Latest news with #SultanAlQasimi


Al Etihad
13-07-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Faya's UNESCO listing affirms UAE's civilisational stature: Bodour Al Qasimi
13 July 2025 15:05 SHARJAH (WAM)Under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah hosted a gala dinner at The Peninsula Paris Hotel to honour and celebrate the successful inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape on the UNESCO World Heritage Palaeolandscape was the only Arab nomination considered by the World Heritage Committee for its 47th session, making this achievement even more historic and meaningful for Sharjah, UAE, and the wider now stands as the second site in the UAE to receive this recognition, after The Cultural Sites in Al Ain that was inscribed in 2011. The event gathered key figures from the World Heritage Committee, diplomatic representatives, and experts to reflect on this historic achievement. Sheikha Bodour expressed pride in Sharjah's continuous efforts to inscribe Faya, and bring the site's instrumental role in shaping early human history to dedication to preserving Faya's legacy takes centre stage with UNESCO World Heritage inscription, marking a historic milestone for the UAE and the Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who is the official ambassador for Faya's nomination file, spoke about the significance of this historic achievement and Sharjah's commitment to preserving Faya's legacy for future generations.'The inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape on the World Heritage List is a collective achievement. Congratulations to Sharjah and to everyone who has supported us throughout this long and meaningful journey,' said Sheikha Bodour in her opening remarks.'This year, Faya was the only Arab nomination considered by the World Heritage Committee. It is now the second site in the UAE to receive this prestigious recognition, following The Cultural Sites of Al Ain in 2011. This is a monumental win for Sharjah. A win for the UAE. And a win for our region,' Sheikha Bodour also emphasised that Sharjah will remain steadfast in its commitment to preserving and protecting Faya, continue to invest in its conservation, and expand research efforts to ensure that its story reaches and resonates with the Alhaj Al Ali, Permanent Delegate of the United Arab Emirates to UNESCO, emphasised the country's steadfast commitment to heritage and the broader significance of this milestone, stating: 'The United Arab Emirates remains deeply committed to UNESCO's mission and is proud to stand as an active, engaged partner in preserving our shared global heritage. The World Heritage List is more than a register of sites — it reflects humanity's diverse stories, values, and identities."It reminds us that heritage knows no borders, and that every culture has something essential to contribute to the global narrative. In this spirit, the inscription of Faya is a step forward in broadening the representation of voices and landscapes from the Arab world and other regions that have long remained on the margins.'Guests reflected on the collective work that made Faya's inscription possible. The evening enabled attendees to celebrate not only this achievement but the shared commitment and momentum driving the preservation of human heritage. A visual display illuminated the milestones reached, showcasing the dedication of researchers, experts, and partners who played an integral role in the nomination Yousif, Director-General, Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), personally acknowledged the contributions of those who made this achievement emphasised the importance of continued collaboration to safeguard Faya's legacy and its contributions to the understanding of early human history.'This inscription is far more than a global recognition of an archaeological site — it is a tribute to decades of unwavering vision and leadership by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who laid the foundations for protecting our cultural heritage in service of humanity. We also extend profound appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her exceptional stewardship of this nomination, driven by rigorous science and powerful partnerships."'Faya stands today as a living testament to early human ingenuity and resilience, and it has redrawn our understanding of the Arabian Peninsula — not merely as a passage for migration, but as a true homeland for settlement and creativity. For us at the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, this is a historic milestone that deepens our commitment to preserving and sharing our story with the world," Yousif said."Together, with our partners and communities, we will continue investing in research and education to ensure Faya remains a beacon of knowledge for generations to come," he concluded. Faya Palaeolandscape The Faya Palaeolandscape is not just a site of historical discovery; it is a window into the adaptive capacities of early humans who lived in one of the harshest environments on Earth over 200,000 years layers of human activity uncovered at Faya offer profound insights into the resilience and ingenuity required to thrive in the Arabian Peninsula's most challenging landscapes, the desert. They reveal that the Arabia was not merely a transit point but a destination; a home where innovation, habitation, and cultural exchange 30 years of archaeological work have revealed 18 distinct layers of human settlement, each telling a different chapter in the story of human survival and innovation. Faya continues to reshape our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present, illustrating the importance of preserving such knowledge for future 11 years, Faya Palaeolandscape has been a cornerstone site within UNESCO's Human Evolution, Adaptations, Dispersals and Social Developments (HEADS) Programme, alongside iconic sites like Klasies River Caves and Wonderwerk Cave in longstanding partnership between UNESCO and Faya Palaeolandscape underscores the site's role in advancing global palaeoanthropological research, environmental studies, and international heritage cooperation.


Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE: SEC approves regulation of traffic violation exemption percentage
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler and Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), chaired the council meeting on Tuesday morning at the Ruler's Office, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council. During the meeting, the council discussed various general topics related to the progress of government work, reviewed public policies of government departments and entities, and examined their roles in achieving the vision and strategy of the emirate of Sharjah. The council approved a new policy regulating traffic fine discounts in Sharjah. Violators who settle their fines within 60 days of the offense will receive a 35 percent discount, which includes the financial penalty, impoundment period, vehicle storage fees, and any late penalties. If payment is made after 60 days but within one year of the violation, a 25 percent discount will apply to the financial penalty only. The decision also specified that serious traffic violations are excluded from these discounts. Reaffirming its strong commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs, the council approved exempting a group of entrepreneurial projects supported by the Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD) from half of the government fees for two years. This new batch includes 88 projects covering various economic activities and priority sectors, spread across all cities and regions of the emirate.


Gulf Insider
02-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Sharjah Regulates Auction of Special Vehicle Plates
Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler and Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), chaired the council meeting on Tuesday morning at the Ruler's Office, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council. The council issued a decision to regulate the auction sale of special vehicle number plates in the Emirate of Sharjah The meeting discussed several agenda topics focused on monitoring the performance of government departments and entities, and developing the legislative framework to enhance government work and achieve integration across sectors in service of the community. The council decided to conclude the first regular session of the twentieth annual term for municipal councils in the Emirate of Sharjah, with the session officially ending on Thursday, 8 Muharram 1447 AH, corresponding to July 3, 2025. During the period between sessions, the general committees of the municipal councils will continue handling their respective affairs. The council has also implemented a decision to regulate the auction sale of special vehicle number plates in the Emirate of Sharjah. This regulation relates to plates designated by the Sharjah Police General Command. Under this decision, the Sharjah Police will organise and supervise the auctions, establish conditions and regulations, specify plate numbers and category codes, contract with specialised companies, and manage any additional tasks assigned by the Executive Council. The decision stipulated that licensed investment funds registered with the Securities and Commodities Authority and listed in the investment funds register have the right to own and use real estate in the emirate in accordance with the regulations set forth in this decision, as follows: 1. Private investment funds that are fully owned by UAE citizens or GCC nationals, as well as public investment funds, have the right to own real estate in all areas of the emirate and to use real estate in projects approved for usufruct sale. 2. Private investment funds that include units owned by non-UAE citizens and non-GCC nationals have the right to own real estate in projects approved for sale to foreigners and to use real estate in projects approved for usufruct sale. The decision also includes legal articles concerning ownership and usufruct conditions, investment fund registry, powers of the Real Estate Registration Department, fees, data updates, suspension of fund transactions, and trading of private fund units. Also Read: Road Goes Viral: Fujairah Rolls Out Musical Road, Here's How It Works

