For readers who like to plan early, Eid Al Etihad – UAE's National Day holiday – offers a prime opportunity to enjoy an extended festive break. This year, the official public holidays fall on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December some smart leave planning, it is possible to convert those mid-week days into a nine-day holiday by applying for leave on December 1, 4 and 5. This would mean a continuous break from Saturday, November 29 through Sunday, December 7 – an ideal window for a staycation, domestic exploration, or family for the celebration were announced on Union Pledge Day, marked on July 18, which commemorates the original signing of the UAE's Declaration of Union in 1971. The Eid Al Etihad programme is being led by the UAE Government Media Office, with Eisa Alsubousi, Director of Strategic and Creative Affairs, confirming that this year's theme will focus on partnership, inclusion, and shared national identity. Although the exact venue for the official national celebration has not yet been confirmed, it is expected to be staged at a nationally significant landmark. Last year's ceremony was hosted at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, and similarly, a prominent natural or cultural location is likely to be chosen for this year's main event. The ceremony typically features a high production show that combines storytelling, performances, technology, and national addition to the main event, various zones across all seven emirates will be activated as part of Eid Al Etihad celebrations. These zones will offer live entertainment, fireworks displays, cultural performances, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Fireworks are expected at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi like every year. In addition, several locations such as JBR Beach, Al Seef, Dubai Festival City, Dubai South, and Hatta in Dubai, as well as in the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. In Global Village, fireworks and themed entertainment will run every night from November 29 to December elements will feature heavily, with traditional dance and musical performances, Emirati cuisine, heritage installations, and exhibitions all planned. Drone light shows and projection mapping on landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa will be part of the visual spectacle, along with themed audio experiences and community-led are also expected to implement safety protocols in line with those enforced during previous years. These include a ban on unauthorised vehicle parades, prohibited use of car spray foam and noise horns, and a requirement to keep vehicle number plates visible at all times. Decorations must be respectful and avoid obstructing the driver's view, and only officially sanctioned UAE flags or scarves should be displayed on vehicles. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that violations will be met with appropriate penalties, and that public safety will remain a top priority throughout the looking to make the most of the break by maximising their time off, applying in advance. This makes the 2025 edition of Eid Al Etihad a particularly attractive moment to travel, unwind or spend quality time attending the wide range of public events on details about the main ceremony location, full events calendar, and related offers or initiatives will be announced by the authorities in the coming weeks. Residents are advised to follow official updates from the UAE Government Media Office and related channels. The 54th anniversary of the UAE's founding is shaping up to be a national milestone rich in colour, symbolism and participation, offering a memorable end to the year for those who prepare early.

Etihad Rail sparks high hopes for UAE's inter-emirate commuters
Etihad Rail sparks high hopes for UAE's inter-emirate commuters

