LIBYAN Boxer Malik Zinad Wins WBA Belt

The Libyan champion boxer, Malik Zinad, also known as The Trigger, won the fight that was held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, against his French counterpart Mickael Diallo, on the belt of the Word Boxing Association (WBA) continental organisation.

The Trigger achieved his 21st consecutive victory, by defeating Diallo in the tenth round of the match. The Trigger’s victory came by the number of points, to be crowned with the “belt of legends.”

In his professional career before this meeting, Zinad fought 20 fights and won 16 by knockout. He achieved four fights by collecting points, and he has not lost any fight so far, achieving several belts, the most important of which are the World Boxing Union (WBU) and WIF, and by this match he was crowned with the WBA belt.

Zinad has held the World Boxing Council (WBC) Mediterranean light heavyweight title since August 2021.

Zinad was born on the 19th of November 1993 in Tripoli, Libya. His father, a former boxer himself, began training him in the sport when he was five, though they practiced in the basement of their home due to Moammar Gaddafi’s ban on boxing.

However, Zinad left his country in 2013 due to the unrest following Gaddafi’s death, eventually settling in the island nation of Malta after his father encouraged him to follow his dreams.

Zinad made his professional debut on the 30th of October 2015, defeating Bogoljub Borišev via second-round technical knockout (TKO) in Attard, Malta.

After signing former world champion Donny Lalonde as his manager, he captured the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) International light heavyweight title in his sixth fight, stopping Attila Palko on the 24th of September 2016.

He defended the belt three months later, knocking out Beka Aduashvili in the German town of Bielefeld to retain. Zinad won the BBO light heavyweight title on the 25th of March 2017, stopping Bosnian journeyman Aleksandar Kuvac in just over a minute. He then upset Jermaine Asare two months later, knocking him out in the first round of their fight at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.

Zinad made his London debut on the 12th of October 2019, dominating Michal Gazdik in two rounds at York Hall.

After compiling a 16–0 record, Zinad beat Russian prospect Timur Nikarkhoev in Brussels on the 28th of March 2021 to collect the vacant IBO Inter-Continental light heavyweight title. In his next fight that August, he scored a third-round TKO over Almir Škrijelj for the vacant WBC Mediterranean light heavyweight title.

source/content: libyareview.com (headline edited)

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pix:en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Malik_Zinad

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LIBYA

SAUDI ARABIA : Wadi Al-Usaylah reveals traces of early Islamic pilgrimage routes

More than 60 inscriptions and two historic wells survive in the valley.

More than 60 early Islamic inscriptions and two historic wells in Wadi Al-Usaylah, northeast of Makkah, are providing archaeologists with a record of early Arabic writing and the pilgrimage routes used by caravans traveling to the holy city.

The six-kilometer-long, two-kilometer-wide valley was historically an important passage for travelers and pilgrim caravans arriving from Iraq and surrounding regions, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency, or SPA.

The inscriptions, carved into mountain rock faces, date to the seventh and eighth centuries — corresponding to the first and second centuries of the Islamic calendar. They include references to figures from the early Islamic period and offer scholars tangible evidence of changes in the form, structure and aesthetic development of early Arabic script.

Water was also essential to sustaining travelers crossing the arid landscape. Successive Islamic rulers established water infrastructure along the route, with two of the valley’s four original historic wells still surviving near the inscribed rock faces. Some of the wells are believed to date to the Abbasid Caliphate.

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites is carrying out a comprehensive preservation program along the corridor to protect the inscriptions and wells from erosion. The effort forms part of wider initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030 to preserve the Kingdom’s archaeological heritage while developing sustainable cultural destinations, SPA reported.

The Wadi Al-Usaylah findings add to a growing body of archaeological evidence documenting the development of writing and human settlement across Saudi Arabia.

In a July 2026 report, SPA said the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve contains thousands of archaeological inscriptions and rock carvings, including Thamudic and Nabataean writings as well as depictions of animals, hunting scenes and aspects of daily life. More than 400 archaeological and historical sites have been documented across the reserve, with some remains dating as far back as 8,000 BC.

