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The International Monetary Fund has opened its first office the Middle East and North Africa region in Riyadh.
The office was launched during the Joint Regional Conference on Industrial Policy for Diversification, jointly organized by the IMF and the Ministry of Finance, on April 24.
The new office aims to strengthen capacity building, regional surveillance, and outreach to foster stability, growth, and regional integration, thereby promoting partnerships in the Middle East and beyond, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Additionally, the office will facilitate closer collaboration between the IMF and regional institutions, governments, and other stakeholders, the SPA report noted, adding that the IMF expressed its appreciation to Saudi Arabia for its financial contribution aimed at enhancing capacity development in its member countries, including fragile states.
Abdoul Aziz Wane, a seasoned IMF director with an extensive understanding of the institution and a broad network of policymakers and academics worldwide, will serve as the first director of the Riyadh office.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The office will facilitate closer collaboration between the IMF and regional institutions. Shutterstock
Moroccan reciters performed well at the competition and demonstrated exceptional talent and proficiency in Quranic recitation.
Moroccan Ilyas Hajri has clinched the title of World Quran Reader in the Hafiz category at the fourth edition of the Bahrain Online Quran Recitation Competition.
The Moroccan Quran reciter won the prize for his exceptional proficiency in reciting the Holy Quran.
This win adds to a string of previous successes, as Hajri has consistently shown excellence in Quranic recitation competitions. Last year, he won first place in the International Quran memorization competition in Astana, Kazakhstan.
In addition to Hajri, Moroccan Yassine El Kazzini secured the second position in the same category.
Meanwhile, Moroccans Abdelbasset Ourach and Mustapha Zahid claimed third places in the categories of memorized recitation (Tajweed) and melodious recitation (Murattal) respectively.
The finals of the competition were conducted in-person in Bahrain’s capital city Manama, where the top performers competed to secure their positions in various categories of Quranic recitation.
The competition brought together over 5,000 participants from 74 countries.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Sameer Mohamed Mujahid from Bahrain was crowned the World Quran Reciter in the Tajweed category, while Ahmed Mohamed Saleh Ahmed from Yemen secured the same title in the category of junior reciters.
Organizers of the competition highlighted its mission to promote and celebrate the recitation and memorization of the Holy Quran.
It also aims to serve the Quranic tradition by providing a platform for individuals of all ages and nationalities to showcase their skills and proficiency in reciting the Quran.
Moroccans have built a strong reputation for their excellence in Quran recitation competitions, consistently shining on the global stage.
Last month, Moroccan Elias Al-Mahiawi won first place at the 20th International Quran Competition in Tanzania.
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers both feature as Brazilian boutique takes top spot.
Tripadvisor has named the best hotels to stay in around the world in 2024 and two UAE properties make the cut.
The world’s largest travel guidance platform unveiled its list of winners on Tuesday, and included the Ritz-Carlton Dubai and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers in its top 20 ranking based on Tripadvisor reviews.
Ritz-Carlton Dubai is one of the emirate’s stalwart properties, having opened in the area that has since become The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence in 1998. That was years before Dubai Marina, The Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters came into existence and the resort was one of the hotel group’s first addresses in the Middle East and North Africa.
From 7,359 reviews, Tripadvisor travellers are most impressed with the luxury hotel’s swimming pools and child-friendly facilities, ranking the hotel as the 17th best in the world.
In the UAE capital, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers opened in 2001 after taking over the existing site from Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts. The property ranks at number 20 for 2024. The skyscraper was a favourite with 7,674 Tripadvisor reviewers who appreciated its infinity pool and swim-up bar.
The National previously reviewed the Hilton-owned hotel and was impressed by its wow-factor views and impeccable service.
When it comes to the overall best hotel in the world for 2024, the honour goes to Hotel Colline de France, a boutique hotel in Gramado, a mountain resort town in Brazil. The property is known for its personalised service and French elegance, and has ranked in Tripadvisor’s top five for three consecutive years.
In second place is Oblu Select Lobigili, an adults-only escape in the Maldives, while La Siesta Hoi Ann Resort and Spa in Vietnam ranks third.
“Our Best of the Best Hotels are marvels, acclaimed by thousands of travellers for their remarkable service, stunning design and wealth of amenities that redefine what it means to have an exceptional hotel experience,” said Dan Mitchell, vice president and general manager for hotels at Tripadvisor.
Other notable entries in the top 20 list include Chandys Windy Woods in Chithirapuram, India and two properties in Turkey, the Romance Istanbul Hotel and the Voyage Belek Golf And Spa in Belek.
“According to our Tripadvisor reviewers – each of the world’s best hotels caters to the traveller looking for accessible luxury and unique, tailored experiences,” added Mitchell.
