Latest news with #SARAALZAABI
Al Etihad
3 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
AI71's SuperHive gives AI boost to construction industry
24 July 2025 00:15 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi-based AI71 has introduced SuperHive, a next-generation platform set to revolutionise the construction industry by streamlining every phase - from design and permitting to execution and asset by embedded AI, real-time intelligence, and automation, SuperHive accelerates project delivery, reduces risk, and enhances performance. 'Construction underpins economic growth, yet it has seen limited disruption from modern technologies. With SuperHive, we are embedding intelligence across the entire infrastructure lifecycle - transforming how nations build and operate' said Faisal Al Bannai, Chairman of AI71.'This is not just about digital transformation - it is about rethinking how we approach scale, speed, and resilience in infrastructure delivery.'A171 is a pioneering AI company founded by Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council in collaboration with VentureOne. Speaking with Aletihad , Klemensas Mecejus, VP Advisory at AI71, described SuperHive as 'a potential game-changer for national infrastructure delivery timelines and quality'. 'It supports the UAE's ambition to lead in smart regulation and infrastructure by reducing regulatory friction, expediting permit approvals, and enabling real-time government oversight,' said sets SuperHive apart is its real-time validation of 2D CAD and 3D BIM models against UAE building codes, automatic issue flagging, AI-based document generation, and seamless integration across stakeholders, from design consultants and developers to permitting authorities. The platform also enables smart asset management through digital twins and live cost estimation, while drone-based site tracking enhances oversight and its capabilities, SuperHive boosts productivity across the entire construction lifecycle, said Chiara Marcati, Chief AI Advisory and Business Officer at AI71.'It enables up to 50% faster decision-making, reduces manual documentation by 70%, and cuts on-site rework by half. With full AI coverage across all sub-stages, it transforms how teams plan, build, and deliver at scale,' Marcati said. Another standout innovation within its suite is the AiComply Studio, which automates compliance checks - streamlining approvals and eliminating regulatory bottlenecks to support scalable infrastructure across sectors. 'By digitising and automating compliance, municipalities save cost, consultants gain speed, and developers reduce risk. It is a win across the board,' Mecejus said.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- General
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi taps youth in mission to turn climate intention into action across GCC
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) With the UAE capital officially recognised as a centre of expertise for environmental education and sustainability, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is determined to transform eco-awareness into tangible community action – and the youth would be driving force in this mission. In a first for the GCC, Abu Dhabi recently secured membership in the United Nations University (UNU) network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The EAD is spearheading this regional mission. Speaking to Aletihad, Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director for Environmental Information, Science, and Outreach Management at EAD, explained Abu Dhabi's priorities as RCE: 'The Regional Centre of Expertise in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi - RCE) focuses on bridging the gaps in addressing the diverse environmental challenges facing the region, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.' 'This initiative directly contributes to SDG 4.7 by building knowledge and skills for sustainable development, and supports SDG 13.3 by enhancing education and capacity-building on climate change, encompassing policy, conservation, and technological solutions,' he added. The goal is to link education with concrete climate action, Baharoon said, and empowering the youth - the future environmental stewards - is central to achieving this. 'To ensure the RCE's relevance and impact, the youth must play a central role - through advisory boards, leading initiatives, and active participation in decision-making. Their ideas, energy, and unique perspectives are vital to tackling sustainability challenges,' he said. The youth has already made a mark. The youth-led 'Generation Restoration', for example, has helped shape Abu Dhabi's road map during 2024 World Environmental Education Congress. Their voice and insights will remain crucial in the centre's development. The RCE's establishment marks only the beginning of Challenge 6.3 under the UNEP Action Plan for the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Empowering 'Generation Restoration' through youth-focused curricula (for ages 10–16 and 16+) and 5,000 collaborative partnerships would be a key measure of success. Baharoon outlined clear markers that would indicate the RCE's success over the next five years. '[These] include achieving a significant increase in community engagement in sustainability initiatives; realising measurable positive impacts on local environmental conditions; the development and dissemination of innovative educational resources and programmes; and the establishment of strong, collaborative partnerships across various sectors,' he said. Shaping Eco Lifestyles As it reaches out to the community, Abu Dhabi – RCE aims to drive climate action by offering field-based learning, tapping into cultural knowledge, and promoting behavioural change. EAD's naha platform will play a key role in supporting this mission. Available online, naha serves as an environmental lifestyle guide, providing a single access point to EAD's initiatives. 'Through 'my naha', users receive a personalised climate lifestyle journey, accessible 24/7, with a special emphasis on engaging younger generations,' according to information on The naha platform is more than a digital tool, Baharoon said. 