UAE creates a sustainable ecosystem to further enhance understanding of space, says astronaut

• The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has revealed details of the second crewed mission of the UAE Astronaut Programme to the International Space Station
• Sultan AlNeyadi is the prime astronaut while Hazzaa AlMansoori is a backup crew of the mission scheduled for launch on February 26

Right educational system crucial to help students become an active partners in shaping UAE’s future

• The educational system must help students earn their university degrees in areas that are suited for their inclinations, skills, and abilities, says Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed
• Increasing student competence in Arabic is a top priority; it's a crucial component of the UAE's national identity, he adds

Saudi Arabia wins seat on FIFA Council; Qatar gets a position too

• Qatar federation head Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, whose country hosts the Asian Cup next January, was elected to a FIFA position for the first time
• Saudi soccer federation president Yasser Almisehal was among six Asian officials elected by AFC members to represent them on FIFA council through 2027

Abu Dhabi’s strong tech ecosystem acts as a magnet for key global innovative companies

Lebanon’s offshore exploration agreement supports the country’s economic development, says Qatar’s minister

• Qatar had entered a consortium to explore for offshore gas in waters near Israel, following a historic border deal last year between the two rivals
• The agreement green-lights Lebanon's exploration of its southern Qana, or Sidon, reservoir following the signing of the landmark accord last October

An effective governance, risk and compliance system need of the hour, says UAE’s cybersecurity head

• There is a need to establish an effective governance, risk, and compliance system as a fundamental requirement for a strong cybersecurity strategy, says a UAE official
• Organizations must first establish a GRC system in order to achieve cybersecurity objectives and create a secure working environment, adds Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti

Year of Sustainability a springboard for global climate action, says Sheikha Shamma of UICCA

• Containing the fallout of climate change, addressing related damage and losses, and meeting the relevant needs of developing countries are key challenges, says Sheikha Shamma
• The UAE’s leadership is prioritising the issue of climate change and has taken proactive steps to accelerate the pace of its climate action efforts, she adds

‘Women are equal participants in UAE’s development’

• The UAE is being ranked first in the Arab world and 11th globally on the Gender Inequality Index of the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report 2022
• The country has jumped 38 positions on the Gender Inequality Index since the establishment of the UAE Gender Balance Council seven years ago

We help investors, give them additional tools: QCSD

• The Qatar Central Securities Depository (QCSD) is working on the application of lending and borrowing to help investors in Qatar and give them additional options and tools
• The first thing QCSD worked on was the movable funds register aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises to benefit from the tools, says its CEO Sheikh Saif Al-Thani

UAE committed to promote sustainability in all sectors

• The declaration of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’ reflects the UAE’s commitment to promote sustainability in all sectors, says says Special Envoy for Climate Change
• The move will pave the way for the country's efforts to accelerate global climate action ahead of COP28, adds Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber