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Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Crown Prince honours 22nd SAVW winners
Recognition of distinguished personalities The ceremony, hosted at the Sharjah Education Academy, recognised His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Humanitarian Envoy of The Big Heart Foundation, in the Veteran Personalities category for his exceptional contributions to humanitarian and volunteer work. Also recognised were Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Advisor at the Ruler's Office, for his distinguished volunteer and charitable efforts in community service, and Khamis bin Salem Al Suwaidi, Advisor at the Ruler's Office, for his notable community service contributions. Overview of the Award His Highness the Crown Prince was presented with a comprehensive overview of the award's 14 categories, which included details on the number of winners, honourees, veteran figures, and the sustainable endowment initiatives backed by the award. Ceremony highlights The event commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Attendees, including His Highness, then viewed a theatrical performance and a video presentation that emphasised the value of family volunteering and its positive impact on both individuals and society, reinforcing principles of social cohesion and solidarity. Showcasing Award milestones A second video showcased key award milestones, featuring notable figures, statistics on participants and winners across various categories, total recorded volunteer hours, and the accomplishments of the honourees. Chairman's address: Reinforcing volunteerism In his address, Ahmed Ibrahim Al Mail, Chairman of the Social Services Department and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, reaffirmed Sharjah's commitment—under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah—to promoting volunteerism and a culture of community giving. He highlighted that over the award's 22-year history, hundreds of individuals and institutions have been recognised for exemplary humanitarian and volunteer initiatives, helping to strengthen social unity and solidarity. Celebrating impact and innovation Al Mail praised the esteemed status the award has attained, noting its role as a prominent platform for celebrating innovation in charitable work, cultivating a sense of social responsibility among youth, and inspiring both public and private sector institutions to implement meaningful volunteer initiatives. Inclusivity and moral commitment He further stressed that the award encourages participation from all community segments, including persons with disabilities and the elderly. Volunteerism, he noted, transcends age and circumstance, driven by a deep-seated belief in serving others. Quoting the words of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, he said: 'Volunteer work is a noble human value and a vital contributor to achieving comprehensive societal development. It fosters moral values through active participation and boundless generosity.' A call to continue the journey Concluding his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees congratulated the award winners, extended his appreciation to the judging panel, the board members, and all those who contributed to elevating the award's status. He urged everyone to continue on the path of volunteering, describing it as both a humanitarian obligation and a driving force for social cohesion and sustainable growth. Jury Chairman's address For his part, Dr Abdul Aziz bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work Jury, delivered a speech in which he emphasised the significant role volunteers play in strengthening community cohesion and solidarity. He noted that the 22nd edition witnessed widespread participation, revealing that the award received 292 applications, of which 142 were qualified. These applications were carefully reviewed, and the winners were selected with precision and transparency according to clear and objective criteria. This reflects the award's prestigious position in promoting the culture of volunteering and its lofty values in the UAE. Acknowledging support and encouragement The Chairman of the Jury expressed his sincere appreciation to the Board of Trustees for its ongoing support, which has played a vital role in the award's growth and success. He highlighted that this support reflects the Board's strong commitment to the award's mission and noble objectives. He encouraged all participants to continue their volunteer efforts and actively contribute to community service, wishing them continued success and distinction in this meaningful endeavour. Best Volunteer Opportunity Creator Award His Highness honoured the award's 14 different categories. In the Best Volunteer Opportunity Creator Award, Dubai Municipality won in the Government Institutions category for the "One Hour with a Cleaning Engineer" opportunity, while the Emirates Cancer Society won in the Non-Governmental Institutions category for the "Health Awareness Ambassadors Programme." Distinguished Supporter of Volunteer Work Award In the Distinguished Supporter of Volunteer Work Award, the Dubai Police General Command took first place, and the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi took second place in the Government Institutions category. Mohammed Issa Al Hammadi won first place in the Individuals category. Best Volunteer Initiative Award The Dubai Police General Command received the Best Volunteer Initiative Award in the Government Institutions category for its 'Establishing Protection Schools' initiative. In the Families category, the family of Mohammed Abdullah Mohammed Al Ali was honoured for their 'My Book is My Friend' initiative, while Fatima Ismail Al Sarayrah won in the Individuals category for her 'Statement for Autism' initiative. Volunteer teams and private sector recognition The Abaqira Volunteer Team earned first place in the Volunteer Teams category for their initiative, "Integrating Our Children with Our Elders," while the Najah Academic Centre at Abu Dhabi University secured the top spot in the Private Sector category for their 'Peer Mentoring Program.' Volunteer hours record Winners Ismail Halkouj set the record in the Individual category with 3,978 volunteer hours. In the Family category, Hanan Saeed Saeed Salem's family claimed first place with 306 hours. The Ataa Hamdan Volunteer Team topped the Volunteer Team category, contributing an impressive 