UAE-Uzbekistan Relations Highlighted During National Day Reception
UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei attended the National Day reception hosted by Abdulaziz Urolboevich Akkulov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the UAE. The event, held at the St. Regis Corniche Hotel in Abu Dhabi, was attended by several officials and diplomats. In his address, the Uzbek ambassador emphasized the growing cooperation and mutual respect between Uzbekistan and the UAE, noting that their bilateral relations continue to expand across multiple sectors.
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed Honours Winners of HIPA’s 14th Season Themed ‘Power’
The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) held its 14th annual ceremony themed ‘Power’ at the Museum of the Future in Dubai. The event was graced by dignitaries and international photographers, celebrating excellence in visual storytelling.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, presented the $200,000 Grand Prize to Italian photographer Gianluca Gianferrari for his captivating image of Mount Etna’s volcanic eruption in Sicily. The Appreciation Award was given to American photographer Rick Smolan for his influential global work and advocacy on humanitarian issues. The Content Creator Award was received by American bird photographer and filmmaker Mark Smith for his environmental contributions and educational initiatives.
Omani photographer Salem Al-Hajri was named HIPA Photographer of the Year for his work showcasing Omani and Arab heritage through powerful imagery. Sheikh Mansoor also honoured winners in multiple categories. In the ‘Power’ category, first place went to Syrian photographer Hashem Dardowra, followed by India’s Deepak Singh Dogra and Australia’s Scott Portelli. The ‘General – Colour’ category was led by Karine Aigner (USA), while the ‘General – Black and White’ title was won by Australian Ted Grambeau.
Further, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, honoured the ‘Portfolio’ category winners, with Palestinian photographer Ali Jadallah taking first place. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, presented the Sports Photography awards, and Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, honoured the ‘Drone (Video)’ category winners. This year’s competition attracted over 87,000 submissions from around 50,000 photographers worldwide.
UAE Condemns Terrorist Bombing in Islamabad and Attack in Wana
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the recent terrorist bombing in Islamabad that caused numerous deaths and injuries, as well as an attack targeting a cadet college in Wana, South Waziristan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the UAE’s complete rejection of violence and terrorism in all forms and expressed sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan. The UAE extended wishes for a swift recovery to all those injured in the incidents.
Google Announces $6.4 Billion Investment in Germany
Google has unveiled its largest investment in Germany to date, committing 5.5 billion euros ($6.4 billion) toward new data centre projects and AI infrastructure. The expansion will take place primarily in the western state of Hesse and will include renewable energy initiatives such as wind and solar power acquisition and a heat recovery programme to benefit local communities. The initiative will create an estimated 9,000 jobs annually and includes office expansions in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. Google’s Germany Country Manager Philipp Justus stated that the investment aims to deepen the company’s roots in the country and accelerate AI-driven innovation.
Gold Prices Reach Near Three-Week High
Gold prices continued to rise on Tuesday, reaching their highest level in nearly three weeks. Spot gold climbed 0.5 percent to $4,137.06 per ounce as of 0816 GMT, after touching $4,148.75 earlier in the day. US gold futures for December delivery increased by 0.5 percent to $4,143.80 per ounce. The surge follows steady market trends as investors monitor global inflation indicators and interest rate movements.