Latest news with #AlShehhi
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS explores avenues of cooperation, affirms global research presence at BRICS Forum
21 July 2025 11:02 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its prominent participation in the 7th BRICS Forum for Media and Think Tanks, TRENDS Research & Advisory continued to reinforce its global presence as an influential think tank, through intensive research engagement during the forum's activities held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the theme: BRICS United: Forging a New Chapter for the Global forum featured discussions and interactive sessions that showcased TRENDS' vital role—particularly through its Latin America Virtual Office—in promoting dialogue and building knowledge bridges among think tanks across the Global expand its partnership network and deepen cooperation, the TRENDS delegation held several meetings with prestigious research institutions, most notably the BRICS Policy Centre at the Federal University of Rio de team met with the Centre's Director, Marta Fernández, to explore prospects of joint research cooperation in policy analysis and future foresight, contributing to a deeper understanding of global researchers also met with Ariane Costa, Deputy Director Specialist in Geopolitics and International Trade at the Brazilian Centre for International Relations at the Brazilian Centre for International Relations (CEBRI), where they discussed potential partnerships and the exchange of expertise, aiming to build knowledge-based cooperation to interpret complex international delegation also met with Ms. Purnima Anand, President of the BRICS International Forum in India, to discuss opportunities for future research parties emphasised the importance of convergence among think tanks to develop shared visions on Global South TRENDS research delegation—represented by Abdulaziz Al Shehhi, Deputy Head of Research Sector, and Hamad Al-Hosani, Head of the Political Islam Studies Department—engaged with representatives of international research centres and the BRICS News Agency. They discussed topics addressed at the forum and mechanisms for joint work, reflecting TRENDS' approach to knowledge exchange and enhancing international recognition of its influential role, China's Xinhua News Agency honoured TRENDS as a key partner in the forum, acknowledging its active contributions in supporting its messages and global Al Shehhi and Hamad Al-Hosani also attended the forum's opening Shehhi delivered a keynote speech titled 'The Role of BRICS+ in enhancing cooperation among Global South countries through dialogue, exchange, and shared knowledge.'The keynote underscored the importance of cooperation frameworks among Global South countries through platforms like BRICS, and the pivotal role of think tanks in bridging understanding and enhancing knowledge and developmental his address, Al Shehhi stated, 'At TRENDS, we strive to transform dialogue into sustainable research partnerships that contribute to producing credible, impactful knowledge aligned with the aspirations of the Global South's peoples.' TRENDS' participation in the forum reflects its unwavering commitment to its role as a leading intellectual platform addressing international challenges and transformations by promoting dialogue, anticipating the future, and building strategic, globally oriented partnerships.
Al Etihad
03-07-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
‘Guardians Camp' at Al Maqta'a Museum takes families on unique historical journey
3 July 2025 23:45 AMEIANH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)A unique family-friendly camp held at Al Maqta'a Museum saw a huge turnout as it brought the community together to rediscover Abu Dhabi's history and marvel at its heritage Maqta'a Guardians Camp, the event was organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Police, and the Ministry of Education, represented by the Parents' Councils, as part of 'Year of Community' initiatives. The camp, which concluded on Thursday, provided a unique platform to promote national values and strengthen partnerships between institutions and the community in an engaging environment. Designed for both children and their parents, Maqta'a Guardians Camp offered an enriching educational and cultural experience for the participants, said Fatima Al Shehhi, Programmes Officer at Al Maqta'a were workshops on police heritage for the parents, while the children learnt more about Abu Dhabi history and heritage through interactive art workshops. Some of the themes revolved around the discovery of Abu Dhabi; the design of old police uniforms; and the role of Al Maqta'a Defence Tower in protecting Abu Dhabi Island. Al Shehhi said, "The programme organisers emphasised that the camp's success reflects the effectiveness of the partnership between government institutions and the local community and embodies the leadership's vision of making the family a key partner in the educational and cultural process."His Excellency Dr. Omar Al Dhaheri, Assistant Undersecretary for School Operations, praised the initiative as a pioneering model of community commended the efforts of all organising entities and encouraged them to continue bringing out such events to bolster community engagement and national unity. The closing ceremony was also attended by Abdulaziz Al Mansoori, Director of Al Maqta'a Museum, Lt. Colonel Ali Al Hammadi, Head of the Police Heritage Section at the Abu Dhabi Police, and several representatives of the Parents' Councils. Year of Community Continue full coverage
Khaleej Times
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Rare portal into UAE's past': Student films 1,800-year-old Ras Al Khaimah tribe
