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Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah's cultural vision blossoms in Senegal
Arabic as a cultural bridge This initiative aligns with the directives of the Sharjah Ruler to support the Arabic language and strengthen the presence of Arab poetry across Africa. The forum reflects Sharjah's belief in the power of culture to shape individuals and foster human connection between nations. Held at the Senegalese Literary Club in Dakar, the opening ceremony was attended by Hamdan Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to Senegal, and Fadel Gueye, President of the Senegalese Literary Club. Present were Arab diplomats, university professors, students, and poetry enthusiasts. Tribute to Sharjah's cultural leadership In his opening remarks, Mohamed Al Hadi Sal, the Forum's Cultural Coordinator, expressed deep appreciation for the Sharjah Ruler, calling him 'Culture's Man', whose efforts have globalised the Arabic language. He praised Sharjah's continued support for poetry and literature, describing it as a vital service to Arabic heritage. Arabic poetry revives on Senegalese soil Al Hadi Sal highlighted the enduring cultural impact of Arabic, stating that the language is blossoming once again in Senegal. He described the forum as a cultural planting in land thirsty for meaning, where poetry quenches the soul with beauty. Cultural diplomacy through poetry Ambassador Hamdan Al Naqbi emphasised the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Senegal, noting that events such as this poetry forum are genuine bridges for cultural cooperation. He commended Sharjah's civilisational initiatives and their role in advancing the Arabic language in Africa. Strategic partnership with Sharjah Dr Fadhel Ghay, President of the Senegalese Literary Club, voiced his pride in hosting such an important event, especially one connected with Sharjah, the Capital of Culture. He praised the participating poets and underlined the importance of strategic partnerships with Sharjah in ensuring the forum's success. More than a celebration of language Several participants viewed the forum not just as a celebration of Arabic but as a powerful African cultural platform. They praised Arabic's ability to reflect reality, express thought, and radiate beauty, noting that such initiatives significantly uplift the cultural landscape of the continent. The poetry readings offered a heartfelt glimpse into the poets' emotions and patriotism. The verses touched on personal and collective struggles, love for the homeland, and attachment to identity. Together, the poets created a vivid tapestry of hope and belonging that deeply moved the audience. Poetic voices united by hope and love The forum opened with an emotionally rich atmosphere, where poets of various backgrounds came together. Their poems were infused with hope and affection, underscoring poetry's role in renewing cultural thinking and strengthening human ties. Female voices were notably present and powerful at the forum. Through tender and profound poems, women poets addressed themes of self and reality with emotional depth. Their participation added a distinct aesthetic to the evening and highlighted the richness of the poetic experience in Senegal. The poet Umm Mohammed Al-Zahraa recited her poem "A Mother's Embrace", expressing the enduring sacrifices and deep love of motherhood:
Khaleej Times
11-07-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah's Faya added to UNESCO's World Heritage List
The UAE marked a milestone in heritage preservation as the UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially inscribed Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape on the World Heritage List. Recognised under the Cultural Landscape category, Faya was the only Arab site added this year and the second from the UAE after Al Ain's cultural sites were inscribed in 2011. Located in Sharjah's central region, Faya Palaeolandscape holds one of the world's oldest and most continuous records of early human habitation in arid environments, dating back over 200,000 years. It is an intact fossil desert landscape. Faya's critical role as a repeated destination for habitation has fundamentally altered our understanding of prehistoric life in Southeast Arabia, and represents a significant milestone in human evolution. This is what makes the inscription of Faya on the World Heritage List extremely significant. Until the inscription of Faya, desert Paleolithic sites were not represented in the World Heritage List. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Sharjah formally submitted the nomination in February 2024 following 12 years of dossier preparation. Faya's inclusion came after a rigorous evaluation based on UNESCO's standards of Outstanding Universal Value. The achievement reflects Sharjah's long-standing vision to integrate heritage, education and sustainable development, in line with the commitment of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, official ambassador of the nomination file, expressed gratitude to the World Heritage Committee for recognising Faya's significance. She said the inscription affirms Sharjah's role in early human history and highlights the Arabian Peninsula's position in the story of human migration from Africa. 'The stone tools found at Faya are testimony to the ingenuity of our ancestors and the deep roots of cultural tradition in our region,' she said, adding, 'We remain fully committed to protecting this site and ensuring its legacy continues to inspire future generations.' Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, said the inscription reflects shared ownership of world heritage. 'Faya now belongs to all peoples of the world, just as it did over 200,000 years ago,' he said, noting that this milestone represents the culmination of scientific research, cultural preservation and international cooperation. The UAE and Sharjah have adopted a comprehensive conservation plan for 2024–2030 to protect Faya's universal value, with a continued focus on research, education and sustainable tourism. For over a decade, Faya has also been a key site in UNESCO's Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) Programme, alongside world-renowned locations such as Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave. Faya's inscription brings the total number of World Heritage sites to 1,226 across 168 countries, including 955 cultural, 231 natural and 40 mixed sites. The Arab region now hosts 96 such sites across 18 countries.
