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Abu Dhabi Department of Energy advances global efforts to strengthen water resilience during World Water Week 2026
29.08.2026

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy advances global efforts to strengthen water resilience during World Water Week 2026

STOCKHOLM, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) took part in World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a trusted global partner and a leader in advancing water resilience and integrated water and energy governance.Led by Dr. Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Department of Energy, the delegation brought together senior energy-sector leaders from the UAE.Throughout the week, the delegation met with governments, regulators, international organisations, academic institutions and industry leaders to explore practical partnerships that strengthen the resilience of water and energy systems and support sustainable economic development.World Water Week is one of the world’s leading forums for water policy and international cooperation, bringing together decision-makers from across the globe to address the critical challenges shaping the future of water security.Through its participation, DoE showcased Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach to governance, regulation and long-term planning, and how these efforts are strengthening water resilience, safeguarding essential services and supporting sustainable growth.Dr. Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan participated in the high-level ministerial panel, Shaping the Future Through Water, where he shared Abu Dhabi’s experience of more than 50 years in building a resilient water system based on source diversification, efficient resource use, governance and innovation.He said, “It is important not to equate water abundance with water security. The difference lies in water resilience. Resilience means building a system with the capabilities to make effective use of available resources and diversify them, making the system safe, sustainable and affordable.”He also participated in the session, "Water Resilience by Design: Protecting People and Enabling Progress", which explored the importance of embedding resilience across water and energy systems through integrated planning, governance and investment, strengthening system readiness and the ability to maintain essential services under different conditions.The department also presented the Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Resilience Framework. The framework integrates policy, regulation, infrastructure planning and innovation, providing a practical model for strengthening the long-term resilience of Abu Dhabi’s water and energy sectors.Commenting on the participation, Dr. Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan said, “Abu Dhabi continues to advance an integrated, forward-looking approach to water and energy resilience, built on long-term planning, progressive regulation, innovation and high-impact international partnerships. As water challenges intensify, the priority must be to move beyond dialogue and translate resilience into practical, implementable solutions that enhance system readiness, reliability and sustainability, while safeguarding vital services and supporting sustainable economic growth.”He added, “World Water Week in Stockholm is an important platform to deepen cooperation with our international partners, exchange expertise and broaden joint action on solutions and policies that can respond to future challenges. We will carry this momentum into Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Week 2026, bringing together decision-makers, regulators, investors, technology leaders and experts to build on international dialogue through practical partnerships and initiatives that deliver tangible impact, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as an active global partner in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for water and energy.”As part of its programme in Stockholm, the department held a series of meetings, media interviews and engagements with partners to exchange expertise, explore areas of cooperation and advance dialogue on water and energy resilience and integrated planning.In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the department also hosted a stakeholder reception at its booth, bringing together leaders, experts and partners to exchange perspectives, explore opportunities for collaboration and share Abu Dhabi’s experience in strengthening water resilience.The gathering also continued to build momentum towards the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which Abu Dhabi will host in December.During the reception, Dr. Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan said, “Water has no boundaries, and neither should solutions. What works should be scaled, and today we have the opportunity to expand proven solutions and turn them into reality. Partnership is the key, and innovation is what will differentiate us.”From Stockholm, Dr. Al Jarwan invited partners from around the world to come to Abu Dhabi in December to bring their toughest challenges and best solutions, and to work together to deliver tangible results, alongside the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and Abu Dhabi Water and Power Week.DoE’s participation further underscored the emirate’s growing role as a global convening platform for governments, regulators, investors, innovators and research institutions working to advance more resilient water and energy systems.The conversations and partnerships developed in Stockholm will continue at Abu Dhabi Water and Power Week later this year, creating a clear pathway from international dialogue to practical collaboration and implementation.Through sustained international engagement, the department is helping position Abu Dhabi as a global centre for regulatory excellence, policy innovation and international cooperation, while contributing to wider efforts to build more resilient and sustainable water and energy systems worldwide.

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ADIHEX 2026 records strong turnout on opening day
29.08.2026

