A dedicated team of Emirati envoys representing the UAE on the global stage have said their mission is to "make a difference through diplomacy" and help pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
UAE ambassadors serving in key international postings, such as Japan, Costa Rica, Ireland and Austria, are striving to change perceptions, build bridges and connect cultures with the goal of effecting change, both in the Emirates and their adopted homes.
The National spoke to five globe-trotting diplomats seeking to spread their nation's values far and wide ahead of their participation in the Forum of UAE Ambassadors and Representatives of Missions Abroad in Abu Dhabi.
Ambassador to Costa Rica: Rawdha Alotaiba
Rawdha Alotaiba, who has dedicated 21 years of her life to the UAE foreign service, served in London for six years and headed the American Affairs Department at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before being chosen to represent the UAE in Costa Rica in 2022.
"The UAE has deep and distinguished relations with all countries, which strengthen and reflect its principles of openness, partnership, building bridges, consolidating peace, and working to serve the common interests of countries and peoples to achieve international peace and security," she said.
"I believe diplomacy is the act of representing the values of your country, which in turn reflect your own values."
She said one of her biggest challenges was overcoming misconceptions about the UAE and its rapid rise to prominence.
"Many people think that because we have oil, that’s the only reason we developed. But that’s not true. Oil now contributes only 30 per cent of our economy. The UAE adopts innovative strategies for economic diversification, and the country is working to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, reinforced by scientific and technological progress.”
Another common misunderstanding is women’s rights in the UAE, she said. Despite serving as a female ambassador, she often finds herself clarifying the role of women in her country.
But she has found the Costa Rican people only too willing to embrace a new way of thinking.
"Costa Ricans are very family-orientated and open to learning about different cultures, and they are genuinely very keen to know more about the UAE. I've been invited to speak about our customs, cuisine, and history, and they are truly interested in what we do."
Ms Alotaiba also launched a one-month internship programme at the embassy.
"Emirati students can easily apply to come to Costa Rica for a full month, where they train directly with me. They attend meetings, diplomatic engagements, and sometimes, yes, they even go hiking with me,” she said.
"There are five million people in Costa Rica. If I leave my post and I have educated people about the UAE, I feel like I’ve made an impact."
Ambassador to Japan: Shihab Al Faheem
Shihab Al Faheem, the UAE's ambassador to Japan since December 2020, has worked diligently to strengthen a relationship that spans more than 50 years.
"Japan is a long-standing trading partner of ours," she said. "Our relationship was primarily in energy, but in recent years, we’ve observed a significant trend towards diversification. If you look back, we sent our Mars probe from Japan using a Japanese rocket, relying on Japanese technology to carry out the launch of one of our most important space programmes."
The upcoming Expo 2025 will be a global celebration of the deep-rooted ties from the Middle East to the Far East, as Japan takes the baton from Expo 2020 Dubai.
"Our first participation in an Expo was in 1970 in Osaka," the envoy said. "The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan sent a representative to showcase Abu Dhabi’s vision to the world.”
Back then, the UAE’s pavilion was a small tent where Arabic coffee was sold for a dollar a cup.
“Today, we return not just as the UAE, but as a nation that hosted one of the most successful World Expos in history," Ms Al Faheem said.
"We’re not just going back to Osaka – we’re going back to where we started."
During the ambassador's tenure, the UAE and Japan have deepened their strategic partnership across multiple sectors that include visa-free travel for UAE citizens to Japan, making travel more accessible and strengthening people-to-people connections.
A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative was established to boost trade, investment, and collaboration in technology.
"We can never stay put. We can never say that we’ve done enough. There’s always more to achieve.
"We’ve built a relationship where the Japanese see us as a trusted partner. Our diplomacy has made the UAE the number one destination for Japanese nationals in the Middle East – we host the largest Japanese community in the region."
Mr Al Faheem says ambassadors can be instrumental in bringing countries together, through the power of communication and dialogue.
"Emirati ambassadors are here to make sure relationships grow, no matter where we are," he said. "The UAE believes in the importance of communication and dialogue in strengthening relations that serve its national interests, as well as the interests of the countries and people of the region and the world."
