Latest news with #SheikhaBodourbint
See - Sada Elbalad
11-07-2025
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
UNESCO Adds Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape as Sole Arab World Heritage Site in 2025
Mohamed Mandour The United Nations cultural agency UNESCO has added Sharjah's Faya Palaeolandscape to its prestigious World Heritage List, marking the United Arab Emirates' second World Heritage site and the only Arab site to be inscribed in 2025. The announcement came during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. The site, located in the central region of Sharjah, is recognized for its exceptional archaeological significance, offering key insights into early human habitation in arid environments. Evidence from the site dates back more than 210,000 years. Faya's inclusion under the 'Cultural Landscape' category highlights its importance in tracing early human migration and evolution, particularly the Arabian Peninsula's role in the broader narrative of human dispersal from Africa. The discovery of ancient stone tools and 18 archaeological layers has reshaped scientific understanding of prehistoric life in Southeast Arabia. Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who served as the official ambassador for the nomination, accepted the recognition on behalf of the UAE and Sharjah. 'The inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape affirms Sharjah's contribution to the cradle of early human history,' she said, adding that the findings at Faya stand as a testament to the ingenuity of early human communities. This achievement follows more than three decades of research and excavation led by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, in collaboration with global academic institutions including the University of Tübingen and Oxford Brookes University. The work has been integral to UNESCO's Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) program since 2014. 'This inscription is the culmination of scientific rigor, cultural stewardship, and international cooperation,' said Eisa Yousif, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority. 'Faya now belongs to all the peoples of the world, just as it did more than 210,000 years ago.' The UAE and Sharjah have committed to a long-term conservation and management plan (2024–2030) that prioritizes sustainable tourism, ongoing research, and education, in alignment with UNESCO's standards. There are currently 96 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across 18 Arab countries. With this addition, the World Heritage List now includes 1,226 properties of outstanding universal value in 168 nations. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
Sharjah 24
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Tanweer Festival returns to Mleiha in November
Visionary leadership At the heart of Tanweer Festival is the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, whose passion for cultural dialogue, spiritual growth, and sustainability inspired the festival's creation. Driven by a belief in the transformative power of music, nature, and shared experiences, Sheikha Bodour envisioned Tanweer as a platform that transcends borders, connects communities, and nurtures a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. Ambitious second edition Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi recently commented, 'We are thrilled to bring Tanweer Festival back for its second edition, and this time, it's even more ambitious, immersive, and meaningful. Last year's debut was just the beginning of a journey that resonated deeply with so many people, and this year we are building on that foundation with a richer programme, stronger sustainability practices, and an even more powerful message of unity. I truly can't wait to welcome our growing community back to the Mleiha desert to continue this journey together.' Embracing the theme This year, Tanweer Festival, which translates to the festival of enlightenment, embraces the theme of 'What you Seek Is Seeking You,' a famous quote from Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic whose work transcends cultures, religions, and generations. Through music and poetry, Rumi encouraged people to explore the depths of our inner selves, reconnect with the natural world, and find unity in diversity, values that lie at the very heart of Tanweer. Curated festival grounds The festival grounds are carefully curated to reflect its holistic ethos. The Main Stage will be a multisensory arena with ambient lighting, ancestral music, and mountain-side projections. The Dome acts as the heart of community learning, hosting discussions and workshops, while the Tree of Life serves as a serene space for gathering and reflection. Nourish, the festival's culinary hub, offers organic, farm-to-table dishes including vegan, vegetarian, and traditional Bedouin-style BBQs. The Marketplace features handpicked artisans offering unique handcrafted items, while immersive art installations transform the desert into an open-air gallery. Commitment to sustainability Sustainability remains a non-negotiable pillar of Tanweer Festival. It is a no single-use plastic event with a dedicated reuse and recycle strategy, green waste composting, and zero-waste food and beverage services. Sustainability education will be woven throughout the festival, setting a new standard for eco-conscious cultural events in the region. With a 'leave no trace' approach, Tanweer ensures that its footprint is minimal, proving that large-scale gatherings can be deeply respectful of the land that hosts them. A Movement for connection Returning with a more dynamic and expressive identity, the second edition of Tanweer is a chance for individuals to step into the desert once more, giving them the opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and realign through the universal language of music. This is more than a festival; it is a movement for those who seek deeper meaning, community, and beauty in a world too often divided. Experience the magic Don't miss the Tanweer Festival 2025 and get ready to experience a mystical arena where the desert sings, the soul listens, and enlightenment awaits.
Al Etihad
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Tanweer Festival returns to Mleiha desert for second edition this November
9 June 2025 15:41 SHARJAH (WAM) The Tanweer Festival will return to the Mleiha desert in Sharjah from November 21 to 23, 2025. The event follows the inaugural edition held last year and will once again take place in the Mleiha region, known for its natural and archaeological the heart of Tanweer Festival is the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, whose passion for cultural dialogue, spiritual growth, and sustainability inspired the festival's creation. Driven by a belief in the transformative power of music, nature, and shared experiences, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi envisioned Tanweer as a platform that transcends borders, connects communities, and nurtures a deeper understanding of our shared three-day festival will feature a programme that includes music, visual art, and cultural activities. It is intended to offer attendees a shared space for creative and social Tanweer Festival was initiated under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi and her focus on cultural dialogue, environmental sustainability, and community engagement served as the foundation for the festival's establishment. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi aimed to create a platform that brings together diverse audiences through music, nature, and collaborative Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi recently commented, 'We are thrilled to bring Tanweer Festival back for its second edition, and this time, it's even more ambitious, immersive, and meaningful. Last year's debut was just the beginning of a journey that resonated deeply with so many people, and this year we are building on that foundation with a richer programme, stronger sustainability practices, and an even more powerful message of unity. I truly can't wait to welcome our growing community back to the Mleiha desert to continue this journey together.'This year, Tanweer Festival, which translates to the festival of enlightenment, embraces the theme of 'What You Seek Is Seeking You,' a famous quote from Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic whose work transcends cultures, religions, and generations. Through music and poetry, Rumi encouraged people to explore the depths of our inner selves, reconnect with the natural world, and find unity in diversity, values that lie at the very heart of Tanweer.
Sharjah 24
13-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SICE 2025 urges responsible AI use in higher education
Dual-campus conference collaboration Day One of the conference took place at UoS, while Day Two was held at AUS in the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, bringing together academics, researchers and industry leaders to explore the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education and workforce development. Opening remarks emphasise partnerships The day began with a welcome address by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour, followed by welcome remarks from Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor, University of Sharjah, underscoring the importance of academic partnerships in advancing innovation across the UAE's education sector. Sheikha Bodour urges thoughtful AI integration Addressing the conference, Sheikha Bodour said: "We have a shared responsibility as educators and innovators to adapt to artificial intelligence and to thoughtfully shape its integration in ways that uplift our students – and society..." AUS leadership stresses frameworks for AI Her comments had been foreshadowed on Day One by Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, who said: "SICE 2025 served as a timely platform to engage with how AI is redefining the role and responsibilities of higher education institutions..." Keynote speakers explore strategic AI adoption The Day Two program featured two keynote presentations, each offering distinct insights into the evolving role of AI in higher education. Khadish Franklin, Managing Director and Head of Research Advisory Services at EAB, discussed how institutions can establish an AI posture to support strategic transformation. Dr Jassim Al Awadhi, Senior Director and Digital Transformation Principal in the telecom sector, examined AI's implications for graduate readiness and future labor market demands , while Dr Sami Nejri, invited speaker, explored AI's cognitive and interdisciplinary dimensions, encouraging institutions to rethink traditional academic boundaries. Panel discusses higher education's role in bridging the AI skills gap A panel discussion titled 'Bridging the AI Skills Gap: Higher Education's Role in Shaping the Future Workforce' brought together leaders from New York University Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the American University in Cairo, and Amazon Web Services. Moderated by Dr Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, the discussion focused on the need to integrate AI-related competencies into curricula while maintaining academic rigor and relevance. Research presentations highlight AI's transformative role Over the course of the day, more than 30 peer-reviewed research papers were presented across six thematic tracks, covering topics such as AI in engineering and design education, blended learning and gamification, multilingual instruction, AI in legal writing, personalised learning models, faculty development and data-driven academic research. Presenters showcased a range of applications demonstrating how AI is reshaping pedagogy, assessment, engagement and institutional planning. Poster session showcases faculty and student innovations A poster session held in the AUS Main Building Rotunda provided faculty and student researchers with a platform to share projects focused on AI-generated content, classroom technologies, learning analytics and collaborative digital tools. Expert insights on academic readiness for AI integration Dr. James Griffin, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Instruction at AUS, said: "The technical depth of the conference was especially impactful... These insights offer a practical roadmap for how universities can approach AI adoption with academic rigor and innovation." AUS faculty honoured for excellence in research During the conference, six distinguished AUS faculty members were recognized with the 2025 Excellence in Research Awards, honoring exceptional contributions in creative works, humanities and social sciences and STEM. In the Creative Works category, Faysal Tabbarah, Associate Professor of Architecture, received first prize for his innovative architectural research addressing regional and environmental contexts, while Dr. Sohail Dahdal, Head of the Department of Media Communication, earned second prize for his immersive storytelling projects that integrate artistic excellence with digital technology. In the Humanities and Social Sciences category, Dr. John Katsos, Professor of Management, was awarded first prize for his influential research and recognition in business and peace studies, including Nobel Peace Prize nominations and publications in leading journals, and Dr. Ahmed Ali, Professor of Translation and Head of the Department of Arabic and Translation Studies, received second prize for his impactful work in Arabic linguistics and translation. In the STEM category, Dr. Mostafa Shaaban, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Director of the Energy, Water and Sustainable Environment Research Center, received first prize for his leadership in smart grids, energy resilience and electric vehicles, and Dr. Farid Abed, Professor of Civil Engineering, was honored with second prize for his advancements in structural engineering and sustainable construction materials. SICE 2025 reinforces Sharjah's leadership in AI and education SICE 2025 reflected a shared commitment by AUS and UoS to advancing academic dialogue on the integration of artificial intelligence in higher education. Through this collaboration, the conference reinforced Sharjah's position—and that of the wider UAE—as a leading center for research, innovation and cross-sector engagement in shaping the future of education.