Sharjah 24
14-04-2025
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Ruler: Government housing offers stability to families
His Highness added that the laws and conditions associated with getting government housing ensure this stability, and the government seizes the house from any husband who violates these restrictions. He also stressed the importance of promoting compassion and unity in society, noting that "faith" is the Emirate of Sharjah's guiding concept. His Highness stated in a phone conversation on Sharjah Radio and TV's Direct Line programme, which was hosted by Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, the Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority: "The issue of a husband overpowering his wife and children at home causes numerous problems, and we suffer as a result. The situation has escalated to such an extent that I have been forced to make tough choices. Upon handing over a residence, the recipient signs documents that outline the terms of delivery. Among these is a condition stating that if the recipient breaks social life principles, the residence will be reclaimed. Similarly, we will reclaim the residence if the homeowner engages in illegal behaviour or manipulates others. So, what can you expect if the man assaults his wife and children? Of course, he will lose his home. Sharjah Ruler continued: "This is the law, and the recipient must read and sign these terms before the handover. The government does not provide this residence randomly; it is subject to specific conditions. If the man is unjust, the government can take the house and protect the wife and kids. We therefore establish standards that forbid anyone from mistreating his spouse or kids. We appointed her a partner in the household, so he cannot deport her. The Arabic word 'sakan' (dwelling) signifies stability, and the Arabic 'sakinah' is tranquillity, whose essence is the woman." By command of His Highness, Sharjah Police return a woman and her children to their home. His Highness stated, "We previously dealt with a case in which a woman and her children were expelled from their home by her husband, who then divorced her and took over the house." I issued an order to return the woman and her children to their home. Sharjah Police carried out the order, and the man's house was reclaimed based on the conditions he signed when he received the property, which he violated by assaulting his wife and children. Under police supervision, the man removed his personal belongings from the residence, allowing the woman and her children to return. The man moved to another home because we worried about his wife and kids' safety. He was also taking medication that produced mental imbalance, and I continued to monitor his case to guarantee his condition improved."
Gulf Today
27-02-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sultan attends 3rd season harvest of Saba Sanabel
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended, on Wednesday, the 3rd season harvest ceremony of Saba Sanabel "Seven Spikes" wheat in Mleiha. This season, the wheat achieved a protein content of 19.3 per cent, reflecting high-quality production. Before the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan toured the event area, where he officially launched a variety of new organic products made from "Saba Sanabel" flour. The recently introduced products feature a diverse selection of pasta, "balaleet" vermicelli, croissants, cakes, biscuits, semolina, and traditional Arabic bread. Sheikh Sultan engaged with Emirati farmers, who are provided with seeds and equipment by the Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Department in accordance with his directives. This season, the Sharjah Ruler's grant for farmers provided 25 tonnes of premium wheat seeds, benefiting a total of 559 farmers. During the visit, Sheikh Sultan reviewed the modern harvesting technologies employed in the third season of wheat production. The Ruler of Sharjah and the attendees witnessed the wheat harvesting process, signaling the official commencement of the third season harvest at the wheat farm. The harvesting process utilised advanced machinery, featuring three specialised machines: one designed for separating grains from straw, another for collecting straw, and a third for compressing it into bales. Dr Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Production EST. (Iktifa), addressed the audience, emphasising the steadfast support of the Sharjah Ruler in enhancing food security. This year's harvest includes 37 sections, totaling 1,428 hectares, with an anticipated yield of 6,000 tons of organic wheat. Dr Al Tunaiji announced that the "Saba Sanabel" wheat has achieved a protein content of 19.3 per cent this season, compared to 18.1 per cent in its first season, which previously set a global record. He praised the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah in adopting an organic farming model, which enhances soil fertility year after year. Dr Al Tunaiji detailed that the third season of the wheat farm featured the cultivation of three distinct wheat varieties. The leading variety, Yokora Rojo from Saudi Arabia, was joined by Egypt 3 and Egypt 4 from Egypt, both of which showcased remarkable yield and robust stalks in experimental plots. The Egyptian varieties shown a higher protein content in Sharjah compared to their country of origin. Additionally, corn silage was planted on 12.5 hectares as a trial phase to provide green fodder for cattle, producing over 500 tons of easily digestible feed. Plans are underway to expand summer farming with leguminous forage crops, ensuring crop rotation between grass and legumes to supply organic feed. The CEO of Iktifa stated that agricultural researchers at the farm are actively working on developing new experimental wheat strains, aiming to create the "Sharjah 1" variety. He noted that the third season saw the cultivation of 1,450 non-GMO soft and hard wheat strains, doubling the number from previous seasons. The hybridization program has also advanced, with the number of parent plants increasing to 45, selected in the second season. These plants have undergone research at the first-of-its-kind Biotechnology Laboratory in the UAE, which is equipped with advanced smart technology for physiological measurements and molecular analysis to determine the genetic lineage of the selected wheat strains. Dr Al Tunaiji wrapped up his speech by thanking the Ruler of Sharjah, praising his vision and ongoing commitment to fostering development and sustainability. He highlighted that language cannot fully convey the extent of Sheikh Sultan's contributions to the nation. 