Tripadvisor’s top 20 hotels in the world in 2024
Click through the gallery above to see the 20 best hotels in the world
In the US, the number one hotel to check into is the Shore Hotel in Santa Monica, California. Luma Hotel Times Square, a four-star skyscraper in New York City ranks second on the US hit list. Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas is the fifth best in the US, but takes the number one spot for luxury hotels across the continent.
New for 2024, Tripadvisor has announced three new award categories including the best pet-friendly, sustainable and wellness hotels. Topping the list for holidays with four-legged friends is Hotel Fioreze Quero Quero. This Brazilian property has over two acres of open space, making it perfect for pups and their owners to explore.
Voco Dubai The Palm just missed out on inclusion in the world’s top 20 pet-friendly hotels, with the Palm West Beach hotel listed at number 21.
Sustainable kudos goes to Banyan Tree hotel group after the Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali, took the award as the world’s most sustainable hotel. Guests visiting here are impressed by the sustainably grown food and the jungle resort’s natural surroundings.
And the Maldives takes the crown for having the world’s best wellness hotel. The Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is a tropical sanctuary on the Raa Atoll that’s a favourite with Tripadvisor reviewers thanks to its sprawling wellness centre. It also ranked as the number one all-inclusive hotel in the world in the platform’s 2024 Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The nomination comes after almost two years of smashing taboos and blazing a trail for women journalists in one of the most dangerous countries to report the news, where reporters often face shootings, detention and assault. Somali women journalists also face harassment on the streets, abuse at work and exclusion from jobs and career opportunities, but since 2021, Bilan has faced these challenges head on to bring a new voice and new subjects to Somalia’s media.
“Despite the risks, we believe passionately that women deserve a place at the top of journalism,” said Bilan’s Chief Editor, Fathi Mohamed Ahmed. “We know our work is dangerous, but if we don’t speak out about the issues affecting us, who will and how will things ever change?”
“Bilan’s arrival on the Somali media scene is completely unprecedented,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “As well as directly raising important issues for public debate, the quality of their work makes its own case for women playing a key role in media and journalism. This nomination is a recognition of their journalistic talent, commitment and determination.”
Inside Somalia, Bilan’s reports have reached millions via the radio, TV and social media channels of Dalsan Media Group, which hosts Bilan at offices in Mogadishu. Bilan’s reports also appear regularly in international media, including the Guardian, BBC, El País and Toronto Star, raising the profile of Somali women journalists and proving they can compete at the highest levels, even while dealing with challenges that range from discrimination and threats of violence to interviewing high-profile figures with new-born children in tow.
Despite Bilan’s meteoric rise, all of its journalists have faced a difficult road to their current success and their individual stories show how tough it can be for Somali women to make in in journalism. Chief editor Fathi has reported from the scene of terrorist bombings and faced abuse in the streets for going to work while pregnant. Reporter Kiin regularly covers stories about refugees and IDPs but herself grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya. Youngest team member, Shukri faced down intense social disapproval when leaving her home in Baidoa for the first time to work at Bilan in Mogadishu.
“Bilan shows just how baseless traditional stereotypes can be and provides women with a powerful voice for free expression,” said Bilan’s Deputy Chief Editor, Hinda Abdi Mohamoud. “We’ve demonstrated through our work how a group of women journalists can manage a media unit and produce stories that reveal the truth and change lives.”
Index on Censorship’s Freedom of Expression Awards celebrate those who have had significant impact fighting censorship anywhere in the world across four categories: Arts, Campaigning, Journalism and the Trustee award. Winners are honoured at a gala celebration in London and receive financial support.
For more information and to arrange interviews, contact:
Rob Few, UNDP Somalia, Head of Communication robert.few@undp.org (mobile/Whatsapp +44 7947 710 860)
Reporters from Bilan, Somalia’s groundbreaking all-women media team, walk on the streets while reporting in the capital, Mogadishu / Credit: @UNDP Somalia/2023/Fadhaye
Two Saudi students distinguished themselves at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, which took place in Georgia from April 11 to 17. The Olympiad stands as a prestigious international platform tailored for high school girls with a profound enthusiasm for mathematics that extends beyond conventional academic boundaries. This year’s event witnessed the participation of 212 students hailing from 54 different nations.
A bronze medal and certificates of appreciation, respectively, were awarded to Fatimah Hassan Buali from Al-Ahsa and Retaj Al-Saleh from the Eastern Province, who represented Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and the Ministry of Education. This marks the Kingdom’s 12th engagement in the Mathematical Olympiad, showcasing a consistent presence on this global stage. Over the years, Saudi students have amassed a commendable collection of accolades, including two gold, six silver, and 13 bronze medals, alongside seven certificates of appreciation.