Najran provides another extensive record of the evolution of writing in the Arabian Peninsula. In a September 2024 report, SPA described the UNESCO-listed Hima Cultural Area as a vast outdoor museum containing rock carvings and inscriptions in Ancient South Arabian, Thamudic and Islamic scripts.

Archaeological surveys in Najran have documented inscriptions from different periods, including tribal markings and writings in Thamudic, Sabaean, Himyarite and early Islamic scripts. The accompanying rock art depicts people, camels, horses, ibexes, hunting scenes and battles, offering clues to ancient communities and their material culture, SPA reported.

The continuity and development of Arabic writing are also illustrated by a bilingual inscription discovered and documented in 2024 in Alqan village in the Tabuk Region. According to an SPA report, the inscription dates to the fifth century AD and contains two lines in Thamudic script and one in early Arabic.

The Heritage Commission said the Tabuk discovery provided evidence that Thamudic writing continued to be used alongside early Arabic during the fifth century. It also offered new insights into the coexistence of the two writing traditions and the development of Arabic letter forms.

Together, such discoveries underscore the archaeological value of Saudi Arabia’s mountains, valleys and desert landscapes as repositories of written history. They also highlight the importance of systematic documentation and preservation to protect inscriptions and other remains from erosion and other threats while making them accessible for scientific research and cultural tourism.

For Wadi Al-Usaylah, the combination of early Islamic inscriptions and surviving water infrastructure provides a particularly important glimpse into the networks that connected travelers and pilgrims with Makkah during the formative centuries of Islam.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The inscriptions, carved into mountain rock faces, date to the seventh and eighth centuries — corresponding to the first and second centuries of the Islamic calendar. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

QATAR tops GCC Games Doha 2026 with record 134 medals

The 4th GCC Games Doha 2026 concluded on a high note after 12 days of competition, with Qatar finishing top of the medal table.

Qatar topped the medal table with a record 134 medals — 48 gold, 50 silver and 36 bronze — the country’s best-ever performance at the Gulf Games.

The achievement crowned a successful 4th GCC Games Doha 2026, which concluded on Friday, 22 May, marked by strong regional participation and high organisational standards.

Mohammed bin Yousef Al Mana, First Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, described the event as “an outstanding success on both organisational and sporting levels.”

He said the Games reflected the strong ties between Gulf nations under the slogan “One Gulf, One Heart”, adding that they helped strengthen unity and friendship among young people across the region.

Al Mana also noted that Qatar had once again demonstrated its ability to host major international sporting events to the highest standards, citing its advanced infrastructure and extensive organisational experience.

Al Mana credited the support of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, for contributing to the success of the event.

He also thanked participating delegations, organisers, volunteers and supporters for delivering what he described as a memorable edition of the regional event.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director General of the Organising Committee, said the Games represented “an exceptional Gulf sporting event that reflected the remarkable development achieved by sport across the GCC countries”.

He highlighted the role of collective teamwork and continuous coordination among all organising committees, alongside strong cooperation from participating delegations.

“We were committed from the beginning of the preparations to delivering an exceptional edition that reflects Qatar’s organisational capabilities and extensive expertise in hosting major sporting events. We succeeded in achieving this objective through professional organisation, world-class sports facilities, and outstanding competitive atmospheres,” Sheikh Khalifa said.

He added that the Games showcased emerging Gulf talent and reinforced core sporting values, noting: “What we witnessed in terms of sportsmanship and fair competition among the athletes reflects the true values of Gulf sport and confirms the deep brotherly relations that unite the peoples of the GCC countries”.

Sheikh Khalifa also praised the efforts of organisers, volunteers and supporting entities, as well as the strong public turnout and media coverage, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to advancing Gulf sport and supporting athletes in future regional and international competitions.

source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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QATAR

SYRIA : Art Week Syria launches inaugural edition in Damascus

  • 47 artists over 8 days for film, music, talks, workshops
  • Building a vital ecosystem, says founder Line Kouwatli

Art Week Syria opens its first edition in Damascus on Friday, bringing together around 47 Syrian artists across generations at Massar Rose for eight days of exhibitions, film, music, talks and workshops.

