Category: Technology

ABU DHABI, The General Secretariat of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation has released a new book entitled “Bio-Stimulants for sustainable agriculture in oasis ecosystem towards improving date palm tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress”, in English.

Authored by Dr. Abdelilah Meddich, Cadi Ayyad University, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Morocco, the book mainly highlights the Bayoud disease, drought, salinity, the lack of organic substance in the soil and its mineral content, and the spread of pests, as it is considered one of the main reasons for the losses of date palm farmers during the past decades. These problems can be addressed by exploiting the use of bio-fertilizers in the production of sustainable crops.

Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, confirmed that publishing this book aims of spreading the culture of date palm and agricultural innovation among various target groups, using a scientific approach that contributes to knowledge sharing, which in return, will help in developing the date palm cultivation sector, and the creation of a positive environment that stimulates creativity and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Dr. Zaid also added that the chapters of this book were developed to identify an innovative approach with the aim of developing agricultural sustainability in fragile ecosystems of the date palm oases, and establishing biological efficiency, by integrating organic amendments, such as compost with natural soil microorganisms such as beneficial bacteria and fungi populations including arboreal fungi (AMF), and phyto-growth-promoting rhizomes (PGPR).

These bio-fertilizers also contribute to the development and production of date palms that are resistant to harsh climatic conditions, and can overcome environmental stresses, he added.

The book also identifies the processes and mechanisms developed by treated date palms in selecting exotic and local bacteria and fungi, to understand the agricultural, physiological and biochemical foundations of biofertilizers towards sustainable agriculture, which contributes to reducing environmental problems associated with the use of chemical fertilizers, widely worldwide.

The book presents research in a practical framework relevant to developing and improving the growth of date palm trees, and meeting the needs of creating inexpensive, carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly products to improve the food chain supply, maintain sustainable oasis management, and increase the yield of date palm in the ecosystems of arid and semi-arid lands, as well as related crops. This book will certainly provide useful information on the various strategies adopted through agricultural use of beneficial microbial assemblies and bio-fertilizers and the interactions and positive effects of their implementation on date palm oases under biotic and/or abiotic stresses caused by climate change.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UMM AL QAIWAIN, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, ordered the allocation of 10 full scholarships to Umm Al Qaiwain University for outstanding Grade 12 students from throughout the country.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid’s directive aims to support talented students and encourage them to continue their hard work, as well as motivate them to pursue their higher education at Umm Al Qaiwain University, which offers a variety of courses and has an academic environment that motivates students to be innovative and improve their leadership skills.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has launched a series of smart initiatives focusing on communicating with students to help them adjust to university life and understand admission and academic requirements for the upcoming academic year.

The initiatives launched to date have successfully attracted thousands of prospective students.

Among the initiatives implemented is a new website that was launched offering a variety of free courses on a wide range of subjects to students, teachers, parents and staff members. Around 13,000 individuals from the UAE and around the region have already participated in the courses offered.

In addition, a virtual orientation programme for students “Marhabtayn Programme”, was developed in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences. The programme allows interactive discussions and informative conversations to take place and is designed and hosted by academic advisors and current students to introduce new students to the university’s culture, its academic programmes, campus facilities and student life.

Bassam Murra, Director of Marketing, Enrollment and Registration at ADU, said, “ADU launched the initiatives to ensure new students and families are offered a seamless university experience despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. We have held various seminars to equip students with the information and resources they need to confidently begin their new academic year.

“Students also have access to a set of activities, including workshops and competitions that help prepare to upskill them for the future needs of the labour market; our academic programmes are in sync with the constantly evolving trends and market needs and that they are prepared to thrive in the future.”

ADU has also implemented tools like MS Team whereby students can request virtual appointments to connect with their advisors. Prospective students are also able to schedule appointments for campus tours and get all the information they need as ADU students. This initiative has witnessed a significant impact with over 5,000 local and international students already scheduling appointments.

The Student Recruitment and Admission Office has held more than 40 virtual sessions that showcase the programmes offered, the campus and the student life and offers guidance and support to those seeking. This has resulted in hundreds of high school students attending and are interested in exploring their next step in their academic journey.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH, Under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, the university celebrated the graduation of 880 students from numerous faculties.

The graduates comprised bachelor’s degree and diploma holders from the spring and summer terms of the 2019/2020 academic year, as well as bachelor’s degree holders from the spring term of the 2020/2021 academic year.

The graduates who attended the event were spread out among five groups, as part of the precautionary health measures adopted by the university.

In his recorded speech, Professor Hamid Naimiy, Chancellor of the University, urged the graduates to have faith in their education and academic skills, progress in their careers. He highlighted the prominent local, regional and international stature of the university. He also called upon graduates to have confidence in themselves and their knowledge.

University the of Chancellor,

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, attended the graduation ceremony of the first batch of a group of entrepreneurs of the Higher Colleges of Technology Startup Development Programme. The programme is a response to an initiative to transform higher education institutions into business incubators to empower students and engage them into economic and creative activities and contribute to graduate highly-qualified entrepreneurs to support national economy with creative ideas that meet future requirements.

After reviewing a number of startups, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said:” Equipping students with skills and tools for entrepreneurship constitutes a paramount important of the state directives as they (students) consider the real wealth and investment for a better future.” Investment in youth is the essence of our renaissance … a foundation of our future and an enabler to cope with developments around us.” ”The UAE is making relentless efforts to encourage and enhance entrepreneurship at all levels, especially in higher education institutions, which prepare students to enter the job market,” he added.

Sheikh Mohammed viewed a number of startups of young entrepreneurs spanning vital sectors from technology to health, cybersecurity, agritech, automation, 3D printing and education.

Since it was launched in 2019, the HCT Startup Development Programme established 108 startups and engaged 2,316 students. Students occupy 50 percent of the top management of these companies.

One of the successful stories of the programme is “E-Fate”, a student-operated company, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency through the collection of electronic waste.

The aim of E-Fate is to play a substantial role in positioning the UAE as a leader in the field of recycling.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), honoured outstanding female graduates from UAE University (UAEU) Zayed University (ZU) and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).

A total of 499 female graduates from UAEU’s 40th cohort, ZU’s 19th cohort and HCT’s 30th cohort who attained top-level degrees (Distinction/Honours) were honoured, as their graduation ceremonies could not be held this year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Sheikh Fatima send a greeting to each graduate and urged them to continue their academic endeavours and excellence.

In her statement on the occasion, Sheikha Fatima highlighted the significant role of female university graduates, who are making everyone proud of the country’s academic programmes, which are in line with the national labour market.

She also noted the work of previous graduates in various areas of the labour market while stressing her confidence in the abilities of this year’s graduates to continue their academic journey and participate in the country’s development process, equipped with significant expertise acquired during their university education.

“I am happy to witness these batches of outstanding female graduates, who underscore the level of development of the country’s education system,” she added.

Source: Emirates News Agency