§ The collaboration reinforces Dubai FinTech Summit and Finvasia’s shared commitment to strengthen the global financial ecosystem through innovation and knowledge exchange.§ The partnership sets the stage for the transformative 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit empowering the FinTech ecosystem with the tools, resources, and networks needed to innovate and grow. Dubai, 1 May 2024: Finvasia, a global innovator leveraging engineering and technology, has joined the Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS), organised by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global Financial Centre in the MEASA region, as a Lead Sponsor, underscoring its dedication to support businesses with a cost-effective, ethical and integrated ecosystem of products and services that inter-operate across various industry segments. Finvasia Group was established in Canada and India in 2009, with a vision to make financial markets easily accessible to the masses around the globe. Since its foundation, Finvasia has served over 5 million clients in more than 190 countries and has transacted trillions of USD worth in value through its 10+ brands combined. Its objective to create ethical, sustainable products that benefit stakeholders, leveraging economies of scale and scope to drive positive change in every industry Finvasia engages with. Sarvjeet Virk, Co-founder & Manging Director Finvasia, said, “Dubai FinTech Summit serves as an international stage for us to display our advanced financial products and contribute to the global FinTech dialogue. At DFS 2024, we’ll spotlight our AI-based financial products and chat about how they make finance more inclusive for everyone. We’ll also dive into the exciting possibilities of using technology to revolutionize finance by leveraging these technologies for cross-border fintech integration, reinforcing the role of AI in shaping a future where financial inclusivity is the norm.“DFS is a platform that allows us to foster technological exchanges and partnerships that transcend borders, particularly within the expanding domain of financial technology and highlighting the collaborative relationship between India and Dubai. The Dubai FinTech Summit serves as a crucial opportunity for us to demonstrate the capabilities of Indian FinTech on a global stage, advancing our mission towards creating a universally accessible financial environment led by technology.”In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to position Dubai as the top four global financial hub by 2033, the 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit is designed to encourage cross-border collaboration and innovation, pivotal to transforming the global FinTech sector. It presents a unique opportunity to explore emerging FinTech trends and their potential to drive financial progress in the MEASA region. The Dubai FinTech Summit, scheduled for May 6-7, 2024, at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, will see an unprecedented gathering of over 8,000 decision-makers, over 300 thought leaders and over 200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies. #Difc #DifcInnovationHub #DFS2024 #Fintech #Finvasia #AI # #artificialintelligence #InnovationInFinance #EthicalFinTech #FinancialInclusion #TechForGood #GlobalEnterprise #FinTechDisruptionEND About Dubai FinTech Summit Dubai FinTech Summit is an annual mega event organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit will bring together over 8,000+ global industry leaders, 1,500+ investors and policy makers, signalling increased appetite for growth opportunities in the region.Dubai FinTech Summit signals new wave of financial innovation, opportunity, transformation, and growth for the international financial services sector. As a rising FinTech hub, Dubai is also spearheading the evolution of the financial services industry, with investments in FinTech projected to grow by 17.2 per cent CAGR to USD949 bn from 2022 to 2030. The summit aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s strategic goal of propelling Dubai into the ranks of the top four global financial hubs by 2033. The expanded programme of Dubai FinTech Summit is set to exceed expectations by delving into key tracks, including the future of FinTech, embedded and Open Finance, climate finance, Web3 and digital assets. The summit stands as a thought leadership-driven platform, addressing industry challenges head-on and championing innovation. To register for the event, visit www.dubaifintechsummit.com. Visitors can purchase tickets for the Dubai FinTech Summit 2024. For further enquiries, please contact: Samia AhmadAssistant Manager, Marketing at DIFC Innovation HubM: +971529980096E: samia.ahmad@difc.ae Or Shadi DawiDirector of PR & Strategic PartnershipsTrescon GlobalMobile: +971 55 498 4989shadi@tresconglobal.com
LATEST ARTICLES
Quote by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, on International Workers Day 2024
