Author: ArabianRecords.org

Zayed Authority for People of Determination has added a new achievement to the UAE’s international record, following the official recognition by Guinness World Records of the world’s longest chain of lanyards, measuring 663.53 metres.

The record-breaking chain consists of 1,300 lanyards, handcrafted by people of determination, with the participation of 13 national entities that contributed to turning the idea into reality.

This symbolic initiative carries a global message to raise awareness of hidden disabilities, reflecting the Authority’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community understanding of the needs of this group and fostering more inclusive and empathetic environments. The official announcement of the record took place during the Fifth Abu Dhabi Family Forum, in the presence of an international adjudicator from Guinness World Records, and was witnessed by families, institutions, and participating entities.

The project was implemented at the Authority’s Innovation Centre, where people of determination took part in designing, assembling, and coordinating the lanyards, supported by forum partners from national entities. These included: Sheikha Fatima Programme for Excellence and Artificial Intelligence; the Office of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Khalifa bin Zayed Al Awwal School; the Khalifa Empowerment Programme Team “Aqdar”; the National Archives and Library; the Emirates Red Crescent; Little Smarty Nursery; the Emirates Businesswomen Council; Air Arabia; Abu Dhabi Sports Council; the Family Care Authority; Hemaya Schools for Education – Dubai Police; and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The efforts of these entities were integrated across the stages of production, printing, and community support to deliver this unique achievement.

Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Director General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, affirmed that this global record reflects the vision of the wise leadership in establishing an inclusive and sustainable society. He noted that the participation of people of determination in executing the project embodies their creative capabilities and provides them with broader opportunities to excel and contribute to national achievements.

His Excellency added, “This record is not merely a new certificate in the UAE’s achievements register; it is a message that embodies the values of empowerment, respect, and humanity. It affirms that achievements are realised when efforts come together, and that people of determination are capable of achieving the impossible when provided with a supportive environment and committed partners.”

He further emphasised the Authority’s continued commitment to launching high-impact initiatives that highlight the capabilities of people of determination, strengthen their role in the UAE’s development journey, and contribute to new global achievements that reflect national competence and the spirit of determination and perseverance.

The sunflower lanyard is recognised globally as a symbol for raising awareness of hidden disabilities, aiming to enhance community awareness and encourage institutions to provide more understanding and supportive environments for this group.

The forum witnessed strong engagement from families and community members, who followed the moment the record was officially validated in the Guinness World Records registry—an event that reflects the scale of the work accomplished by the Authority and its partners, and highlights the vital role they play in raising community awareness of hidden disabilities.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Morocco won the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup with an action-packed 3–2 victory over Jordan in the final.

Exactly three years on from the unforgettable 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Lusail Stadium once again hosted the coronation of a champion. This time, it was the Arab world that came together in Qatar for the FIFA Arab Cup.

After 29 matches over 18 days, Morocco and Jordan were the last two teams left in contention for the title. The Atlas Lions had previously won the tournament in 2012, while Jordan were appearing in their first Arab Cup final, just a few years after losing the Asian Cup final at the same venue.

Before kick-off, there were concerns that the match would not go ahead at all. An unusually heavy downpour in Doha led to the suspension of the third-place match between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, raising doubts about the final. While several events were cancelled due to the weather, the showpiece match proceeded as planned.

Tens of thousands of fans braved thunderstorms to pack Lusail Stadium, and they were rewarded just minutes into the game. Oussama Tannane opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort from inside Morocco’s own half, giving the Atlas Lions an early lead.

Jordan were unable to find an equaliser before the break, but tournament top scorer Ali Olwan levelled the match just two minutes into the second half with a powerful header. He then put Jordan ahead from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, setting up a dramatic finish.

Morocco’s pressure paid off late on when substitute Abderrazak Hamdallah turned the ball in from close range just three minutes before full time, sending the match into extra time. The veteran striker struck again in the 100th minute, restoring Morocco’s lead. This time, the Atlas Lions held firm to seal a memorable victory.

source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

Dr. Jokha Abdullah Al Shukaili, CEO of Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education, was on Wednesday elected head of the “Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education”, with effect from 1 January 2026, for a period of four years.

Dr. Jokha’s election caps up a professional career full of accomplishments in developing policies and standards of educational quality and academic accreditation, both locally and regionally.

Dr. Jokha takes credit for significantly enhancing the status of the Sultanate of Oman at international forums, thanks an aptitude to espouse the best global practices in ensuring top quality in higher education.

Dr. Jokha also played a major role in consolidating regional and international cooperation through active participation in specialized networks and authorities, in addition to promoting the exchange of experiences with leading global institutions.

Dr. Jokha’s election to the position reflects the great confidence attached to the Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education. It also affirms the prestigious status of national competencies and their ability to lead regional and international initiatives.

The accomplishment also contributes to the realization of the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on building an advanced educational system that supports innovation and scholarly research.

The election of Dr. Jokha to the position constitutes an indicator of the progress made by the Sultanate of Oman in the field of higher education. It reflects Oman’s commitment to apply the best international practices in educational quality assurance and academic accreditation, making Oman’s competitive educational system up-to-date at regional and international levels.

source/content: timesofoman.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

The performance served as a link connecting the region’s past, present, and future, highlighting its profound civilisational heritage.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 kicked off on Monday evening at the Al Bayt Stadium with a stellar opening ceremony that placed great emphasis on the region’s rich culture with various prominent artists.