The multidisciplinary platform runs until Sept. 18 and spans painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, installation and mixed media, offering an overview of artistic practice connected to the Syrian Arab Republic and its wider cultural landscape, organizers said.

It was founded by Line Kouwatli, who said the aim was to build “a serious and lasting platform and ecosystem for Syrian art.”

“There is an extraordinary depth of artistic practice connected to Syria, across generations and across geographies,” she said, adding that the intention was to open conversations between artists, collectors, institutions and audiences domestically and internationally.

The edition includes a photography exhibition curated by French-Syrian photographer Ammar Abd Rabbo, featuring Syrian photographers who documented the country’s recent history.

Massar Rose, on the banks of the Barada River, was chosen for its unfinished contemporary architecture, which organizers described as a setting rooted in Damascus while engaging with the conditions of current artistic production.

An invitation-only opening ceremony takes place on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by a private preview on Saturday for collectors, cultural professionals and invited guests, with selected works available for acquisition.

Exhibitions open to the public from Sept. 13 to 18, with talks, screenings and workshops running throughout the week.

source/content: arabnews.com (headlines edited)

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Art Week Syria opens its first edition in Damascus on Friday. (Supplied)

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SYRIA

JORDAN : Crown Prince honours scholars participating in Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought conference

Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the Regent, on Wednesday honoured a number of leading Islamic scholars participating in the 19th General Conference of the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought (RABIIT), in appreciation for their efforts to defend Islamic causes.

During the ceremony, held at Al Husseiniya Palace and attended by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Hashim and Prince Ghazi, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, and RABIIT’s chairman of the board of trustees, the Crown Prince presented Royal medals to a number of scholars and RABIIT fellowship certificates to others, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Royal Highness presented the Order of Al Nahda of the First Degree on Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayya of the United Arab Emirates, and the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the First Degree on Osman Bakar of Malaysia, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saud al Siyabi of Oman, and Ahmed Shawki Benbin of Morocco.

The Crown Prince presented fellowship certificates to Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Jordan’s Awqaf Minister Mohammad Khalaileh, holder of the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Al Suyuti’s Work Abdul Rahman Ammoura, holder of the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Ghazali’s Work Mustafa Abu Sway, holder of the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Al Nawawi’s Work Ahmad Al Zoubi, holder of the Integral Chair for the Study of Imam Al Razi’s Work Farouk Hassan, scholar of Islamic sciences and consultant psychiatrist Mostafa Al Badawi, and researcher and academic specialising in Islamic studies and Sufism Dunja Rašić.

The conference, taking place in Amman over three days under the title The Ummah’s Priorities for the Next 25 Years (2026-2050), brings together a select group of scholars and researchers from various schools of thought, and from Muslim and non-Muslim countries, to discuss contemporary Islamic issues and offer insights and solutions.

More than 70 scholars from the Royal Aal al-Bayt Academy are taking part in the conference, representing institutions from all Islamic sects, schools of thought, and intellectual traditions across 30 countries.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, and Director of the Office of the Crown Prince Zaid Baqain attended the ceremony.

source/content: jordantimes.com (headline edited)

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HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the Regent, honours a number of leading Islamic scholars participating in the 19th General Conference of the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, in appreciation for their efforts to defend Islamic causes (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

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JORDAN

SAUDI ARABIA : Hajjathon draws 405 applicants to develop innovative pilgrim services

Technology and artificial intelligence were the most popular of the four tracks, attracting 168 entries, followed by healthcare with 144.

More than 400 applicants have joined the fourth Hajjathon, an innovation initiative aimed at developing practical solutions to improve services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors.

The first stage of Hajjathon, held as part of the 26th Scientific Forum for Hajj, Umrah and Visit Research, attracted 405 applicants, including 304 women and 101 men.

Technology and artificial intelligence were the most popular of the four tracks, attracting 168 entries, followed by healthcare with 144.

The awareness and crowd management track received 69 entries, while engineering and infrastructure recorded 24.

Wadi Makkah Technology Co., the investment arm of Umm Al-Qura University, is participating as the forum’s innovation sponsor.

The company said its involvement aims to support the development of creative ideas into scalable projects and solutions that can strengthen the Hajj and Umrah services ecosystem and improve the experience of pilgrims and visitors. 

