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UAE Floating Hospital: Continuous efforts to support Palestinians

With unwavering dedication, the team tirelessly executes their humanitarian duty, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to global welfare….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE Floating Hospital in the Egyptian city of Al Arish is steadfast in providing therapeutic, surgical, and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip.

With unwavering dedication, the team tirelessly executes their humanitarian duty, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to global welfare.

From this standpoint, the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan came to provide all forms of support and assistance to the residents of the Gaza Strip, as part of “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3”.

Established through collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Ports Group, the floating hospital boasts a diverse medical and administrative staff. Specialists in anesthesiology, general surgery, orthopedics, emergency, intensive and internal care, alongside nurses, technicians, and hospital management professionals ensure comprehensive care.

Dr. Ahmed Mubarak, Director of the Floating Hospital, emphasised the facility’s state-of-the-art equipment, aligning with international standards. With a capacity of 100 patient beds and as many for their companions, the hospital offers comfortable accommodations for families.

Equipped with advanced surgical and intensive care units, emergency services, radiology, and support facilities, including laboratories and pharmacies, the hospital provides vital medical services. Two ambulances stand ready for urgent care and critical cases, supplementing the Emirati field hospital in Gaza.

Each patient undergoes thorough evaluation, ensuring personalised treatment at the highest healthcare standards. Currently hosting 153 patients across gender-specific wards, the hospital has performed 328 surgeries since its inception.

Enhancing emergency response, the hospital features a helipad and naval vessels. These assets facilitate swift medical interventions for critical cases, underscoring the commitment to saving lives in Gaza.

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ATM 2024: India as 365-day tourist destination

The ‘Incredible India’ pavilion was inaugurated on Monday by Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General has made a resounding entry, aiming to capture the entirety of the UAE market. …reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Tourism is showcasing India as a 365-day tourism destination at the Arabian Travel Mart being held in Dubai from May 6-9.

The ‘Incredible India’ pavilion was inaugurated on Monday by Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai, with the aim of strengthening India’s presence in the Middle East’s tourism sector.

The pavilion has made a resounding entry, aiming to capture the entirety of the UAE market. The country’s delegation comprising tour operators, luxury hotels, wellness resorts, and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will be highlighting India’s attraction as a round-the-year tourist destination, according to an official statement.

The Ministry of Tourism has launched the ‘Cool Summers of India’ digital campaign at the Arabian Travel Mart to dispel the notion of India being too hot for summer travel.

The campaign is emphasising the country’s offerings in the hill resorts, and seeks to promote India as a holistic destination throughout the year.

ALSO READ: Dubai to host Integrate Middle East 2024 next month

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Dubai’s largest-ever travel & tourism event opens

The record-breaking edition will feature 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries, with around 41,000 visitors expected to attend the event….reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, the leading global travel and tourism event being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 6-9 May.

The record-breaking edition will feature 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries, with around 41,000 visitors expected to attend the event.

This year’s edition of ATM will mark the event’s largest to date. Having launched in 1994 with 300 exhibitors and 7,000 trade visitors, ATM has now established itself as a globally renowned event integrating all travel sectors and verticals, from MICE to leisure and luxury hospitality, to corporate travel. Exhibitor participation has increased by 26% this year, with growth recorded across all event verticals.

During the opening, Sheikh Ahmed said that the massive interest generated amongst ATM 2024 attendees reaffirms Dubai’s standing as a major destination for tourism and travel in the region, highlighting its role in shaping the future of the industry by bringing together leaders of allied sectors from around the world.

Sheikh Ahmed later toured various pavilions at the exhibition. He was accompanied by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Hilal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Danielle Curtis, Director of the Arabian Travel Market in the Middle East, and several top officials and leaders representing the travel and tourism industry at the regional and global levels.

ATM 2024 will focus on the theme, “Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship”, spotlighting visionary entrepreneurs in aviation, hotels, hospitality, and public attractions, and underscoring their transformative role in the future of the sector.