Ambassador to Ireland: Mohammed Al Shamsi
Mohammed Al Shamsi, UAE ambassador to Ireland, has witnessed a remarkable growth in trade between the countries in recent years.
The bonds that stretch from Dubai to Dublin go far beyond impressive economics, with about 13,000 Irish citizens calling the UAE home. They work in diverse fields such as education, health care, business, banking, hospitality, engineering, and accounting.
"4,000 of them are teachers educating our children. The Irish people know us well, and when they return home, we hope they share their experiences, further strengthening our bond," he said.
A major milestone in UAE-Ireland relations was the signing of landmark deals on extradition and mutual legal assistance in October 2024.
Looking ahead, the ambassador remains committed to strengthening UAE-Ireland relations across all sectors – from trade and investment to education and diplomacy.
"We are here to engage, to build relationships, and to make business work, and we constantly strives to showcase our nation as a place of innovation, opportunity, and progress," Mr Al Shamsi added.
UAE Ambassador to Austria: Hamad Al Kaabi
Hamad Al Kaabi has served for more than 15 years as the UAE’s Ambassador to Austria and its Permanent Representative to international organisations in Vienna, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"Our historic relationship with Austria is rich and robust. We have a strong economic partnership, with significant investments flowing in both directions. Additionally, our political co-ordination and consultation with the Austrian government continue to enhance our ties," he said
A key aspect of this growing relationship is tourism.
"Austria is one of the top destinations for Emirati tourists. They love to spend their summers in the Austrian countryside, and the number of visitors continues to grow each year. Likewise, we welcome the increasing number of Austrian visitors to the UAE, whether for business or leisure," Mr Al Kaabi said.
For the long-serving ambassador, a career in diplomacy is a passion project.
"Representing the UAE is an honour. Every day, I feel motivated to convey our country's message to the world. It’s about showcasing our values and making a difference through diplomacy," he said.
Looking ahead, Al Kaabi remains committed to strengthening UAE-Austria relations. "Our relationship is strong and will only grow stronger. The leadership on both sides is dedicated to deepening ties across economic, political, and cultural sectors. As strategic partners, we aim to elevate this relationship to new heights," he added.
Permanent Representative of the UAE to Irena:
As part of the UAE’s distinguished diplomatic corps, Nawal Al Hosany stands out as a leading voice in the global push for renewable energy.
Serving as the UAE’s Resident Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena), she plays a key role in shaping international policies.
"This is not a coincidence – it is a recognition of the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy and sustainability," said Ms Al Hosany.
Since its inception, the body has expanded significantly.
"We recently celebrated our 15th assembly," Ms Al Hosany said. "Today, we have more than 170 member countries, with more in the process of joining, making it a nearly universal membership."
As an Emirati woman in a leading international role, Ms Al Hosany sees her position as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
"I couldn’t be more fortunate to have been born in a country that provides equal access to education, career advancement, and leadership role," she said. The UAE’s leadership has always empowered Emirati women to take on key responsibilities at both national and international levels and has invested its energies to modernise laws and practices to reflect the country’s pluralism while respecting its heritage."
Addressing misconceptions about the UAE’s role in renewable energy, Ms Al Hosany is clear: "We are an energy-producing nation, but we are also a responsible one."
The UAE has been a driving force in global climate action, hosting the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Cop28) in 2023. While significant progress has been made, Ms Al Hosany acknowledges that there is still much work to do.
"No single nation can meet global targets alone. The solution lies in strong financial frameworks, political leadership, and international co-operation," she said.
AIDA%20RETURNS
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MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Fernandes pen 2') Tottenham Hotspur 6 (Ndombele 4', Son 7' & 37' Kane (30' & pen 79, Aurier 51')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder
Started: October 2021
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Industry: technology, logistics
Investors: A15 and self-funded
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
How to get exposure to gold
Although you can buy gold easily on the Dubai markets, the problem with buying physical bars, coins or jewellery is that you then have storage, security and insurance issues.
A far easier option is to invest in a low-cost exchange traded fund (ETF) that invests in the precious metal instead, for example, ETFS Physical Gold (PHAU) and iShares Physical Gold (SGLN) both track physical gold. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF invests directly in mining companies.