ADIHEX 2026 records strong turnout on opening day

ABU DHABI, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026 recorded strong public attendance on the opening day of its 23rd edition at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the exhibition is the largest edition in its history and will run until 6th September.Visitors explored products, technologies and services across hunting, equestrian sports, falconry and outdoor adventure, alongside a programme of heritage and cultural activities.ADIHEX features 15 specialised sectors, including falconry, equestrian sports, camels, hunting rifles and equipment, hunting tourism and safari, outdoor leisure vehicles and equipment, arts and crafts, and environmental and cultural heritage preservation.The Arena hosted several live shows, including the Arabian Saluki Show, which demonstrated traditional hunting practices through lure-coursing displays highlighting the breed’s speed, agility and hunting instincts.ADIHEX also introduced a performance by the African Drumming Band, combining music, dance, acrobatics and live percussion.Family and children’s activities attracted strong interest, with educational workshops, interactive experiences and heritage-focused programmes designed to introduce younger generations to Emirati traditions.National and international pavilions also drew strong engagement from visitors, specialists and business leaders, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration and new partnerships.The Knowledge Hub returned with sessions featuring experts and specialists discussing trends and developments in hunting, falconry, equestrianism, sustainability, conservation and outdoor pursuits.One session, titled “Blood-Borne Parasitic Diseases of the Dromedary Camel: A Case-Based Approach, Impact, Challenges and the Way Forward”, examined the impact of parasitic diseases on camel health, performance, productivity and reproduction.The session also highlighted the importance of advanced diagnostics, specialised treatment, research and veterinary expertise in improving disease management and supporting the long-term health of camel populations.ADIHEX will continue over the coming days with heritage, cultural and family activities, live demonstrations, interactive experiences and specialised auctions.

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Women represent majority of UAE National Experts Program participants
29.08.2026

Women represent majority of UAE National Experts Program participants

ABU DHABI, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- The National Experts Program (NEP) has highlighted the growing contribution of Emirati women across the UAE's priority sectors, with women representing the majority of experts developed through the programme since its launch in 2019.Across four cohorts, NEP has developed 86 Emirati experts, including 44 women, representing 51 percent of participants. They contribute across science, technology, healthcare, sustainability, public policy, infrastructure, marine science, culture, family services and food systems.NEP prepares Emirati experts through sector-focused development, executive mentorship, capstone projects linked to national priorities and direct engagement with senior government leaders.Taif Al Amiri, NEP expert representing the Media sector, said, "NEP strengthened my understanding of what it means to contribute as an expert. It reinforced that expertise carries responsibility, and that every opportunity to serve the UAE is an opportunity to create lasting impact."Women from the programme have also participated in major international platforms. Professor Hoda Alkhzaimi has contributed to the United Nations, International Telecommunication Union and World Economic Forum, including its global platforms in Davos.Waheeda Alhadhrami recently completed the Oxford Cultural Leaders Programme and previously represented the UAE in culture working groups across UNESCO and G20 platforms.In March 2025, NEP women participated in the programme's first panel at the World Government Summit, bringing together experts from technology, sustainability, policy and future sectors.At COP28, 12 NEP Fellows and Alumni took part in speaking roles, including women experts contributing to discussions on sustainability, innovation and national priorities.During the Year of Sustainability 2023, NEP women also joined the Sustainability Experts Network, while at The Behavioural Exchange (BX2025), experts from the NEP 4.0 cohort presented eight behavioural policy solutions, including four projects led by women.Maitha Alkaabi, NEP expert representing the Foreign Affairs sector, said, "Representing the UAE internationally carries a deep sense of responsibility. NEP strengthened my confidence to contribute to global conversations while remaining grounded in the values and ambitions of our country."NEP women also hold roles across institutions shaping the UAE's future. Asma Al Azri contributes to family and community policy, while Aisha Harib chairs the Innovation Council at Dubai Police.Nouf Al Hamly contributes to science and advanced technology diplomacy, while Meera Al Mheiri became the first Emirati woman to serve as a Nuclear Safety Inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and the first Emirati expert contracted by the International Atomic Energy Agency in safety culture.Maryam Al Falasi developed a system redirecting surplus food to people in need, contributing to more than five million meals since 2023.NEP continues to expand into future-growth sectors. Its specialised Artificial Intelligence track brings together 32 Emirati experts, including 12 women.Dr. Asma Fikri, NEP expert representing the Advanced Sciences and the Future Economy sector, said, "Every generation builds on the one before it. The opportunity before us is to continue strengthening expertise, supporting one another, and preparing the next generation of Emirati women to contribute to the UAE's future."

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Dubai Customs graduates 36 students from Masar 33, Dubai Summer Camp programmes
29.08.2026