A four-day conference agenda will feature 200 speakers across more than 50 sessions on two main stages – the Global Stage and the new Future Stage. The Global Stage will host daily summits exploring entrepreneurship, developing markets, sustainability, and luxury, while the Future Stage will be the home of all innovation-related content, covering topics such as AI, NextGen destinations, travel technology, and future trend forecasts.

The opening day of ATM 2024 features 12 sessions across the Global and Future stages. Highlights of the day include the Global Stage Welcome: The Gateway to Global Insights keynote speech from Issam Abdulrahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, and the Ministerial Debate: Streamlining Tourism within the GCC. The Market Insights Summit will also mark four days of focused deliberations at ATM, with entrepreneurship, luxury and sustainability rounding out ATM’s summit programme this week.

Looking ahead to Day Two, the most impactful trends in travel technology will be discussed at the Beyond the Hype: Demystifying 2024 Travel Tech Trends session on the Future Stage. The Global Stage will, in the meantime, gather aviation experts from IATA, Riyadh Air, AviationXLab and Cirium to explore How Technology is Disrupting Aviation followed by a session on Navigating the Future of Air Travel with Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.

Travel Tech, the travel technology exhibition at ATM will continue through 7th May, showcasing the innovative technologies driving the travel and hospitality sector and the Entrepreneurship Summit on May 7 will delve into the topic of Nurturing Travel and Tourism Entrepreneurship to Drive Economic Growth, along with exploring how Global Disruptions are Catalysts for Innovation.

ATM 2024 is part of Arabian Travel Week, a ten-day-long festival of travel and tourism events that take place in Dubai. In addition to ATM, other events that are part of Arabian Travel Week are the ATM Start-up competition, ATM Travel Tech, GBTA Business Travel Forums and Buyer Networking.

ATM 2024 is being held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

ALSO READ: Dubai to host Integrate Middle East 2024 next month

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UAE delivers 400 tonnes of food aid to people of Gaza


Delivering vital food aid to feed 120,000 people in Gaza reflects the UAE’s dedication to offering relief and tackling the humanitarian crisis there….reports Asian Lite News

 The United Arab Emirates, in close partnership with American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), has announced the successful delivery of 400 tonnes of food aid for the brotherly people of Gaza, specifically intended for the northern Gaza Strip.

The delivery and distribution of life-saving food aid to feed around 120 thousand people, aligns with the UAE’s commitment to provide relief and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said, “The UAE’s safe and successful delivery and distribution of food relief to the Gaza Strip, especially the Northern Gaza Strip, marks a significant scaling up in action. We remain firmly committed to our position of solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people and alleviating suffering in the Gaza Strip. The UAE, working in parallel with international partners, is determined more than ever to intensify all efforts to ensure that aid lifelines get to those who need it the most.”

Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera, said, “Anera and the people we serve are extremely grateful for support from the government and people of the UAE, that allows us to deliver this food to northern Gaza, where the needs are so great.”

Following the allocation of US$15 million under the Amalthea Fund to support aid flows in Gaza, the UAE continues to collaborate with international partners and organisations to effectively deliver food and relief through land, air and sea, to strengthen the humanitarian response and meet the needs of the people in the Strip.

To date, the UAE has delivered more than 31,000 tonnes of urgent humanitarian supplies, including food, relief and medical items, dispatched through 256 flights, 46 airdrops, 1,231 trucks, and six ships.

Furthermore, the UAE has initiated a number of other sustainable relief projects to supply food and water to the people of Gaza. These efforts include establishing five automatic bakeries to meet the needs of 72,000 people; supplying flour to eight existing bakeries to meet the needs of 17,140 people; and setting up six desalination plants (operating with a combined capacity of 1.2 million gallons of water) that benefit up to 600,000 people per day.

ALSO READ: UAE Leaders hail armed forces on Unification Day

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UAE Leaders hail armed forces on Unification Day

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the development of military human capital, citing initiatives like the National Service Programme, which strengthens national belonging and readiness among Emirati youth….reports Asian Lite News

On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan delivered the following statement to members of the armed forces:

‘’May 6th is one of the most revered and enduring days in the history of the UAE. On this day in 1976, one of the most important decisions of the nation was made to unify our armed forces. This decision strengthened the Union and reinforced the pursuit of national cohesion by the UAE’s Founding Father and his fellow rulers, may God bless them.