Alternatively, BlackRock Gold & General seeks to achieve long-term capital growth primarily through an actively managed portfolio of gold mining, commodity and precious-metal related shares. Its largest portfolio holdings include gold miners Newcrest Mining, Barrick Gold Corp, Agnico Eagle Mines and the NewMont Goldcorp.
Brave investors could take on the added risk of buying individual gold mining stocks, many of which have performed wonderfully well lately.
London-listed Centamin is up more than 70 per cent in just three months, although in a sign of its volatility, it is down 5 per cent on two years ago. Trans-Siberian Gold, listed on London's alternative investment market (AIM) for small stocks, has seen its share price almost quadruple from 34p to 124p over the same period, but do not assume this kind of runaway growth can continue for long
However, buying individual equities like these is highly risky, as their share prices can crash just as quickly, which isn't what what you want from a supposedly safe haven.
Kat Wightman's tips on how to create zones in large spaces
- Area carpets or rugs are the easiest way to segregate spaces while also unifying them.
- Lighting can help define areas. Try pendant lighting over dining tables, and side and floor lamps in living areas.
- Keep the colour palette the same in a room, but combine different tones and textures in different zone. A common accent colour dotted throughout the space brings it together.
- Don’t be afraid to use furniture to break up the space. For example, if you have a sofa placed in the middle of the room, a console unit behind it will give good punctuation.
- Use a considered collection of prints and artworks that work together to form a cohesive journey.
Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting
- Don’t do it more than once in three days
- Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days
- Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode
- Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well
- Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days
- Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates
- Manage your sleep
- People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting
- Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert
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Recycle Reuse Repurpose
New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors
Recyclables such as plastic, paper, glass will be collected from bins on the expo site and taken to the new expo Central Waste Facility on site
Organic waste will be processed at the new onsite Central Waste Facility, treated and converted into compost to be re-used to green the expo area
Of 173 tonnes of waste daily, an estimated 39 per cent will be recyclables, 48 per cent organic waste and 13 per cent general waste.
About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor
Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:
Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled
Paper pulp moulded products such as cup carriers, egg trays, seed pots, and food packaging trays
Glass waste into bowls, lights, candle holders, serving trays and coasters
Aim is for 85 per cent of waste from the site to be diverted from landfill
Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
Where to submit a sample
Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Key changes
Commission caps
For life insurance products with a savings component, Peter Hodgins of Clyde & Co said different caps apply to the saving and protection elements:
• For the saving component, a cap of 4.5 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 90 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term).
• On the protection component, there is a cap of 10 per cent of the annualised premium per year (which may not exceed 160 per cent of the annualised premium over the policy term).
• Indemnity commission, the amount of commission that can be advanced to a product salesperson, can be 50 per cent of the annualised premium for the first year or 50 per cent of the total commissions on the policy calculated.
• The remaining commission after deduction of the indemnity commission is paid equally over the premium payment term.
• For pure protection products, which only offer a life insurance component, the maximum commission will be 10 per cent of the annualised premium multiplied by the length of the policy in years.
Disclosure
Customers must now be provided with a full illustration of the product they are buying to ensure they understand the potential returns on savings products as well as the effects of any charges. There is also a “free-look” period of 30 days, where insurers must provide a full refund if the buyer wishes to cancel the policy.
“The illustration should provide for at least two scenarios to illustrate the performance of the product,” said Mr Hodgins. “All illustrations are required to be signed by the customer.”
Another illustration must outline surrender charges to ensure they understand the costs of exiting a fixed-term product early.
Illustrations must also be kept updatedand insurers must provide information on the top five investment funds available annually, including at least five years' performance data.
“This may be segregated based on the risk appetite of the customer (in which case, the top five funds for each segment must be provided),” said Mr Hodgins.
Product providers must also disclose the ratio of protection benefit to savings benefits. If a protection benefit ratio is less than 10 per cent "the product must carry a warning stating that it has limited or no protection benefit" Mr Hodgins added.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)
Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)
Saturday
Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Sunday
Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)
Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)
Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)
Four-day collections of TOH
Day Indian Rs (Dh)
Thursday 500.75 million (25.23m)
Friday 280.25m (14.12m)
Saturday 220.75m (11.21m)
Sunday 170.25m (8.58m)
Total 1.19bn (59.15m)
(Figures in millions, approximate)
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