Emirates Foundation

We demonstrate a low-cost, stable, and tunable laser system by phase-locking a commercial telecom-grade tunable laser (ITLA) to an Optical Frequency Comb (OFC) within the C-band. Using minimal optical hardware and sub-mW OFC power, we achieved short-term integrated phase noise of 10 mrad and long-term frequency stability of ±0.01 Hz over 10 h. This system enables scalable, OFC-locked tunable lasers and holds promise for applications like tunable THz wave generation and comb-locked transmitters in DWDM systems, supporting scalable phase-locking of multiple lasers with OFC power in the nW regime, making it highly adaptable for various OFC generators.

A crescente pressão por práticas empresariais responsáveis e sustentáveis coloca o ESG (Environmental, Socialand Governance) como um foco central nas estratégias corporativas. Este paper tem como objetivo analisar o impacto e a importância do ESG para as empresas e examinar como as estratégias de marketing podem apoiar sua implementação. Utilizando uma abordagem qualitativa e revisão bibliográfica, o estudo investiga contribuições teóricas de especialistas renomados em ESG e Marketing. A pesquisa destaca a integração das práticas ESG como crucial para a reputação e competitividade das empresas, atendendo às expectativas de consumidores que buscam autenticidade e transparência. O marketing desempenha um papel vital na comunicação dessas práticas e no engajamento dos stakeholders, com ferramentas como relatórios de sustentabilidade, engajamento das partes interessadas e marketing digital para promover a transparência e evitar o greenwashing.O artigo inclui uma análise do caso do Carrefour, que ilustra falhas nas práticas ESG. A inclusão e exclusão do Carrefour do Índice de Sustentabilidade Empresarial (ISE) ressalta a necessidade de uma avaliação rigorosa das práticas corporativas de sustentabilidade. Em conclusão, a integração entre ESG e marketing não é apenas uma vantagem competitiva, mas uma necessidade estratégica. As empresas devem adotar práticas genuínas e comunicar suas ações de forma transparente e eficaz para alcançar uma verdadeira sustentabilidade e reconhecer a necessidade imperiosa de contínuo monitoramento e melhoria.

Low-carbon concrete incorporating waste materials offers significant environmental benefits while maintaining structural performance. However, designing an optimal mix of these waste materials is challenging due to their potential impact on the concrete properties. To address this challenge, this paper presents a novel meta model that introduces a non-deterministic mix design framework and simultaneously optimizes four performance metrics: environmental (global warming potential), durability (rapid chloride permeability and bulk electrical resistivity), mechanical (compressive strength and splitting tensile strength), and workability (air content and slump). The model is trained using a hybrid dataset combining literature data with response surface methodology (RSM) generated samples. To this end, a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network is trained to capture the effects of waste materials, including shredded rubber (SR), glass powder (GP), and biomass fly ash (BFA), on concrete performance and is further combined with Monte Carlo simulation to identify optimal mix designs based on specific performance targets. The results demonstrate the AI model’s accuracy in predicting concrete performance, as evidenced by statistical measures such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R 2 ). This accuracy is further validated by comparing the AI predictions with laboratory concrete mix results. The results indicated that a 23.1% increase in compressive strength and an 83% decrease in chloride ion permeability were achieved by partially substituting 30% GP for cement. The incorporation of 15% BFA consistently reduced slump by 65% and increased air content by 49%. Moreover, the control mix had the highest GWP at 325 kg CO 2 -eq/m 3 . Using 30% GP, 15% BFA, and 15% SR reduced it to 135 kg CO 2 -eq/m 3 , a 41% decrease. Additionally, the back analysis provides optimized mix designs tailored to specific performance constraints. According to the specified target for designing low-carbon, chloride-resistant, and normal strength (45–55 MPa) concrete, a mixture of waste materials with SR = 3.2%, GP = 25.8%, and BFA = 7.4% is proposed by the developed meta model.

Ultrasound (US)-guided interventions are a core skill for radiologists and trainees; however, access to affordable, durable, and realistic training models remains limited. Animal tissue phantoms such as chicken breast are messy, perishable, and culturally unacceptable to many learners. Commercial phantoms are expensive and often inaccessible in low-resource regions. We describe the ADIP–Agar (Abu Dhabi Intervention Practice Agar) phantom—a low-cost, reproducible, vegetarian-friendly model prepared from agar–agar. As the agar–agar model was developed, refined, and repeatedly tested over several years in Abu Dhabi, we designated it the ADIP–Agar. Over 6 years of hands-on interventional US workshops in Abu Dhabi, trainees consistently expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 97% preferring agar-based phantoms over chicken breast models. ADIP–Agar enables layered construction, stable embedded targets, realistic echotexture, and excellent durability when refrigerated. Its simplicity, reusability, and trainee endorsement make it a practical training tool for basic and intermediate US-guided procedures.

