UAE Declares 2023 the ‘Year of Sustainability'

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy presented several clean energy and water projects in the emirate during the recently concluded Sustainability Week (WAM)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy presented several clean energy and water projects in the emirate during the recently concluded Sustainability Week (WAM)
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UAE Declares 2023 the ‘Year of Sustainability'

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy presented several clean energy and water projects in the emirate during the recently concluded Sustainability Week (WAM)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy presented several clean energy and water projects in the emirate during the recently concluded Sustainability Week (WAM)

The United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has declared 2023 the “Year of Sustainability” under the slogan “Today for Tomorrow.”

The "Year of Sustainability" will include several initiatives, activities, and events that draw upon the UAE's deep-rooted values of sustainability.

It will also focus on raising awareness about environmental sustainability and encouraging collective action toward achieving sustainable development and supporting national strategies.

The year also aims to showcase the UAE’s commitment to fostering a global collaboration in seeking innovative solutions to challenges, such as energy, climate change, and other pressing issues related to sustainability.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed would oversee the initiatives of the “Year of Sustainability”.

“Sustainability has been a fundamental principle in the United Arab Emirates since its unification. The nation continues to serve as an exceptional model for environmental conservation and resource management, “said the UAE President.

“Today for Tomorrow embodies the UAE’s approach and commitment to sustainability and its responsibility to protect the future. By working, making efforts, and initiating actions today, we are ensuring that we leave behind a legacy of stewardship for future generations, just as our ancestors did for us.”

President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that the Year of Sustainability has particular significance as the UAE prepares to host the 28th United Nations climate change summit, the Conference of Parties (COP28).

He said that the UAE is determined for COP28 to set a precedent in the collective global efforts to address climate change.

He invited community members and institutions to engage with related initiatives and activities.

The announcement comes following the successful conclusion of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023.

This further cements the UAE's position as a leader in promoting sustainability awareness both domestically and internationally and reinforces its commitment to tackling the challenges associated with it.

The UAE has long been a leader in promoting clean energy and building effective partnerships for the benefit of the global community.

One notable partnership is the UAE-US Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), which will catalyze $100 billion in implementing clean energy projects in the UAE, the US, and the world.



Saudi KSrelief, WHO Sign Joint Program to Support Syria’s Health Sector

Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (SPA)
Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (SPA)
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Saudi KSrelief, WHO Sign Joint Program to Support Syria’s Health Sector

Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (SPA)
Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed on Monday a joint executive program to support life-saving emergency health services in Syria’s Idlib, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama.

Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus signed the agreement on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

The program seeks to strengthen access to healthcare and boost the quality of primary and specialized medical services through KSrelief’s support for 70 health facilities.

It includes covering staff salaries, operating costs, and the provision of medicines and medical supplies, such as dialysis sessions.

The initiative is expected to benefit 1.5 million people by ensuring the delivery of integrated and safe healthcare services in affected areas.

Separately, Dr. Al Rabeeah underlined on Monday Saudi Arabia's efforts to eradicate polio.

Speaking at a side event at the General Assembly. he highlighted the Kingdom's $500 million contribution through KSrelief to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), which underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to this vital mission.

The Kingdom has remained polio-free for the past 30 years, he noted. KSrelief has implemented more than 3,000 health projects worldwide, delivering positive results in strengthening local health systems, empowering women leaders in the health sector, and fostering community trust.

He emphasized the importance of fieldwork, including delivering vaccines to remote areas, supporting clinics in conflict zones, and training healthcare workers.

Dr. Al Rabeeah stressed that Saudi Arabia is committed not only to financial support, but also to providing technical and operational expertise through KSrelief to ensure the eradication of polio and safeguard every child.


Arab Leaders Congratulate King Salman, Crown Prince on National Day

File photo of the Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
File photo of the Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Arab Leaders Congratulate King Salman, Crown Prince on National Day

File photo of the Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
File photo of the Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the occasion of the Kingdom’s 95th National Day.

In a cable on this occasion, King Hamad extended his best wishes for health, happiness, and a long life to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, hoping for the continued path of goodness and progress witnessed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under his wise leadership.

King Hamad also expressed his deep appreciation and pride in the historical and distinguished relations, as well as the close brotherly bonds linking the two countries and peoples.

According to SPA, he reiterated Bahrain’s continued commitment to advancing areas of joint action and cooperation with the Kingdom within the strategic partnership that unites them, in a way that fulfills the aspirations and interests of both nations and brings mutual benefit.

King Hamad also congratulated Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the occasion. 

Also, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent two cables congratulating King Salman and the Crown Prince.

For his part, Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of congratulations to the Saudi King, who also received letters from deputy Emir of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani and Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for this occasion.

Meanwhile, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman conveyed his congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the people of Saudi Arabia, wishing the Kingdom continued success and prosperous growth under his leadership.
 


64th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Egypt with Humanitarian Aid for Gaza

The 64th Saudi relief airplane carrying Gaza aid - SPA
The 64th Saudi relief airplane carrying Gaza aid - SPA
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64th Saudi Relief Plane Arrives in Egypt with Humanitarian Aid for Gaza

The 64th Saudi relief airplane carrying Gaza aid - SPA
The 64th Saudi relief airplane carrying Gaza aid - SPA

The 64th Saudi relief airplane, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, arrived Monday in Egypt.

The aid included food baskets to be transferred to the affected Palestinian people inside the Gaza Strip.

The aid efforts come within the framework of Saudi Arabia's support, provided through KSrelief, to the brotherly Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, aimed at alleviating the severe famine and the difficult living conditions afflicting the strip.