On this precious occasion, I extend my best regards and appreciation to all members of our armed forces across various branches, and I thank them, offer my support, and value their contributions, dedication, and steadfastness in upholding the nation’s progress in diverse fields. I also commend the values they champion, all of which represent our dear nation, particularly in their efforts to assist the needy and support those afflicted in disaster and crisis areas.

On this day, we pray for mercy for our honourable fallen heroes who gave their lives in defence of the UAE and its values and continue to serve as exemplars of patriotism and sacrifice.

Our armed forces will remain a shield for the nation, a protector of development, and a pillar of progress in the UAE.’’

‘A pivotal moment’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said that the decision to unify the Armed Forces on 6th May 1976, stands as a pivotal moment that goes down in the chronicles of the UAE’s history.

Reflecting on the journey since the unification decision in 1976, Sheikh Mohammed hailed the remarkable advancements in organization, weaponry, efficiency, and performance of the UAE Armed Forces.

Emphasizing the pivotal role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Founding Fathers, Sheikh Mohammed underscored the commitment to establish a formidable Armed Force capable of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security, and stability. Over the past 48 years, the Armed Forces have attained excellence, aligning with the nation’s comprehensive development.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the development of military human capital, citing initiatives like the National Service Programme, which strengthens national belonging and readiness among Emirati youth. He expressed gratitude to citizens for their dedication to serving the nation and recognized graduates as valuable assets.

Acknowledging the expanded roles of the Armed Forces, including research, development, and manufacturing, Sheikh Mohammed praised the establishment of a UAE military industry, aligning with Sheikh Zayed’s vision.

‘Safeguarding foundations’

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, affirmed that the unification of the armed forces has contributed to consolidating the pillars of the union and preserving its security, sovereignty, and achievements.

He emphasised that the decision to unify the armed forces was a strategic choice during a pivotal stage to complete the building of the institutions of the country and advance its progress.

In a speech on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Unification of the Armed Forces, which falls on the 6th of May, His Highness stated that UAE armed forces are a strong supporter of the state’s renaissance and development by providing a safe and stable environment conducive to development and progress.

He also highlighted their role in keeping pace with the country’s development at various levels, recalling with reverence the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his founding brothers and their wisdom and awareness of the requirements of building a state of significance and status. It is based on unified national strength at a high level of efficiency and readiness necessary to fulfill its role in consolidating the foundations of this country and protecting its security and stability.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that UAE Armed Forces have contributed over decades and continue to enhance security, stability, and peace, embodying the authentic approach of the country in cooperation and solidarity. In this context, he pointed out the qualitative humanitarian efforts exerted by the UAE Armed Forces in many regions of the world, responding to humanitarian situations where their name has always been associated with values ​​of goodness, generosity, support for truth, and aiding the needy and afflicted without discrimination.

His Highness extended thanks and appreciation to the first generation of members of the UAE armed forces. He prayed for the mercy and forgiveness of Allah Almighty for those who have passed away, as well as for the souls of the country’s heroic martyrs who gave their lives for the nation. They remained loyal to its values and defended its security and stability, helping it to stand proud and esteemed.

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Sharjah Library ignites young minds


The SPL pavilion at the 15th SCRF is buzzing with activity, engaging kids and parents with its agenda focused on critical thinking and exploring the wonders of the universe….report Asian Lite News

The Sharjah Public Library (SPL) pavilion at the ongoing 15th edition of Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) has emerged as a beehive of activity, educating and entertaining children of all ages as well as their parents with its comprehensive agenda designed to foster critical thinking and unveil the intricate wonders of the universe.

Cyber safety awareness and exploration of silent books

Among the engaging activities, the ‘Silent Book’ workshop uniquely opens the doors of imagination through drawings and images narrating the story, allowing children to interpret it in their style without needing written words. Meanwhile, the ‘Digital Awareness’ workshop steers children towards conscious and responsible video gaming. Through a short film presentation and hands-on workshops, children learn to navigate the internet safely, emphasising the importance of caution when interacting with strangers online.