“Our vision is inspired by the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said: ‘Working as a team, everybody takes part in building the UAE.’ At Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), we adhere to all UAE government laws and regulations that protect the rights of workers, regardless of their religion, race, or culture. This enhances the competitive indicators of the UAE and Dubai at all levels. We work to promote an inclusive and diverse work environment; treat all employees professionally, respectfully and without discrimination; and provide equal opportunities for success. We are committed to implementing administrative action procedures that are fair, consistent, uniform and prompt to discourage negative behaviour in the workplace environment. We have grievances and complaints regulation, mechanism and systems for our employees, seconded or deputed to DEWA in order to raise any concerns or complaints from their end. We are keen to enhance happiness, positivity, quality of life and flexibility in the work environment, to enhance the elements of sustainable success, competitiveness and excellence, to achieve indicators of leadership in the human resources sector and to raise indicators of happiness for employees. We implement a comprehensive talent management strategy, emphasising the identification of requisite skills, provision of training opportunities, and fostering employee development. We have adopted a Policy for Valuing and Managing HR Diversity that positively impacts organisational performance. DEWA prioritises employee engagement through open communication, feedback channels, and regular surveys to gather insights and suggestions. Additionally, DEWA emphasises performance management, evaluating employees based on their performance and offering feedback and coaching for skill enhancement. As a world-class workplace, DEWA rewards its employees fairly and generously based on their performance,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA’s workforce includes a team of skilled professionals, including engineers, technicians, and other employees who have sufficient experience and knowledge that enable them to provide electricity and water services with high reliability and efficiency. As of 2023, DEWA’s total employee count stood at 10,726 from 62 nationalities, with 18.05% being females, underscoring the organisation’s gender-inclusive employment practices,” added Al Tayer.
e& enterprise and NICE partner to revolutionise CX with CCaaS solutions
- Complete in-country hosting of voice and application infrastructure
- AI-driven platform offers comprehensive engagement tools and a 360-degree view of every interaction
e& enterprise today announced a partnership with NICE to collaborate on its cutting-edge CX capabilities and Contact Centre as a Service (CCaaS) platform in the UAE.
The platform’s integrated engageX CX capabilities ensure sensitive customer data remains in-country, while also empowering businesses to comply with regulations across government and public-private sector projects. The NICE CXone, engageX offers an end-to-end solution, from consultancy and platform ecosystem to delivery, onboarding, and ongoing support, enabling organisations to scale their customer interactions while enhancing the quality of their services.
The solution empowers public, private and government sector customers to securely address every interaction at scale. In addition, the platform offers a rich set of capabilities including omni-channel engagement, workforce engagement management (WEM), AI-driven automation, interactive voice response (IVR), and recording. By analysing all interactions, enterprises get a 360-degree view of the user experience, removing friction and making it better and more secure on both sides.
Salvador Anglada, Chief Executive Officer, e& enterprise, said: “While navigating today’s dynamic landscape it’s a priority to focus on CX as it’s the cornerstone of business success. By partnering with NICE our teams will now be able to support all our customers and gain a competitive advantage to drive growth and profitability. We remain committed to delivering unparalleled CX, exceeding our customer expectations at every touchpoint, by not only solving business challenges but also forging long-term partnerships.”
The AI-driven platform empowers customer service agents and supervisors with a comprehensive contact centre AI copilot, driving greater focus, productivity, and engagement, and significantly elevating their CX capabilities. Furthermore, the AI-powered virtual assistant guides customers with accurate responses using a trusted company knowledge repository and natural language chat. Consolidating contact centre operations on a unified, AI-powered platform enables agents to save time and easily understand customer data through simple queries. The AI matches each customer with the best-fitted agent, leading to happier customers and better results.