Dubai Customs graduates 36 students from Masar 33, Dubai Summer Camp programmes

DUBAI, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Dubai Customs has marked the graduation of 36 students from its "Masar 33 – Nafis" and "Dubai Summer Camp" programmes, aimed at introducing young people to career opportunities and preparing national talent for future labour market needs.The programmes brought together 26 students in Dubai Summer Camp and ten in Masar 33 – Nafis, with the participation of 12 government and private-sector entities, including five government bodies and seven private organisations.The graduation ceremony was attended by representatives of government and private-sector entities, strategic partners, students and their parents.Participants gained practical experience, career guidance and exposure to different professions and specialisations, helping them identify their interests and understand the skills required across growing economic sectors. Masar 33 provided a month of training and direct workplace exposure.The initiative supports the objectives of Masar 33 – Nafis by strengthening early career guidance for national talent and connecting education and skills development with economic needs, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of the Customs Inspection Division at Dubai Customs, said, "We see today's graduation not as the end of a training experience, but as the start of a new kind of awareness."He added that early exposure helps students better understand their abilities, interests and available opportunities, enabling them to make more informed educational and career decisions.Al Ghaffari stressed that preparing future generations is a shared responsibility involving government, the private sector, communities and families, noting that partnerships provide students with direct workplace experience and connect their learning with skills required by the economy.Khamis Al Muhairi, Director of Human Resources and Acting Director of the Dubai Logistics Academy at Dubai Customs, said the participation of 12 government and private entities demonstrated the importance of partnerships in providing training closely aligned with labour market realities."Our goal isn't just to introduce students to different jobs – it's to help them understand the skills and responsibilities that professional life demands, and give them an early chance to test their interests and abilities in a range of real-world settings," he said.Dubai Customs commended the participation of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Emirati Human Resources Development Council-Dubai, Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council "Nafis", Furjan Dubai and the Higher Colleges of Technology, alongside the participating private-sector organisations.It also highlighted the role of parents in supporting students' educational and career choices, stressing the importance of cooperation between institutions, families, training providers and the labour market in developing national human capital.

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Etihad's Huda Al Musallami becomes first Emirati woman training captain
29.08.2026

Etihad's Huda Al Musallami becomes first Emirati woman training captain

ABU DHABI, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- Etihad Airways has announced that Captain Huda Al Musallami has become the first Emirati woman to qualify as a training captain in the UAE, marking a new milestone for national aviation.The announcement coincides with Emirati Women's Day and makes Al Musallami the first Emirati woman entrusted with training and qualifying pilots to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.Al Musallami began her aviation career in 2003 and joined Etihad Airways in 2014. She progressed from First Officer to Captain in 2023 before qualifying as a Type Rating Instructor in 2026.She holds a current type rating on the Boeing 787 and has accumulated more than 10,000 flying hours, having previously flown the Airbus A330, A340 and Boeing 777.Al Musallami also holds a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management and a Master's degree in Business Management and Information Systems.She said, "Being the first means stepping forward before there is a path to follow. When there is no map, you learn to navigate with purpose, turn challenges into strength and keep moving towards what once seemed beyond reach."She added, "For me, being first was never about the title. It is about making sure I am not the last, and opening the way for more Emirati women to rise, excel and go even further."In her new role, Al Musallami trains and qualifies the next generation of pilots, having already worked with pilots of different nationalities and experience levels.Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer of Etihad Airways, said, "Captain Huda's milestone is a powerful expression of what becomes possible when talent, determination and opportunity come together."She added that Al Musallami's achievement reflects the UAE leadership's vision to empower Emirati women and Etihad's commitment to developing national talent to the highest levels of the aviation industry.Emirati women currently represent 75 percent of all UAE nationals in Etihad's workforce and contribute across the airline's operations, from the flight deck to senior leadership.Etihad said it will continue investing in Emirati women across aviation, engineering and leadership, supporting the next generation to build on milestones such as Al Musallami's achievement.

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Ajman Ruler hails Emirati Women’s Day as symbol of pride, progress
28.08.2026

Ajman Ruler hails Emirati Women’s Day as symbol of pride, progress

AJMAN, 28th August, 2026 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has said that Emirati Women's Day is a national occasion to celebrate the status achieved by Emirati women and their contributions through knowledge, work, and responsibility toward their families, society, and nation.He noted that this journey reflects the UAE's approach of believing in women's capabilities and providing them with opportunities to become key partners in development and shaping the future.The Ruler of Ajman said the theme of Emirati Women's Day 2026, "We Emerge Stronger and Better”, reflects a new phase that builds on past achievements and expands women's responsibilities to further strengthen their role in the nation's future.He added that the "Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision" provides a strategic roadmap for the next 50 years, broadening the contributions of Emirati women and boosting their presence nationally, regionally, and internationally.Sheikh Humaid said that the success of Emirati women stems from an integrated ecosystem of families that nurture ambition and talent, institutions that recognise capability and provide opportunity, and a society that actively supports full participation.He also praised the historic role of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Mother of the Nation", Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, for establishing the framework that empowers Emirati women while preserving societal identity and values.Sheikh Humaid affirmed that the upcoming phase requires expanding opportunities for new generations of women, maintaining family cohesion, and harnessing the potential of all citizens to shape a prosperous future."We take pride in every Emirati woman who has dedicated her knowledge, work, and efforts to advancing her nation. We are confident that the women of the UAE will continue to fulfil their roles with steadfast determination and responsibility—guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 'Mother of the Nation', and working hand in hand with the nation's men to serve the UAE and build its future," the Ruler of Ajman said.

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