
Rabdan Academy launches the first edition of the 'Inclusivity in Safety' conference
In Strategic Partnership with the Ministry of Interior
A strategic platform to unify national efforts in enhancing emergency and crisis response systems with a focus on integrating People of Determination (POD).
The conference showcases the latest global technological and policing practices to support caregivers and first responders.
Distinguished participation from experts of the Secure Communities Forum and prominent policing and academic leaders.
Aligned with the UAE's Year of Community 2025, reflecting the country's commitment to data-driven and inclusive policymaking.
Abu Dhabi – UAE: Rabdan Academy, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Interior, has announced the launch of the first edition of the 'Inclusivity in Safety' Conference, scheduled to take place on 16 June 2025, at the Academy's campus in Abu Dhabi, in a hybrid format (in-person and virtual).
The conference coincides with the UAE's Year of Community 2025 and aligns with the nation's vision to foster inclusive social frameworks. It aims to enhance the readiness of the national emergency response system, while ensuring the integration of People of Determination (POD) in civil protection and community preparedness plans.
The conference highlights several strategic and specialized themes, including: the role of first responders in assisting PODs during disasters and emergencies, presentations of advanced technological solutions and policing practices that promote inclusive community safety, field-based international experiences from leading law enforcement agencies, case studies and research papers addressing the challenges and opportunities of integrating PODs in public safety systems, victim rights and equity frameworks for PODs during emergency response, as well as Interactive simulation scenarios illustrating best practices in immediate and specialized response.
The conference will also showcase smart technological innovations that support police officers and field caregivers—such as artificial intelligence, geolocation systems, and assistive communication devices—to facilitate safer and more accessible services for PODs under exceptional circumstances.
H.E. Salem Al Saeedi, Vice President of Rabdan Academy, affirmed that the conference represents a strategic milestone reflecting the Academy's deep commitment to developing realistic and innovative solutions that ensure the inclusion of all societal segments in national response frameworks.
'Our joint work with the Ministry of Interior strengthens our ability to build a safer and more prepared environment, especially amid rising challenges. Through this conference, we aim to establish meaningful dialogues and pioneering practices that contribute to advancing national policies and plans,' Al Saeedi said.
Lt. Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office at the Ministry of Interior, stated that achieving inclusivity in safety is a core focus of the Ministry's approach to strengthening sustainable community response.
Al Marzouqi emphasized that the conference aims to highlight the critical roles PODs can play within national preparedness systems and promote a flexible, equitable environment in emergency situations.
The conference will feature notable participation from experts of the Secure Communities Forum, one of the world's leading platforms dedicated to the advancement of inclusive community safety. These experts will present advanced perspectives and successful international experiences that contribute to the integration of community safety frameworks, through expert panels and specialized workshops, enriching both theoretical and practical content of the event.
The event brings together a distinguished group of global experts in safety and civil protection, alongside senior police and academic figures, and representatives from POD care organizations. It serves as a dynamic platform for experience exchange and discussions on the latest developments in comprehensive community preparedness.
This conference marks a pivotal step in enhancing the UAE's emergency resilience and public safety institutions, and demonstrates the country's unwavering commitment to building a safe, resilient, and inclusive society. It also supports government efforts to design data-driven policies based on practical insights that respond to diverse human needs.
The conference aims to unify efforts across government, security, and academic sectors to build a high-impact, innovative response system anchored in inclusivity, strategic partnerships, and public awareness—further reinforcing the UAE's regional and global leadership in inclusive community preparedness.
Registration is open for those interested in participating in person or virtually through the following link: https://shorturl.at/TGn6J
About Rabdan Academy
Rabdan Academy is a government-owned world-class education institution established to coordinate and enhance learning outcomes for organisations and individuals in the Safety, Security, Defence, Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management (SSDEC) Sectors.
The Academy was officially established under Law No. 7 for 2013, issued by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is accredited by the UAE's Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Education.
