Women taking part in a UAE programme helping to prepare female peacekeepers for service across the globe are to be given specialised training in artificial intelligence to further develop their skills.
The latest class of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security initiative will receive crucial training in how to harness advanced technology under a partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
The scheme, which will continue until the end of September, will seek to bolster efforts to increase female participation in military and peacekeeping fields at a time when the world is beset by deadly conflict.
The annual training programme is organised by the General Women's Union in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC.
Noura Al Suwaidi, secretary general of the GWU stressed highlighted the vision of Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, to empower women both at home and abroad.
The AI training sessions are designed to provide participants with valuable insights into using advanced technologies responsibly and effectively, preparing them to foster digital literacy and social responsibility within their communities.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, president of Khalifa University, underlined the need for all sections of society to keep pace with rapidly-evolving AI in order to use it safely and effectively.
In March, the UN General Assembly adopted the first resolution on artificial intelligence, which is aimed at ensuring the powerful new technology benefits all nations, respects human rights and is “safe, secure and trustworthy”.
The resolution, co-sponsored by 123 states, was adopted by consensus and without a vote, meaning it had the support of all 193 UN member nations.
Military personnel from 10 countries – the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen, Tanzania, The Gambia, Liberia, Pakistan, Kosovo and Kyrgyz Republic – are involved in this year's initiative.
“The training programme, which continues until September, aims to build and develop women's capabilities in peace and security, create collaborative and supportive networks, increase women's representation in the military and peacekeeping forces, and enhance operational effectiveness,” Abu Dhabi Media Office said, when the fourth class of recruits were announced in June.
The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Why the Tourist Club?
Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.
In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.
It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.
Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.
Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.
Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas
Three stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 502hp at 7,600rpm
Torque: 637Nm at 5,150rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh317,671
On sale: now
Mina Cup winners
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