Latest news with #YearoftheCommunity
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
HYROX attracts over 3,500 athletes from 124 nationalities in Abu Dhabi
21 July 2025 14:13 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in collaboration with HYROX and ADNEC Abu Dhabi, hosted HYROX, the world's largest indoor fitness race and the leading fitness event in the Middle event, held on Sunday, brought together 3,506 athletes from across the globe, including 213 professional represented 41 percent of the participants, with the 30-35 age group being the most from 124 nationalities took part, including 340 Emiratis. The United Kingdom led the participant demographics with 24 percent, followed by the UAE with 9 percent, and both Ireland and the Philippines with 5.25 percent race consisted of eight 1km running rounds, interspersed with eight functional fitness workouts, forming a complete challenge that tested both strength and was open across several categories: Individual (Men and Women), Doubles (Men, Women, Mixed), Doubles Pro, Individual Pro, Relay Teams (4 persons), and a dedicated category for People of event kicked off with the men's category at 7:00 am, followed by the remaining categories throughout the day, concluding with the men's relay at 9:00 ceremonies began at 12:45 pm after the first race and continued until 10:45 pm after the final event. The race witnessed an impressive public turnout of over 12,000 spectators throughout the Director of the Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Talal Al Hashemi, stated, "Hosting HYROX in Abu Dhabi underscores our ongoing commitment to promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle by attracting world-class events that blend challenge and excitement while being inclusive of all community segments. This aligns with the national initiative 'Year of the Community,' which reflects our leadership's vision of building a cohesive and thriving society."In turn, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC Group, said, 'Our collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and HYROX reaffirms our commitment to attracting leading global events that promote the principles of a balanced and healthy lifestyle for all members of the community."HYROX is one of the fastest-growing fitness racing events globally and has become a key fixture in Abu Dhabi's sports calendar. It blends running with functional fitness in a standardised format designed to accommodate all fitness levels.
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Liwa Date Festival reinforces national identity, says Mansour
His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, on Monday visited the 21st Liwa Date Festival in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region. The festival – organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority under the patronage of His Highness – is considered one of the most prominent agricultural and heritage festivals in the UAE. The event reaffirms the Authority's commitment to celebrating one of the UAE's most enduring cultural and agricultural traditions. During his tour, His Highness reviewed several pavilions of government and private entities showcasing their services and innovations in the agricultural sector. He also listened to explanations about the festival's various competitions and activities, which highlight the social and economic value of the palm tree and its products. The event also underscores the tree's contribution to food security and the enhancement of agricultural sustainability. His Highness Sheikh Mansour stressed that the agriculture and food production sector was witnessing significant growth in the UAE, thanks to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his continuous support for empowering farmers, producers, and manufacturers to ensure sustainable food production and strengthen national food security. He affirmed that the festival reflects the Emirati citizen's deep connection with the land and reinforces national identity by celebrating the palm tree as a cultural symbol. Supporting local agriculture and empowering farmers contributes to a balanced economic distribution and sustainable development aligned with the national goal of achieving food self-sufficiency. His Highness also praised the festival's role in boosting economic activity in the Al Dhafra Region by attracting thousands of visitors annually and serving as a platform that brings together farmers, experts, and pioneers in the agricultural industries — cementing the agricultural sector as a vital contributor to the national economy. Accompanying His Highness on the tour were Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, and several officials from the authority. The Liwa Date Festival features numerous competitions with total prizes exceeding Dhs8.7 million. It includes a range of heritage activities that aim to preserve the legacy and status of the palm tree as a symbol of the past and a blessing of the present. It also strengthens family and community bonds, ensures intergenerational continuity, and promotes values of cooperation, belonging, and cultural heritage preservation — supporting the goals of the UAE's 'Year of the Community.' The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community and productive families in the region through the traditional market, which includes stalls for selling fresh dates, date products, palm-related items, factories, and nurseries. It also hosts pavilions of participating sponsors and supporters. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is participating in the 20th edition of the Liwa Date Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival takes place in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi, from 15th to 28th July 2024. The Authority emphasised the significance of their participation in the festival to support heritage and cultural events aimed at promoting the Al Dhafra region both economically and as a tourist destination. ADAFSA aims to showcase its role in developing the palm sector in Abu Dhabi through various plans and programmes aimed at enhancing palm cultivation and date production, supporting agricultural sustainability, and bolstering the biosecurity system to prevent diseases and pests. This year, ADAFSA's participation includes an introduction to its comprehensive range of services provided to farm owners, especially agricultural extension services. The Authority will highlight its efforts in pest control for palm trees, integrated pest management programmes, and promoting best practices in palm tree care, particularly focusing on the installation and management of pheromone and light traps and recommended treatment methods for palm trunk infestations. WAM
Gulf Today
7 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
UAE's Make-A-Wish Foundation brings joy to 418 children in 'Year of Community'