It is also seeking to promote the use of emerging technologies and AI in developing services, in line with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.

The forum will be organized by Umm Al-Qura University through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Hajj and Umrah Research on Sept. 2 and 3 under the theme “Excellence and Integration in the Hajj and Umrah Services Ecosystem.”

Mentoring sessions for Hajjathon began on Aug. 18 as part of the initiative’s second stage.

The sessions were designed to help participants refine their ideas, better understand challenges within their respective tracks and develop solutions using scientific and innovative approaches.

Participants also received technical and specialist guidance, aimed at helping them develop projects that can improve service quality, raise operational efficiency and enhance the overall experience of pilgrims and visitors.

The mentoring stage is also intended to strengthen links between academic expertise and operational needs by moving promising ideas closer to practical implementation.

Organizers said Hajjathon serves as a platform to attract creative talent and encourage participants to develop solutions to challenges linked to Hajj, Umrah and visits, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative supports research, development and innovation while contributing to efforts to improve services for pilgrims and visitors in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Program. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Shaheen project by female Students from King Abdulaziz University’s College of Computing and Information Technology wins first place in the Hajj and Umrah Transport Management Technologies Track at the second “Hajjathon” Challenge in 2024. (X: @kauedu_sa)

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SAUDI ARABIA

EGYPTIAN Researcher Hany Saber El Beheiry Wins Japan’s Outstanding Presentation Award for Groundbreaking Meteor Detection Technique

Egyptian researcher Hany Saber El Beheiry, a PhD student at Kochi University of Technology in Japan, has achieved a remarkable international scientific milestone by winning the Outstanding Presentation Award at Japan’s largest Earth sciences conference, outperforming more than 1,000 researchers from around the world. 

El Beheiry successfully developed a highly precise technique for detecting meteors and fireballs that could pose a threat to Earth. The Egyptian researcher explained that his study is based on analyzing infrasound waves generated when meteoroids penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and integrating them with seismic waves recorded by ground-based monitoring stations.

Speaking via Zoom on the television program Masr Tastate (Egypt Can), hosted by Ahmed Fayek on DMC TV, El Beheiry explained that infrasound waves are an exceptionally powerful monitoring tool. Because they propagate through the atmosphere at very low frequencies, they can travel thousands of kilometers without significant attenuation.

He added, “The new technique outperforms conventional cameras and optical observation systems, which often fail to detect meteors during daylight hours. By relying on acoustic monitoring, our method enables accurate, around-the-clock detection both day and night making it a more powerful and effective tool for tracking these violent cosmic phenomena, which can illuminate the night sky for only a few seconds while causing measurable geological effects.”

Reflecting on his award-winning achievement, El Beheiry noted that the conference attracted more than 9,000 participants, with approximately 1,000 researchers competing for the award. He emphasized that the prize is not awarded solely for presentation skills but is based on a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an international panel of judges. The assessment considers several rigorous criteria, including the scientific significance of the research, the accuracy and consistency of the results, the quality of the presentation, and the ability to answer complex scientific questions with clarity and rigor.

Despite the conference’s international nature and the participation of researchers from around the world, El Beheiry explained that the strongest competition came from researchers in East Asia particularly Japan and China given that the conference was held in Tokyo. Nevertheless, the Egyptian researcher won the award in his category, demonstrating the excellence of Egyptian scientists on the international stage while contributing a more advanced early-warning tool to help protect humanity against potential extraterrestrial hazards. 

El Beheiry spoke about his scientific journey, the challenges he faced, and the secret behind the success of Egyptian researchers abroad.

El Beheiry, who works as an assistant researcher at the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics and is a graduate of the Faculty of Science at Mansoura University, expressed his deep pride in his affiliation with Egypt’s scientific institutions. He emphasized that Egyptian researchers who pursue their studies abroad discover the strength of their scientific capabilities and academic foundations, which enables them to compete strongly for prestigious international awards.

The researcher credited his success to professors at Egyptian universities and research institutes, describing the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics as “a great scientific institution that is home to outstanding professors.” He also pointed out that many of his colleagues have won prestigious international awards thanks to the solid academic foundation they received in Egypt.