Twenty-two-year-old Dubai-based film student Ali Fuad filmed a documentary uncovering the untold story of the Al Shehhi tribe—a resilient Emirati community living in Ras Al Khaimah's mountains for over 1,800 years. His film highlights the tribe's unique language, traditions, and way of life, much of which has yet to be recorded in Emirati history. Titled 'Echoes of Our Land', Fuad's documentary won the best audience award at Middlesex University Dubai's Premier de MDX screening. 'The Al Shehhi have preserved their heritage for centuries, including a dialect completely distinct from other Emirati dialects. But few people in the UAE even know about them,' Fuad told Khaleej Times, adding: 'I felt a responsibility to share their story with the world.' His documentary started as a final-year project in the film-making class under senior lecturer Deema Maghalseh. A brainstorming session led Fuad to the Al Shehhi people, and with Maghalseh's support, Fuad spent months conducting immersive research and production work in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of visual and written documentation, Fuad noted, explaining: 'There were very few films or visual records available, and even written sources were limited.' 'To overcome this, I had to personally visit these areas, meet the people, and learn directly from them. I relied heavily on the elders, who generously shared stories and cultural knowledge passed down through generations,' he added. Supported by a grant from the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, Fuad's film evolved from a class assignment into a full-fledged documentary that blends raw ethnography with cinematic storytelling. 'I lived with them' Fuad, who is also a hiker and adventurer, lived alongside the tribe during production, observing their daily lives to ensure an authentic portrayal. 'I didn't want to just observe from the outside,' he said. 'I lived with them, helped herd sheep, shared meals, and listened to the elders. That's how I gained their trust.' The film's production pushed the team physically and creatively. Fuad shared: 'One of the filming sites was a mountain village that required a four-hour hike to reach. It was physically demanding and tested the entire crew's endurance. But if there's one thing I learned during my time at university, it was to push beyond my comfort zone in order to tell stories that matter.' The crew, composed of fellow students, including producer Naiem Ayman and director of photography Hayden Diaz, formed a close-knit unit that bonded through shared challenges. 'What started as a second-year assignment became a movement of self-discovery,' said Maghalseh of Echoes of Our Land. '(Fuad) didn't treat this like a school project. He treated it like a calling.' Guardians of the rugged mountains According to Fuad, the Al Shehhi tribe holds a unique place in the UAE's cultural and historical tapestry. 'For centuries, they have stood as the guardians of the rugged mountain regions of Ras Al Khaimah, their way of life shaped by the harsh terrain and unforgiving climate. The mountains forged a people marked by resilience, strength, and deep-rooted traditions that remain distinct from other regions in the UAE.' Life in the mountains was incredibly demanding. With no roads or vehicles, everything was done on foot. Water was scarce, food was hard-won, and survival depended on herding sheep and goats, grinding wheat, and sustaining their community with unwavering determination. The people cultivated wheat in the early winter, patiently waiting for harvest season to make traditional bread like khubz and dishes such as Aseed, along with beloved Emirati sweets like luqaimat. Since machinery was unavailable, they ground the wheat by hand using the Riha (millstone), rhythmically chanting Tahweed to stay motivated — a musical tradition passed down through generations. The tribe's cultural expressions, including their unique dialect and war chants like Nabdah, set them apart. These were not just songs but stirring cries meant to show strength and unity in the face of enemies. Even today, the few remaining members of the tribe who still live in the mountains, greet each other with the Nabdah. Women played a central role not just at home but also in the community's survival. They tended to livestock, fetched food and water, and crafted everyday items by hand. Palm fronds were woven into utensils and roofing materials that provided natural ventilation, essential during the scorching summer months. Fuad said: 'What makes the Al Shehhi tribe's story even more remarkable is how much of their heritage has been preserved through time. Spending time with them is like stepping into a living museum — a rare and vivid portal into the UAE's past, where every song, every craft, and every tradition speaks to a legacy of strength, adaptation, and enduring cultural pride.' Untold Emirati stories The project has already sparked momentum for a full documentary series focused on UAE heritage, expanding the university's impact in cultural storytelling. Fuad now plans to continue exploring untold Emirati stories, from desert communities to the coastal traditions of pearl divers. 'There's so much more to the UAE than skyscrapers. Our country is filled with rich, diverse stories that the world hasn't seen,' Fuad explained. 'I want to be part of the generation that documents them before they fade away.' Asked about the most touching moment during filming, Fuad recalled a conversation with one of the tribe's elders. 'He told me, 'Now I have something to show my children and grandchildren.' That moment hit me deeply — that this wasn't just my story, it was theirs.' 'These past three years didn't just prepare me — they launched me. I've learned to tell stories that matter, and now I'm ready to take them to the world.' Fuad also has this advice: 'Be authentic. Start with the stories that move you. Talk to your grandparents and neighbours. The most powerful stories are often right in front of you — waiting to be told.'