'It is a central hub for collaboration and learning, offering interactive modules, workshops, and forums to engage stakeholders in advancing sustainability. It underpins the RCE's work by making its resources widely accessible across the region.' Scaling impact across the GCC is another priority for the RCE, Baharoon said, 'Starting with our Abu Dhabi initiatives, we will support the Ministry of Education at the UAE level, and make our online platforms naha and e-GREEN regionally accessible.' A Greener Future Looking ahead, Baharoon said the RCE recognition will 'elevate Abu Dhabi's standing to become a key driving force in transformative learning and climate action'. 'It will attract increased investment towards environmental initiatives and provide a strong platform to adopt innovative environmental education initiatives, exchange best practices, and foster collaboration across government, NGOs, and the community,' he added. In the future, the EAD official sees the Abu Dhabi – RCE 'expanding its network of partners, deepening its engagement with local communities, and developing innovative programmes that address emerging sustainability challenges'. 'This includes a greater focus on areas such as climate change adaptation, nature-based solutions, the circular economy, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban development,' he said.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
AI, advanced technology accelerate stroke diagnosis, treatment at CCAD
22 July 2025 00:16 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Artificial intelligence and advanced technology are redefining stroke care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), one of the emirate's centres of excellence for stroke, is leveraging the latest innovations to accelerate diagnosis and its rapid brain scans, cutting-edge platforms, and a highly coordinated team, CCAD is setting the 'gold standard' when it comes to handling cases of stroke, according to Dr. Victoria Ann Mifsud, a staff physician at the Neurology Department of CCAD's Neurological Institute. One of the institute's most transformative tool is RapidAI, 'an artificial intelligence system that processes brain scans with extraordinary speed and accuracy', Dr. Mifsud told Aletihad . 'It helps our physicians quickly determine which patients are candidates for life-saving interventions such as thrombolysis or thrombectomy.'This tool is particularly significant given that, in cases of stroke, 'every second truly counts'.The hospital also uses the Artis Icono system, a sophisticated neuro-interventional platform that ensures precision in procedures such as clot removal.'Our entire stroke pathway - from ambulance arrival to emergency imaging, treatment, and recovery planning - is built for integration and speed. This model of care is unique in the region and is increasingly becoming the gold standard,' she added. Dr. Seby John, another staff physician at the Neurology Department, told Aletihad that the hospital's success also lies in its highly coordinated team. 'From the moment a patient arrives at the emergency department, a highly trained multidisciplinary team activates stroke-specific protocols. This includes emergency physicians, neurologists, neurointerventionalists, radiologists, anesthetists, and stroke-trained nurses - all working together in real time,' Dr. John stabilised, patients transition into an integrated rehabilitation phase.'A second team, including rehabilitation physicians, therapists, nurses, and case managers, develops an individualised care plan,' he is a life-saving approach, the specialist said. 'It improves recovery, reduces complications, and helps patients regain independence with confidence and dignity.' Supporting Abu Dhabi's Healthcare VisionAdvancing its capabilities and keeping pace with healthcare innovations are part of CCAD's broader strategy in support of Abu Dhabi's long-term goals. 'Our designation (as a Stroke Centre of Excellence) is a testament to our rigorous standards across clinical outcomes, patient safety, experience, innovation, and caregiver competency,' said Dr. goal is to ensure not only a patient's survival but meaningful recovery, she said.'This long-term perspective – of reducing risk, restoring function, and supporting quality of life – is at the heart of Abu Dhabi's patient-first healthcare vision.'In the Year of Community, CCAD is prioritising stroke awareness, highlighting that once it strikes, every second counts – and any delay 'could make the difference between recovery and long-term disability'.CCAD treats approximately 1,100 stroke cases annually and nearly 40% of these patients are under the age of 50, Dr. Misfud said.'This statistic underscores the increasing impact of stroke on younger populations in the UAE,' she of the common risk factors are largely preventable with a shift to healthier lifestyles, she added.'Among the most critical are uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of these factors are lifestyle-driven and, with awareness and regular medical follow-up, can be effectively controlled or reversed.'When a stroke occurs, immediate action is critical; hence, CCAD has been reaching out to the community with a clear goal: To help the public recognise the early signs of hospital has presented the BE FAST acronym, a simple guide to help people identify symptoms: Balance issues, Eye or vision changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.'We have partnered with Ma'an and the Department of Community Development to reach people where they are: schools, malls, and workplaces,' said Dr. John. 'We support the UAE's national strategy for neurological care and stroke prevention through advanced care, national data efforts, medical education, and public campaigns. These combined efforts help shape a more proactive and coordinated approach to stroke care across the country.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
Nearly 40% of CCAD's stroke patients are under 50, says specialist