Discussing the challenges of living and studying in Japan, El Beheiry explained that having previously earned his master’s degree in Japan and having lived there for more than three years made it easier for him to adapt to the culture. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the initial difficulties he faced, particularly the long and demanding working hours. He said he eventually adapted to the strict work environment and became capable of working and achieving results under different pressures and circumstances.

El Beheiry also highlighted the absence of the “fatherly and family-like” relationship between professors and students that is characteristic of Egypt. He explained that his Japanese supervisor, Professor Yamamoto, provides him with tremendous scientific and practical support and guides him as a “great mentor,” whom he considers a father figure, but “within the framework of work only.”

The researcher added that the Japanese work environment is characterized by fewer personal emotions and a strong emphasis on professionalism, with communication largely limited to the workplace and no meetings or social relationships outside it, reflecting the principle of “work is work.”

source/content: egypttoday.com (headline edited)

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pix: facebook.com / egypttoday

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EGYPT

DUBAI, U.A.E: DMCC launches tokenised world-record 1,971kg silver bar under VARA framework

DMCC has launched the world’s largest silver bar as the first tokenised commodity asset under the DMCC-VARA tokenisation framework, enabling eligible investors to acquire fractional digital interests linked to the 1,971kg Guinness World Record asset.

Tokinvest, a Dubai-based platform regulated by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), will issue the interests as an Asset-Referenced Virtual Asset (ARVA), with tokens deployed on BNB Chain. Regulated secondary-market trading is scheduled to follow the initial issuance, subject to applicable regulatory and platform requirements.

The launch fulfils plans announced at the Dubai Precious Metals Conference in November 2025, where the bar was unveiled following recognition by Guinness World Records. Manufactured in the UAE by SAM Precious Metals from 99.9 percent pure silver, it commemorates 1971, the country’s founding year.

The bar is registered and verified through DMCC Tradeflow, which records possession and ownership of commodities stored in UAE-based facilities, and is securely held by Brink’s. Tokinvest will manage the regulated issuance, distribution and subsequent secondary-market trading of the digital interests.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, said, “This launch demonstrates Dubai’s ability to connect established commodities infrastructure with digital technology and specialist expertise.”

He added that DMCC’s work with VARA and industry partners creates practical routes for physical assets to enter the digital economy while retaining a clear connection to the underlying commodity.

Paul Boots, Senior Director and Head of Sector Development at VARA, said, “The Silver Bar ARVA marks an important milestone as the first tokenised commodity asset issued under the DMCC-VARA framework.”

He said the project combines commodities infrastructure, regulated issuance, institutional custody and blockchain technology to turn tokenisation into an investable product.

Scott Thiel, Co-Founder and CEO of Tokinvest, said eligible investors, including retail investors, could access the Silver Bar ARVA through the platform from 7th September, with secondary-market trading expected after issuance.

He said tokenisation broadens access to fractional interests in a unique physical asset, supported by Dubai’s regulatory framework.

Sami Abu Ahmad, Principal CEO of SAM Precious Metals, said the bar reflects the strength of the UAE’s precious metals industry and the significance of 1971. Its tokenisation demonstrates how established infrastructure can support new investment and ownership models, he added.

Nader Antar, Executive Vice President and President of Brink’s Rest of World and Brink’s Global Services (BGS), highlighted the role of secure transportation, vault storage and ongoing custody in protecting the physical asset and supporting confidence in tokenisation.

The launch forms part of DMCC’s strategy to connect commodities, capital and technology. Its business district hosts more than 1,500 gold and precious metals companies, supported by trading, storage, finance and ownership registration services.

The DMCC Tech ecosystem includes more than 4,000 companies, with over 750 members at the DMCC Crypto Centre. These activities are complemented by DMCC FinX, which is developing opportunities in digital trade, tokenised real-world assets and trade finance.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

U.A.E : Amna Almarzooqi represents UAE on A2RL technical team at Italy’s Imola Circuit

Emirati race car mechanic Amna Almarzooqi is taking part as a member of the technical team of the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), which is operated by ASPIRE under the Advanced Technology Research Council, as the championship holds its third edition at Italy’s renowned Imola circuit on Saturday.

