Every week, The National takes a look at the people and politics of the UAE as the country steps more confidently on to the world stage.
May 14
Mohammed bin Rashid meets leading journalists
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, met a group of editors-in-chief and other journalists from regional media outlets in Dubai to discuss developments in Arab media, as well as poetry and literature. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and other officials also attended the meeting at the Arab Media Forum. The journalists hailed the event as an outlet for free discussion.
Mohammed bin Zayed arrives in Washington
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, arrived in Washington on a visit to the United States for the Camp David summit in Maryland with leaders and representatives of other Arabian Gulf countries.
May 15
Gulf security is an essential part of global stability, says Mohammed bin Zayed
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, stressed that the security of the Arabian Gulf was an essential part of the global stability, given the region’s economic, political and strategic importance. The UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council states “are quite aware of the size of responsibility on their shoulders to maintain the integrity and vitality of the region”, he said at the Camp David summit.
May 16
Saif bin Zayed offers condolence to Al Shamsi family
Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, offered condolences to the family of Mubarak Jawan Al Shamsi, for the victims of a fire that broke out in the family house in Al Ain. Sheikh Saif conveyed condolences of the UAE Government and Interior Ministry to the family.
May 17
Mohammed bin Rashid issues decree on British University in Dubai’s Board of Trustees
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, issued Decree No 14 of 2015, which added a representative of the British Business Council to the board of trustees of the British University in Dubai. The decree is to be published in the Official Gazette.
UAE exerts utmost efforts to save Somalia, says Somali official
Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, president of Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland, praised the UAE’s efforts to save his country and restore stability and security. Mr Ali had toured countries, including the UAE, where he met with Emirati Government and private-sector officials. They discussed ways of cooperation, such as investment projects that were vital to the country.
May 18
Mohammed bin Rashid offers condolences on death of resident
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, offered condolences following the death of Sheikha Mouzah bint Sultan bin Muqrin, and visited her residence in Mamzar area. He expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the family, who in turn wished him a long life and happiness.
UAE presents status of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management at International Atomic Energy Agency
The UAE presented the status of its plans for managing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste to participants at a meeting at the International Atomic Energy Agency Headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
May 19
Saif bin Zayed attends Emirates Strategic Planning Association conference
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and President Emeritus of the Emirates Strategic Planning Association, attended the group’s third annual conference. “The key pillar to building a modern country is to foster the happiness of citizens,” said the association’s chairman, Maj Gen Dr Abdul Quddous Al Obaidly.
Under patronage of Hamdan bin Zayed, Al Gharbia Development Forum begins
Al Gharbia Development Forum began under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region. The forum focused on development of the region’s economy and the role played by UAE institutions in its development process. Investment projects were presented and discussions about infrastructure projects were organised at the event at Saadiyat Island.
May 20
UAE delegation attends climate meeting in Berlin
A high-level UAE delegation led by Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, director of energy and climate change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin this week. The meeting was the latest in a series that aimed to build political momentum towards a global consensus on measures to tackle climate changes ahead of the UN climate change conference to be held in Paris this year. It was attended by German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Francois Hollande. Expectations on the new agreement were discussed, as well as ways to enhance countries’ domestic actions on climate change. Dr Al Zeyoudi is also the UAE Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Sharjah Ruler meets Kuwaiti poets
Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, met a delegation of Kuwaiti poets at the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies in Sharjah. It is important for poets to be recognised in the Arab world for their talents and creative literary skills, he told the delegation. He praised Kuwait’s role in helping develop the UAE educational system, as well as that of the Arabian Gulf as a whole, by building schools in the region.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid receives Mongolian prime minister
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, received Mongolian prime minister Chimed Saikhanbileg at Zabeel Palace to discuss further cooperation and investment between the countries. Mr Saikhanbileg said Mongolia had introduced legislation to attract investment in minerals, tourism, agriculture and livestock. Earlier, the Mongolian leader had visited Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa, Adviser to the UAE President, in Al Bateen. Mr Saikhanbileg invited Dr Sheikh Sultan to visit his country to learn more about the changes there in recent years.
Latifa bint Mohammed signs cultural training programmes agreement
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Vice Chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, signed an agreement with Lord Cultural Resources, a consultancy group, to drive educational training for Emiratis and create professional development programmes in museum studies and culture. The agreement coincided with the International Museum Day celebration and was intended to help talented Emiratis evolve as creative professionals who could help strengthen the country’s cultural scene, Sheikha Latifa said.
Nahyan bin Mubarak attends reception on Jordan independence anniversary
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, attended a reception hosted by Jordan’s ambassador to the UAE on the 69th anniversary of the country’s independence. Marking the anniversary in the UAE reflected “the deep-rooted fraternal relationship outlined by the late Sheikh Zayed and the late King Hussein bin Talal”, ambassador Naif Al Zaidan said. UAE officials and Jordanian residents also attended.
May 21
Nahyan bin Mubarak opens UAE in the Eyes of the Chinese exhibit
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, opened a photography exhibition in Abu Dhabi at the National Theatre organised by the Emirates Heritage Club and the Chinese embassy. Huang Jiemin, Chinese ambassador to the UAE, attended, as well as other dignitaries. The exhibit included 120 photographs taken by Chinese photographers and reflected UAE life as well as the founding President Sheikh Zayed’s visits to Beijing.