Al Etihad

time7 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

Etihad Rail sparks high hopes for UAE's inter-emirate commuters

5 Aug 2025 23:30 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Daily commutes, weekend plans, and inter-emirate travel are set for a dramatic shift as the UAE edges closer to the launch of its first national passenger railway. Residents are looking forward to faster, more affordable, and hassle-free commutes across the Emirates. Excitement grew after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, boarded an Etihad Rail passenger train on a journey between Dubai and Fujairah earlier this week to review the progress on the infrastructure project, set to begin operations in Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid described the rail as 'a vital economic artery that supports the UAE's journey to the future'. 'It is a key pillar in our vision to build an integrated transport network that strengthens the UAE's position as a leading logistics hub, while facilitating the movement of people and goods,' His Highness added. Etihad Rail's passenger network will span 11 cities and regions across the country from Abu Dhabi's Al Sila to Fujairah, connecting major urban hubs and communities. 'For someone like me who lives in Sharjah and works in Abu Dhabi, the idea of cutting down my commute from over two hours to just over an hour is incredible,' Faisal Rahman, an accountant at a logistics firm, told Aletihad . 'I currently leave home before sunrise and often get home after dark. This rail service could give me my evenings back and a healthier work-life balance.'Bedour Mossa, a PR executive who frequently travels from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, anticipates that Etihad Rail will ease the mental and physical strain associated with regular inter-emirate commutes. 'The introduction of Etihad Rail feels like a breath of fresh air,' she told Aletihad . 'I can already see how it would transform the way I move between emirates — not just faster and easier, but more productive.' 'Instead of driving or being stuck in traffic, I'd be able to prepare for a client pitch, send out press releases, or simply recharge before a big event. That kind of flexibility isn't just convenient — it's game-changing,' Mossa said. She also noted that the rail would unlock more opportunities for spontaneous leisure travel. 'Abu Dhabi has amazing beaches, concerts, and cultural experiences I'd love to enjoy more often. Right now, the long drive makes me second-guess it. With the rail, I wouldn't think twice.'Hiba, a nurse who travels from Al Ain to Dubai several times a week, expects the new rail to reduce both her travel costs and commute time. 'Between fuel, car maintenance, and tolls, I easily spend over Dh1,500 a month just getting to work,' she told Aletihad . 'Etihad Rail could cut that down dramatically and make my commute much less stressful.' Mina Kiwan, Director of Media Relations at a PR agency in Dubai, is also confident the rail line will lead to major savings in his monthly commuting costs. 'I commute daily between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for work, which takes up a significant portion of my time, and I am confident that Etihad Rail's passenger train will save me a considerable amount of time and money,' he told Aletihad . 'In particular, having stations across Abu Dhabi — such as at Saadiyat Cultural District, Yas Island, and even in downtown Abu Dhabi — would make a substantial difference for daily commuters like me.'Tia Paul, a media professional who lives in a remote Dubai community and works in Abu Dhabi, said the project could be 'life-changing.' 'Right now, I leave home an hour early daily and drive at maximum speed to reach work, and repeat the same routine on the way back,' Paul told Aletihad . 'With a station nearby, commuting would become stress-free. I could check my phone (without breaking the law), complete pending tasks, and easily save at least Dh1,000 a month on fuel.' Etihad Rail's passenger trains are expected to operate at speeds of up to 200kmph, with each train capable of carrying 400 passengers. By 2030, annual ridership is projected to reach 36.5 million.

2nd ‘Donate Your Own Device' aims to collect 100,000 electronic devices to empower underprivileged students
2nd ‘Donate Your Own Device' aims to collect 100,000 electronic devices to empower underprivileged students

Al Etihad

time13 hours ago

  • Al Etihad

2nd ‘Donate Your Own Device' aims to collect 100,000 electronic devices to empower underprivileged students