Creative writing workshops

The ‘Creative Writing Stations’ workshop takes children on a journey through five practical stations: I Read, I Observe, I Think, I Plan, and I Design. At each station, children learn how to read and discuss stories. They then apply what they’ve learned in hands-on workshops to develop their creative skills further.

Superhero designing and beeswax making

For ‘Dragon Ball’ and ‘Grendizer fans,’ the Superhero workshop offers an exciting adventure for children who dream of a world filled with superheroes. Here, they learn to create their unique superhero characters through vibrant comic stories. In the ‘Bee Waxing’ workshop, children delve into the wonderful world of bees, learning about the properties and benefits of beeswax, drawing lessons in perfection and creativity, and developing their fine motor skills while also exploring the cultural and historical significance of beeswax across various global cultures.

Strengthening family bonds

Workshops that strengthen family ties include the ‘Creative Personality Lab,’ an interactive experience that helps children understand their responsibilities towards themselves, their families, and their nation. This workshop encourages creativity and inspiration through thought-provoking questions that reflect their personalities. The ‘Family Tunes’ workshop invites families to participate in collaborative art projects that strengthen their bonds through shared creativity.

The ‘Artistic Tale’ workshop offers participants a chance to learn the theoretical and technical basics of the Oud, an ancient musical instrument, while the ‘From the Heart of the Desert’ workshop explores sustainability and the heritage of Sheikh Zayed through an engaging journey.

The ‘Embroidery and Folklore’ workshop also showcases the aesthetics of Palestinian dress and the art of embroidery. ‘A Story with Saif Al-Muslimani’ gives children the opportunity to hear inspiring stories narrated by the young Saif Al-Muslimani. Moreover, the ‘Book Restoration’ workshop teaches participants how to renew and repair old books, emphasising the importance of recycling and resource conservation.

ALSO READ: ‘Industry, tech collaboration key to UAE’s growth goals’

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Sheikha Latifa tours pavilion showcasing VP’s publications

During her tour, Sheikha Latifa met with the organisers and was briefed on the huge turnout of visitors to the pavilion at the annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Executive Council, visited the pavilion featuring publications by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa toured the pavilion which showcased prominent works by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, including titles such as ‘My Vision,’ ‘My Story,’ ‘Flashes of Thought,’ ‘Reflections on Happiness and Positivity,’ collections of Zayed poems and other verses, ‘40 Poems from the Desert,’ ‘For the Love of Horses,’ ‘Two Great Leaders,’ ‘My Little World,’ ‘A Journey from the Desert to the Stars,’ ‘Flashes of Wisdom,’ and ‘Quotes by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.’

During her tour, Sheikha Latifa met with the organisers and was briefed on the huge turnout of visitors to the pavilion at the annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

Sheikha Latifa said that culture and knowledge serve as fundamental indicators of progress and civilization. She underscored the vital importance of investing in knowledge to foster positive change and pave the way for a brighter future.

“The UAE’s wise leadership prioritises culture, promotes knowledge, and fosters a love for reading among the youth through comprehensive national strategies and by hosting significant events like book fairs that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. What we witness today at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair exemplifies the steps taken to strengthen the UAE’s status as a cultural leader with a broad impact on thought, creativity and publication,” Sheikha Latifa said.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum consistently teaches us that true power resides in knowledge and that the written word is a powerful tool for changing the world. Sheikh Mohammed’s publications have unveiled boundless opportunities for self-development and serve as a source of inspiration in leadership and personal growth. This cultural and humanitarian treasury of thoughts is a priceless legacy for future generations,” she added.

H.H. also highlighted the importance of dedicating a pavilion to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s works, which provides visitors of all ages with a glimpse into his various contributions.

Two Great Leaders

During a visit to the children’s book section at the pavilion, Sheikha Latifa interacted with a group of students attending the book fair and listened to them speak about their reading interests and the titles that captured their attention.

She read aloud the ‘Two Great Leaders’ book to the children, which portrays the lives and legacies of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum in simple and engaging language. This book commemorates two leaders whose memories and contributions continue to resonate deeply with the people of the UAE.

1,350 publishers

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre under the theme ‘Where World Tales Unfold.’, the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair was held from 29 April to 5 May 2024.

This edition of the book fair featured 1,350 publishers from 90 countries, including 140 newcomers and 375 local exhibitors. Egypt served as this year’s Guest of Honour, with the late Naguib Mahfouz being designated as the ‘Personality of Focus’ in this edition of the book fair.

The pavilion dedicated to the publications of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum showcased 13 influential works that have made significant contributions to both the local and regional cultural scenes. These works cover a diverse range of topics, including management, excellence, leadership, the history of Dubai and the UAE, and insights drawn from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s personal experiences.

The pavilion also hosted various sessions with renowned authors and personalities to delve into the visions and experiences of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, examining the profound impact of his publications on government operations, development, and cultural life.

ALSO READ: Startups on focus as ATM 2024 opens

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Startups on focus as ATM 2024 opens

This year, ATM is centred on the theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship’, spotlighting the pivotal role of start-ups and entrepreneurs in shaping the sector’s future…reports Asian Lite News

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading global event for the travel and tourism sector, returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre for its 31st edition.

Taking place from 6th to 9th May, over 41,000 attendees are expected to visit the annual trade show, which will feature 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries.

This year, ATM is centred on the theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship’, spotlighting the pivotal role of start-ups and entrepreneurs in shaping the sector’s future. This focus will provide a platform for industry leaders and policymakers worldwide to empower the travel and tourism community to harness entrepreneurism and identify opportunities for growth.

A four-day conference programme will deliver over 50 informative sessions from more than 200 high-profile speakers who will address attendees across the Global Stage and the new Future Stage. Issam Abdulrahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer – Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, will host the Global Stage Welcome: The Gateway to Global Insights keynote speech, outlining Dubai’s tourism goals and plans for the coming years. Later tomorrow, Ministers from the GCC and beyond will take to the stage to discuss the key strategies to support and develop tourism in the region at the Ministerial Debate: Streamlining Tourism within the GCC.

ATM will also host the Market Insights Summit on the Global Stage on opening day, exploring the potential of China, India and Latin America as they emerge as key players in global tourism. The panel for the Summit includes Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, UN Tourism; Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton; Julia Simpson, CEO & President, World Travel and Tourism Council; and Jan Gerrit Koechling, Partner, Roland Berger.

The Future Stage will officially launch tomorrow with a focus on the Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality in the Middle East, led by senior representatives from IHG Hotels and Resorts, Marriot International, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Banyan Tree Dubai, Mastercard and Silkhaus. Other sessions tomorrow on the Future Stage include The New Age of Island Tourism, which explores how islands in the Middle East are offering new opportunities for tourism, and the Global Economic Disruptions Affecting the Future of Travel session.

Speaking ahead of launch day, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “Following the unprecedented success of our 30th edition in 2023, exhibitor participation has increased by a remarkable 26% this year, making ATM 2024 the largest in the event’s history.

“This notable growth underscores ATM’s reputation as an unmissable event for the global travel and tourism community, offering unrivalled business and networking opportunities for attendees and exhibitors across a wide range of travel sectors and verticals.”

Growth has been achieved across all show verticals, including regional year-on-year upticks for the Middle East (28%), Asia (34%), Europe (34%) and Africa (26%). In addition, more than 100 prominent travel technology companies will showcase their latest innovations to a global audience at this year’s event. The Travel Tech section is 58% larger this year, indicating an unprecedented surge in interest from companies that want to display their latest technological advancements.

ATM continues its commitment to sustainability for another year, building on the show’s main theme in 2023 and in keeping with its 30 long-term sustainability goals. The Sustainability Summit on 9 May will explore Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, consumer preferences, and the collaborative efforts required to create a more sustainable future for travel and tourism. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Stand Award will recognise the exhibitor who has made outstanding efforts to reduce their stand’s carbon footprint.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners are the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.