Amal bint Abdullah Al-Hazzaa, the Secretary-General of Mawhiba, underscored the significance of the students’ triumphs, emphasizing the cooperation between Saudi institutions and their dedication to nurturing young talents through education and training, aligning with international benchmarks. She commended Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education’s collaboration, noting that both institutions have as their common objective the development of Saudi human resources in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program.
Mawhiba, in close partnership with the Ministry of Education, administers the Mawhiba Program for International Olympiads, meticulously preparing Saudi teams for such competitive arenas. This comprehensive initiative encompasses advanced training modules and curriculum updates that are carefully timed to coincide with Saudi scientific teams’ yearly participation in international contests. The Saudi female participants in the Mathematical Olympiad underwent rigorous training regimes designed to sharpen their scientific acumen, their selection for participation being predicated on their performance in the training sessions convened by Mawhiba.
Somali-origin players Afif and Abdirisaq play pivotal roles in leading Qatar to victory in the AFC Asian Cup.
On Saturday, February 11, 2024, the football world turned its eyes towards a historic clash that would etch the names of Akram Hassan Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq into the records of the AFC Asian Cup lore.
In a match that was anything but ordinary, Qatar’s national team, buoyed by the exceptional talent of its Somali-origin stars clinched their second successive victory in the tournament by overcoming Jordan with a decisive 3-1 win.
Qatar’s triumph was heralded by the remarkable performances of Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq, whose origins trace back to Somalia, showcasing the diverse and rich talent pool contributing to Qatar’s footballing success.
Akram Hassan Afif emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, remarkably netting three penalty goals in the final match.
His prowess on the field and his unique celebration, holding up a letter ‘S’ in honor of his Kuwaiti wife watching from the stands, captured the hearts of fans and ignited discussions across social media platforms.
Afif’s journey from the streets of Doha to becoming a footballing icon is a narrative of determination, skill, and the love for the game.
Yusuf Abdirisaq, on the other hand, fortified Qatar’s defense with his agility and keen sense of play.
Born in Hargeisa, Yusuf’s path to footballing stardom is a tale of resilience and adaptation. Representing Qatar on the international stage, Yusuf’s performance in the Asian Cup final was a clear demonstration of his defensive prowess and his significant role in the team’s success.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions as three penalties were awarded, leading Qatar to victory.
Despite the debates, the focus remained on the skillful play and strategic acumen displayed by the Qatari team, particularly its Somali stars.
The Arab media and international press were lavish in their praise for Qatar’s achievement, with special emphasis on Afif’s scoring feat and Abdirisaq’s defensive mastery.
Their stories of personal and professional triumph resonated well beyond the football pitch, inspiring many young athletes around the world.
Off the field, both players have faced their share of challenges and controversies, such as Abdirisaq’s alleged racial abuse incident, which he and the Qatar Football Association strongly refuted.
Akram Afif, the son of a former Somali national team player, has football in his blood. His journey from Qatar’s youth leagues to becoming a key player for Al Sadd, and on loan from Villarreal, is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring footballers in the Arab world and beyond.
Yusuf Abdirisaq’s story is equally compelling, showcasing the potential for football to change lives and transcend borders. From his early days at Al Sadd SC to his loan at Al-Arabi SC and back, Yusuf’s career trajectory highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by players of diverse backgrounds in the world of professional football.
As Qatar celebrates its second consecutive AFC Asian Cup victory, the contributions of Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq will be remembered as pivotal to this historic achievement.
Their talent, perseverance, and dedication have not only led their team to glory but have also served as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of sport.
The third annual Hollywood Arab Film Festival began this week, bringing the best of 2024’s Arab cinema to Los Angeles and giving fans a chance to see the films in theaters as well as introducing a new audience to the Arab world’s top talent.
The event, which runs until April 21, was attended by a number of celebrity guests including Egyptian producer and screenwriter Mohamed Hefzy, Tunisian actor Dhaffer L’Abidine, renowned Egyptian star Elham Shahin and Egyptian producer Tarek El-Ganainy.
At the event, Hefty said: “Arab cinema really needs a platform to tell our stories and to show who we are, our identity, our hopes and dreams, our pains, and all the different social topics that are tackled in some of the films that are being presented are maybe more relevant today than ever. So I think it’s a great opportunity to have this dialogue.”
Hefzy’s film “Hajjan” was showing at the event. It is a Saudi Arabia-based film directed by Egyptian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky.
“Hajjan is a film about a young boy who got a very special connection to his camel, who has a brother who was a camel jockey and races,” Hefzy said. “And, one day when something really unexpected happens to his brother, and shatters his world, it forces him to step into his brother’s shoes and become a camel jockey, and so starts racing himself.”
The movie is a co-production between the Kingdom’s King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, and Hefzy’s Film Clinic.
