Sharjah: Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), recently visited Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a key Arab knowledge institution, to discuss potential collaborations in documentation, heritage preservation, and academic publishing. According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Musallam’s visit was marked by a tour of the library’s diverse facilities and specialty museums, where he lauded the institution’s pivotal role in heritage preservation and knowledge advancement. His remarks highlighted the importance of the visit, stating, “The diversity of specialisations and initiatives here confirms that we are witnessing a knowledge institution befitting of Alexandria’s rich history and future ambitions.

Sharjah: The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is actively accepting submissions for the 2025 Creative Writing Competition, an initiative under the ‘Read, Dream, Create’ campaign. The contest invites children and young people aged 6 to 18 from across the UAE to express their creativity through storytelling in Arabic, aiming to develop their writing skills in a nurturing environment. According to Emirates News Agency, the competition provides young participants the chance to explore their storytelling talents and engage with literature by blending imagination and critical thinking. It is designed to strengthen the connection between young writers and the

Nouakchott: The Spanish government has unveiled a £200 million financial package aimed at enhancing its investment footprint in Mauritania. This announcement coincided with the launch of ‘Kantara,’ a digital platform designed to facilitate direct engagement between economic stakeholders from both countries. According to Emirates News Agency, this development followed the conclusion of the inaugural high-level session between Mauritania and Spain, which featured the Mauritanian-Spanish Business Council. The session saw the presence of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, and Pedro S¡nchez, Prime Minister of Spain, who both endorsed various investment commitments. S¡nchez highlighted that the £200 million package

Abu dhabi: Fifty people were killed in a fire in a hypermarket in al-Kut city in eastern Iraq, the state news agency (INA) reported, citing Wasit province governor, Mohammed al-Miyahi. Videos on social media showed flames engulfing a five-story building in al-Kut, with firefighters attempting to contain the blaze. According to Emirates News Agency, the cause of the fire was not immediately known. The governor stated that initial results from an investigation would be announced within 48 hours, INA reported.

Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an administrative decision regarding the formation of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Charity International (SCI). According to Emirates News Agency, the decision outlines that Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Qasimi will head the newly formed board. The board also includes members Dr. Yaqub Ali Saeed Khalaf Al Naqbi, Dr. Saeed Musabah Al Kaabi, Saeed Ghanem Matar Al Suwaidi, and Mohammed Rashid Bayat. The decision stipulates that the board must allocate administrative roles among its members during its

Dubai: Dubai South has announced the launch of state-of-the-art multiuser facilities at the Logistics District. Spanning a built-up area of approximately 215,278 sq. ft., the new facilities comprise combinable units that offer flexible solutions to accommodate the diverse needs of businesses, fostering growth and enhancing competitiveness in the regional market. According to Emirates News Agency, the facilities are strategically located within the freight forwarding zone, offering unparalleled proximity to key transport hubs, including Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. Businesses also benefit from direct access to the UAE’s key road network, ensuring seamless connectivity for efficient logistics and

Paris: Saudi Arabia is advancing its efforts to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies, and to empower its research and innovation ecosystem. According to Emirates News Agency, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha held a series of meetings in Paris with prominent research institutions and global firms specialising in AI, space, data governance and deep technologies. The goal is to support Saudi Arabia’s priorities in building a digital infrastructure that contributes to empowering vital sectors and advancing high-tech industries in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Ras al khaimah: A report issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Ras Al Khaimah revealed a 17.6 percent growth in the number of new business licences issued during the first half of the current year, with a total of 1,219 licences compared to 1,037 licences during the same period last year. According to Emirates News Agency, industrial licences topped the list of the highest growth rates, recording an increase of approximately 111 percent, followed by professional licences with a growth rate of 20 percent, and commercial licences with 12.6 percent. In the same context, the wholesale and