Miguel Villalonga, Chief Executive Officer, e& enterprise cloud, said: “engageX is empowering customer service professionals in the UAE to work smarter, delivering a seamless experience that drives an effective, efficient operation across government and industries.”
Darren Rushworth, President, NICE International said “Interactions have grown more complex than ever. It has become increasingly difficult for organisations to manage this complexity. CXone, NICE’s state-of-the-art CX AI platform, enables companies of all sizes to manage interaction complexity at scale and deliver exceptional CX. We are proud to partner with e& enterprise to drive CX excellence in the UAE.”
Unifying e& enterprise’s engagement tools while providing 360-degree visibility of every customer interaction elevates engageX’s capabilities far above its counterparts in the market. A leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for consecutive years, the NICE cloud platform, brings a resilient, true cloud, SLA-backed offering to the UAE market, ensuring 100 per cent adherence to local regulations. This is achieved through complete in-country hosting of voice and application infrastructure.
engageX and NICE’s powerful blend of CX expertise is designed to solve complex compliance and customer experience challenges for the government and businesses in the UAE. With NICE, e& enterprise will revolutionise AI-powered CX and customer service across industries and the public sector.
Axel Springer and Microsoft expand partnership across advertising, AI, content and Azure services
The companies will leverage each other’s strengths in digital publishing and technology to accelerate growth in the era of AI
Axel Springer SE and Microsoft Corp. have announced an expanded, multifaceted partnership across advertising, AI, content and cloud computing. The cooperation aims to leverage cutting-edge innovation to support independent journalism around the world.
The partnership will expand and deepen the existing cooperation on different levels. The existing adtech collaboration will be expanded to encompass POLITICO. Building on a mutual commitment to the principles and potential of responsible AI, both companies will partner to develop new AI-driven experiences for their users. In addition, Microsoft Start-MSN users will have access to more premium content from Axel Springer’s news brands, and Axel Springer will migrate its SAP solutions to Microsoft Azure.
“In this new era of AI, partnerships are critical to preserving and promoting independent journalism while ensuring a thriving media landscape,” said Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer. “We’re optimistic about the future of journalism and the opportunities we can unlock through this expanded partnership with Microsoft.”
“This new generation of AI is transforming nearly every aspect of work and life, including how people search for and consume content online,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “Our expanded partnership with Axel Springer brings together their leadership in digital publishing with the full power of the Microsoft Cloud — including our ad solutions — to build innovative AI-driven experiences and create new opportunity for advertisers and users.”
Key elements of the partnership
- Extending adtech collaboration to the U.S.: Axel Springer will adopt Microsoft Advertising as its ad server solution, expanding its existing partnership from Europe to the U.S. POLITICO will integrate Microsoft Advertising technology as a comprehensive solution enhanced by Axel Springer’s adtech management and optimization layer AdLib. POLITICO will also be integrated into the Microsoft Advertising Network, allowing advertisers to reach a broader audience.
- Powering new AI experiences and monetization: Axel Springer will partner with Microsoft to pilot new innovative AI-driven chat experiences to better inform and engage their users with Axel Springer’s journalistic content. The cooperation will further fuel Axel Springer’s ventures in AI, building on projects such as the AI assistant Hey_, powered among others by Azure OpenAI Service. In addition, Axel Springer will leverage Microsoft Advertising’s Chat Ads API for generative AI monetization.
- Enhanced content offerings through Microsoft Start-MSN: Axel Springer is expanding its Microsoft Start-MSN partnership to provide users with access to more premium content from leading journalistic brands such as Business Insider, POLITICO, BILD and WELT, reaching millions of users across devices and markets.
- Microsoft Azure expansion: In addition to extending its use of Azure AI capabilities for AI innovation, the digital publisher will also transform and migrate its SAP solutions to Microsoft Azure, the trusted and secure cloud platform, to enhance scalability, reliability and performance across its digital infrastructure.
