Environment and Health
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A growing market
Genetic engineering is helping create plants that can withstand the UAE's high salinity, allowing the agriculture sector to grow. Vincent Hegarty, Dean, College of Food & Agriculture, UAEU says that the UAE currently grows only 20% of its food, with the rest coming from more than 90 different countries.
Harm of rapid development
Difficult sacrifices will have made, including slowing down the pace of development, if the region's fragile environment is to be conserved, according to experts at a major environmental forum in Al Ain. Dr Hadef Al Dhahiri, Vice Chancellor, UAE University says that educaton is critical to raise awareness of eco-issues.
Space age standards
With panic spreading over the threat of bird flu, hygiene and proper food management have become a priority for the hospitality industry. Traders is the first hotel in Dubai to achieve the international HACCP certification for its standards. Hygiene & sanitation Manager Vikash Lutchmiah explains why a proper system is critical.
Safe chemical future
It is not too late to save the environment if proper chemical management is implemented now, according to Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, UNEP. Toepfer says that developing countries are increasing their own problems if they fail to handle chemicals better.
A worrying thirst
Fresh water is the rarest resource in the Gulf, yet water use per capita by Gulf states is among the highest in the world. With the UAE trying to promote environmental awareness, Dr Mohamad bin Fahad, Chairman, Zayed Environmental Prize Foundation, addresses the critical issue of water conservation.
Unhealthy challenges ahead
High populations and chronic diseases are among the next big challenges facing Arab governments and health authorities, according to Dr Sultan Bahabri, Chairman, International eHealth Association. Dr Bahabri says that governments' role must change from providing healthcare to regulating and supervising it.
Picture of health
Middle East governments are increasingly prepared to fund advanced technology for healthcare, according to Jo Ann Campbell, CFO, Kodak Health Group. Kodak's digital imaging solutions, on display at Arab Health 2006, aim to save lives by reducing human errors and increasing efficiency.
Earthquakes and the UAE
With reports that tremors from an earthquake in Southern Iran were felt in the UAE on Sunday afternoon, AME Info brings you an interview with Sharjah University expert Dr Azm Al Homoud, from our archives. Dr Al Homoud explains why the UAE is at risk of quakes, and why developers should incorporate earthquake safety in all new buildings.
Urgent donations needed for Indonesia
Indonesia urgently needs medical supplies after the tsunami disaster, with Aceh's only two hospitals struggling to cope. Dubai-based Indonesian Tri Windiarti is trying to raise USD 55,000, and says every donation of money or supplies matters, however small. Email aidcentre_for_indonesia@yahoo.com
Shredding for security
Despite predictions of a paperless office, most businesses are flooded with printed material, often containing commercially sensitive information. The recent spotlight on e-security has led to apathy about traditional security. Shred-it is an environmentally friendly solution to destroy office refuse.
Interview: Singapore healthcare
The Singapore Tourism Board has been promoting its services at Arab Health, hoping to develop and promote Singapore as a premier medical hub for patients from the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Jeannie Lim, Assistant Director for SingaporeMedicine, says that Singapore's large Muslim population makes it an ideal destination for Arab health tourists.
New drug hope for UAE heart patients
UAE doctors say successful trials of a new treatment for heart attack survivors will give them another option in treating regional heart patients. The doctors were returning from the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2003, where the result of a clinical trial of 14,703 patients were released.
Developing a Social Conscience
Middle East business leaders met to discuss corporate social responsibility (CSR) at a conference hosted by British American Tobacco and The Economist magazine. Pressure groups say there is a big need to educate regional companies about the need to consider and support the community and environment.
Dr Azm Al-Homoud, AUS
Earthquake faultlines in Iran could have serious implications for building stability in the United Arab Emirates. Scientists at the American University of Sharjah are trying to educate engineers, governments and the construction industry about the risks.
Camels race ahead for Nakheel
In keeping with the spirit of Arabia, Dubai property developers Nakheel plan to sponsor an annual camel race. The inaugural race will be held in September, with prize money of half a million dirhams.
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