Sharjah 24
20-04-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
KF brings its humanitarian message to Morocco with 600 books
Official visit to Moulay Ali Cherif Primary School in Rabat The Foundation's programme culminated in an official visit to Moulay Ali Cherif Primary School in Rabat, led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation. She was received by the school's director, ElMostafa Bouarda, who briefed her on the school's educational efforts and accompanied her on a tour of the classrooms along with other members of the delegation. During the visit, Sheikha Bodour held an interactive reading session with students, sharing excerpts from her book House of Wisdom, which highlights the legacy of knowledge and Arab civilisation. As part of the Foundation's vision to nurture a lifelong connection with reading, she gifted each child a personal copy of the book—planting a seed for curiosity and intellectual growth. The school was also gifted a portable library of 100 Arabic-language children's books, reinforcing Kalimat Foundation's commitment to making knowledge more accessible to young learners. The event was attended by a number of prominent Emirati and Moroccan figures in the cultural and educational sectors, including H.E. Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah and Board Member of Kalimat Foundation; H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority and Board Member of Kalimat Foundation; Abdellah Sghir, Regional Director at the Moroccan Ministry of National Education in Salé; Rachida Roki, President of the Association Reading Network in Morocco; Yasmine Kouikbi, representative of the Moroccan Council for Children's Books; as well as education leaders and representatives of partner organisations. Commenting on the initiatives, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of Kalimat Foundation, said: 'We are not simply providing children with books; we are offering them tools to dream and a window onto a broader world of possibilities. In Morocco, we brought with us Sharjah's belief that every child has non-negotiable rights: the right to read, to question, and to explore. These initiatives reflect our mission to build communities that view investment in children as an investment in the future. In every book we shared, and every interactive reading session we hosted, our message remained clear: knowledge is a basic right of every child, and reading makes a real difference in both individual lives and entire communities.' Field visit and library upgrade at ASSAS Association in Ifrane Kalimat Foundation also carried out a field visit to the ASSAS Association in Ifrane, where it donated a Portable library of 100 Arabic-language books. The visit included a reading session of Famous by Accident , published by Kalimat Group, followed by a hands-on creative workshop where children designed costumes based on the book's characters. In addition to donating books, the Foundation supported the renovation and upgrade of the association's library and provided ten digital tablets to enhance the learning environment with interactive tools and promote sustainable education. These initiatives were made possible through proceeds from the sale of products designed in collaboration with Emirati artist Mohammed Al Mansoori, Kalimat Foundation's Creative Ambassador, with a portion of the proceeds allocated to fund the 'Pledge a Library' programme in Morocco. Two more Portable libraries and 200 books for young reading champions The Foundation also donated two additional Portable libraries—one to the Walja Al Sultan School Group and another to the Al Tanmiya School Group—each containing 100 Arabic books. Additionally, 200 books were presented to children awarded by the Moroccan Reading Network in recognition of their commitment to reading. These gifts aimed to reward their passion, expand their cultural horizons, and nurture their intellectual growth. Rachida Roky, President of the Association Reading Network in Morocco, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, saying: 'What Kalimat Foundation has brought to Morocco goes beyond book donations. It establishes a living relationship between children and knowledge through interactive experiences that enrich reading and connect it to everyday life. These initiatives serve as a model of collaborative Arab cultural action and reflect a genuine commitment to making reading a right for all—not a privilege for a few.' A strategic and humanitarian vision for child empowerment Kalimat Foundation's work in Morocco is part of its broader mission to ensure children—particularly those affected by economic hardship, remote geographies, or humanitarian crises—have access to knowledge. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed thousands of books and implemented impactful initiatives across dozens of countries, placing literacy and reading at the heart of its development and humanitarian goals.