About Axel Springer
Axel Springer is a media and technology company and active in more than 40 countries. By providing information across its diverse media brands (among others BILD, WELT, BUSINESS INSIDER, POLITICO) and classifieds portals (The Stepstone Group and AVIV Group), Axel Springer empowers people to make free decisions for their lives.
The company has successfully transformed from a traditional print media company to Europe’s leading digital publisher. Through accelerated growth, Axel Springer aims to become the global market leader in digital content and digital classifieds. The company is headquartered in Berlin and employs more than 18,000 people worldwide.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
For more information, press only:
Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications for Microsoft, (425) 638-7777, rapidresponse@we-worldwide.com
Nick Pacilio, Vice President and Head of U.S. Communications, Axel Springer, nick.pacilio@axelspringer.com
Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit Microsoft Source at http://news.microsoft.com/source. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.
The Knox Journals: Tired of Prying Eyes on Your Personal Information? Here’s How To Stop It
How Galaxy’s Security & Privacy features are keeping you safe with Pin App, Maintenance Mode and Secure Folder
Our phones are constantly in our hands, but have you considered how often they get into the hands of others? Whether it’s entertaining a child, showing something funny to a friend or sending it in for repair; we hand over our precious devices surprisingly often. Each time we do that, we risk allowing too much access. It’s an invasion of privacy, waiting to happen.
With Pin App and Maintenance Mode, you don’t have to worry about anyone snooping around. You get to decide what people can and can’t see, no matter who’s got their hands on your device. It’s like having a personal bouncer for your phone.
Pin App:
There’s a feeling you get when you hand over your phone to show somebody some pictures. It could be your holiday snaps, or just something funny you saved. But then they accidentally open another app and now they see a photo or message, or anything else you didn’t intend to show them. It’s a horrifying moment, but Pin App can stop that from happening again.
Think of Pin App like a personal bouncer for your apps, stopping people from getting into where they’re not welcome. Instead, it keeps them exactly where they’re supposed to be — in the app you’ve pinned — and nowhere else.
Pin App also acts as a Do Not Disturb sign, preventing awkward pop-up notifications that risk showing sensitive information when all you wanted to do was to share a funny social media post.
Setting up Pin App is quick and easy. Simply go to your Settings, then into Security and Privacy. Next, scroll down and find More Security Settings, and you can toggle the switch for Pin App on or tap on the text to view more settings. For extra security, you can choose ‘Ask for PIN before unpinning’, so whoever has your phone will need a password to get out of the pinned application.
Then, open the app you want to pin. Tap the Recents button (or swipe up and hold if you’re using swipe gestures) then tap the icon above the app. Select the ‘Pin this app’ option, and that’s it.
▲ Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Pin app
Maintenance Mode:
Many of us at some point during the lifecycle of our device, will find ourselves submitting our phone to a third-party repair service for that cracked screen or that damaged charging port. More often than not, we need to send our device away for a period of time to have the repair done which brings its own risks including the ability of third parties to access private information on our devices.
Even the most careful among us can’t avoid accidents. When you send your phone away to get that cracked screen or damaged charging port fixed, you’ve got no idea who can access your data.
This is where Samsung’s Maintenance Mode can be used.1 It is specifically designed to protect and hide your personal data from being accessed when your device leaves your hands and is sent away for any type of repair.
When you activate Maintenance Mode, you can set up a distinct user profile, ensuring your primary account and data remain private. This mode can be activated either through the device’s Settings, where you tap Device Care before navigating to and tapping Maintenance Mode; or can be activated through the Samsung Members app.
Once Maintenance Mode has been turned on, you can conceal all your personal data including photos, videos, contacts and messages and prevent any unauthorized access. It also ensures that no data is erased by accident from your device, for instance, by a repair service center.2 If you do need to send your device away for those repair activities, you can also ensure that those accessing it will only have access to basic device features that enable them to perform the necessary service diagnosis.