22 July 2025 00:09 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In the Year of Community, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) is prioritising stroke awareness, highlighting that once it strikes, every second counts – and any delay in treatment 'could make the difference between recovery and long-term disability'.CCAD treats approximately 1,100 stroke cases annually and nearly 40% of these patients are under the age of 50, according to Dr. Victoria Ann Mifsud, a staff physician at the Neurology Department of CCAD's Neurological Institute. 'This statistic underscores the increasing impact of stroke on younger populations in the UAE,' she told Aletihad . Many of the common risk factors are largely preventable with a shift to healthier lifestyles, she added.'Among the most critical are uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of these factors are lifestyle-driven and, with awareness and regular medical follow-up, can be effectively controlled or reversed.'When a stroke occurs, immediate action is critical. This is why CCAD — one of the emirate's centres of excellence for stroke — has been reaching out to the community with a clear goal: To help the public recognise the early signs of this medical hospital has presented the BE FAST acronym, a simple guide to help people identify symptoms of stroke: Balance issues, Eye or vision changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.'We have partnered with Ma'an and the Department of Community Development to reach people where they are: schools, malls, and workplaces,' said Dr. Seby John, another staff physician at CCAD's Neurology Department. 'We support the UAE's national strategy for neurological care and stroke prevention through advanced care, national data efforts, medical education, and public campaigns. These combined efforts help shape a more proactive and coordinated approach to stroke care across the country.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Winners of Khalifa Fund's Venturist Summer Camp game development competition honoured
18 July 2025 17:30 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The top winners of the eighth edition of the Venturist Summer Camp – an initiative of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development designed to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking and digital skills among youth – were honoured during a ceremony at the 42 Abu Dhabi its launch in 2022, the Venturist Summer Camp has attracted over 750 Emirati students through its diverse training programmes, Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, told camp held from July 7 to 11 at 42 Abu Dhabi witnessed the participation of 50 Emirati students, showcasing their creativity in game Kuwaiti said that game development is a strategic pillar in Abu Dhabi's creative economy, aligned with the emirate's long-term innovation goals.'Khalifa Fund recognises game development as a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's growing creative and digital economy. By integrating it into youth-focused programmes like the Venturist Summer Camp, the Fund aims to equip the next generation with critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurial capabilities and support Abu Dhabi's ambition to cultivate a diversified, future-ready economy rooted in knowledge and creativity,' he camp featured two training pathways for students aged 13 to 15, and aged 16 to 18 with a focus on programming, AI integration, as well as hands-on development using large language models and LUA coding. On the final day of the camp, first place was jointly awarded to Sara Abuhalqia and Mahra Alsalami (Pearl of the Damned), and Mohammed Rayn Ahmed and Hamad Alshemeili (Pick Your Poison). Second place went to Hamad AlKatheeri (Echo Rift) and Khalid Alhammadi with Abdelaziz Yousif (Sands of Unity), while third place was won by Alyazia Alshamsi, Aljoori Amer Almansoori, Aldana Eisa Alkaabi, and Meera Abdullah (Kingdom Valley). 'Khalifa Fund is proactively identifying and building a pipeline of future-ready Emiratis by introducing youth as early as 13 years old to fundamentals of creative technology, game design, coding, and entrepreneurship,' Al Kuwaiti explained. 'Through a structured bootcamp such as Venturist, we are able to not only expose them to technical skills but real-world projects, mentorships, critical thinking, and teamwork capabilities, aligned with the needs of the gaming industry.'Moving beyond training, Khalifa Fund is also committed to helping young game developers transform their ideas into viable startups.'Participants are guided through ideation and prototyping during the camp, while the Fund's broader ecosystem offers mentorship, funding, and incubation support, creating clear pathways from passion projects to viable startups,' Al Kuwaiti noted that they are exploring the expansion of the programme to include dedicated tracks focused on high-growth gaming subsectors such as AR/VR, esports, and educational game to Al Kuwaiti, the camp's flexible structure enables it to adapt quickly to the demands of evolving global terms of broader alignment, Al Kuwaiti said that the Fund is closely coordinating with Abu Dhabi's digital economy and innovation agendas. 'By collaborating with strategic partners in the industry, we leverage shared strengths, combining funding, infrastructure, training, and mentorship to build a pipeline of homegrown talent. This contributes to Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a regional innovation hub.'On how Khalifa Fund plans to measure long-term success, Al Kuwaiti emphasised a comprehensive and impact-driven approach to measuring the long-term success of its initiatives in the gaming sector. 'This includes both quantitative and qualitative indicators that reflect the depth and sustainability of the ecosystem being built,' he success metrics include developing talent that meets industry needs and strengthening partnerships to support knowledge transfer, global exposure, and commercialisation. 'Through these outcomes, Khalifa Fund aims to position Abu Dhabi not only as a hub for nurturing creative talent, but also as a leader in developing a homegrown gaming industry that contributes to the UAE's economic vision and global creative footprint.'
