Latest news with #AmnaBintAbdullahAlDahak
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Minister emphasises unique model of UAE-China relations
Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, recently concluded a high-level visit to the People's Republic of China. The visit aimed to significantly advance the strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on critical areas of climate action, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Dr Al Dahak emphasised the unique nature of the UAE-China relationship, stating, 'The historical bonds between the UAE and China have evolved beyond traditional relations into a comprehensive and interconnected strategic partnership. This collaboration serves as a unique model for successful cooperation across various fields and projects, serving the mutual interests of both nations and supporting stability and sustainable development regionally and globally.' She added, 'The UAE is an active partner for the People's Republic of China, serving as a pivotal gateway to the Middle East and African markets. Bilateral ties in sustainable agriculture and climate issues have been paramount, with both countries committed to finding effective solutions. Given that the National Food Security Strategy 2051 is a cornerstone of the UAE's national priorities, we seek to strengthen these relations and leverage China's advanced capabilities in agricultural innovation, integrating them with our ambitious agricultural goals in the UAE. This will enhance both countries' food production capacities. We will also redouble bilateral efforts concerning climate issues and deepen cultural understanding and enduring friendship – bonds that transcend ordinary projects and support the shared aspirations of our friendly peoples.' A central component of the visit was the delegation's tour of the UAE-China Friendship Forest of Date Palm in Wenchang City, Hainan Province, where they were accompanied by Her Excellency Mariam Saif Al Shamsi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. Dr. Al Dahak observed the substantial progress of this initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, during his 2019 visit to China, which involves planting 100,000 date palm seedlings across China. She was briefed on the second phase of the project, delivered successfully in December 2024, which includes 23,500 palms additional to the 1,500 delivered in the first phase in February 2023. A third phase in September and December 2026 will see 35,000 additional trees, followed by 40,000 palms in the fourth phase in 2028. Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, said: 'Our enduring relationship with China spans a vast array of fields, and this visit marks yet another significant chapter in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and China.' He emphasised: 'This collaboration, particularly in climate action, environmental preservation, agriculture, and cutting-edge research, is a direct reflection of the visionary leadership in both our nations, committed to building a prosperous future for our peoples and the wider world. Our delegation gained invaluable insights across diverse areas, from agricultural innovation to advanced pollution control, establishing a robust foundation for deeper ongoing and future collaboration. The UAE remains steadfast in forging ever-closer partnerships, championing sustainable development as a leading model of cooperation for the global community.' The delegation's itinerary, meticulously coordinated with the UAE Embassy in China, included visits to leading Chinese institutions. At the Beijing Tongzhou International Seed Industry Science and Technology Centre and Tsinghua University, the delegation explored cutting-edge technological innovations in seed science, circular economy practices, and research and development efforts. Discussions at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) focused on sustainable agriculture and technology transfer. The visit to the Beijing Pinggu Agricultural Sci-Tech Innovation Park highlighted progress in dairy science, smart breeding, and environmentally friendly practices, while meetings with leaders from the Coconut Research Institute covered tropical agriculture and sustainability. Environmental collaboration was a significant focus, with the delegation visiting the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science (CRAES) to discuss air pollution control, clean transportation, and solid waste management. Meetings with prominent environmental leaders, including Ma Jun, Founder and Director of the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), addressed data transparency and corporate climate action, exploring avenues for future collaboration, including digital empowerment for environmental transformation. Concurrently, a group of the delegation led by Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector, visited Inspur Company, a leading provider of cloud computing and big data services. This visit explored the pivotal role of technology in advancing environmental solutions, including tours of the Comprehensive Experiment Centre, its Exhibition Hall, the Ultra-microbalance Laboratory, the Joint Laboratory for Electron Microscopy Analysis of Atmospheric Particles, and the Hazardous Waste Identification and Risk Control Laboratory.