▲ Settings > Device care > Maintenance mode
Secure Folder:
Samsung Knox provides layers of security and privacy, not only to protect users but also to give them choice in what they want to secure. For those who want to keep their most personal information separate and safe, there’s Secure Folder.
It’s a container that locks away your data so it cannot be accessed through your phone’s regular storage. It can hold your most private data such as calendar schedules and contact information, as well as notes, photos, videos, files and even apps. You can even encrypt the Secure Folder to keep your apps and data even more locked down until the next time you open the folder.
You can find Secure Folder in your apps. The first time you open it, you’ll have to set your lock type to either a PIN, pattern or password. In addition to these, you can also add fingerprint access — and then you’re good to go. Anything you create within the Secure Folder will be automatically stored here, but you can also move data here any time.
For example, if you want to keep a copy of your driver’s license, you can take a photo of it using the Camera app within Secure Folder, or you can pick a photo in your Gallery, tap the options menu (the three dots) and then select ‘Move to Secure Folder.’
There are a lot of things you can’t control, but when it comes to your privacy, Samsung wants to give you as much control as possible. With Pin App, Maintenance Mode and Secure Folder, you’ve got that extra reassurance against prying eyes.
▲ Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder
1 Availability may vary by market and model.
2 As a precautionary measure, users are encouraged to back up any personal data before activating Maintenance Mode.
Emirates makes a statement on World Pilots’ Day
30 April 2024, Dubai, UAE: From thrilling take-offs to smooth landings, pilots play a vital role in connecting the world – whether it’s people, businesses, trade, or aid – and transforming it. On 26 April, World Pilots’ Day, Emirates shone the spotlight on its own aviator roles by announcing significant and exciting changes to recruitment, including higher salaries, new roles, and a radical change to eligibility.
First Officers – non-type rated
Emirates is welcoming First Officers who are non-type rated – which essentially means those who have experience only on turbo prop or jets. These pilots will now have the opportunity to be fully trained to fly the airline’s all wide-body fleet of 144 Boeing aircraft across its network that spans more than 140 destinations. First Officers will also be able to fly 205 of the new Boeing 777-Xs when these aircraft enter the fleet from 2025.
Accelerated Command Programme for Boeing 777s
Emirates has now extended its Accelerated Command Programme (ACP) to its fleet of Boeing 777s – which so far was reserved for its ever-popular A380. This is an incredible opportunity for motivated captains flying narrow-body aircraft to graduate to wide-body on Emirates’ fast track promotion programme.
Direct Entry Captain – A350 fleet
The airline is now calling for Direct Entry Captains (DEC) to command its highly anticipated A350 fleet of 65 aircraft. As an added incentive, Emirates has also increased the base salary for the new recruits on both the A350s and A380s. Deliveries of the A350s will start mid-year and serve both new and existing destinations. The airline continues to welcome DECs for its fleet of A380s.
First Officers
Emirates is offering enhanced salary packages for First Officers with experience of over 4,000 flying hours on modern Airbus fly-by-wire or Boeing aircraft.
Interested pilots, who would like to learn more about the various flight deck roles, can get more info on entry requirements here.
Today, Emirates has over 4,400 pilots. In 2023, the airline recruited over 420 pilots with its recruitment programmes – Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, and First Officers.
Life at Emirates
Emirates regularly renews and refreshes its fleet – whether via orders for the latest wide-bodied aircraft or retrofitting its existing ones. Emirates pilots enjoy flying the world’s most modern fleet of 260 all wide-body aircraft of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. From the world’s highest mountain peaks, and over oceans, volcanoes, forests, deserts, even the Aurora Borealis, they see it all as they fly to diverse destinations across the airline’s network spanning six continents and over 140 destinations.
Emirates pilots undergo evidence- and competency-based training programmes in-house with highly skilled instructors in specially designed environments. Its cutting-edge training facility houses 10 full-flight simulators for Boeing 777s and Airbus 380s.
