Latest news with #GulfToday
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sustainability is a way of life, says Dr Samiullah Khan
Sustainability is no longer a choice—it's a way of life. This is an exciting field to explore. With AI, blockchain, IOT and other advanced technologies, we have the tools to build a truly sustainable future, stated by Dr. Samiullah Khan, one of the most influential voices in the UAE's sustainability movement and Chief Sustainability Officer at Fakhruddin Holdings Dubai. Talking to Gulf Today, he said, 'As the world intensifies efforts to combat climate change, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword – it's a global imperative.' Dr Khan also known as Dr Sam is a key figure in sustainability summits and discussions, often the first to evaluate innovative sustainability solutions that promise a greener future. For many, sustainability is a practice. For him, it's second nature – ingrained since childhood in Chennai, India. 'Wasting even a grain of rice was unacceptable in our home. Extra food was either shared with those in need or fed to cows, whose dung was used as manure in our garden,' he recalled. These early lessons shaped his understanding of sustainability and the circular economy. His passion for technology and the environment led him to prestigious institutions such as Anna University, Cambridge University, MIT, Delft and Harvard. His career began with Tata Motors, where he became among the youngest engineer to lead international operations into Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and growing Tata's market share to an impressive 96 per cent in the school bus sector. After an illustrious 17 years with Tata and five years at SRM University, Sam found his true calling in 2015 as CEO of World Islands, He introduced air-to-water technology, harnessing humidity in the deserts of Dubai to generate clean drinking water, using Solar power – an innovation that gained significant traction in the desert landscape. Recognised among the 100 Iconic Indians by the Indian Embassy in the UAE, Dr Sam soon became a leading advocate for sustainability, collaborating with individuals, private sector and government, notably with Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal and playing a pivotal role in the 'Dubai Can' initiative under the vision of Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in initiatives to eliminate plastic bottles in Dubai. As a Championing Green Innovation post COVID, Dr Khan focused on air quality, energy conservation, water purity, food security, waste management and circular economy. Under his leadership, Smart Air Handling Units (S.A.H.U.) are being introduced to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional HVAC systems. The other initiatives included a centralised, organic mineral-enriched hydrogenated, Ionised, Alkaline drinking water system is being developed for healthier hydration as well as a radiant-cooled greenhouse café with hydroponics is being explored to boost UAE's food security and comprehensive waste management and recycling systems, including composting, are being implemented.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
Great move!
The MoHRE's initiative to build 10,000+ air conditioned rest areas for delivery riders is a commendable move ('Over 10,000 rest stations provided for delivery workers across UAE during Midday Break', Gulf Today, June 10.) Working outside in this scorching heat is risky. The cool rest areas help prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion for delivery workers. Riders can take break there during the midday work break. These rest areas give delivery workers a safe, cool place to rest. We must appreciate the effort of MoHRE, RTA and others for valuing the health, safety for these workers. Hats off to the MoHRE and it is indeed an example for the entire world. Umm Ul Khulsum Sharjah
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
Indeed sad!
It is disheartening to see that the farmers in India are suffering due to climate change, lack of proper irrigation and overdue debts which leads to farmer suicides ('Climate change heightens risk of Indian farmer suicides', Gulf Today, June 9.) However, there has been some hope. Government support programmes have helped reduce the suicide rate of farmers in some areas, but it does not reach all. If crops fail, farmers lose their only source of income. Which builds stress among them. This is when the need of mental health awareness is important. I believe the government must take action to provide them free counselling centres in rural areas. If the government increases such support, in terms of financial, so they can get better crop. Low interest loans and proper health awareness for every farmer will save their lives. Umm Ul Khulsum Sharjah
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
Careless attitude
India is once again seeing a rise in COVID-19, and citizens are not taking necessary precaution about it. Most people are not wearing masks in crowded places and some are opting for booster shots without consultation )'India's active COVID-19 cases cross 6,000; Kerala remains most affected', Gulf Today, June 8). This careless attitude of the citizens can make the situation even worse. The new COVID variant is said to be mild but it can be dangerous for elderly and people with weak immunity and those who are not fully vaccinated. Currently, there are 6,500 active cases in India. The number of active cases are increasing every day. The government has issued warnings and guidelines but they still lack proper awareness and seriousness of the virus spreading out. Citizens must start taking responsibility by wearing masks, avoiding unnecessary travel and getting tests. If the citizens don't take action now, there might be another crisis. Prevention is always better than cure. Umm Ul Khulsum Sharjah
Gulf Today
12-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Timely diagnosis ‘can prevent prostate cancer risk'
The risk of prostate cancer is relatively low in the UAE as compared to other countries as it affects approximately one in eight men globally. Men of African descent are more likely to receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer with one in six men being diagnosed with the disease. New cases rose from 1.4 million cases globally in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040. Late diagnosis is widespread globally, especially in low- to middle-income countries, where comorbidities such as diabetes and heart diseases are also on the rise. This was stated by Dr Charles Ryan, Genitourinary Medical Oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City in an email interview with Gulf Today. He recently visited UAE to attend a global conference. Dr Ryan has extensive research background, particularly in understanding how hormones drive resistance to treatment besides practicing and doing research for over 25 years and now work with new companies to develop novel treatments for prostate cancer and help bring them to the clinic. He also recently launched a podcast called 'The Good News About Cancer,' which highlights progress being made in cancer research and treatment. It is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms. Highlighting the regional ratio, he said 'Broadening to the Middle East, in 2020 there were approximately 52,000 new prostate cancer cases in the Middle East, which represents about 4% of global cases. Interestingly, in the Middle East the incident ratio is lower than it is in Europe and North America however, the region has a higher mortality to incidence ratio. In other words, as in many parts of the world, men of a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to experience lethal prostate cancer than men with a higher socioeconomic status.' Underlining the major symptoms, he pointed that 'The vast majority of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer do not have symptoms of the disease when they are diagnosed. Occasionally patients will have urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination or changes in the number of times they need to urinate at night. There can occasionally be blood in the semen or urine, but such symptoms are rare and may indicate other conditions, such as infections. The most common risk factors for prostate cancer include advancing age, a family history of the disease, and certain ancestral backgrounds,' he added. About the preventive measures to avoid getting prostate cancer, he said 'We have tried many ways to prevent prostate cancer over the years with various hormonal manipulations and other drugs, which have not shown consistent benefits and have shown some risks. Therefore, we do not recommend pharmacologic intervention to prevent prostate cancer.'