45,477 volunteer hours. University Student and Knight of Volunteer Work Awards The University Student Award for highest volunteer participation was awarded to Batoul Saadi Ibrahim Al-Najjar, who completed 1,943 volunteer hours. The Knight of Volunteer Work Award went to Tabarak Saadi Al-Najjar for achieving 1,606 volunteer hours. Asalah Award for Elderly Participation The Asalah Award for Best Volunteer Participation by the Elderly was awarded to Halima Ahmed Saif Al Naqbi, who earned first place with 86 volunteer hours. Latifa Mahmoud Mohammed secured second place with 26 hours, while Mira Hamad Saif Al Ketbi came in third with 25 hours. Himma Award for Volunteer Participation The Himma Award for Best Volunteer Participation was awarded to Salem Mohammed Karim, who claimed first place with 1,296 volunteer hours. Ayman Azhari Ali earned second place with 575.2 hours, while Salma Khamis Hamdan Al Salami secured third place with 301 hours. Civil society and volunteer leadership awards In the Best Civil Society Award category, the International Charity Organisation from Ajman secured first place, while the Hamdan Volunteer Team was recognised as the Best Volunteer Team. Sultan Salem Al Kaabi received the Best Young Leader of a Volunteer Team Award, and Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al Kamali was honoured with the Role Model Volunteer Award. Arada Real Estate Development Company earned the Excellence in Social Responsibility Award, and the Al Khalidiya Suburb Council was named Best Suburb in Volunteer Work. Special volunteer category honourees His Highness also honoured the recipients in the Special Volunteer Category, recognising outstanding blood donors including: Adel Abdulrahman Al Ali, Ibrahim Mohammed Al Zarouni, Roger Nicola Sahioni, Abdullah Mohammed Al Mulla, Ibaa Nazir Shabouk, Mubarak Amoud Ghadban, Eid Rashid Al Mutlaq, Jassim Mohammed Al Shehhi, Raed Fadhel Ramadan, Mustafa Abdulrahman Dakhel, and Mohammed Kamal Nazir Al Lauwza. Supporting Sharjah's volunteer vision This annual award is part of the Emirate of Sharjah's ongoing efforts to promote and support volunteerism, celebrate exemplary contributions in the field, and foster sustainable development while strengthening social solidarity within the community. Distinguished guests in attendance The honouring ceremony was attended by Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Advisor at the Ruler's Office; Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office; Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai; along with several senior officials and award recipients.
Khaleej Times
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE delegation led by Sharjah Deputy Ruler visits Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan
A delegation from the UAE, led by Sharjah Deputy Ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, visited the Marka refugee camp in Jordan where over 70,000 Palestinian refugees are currently living. The delegation highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, and called for implementing sustainable development projects in health, education, and food security to provide essential life resource. 'The Palestinian people have endured decades of displacement and now face severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza as a result of the ongoing war, which has dismantled their social and institutional structures and deprived them of basic human rights, including access to education and healthcare,' the Sharjah Deputy Ruler said. 'Therefore, our humanitarian efforts must go beyond immediate relief to include sustainable projects that support current and future generations through health and education.' Al Qasimi added that humanitarian work is a religious and moral obligation, and a right of the vulnerable and the needy. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. His visit came alongside the the ongoing 'For Gaza' campaign, launched by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi during Ramadan, to provide comprehensive support for more than 20,000 orphaned children in Gaza. Last month, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) announced the launch of the campaign in partnership with Palestine-based Taawon Foundation to provide long-term care and essential services for orphaned children in the city. Food scarcity The delegation comprising representatives from TBHF, government entities, and private sector companies visited a food security project led by the humanitarian organization ANERA, which supports refugees and conflict-affected populations in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The initiative empowers refugee communities to produce food through farms and greenhouses, enabling year-round agricultural output. This model aims to strengthen self-reliance among refugees and lessen dependence on external assistance. Food scarcity is regarded as one of the fastest-escalating humanitarian crises, with immediate and profound impacts on communities during periods of conflict, instability, or natural disasters. The programme also included a visit to the Marka Girls' Preparatory School, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Sheikh Sultan also met with members of the student parliament from Marka Camp who shared their educational experiences and the challenges they face. He toured classrooms, engaged with teaching staff, and reviewed the school's development plans and the camp's future educational requirements. He also met with representatives of the Tawoon Foundation where they discussed strategies for rapid response to essential needs and plans to provide critical services across key sectors. The Tawoon Board of Directors briefed the group about the Noor program for orphan care, launched in the Gaza Strip, where the number of children orphaned by the war has exceeded 39,000. The delegation also heard a series of recorded and live contributions from program staff based in Gaza and Egypt. The visit concluded with a debriefing session involving the accompanying delegation to review the outcomes and examine best practices in humanitarian work within Jordan's refugee camps. The discussion also addressed how these models could be adapted and applied to support refugees and displaced persons within the occupied Palestinian territories. His Highness underscored the importance of developing humanitarian programs and initiatives that respond effectively to the unprecedented challenges facing the region.