Almarzooqi, the only Emirati on the technical team, said her responsibilities focus on the mechanical and technical aspects of the race cars, including preparing them for testing and competition, carrying out inspections and maintenance, and handling technical requirements that arise during track operations with speed and efficiency.

She told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) during preparations for the race, “I am proud of what I am doing in service of my country and of being part of the team taking part internationally outside Abu Dhabi for the first time. I aim to apply my engineering skills to maintaining and developing autonomous Super Formula race cars.”

Almarzooqi added that her role also includes managing and preparing all spare parts and components, overseeing inventory, and ensuring that the required parts and equipment are ready for use during testing and events.

She also works to ensure that all cars are fully prepared and maintained to the highest possible level of uniformity, so that the real challenge remains focused on software and artificial intelligence applications.

Speaking about her career, Almarzooqi said she began after graduating from the Higher Colleges of Technology with a degree in aeronautical engineering, before her passion for advanced technology led her to join ASPIRE and work on racing and Formula projects.

She said she joined A2RL around a year and a half ago, initially working as a car mechanic before her responsibilities expanded to include managing workshop components and spare parts and preparing all components required for use in the cars.

On the main challenges she faces, Almarzooqi said the fast-paced working environment requires a high degree of flexibility and an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether related to the cars or track conditions.

She said taking a project that began in the UAE to Italy represents an important milestone reflecting the success of the Emirati experience.

“I am proud to be part of a team that helps showcase what Abu Dhabi is doing to the world,” she said.

Almarzooqi added that A2RL began in Abu Dhabi and aspires to expand to more international circuits.

“Our goal is to take what we are doing in Abu Dhabi to the world, highlight how Abu Dhabi invests in research and advanced technology, and consolidate its position as a source of innovation in this field,” she concluded.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SOMALIA’s U-17 women make history with record win in first international tournament

Somalia’s football story this week has extended beyond the headlines surrounding World Cup refereeing to a landmark moment for the country’s women’s game.

While attention has focused on Somali referee Omar Artan and reports that he was unable to travel to the United States to officiate at a FIFA tournament — a missed opportunity that would have marked a first World Cup finals involvement for Somalia — the country’s women’s Under-17 team has quietly made history of its own.

Competing at the CECAFA Women’s U-17 Championship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Somalia fielded its first-ever women’s team in an international football competition.

Although the side exited at the group stage, their final match delivered a series of milestones that marked a significant moment for football development in the country.

Somalia recorded the biggest victory in the nation’s football history with an 8–2 win over Sudan and celebrated the first international hat-trick scored by a Somali player in a debut tournament appearance.

Sundus Mohamed scored twice, including Somalia’s first-ever goal in women’s international tournament football, while Najmo Mohamed claimed a hat-trick. Captain Halimo Isse, Maryan Osoble and Hibo Salad also found the net.

Shortly after the match, Somali Football Federation president Ali Abdi Mohamed called the squad to congratulate the players and coaching staff.

“You did well and I was sure you can,” he told the team, while praising captain Halimo Isse for her leadership throughout the tournament.

Reflecting on the wider significance of the team’s debut, Mohamed described the performance as an encouraging sign for the future of women’s football in Somalia.

“Somalia is a developing nation recovering from decades of civil war and we are very new to the women’s football environment, but we are improving,” he said.

“If our first international appearance was such a positive experience, I am sure we are developing and we will do much better in the months and years to come.”

Mohamed also acknowledged support from international football bodies.

“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for their constant financial assistance, education and guidance. Without them we could not have achieved such progress,” he said.

He added that the federation plans to continue investing in the women’s game.

“We have spent significant time, money and energy on women’s football and I am fully committed to increasing our investment. Our women and girls are doing an excellent job and I am very proud of them.”

Somalia’s participation in the tournament has extended beyond the playing squad. Two Somali female match officials — referee Fadumo Mohamed Nor and assistant referee Iqara Ali Ahmed — remain in Tanzania after continuing to receive appointments during the competition.

source/content: horseedmedia.net (headline edited)

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SOMALIA