Latest news with #SheikhHamdan
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'Sheikh Hamdan paid everyone's bill': UAE royals surprise Dubai Mall diners
When Emirati Noura Mohammed AlMarzooqi sat down to lunch at La Maison Ani on Wednesday, she had no idea that her bill would be paid by none other than the Crown Prince himself! Noura was one of the several diners at the restaurant who caught a glimpse of two UAE leaders casually strolling in for lunch and then were surprised by having their meals fully paid for. On Wednesday, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had lunch at the restaurant, accompanied by a group of aides and friends. 'They were super friendly and said hello to everyone and made the experience really great for us,' said Noura. 'When I asked for the cheque after my meal, the restaurant informed me that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed had paid everyone's bill. Only in UAE will you see the royal families spending lovely time with their people and spreading kindness and making the experience priceless.' Videos shared on social media show the leaders walking into the restaurant and greeting other diners with an Islamic salutation wishing them peace. The group had lunch at the eatery, run by Chef Izu Ani, one of the most influential chefs in the region. He is also behind concepts such as Alaya, Gaia, and Kai Enzo. Here's a video of their visit: 'Honour and privilege' The restaurant has called it an "honour and privilege" to have the Sheikhs visit them. In a statement shared with Khaleej Times, the restaurant said they were 'grateful' for the opportunity. 'It was an absolute honor and privilege for our team to welcome Their Highnesses to La Maison Ani,' it read. 'The experience was seamless, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve them. Moments like these are a proud reminder of the trust placed in us to deliver excellence at every level.' They also explained how the visit was. 'The Crown Princes maintained a warm and respectful presence throughout their visit,' it continued. 'While the occasion was private, their gracious demeanour and generosity left a lasting impression. Both our team and surrounding guests deeply appreciated the atmosphere their presence brought. The visit took place during lunch in a calm and elegant setting. Out of respect for Their Highnesses' privacy, we will not be disclosing further details.'
Gulf Business
16 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai approves new reforms: How they impact education, eco standards
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved a series of strategic policies and projects aimed at strengthening Dubai's global position in education, business, and sustainable development. Read- The approvals came during a meeting of The Executive Council held at Emirates Towers, attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Making Dubai a global education hub Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of empowering youth with academic and practical skills, reaffirming Dubai's ambition to be among the world's top 10 cities for students. 'Dubai is home to 37 international university branches, and we plan to attract more,' he said, noting that initiatives will support the Education Strategy 2033 and Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The council approved a new project led by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to attract world-class universities. The plan targets 70 higher education institutions by 2033, with international students comprising 50 per cent of enrolments and contributing Dhs5.6bn to the emirate's GDP. New career guidance policy for students A new Academic and Career Guidance Policy was also approved, aimed at supporting students in transitioning from education to employment. The policy sets targets such as: 90 per cent employment rate for Emirati graduates within six months 80 per cent of institutions offering effective career advice 70 per cent of students gaining entry into top three university or career choices Additional initiatives include life skills camps, entrepreneurship programmes, and university–industry partnerships. Air Quality Strategy 2030 unveiled The council green lit the Air Quality Strategy 2030, targeting 90 per cent clean air days annually and a reduction in PM2.5 concentrations to 35 micrograms per cubic metre. The strategy is led by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority in collaboration with local and federal partners. Dubai International Mediation Centre approved To strengthen Dubai's legal infrastructure, the council approved the Dubai International Mediation Centre. Developed with the ADR Centre, the project aims to offer globally recognised mediation services, enhance investor confidence, and create jobs in dispute resolution. Governance boost for construction projects The new Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects introduces a tiered system for project evaluation and financial planning. Led by the Dubai Department of Finance, the policy aligns with plans to increase public spending to Dhs700bn over the next decade.
Arabian Business
17 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai unveils major education reforms with new visas plan
Dubai's Executive Council has approved a major package of initiatives aimed at transforming the emirate into a top 10 global city for students by 2033. The new initiatives will expand international university presence, reform student visas, enhance career guidance, and boost Dubai's position as a destination for academic excellence and innovation. The new policies, approved during a meeting of The Executive Council at Emirates Towers, are aligned with the Economic Agenda D33 and the Education Strategy 2033. Dubai student boost Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: ' Youth are the architects of the future, shaping it with their awareness, optimism, and openness to the world. 'Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai continues to empower young people with knowledge and skills, providing them with world-class academic, practical, and research opportunities. 'Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.' The emirate currently plays host to 37 international universities, including top-ranked institutions such as Curtin University, University of Wollongong, University of Birmingham, and University of Manchester. Under the new strategy, this number is expected to rise to more than 70 by 2033. Dubai education targets and initiatives 50 percent of all university enrolments in the emirate will be international students by 2033 A new student visa system, work visas for graduates, and international scholarships will be introduced A Higher Education Investment Fund and a Scientific Research Network will support university clusters and research Career advice services will be strengthened in schools and universities, with a target of 90 per cent employment within six months for Emirati graduates Dubai aims for 11 universities in the global top 200 and a AED5.6 billion contribution from higher education to GDP 80 per cent of education providers will be able to offer effective career advice services 70 per cent of graduates will be able to gain entry into one of their top three university or career choices Also approved at the Executive Council Meeting was the Academic and Career Guidance Policy, led by Knowledge and Human Development Authority, which sets clear goals for aligning education with employment. It includes entrepreneurship programmes, life skills camps, and digital platforms offering real-time insights into the job market. 'Youth are the architects of the future,' said Sheikh Hamdan. 'Our goal is to make Dubai a destination for outstanding students from around the world and an incubator for innovation.'