In a year designated by the wise leadership as the 'Year of Community,' Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, affirmed that the foundation succeeded in embodying its humanitarian vision, achieving its strategy and mission by bringing joy and hope to the hearts of hundreds of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. This was realised through the fulfilment of 418 wishes in just the first half of 2025. Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif stated, "The Year of the Community was a powerful motivator for us to double our efforts and elevate our sense of responsibility towards sick children and their families, reaffirming that the UAE will always remain a beacon of hope and a voice of compassion.' She added, "The 'Year of the Community' was not just a slogan, but a moment of national and humanitarian consciousness in which the UAE's community—both institutions and individuals—proved that solidarity and generosity are at the heart of the Emirati identity. Sick children deserve that we all be a bridge connecting them to life, to hope, and to happiness.' Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif clarified that the foundation granted wishes in three sister countries: Egypt (109 wishes), Jordan (63 wishes), and Yemen (15 wishes), in addition to 231 wishes granted within the UAE. The wishes this year included children from 25 different nationalities, reflecting the foundation's deep human diversity and cultural openness. She continued, "Every wish we fulfill is a message of life, and every child's smile lights the paths of hope and restores the true meaning of humanity. These achievements are the result of joint efforts and fruitful cooperation between the foundation and its partners in both the public and private sectors.' In conclusion, Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all supporters, partners, and members of the foundation's team, saying, "You are the true heartbeat of this humanitarian work. Thanks to you, the foundation can continue fulfilling its noble mission with commitment and professionalism. You are our partners in turning small dreams into a bright and impactful reality. The wishes granted fell into three main categories: Wishes to receive something (369 wishes): These included cutting-edge electronic devices, bicycles and electric scooters, a Shaheen falcon, a camel, a horse, a piano, bedroom furniture, gold jewellrey, a television, outdoor playsets, and many more that reflected the diverse interests of children. Wishes to go somewhere (48 wishes): This included 9 domestic trips to destinations such as the Museum of the Future, Atlantis Hotel (with dolphin swimming experiences), Sharjah Safari, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld, Ferrari World, and other entertainment venues that combined joy and memorable experiences. Wishes to travel abroad (39 wishes): Destinations spanned cities and dreams around the world, including Disneyland Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, Japan, Manchester, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia, the Maldives, Thailand, Moscow, India, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and religious journeys such as Umrah. WAM
Al Etihad
16-07-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Make-A-Wish brings joy to 418 children in Year of Community
16 July 2025 14:44 ABU DHABI (WAM)In a year designated by the wise leadership as the Year of Community, Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, affirmed that the foundation succeeded in embodying its humanitarian vision, achieving its strategy and mission by bringing joy and hope to the hearts of hundreds of children suffering from life-threatening was realised through the fulfilment of 418 wishes in just the first half of Highness Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan stated, "The Year of the Community was a powerful motivator for us to double our efforts and elevate our sense of responsibility toward sick children and their families, reaffirming that the UAE will always remain a beacon of hope and a voice of added, "The Year of the Community was not just a slogan, but a moment of national and humanitarian consciousness in which the UAE's community—both institutions and individuals—proved that solidarity and generosity are at the heart of the Emirati identity. Sick children deserve that we all be a bridge connecting them to life, to hope, and to clarified that the foundation granted wishes in three sister countries: Egypt (109 wishes), Jordan (63 wishes), and Yemen (15 wishes), in addition to 231 wishes granted within the UAE. The wishes this year included children from 25 different nationalities, reflecting the foundation's deep human diversity and cultural continued, "Every wish we fulfill is a message of life, and every child's smile lights the paths of hope and restores the true meaning of humanity. These achievements are the result of joint efforts and fruitful cooperation between the foundation and its partners in both the public and private conclusion, Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all supporters, partners, and members of the foundation's team, saying, "You are the true heartbeat of this humanitarian work. Thanks to you, the foundation can continue fulfilling its noble mission with commitment and professionalism. You are our partners in turning small dreams into a bright and impactful reality. Wish Categories Wishes to receive something (369 wishes)These included cutting-edge electronic devices, bicycles and electric scooters, a Shaheen falcon, a camel, a horse, a piano, bedroom furniture, gold jewelry, a television, outdoor playsets, and many more that reflected the diverse interests of to go somewhere (48 wishes)This included 9 domestic trips to destinations such as the Museum of the Future, Atlantis Hotel (with dolphin swimming experiences), Sharjah Safari, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld, Ferrari World, and other entertainment venues that combined joy and memorable to travel abroad (39 wishes) Destinations spanned cities and dreams around the world, including Disneyland Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, Japan, Manchester, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia, the Maldives, Thailand, Moscow, India, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and religious journeys such as Umrah. Year of Community Continue full coverage
Sharjah 24
14-07-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Al Hamriyah residents learn about local community associations
In a unique experience, participants had the chance to visit the Al Hamriyah Fishermen's Cooperative Society for an event called the "Al Hamriyah Fisherman" initiative. This special day was attended by Salem Al Mahrazi, the Director of the Sharjah Fisheries Authority, and Mr. Jamal Al Shamsi, the Chairman of the Society. During the visit, participants learned about traditional fishing methods and got to see local fishing tools, like the "gargoor," as part of an effort to teach them about the UAE's culture and heritage. The day's activities also featured a workshop on improving digital living, run by the Social Services Department of Al Hamriyah Area Council. Additionally, a session called "Hand in Hand," led by Haya Al Qassim, a trainer from Dar Shams who specializes in thinking skills, was included. Participants enjoyed various sports like football and archery, along with fun activities such as playing in a soap stadium. Issa Bin Rukun, a Board Member of Al Hamriyah Club and Chairman of the Cultural and Community Committee, mentioned that the main aims of "I Am the Community" Week are to foster connections within the community and promote cultural understanding among participants, aligning with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Community.
