Tag Archives: opinion
Mohammed bin Zayed receives Emirati inventors
Mohammed bin Zayed receives Emirati inventors (Wam) / 28 January 2014 Abu Dhabi Crown Prince says human resources are the main and first driving force in economic, social, cultural and educational developmen General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, affirmed that vision of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for building and investing in minds and qualifying of scientific human resources comes as a priority in building nation. General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan speaks with officials of Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee prior to viewing projects by participants of the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC) – Takamul initiative. -Wam He said human resources are the main and first driving force in economic, social, cultural and educational development in addition to their capability to maintaining national gains and securing them for future generations. General Shaikh Mohammed added that the overall development, being witnessed in the UAE in various fields, is based on the efforts of its innovative and loyal citizens, who have science and knowledge, citing that progress is strongly connected with new innovative ideas, which would contribute to progress in the economic, social and scientific development. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said these while receiving a group of Emirati inventors from all national bodies at Al Bahar Palace, who presented their inventions and innovations in a number of fields. He also said that these inventions were developed registered in the country through the support of the Takamul programme. General Shaikh Mohammed re-affirmed that the UAE will save no efforts to secure a proper and stimulating environment, which is capable of establishing scientific infrastructure for ideas, innovations and inventions in all fields. He also pointed out the role of the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), which contributes to spreading of scientific awareness, encourages and supports Emirati youth in order to develop and apply their inventions in the reality. He said that he is looking forward to implementing these inventions and projects in the real life. He praised the inventors’ contributions to supporting knowledge economy and their efforts to invent new technologies, to benefit homeland and society, underscoring the importance of continuing this march, which would lead to enhancing development in the country. General Shaikh Mohammed was briefed on 12 inventions, out of 66, which were registered by Takamul Programme in 2011 and exchanged talks with inventors and their supporters. The inventors, aged between 13 to 75-year-old presented a group of outstanding and world-class inventions in all technology sectors, which constitute a base for new and promising industries and are receiving increasing attention from international companies, making them contribute actively in the development of the UAE economy and society. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
More technology for public schools in UAE
More technology for public schools in UAE Muaz Shabandri / 28 January 2014 Ministry of Education announces opening of its first technology centre to connect students in different emirates. It is raining technology and e-learning for public schools in UAE. After the successful launch of a YouTube channel for students of UAE public schools, the UAE Ministry of Education has now announced the opening of its first technology centre to connect students in different emirates. The hub is equipped with massive touch screens that can work as demonstration units for technology solutions and smart education tools. The whole centre is equipped with video conferencing capability that will enable up to 60 people to have a live session and connect all future technology hubs together. Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami, UAE Minister of Education, said: “The centre will be a hub for smart education, R&D and experiential educational tools that is located at the UAE Ministry of Education offices in Dubai and across the country connected over etisalat network. The centre with its state-of-the art equipment is in line with our direction towards the implementation of digital schools and smart learning.” The centre also has a multimedia production room that will be used for making of tutorials and videos which can be shared via the Internet and social media immediately upon filming. The multimedia room is equipped with an electronic white board that is used to create electronic content. Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO of etisalat UAE, said: “Our role is to utilise the best technology available in the world to provide the best to our people and especially the student community. Etisalat is proud to work with the Ministry of Education again as well as technology partners enabling government initiatives and smart education in the country.’ The ministry has partnered with etisalat and Microsoft for creating the first technology hub as similar hubs are planned for other emirates in the future. “We believe that empowered educators, supervisors and school leaders will help bring innovation in teaching and learning to the students inside and outside the classroom and enable them with 21st century skills for lifetime employability and entrepreneurship,” said Khalil Abdel Massih, academic programme manager, Microsoft Middle East and Africa. muaz@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Dubai Tram’s technical trial run takes off smoothly
Dubai Tram’s technical trial run takes off smoothly Lily B. Libo-on / 27 January 2014 Dubai Tram is expected to transport about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in the initial phase in 2014. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Sunday began the technical trial run of the Dubai Tram, considered the world’s first tramway project powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track. Dubai Tram is expected to transport about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in the initial phase in 2014. The ridership is estimated to hit 66,000 riders per day by 2020. The technical trial run of Dubai’s tram on Sunday. -KT photos by Rahul Gajjar Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said Sunday’s test runs encompassed the 2.5km stretch from Al Sofouh to Zone 1. “We conducted the trial run to ensure the readiness of the train along with the functioning and performance of all control systems under all conditions. The technical trial run is a milestone in the construction of the Dubai tram project. It will continue without passengers till the official operation of the tram service in the final quarter of this year. The test track will be expanded in the near future to cover the entire tramway,” he said. He said the tests covered a wide range of issues such as the air-conditioning system, electrical feed and braking system, coupling of tram coaches, disconnecting power supply, rail surveillance and control system, and testing the train under normal as well as emergency conditions. “The tram moved smoothly without wobbling or noises as it is powered by ground electrical feed stretching along the track. The Dubai Tram is considered the first of its type outside Europe powered by ground feed with no catenary cables involved,” said Al Tayer. Road users will now see the Dubai tram on the move on road sides at Al Sofouh, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the Marina. The tram track will intersect with vehicular and pedestrian traffic at certain points which requires motorists in particular and road users in general to be more attentive and aware of the rules and regulations governing the tram operation. “All must follow the directional signage in place to ensure streamlined traffic movement,” said Al Tayer. During the test run, the tram moved at varying speeds and tests were conducted covering the safety systems, power propulsion of tram carriages, brake system, sudden braking during emergencies, ground electrical feed along the tram track, overhead power feed used in the depot, and the tram’s doors operation. The Dubai Tram, also known as Al Sofouh Tram, is the world’s first tramway that uses Platform Screen Doors in passenger stations fully synchronised with the tram’s doors opening and shutting mechanism, providing maximum convenience, safety and security for passengers, and at the same time protecting the quality of the air-conditioning in the interior of both stations and carriages from external climatic conditions. He said the Dubai tramway extends 14.6km alongside Al Sofouh Road, and the initial phase of the project envisages the construction of a 10.6km-long track starting from the Dubai Marina and stretching up to the Tram Depot near Dubai Police Academy. The tram network comprises 17 passenger stations, 11 of which are covered under Phase I and spread across activity and population density areas along the tramway. Fourteen trams will be added in Phase II to make a total of 25 operating trams. Each of the 11 trams measures 44 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate about 300 riders. The tram has a First Class (Gold Suite) and one cabin designated for ladies and children as well as a Silver Class cabin. The tram’s carriages and stations will have deluxe interior finishing, and feature state-of-the-art technologies in the transmission and display of entertainment materials. The track extends at grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rises in an elevated section passing across certain parts of Dubai Marina due to the urban constructions in the locality. Al Tayer said that the tram links up with the metro system at two stations, namely Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers via footbridges to facilitate the mobility and exchange of passengers between the two transit modes. “It will also be linked with the Monorail of The Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Al Sofouh Road to facilitate passenger movement between districts served by both modes.” The Dubai Tram testing schedule started with Zone 1. It will continue to Zone 2 by April 16 then to Zone 3 by June 14 until November 10 this year. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