The National
20 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Sheikh Hamdan unveils air quality plan and support for Emiratis in future job markets
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Thursday chaired the Dubai Executive Council meeting, with education and efforts to boost air quality high on the agenda. The council approved a project to attract top international universities to the emirate while putting together the Academic and Career Guidance Policy. This, Sheikh Hamdan said, will help Emirati students in future job markets with targeted academic and career support, setting a target that 90 per cent of all Emirati graduates will find employment within six months of graduation. Sheikh Hamdan also unveiled a long-term air quality plan as part of a broader drive to bolster the environment and improve quality of life. 'Today, I chaired The Executive Council meeting and approved a set of policies and strategies to reinforce Dubai's position as a global hub for education and future-ready talent,' he wrote on X. 'We approved a project to attract top international universities, aiming to position Dubai among the world's top 10 destinations for undergraduate and postgraduate students.' The aim is for international students to comprise 50 per cent of all university enrolments in Dubai by 2033. The higher education sector is also expected to contribute Dh5.6 billion to the emirate's GDP by this time, Dubai Media Office reports. The initiative aims to establish Dubai as one of the world's top 10 cities for students, with over 70 higher education institutions planned by 2033, including 11 ranked within the top 200 globally. To achieve this, the project sets out to improve student visa systems, new international scholarships, work visas for graduates, and introduce strategies to attract prestigious universities. 'Aligned with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision for a knowledge-based economy, the project will be implemented in partnership with KHDA and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism,' Sheikh Hamdan added. 'We also approved the Academic and Career Guidance Policy to help Emirati students thrive in future job markets through targeted academic and career support.' A focus on the environment The Crown Prince of Dubai also revealed the approval of the Air Quality Strategy 2030, while also setting out plans for a new centre to mediate legal disputes. The clean air initiative follows a similar project announced in February, known as the Super Block initiative, which will target urban areas to make them more pedestrian-friendly. It is hoped that this will enhance quality of life, sustainability and boost social interaction between communities. It also aims to reduce carbon emissions by designating car-free residential areas and increasing green spaces. Areas such as Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone will be the first to be boosted by the initiative. 'Enhancing quality of life remains a key priority. We approved the Air Quality Strategy 2030, which will be implemented by Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, in partnership with relevant entities, with the aim of fostering a healthy and safe environment for all,' he continued. 'During the meeting, we also approved the Dubai International Mediation Centre project to provide an efficient and transparent platform for alternative dispute resolution. 'We also approved the Governance Policy for Government Construction Projects to standardise procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen private-sector partnerships, and ensure efficient delivery and high-quality outcomes.'
UAE Moments
21 hours ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Dubai: Global Scholarship & Jobs for 90% of Students by 2033
\ Dubai is rolling out a major upgrade to its education sector, with new policies designed to attract more international students, provide better career support, and help 90% of its student population land jobs in their field after graduation. The strategy, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, was announced following a meeting of the Executive Council. Global Talent, Local Growth One of the key goals: make international students account for 50% of university enrolments in Dubai by 2033. Currently home to 37 international universities, the emirate plans to nearly double that number to over 70, including top-ranked institutions from around the world. To support this, Dubai will introduce enhanced student visas, international scholarships, and graduate work permits. The higher education sector is expected to pump AED 5.6 billion into the economy once these changes are fully in place. Jobs for 90% of Students A new Academic and Career Guidance Policy, led by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), is designed to make career planning more effective from school to university. The aim? Ensure 90% of students find employment in their field, and that Emirati graduates are hired within six months of finishing their studies. The policy also sets targets for: 80% of education providers to offer effective career guidance 70% of graduates to be accepted into one of their top three university or job choices Initiatives include life skills camps, entrepreneurship programs, and stronger school-to-job transition pathways. Big Plans Backed by Big Names Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and KHDA are working together to boost the city's position as a global education hub. Existing institutions like the University of Birmingham Dubai, University of Manchester Dubai, and University of Wollongong Dubai—already ranked in the QS top lists—are examples of Dubai's success in attracting prestigious names. The plan also includes:
