United Arab Emirates: Sheikh Hamdan attends a talk in Dubai on the contributions of Middle Eastern cities to advancing human progress

The event held at Za’abeel Majlis was also attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group.

The talk was given by Dr. Roy Casagranda, professor of Government at Austin Community College (ACC) in the United States, known for being an expert on the Middle East. Also attended by ministers and other dignitaries, the talk focused on the role that Middle Eastern cities have played throughout history in the evolution of civilization, the advancement of innovation and the growth of trade, especially as vital nodes in global trade routes.

Dr Casagranda noted that while the influence of the region’s cities on the evolution of the world has diminished over the past three centuries, Dubai has recently emerged as a new center of growth, generating innovation and ideas that are playing a role key in shaping the world. future.

Dr. Casagranda highlighted the key factors for Middle Eastern cities to regain their role as drivers of human development, including education, innovation and nurturing talent. He highlighted the importance of creative problem solving and the role of government in creating a supportive environment for social progress. Dubai was presented as an excellent example of these principles in action, reflecting its commitment to generating new ideas through collaborative efforts between the government, the private sector and the community.

Sheikh Hamdan also met with a group of volunteers participating in ‘Dubai Day’, an initiative that invites Dubai residents to donate one day of their year to help those in need.

During the meeting, which was attended by Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, CEO of the Watani Al Emarat Foundation of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Hamdan praised the efforts of the volunteers and the contributions they have made, including their role in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the successful organization of the UN climate conference COP28 in Dubai. Al Falasi expressed gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan for encouraging volunteerism and fostering community partnerships.