Last year, the airline announced an investment of US$135 million to build an advanced training facility to accommodate six Full Flight Simulator Bays (FFS) for its A350s and 777X aircraft. The brand new, 63,318 sq. ft. facility is slated to open later this year.
Pilots at Emirates receive a competitive tax-free salary, are eligible for profit share, and are provided spacious villas in gated communities, education allowance, and excellent life, medical and dental cover. They also have access to a world-class provident fund and receive regular and complimentary financial advice.
Pilots enjoy chauffeur-driven transport to and from work, laundry services, 42 days annual leave and enjoy concessional cargo and discounted travel benefits for their family and friends.
Emirates’ pilot community is based in Dubai, one of the safest, most vibrant, multicultural and tech-savvy cities in the world. Major annual sporting events, a full range of lifestyle activities, first-class hospitality and dining, spectacular attractions, international schools and hospitals and excellent infrastructure all come together to make Dubai a city of choice for millions of expatriates.
Recruitment drive
As Emirates continues along its massive growth trajectory and prepares to start taking delivery of its 65 A350s on order from mid-year and its mix of 205 777-9s and 777-8s in 2025, the airline is revving up its pilot recruitment drive. In 2024, Emirates’ recruitment team will host roadshows in more than 26 cities in over 18 countries.
The changes to eligibility criteria and salary packages represent a step forward in its commitment to attracting the best talent globally and ensuring a perfect customer experience on every single journey.
To checkout the eligibility criteria and apply for pilot roles, click here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/
‘Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE’ fulfills wishes of nine sick children at Abu ElReesh Japanese Children’s Hospital in Cairo
CAIRO, 30th April, 2024 (WAM) – Make A Wish Foundation UAE has fulfilled the wishes of nine children at Abu ElReesh Japanese Children’s Hospital in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.
The ceremony was attended by Mariam Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt; Saleh Al Saadi, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE to Cairo; Hani Al Zubaidi, the CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE; Dr. Hossam Salah Murad, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine – Cairo University; Dr. Rasha Gamal, Director of Abu ElReesh Japanese Children’s Hospital; and Noha Elshorbagy, Head – Projects and Programmes, Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Ambassador Al Kaabi along with the Foundation’s team made a variety of dreams come true for the children, including iPhones, tablets, large TV screens, and more.
Al Zubaidi expressed his thanks and appreciation to the UAE Ambassador and those in charge of the UAE Embassy in Cairo for their significant contributions to the Foundation’s activities and initiatives, and for bringing a smile to the faces of sick children by creating a festive atmosphere that instilled hope and optimism in them and their families.
“Our presence in the Arab Republic of Egypt to fulfill the wishes of children suffering from serious and chronic diseases clearly shows the noble humanitarian efforts of the United Arab Emirates, which always strives to spread feelings of happiness and hope among all segment of society without discrimination,” he added.
Al Zubaidi also expressed his thanks and appreciation to those in charge of the hospital in Cairo for their continuous cooperation with the Foundation, praising their commitment to providing the highest standards of health and healthcare for children suffering from serious and chronic diseases.
Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace discusses promoting AI ethics concepts with Moroccan minister
RABAT, 1st May, 2024 (WAM) – Shaikh Al Mahfoudh bin Bayyah, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, has discussed ways to cooperate on promoting AI ethics concepts with Ghita Mezzour, the Moroccan Delegate-Minister to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform.
The meeting, held in Rabat, emphasised the importance of building bridges to deepen research on the actual and expected impacts of AI on human societies, considering the Forum’s role in establishing the first AI and civil society committee.
The meeting also highlighted the need to draw inspiration from universal and human values to ensure that scientific progress in this field becomes a lever for human dignity, peace values, and the meanings of a decent life.
The discussion included also ways to address the challenges that may accompany the rapid development of the technological world, especially those related to ethical and legal aspects, in the context of a positive investment in modern technologies.
