Month: February 2022

AL AIN, Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, on Tuesday inaugurated the activities of the “UAE Innovates 2022” month virtually.

Present were Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, Sheikha Noura Humaid Al Nuaimi, Director of Ajman X Centre, Municipality and Planning Department, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Higher Administration, faculty members, staff, and students.

In his address, the chancellor emphasised the university’s enthusiasm for the coming month’s activities. He explained that innovation is the origin and purpose, adding, “A university is a cradle of innovation. The primary mission of a university is to foster original thought.”

He stated, “Our undergraduate students learn that knowledge is never complete and can constantly be improved. Our graduate students investigate to find out what works and to develop better practices and concepts. Our researchers and faculty members identify new questions, new methodologies, and alternative possibilities.

“They take risks, they experiment, and they are curious. Our administrative staff find ways to enhance our efficiency, effectiveness, and our standards of service. Innovation is the university’s purpose, process, and outcome, and we all share the task of improvement, of invention, and original thought.”

The chancellor reminded the audience of the importance of innovation. He said, “Human civilisation is the fruit of creativity and problem-solving. Human development is driven by the desire to improve, alleviate problems and suffering, and gain an advantage. Innovation is the gift and the duty of a human being.”

Explaining the relevance of innovation, the chancellor said, “In the UAE, we are proud that our leaders have encouraged us to create, to solve problems, to make our lives better, and to be competitive. Our innovative thinking has focused on securing the foundations of our lives as families and communities, of our successes as entrepreneurs and employers, and of the nation’s infrastructure. Our leaders have also urged us to be exceptional, be outstanding, and draw the world’s attention to our remarkable achievements. Our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, was a real leader of this kind. The success of the UAE is a history of innovation of all these kinds.”

Speaking of the importance of innovation to the nation’s development, the chancellor praised the leadership’s focus on innovation within the ten principles they have set for the next 50 years. He said, “The UAE continues to require people who can critically analyse complex problems, create innovative solutions, and take the risk to invest in change.”

Speaking in support of the UAEU’s efforts to celebrate UAE Innovates 2022, he said, “I am confident that the range of events and initiatives will both celebrate and promote the process of innovation. The coming month will invigorate our ideas and motivate our commitment to an activity that speaks to the heart and purpose of a university,” he said in conclusion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, For the past month, Abu Dhabi’s public parks and urban green spaces have been a sea of sportswear and sneakers, sweatbands, and headbands as the emirate’s diverse communities have embraced free fitness and physical activity coaching as part of the inaugural Active Parks.

Organised by the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), Municipalities of Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain city, and the Al Dhafra region, as well as the Community Management Department – Al Dhafra Region Affairs, Active Parks featured 380 free-to-attend classes in 12 parks and urban spaces across the Emirate.

Featuring an array of fitness classes, led by expert coaches, including Zumba, RunFit, Bootcamps, CrossFit, Yoga, and dedicated sessions for People of Determination, the month-long programme attracted participation from children as young as 12, people of all different ages, demographics, and fitness levels, and enjoyed high-level support from dignitaries and Government ministers.

Curated to promote a healthy society, promote the benefits of physical activity, and help community members overcome challenges that hinder their adoption of sports, Active Parks was exactly what the Abu Dhabi community needed, according to the expert coaches and fitness enthusiasts who embraced the initiative.

“I saw people making new friends and comfortably communicating with each other even while wearing masks and respecting the social distance measures – that was really nice. We’ve all gone through lockdown, it’s been a tough time for everyone, so, for people to be out there making friends and enjoying fitness together, it’s very important to everyone and their mental health,” said British coach Jamie Chadwick led the final CrossFit session at Khalifa Park 3.

The programme impressed popular Egyptian blogger Soha Mohamed Taha, who attended Chadwick’s final session. Enjoying the high intensity interval training (HIIT) session, Taha insists the initiative was a ‘hit’ with the public, as she shared photos and videos with her 815,000 Instagram followers.

Shadi Tohme, more commonly known as Mad Shadz to his 2.1m Tik Tok followers, said the initiative was just the motivation he needed to drag himself out for some physical activity.

“So many times, people – myself included – tend to come up with excuses to avoid certain activities, specifically physical activities,” said Tohme. “Having this motivation and ease of access to expert coaching makes a huge difference because you know you’re going to have a great experience with music, equipment, and lots of other people just like yourself. Overall, it was great vibes, and I would go again. I’m really excited about this initiative because a lot of people are just missing that small push that can make a huge impact on their life and wellbeing.”

Source: Emirates News Agency