Sharjah: Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has announced the enhancement of its emergency response system through the deployment of advanced firefighting robots manufactured in the United Arab Emirates.These robots are designed to tackle fires in high-risk locations, particularly warehouses and industrial facilities, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise field operations and improve response efficiency in line with global safety and rescue standards.The authority stated that the new robotic systems significantly strengthen firefighting and rescue capabilities within the emirate, while also improving the protection of field teams operating in hazardous environments.The robots are intended for use in environments that are difficult or dangerous for human firefighters to access, such as areas with extremely high temperatures, hazardous materials, or risks of structural collapse. They are primarily deployed in the early stages of major industrial incidents to conduct reconnaissance and initial fire suppression before human teams enter under safer conditions.According to the authority, six robotic units are currently in service. They are remotely operated via wireless control systems with a range of up to 1,000 metres.The robots can pump water and foam at a rate of up to 8,000 litres per minute, with a horizontal reach of up to 100 metres and a vertical reach of 50 metres, enabling rapid control of large-scale industrial fires.Each unit is equipped with six smart cameras covering four directions, allowing real-time monitoring from operations rooms. They also include thermal sensors, GPS-enabled navigation systems, powerful searchlights for smoke-filled environments, warning sirens, and self-cooling systems to withstand extreme heat.The robotic units are engineered for complex industrial environments and can climb stairs at angles of up to 30 degrees. Reinforced front bumpers allow them to overcome obstacles and reach fire zones quickly.The authority emphasised that these capabilities improve response speed and operational readiness, particularly in major incidents requiring rapid and precise intervention under strict safety conditions.Sharjah Civil Defence Authority noted that integrating robotics into emergency response plans has enhanced operational preparedness and reduced fire control time in industrial incidents. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy focused on innovation, proactive response, and strengthening public safety, while protecting lives and property across all scenarios.

Sharjah: The United Arab Emirates Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) will participate in the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, held from 28th to 31st May in the Polish capital, as part of Sharjah's cultural programme as guest of honour under the theme "Two Civilisations, One Language of Letters".The participation reflects the growing international presence of the UAE's cultural sector and highlights Sharjah's efforts in supporting publishing and initiatives dedicated to children and young adults.UAEBBY will present a series of panel discussions exploring the relationship between storytelling, art, identity and culture, while highlighting experiences in wordless books and visual storytelling.The council's pavilion will also showcase initiatives supporting Arabic children's literature, creators, illustrators and publishers, while reinforcing the role of books in promoting knowledge and awareness among younger generations.On 29th May, the council will host a session titled "The power of silence, when images tell the story" at the Sharjah pavilion. The discussion will focus on wordless books and how visual storytelling transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, enabling children from different backgrounds to engage with stories through imagination and imagery.The session will also highlight the council's efforts to promote this literary genre internationally due to its human-centred values and accessibility for children across diverse environments.On 31st May, UAEBBY will organise two additional sessions. The first, "Reimagining folk tales, when illustration becomes cultural dialogue", will examine how contemporary visual arts reinterpret folk narratives and transform illustration into a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.The second session, "Stories that heal, reading therapy in children's literature", will explore the role of storytelling in supporting children's and young adults' mental wellbeing, emotional resilience and understanding of themes such as identity, belonging, fear and loss.Maha Al Aqroubi, Chair of UAEBBY, said, "Through our participation in the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, we aim to present an experience that reflects our belief in the power of storytelling to build bridges between peoples and cultures."She added that children's literature has evolved into a tool for human connection, cultural dialogue and emotional wellbeing, while also strengthening the international presence of Arabic literature.The council will also showcase a curated selection of wordless books in collaboration with the International Board on Books for Young People. The books are designed to support refugee and migrant children by overcoming language barriers through visual storytelling.The pavilion will further feature winning titles from the latest edition of the International Award for Arabic Children's Literature and provide information on participation criteria for the award's 18th edition.UAEBBY's participation forms part of broader initiatives aimed at promoting reading culture and strengthening international cooperation in children's literature, while reinforcing Sharjah's cultural vision based on dialogue, creativity and knowledge exchange.