Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency. Pacific Press
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency. Pacific Press
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency. Pacific Press
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency. Pacific Press

UAE minister Sarah Al Amiri among Bloomberg Catalysts to accelerate global problem solving


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The UAE technology minister Sarah Al Amiri is named on a list of prestigious thought leaders chosen to tackle pressing global issues.

The Minister of State for Advanced Technology is among Bloomberg’s Catalysts, who will form “a new global community of public and private-sector innovators and entrepreneurs accelerating solutions to today’s greatest problems”.

Billionaire Michael Bloomberg announced the list on Wednesday.

The selected Catalysts are said to be creating change at the cutting edge of technology and policy.

"The Bloomberg New Economy Catalysts are a group of talented entrepreneurs, scientists, policymakers and other leaders taking on pressing global challenges," Mr Bloomberg said.

“Many of them are from countries that are having an increasingly big impact on the world economy. And I know our forum will benefit from their contributions.”

Sarah Al Amiri at a press conference after the UAE Hope probe reached Mars. Reem Mohammed / The National
Sarah Al Amiri at a press conference after the UAE Hope probe reached Mars. Reem Mohammed / The National

Ms Al Amiri’s name has become synonymous with space exploration in her role as chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency.

“I am delighted to be joining the Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst community this year,” she said.

“The core ideals behind the Catalysts, galvanising investment in new ideas, building opportunities based on international innovation and collaboration, are very much a part of how we approach not only the development of the UAE space sector, but the work of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.

“I believe the time has never been more appropriate to foster international dialogue and co-operation to address our mutual challenges and opportunities and the spirit of the Catalysts is very much in line with the multinational and international spirit of the Emirates,” Ms Al Amiri said.

“I see this as an important opportunity for us to help drive this positive global dialogue.”

A second UAE resident was given the title of Catalyst alongside Ms Al Amiri.

Simran Chowdhry, co-founder of BluePhin Technologies, will also be part of the forum.

Ms Chowdhry’s company is known for tackling water pollution using an autonomous robot.

Other Catalysts include Sarah Hanson-Young, senator for South Australia and the youngest woman to be elected to the Australian federal parliament, who is working to ensure a transition to a more sustainable world.

Also included is Nthabiseng Mosia, co-founder of Easy Solar, which finances solar systems and appliances for people with limited access to the grid to help power more than 500,000 homes across West Africa.

The first Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst online event will be held on June 30. It will discuss the future in sectors such as climate, agriculture, bio-tech, e-commerce, space and digital money.

UAE Hope Probe successfully enters Mars orbit – in pictures

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)

Mountain Classification Tour de France after Stage 8 on Saturday: 

  • 1. Lilian Calmejane (France / Direct Energie) 11
  • 2. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana) 10
  • 3. Daniel Martin (Ireland / Quick-Step) 8
  • 4. Robert Gesink (Netherlands / LottoNL) 8
  • 5. Warren Barguil (France / Sunweb) 7
  • 6. Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 6
  • 7. Guillaume Martin (France / Wanty) 6
  • 8. Jan Bakelants (Belgium / AG2R) 5
  • 9. Serge Pauwels (Belgium / Dimension Data) 5
  • 10. Richie Porte (Australia / BMC Racing) 4
What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

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The bio

Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer

Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist

Favourite Authors: Arab poet Abu At-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi

Favourite Emirati food: Luqaimat, a deep-fried dough soaked in date syrup

Hobbies: Reading and drawing

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Afcon 2019

SEMI-FINALS

Senegal v Tunisia, 8pm

Algeria v Nigeria, 11pm

Matches are live on BeIN Sports