ALSO READ: ‘Industry, tech collaboration key to UAE’s growth goals’

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Don’t fear AI, learn to use it well, says expert

In the session moderated by Dr. Mania Suwaid, Al Rawi drew an inspiring parallel with Alan Turing, the British mathematician whose work during WWII involved breaking the Enigma cipher, to illustrate the groundbreaking impacts of AI…reports Asian Lite News

New-age technology such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) can play a transformative role in education by delivering personalised learning experiences and improving student performance.

This was a resounding message at the panel discussion titled ‘Enhancing Private Education: Using Artificial Intelligence in Personalised Learning,’ held at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) on Friday.

“Artificial intelligence will not overshadow traditional centres of education like schools and universities. Instead, the technology will complement educators and help them deliver more impactful learning experiences,” said prominent AI researcher and trainer Yasmine Al Rawi.

In the session moderated by Dr. Mania Suwaid, Al Rawi drew an inspiring parallel with Alan Turing, the British mathematician whose work during WWII involved breaking the Enigma cipher, to illustrate the groundbreaking impacts of AI.

“Schools are not just for academic training but are arenas for developing soft skills and creativity. Our educational institutions should embed futuristic technologies in their everyday work to improve efficiencies. A teacher in a class of 30 may not be able to give equal attention to all students, but if we have AI-aided applications that can monitor students’ emotional responses while doing assignments and provide real-time assessment, it could be a game changer”, she opined.

“This kind of technology could enable educators to better understand students’ struggles or ease with assignments, enhancing their ability to offer support even without direct supervision,” Al Rawi further noted.

Discussing the need for responsible integration of AI in educational settings, Al Rawi pointed out the critical role of parents and teachers in instilling values in children. She likened AI’s introduction to past technological advances, such as television and the internet, and said, “The focus should be on guiding children to use these tools responsibly and ethically.”

Al Rawi also mentioned Futurepedia, a platform showcasing the latest AI tools from picture-to-text and text-to-video conversions to natural language processing, which can assist teachers in creating innovative lesson plans for grades 1 through 12. Furthermore, she noted the existence of innovation hubs such as the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) in Sharjah, which support the development of new ideas and startups, including potential startups in sectors like fintech.

The UAE’s broader integration of AI, from smart policing initiatives by the Ministry of Interior to general government operations, illustrates the national commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology. “AI is vital not only in the education sector but also in safeguarding society,” she concluded.

The 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is running in Expo Centre Sharjah until May 12 and features a host of activities and talks that promise to engage and entertain kids and grown-ups alike. The latest edition has a strong lineup of authors and experts from varied industries. (ANI/WAM)

ALSO READ-Nahyan bin Mubarak praises role of intellectuals  

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Nahyan bin Mubarak praises role of intellectuals  

A number of Arab and international intellectual and creative figures spoke during the various sessions held at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, lauded the participation of over 80 Arab and international writers and intellectuals at the Ishraqat Festival.

He commended their role in delivering the festival’s message of tolerance, coexistence, and human values to a global audience at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The events of the third day of the activities and programmes of the Ishraqat Festival, organised by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, witnessed a huge turnout from intellectuals and those interested in knowledge and its relationship to human values.

A number of Arab and international intellectual and creative figures spoke during the various sessions held at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The “Ishraqat Dialogue” sessions hosted writer and novelist Hassan Abdel Mawgoud and writer Aisha Al-Basri in a discussion that focused on the relationship between the novel and the media in promoting coexistence and human values.

The two sessions were moderated by Arab publisher Ahmed Rashad.

“Inspiring Ishraqat” featured the experiences of writers and inspirational figures in open dialogues with exhibition visitors.

Sheikh Nahyan praised the contributions of world writers to Ishraqat Festival during its three days, emphasising his pride in showcasing the UAE’s unique model of peace and human fraternity at the event, which focused on increasing knowledge and promoting dialogue between the diverse cultures that make up the UAE population.

He also stressed the importance of developing knowledge about tolerance and human fraternity, emphasising that Arab and international participation in the festival is a testament to its success. (ANI/WAM)

ALSO READ-The Hinduja family with H.E Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan