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Mid East Info
an hour ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Finances Strategic Housing Project in Somaliland - Middle East Business News and Information
The project includes comprehensive infrastructure and essential services to support 1,500 residents. Al Suwaidi: This project underscores our enduring commitment to advancing sustainable development in our partner countries. Aw-Ali Abdi: We deeply appreciate the UAE's exceptional and continuous support for Somaliland's development. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – May 2025: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has announced the inauguration of a comprehensive social housing project in the city of Berbera, Somaliland. The project, valued at AED 27.5 million (approximately USD 7.5 million), underscores the UAE's long-standing commitment to promoting sustainable development in Somaliland. It includes the construction of 300 residential units designed across three housing categories, to accommodate diverse family needs. It also involves the development of critical infrastructure, including potable water systems, sewage and stormwater drainage networks, internal roads, landscaped green spaces, and facilities providing essential services. This transformative project is part of ADFD's broader development efforts aimed at enhancing quality of life and ensuring access to safe and dignified housing. It also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to: 'Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable' by 2030. The inauguration ceremony was led by H.E. Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi, Vice-President of the Republic of Somaliland, with the participation of H.E. Dr. Abdullah AlNaqbi, Director of the UAE Trade Office in Somaliland, alongside senior officials from both governments. H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, said: 'This project is a continuation of ADFD's mission to support sustainable development across partner countries. Providing adequate housing is a cornerstone of community stability and economic advancement. We are proud to collaborate with the Government of Somaliland on this vital initiative, which not only provides quality homes for approximately 1,500 individuals, but also generates new job opportunities and stimulates local economic activity. Together, these efforts will drive long-term social and economic benefits, contributing meaningfully to the region's growth and resilience.' Speaking at the inauguration, H.E. Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi, Vice-President of the Republic of Somaliland expressed sincere gratitude to ADFD and the UAE for their consistent development support. He emphasized that the project represents a strategic step toward improving living conditions in Berbera, by offering well-designed, integrated housing that enables hundreds of families to settle in a safe and dignified environment. He added that the benefits of the project extend beyond housing, encompassing infrastructure development, improved access to essential services, and job creation, all of which support local economic growth and reinforce the sustainability of the city's development. ADFD continues to play a key role in advancing Somaliland's development agenda through the management of a UAE government grant totalling AED 330 million. This funding supports a suite of strategic projects, including the AED 262 million restoration of the vital Berbera–Hargeisa highway, as well as initiatives in the energy and transport sectors, all designed to strengthen infrastructure and accelerate sustainable, long-term growth across the region.
Gulf Today
16-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
‘From Sharjah, We Begin' podcast training starts
The seventh edition of 'Ithmar,' a youth media training programme by the Sharjah Press Club (SPC), launched on Monday with a renewed focus on podcasting as a creative platform for young voices. This year's edition targets children and teenagers aged 10 to 15 who have an interest in media communication and audio storytelling. As part of the programme, participants will develop and produce episodes for a new podcast titled 'From Sharjah, We Begin,' with ideas generated during interactive brainstorming sessions held before the start of the programme. This allows participants to shape the direction and content of the podcast. Running until July 24, the initiative aims to build self-confidence, strengthen local identity, and develop participants' communication and public speaking skills. The youth will work together to produce podcast episodes that are age-appropriate and content-driven, while following a structured production timeline. This initiative offers a hands-on training platform that enables young participants to express their ideas and experiences in a professional media format. Alia Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), stressed the importance of equipping children and youth with media skills, especially through tools that reflect how the industry is evolving. She said that preparing the next generation and enabling them to engage in practical experiences, such as podcasting, is a key step in helping them express themselves professionally and responsibly. Al Suwaidi noted that Ithmar is part of SGMB's wider efforts to support emerging talent by introducing them to platforms that allow for self-expression and skill building in a supportive environment. The seventh edition, she added, builds on the outcomes of previous editions, with a particular emphasis on audio media, which has become an increasingly important space for positive influence. Al Suwaidi said that involving children in podcast production gives them a real-world experience in creating content that reflects their realities and is relevant to their communities. The first week of training covers a range of voice and presentation skills, including microphone confidence, tone control, clarity in pronunciation, and storytelling. Participants also practise news reading, podcast introductions, and the difference between live recording and edited audio. Sessions include exercises on using positive, expressive language and engaging listeners through sound. Later in the week, participants move into interview techniques, active listening, and on-camera presence, with a full podcast simulation to close out the week. By the end of the programme, participants are expected to understand how to take an idea from concept to final recording and to work as a team to produce a complete podcast episode. SPC continues to update and expand the 'Ithmar' programme to meet the interests of young people, providing them the tools to take part in shaping the future of media locally and internationally. Earlier, the inaugural week of the second edition of the 'Arab Podcast Programme,' a pathbreaking initiative organised by the Dubai Press Club, witnessed a distinguished group of content creators and industry experts from across the Arab world sharing their insights with enthusiastic Arab youth eager to carve a niche within the fast-evolving digital media realm of podcasting. The accent on enabling young participants to find their feet as audio content creators – with established professionals sharing their creative vision, expertise, and technical knowledge – underscores the rapid growth of this vital sector and the increasing interest in podcasting as an influential and innovative media platform aligned with the trends of modern media. Launched on July 7 at the Dubai Press Club, the Arab Podcast Programme features five weeks of intensive training under the supervision of Charbel Issa, a certified trainer on Podeo, a leading podcasting platform in the Middle East and North Africa region. The training sessions are designed to offer participants a clear idea of fundamental concepts while they gain new skills through hands-on practical training modules. Hosting the second edition of the Arab Podcast Programme is part of the Dubai Press Club's sustained efforts to promote the growth of the Arabic podcasting industry and contribute to the development of a dynamic and evolving digital media landscape across the region. The initiative aligns with the rapid changes being witnessed in terms of digital content consumption patterns and aims to support a more active and influential Arab presence in one of the fastest-growing media segments worldwide.
Sharjah 24
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SPC launches phase 1 of ‘From Sharjah, We Begin' podcast training
Al Suwaidi noted that Ithmar is part of SGMB's wider efforts to support emerging talent by introducing them to platforms that allow for self-expression and skill building in a supportive environment. The seventh edition, she added, builds on the outcomes of previous editions, with a particular emphasis on audio media, which has become an increasingly important space for positive influence. Al Suwaidi said that involving children in podcast production gives them a real-world experience in creating content that reflects their realities and is relevant to their communities. The first week of training covers a range of voice and presentation skills, including microphone confidence, tone control, clarity in pronunciation, and storytelling. Participants also practice news reading, podcast introductions, and the difference between live recording and edited audio. Sessions include exercises on using positive, expressive language and engaging listeners through sound. Later in the week, participants move into interview techniques, active listening, and on-camera presence, with a full podcast simulation to close out the week. By the end of the programme, participants are expected to understand how to take an idea from concept to final recording and to work as a team to produce a complete podcast episode. SPC continues to update and expand the 'Ithmar' programme to meet the interests of young people, providing them the tools to take part in shaping the future of media locally and internationally.
Qatar Tribune
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Bandar Al Suwaidi to officiate at FIBA Women's Asian Cup
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar's international referee Bandar Al Suwaidi has been selected to officiate matches at the 2025 FIBA Women's Asian Cup, the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) has announced. The tournament which features 16 of the continent's elite teams is scheduled to be held in Shenzhen, China, from July 13 to 20. Al Suwaidi's selection highlights the close cooperation between the QBF and the FIBA Regional Office in Asia, reflecting the confidence FIBA has in Qatari officials. Al Suwaidi is one of Qatar's most prominent referees, with extensive experience in local, regional, and international tournaments. His high level of competence recently earned him a spot on the FIBA list of international referees for the 2025-2027 period. The international accreditation also included three other Qatari referees: Youssef Zainal, Alaa Sulaiman, and Yassin Kashkash. All four officials passed the required technical and international tests, granting them full eligibility to officiate FIBA-supervised tournaments. The Women's Asian Cup is a major event on the basketball calendar, serving as the official qualifier for the 2026 Women's World Cup in Germany. This adds significant competitive importance to the tournament and places high demands on the quality of its refereeing. All matches will be held at the Shenzhen Sports Center, with prominent Asian basketball stars participating. The Qatar Basketball Federation stated that this nomination affirms its commitment to developing national referees and supporting their presence at the highest levels, enhancing the status of Qatari sports on the international stage.
Gulf Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
ADFD signs first financing agreement with Laos for Dhs73.5 million road project
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has signed a financing agreement with the Government of Lao People's Democratic Republic to support the development of the Southern National Road 13, with a fund of Dhs73.5 million (US$20 million). The project aims to strengthen Laos' transportation infrastructure by enhancing road quality and improving traffic safety. Thereby, supporting the nation's economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing internal and cross-border connectivity. The agreement was signed virtually by Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Phouvong Kittavong, Deputy Minister of Finance of Lao People's Democratic Republic, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from both parties. Al Suwaidi said, 'This agreement reinforces the fund's ongoing commitment to supporting development initiatives in emerging economies through financing strategic projects that contribute to social stability and enhance quality of life.' He added that this project, a crucial initiative within Laos' infrastructure sector, marks a significant step in expanding ADFD's multilateral partnerships and fostering regional integration. Such projects aim to empower communities to help overcome development challenges while pursuing long-term stability and prosperity. Al Suwaidi further emphasised that through its global partnerships, ADFD remains committed to adopt a development-driven approach, prioritising sustainable and high-impact financing across key sectors including transportation, energy, water, and healthcare. These efforts enhance partner countries' capacities to implement their national development plans and deliver lasting socio-economic outcomes. Kittavong expressed the country's appreciation for the effective partnership with the UAE and ADFD, underscoring the fund's role in supporting in enabling development initiatives. He noted that the Southern National Road 13 project is a strategic initiative that directly benefits citizens by enhancing transport accessibility, improving efficiency, and strengthening both local and regional economic integration. He further emphasised that the new route plays a key role in supporting the development of the agricultural sector in Laos by improving farmers' access to markets and reducing transport costs, thereby enhancing food security and increasing household income. He added that the project also supports the enhancement of public services and contributes to providing citizens with sustainable development solutions. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the country's strong interest in expanding collaborative partnerships with ADFD across additional economic sectors in future phases of development. The project covers the construction and upgrade of around 50 kilometres of road, including expanding 20 kilometres from two to four lanes with pedestrian sidewalks, and upgrading another 30 kilometres of existing roadway. It also includes traffic safety enhancements, measures to ease congestion, improved stormwater drainage, the installation of two truck weigh stations, and support for technical capacity-building initiatives. The road is expected to benefit over 48,000 households each year, positively impacting more than 255,000 individuals. It aims to advance economic activity, enhance access to essential services and markets, reduce travel time, and lower transportation costs. WAM
