The seventh edition of the Knowledge Summit organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) opened on Monday.
Held under the theme ‘Knowledge: Protecting People and the Planet in the Pandemic’, the event kicked off at Expo 2020 Dubai in the presence of experts, leaders, and government officials from around the world.
Jamal Bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, highlighted in his opening speech the unique example set by the UAE in combating the pandemic and mitigating its repercussions. He pointed to the exceptional success of Expo 2020 Dubai as an example of how the country offers a model for the world in ensuring the highest standards of health and protection for the community and global visitors. His Excellency said the event sends a strong message of hope to the world about the role of cooperation in enhancing growth, development, and prosperity.
“The seventh edition of the Knowledge Summit, which was first held in 2014, aims to revitalise the role of knowledge worldwide by promoting new methodologies and mechanisms for producing and disseminating knowledge. It also aims to create an avenue for constructive debate about the role of knowledge in protecting people from pandemics and other global challenges,” he further said.
“This year’s summit highlights various global challenges such as climate change, food security, and poverty. It also reviews the general legal landscape to explore new legal practices in the post-pandemic world and innovative economic and environmental systems to shape a better future,” Bin Huwaireb added.
Dr Khalida Bouzar, assistant secretary general, assistant administrator and regional director, regional bureau for Arab States, UNDP, also commended on the success of Expo 2020 Dubai and the pivotal role played by MBRF at the regional and global levels in building knowledge-based societies.
She stated: “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused major global disruption that has directly affected countries’ progress towards the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, putting its gains at risk.”
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (centre) and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (left) at the summit
“At the United Nations Development Programme and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, we are committed to pursuing our knowledge initiatives, believing that knowledge is the only way for humanity to confront threats. We have released the results of the Global Knowledge Index for 2020 and 2021, and here we are today at this global knowledge event, the Knowledge Summit in its seventh edition, launching the Future of Knowledge Foresight Report in its third edition. The report focuses on the transformative capacities that enable countries to continue to grow in the face of shocks and to sustain development gains,” she added.
The summit’s events are scheduled to continue until March 15, followed by the virtual conferences and their broadcast on the website on March 16, 17 and 18.
Abu Dhabi is welcoming the Hijri year 1447 in spectacular style, with illuminated decorations and vibrant art installations now adorning the city’s Corniche and bridges.
The initiative, led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport through Abu Dhabi City Municipality, is designed to reflect the spiritual essence and cultural beauty of the Islamic New Year, while adding to the emirate’s urban charm.
A Blend of Faith, Heritage and Art
The glowing displays feature intricate designs inspired by Islamic architecture, nature, and Emirati heritage, with the phrase “Hijri Year 1447” etched across many pieces. Using a stunning mix of golden yellow, white, pistachio, and sky blue hues, the decorations bring a festive and spiritual energy to the cityscape.
At the Abu Dhabi Corniche, visitors will find illuminated curtains suspended between lampposts, blending Eid Al Adha and Hijri New Year motifs in a celebration of light, colour, and joy.
Designed with Safety & Sustainability in Mind
All installations use energy-efficient LED lights and weather-resistant materials to ensure both durability and safety. Each piece has been strategically placed to match the layout of streets and walkways, making the city’s celebration beautiful and secure for pedestrians and drivers alike.
So whether you’re strolling the Corniche or driving through the city, take a moment to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s glowing tribute to the start of the Islamic calendar year, a celebration of faith, tradition, and forward-looking beauty.
Heads up, Dubai residents. In celebration of the Hijri New Year, all public parking in Dubai will be free on Friday, June 27, except for multi-level parking terminals. Regular parking fees will resume on Saturday, June 28, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced.
Public Transport Hours – Friday, June 27
Dubai Metro: 5am (June 27) to 1am (June 28)
Dubai Tram: 6am (June 27) to 1am (June 28)
RTA Service Centres
Closed: All RTA Customer Happiness Centres and service provider centres
Open: Smart Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, and RTA Head Office (available 24/7)
Vehicle Testing
No technical testing on Friday, services resume Saturday, June 28.
For the latest updates on bus and marine transport schedules, commuters are encouraged to check the RTA or S’hail app.
In a move set to deepen long-standing ties, the UAE and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for mutual visa exemption, allowing diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries to travel without entry visas. The agreement is expected to streamline travel and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations.
The visa exemption MoU was signed during the 12th session of the UAE–Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), held in Abu Dhabi, and attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Agreements Beyond Visas
The high-level meeting saw the signing of several key MoUs, including:
A joint task force to promote UAE investments in Pakistan’s strategic sectors
An MoU on cooperation in artificial intelligence and the digital economy
These were signed by Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and senior Pakistani officials, including Tariq Bajwa, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Zarar Hashim Khan, Federal Secretary at Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications.
A Trusted and Historic Partnership
The UAE and Pakistan reviewed cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, and technology during the session.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, who led the UAE delegation, described Pakistan as a long-standing and trusted partner, highlighting diplomatic ties dating back to 1971.
“This partnership is built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for the future,” Al Sayegh said, noting that non-oil trade exceeded $8.6 billion in 2024.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations and ensuring prosperity, stability, and development for future generations.