Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
As the new year rings in, Emirati leaders from diverse fields told Aletihad that their hopes and aspirations for 2025 focus on growth, innovation, and social good.
Emirati poet Saif Al Harthi says he draws inspiration from society as he sees his vocation as an engagement with the community.
"I am a human being first and a poet second. Everything for me flows into the river of poetry. Every situation is an inspiring idea for me. All I will do is write the poem with love and as an interaction with my community."
For beekeeper Amina Bin Kli, winner of the Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, she aspires to expand her business both locally and globally in the year ahead.
"One of our most prominent goals is to expand into global markets and contribute to supporting the national economy. We also seek to participate in international forums to represent our country, while highlighting the Emirati culture and heritage through our products that reflect ancient values and traditions," she said.
In the realm of media, Taif Al Amiri, Director of the Government Communication Department at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, foresees continued growth in marketing and communications.
"I believe that with the increasing reliance on digital marketing and social media programmes, most companies will tend to use data and analyse it through advanced technology and artificial intelligence programmes. This will help in building and improving their marketing strategies for reaching and influencing target groups," Al Amiri said.
Eman Al Hashimi, the first Emirati female composer, said her focus will be on the association she launched to provide care for people with autoimmune disorders.
The AIA Auto-immune Association uses various innovative means, the most important of which are music and arts therapy, including drawing and writing, and sound vibrations.
"My background in music has significantly influenced my approach to founding the AIA Auto-immune Association. Through my artistic journey, I have witnessed the power of creativity in healing and bringing people together. I realised that autoimmune diseases often carry a lack of understanding, however by leveraging this platform, all AIA members and I aim to raise awareness, provide support, and create a community for those affected by these conditions," she said.
"Our goal is to position the AIA association as a leading voice in the global arts community and the leading hub for wellbeing around the world, one that champions diversity, innovation, collaboration and quality of lifestyle," she added.
Chef Muna Al Mansoori said her priority in the year ahead is the wellbeing of both others and herself. She is also planning to publish a book which focuses on her career, as well as offering guidance on how to become a professional chef at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025. "I also have many plans in cooperation with various universities to provide internationally accredited courses within the UAE," she added.
Hamed Al Hamed, founder of Gracia Group and Chairman of the Emirates Agricultural Pioneers Association, outlines an ambitious vision for 2025, saying: "2025 is the year for the 'We Will Plant UAE' initiative. We have many plans, including the activation of the first-of-its-kind agritech digital platform in partnership with Du, the launch of the Entrepreneurial Excellence Academy at Abu Dhabi University, and the addition of more than 15 activities to the farm."
Mohammed Alshamsi, the founder of Cyber Net, which focuses on cyber security and IT Education, said: "In 2025, we aim to continue providing technical awareness content in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, in addition to digital books in these areas, as well as organising international online events."
"We will host the first free online event, featuring dialogue seminars, workshops, and interactive competitions with the participation of international experts, all aimed at enhancing cyber awareness in the Arab world," he added.
Latifa Al Hammadi, Vice Principal at Al Selaa School and robotics innovator, aims to continue expanding her expertise in artificial intelligence and robotics. "My plan for the new year is to enrich my experience and knowledge in the fields that I aspire to be an expert in, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, through courses that I am currently studying and will continue on, in addition to setting a goal to publish an average of five research papers in the same field of my interest."
Hamad Al Shehhi, Investment Manager at ADQ, plans to integrate technologies such as artificial intelligence. "I will focus more on developing cutting-edge technology skills, such as artificial intelligence, and understanding how to use and apply them in different projects, with the aim of developing skills for the modern age and learning how one can contribute to serving society."