Gulf Today
06-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
UAE to enhance sustainable national food security
Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed that the UAE places food safety at the forefront of its strategic priorities for enhancing sustainable national food security, and considers it indispensable to the stability of food supply chains. In a statement on the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Dr. Al Dahak noted that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has been consistently working to develop a comprehensive framework of laws and regulations based on scientific principles, in line with global best practices in this field. Dr. Al Dahak stated, 'This year's World Food Safety Day is held under the theme 'Food Safety - Science in Action,' which highlights the use of scientific knowledge as key to ensuring food safety, protecting society and driving well-being in a world experiencing rapid changes and increasing food challenges.' She continued, 'Food safety is a shared national endeavour and an imperative for our future. The UAE has forged a robust foundation, building a flexible and modern legislative system, powered by advanced digital infrastructure, and strengthened by seamless integration across regulatory bodies, government, and the private sector. We continue to enhance our regulatory capabilities and update tracking and early warning mechanisms, ensuring food quality and safety from source to consumer, and further strengthening public trust in the national food system.' The minister pointed out that the growing challenges related to food call for cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders at both local and global levels to share best practices and regulatory standards to ensure the highest levels of food safety. She further stated that the UAE's vision extends beyond its borders committing to international collaboration in food safety. The nation stands ready to partner on initiatives that integrate food safety systems worldwide, sharing expertise as a testament to its international responsibility. Dr. Al Dahak concluded, 'The UAE is committed to continuing investment in knowledge, legislation, and innovation, propelling food safety to new heights and driving the nation's vision for a healthy, safe, and food-secure future.' Earlier Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that the UAE is continuing its pioneering efforts to reduce plastic pollution at the national and global levels. In a statement marking World Environment Day, which falls annually on June 5th, Dr. Al Dahak reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to protecting its precious environment, inspired by the vision of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognised the link between a healthy environment and a thriving society. 'The UAE remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. We envision a future with thriving ecosystems and protected life both on land and in the sea - a legacy we build together as a community,' she added. This year, World Environment Day calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution, a challenge that demands our immediate attention and unified efforts. In response to this pressing issue, the UAE is implementing a comprehensive system to ensure proper and effective management of plastic products. Starting 1st January 2026, Dr. Al Dahak clarified, the UAE will implement a comprehensive ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. This decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our systems. She emphasised that as part of the UAE's global efforts to reduce plastic waste, the Clean Rivers, one of Erth Zayed Philanthropies' initiatives, tackles plastic pollution in river systems by empowering communities and driving innovative solutions to create plastic-free waterways. The Minister of Climate Change and Environment explained that the UAE's Circular Economy Policy is a key driver of this transformation, optimising resource use in critical sectors such as green infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and responsible food production and consumption. 'The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling. Furthermore, we are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level,' she further said. WAM
Gulf Today
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE minister lauds Dubai Police's agricultural project training 200 inmates annually
Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, accompanied by His Excellency Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs at Dubai Police, and a number of senior officers, visited Dubai Police's 'Hasad' agricultural project, located within Dubai's correctional facility and spanning 9,600 square metres. The initiative, launched by the General Department of Correctional and Penal Institutions, supports Plant the Emirates National Programme, which was introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable agricultural development and national food security. Empowering Inmates and Supporting Food Security Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak praised the agricultural project by Dubai Police, describing it a significant advancement in promoting best practices in sustainable agriculture within the UAE. HE highlighted its role in leveraging human resources for modern agricultural development and making a meaningful impact on strengthening national food security in a sustainable way. Dr. Amna said: 'Plant the Emirates National Programme serves as a cornerstone for promoting agricultural practices in farms, facilities and within homes by engaging the community in growing their own food. The agricultural project by Dubai Police reflects this ethos in an innovative manner. It is aligned with our efforts to cultivate a robust and resilient agriculture that contributes to enhancing local crop production, reducing reliance on imports.' Dr. Amna added: "We are committed to providing all possible support to agricultural projects in the UAE, especially the ones that adopt modern, climate-smart agricultural practices. We encourage entities including the private sector, and the community to engage in agriculture and work towards creating more green spaces in the UAE, while also ensuring a food-secure and sustainable future for all.' A Strategic Step Towards Sustainability Major General Khalil Al Mansouri emphasised that the 'Hasad' (Arabic for Harvest) project aligns with the UAE's sustainability goals, integrating innovation and social responsibility by training inmates in meaningful trades while also promoting environmental sustainability through local food production. 'This project equips inmates with practical agricultural skills and provides them with economic opportunities to start their own initiatives upon release, creating a pathway for sustainable reintegration into society.' Modern Agricultural Technologies at the Core According to Major General Marwan Abdul Karim Jalfar, Director of the General Department of Correctional and Punitive Institutions, the project was launched per the directives of Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. Jalfar explained that the initiative represents a model of cooperation between the Dubai Police and society, funded by a charitable endowment of AED 3 million, which is dedicated to rehabilitating inmates. 'The project relies on smart, climate-resilient agricultural technologies that reduce water consumption, land usage, and the carbon footprint of traditional farming. It is a promising solution to agricultural challenges and supports the UAE's goal of transforming farming into a sustainable system aligned with the National Food Security Strategy 2051.' A Sustainable and Scalable Model Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Al Obaidli, Director of the Inmate Education and Training Department and Manager of the Hasad Project, highlighted that agricultural training has been a key part of Dubai's rehabilitation programmes since 2016. The Hasad initiative, however, represents a significant expansion as a sustainable and results-driven model. The 9,600-square-metre farm is divided into three sections: • Section 1: Contains seven structures, including one classroom and six greenhouses. • Section 2: A covered traditional farming plot, 4 metres high. • Section 3: Features seven additional greenhouses, each measuring 30 x 8 metres with a height of 6.5 metres. In addition, a separate 20 x 8-metre area has been allocated for female inmates. Training and Production Capacity The project aims to train 200 inmates annually, with 50 trainees every three months, a period sufficient to master modern farming techniques. So far, 371 inmates have been trained in the pilot phase. The farm is expected to yield over 56 tonnes of produce annually, focusing on tomatoes and cucumbers, with 6,508 seedlings currently in the ground, along with other vegetables. The project is also projected to generate AED 1 million in annual revenue, depending on market prices. This revenue will be dedicated to supporting the rehabilitation of inmates by funding their education and training across various fields. Lt. Col. Al Obaidli concluded: 'The Hasad project is a powerful use of inmates' time, providing them with future job opportunities or the ability to start their own businesses while contributing to national sustainability goals.'
Gulf Today
25-02-2025
- Gulf Today
Sultan Bin Ahmed graces Conservation Summit
The 2025 Conservation Summit held on Monday at the 9th edition of Xposure International Photography Festival, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), brought together powerful voices – photographers, conservationists and government officials – to address critical environmental challenges of our time. This year's summit focused on migration and the pressing challenges threatening our future. It was a clarion call that also showcased the role of photography and storytelling in bolstering conservation the UAE's conservation efforts, Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, spoke about the country's leadership in sustainability. 'Migration does not recognise borders: creatures travel thousands of miles to live and regenerate. If species stop migrating, it is a dangerous indicator for all of us. Through the lenses of the photographers participating in Xposure, we can clearly see how current migration patterns reflect the health of our environment and nature, and how these changes affect the ecosystems around us', she said. 'In the UAE, we are fully aware of our responsibility to protect our planet and preserve its biodiversity. We host the Regional Office of the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species, which has spearheaded numerous successful initiatives to protect species such as birds of prey and dugongs. We also provide a safe haven for many migratory species,' she added. She also highlighted the UAE's 49 natural protected areas that represent more than 15% of the country's total land area, and policies aimed at safeguarding biodiversity, including efforts to mitigate climate change's pervasive impact. Additionally, the UAE has maintained its leadership in marine protected areas, expanding to 16 zones that account for over 12% of its coastal region; well above the global average of 7.5%. 'Nature is sending us warning signs, and we need creative policies and collective efforts to protect migration and the natural environment,' Dr Al Dahak Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), set an urgent tone, presenting migration as an ancient rhythm of life now at risk due to human interference and climate change. 'Migration has been the heartbeat of our planet, and when we protect it, we protect the future of all life, including our own.' She went on to emphasise the importance of the diverse efforts being undertaken by Sharjah, noting: 'What brings us together today at this summit today is our commitment to taking concrete steps towards new solutions. Change is possible, and humanity is capable of restoring nature's balance. Here in Sharjah, we have many nature reserves that serve as safe destinations for these birds, including Wasit Reserve, which shelters more than two hundred species of migratory birds, thereby reviving their natural habitat.'She underscored Xposure's efforts to amplify conservation by blending visual media with actionable initiatives. 'Cameras not only document the magic of nature but convey the message of preservation – for both birds and humankind. Our responsibility is to create a future where birds fly without fear,' she opening keynote talk, delivered by distinguished American wildlife photographer, cinematographer, and conservationist Gerrit Vyn, delved into the world of shorebirds: tiny yet extraordinary travellers whose migrations constitute some of nature's most astonishing feats. 'This bird weighs about as much as a slice of bread, yet it might travel 10,000 kilometres from Venezuela to the Arctic tundra, finding the exact same nest depression each year,' Vyn explained, intertwining scientific insight with an intimate portrayal of their lives. The producer for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology spotlighted the incredible resilience of species like the bar-tailed godwit, which migrates 11,000 kilometres non-stop from Alaska to New Zealand. Yet, their survival is tethered to fragile habitats, like China's Yellow Sea, rapidly vanishing due to reclamation.
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
UAE Blue Visa: Can Pakistanis qualify for 10-year residency?
Listen to article The United Arab Emirates has introduced the first phase of the Blue Visa, a 10-year residency programme aimed at individuals contributing to environmental sustainability. In its initial phase, 20 sustainability leaders and innovators will be granted the Blue Visa. The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), was unveiled at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, which runs from February 11 to 13. The programme targets individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental protection, including members of international organisations, non-governmental groups, corporate leaders, global award winners, and researchers. Eligible candidates can apply directly through ICP or be nominated by UAE authorities. The Blue Visa expands the UAE's existing long-term residency options, such as the Golden and Green Visas. Its launch aligns with the country's broader sustainability efforts, offering an electronic application process through the ICP's online platform. Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, underscored the UAE's commitment to sustainability. 'This initiative aims to leverage their contributions to achieve ambitious national goals and build a sustainable future for the people of the UAE and the world,' she told Emirates News Agency WAM. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of ICP, confirmed that the Blue Visa service will be available 24/7 through the authority's website and mobile application, following approved guidelines.
