Abu Dhabi will establish a "game changer" agriculture centre to strengthen food and water security in the Emirates and around the globe, and help to create tens of thousands of new jobs in the capital.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on Sunday approved the launch of the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (Agwa) Cluster.
Agwa will be led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.
It aims to provide a key platform to support local suppliers and exporters to maximise commercial opportunities, and ease pressure on agriculture systems, state news agency Wam stated.
Sheikh Khaled, also chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said the cluster will strengthen the national food and water security ecosystem, cultivate sustainable homegrown production and address the increasing international and regional demand for food and water.
By 2045, Agwa is expected to contribute Dh90 billion in incremental gross domestic product to the Abu Dhabi economy, create more than 60,0000 new jobs and attract Dh128 billion in investments.
"The launch of AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance Cluster is a game changer in our efforts to further diversify the economy, enhance innovation, and achieve objectives of the UAE food security strategy 2051," said Ahmed Al Zaabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
"It enables us to accelerate innovations in advanced technologies to address the pressing needs for sustainable water and food sources both locally and globally”.
More than 70 per cent of freshwater is used for agriculture in most regions of the world.
By 2050, feeding a global population exceeding nine billion will require a projected 50 per cent increase in agricultural production and a 15 per cent rise in water withdrawals, according to the World Bank.
The launch of Agwa aims to boost Abu Dhabi's efforts to embrace high-tech solutions to pressing water and food security challenges.
Abu Dhabi is home to 24,000 farms, 50 per cent of which are in Al Ain City.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office has signed partnerships with food and water production companies to help agriculture thrive in the country's desert climate.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
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Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
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7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)
7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)
5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
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Director: Jared Hess
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Jazira: Mabkhout (52'), Romarinho (77'), Al Hammadi (90' 6)
Persepolis: Alipour (42'), Mensha (84')
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
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Rating: 4/5
BMW M5 specs
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Power: 727hp
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Points classification after Stage 4
1. Arnaud Demare (France / FDJ) 124
2. Marcel Kittel (Germany / Quick-Step) 81
3. Michael Matthews (Australia / Sunweb) 66
4. Andre Greipel (Germany / Lotto) 63
5. Alexander Kristoff (Norway / Katusha) 43
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
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Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