'TAGHROODA' The harvest ceremony featured a traditional "Taghrooda" performance by a group of children, expressing their gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah for his efforts in providing healthy and organic food. Additionally, Furthermore, Sheikh Sultan viewed a unique video named "A Touch of Loyalty," featuring individuals from various nationalities who recounted their experiences with organic food produced by Iktifa. Participants emphasised the substantial health improvements they experienced, especially those who had previously faced challenges consuming milk, dairy products, and regular flour. The event highlighted a documentary segment that focused on Japanese farmer Yoshiki Yamamoto, known for his expertise in clean organic farming. The video highlighted Sharjah's sustainable organic agriculture model and the Ruler's dedication to ensuring safe and healthy food. Inspired by Sharjah's agricultural vision, Yamamoto successfully transformed the desert into an organic wheat farm. He also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to be in Sharjah and take part in the harvest of an exceptional wheat crop. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah honoured the strategic partners whose support and collaboration played a significant role in the success of the third agricultural season of the Mleiha wheat farm. Sheikh Sultan presented them with commemorative shields and took group photos in appreciation of their contributions. Sheikh Sultan also received a commemorative gift from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) in recognition of his efforts in the agricultural sector and food security. The gesture underscored his commitment to fostering healthy organic food production and encouraging for sustainable agricultural methods. The Mleiha wheat farm uses cutting-edge irrigation technologies, resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in water consumption. The smart Valley 365 application is utilised, enabling remote management of irrigation systems and measuring soil moisture at a depth of 60 cm via ground sensors. Moreover, satellite technology delivers daily updates on agricultural activities, irrigation methods, and the health of crops. The farm features advanced smart agricultural machinery aimed at boosting productivity, safeguarding the environment, and fostering sustainable growth.
The National
26-02-2025
- Health
- The National
Sharjah Ruler marks start of third harvest at vast wheat farm
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday heralded the third harvest of a vast wheat farm which is helping to bolster the emirate's food security, while sowing the seeds for a more sustainable future. The farm in Mleiha was transformed from a stretch of barren desert land in 2022 into fertile ground for an ambitious mission to spur local food production and generate jobs in farming. The initiative is reaping rewards, with an anticipated yield of 6,000 tonnes of organic wheat from a bumper harvest planted across 1,428 hectares. Sheikh Dr Sultan took part in a harvest ceremony in which he launched organic products cultivated under the Saba Sanabel (Seven Spikes) wheat brand. These include pasta, croissants, cakes, biscuits, semolina and traditional Arabic bread. The thriving farm is central to a broader drive – in Sharjah and across the Emirates – to invest in local agriculture to reduce reliance on imported goods and to champion local produce. The Sharjah Ruler's grants this season have provided 25 tonnes of premium wheat seeds, benefiting 559 farmers. Dr Khalifa Al Tunaiji, chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and chief executive of Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Production (Iktifa), said the third season has seen the cultivation of 1,450 non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) soft and hard wheat strains, doubling the number from previous seasons. The Mleiha wheat farm uses advanced irrigation technologies, resulting in 30 per cent lower water consumption. Satellite technology delivers daily updates on farm activities, irrigation methods and crop health. In October, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the Plant the Emirates initiative. The project will include establishing a national agriculture centre and a number of targets for the next five years. They include a 20 per cent increase in production from farms, a 25 per cent increase in the number of organic farms and a 30 per cent increase in the percentage of farms that adopt climate-smart solutions. Other goals include a 50 per cent reduction in waste from agricultural production, a 15 per cent increase in the number of workers in the farming sector, a 25 per cent increase in use of local products in the restaurant and hotel sector, and for 85 per cent of local farms to obtain the quality classification seal. As part of the project local communities will also grow produce at home, Wam reported, and help to enhance green areas across the country.