“It was a film made in Saudi Arabia with Saudi talents and actors with an Egyptian director, but with the Saudi co-writer and Saudi actors and shot mostly in Saudi Arabia,” Hefzy said. “So I think it’s, it was a great experience, and learned a lot about Saudi Arabia, learned a lot about the culture.”
The festival featured cinema from various Arab countries, presenting films from 16 different nations. Marlin Soliman, strategic planning director of HAFF, highlighted the inclusion of six feature films, ten short films and six student films.
Spanning five days, HAFF offered its audience a vibrant experience, including a red-carpet affair, panel discussions on filmmaking and diversity in Hollywood, and, of course, screenings of high-profile films.
The festival also saw several filmmakers singing the praises of Saudi Arabia’s expanding film industry.
L’Abidine, the writer and director of “To My Son,” said: “I’m thrilled to be back again with my second feature film ‘To My Son,’ a Saudi film… I think there is a great evolution of Saudi cinema that’s been happening in the last few years.”
Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council handed over the 9th version of Sultan Qaboos Awards for Culture, Arts and Literature to the winners at Al Wahat Club.
This edition is allocated for Omanis in areas of Omani heritage (culture category), theatre teams (arts category), and article (literature category).
The Award’s handing over ceremony included a speech for the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science delivered by Habib bin Mohammed al Riyami, chairman of the centre during which he reviewed the march of the awards since its inception. He also congratulated the winners.
Harith bin Mohammed al Batashi won the first place in the culture category for his investigation conducted on the book of Sheikh Said bin Khalfan Al Khalili. Al Dann Theatre Team won the first place in the theatre teams category whereas the writer Dr Muna Hibras al Sulaimi won the the first place in the literature category.
During the event, fields of the 10th edition of the awards which will be dedicated for Omanis, as well as Arabs were unveiled. They include media and communication (culture category), cinema production (arts category), and novel (literature category).
Far from being a forgotten tradition, Al Sadu is a centuries-old practice that is perpetuated and reinvented in Arabia.
Historically, Al Sadu met the needs of nomadic life. Women used available resources – sheep’s wool, goat’s and camel’s hair – to create robust textiles, essential for survival in arid environments. Their method, based on rudimentary floor looms, produced tight, durable fabrics characterized by geometric patterns that reflected the environment and culture of their creators.
Al Sadu production begins with shearing the wool and collecting the hair, followed by thorough cleaning to remove impurities. The yarns are then dyed with bright colors derived from local plants and spices, such as henna, turmeric, saffron, aloe and indigo. Weaving is done on traditional looms made from palm or jujube wood.
It also has significant cultural importance, recognised by UNESCO. Kuwaiti Sadu was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia.
Keeping the art alive
Once the preserve of nomadic tribes, this time-honored art is now being revitalized by young designers. In Kuwait , for example, with the aim of perpetuating this heritage, designers are collaborating with Bayt Al-Sadu and specialist researchers. The aim of this collaboration is to develop unique art exhibitions that showcase this nationally recognised culture.
Bayt Al Sadu, or the House of Sadu, is a museum dedicated to the traditional textiles of Kuwait. It is dedicated to the preservation, documentation and promotion of Bedouin textile heritage, ranging from nomadic weaving to urban weaving styles.
A study conducted by Manal Alkhazi at the University of Southampton among 120 young Kuwaiti women aged between 15 and 21 from the six districts of Kuwait revealed that 48.3% of young Kuwaitis interviewed in an electronic survey had Sadu garments at home. In addition, 69.2% of those questioned said they knew the basic Sadu colors.
The ‘Limbo’ star will be acting alongside Pierce Brosnan as they follow the story of famed boxer Prince Naseem.
Egyptian actor Amir El Masry is set to star in a biopic of legendary British Yemeni boxer Naseem Hamed, titled ‘Giant’. The movie will tell the story of Hamed’s humble beginnings in the English city of Sheffield, and his meteoric rise to becoming a world champion. Throughout his career, he is coached by former steel worker Brendan Ingle, who is played by Irish actor and ‘James Bond’ star Pierce Brosnan.
Also known as Prince Naseem or ‘Naz’, Hamed also became an icon of showmanship, with his inimitable southpaw boxing style and quick feet, his high rate of knock-out victories, and his elaborate ring entries, arriving on a ‘flying carpet’ suspended from the ceiling and often somersaulting over the ropes.
The casting of El Masry to play Hamed marks his first starring role in a major film production, though he has already landed several major parts in acclaimed series such as ‘The Night Manager’, BAFTA-nominated ‘The State’, and the fifth season of ‘The Crown’, in which he played a young Mohamed Al Fayed. He is also known for his award-winning role in ‘Limbo’, as well as his appearances in ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ and Egyptian series ‘El-Brinseesa Beesa’.