Al Etihad
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UN Women Liaison Office for GCC marks International Day of Women in Diplomacy
26 June 2025 11:17 ABU DHABI (WAM) The UN Women Liaison Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council marked International Day of Women in Diplomacy on June 24, spotlighting the critical role women play in shaping global office commended the UAE for its pioneering efforts to empower women and elevate their participation in foreign policy, regionally and International Day of Women in Diplomacy was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly during its 76th session, with the UAE playing a central role in co-sponsoring the resolution. The observance affirms the importance of enhancing women's representation in diplomatic missions and international annual observance aligns with SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. It particularly underscores the need for women's equal participation in decision-making processes, including political and public life, a vital element for sustainable development, peace, and global this occasion, Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Director of the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC, highlighted the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak "Mother of the Nation', Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, for her historic role in advancing women's empowerment across all Al Shehhi noted that Sheikha Fatima's directive to establish and host the office in the UAE marked a strategic step in promoting international collaboration and reinforcing the country's position as a global hub for women's advancement.'Thanks to the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership, women have made remarkable strides, including in diplomacy,' said Dr. Al Shehhi. 'The UAE ranks 7th globally and 1st regionally in the UN Gender Equality Index, which reflects the nation's firm commitment to gender parity.'Official data illustrates the UAE's strong track record in this sector. Women represent 49.5 per cent of the workforce at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and nearly 60 per cent of graduates from the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy are 587 Emirati women serve in the Ministry and its foreign missions, including 275 diplomats, comprising 42 per cent of all Emirati women employed at the Ministry. These figures exceed many global eight Emirati women currently hold ambassadorial or permanent representative posts at regional and international organisations — a testament to their leadership and capabilities in a field long perceived as male-dominated.'Our deepening partnership with the UAE stands as a testament to a shared commitment to women's leadership in decision-making spaces — especially in diplomacy,' Dr. Al Shehhi added. 'This progress stems from strong political will and institutional support, positioning Emirati women as key contributors to the UAE's global presence.'The UAE's strategic partnership with UN Women for 2024–2027, signed in March 2023, focuses on several key areas: legislative reform to promote gender equality, women's participation in peace processes, economic empowerment in Africa and Latin America, and increasing women's engagement in climate agreement also includes a dedicated pillar on promoting a Women-Centred Foreign Policy, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to a sustainable and inclusive diplomatic approach. The UAE is also a key global partner in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, actively supporting the inclusion of women in peacebuilding, defence, and security roles.
Sharjah 24
25-06-2025
- Sharjah 24
Drug Prevention Forum continues with awareness activities
Under the patronage of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Under the patronage of Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Captain Al Shehhi reaffirmed that the Drug Prevention Forum continues at Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi. Forum promotes drug awareness and family safety Held under the slogan "A Conscious Family and a Safe Society," the forum seeks to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse and its effects on individuals and families. Captain Al Shehhi invited the community to participate in the forum's activities to raise awareness and contribute to building a safer society.