Loud chants and applause from 61,475 fans echoed across the stadium when Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani entered the venue to inaugurate the major ceremony ahead of the Qatar vs Palestine game.

The 15-minute show then started with the narration of Syrian artist Rashid Assaf and scenes of Jerusalem as well as two doves of peace, echoing Qatar’s support for the Palestinian cause especially in mega events.

The pitch dazzled with Arab patterns and vibrant lights reflecting the region’s culture as the performers came in with the traditional clothes of their home countries. The ceremony told the stories of Arab generations, where each performer from a different country shared a piece of their homeland.

The greater emphasis was still on the region’s united support for the Palestinian cause even in sports, highlighting it as one of the Arab Cup’s key themes. The performance served as a link connecting the region’s past, present, and future, highlighting its profound civilisational heritage.

The appearance of Palestinian singer Rola Azar in her traditional thobe, or embroidered dress, as she stood under the spotlight further emboldened the message of solidarity.

Ahead of the opening FIFA #ArabCup 2025 match between hosts #Qatar and #Palestine, @dohanews spoke to excited fans outside #AlBayt Stadium about who they expect to win the showdown. pic.twitter.com/NGMmPJPZI4

— Doha News (@dohanews) December 1, 2025

Qatar unveils sponsors for Arab Cup and U-17 World Cup 2025

The joint performance of all the Arab countries’ national anthems, an iconic moment reminiscent of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar, was the part that the audience waited for. Azar alongside Lebanese artist Mohamed Chaker made the moment more memorable.

The three-dimensional light shows made the evening more magical as the stadium’s heartbeats pounded louder for the faceoff between Qatar and Palestine—both of which share a strong sense of unity.

Spectators who spoke to Doha News ahead of the match echoed their joint support for both teams, with many carrying the Palestinian and Qatari flags or wearing the keffiyeh and the Qatari football jersey at the same time.

The game later ended with Palestine’s 1-0 victory over Qatar, but celebrations were seen on both sides of the pitch.

Qatar’s Amir also took to his social media to congratulate Palestine’s national team on their win in the opening game.

“We in the State of Qatar are pleased to welcome our Arab brothers to the Arab Cup[…] Congratulations to the Palestinian national team on its victory in today’s opening match,” Sheikh Tamim said on X.

source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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ARAB / Doha, QATAR

Sydney resident Ahmed Al-Ahmed seized rifle from one of the gunmen

Ahmed was shot in hand and arm his family says

PM said Ahmed showed ‘best of humanity’

 Donations for a Sydney man who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach have surged past A$1.1 million ($744,000), as he recovers in hospital after surgery for bullet wounds.

Forty-three-year-old Ahmed Al-Ahmed, a Muslim father-of-two, hid behind parked cars before charging at one of the gunmen from behind, seizing his rifle and knocking him to the ground.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Ahmed’s bravery saved lives.

“What we’ve seen in the last 24 hours was the worst of humanity in a terrorist act. But we also saw an example of the best of humanity in Ahmed Al Ahmed running toward danger, putting his own life at risk,” Albanese told state broadcaster ABC News.

He was shot twice by a second perpetrator, Albanese said. Ahmed’s family said he was hit in the hand and arm.

Australian police on Monday said a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son carried out the attack at a Jewish celebration on Sunday afternoon, killing 15 people in the country’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years.

HAILED A HERO FOR DISARMING THE GUNMAN

Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, told ABC News in an interview that his son was an Australian citizen and sells fruits and vegetables.

“My son is a hero. He served in the police, he has the passion to defend people.”

“When he saw people lying on the ground and the blood, quickly his conscience pushed him to attack one of the terrorists and take away his weapon,” Mohamed Fateh said.

Jozay Alkanji, Ahmed’s cousin, said he had had initial surgery and may need more.

AHMED PICTURED IN HOSPITAL

Tributes have poured in from leaders both abroad and at home.

Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, where Sydney is located, said in a social media post he visited Ahmed at St. George Hospital and conveyed the gratitude of people across the state.

Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.

It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW. pic.twitter.com/3xNBW8vxvZ

— Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) December 15, 2025

“Ahmed is a real-life hero,” his post said. “Thank you, Ahmed.” A photo showed Minns at his bedside, and Ahmed propped on pillows with his left arm in a cast.

US President Donald Trump called Ahmed “a very, very brave person” who saved many lives.

A GoFundMe campaign set up for Ahmed has raised more than A$1.1 million within one day. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman was the largest donor, contributing A$99,999 and sharing the fundraiser on his X account.

SUPPORTERS THANK AHMED FOR SAVING LIVES

Outside St. George Hospital, strangers came to show their support.

Misha and Veronica Pochuev left flowers for Ahmed with their seven-year-old daughter, Miroslava.

“My husband is Russian, my father is Jewish, my grandpa is Muslim. This is not only about Bondi, this is about every person,” Veronica said.

Yomna Touni, 43, stayed at the hospital for hours to offer assistance on behalf of a Muslim-run charity also raising funds for Ahmed.

“The intention is to raise as much money as possible for his speedy recovery,” she said. ($1 = 1.5047 Australian dollars) (Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by Michael Perry, Saad Sayeed, Alexandra Hudson)

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited0

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New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visits Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who was identified on social media as the bystander who hid behind parked cars and seized a rifle from one of the gunmen during the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday, at a hospital in Sydney, Australia, December 15, 2025, in this picture obtained from social media. (@ChrisMinnsMP via X/via Reuters)

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AUSTRALIA / SYRIA