Khaleej Times
01-07-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah: 80,000-year-old tools found in Jebel Faya, showing early humans stayed in Arabia
Archaeologists have uncovered 80,000-year-old stone tools at Jebel Faya in Sharjah, providing groundbreaking evidence of sophisticated early human activity in the Arabian Peninsula and revealing a continuous human presence spanning 210,000 years. The discovery gains additional significance as Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an administrative decision approving the boundaries of the Al Faya site for its Unesco World Heritage List nomination. According to the decision, the location, boundaries, and area of Al Faya outlined in the approved map are officially nominated as a cultural heritage site. The archaeological findings, published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences journal, demonstrate that early Homo sapiens did not merely pass through Arabia but established long-term settlements, adapting to the region's unpredictable climate and developing advanced toolmaking techniques. The international research project was led by the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) in partnership with universities in Germany and the UK, funded by the German Research Foundation and the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences. The evidence links human presence to Marine Isotope Stage 5a (MIS 5a), a period of dramatic environmental shifts when monsoons from the Indian Ocean transformed Arabia's deserts into green landscapes with lakes and grasslands. What sets the Jebel Faya inhabitants apart is their sophisticated toolmaking technique called bidirectional reduction; it is a method requiring precise, strategic strikes to both ends of a stone core to create elongated blades and flakes. 'This wasn't random knapping,' says Dr Bretzke. 'Bidirectional reduction required foresight. It's like a chef filleting a fish — each strike intentional, each angle calculated. The goal was to maximise material efficiency, preserving the raw stone for future use. It reflects deep environmental knowledge and an extraordinary level of cognitive skill.' The multipurpose tools were designed for hunting, butchering, processing plants, and crafting additional implements, demonstrating that technology was both survival and culture for these early inhabitants. Jebel Faya preserves a near-continuous archaeological record from 210,000 to 80,000 years ago — a rarity in Arabian archaeology. Using luminescence dating, researchers determined that early humans either continuously occupied or repeatedly returned to this site across different climate phases. 'The discoveries at Jebel Faya show that resilience, adaptability, and innovation are among the most defining traits of humanity,' said Eisa Yousif, Director of SAA. 'These tools reflect a profound relationship between people and their land. As we advance our efforts to nominate the Faya Palaeolandscape for UNESCO recognition, we are reminded of how our shared past continues to shape who we are and who we may become.'


Gulf Business
24-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
What Sharjah's new HR Decree-Law means for government employees
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has recently announced a new law concerning the Sharjah Department of Human Resources. Read- This law will apply to all employees working in government agencies—even those that currently operate under their own human resources regulations—until new rules are established. These agencies must now share essential employee information, including salary data, with the Department of Human Resources through approved electronic systems. The goal of the law is to align with evolving HR practices and enhance the overall work environment, ultimately benefiting society. It will serve as the foundation for managing human resources in Sharjah, with more detailed regulations to be introduced in the future. Creation of a Supreme Human Resources Committee As part of this initiative, a permanent entity called the 'Supreme Committee for Human Resources' will be established within the Sharjah Executive Council. The Council will determine the committee's structure, membership, and operations based on recommendations from the Department of Human Resources. According to the Decree-Law, the responsibilities of the Supreme Committee for Human Resources include: a. Studying and contributing to the interpretation of HR-related legislation referred by the Council or Department, and presenting findings to the Council. b. Providing opinions on matters referred by the Ruler, the Council, or the Department. c. Reviewing and ruling on employee grievances and complaints, and submitting appropriate recommendations to the Council after fulfilling the requirements outlined in the bylaws. d. Carrying out any other duties assigned by the Council. Comprehensive employment regulations introduced The Decree-Law also introduces amendments and legal provisions regarding the organisational structure, job classification system, and eligibility criteria for appointments. Emirati citizens and children of female citizens will be given priority in hiring, while non-citizens may be appointed on a contractual basis in accordance with executive regulations. It also covers employment systems, training and qualification programs, and performance evaluation. Additional areas addressed include the formation of specialized committees, bonuses, promotions, employment status adjustments, working hours, leave entitlements, transfers, secondment, loans, and overtime. Finally, the Decree-Law outlines rules on job discipline and conduct, accountability for administrative violations, procedures for investigations, administrative penalties, grievance mechanisms, end-of-service benefits, delegation of authority, and the enforcement and publication of the law.