Latest news with #culturalExchange
BreakingNews.ie
10-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
GAA Palestine urges U-turn over visa refusal to Gaelic football players
GAA Palestine has called on the Department of Justice to reconsider its decision to refuse visas to a group of Gaelic football players from Palestine. The group, which had planned to bring in 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers, vowed to appeal against the decision and said the setback would not 'deter' them. Advertisement The team of children and 14 of their mentors were to travel to Ireland later this month for a tour, but were denied entry. The tour was scheduled to begin on July 18th, with more than 100 Irish families volunteering to host the Palestinian group, and numerous GAA clubs fundraising to support the visit. In a statement, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration said the visas were rejected due to a lack of compliance to visa application criteria. However, a spokesman for GAA Palestine said it was shocked by the decision of the Irish Immigration Service. Advertisement The ground said that it submitted comprehensive documentation, which included detailed plans for visits to various GAA clubs across Ireland, educational exchanges, and cultural activities as part of its application. 'Contrary to the information communicated in recent correspondence, Irish immigration officials have claimed that the visa applications were refused due to 'insufficient documentation',' the spokesman added. 'We understand from letters sent by the Irish Embassy in Israel that the reason cited was a lack of detailed itineraries and financial arrangements — information that had been provided with the application. 'In fact, GAA Palestine was under the impression that all necessary documentation and information had been provided and met the requirements for visa approval as stated by the Irish Embassy in Israel.' Advertisement Steven Redmond, chairperson of GAA Palestine, said it is committed to working with the department to resolve the issue. He added: 'Seven days before these young boys and girls were meant to leave the West Bank, we are told that additional documentation is now required — documentation that was already provided or never previously requested or indicated as necessary. 'We went as far as sending a volunteer to the West Bank to assist with additional documentation that was requested as part of our application. Tánaiste Simon Harris underlined that there are rules governing such moves (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) 'Nonetheless, GAA Palestine remains committed to collaborating closely with the Department of Justice to resolve this matter swiftly. We have a dedicated team of volunteers ready to respond and take immediate action. Advertisement 'We are fully prepared to see this process through. We kindly ask the Government to partner with us in making this happen. 'Volunteers across Ireland are just utterly and completely devasted after all the work and effort put into making this tour happen. It's heartbreaking to see such a promising cultural exchange fall apart at the very last moment.' The event was set to promote cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris told the Dáil on Thursday: 'I would say, obviously, if there are, and I say this acknowledging that people have actually good faith and people are trying to do something good, we will share that view. Advertisement 'Obviously, there are rules in place in relation to visas, particularly when it comes to minors, particularly when it comes to minors not travelling with parents or guardians. There is an appeals process in place. 'I just make that point without overcoming any individual applications.'
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Zawya
UAE Pavilion celebrates two million visitors with a celebration of hope and shared dreams
The milestone coincides with Japan's Tanabata Festival, reinforcing the Pavilion's commitment to cultural exchange and collective aspirations. Osaka, Japan: The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, today celebrated a major milestone as it welcomed its two millionth visitor, affirming its status as a destination of inspiration, dialogue and cross-cultural exchange. The milestone was marked with a special celebration inspired by Japan's beloved Tanabata Festival, reinforcing the Pavilion's ethos of shared experiences and collective hope for the future. As part of the celebration, visitors were invited to write their wishes for a better future on custom-designed Tanzaku cards and hang them on the Pavilion's outdoor signage. Tanabata is a traditional Japanese festival that has been cherished for generations. Rooted in themes of love, hope and dreams, it invites people to write their wishes on colourful Tanzaku strips and hang them on bamboo branches, with the belief that their hopes will be carried to the sky. The celebrations, which drew thousands of participants, featured palm leaves in place of bamboo, echoing the UAE Pavilion's symbolic date palm. Wishes were hung upon them, transforming the Pavilion's forecourt into a vibrant visual symbol of dreams and aspirations. Designed under the theme 'Earth to Ether,' the UAE Pavilion offers a multi-sensory experience across five thematic zones that reflect the UAE's story of heritage, ambition, and innovation. Visitors have consistently praised its immersive storytelling, architecture, and warm hospitality, all of which underscore the UAE's commitment to forging meaningful international partnerships and creating inclusive platforms for dialogue. His Excellency Shihab Alfaheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, said: 'We are deeply honoured to have welcomed two million visitors to the UAE Pavilion. This reflects the world's interest, trust, and connection with the UAE's journey. By celebrating this milestone during Tanabata, we not only honoured a cherished Japanese tradition but also embraced the spirit of cultural exchange that defines Expo 2025. Our Pavilion continues to be a living space of ideas, creativity and shared values.' Since its opening in April, the UAE Pavilion has hosted a variety of impactful events, cultural showcases, and thematic activations. These have included expert talks, cultural performances, creative workshops, Emirati cuisine demonstrations, and exhibitions by Emirati artists alongside collaborative dialogues, each carefully curated to engage diverse audiences and provide meaningful insights into the UAE's culture, values, and spirit of collaboration. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, runs until October 13, 2025. The UAE Pavilion remains open to all visitors throughout the Expo, offering a powerful, human-centred perspective on how nations can come together to shape a better tomorrow. About UAE Expo Office The UAE Expo Office serves as a national platform to convene people, ideas, and innovations in service of global progress. Incubated by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office leads the UAE's strategic participation at international expositions — most recently Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The UAE Expo Office was created with a clear purpose: to bring together people and innovations to address challenges facing humanity. Guided by the values of optimism, openness, ambition, and resilience, the Office delivers magnetic and meaningful experiences that inspire action and foster collaboration across cultures, sectors, and generations. Through curated programming and strategic partnerships, the UAE Expo Office designs environments that accelerate progress — connecting global audiences and catalysing solutions in education, healthcare, sustainable technologies, and space exploration. In doing so, it contributes mindfully to the overarching goals of each Expo, while generating distinctive value for the UAE through content, ideas, and initiatives that may not otherwise have emerged. At Expo 2025 Osaka, the UAE Expo Office aims to bring joy, curiosity, and collaboration to every visitor encounter. Its work is anchored in the UAE's vision for inclusive global development, and its programming will empower new thinking, shared purpose, and collective progress—from the Earth to the Ether. About UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka The UAE Pavilion, Earth to Ether, is an immersive multisensory journey through the UAE story, from our values and cultural heritage to our pioneering innovations. Our Japanese and Emirati Youth Ambassadors will welcome you to learn about our Explorers of Space, Catalysts of Healthcare, and Stewards of Sustainability, who are drawing on heritage and cutting-edge technology to tackle global challenges. Join us in accelerating collective progress towards a flourishing future for all life, from Earth to Ether. Taking design inspiration from our cherished date palm tree, we reimagined areesh, traditional vernacular architecture of the UAE. Fusing agricultural date palm waste with Japanese woodworking expertise, the pavilion bonds our two cultures in the spirit of collaboration. From our first pavilion in Expo Osaka '70, to our nation's hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai, we have an enduring legacy of gathering with the world to accelerate collective progress. As we return to Osaka, discover how tradition drives progress as we push the boundaries of what is possible–drawing on our heritage to create a lasting legacy of impact. Visitors can also experience an authentic Emirati culinary experience at our restaurant, peruse a curated selection of products by UAE-based creatives at our shop, and enjoy a dynamic range of programs activated in our workshop space. The UAE Pavilion, Earth to Ether, is located in the Empowering Lives zone, near the Japanese Pavilion and Shining Hat exhibition hall. We are welcoming guests daily between 09:00 and 21:00, April 13 to October 13, during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. For more information, please visit the Pavilion website: You can also follow the pavilion on our social media channels: Instagram: @uaeatexpo X: @uaeatexpo LinkedIn: @uaeatexpo YouTube: @uaeatexpo TikTok: @uaeatexpo2025 Facebook: @uaeatexpo For media enquiries, please contact: media@
UAE Moments
01-07-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
Air Arabia to Resume Direct Sharjah–Damascus Flights
Air Arabia is set to restart direct flights between Sharjah and Damascus beginning July 10, the airline announced. The route will operate twice daily, connecting Sharjah International Airport with Damascus International Airport. This marks a significant move in re-establishing air connectivity between the UAE and Syria, catering to the rising number of passengers traveling for both personal and professional reasons. Meeting Demand from the Syrian Community The decision is aimed at serving the growing demand from the Syrian diaspora living in the UAE, while also supporting tourism, business, and cultural exchange. The airline highlighted that the route will provide more flexible travel options and help strengthen people-to-people and economic ties between the two countries. Supporting Regional Connectivity
Khaleej Times
24-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Japanese language proficiency test now available in the UAE
The Japan Foundation and UAE University's Continuing Education Centre (CEC) signed an agreement on June 18, 2025, to conduct the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at the centre. The first JLPT is expected by end of 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE; Shihab Al Faheem, Ambassador of the UAE to Japan; Professor Ahmed Al Raeesi, Vice-Chancellor of UAE University; and Dr Eissa Al Remeithi, Director of the CEC. In his remarks, Ambassador Okaniwa said: 'This will provide more convenient opportunities for learners to take the exam, encouraging more people in the UAE to study Japanese.' This partnership represents major step in fostering Japanese language learning and cultural exchange in UAE and the region.
South China Morning Post
22-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Islamic art exhibition in Hong Kong reveals historic China-Muslim links
A set of 18th-century porcelain pieces, decorated with Islamic motifs of crescent moons and stars and Koranic inscriptions, is part of a showcase of artefacts exhibited in Hong Kong, reflecting historic links between mainland China and the Islamic world, according to a visiting Qatari museum official. In an interview with the Post, Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr, director of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha, said the exhibition also highlighted the 'good relations' between Qatar and the Hong Kong and mainland governments. The MIA has one of the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of Islamic masterpieces. The 'Wonders of Imperial Carpets: Masterpieces from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha' exhibition that opened last Wednesday at the Hong Kong Palace Museum serves as a bridge both culturally and politically, especially at a time when the city is seeking greater ties with the Muslim world amid intensifying Sino-US tensions. It is the first major Islamic art exhibition in Hong Kong. 'You cannot escape or deny the soft power of art. When we bring the exhibition here, it's also a showcase of our good relations with Hong Kong and the Chinese governments,' Al-Nassr said.