Abstract Background The genetic architecture of Breast Cancer (BC) in Arab populations remains largely understudied, limiting the precision of current prevention and screening programs. The Emirati Genome Program (EGP), one of the world’s first nation-wide sequencing initiatives, offers an unprecedented opportunity to study inherited BC risk across an entire population. Methods We analyzed 436,780 EGP individuals, including 229,309 women, integrating whole-genome sequencing (WGS) with electronic health records (EHRs). We quantified the prevalence and penetrance of pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants across 13 NCCN-recommended BC genes, evaluated the performance of established polygenic risk scores (PRS), and reconstructed >48,000 pedigrees to measure familial aggregation. Results P/LP variants were identified in 0.84% of women, accounting for 5.2% of BC cases (mean age of 45.9±11.1 years). Highly penetrant BRCA1 c.4065_4068del (p.Asn1355fs) and BRCA2 c.2808_2811del (p.Ala938Profs) variants showed age-specific cumulative risks of 37.6% and 31% by age 60, respectively, and allele frequencies up to tenfold higher in the Emirati population than in global reference datasets. The European-derived PRS model (PGS000004) demonstrated strong performance, advancing 10-year BC risk onset by a decade for women in the top decile. Family-based PRS discriminated affected from unaffected individuals, revealing higher polygenic risk even within sister pairs. Conclusions Nation-scale genome sequencing reveals, for the first time, the comprehensive landscape of inherited BC susceptibility within a Middle Eastern population. The integration of monogenic, polygenic, and familial data establishes a national framework for genomic risk stratification, transforming population genomics into a foundation for precision prevention and early detection in the UAE and beyond.

Abstract This paper outlines an innovative practice and improvised initiative adopted by Company Asset to reduce flaring and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, achieving a reduction of 3266 metric tons of CO2. In accordance with operational conditions and project mandates, the necessity of gas lift header depressurization was reevaluated and subsequently avoided through this novel approach. This solution not only prevented significant gas flaring but also ensured facility readiness without compromising additional production deferment. The commissioning of new gas lift facilities or upgrading brownfield sites often necessitates significant gas flaring during the depressurization of gas headers. A solution to address this challenge developed through brainstorming and exploration. By leveraging bullhead/rocking line installed at each wellhead, which connects gas line to the oil production line, gas header depressurization systematically conducted into production lines using this novel bullhead line. Consequently, the gas was routed to the station without venting or flaring. The safe execution of this process included: Conducting a Risk Assessment for utilizing existing piping,Evaluating GL wellheads,Developing safe Operating Procedures, Scenarios, and Schematics. Taking into account the lessons learned from significant gas volume flaring during headers depressurization, and with the objective of achieving sustainability and aiming for Net Zero, a strategic and robust innovative solution of utilizing bullheading/rocking line was implemented in-house at no extra cost. The following benefits were obtained from this exercise and will continue to be advantageous in the future: Reduction in lean gas flaring/venting (up to 46.0 MMscf)Decreased GHG emissions (3266 Metric Tons CO2 equivalent)Avoided lean gas buyback value = 72K USDProduction gain = 268,000 barrels of oil, preventing production loss from gas lift wellsSaved lean gas of 28743 m3 (201 m3 per well) during the commissioning of the oil side of respective oil/gas lift wellsConfirmed the health and readiness of all gas side associated equipment and instruments when only the oil side commissioning was initially plannedIntegrity risk of the wells – nitrogen preservation cost saving 15K USDProject milestone achieved on timePrevented cost and time claims from contractorsAvoided displacement of Annulus A inhibited fluidWith MSAS installation, annuli depressurization was accomplished without piping modification for bleed off, avoiding gas venting into the atmosphereSuccessful activation of inactive wells using bullheading/rocking line The implemented solution is highly effective in ensuring continuous production, timely completion of project milestones, and reducing GHG emissions with the aim of achieving a NET zero. This solution can be replicated across other existing facilities within the company and worldwide for the following scenarios: Commissioning of new gas lift facilitiesUpgrades in brownfield sitesTurnarounds / Shutdowns This implementation will enhance facility availability within a short timeframe without relying on complete facility shutdowns.

This study investigates and compares archaeological site management practices across diverse cultural contexts, focusing on how cultural factors influence preservation, stakeholder involvement, and management strategies. Employing a mixed-methods comparative design, the research integrates field observations, interviews with site managers and local stakeholders, and archival analysis. Three case studies, the Giza Necropolis in Egypt, Madain Saleh in Saudi Arabia, and the Al-Ain Archaeological Sites in the United Arab Emirates, form the empirical foundation for this analysis. Thematic and qualitative comparative analyses are used to identify cross-cultural patterns, challenges, and best practices. The findings reveal that management approaches are profoundly shaped by their respective cultural settings. Regions with strong traditions of community participation, such as Al-Ain, tend to integrate local knowledge and foster sustainable preservation outcomes. In contrast, state-dominated systems, as seen in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, often face constraints related to bureaucratic processes and limited local engagement. Across all contexts, factors such as governance structures, funding mechanisms, and cultural attitudes toward heritage emerge as decisive in shaping management effectiveness and sustainability. The results offer essential perspectives for the strategy of engaging local communities in the management of archaeological sites, and may be beneficial for implementation in other Arab countries.