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UAE to invest $10 billion in 10 years in homeland security: US study
UAE to invest $10 billion in 10 years in homeland security: US study (Wam) / 16 February 2014 UAE spending on airport security is estimated to reach $57.7 million by 2015, with a view to increase investment on homeland security, economic development and rapid population growth. The UAE is set to double its spending on homeland security from $5.5 billion to more than $10 billion in the next 10 years, according to a US study on security and safety resources. Moreover, the study, published in the 2013-2014 annual report of the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, showed that the UAE spending on airport security is estimated to reach $57.7 million by 2015, with a view to increase investment on homeland security, economic development and rapid population growth, to curtail regional unrest and the increased complexity of potential threats. The 2014 International Exhibition for Security and National Resilience (ISNR), which will run from April 1-3, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), will discuss the results of the study extensively. The ISNR will cover three main platforms: homeland security and risks prevention; critical infrastructure security; and information security. ISNR Abu Dhabi will also be collocated with two new launch events, namely; the Fire and Emergency Middle East (FEME) Exhibition; and the Occupational Safety and Health Middle East (OSH ME). Major-General Staff Dr Obeid Al Kutbi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the ISNR Conference and Exhibition (ISNR Abu Dhabi, 2014), stressed that homeland security is a top priority for the UAE, in light of the social and economic development and growth witnessed by the country. “The UAE investments in security constantly reflect our quest to overcome the challenges and achieve security and safety for our community and our visitors,” indicated Major-General Al Kutbi. “The 2014 International Exhibition for Security and National Resilience represents an important opportunity to meet the increasing need to develop sophisticated surveillance programmes, and to reduce the risks to our security and our safety. It will also provide the perfect platform for Emirati officials to review the best practices and strategies offered by international safety and security experts,” added Major-General Al Kutbi. The ISNR Abu Dhabi 2014 is expected to attract 400 exhibitors from more than 25 countries. It will play host to 15,000 recognised senior security, safety and risk prevention professionals from across the Middle East. This year’s edition of ISNR Abu Dhabi will also bring together representatives of government bodies, exhibitors and buyers; offering UAE government decision-makers the opportunity to meet with top security industry professionals and exhibitors, and obtain solutions to meet their specific needs in the area of safety and security under one roof. International Exhibition for Security and National Resilience will be preceded by the International Conference on Security Challenges on March 31 at the Armed Forces Officers Club. The conference will discuss and address emerging global homeland security challenges, and highlight the necessary security-related preventive measures. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Rare maps, manuscripts and books on show
Rare maps, manuscripts and books on show Lily B. Libo-on / 13 February 2014 Gulf studies centre exhibiting unique collection as part of fourth Sharjah Light Festival. For the first time, a unique collection of centuries-old cartograph, rare maps and history is in spotlight at the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies during the fourth Sharjah Light Festival (SLF) that is simultaneously taking place in 12 locations from 7.30pm to 11pm and until midnight on weekends until February 14. The festival started on February 6. The Sharjah Light Festival show on Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies. — KT photos by M. Sajjad The 12 sites under special presentation of lights, colour and melody, offering a peek into the region’s history, are Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies, Sharjah City Municipality, Kuwait Square, Cultural Palace Square, King Faisal Mosque, Al Taqwa (Al Majaz) Mosque, Al Majaz Waterfront, Central Souq, Al Qasba (Internal façade), Hamza Bin Abdul Mottaleb Mosque in Kalba, Dr Shaikh Rashid Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque in Dibba Al Hisn and Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Khorfakkan. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director-General of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), said the show at Dr Sultan Al Qassimi Centre of Gulf Studies is particularly special as it highlights the centre’s unique collection of rare maps, manuscripts and books that are several centuries old as well as some stunning specimens and models of European and Arabian ships that played a pioneering role in the maritime history of the region. He said the history of the region and world is illuminated on the façade, as the dome becomes a luminous sphere representing the other half of what exists inside the centre. Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of the Gulf Studies boasts a rich treasure from the personal collection of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, which had been collected over the decades. With its theme “Capital of Islamic Culture” this year, SLF through its magic of lighting and technology narrates the story of Sharjah’s heritage and architecture and displays the emirate’s beautiful Islamic architecture as well as a modern urban structure that is ideal for the celebration of the festival of lights. Al Midfa said that SCTDA, which is hosting the festival for the fourth year, has been keen to add new, outstanding locations and historical landmarks to the SLF celebrations each year to highlight the emirate’s distinct Arab and Islamic heritage and legacy. Every SLF edition, internationally-acclaimed artists from around the world are invited to join the festival to add special creative touch to bring out the aesthetic grandeur of Sharjah’s historical buildings and modern landscape. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Jumeirah gets first smart mosque in UAE
Jumeirah gets first smart mosque in UAE Ahmed Shaaban / 11 February 2014 QR code technology helps people get general information about mosque launched by the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities. Can a mosque be smart? Yes, now through the Quick Response (QR) code technology, people can get general information about a mosque — its history, capacity, nature, area, prayer timings, lectures or courses offered by the mosque, as well as information about Friday sermon — round the clock. Dr Hamad Al Shaibani trying the e-services available at the smart mosque. –Supplied photo The first smart mosque in the country was launched on Sunday by the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities (DIACA) in Dubai on Sunday morning. The Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum mosque in Jumeirah 3, is now equipped with the QR code technology for the first time in government buildings and is part of Phase-I of developing smart mosques that also includes nine other mosques which will follow suit later this year. The move is in line with the Smart Government initiative announced by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in May 2013. Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General – DIACA, said the interactive services available are accessible through smart phones and tablets 24X7. “We are using the QR code technology to identify all mosques of the emirate to help develop and add more value to them, and make the electronic services easier and more accessible.” For comments on the smart services available, the public may call (04-6087844), mentioning the name and mosque code which is 74, he noted. Nassir Mubarak, head of IT section at DIACA, said the smart mosques project is a new channel that aims at better communication with the public. The public may also send their suggestions, remarks, feedback, complaints, or reports on any dysfunction through the smart mosque initiative. “Electronic donation – under development, shall also be available, along with more services in the future.” QR code is the trademark name for the two dimensional barcode system which was originally invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary, as a way to track vehicles assembled in a place, and to scan components at high speeds. QR codes have long since expanded their usefulness beyond the automotive industry. They’re used today in everything from inventory tracking, to shipping and logistics, to online ticketing. “The QR code technology allows mosque-goers to access a special webpage of the mosque by scanning its barcode with a smart phone or tablet which are automatically equipped with this technology; otherwise an app for QR code can be downloaded easily for concerned online stores.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