5 Aug 2025 17:22 DUBAI (WAM) The Digital School, one of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global initiatives(MBRGI), in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), announced the launch of the second edition of the "Donate Your Own Device 2.0" campaign, aiming to collect 100,000 used electronic devices, refurbished and recycled, to support students from underprivileged groups in the Digital School step comes within a comprehensive vision that combines education, humanitarian work, and environmental sustainability, as devices from individuals and institutions will be assembled, renewed or recycled in accordance with the best environmental practices, which will contribute to supporting the educational process and achieving a long-term social and environmental Digital School called on the community, individuals, and institutions to support the initiative by donating used electronic devices or making financial donations through official channels in cooperation with the Emirates Red Crescent, or the campaign's website: You can also contribute by sending a text message (SMS) to 2441 for "Etisalat" subscribers, or to 3551 for "Du" the great success of the first phase of the campaign, which brought together more than 50,000 used electronic devices with the participation of more than 100 government and private entities and educational institutions in the UAE, the Digital School announced the transformation of the campaign into a permanent initiative, reflecting a long-term commitment to disseminating knowledge and bridging the digital divide "Donate Your Own Device 2.0" campaign embodies the UAE's vision for a comprehensive and sustainable future, as it aims to reduce electronic waste by approximately 200 tonnes, and supports efforts for fair digital transformation and education for all, through qualitative partnerships between technical, humanitarian and environmental institutions. UAE's Sustainability Approach Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of the Digital School Board, emphasised that transforming the "Donate Your Own Device" campaign into a permanent initiative reflects the UAE's firm commitment to the sustainability approach, and translates the vision of the wise leadership in employing technology and digital knowledge as effective tools for human and societal pointed out that the initiative represents a pioneering model in integrating charitable, developmental and environmental work, by recycling electronic devices and transforming them into educational tools that enable students from underprivileged groups in societies around the world to access equal and effective digital education, within the framework of the Digital School's mission to expand comprehensive and sustainable learning Olama emphasised that the initiative is not just a campaign to collect devices, but rather an integrated strategic vision that aims to create a long-term impact that enhances digital equality, reduces the educational gap, and encourages effective and responsible participation from all segments of society, reflecting the UAE's firm values of solidarity and sustainable Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent, emphasised that the Digital School has brought about a major transformation in the level of educational services provided to the children of refugees, displaced persons and vulnerable groups in underprivileged countries and societies. He reiterated the Emirates Red Crescent's welcome of its strategic partnership with the Digital School, one of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, to enhance smart education opportunities in advanced and flexible ways pointing out that the Authority will spare no effort to achieve the goals of the Digital School and expand the umbrella of beneficiaries of its humanitarian initiatives regionally and internationally. Year of Community Continue full coverage Dr. Al Mazrouei said that the Digital School is one of the qualitative initiatives in the field of sustainable giving and promoting the values of solidarity and social responsibility, and embodies the country's role in promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically the fourth goal of providing quality education for all. He pointed out that the initiative enhances the UAE's pioneering humanitarian efforts around the world and consolidates its position as a major centre for global trends aimed at achieving development based on education and knowledge added, "What distinguishes the Digital School is that it provides quality education and learning within a structure that suits future visions, relying on technology and digital, to move from the framework of traditional education to a new type of education that achieves goals and is reflected in students' learning in a way that achieves a high level of satisfaction with its outcomes, especially in troubled areas that have major challenges in their educational journey. A Pioneering ModelThe second edition of the campaign confirms the Emirati community's ongoing commitment, with its individuals and institutions, to promoting a culture of sustainable giving and social responsibility, in a pioneering model of purposeful volunteer and development work. It focuses on enhancing community awareness of the importance of reusing and recycling electronic devices through a range of community events and activities. The campaign is organised in partnership between the Digital School, the ERC, and Ecyclex company, with support from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, as part of unifying efforts to support sustainable educational initiatives and confront the challenges of electronic waste, of which international statistics indicate that the world produces about 50 million tons annually, equivalent to disposing of 800 laptops per is noteworthy that the first campaign was launched in 2023, as part of the Year of Sustainability activities in the UAE, to provide 10,000 used electronic devices after their renovation, and distribute them to underprivileged students in needy succeeded in achieving exceptional environmental and educational achievements, represented in collecting 50,000 electronic devices, recycling 120 tons of electronic waste, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of 122 tonnes, in addition to saving 170,000 litres of fuel, and protecting approximately 32,000 square feet of land from pollution resulting from toxic electronic campaign also enabled students around the world to obtain qualitative digital education opportunities that support their future and enhance their ability to learn and appreciation of the extensive community contributions, the first edition witnessed the honoring of a number of the most prominent entities supporting the campaign, including Dubai Police, Ministry of Health and Community Prevention, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai, Dubai Municipality, Emirates NBD Bank, the American University of Sharjah, Masdar, 'e&' Group, Emirates Airlines, DP World Charitable Foundation, and other entities that played a pivotal role in the success of the "Digital School", launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in November 2020, within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, is the first accredited digital school of its kind, and aims to empower students with digital learning options, while providing a qualitative option for blended learning and distance learning, smartly and flexibly, targeting the underprivileged societal groups, refugees and displaced persons around the world by employing digital education and providing modern educational materials and curricula. The Digital School adopts a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in education, based on expanding educational opportunities through digital learning options. The Digital School continues to expand, with more than 500,000 students and beneficiaries from 33 countries around the world benefiting from its programs. It provides educational and training content in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Kurdish.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store