The Forum is the first Islamic organisation to join Rome Call for AI Ethics, which was signed in Rome in January 2023.
The joint signature of the Rome Call for AI Ethics, in January 2023, by the Abrahamic Religions (Shaikh Al Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, and Chief Rabbi Eliezer Simha Weisz) symbolised the shared responsibility across global faith communities.
‘Al-Jundi’ new issue highlights several vital topics of Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces
ABU DHABI, 1st May, 2024 (WAM) — Al-Jundi Journal, issued by the UAE Ministry of Defence, has published its new May 2024 issue No. 604 in Arabic and English. It examined several vital topics, along with the most significant news related to the Ministry of Defence and the UAE Armed Forces.
Under the title “Nation Building and Citizen Welfare”, Al-Jundi said in its editorial, “The UAE’s wise leadership is paying considerable attention to the youth of the nation, especially those enrolled in national service, as the happiness of citizens, societal well-being, and the development of Emirati individuals remain the top priorities for the leadership.”
Al-Jundi stated that the National Service Career Fair in the UAE underscores the commitment to citizens’ welfare, particularly those in national service, serving as a platform connecting cadets, reservists, and entities from different sectors, offering Emirati youth new skills and job market exposure.
The new issue highlighted the most prominent political, military, and security events, new weapons, and scientific and technological developments achieved by modern technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in the military field.
The Journal’s main file section of this issue was titled “Naval Forces’ Combat Capabilities.” In its “Studies and Analyses” section, it featured a study titled “Land Forces Sector Digitisation” and another study titled “War Photography and Graphics: Depicting the Challenges of Modern Wars and Complex Conflicts.”
Furthermore, it dedicates sections to the opinions and analyses of elite Emirati and Arab writers, who discuss various issues and matters of interest to readers.
Founded in 1973, Al Jundi’s first issue was published in October, covering studies, research, reports, and specialised military files of interest for its followers in the UAE, the Arab region and the world.
Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial commences receiving submissions for its 11th edition
SHARJAH, 1st May, 2024 (WAM) — The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial has begun receiving submissions for participation in its eleventh edition, set to commence in October of the upcoming year.
Under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the event is organised by the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department of Culture in Sharjah and will span over a two-month period, featuring contributions from local, Arab, and international participants.
The Biennial’s executive committee had previously selected “Taraqim” as the theme for the 11th edition and opened submissions for artists. The committee has received calligraphic works from artists hailing from various countries worldwide, encompassing a spectrum from traditional to modern styles, in preparation for the screening committee’s selection process, which is scheduled for the current month of May. Following this process, the chosen artworks will be featured in the Biennial.
Mohammad Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department of Culture in Sharjah and the Biennial’s Director, remarked, “The Biennial has evolved into a global platform, thanks to the generous support and patronage of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, positioning it as a bridge that brings cultures closer together.”
Al Qaseer emphasised that the submission of numerous calligraphic works from diverse countries underscores the Biennial’s global stature, which opens its doors to embrace the creations of artists, noting that the selected works embody the vision and spirit of the event, renewing the presentation of Arabic calligraphy in an innovative manner.
The main prize for the Biennial amounts to US$15,000, in addition to three prizes for the “Traditional” category, each valued at US$8,000, and three prizes for modern calligraphic arts, also valued at US$8,000 each. Furthermore, a special prize of the judging committee for Emirati calligraphers is worth US$8,000.
The general exhibition in the Biennial comprises two sections: “Traditional” and “Modern Calligraphic Arts.” The former highlights traditional and diverse styles, requiring adherence to artistic and aesthetic traditions in crafting traditional calligraphic artworks, utilising various known artistic formats such as circular compositions, squares, rectangles, decorations, Diwani scripts, and Kufic scripts.
The latter section encompasses modern calligraphic arts, including letter-based artworks, sculptural works, spatial compositions, as well as conceptual and installation arts, employing various artistic tools.