The Academy is the world's first higher education institution specializing in the SSDEC domain to achieve a top "5-Star" rating in six key categories of the QS Stars University Rating System: Teaching, Facilities, Employability, Global Engagement, Academic Development, and Good Governance.
As a unique institution, the Academy provides learning in a dual approach, combining academic and vocational education in one place, whilst recognising prior learning and experience and providing accredited and transferable credit from course to course and job to job. For more information, please visit https://ra.ac.ae/
For Media Enquiries, please contact: Corporate Communications Office
(cco@ra.ac.ae)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arabian Business
9 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Qatar Airways signs agreement for Middle East's first digital aircraft painting facility
Qatar Airways has signed a strategic agreement with Barzan Holdings and Satys Aerospace to establish a widebody aircraft painting facility at Dukhan Air Base. The collaboration forms part of a long-term partnership between the three organisations, aimed at enhancing Qatar's aviation ecosystem through country capability building, technology transfer, and innovation, the airline said in a statement. The facility will be the first widebody Satys paint facility in the region to feature digital technology aircraft painting. It will accommodate commercial, VIP, and military aircraft, with two widebody paint facilities and a multipurpose hangar for light maintenance activities. Qatar Airways, Satys Aerospace launch regional aircraft painting centre with digital technology 'This partnership delivers strategic aviation infrastructure that serves both our national and regional ambitions. Together with Barzan Holdings and Satys, we are introducing breakthrough technologies by building local capabilities that will define the future of Qatar's aerospace sector. This facility reflects our commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowering Qatari talent,' Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer said. The facility will serve as a regional hub for airline operators across the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, offering access to painting services that reduce aircraft ground time by eliminating the need to ferry aircraft overseas for livery changes or repainting. The facility will use digital technology with future plans for automatic robotic painting, leveraging paint systems that include energy-efficient booths and waste management controls. 'This strategic agreement reflects our commitment to advancing Qatar's defence and aerospace capabilities through meaningful, future-focused partnerships. The development of a one-of-its-kind aircraft painting facility in collaboration with Qatar Airways and Satys will position Qatar as a regional centre of excellence while serving both military and civil aviation needs. It also reinforces our dedication to enabling local industry, building specialised skills, and supporting the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030,' Eng. Mohammed Bader AlSadah, Barzan Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer added. The facility will enable dual-use operations, supporting both civil and defence aviation needs by meeting respective technical and safety specifications, aligning with Qatar's strategy to localise high-value services and champion local aerospace expertise. The initiative reflects the commitment of Qatar Airways and Barzan Holdings to support Qatar National Vision 2030 by building industrial capabilities, creating skilled jobs and promoting Qatar as a leader in aviation technology and services. 'We are proud of our partnership initiated in 2021 and remain dedicated to delivering our best to the Barzan Holdings and Qatar Airways. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in quality, innovation and turnaround time,' Christophe Cador, Satys Aerospace Chief Executive Officer explained.


Arabian Business
9 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate: How to buy property for $545
Dubai is reshaping access to real estate with a new government-backed platform that lets investors own a slice of the city's booming property market for as little as AED 2,000. By turning property into digital tokens, the initiative introduces a new model of ownership that aims to make real estate investment faster, more flexible, and more accessible — all within a regulated blockchain ecosystem. But, what exactly is Dubai real estate tokenization and how does it actually work? How tokenized property investment works in Dubai Dubai's tokenised property system operates through platforms licensed by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Investors must be UAE residents over 18 with a valid Emirates ID. After completing Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, they can browse a list of available properties and invest from as little as AED 2,000. Each property is split into digital tokens recorded on the XRP Ledger blockchain. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) issues Property Token Ownership Certificates, linking the digital shares to official land records and ensuring legal recognition. 'The process is surprisingly straightforward,' P.P. Varghese, Head of Professional Services at Cushman & Wakefield Core told Arabian Business. The process includes: Access the platform: Visit with a valid UAE ID Browse properties: Investors can access comprehensive property details, ranging from pricing, risk factors, and technical specifications to the minimum investment required Make investment: Purchase tokenized shares starting from just AED 2,000 ($545) Complete transaction: All transactions are carried out exclusively in UAE Dirhams, with no use of cryptocurrencies during the pilot phase Receive tokens: Title deeds are tokenized on the XRP Ledger network, with direct integration to Dubai's land registry However, ownership is recorded through two layers: blockchain-based digital wallets provided by the platform, and legal documentation issued by the DLD. 'Buyers hold their tokens in digital wallets provided by the licensed platform. At the same time, the DLD steps in to make the ownership official ensuring that ownership is both securely recorded online and legally protected offline,' Zacky Sajjad, Director of Business Development at Cavendish Maxwell said. This ensures that token holders' rights are enforceable under Dubai law, and that the digital record is always backed by a legally recognised title deed. Why was Dubai real estate tokenization launched? The initiative was developed by VARA, the DLD, the UAE Central Bank, and the Dubai Future Foundation. 'Dubai's launch of the first licensed tokenised real estate project in the MENA region marks a pivotal moment,' Adela Mues, Partner at Reed Smith said. 'This initiative is not simply a technological experiment; it is a comprehensive reimagining of how real estate can be accessed, traded, and governed.' VARA oversees all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) across most of Dubai, excluding DIFC. These providers must comply with strict KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards. 'VARA enforces a stringent compliance framework,' Sajjad explained, adding that licensed VASPs conduct due diligence, identify beneficial owners, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity. VASPs must also retain transaction records for at least eight years, ensuring transparency and regulatory oversight, he said. However, the entry point is a key feature. 'In Dubai's expensive property market where average villa prices hit AED 6 million ($1.6 million), the AED 2,000 ($545) minimum investment represents a 99.97 per cent reduction in entry costs' Varghese said, adding that his opens premium real estate to investors previously priced out of the market. 'The structure appeals primarily to smaller retail investors,' he explained. 'Tokenization democratizes access, allowing middle-class or retail investors to own fractions of premium properties.' According to Sajjad, this model targets investors who are either unable or unwilling to purchase properties outright. Ownership per individual is capped at 20 per cent of any single property. Mues further outlined several advantages of tokenised investment compared to traditional buying. 'One of the most transformative benefits of tokenised real estate is the ability to split property into fractional shares, greatly improving liquidity in a traditionally illiquid market,' she said, adding that these tokens can be traded on secondary markets, offering flexibility in exiting positions. Additionally, lower capital requirements are another major advantage. This approach allow younger generations to 'get on the property ladder' in a very different and more accessible way than their parents, Mues said. Moreover, transaction speed is also improved. 'Smart contracts and digital workflows used on tokenised real estate platforms to automate verification and execution of deals do away with the need for involving numerous intermediaries in the real estate transaction process,' she noted. Another advantage is that transparency and security are built into the blockchain infrastructure. 'Every token transaction is recorded on an immutable distributed ledger, bringing a level of transparency and security to real estate deals that traditional methods have struggled to match,' Mues said, adding that blockchain's cryptographic protocols address fraud risks and create a single, verifiable 'source of truth.' How much does it cost to invest in tokenized Dubai property? Investing in tokenised property comes with defined costs. According to Sajjad, investors pay a 2 per cent fee on the amount invested, a 1 per cent exit fee when selling, and a 0.5 per cent annual management fee. If the property appreciates in value, a capital appreciation fee of up to 15 per cent may apply. Tokenised transactions also benefit from a reduced DLD fee — 2 per cent instead of the traditional 4 per cent. 'Automation reduces the need for middlemen,' Varghese said, adding fewer intermediaries means faster and more cost-effective deals. Dubai's real estate market recorded AED 66.8 billion in sales in May 2025, indicating strong investor confidence. 'The robust traditional sales activity creates ideal conditions for tokenization,' he explained, adding that this shows that the market can absorb this new method of investment without disruption. The DLD projects that tokenised assets could make up 7 per cent of the market by 2033 — equivalent to AED60 billion ($16 billion). What are some potential challenges that could arise with tokenized real estate? Despite the potential, challenges remain. Varghese cautioned that 'market liquidity issues remain a major concern even in Dubai. Early tokenized real estate platforms globally struggle with low trading volumes, wide bid-ask spreads, and limited secondary markets.' Mues also noted that investors give up some autonomy. 'since ownership is fractional and decisions like selling are often made by majority vote, investors must be willing to compromise on autonomy.' Although the system uses blockchain infrastructure, transactions currently take place in UAE Dirhams. 'At present, crypto purchases are pegged to fiat currencies, and fractional ownership is likely to become a growth segment within the residential sector within Dubai' Sajjad said, adding that as regulations evolve, crypto payments may be integrated. Token prices are set in AED or USD and pegged to real-time conversion rates, ensuring price stability even if crypto is introduced later. Currently focused on residential property, tokenization could soon extend to commercial and industrial sectors, according to Varghese. 'All three types of real estate will play a role in tokenization expansion,' he said, adding, the real 'game-changer' lies in capital-intensive projects such as infrastructure and data centres. 'This means tokenization could enable ownership of massive projects that traditionally required hundreds of millions or billions in capital—previously limiting participation to sovereign wealth funds, major developers, or large institutions.' Dubai's strategic positioning a major benefit for property tokenization Dubai's strategic position and development pipeline make it well suited for this kind of innovation, Varghese explained, adding that the emirate's infrastructure connects three continents and benefits from government backing.. However, he noted that mainstream adoption will depend on several factors such as liquidity infrastructure, regulatory clarity, market education, institutional adoption, and global platform integration. 'Dubai's pilot represents a critical first step, but mainstream adoption requires addressing the fundamental liquidity challenges that have plagued tokenized real estate platforms, alongside continued regulatory support, technological improvements, and broader market education globally,' he said. Mues believes the long-term implications could be far-reaching. 'Dubai is clearly positioning itself at the forefront of integrating crypto and blockchain technology into the real estate sector. It is not hard to imagine a future Dubai where the majority, If not all real estate transactions will occur on secure blockchain systems, involving the use of smart contracts and digital land registries, alongside tokenisation of title (whether fractionalised or not),' she said, adding that legal changes will likely define how smart contracts can constitute binding agreements. Echoing the sentiment, Sajjad said: 'Dubai and the UAE is always at the forefront of embracing cutting-edge technologies and with a dynamic, multinational and growing population, this is likely to be a significant segment of the market in the future.' 'While still in its early stages, Dubai's strategic positioning, openness to digital innovation, and investor-friendly climate suggest that real estate tokenistion has the potential to become a major investment channel in the region, for both local and international retail investors,' he concluded.


Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
University of Dubai and AIJRF launch the first Arab initiative in academic research and AI technologies
The University of Dubai, in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF), has officially launched a groundbreaking Arab initiative titled 'Arab AI Researchers (AAIR)'. This is the first initiative of its kind in the region and comes as part of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), which was first announced last year at the University of Dubai. A Regional Step Forward in Academic Innovation His Excellency Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, emphasized that this initiative is aligned with the key recommendations announced at the conclusion of the 5th edition of the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum (AIJWF), particularly those drawn from the inaugural report of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU). The findings underscored the urgent need to integrate AI tools and technologies into both Academic Research and teaching practices across Arab universities. Dr. Al Bastaki stated: 'The current initiative, 'Arab AI Researchers (AAIR),' aims to enhance the skills of Arab researchers and academics in embedding AI technologies and tools into teaching methods, curricula, and academic research. It promotes the optimal use of artificial intelligence in higher education across all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate.' Fostering a Widespread Educational Transformation His Excellency Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Center for Futures Studies at the University of Dubai and the president of the Arab Index for Artificial Intelligence in Universities (AIU), highlighted the importance of this initiative in reaching a wide audience of researchers. He noted that it offers a specialized training program to help integrate AI applications into both educational practices and academic research processes across all levels of study. A Specialized AI Training Program for Academia His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Abdulzaher, CEO of AIJRF, stressed the initiative's role in launching such a highly specialized training program. This program is designed to teach participants the fundamentals and applications of AI tools in both theoretical and applied research, while also enabling them to analyze research data using AI, yielding faster and more efficient outcomes. Dr. Abdulzaher added: 'The program will also introduce participants to innovative AI-based teaching approaches -from smart classroom practices and automated assignments to AI-generated project ideas- along with the ethical principles guiding the use of AI in education.' Initiative Objectives Enhance researchers' skills in using AI tools and applications in all areas of Academic Research, in an objective and academically sound manner. Integrate AI tools and technologies into the educational process within universities and educational institutions at all levels: undergraduate and postgraduate. Promote a new understanding of how to present ideas for studies, master's and doctoral thesis, and international publications when addressing AI tools and technologies. Empower Arab researchers and academics to use AI tools and technologies in scientific research, in accordance with international best practices. Empower Arab researchers and academics to integrate AI tools and technologies into scientific research using global best practices. Enhance the integration of AI in higher education by developing innovative teaching methods based on intelligent data analysis and interactive learning. Build a specialized Arab knowledge community focused on AI applications in education and research through knowledge exchange, workshops, and training programs. Provide Arabic-language resources and guidelines to support the effective incorporation of AI into university curricula, while considering local academic and cultural contexts. Promote Arab scientific research in the field of AI in education, and encourage the publication of academic work at both regional and international levels. Foster ethical and critical thinking in the use of AI in educational settings by raising awareness of the risks and challenges of emerging technologies. Develop strategic partnerships between universities, research centers, and institutions involved in technology and education to support digital academic transformation across the Arab world. Expected Outcomes Master the use of AI tools and applications in academic research. Utilize AI in data analysis to derive faster and more accurate conclusions. Embed AI into smart curricula and classroom strategies, including automated assignment creation, grading, and project development. Understand and apply the ethical principles of artificial intelligence. Acquire technical and cognitive skills necessary for AI application in academia. Systematically and effectively integrate AI into teaching methods and curricula. Design and develop AI-based academic research in line with global academic standards. Optimize AI usage in university education to improve quality and digital transformation. Prepare a new generation of Arab researchers capable of leading innovation in educational and technological institutions. Training Methodology and Tools 10 AI tools for research writing and scientific publishing 5 AI applications for classroom management 5 AI tools for managing student projects, assignments, and assessments Program Duration and Certification The training program is conducted three times annually Each round includes 150 participants The program spans 4 intensive days, totaling 15 practical training hours Participants who submit a final research or educational project will receive an accredited certificate from: Artificial Intelligence Journalism Foundation (AIJRF) University of Dubai Other participating universities About AIJRF Founded in 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF) is the world's first global research organization dedicated to the study of media, artificial intelligence, content creation, media of Metaverse, the Fourth & Fifth Industrial Revolution, and humanities. It was established by a group of professors and academic researchers specializing in these fields. AIJRF leads over 20 international initiatives in artificial intelligence, including the Artificial Intelligence Journalism World Forum (AIJWF), the Global Artificial Intelligence Journalism Index (GAIJI), the Arab Artificial Intelligence Index in Universities (AIU), the AI Skills Camp for Students, AI Skills Challenge for University undergraduates and the Arab AI Researchers (AAIR) initiative. AIJRF offers more than 120 training programs, including a professional diploma in: content creation and artificial intelligence, AI technologies and smart government services, AI and media industries, media of Metaverse, and AI in education, among more than 20 specialized training tracks. These programs aim to integrate AI tools and solutions into key professional and educational sectors. In 2021, AIJRF has published the world's first ethical and professional guide for AI-powered content creation, titled: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism and Professional Code of Ethics. In 2024, it released the second edition under the title: The Artificial Intelligence Journalism Professional Ethics and Codes of Conduct (AIJEC).