Sharjah 24
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah's deputy ruler opens Islamic art exhibition in Oman
Cultural diplomacy through Islamic artistic heritage The opening ceremony commenced with a speech by Jamal Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman, who welcomed Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and the attendees. He emphasised that the exhibition highlights the evolution and beauty of Islamic art and results from cooperation between the National Museum and the Sharjah Museums Authority. Al Moosawi explained that the exhibition consists of three sections—Calligraphic Arts, Sciences and Innovations, and Harmony and Diversity—each featuring artefacts that illustrate the artistic richness and depth of Islamic civilisation over the centuries. He stressed that the exhibition aligns with the National Museum's commitment to cultural diplomacy, fostering awareness of Islamic heritage. Strengthening UAE-Oman cultural ties through the arts Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, expressed her delight at hosting the exhibition in one of Oman's leading cultural institutions, highlighting the strong fraternal ties and shared history between the UAE and Oman, strengthened by the leadership of both nations. Deemas noted that the visit of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to Oman was a key inspiration for organising this exhibition. It reflects his vision of using culture and the arts as a bridge to strengthen relationships and promote cultural exchange between the two nations. The exhibition further highlights the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and social connections that have flourished across generations. Rare Islamic treasures displayed for the first time outside the UAE She explained that the exhibition is not just a platform to display rare Islamic artefacts but also an opportunity to reflect on the shared historical legacy of the region. It highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity that defined Islamic civilisation throughout the ages. Among the significant pieces on display for the first time outside the UAE are a silver cup bearing the tughra (imperial signature) of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, a six-sided dining chair crafted for Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, and the first Islamic dirham minted in Baghdad after the Mongol invasion. Other notable exhibits include an 11th or 12th-century feline-shaped incense burner and a gilded ceramic ewer from the 13th century, exemplifying the artistic diversity of Islamic heritage. An immersive experience of Islamic artistic evolution Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi toured the exhibition, receiving detailed explanations about the 82 rare artefacts on display. These include Islamic manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, and historical coins, each illustrating the artistic evolution and cultural richness of successive Islamic civilisations. The exhibition celebrates the strong ties between the UAE and Oman and embodies the vision of the Sharjah Ruler to enhance cultural cooperation and use the arts as a medium for dialogue and mutual understanding. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the artistic and aesthetic dimensions of Islamic civilisation through a carefully curated selection of artefacts that narrate centuries of Islamic history. Promoting knowledge exchange and international cultural collaboration The exhibition aims to highlight the artistic achievements of Islamic civilisation, strengthen collaboration with regional and international cultural institutions, and raise awareness of the rich heritage of the Islamic world. By fostering cultural appreciation and knowledge exchange, the event contributes to a deeper understanding of the enduring artistic traditions of the Islamic world. Dignitaries and cultural leaders attend the grand opening The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Oman; His Excellency Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Oman; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority; Jamal Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman; along with several senior officials and diplomats.
Sharjah 24
10-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed attends group Iftar for judicial field members
During the event, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi greeted the members of the judicial Council, exchanging congratulations on the occasion of Ramadan. He prayed for the acceptance of good deeds, health, and well-being, wishing that this blessed religious occasion returns for many years to come. Meeting with the elderly and health care residents His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi also met with the elderly and those lacking health care in the Elderly Care Home, checking on their health and engaging in friendly conversations, wishing them continued health and well-being. Visit to the Social Care Home for Children Additionally, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi visited the social care home for children, where he met the residents and learned about the services provided to children from birth to age 18. He followed up on their academic progress and special needs, observing the facilities that create a suitable environment to enhance their skills and knowledge while instilling the best values and principles. Tour of the care home facilities Furthermore, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah toured the home's pavilions, familiarising himself with the types of individual and shared rooms, as well as the facilities, including a dining hall and nursing rooms. He took commemorative photos with the elderly residents and the staff of the Elderly Care Home.
Sharjah 24
07-03-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sultan bin Ahmed honours 'Tamayuz' awards winners
Categories and winners The University of Sharjah won the award for the best institution in governance implementation, while the Invest Bank secured the first place in the best financial oversight category. The Sharjah Media City "Shams" received the award for the best entity in secret shopper reports, and the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority won first place in the best smart application category for its "Maraya" application. Additionally, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau won the award for the best website for its "Sharjah Events" site according to secret shopper reports. The University of Sharjah also took home the award for the best contact center based on secret shopper reports, while Arada Company won the best service center award for its "City Walk Sales Center." The awards for best entity in customer happiness and best entity in employee happiness were awarded to Sharjah Media City "Shams." The best outstanding practices awards were granted to the "Create with Shams" initiative by Sharjah Media City "Shams," the "House for House" initiative by Arada, and the "Maraya Platform" by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. Recognition of evaluation teams His Highness also honoured the judging and evaluation teams, presenting them with commemorative shields and taking photos with them, commending their efforts during the previous period. Speech by Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi During the award ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the "Tamayuz" Excellence Award, delivered a speech congratulating the winners of the first edition of the award. He expressed his happiness at the success of the first edition and noted that he felt the idea of the award was realised through the smiles and impressions of the attendees regarding the results. His Highness clarified that the award is not an end in itself but a means to achieve the previously stated goals, aiming to create a distinguished work system characterised by strategic agility, executive flexibility, and competitive capability through the collective efforts of all. He discussed the steps to achieve these goals through employee satisfaction and customer happiness, emphasising the need for best practices to be showcased to others, which creates a solid and transparent governance system. Future plans for the award His Highness, the Chairman of the "Tamayuz" Award, pointed out that there was a request to increase the number of categories for the next edition of the award and announce them. However, he preferred to postpone this until the results and contributions of the first edition could be studied in depth, considering the positives and negatives with the participation of the entities and incorporating their suggestions for the development and continuity of the award. He insisted that the selection of winners in all award categories should remain with the judges and that no new category for special recognition should be added, which he personally selects for entities with outstanding practices. This was to confirm the transparency, integrity, and fairness of the award, affirming that entities are capable of improving their performance and competing for the award categories. Closing remarks His Highness concluded his speech by noting that he was constantly informed about the positive competition among institutions and their commitment to attending workshops and training sessions. He praised several employees who attended additional special courses and workshops to gain more knowledge about governance and excellence, indicating that this reflects their strong commitment to development and improvement. He emphasised that competition was a motivation for development and innovation, and that excellence is a decision, not a choice. Insights from the Award Manager Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansoori, Director of the "Tamayuz" Excellence Award, delivered a speech at the beginning discussing the inception of the award. He noted that it had been on the desk of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, who wished to create a unified system or office responsible for governing all operations, applying it to all practices in the institutions under his leadership to enhance service quality. Al Mansoori explained that the team studied the idea and presented it as a comprehensive project developed by a team of experts and consultants from local talent, which His Highness approved for implementation in the institutions he heads. He remarked that the Chairman of the award envisioned it as a means to initiate improvement and development, serving as an incentive for institutions and teams. He recalled the launch of the award in October 2023 and the Chairman's remarks at the time, stating, "I am often asked what is the secret behind the excellence of the institutions I lead, and the answer is that these institutions excel because of the exceptional teams that have been carefully selected and given trust and support." He described these words as a great motivator for all. Team efforts and participation Al Mansoori addressed the efforts of the award's team, which prepared for the first cycle, which had a single main category since the original idea was based on governance in institutions. The team conducted benchmarking studies and developed the award guide leading to the launch of the electronic platform to facilitate participation, evaluation, and judging processes. He clarified that the judging committee members were experienced local personnel in the categories proposed in the first cycle of the award, such as governance and financial oversight. He confirmed that each entity would receive a detailed report on their participation aimed at transforming weaknesses into opportunities for growth and improvement, noting that future editions would witness participation from new entities led by His Highness, contributing to expanding the scope of participation and enhancing competitiveness. Al Mansoori concluded his speech by stating, "Allow me to title the last paragraph of my speech with the word 'enthusiasm.' The enthusiasm and interaction I witnessed on everyone's faces were clear and a great motivator for the award team to continue. The unparalleled enthusiasm from institutional leaders, teams, employee responsiveness, and the feedback from judges and evaluators who praised the response and interaction from the excellence teams was truly remarkable." Presentation of video material His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the attendees watched a visual presentation titled "Excellence is a Decision, a Renewed Vision, and an Ambition that Races Against Time," which addressed the goals of the award and highlighted its key figures and the participation of institutions along with the efforts of the teams that tirelessly strived to showcase the excellence of the participating entities. The award had conducted six training workshops attended by over 300 individuals, providing knowledge and establishing a path focused on continuous development, along with eight awareness publications that promoted a culture of excellence. A survey targeting customer happiness was participated in by over 55,000 customers, in addition to a survey for employees that included over 5,000 employees, and more than 530 evaluations for secret shoppers of service channels. The material also discussed the launch of the "Tamayuz" platform, which facilitates participants in submitting their files clearly and transparently, with over a thousand documents uploaded to the platform and 500 reports for secret shoppers, managed by eight excellence teams consisting of 33 members.
