Author: ArabianRecords.org

MAURITANIA / U.A.E, SHARJAH honours four prominent figures of Mauritanian literature

Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, witnessed a formal and cultural celebration that reinforced the values of loyalty to creative figures and affirmed their status.

The event was held as part of the 23rd edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum, organised by the Sharjah Department of Culture in cooperation with the Mauritanian Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament.

Four prominent figures of Mauritanian literature were honoured in recognition of their contributions to enriching cultural life: poet Mohamed Fall Abdel Latif, linguistics academic Dr Yahya Al Hashemi, language researcher Dr Mohamedou Ameen, and poet Mohamed Al Hafiz Ould Ahmedou.

The forum reflects the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah to honour literary figures who have contributed to contemporary Arab culture. This marks the fourth time the forum is held in Mauritania, where it has previously recognised 12 Mauritanian creatives over past editions.

The award ceremony took place at the Conference Hall in Nouakchott, in the presence of Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; El Houssein Ould Meddou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament in Mauritania; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department; the Governor of Nouakchott-West on behalf of the Mayor of Tevragh-Zeina Municipality; as well as a large audience of Mauritanian intellectuals, academics, writers, and the honourees’ families.

In his speech, Abdullah Al Owais highlighted the significance of the sustained cultural collaboration between Sharjah and Mauritania, saying, “We are pleased to meet today at this distinguished cultural event, which continues the journey of cooperation between the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament. This partnership has led to numerous cultural activities that support Arab culture and reinforce the role of thought and creativity in our Arab societies.”

El Houssein Ould Meddou welcomed the attendees and expressed his sincere thanks and deep gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, saying, “I am honoured to be with you today at this distinguished cultural gathering, celebrating this radiant forum and noble initiative. At the outset, I am pleased to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah – this cultured leader who has dedicated his efforts, intellect, and time to serving the Arabic language and its literature, and to supporting the cause of culture and intellectuals throughout our Arab world.”

The honourees expressed their deep gratitude for the recognition, which they considered a badge of pride and an acknowledgment of their cultural and creative journeys. They noted that the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum represents a civilised model for celebrating Arab intellectuals and affirms the Emirate’s unwavering commitment to supporting thought and creativity across the Arab world.

They praised the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah in establishing culture as a pillar of development and identity. They emphasised that this recognition is not merely a personal honour, but a celebration of Arab culture and its creative figures across various fields.
WAM

source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)

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MAURITANIA / SHARJAH, U.A.E

SAUDI ARABIA : Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing”

The corridors and courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque feature “unique sites and exhibitions that enrich the visitor experience, offering historical and cultural insights that reflect Islamic heritage and Madinah’s hospitality,” according to an article published by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

A key attraction is the Architectural Evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque exhibition, located on the southern courtyard opposite exits 308 and 309, which uses interactive displays to highlight the mosque’s architectural development. It is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Opposite exits 306 and 307 is the International Exhibition of the Prophet’s Biography. Open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, it offers “a contemporary presentation of Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings.”

The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing.”

The mosque’s library, at gate 10 on the western side, is open 24 hours a day and includes sections on manuscripts, rare books, audio archives, and art collections.

Near Uthman Gate, the Manuscripts and Rare Books Department serves researchers and enthusiasts. It houses more than 4,000 original manuscripts, nearly 60,000 digital copies, 4,600 photocopies, and 450 different editions of the Qur’an. It operates in two shifts: 8 a.m.–noon and 4–8 p.m.

“Together, these exhibitions and centers enhance the cultural and educational value of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, offering pilgrims a more enriching experience,” the SPA stated.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The exhibitions enrich the visitor experience with historical and cultural insights reflecting Islamic heritage. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

EGYPT : Remembering Amal Farid: The face of innocence in Egyptian golden-age cinema

19 June marks 7th death anniversary of Amal Farid (1938-2018), an iconic Egyptian actress who captured hearts with her elegance and innocence.

Amal Farid was born on 12 February 1938 in Cairo’s Abbassiya district.

Farid’s career was launched at the hands of Baba Sharo (Mohamed Mahmoud Shaaban) in the early 1950s, when she was hired to work on his children’s radio show.

She was recommended by writers Mostafa Amin and Anis Mansour to appear in her first movie Mawed Maa El-Saada (A Date with Happiness), with mega star Faten Hamama in 1954.

This was soon followed by roles alongside the greatest stars of her time—most notably Abdel Halim Hafez, with whom she shared the screen in the classic film Layali El-Hob (Nights of Love, 1955), marking beginning of a connection that stirred rumors of a relationship between the two.

The starlets for whom Abdel-Halim sang in movies were very few. Amal Farid was among them, however, and she was envied by almost every girl in the Arab world for decades after Abdel-Halim sang Kefaya Norak Alaya in the film, where he and Farid danced in an iconic romantic scene.

Farid said in interviews that it was Abdel-Halim who asked for her by name to star alongside him in the movie.

Farid, who was known for her elegant and convincing acting style, worked most frequently alongside Ahmed Ramzy and the famous comedian Ismail Yassin.

She was fortunate to find directors who were able to utilise her talent in various roles. Such directors include Fateen Abdel-Wahab, Salah Abou Seif, Kamal El-Sheikh and Hussein Helmy El-Mohandes.

Farid was not always the main starlet in movies, but her presence was always felt, and she always made her mark with her convincing performance.

Director Henry Barakat brought Farid out of the pure girl role in Banat El-Yom (1957), where she embodied the personality of a spoiled, selfish girl. In the film, she provokes the hatred of the audience when she tries to spoil her sister’s love affair a nobleman played by Abdel-Halim, whom she accuses of trying to rape her out of jealousy.

The role was a surprise when the movie came out in 1957, but critics appreciated her performance and recognised the talented, capable and credible actress.  

Farid’s filmography includes Banat El-Yom (1957), Seraa Maal Hayat (1957), Min Agl Emraa (1959), Ismail Yassin Fil Tayaran (1959), Banat Bahri (1961), Zekrayat El-Talmaza (1965), and Geziret El-Oshak (1968).

Farid gave up on her acting career in the late 1960s and moved to live with her husband in Moscow. She returned to Egypt a decade later and received a number of smaller roles, but her film career never picked up with the same strength.

Farid spent her final years in a home for the elderly in Cairo, and went through surgery months before her passing on 19 June 2018 at the age of 80. 

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi transport chief Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih elected MENA president of global body

Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih was selected in a vote during the International Association of Public Transport’s summit in Hamburg

Al-Rumaih was selected for his expertise in developing modern transport systems, leading national projects and representing Saudi Arabia in international forums

The acting president of Saudi Arabia’s Public Transport Authority has been elected president of the International Association of Public Transport for the MENA region.

Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih was selected in a vote during the association’s summit in Hamburg, Germany, this week. He will occupy the role until 2028.

Al-Rumaih was selected for his expertise in developing modern transport systems, leading national projects and representing Saudi Arabia in international forums, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Having previously served as CEO of the Saudi Railway Company and president of the Transport General Authority, Al-Rumaih has a track record of working to improve the sustainability and quality of transport in urban settings.

“I am delighted to be with you today, and to start this new phase of work with a distinguished team that brings together a number of leaders and professionals,” he said during the conference.

“I believe that public transport is not just about infrastructure, but about experience, justice, accessibility, and sustainability.

Al-Rumaih highlighted the success of the Riyadh Metro system, which became fully operational earlier this year.

He said that the metro is witnessing high rates of usage and is changing commuter behavior in the capital.

“When we provide appropriate transportation services that are clean, safe, accessible, and reliable, people respond to and adapt to them,” he said.

Al-Rumaih also spoke about how building sustainable and people-centered transport systems requires collaboration between governments, operators, the private sector, and civil society.

“The International Association of Public Transport has always been a driver of this collaboration and will grow in importance in the years to come.”

Al-Rumaih also highlighted the findings of the MENA Transport Report 2025, which assessed trends in the industry in 40 cities across 14 countries in the region.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih. (Screengrab)

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SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI, U.A.E. : PCFC and Government of Ghana Sign MoU to Establish an Economic Zone & Digital Incubator in Accra

Sultan bin Sulayem: PCFC is a key contributor to Dubai’s knowledge and innovation-based economy, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33

Samuel Nartey George: This partnership will position Ghana as a regional hub for technological advancement in Africa

The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Government of Ghana have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Ghana’s first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to accelerate the country’s transformation into a regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.

Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometer area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone’s operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. The MoU also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone.

H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s global outreach and sharing Dubai’s pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. “This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC’s role as a key contributor to Dubai’s knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai’s status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation”.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana’s trust in PCFC’s expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. “This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana’s industrial and technological infrastructure”.

Hon. Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana’s economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. “This initiative aligns with Ghana’s vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.”

PCFC will implement and manage the advanced digital infrastructure in the zone to support the growth of local and regional businesses across Africa. The project will provide a robust platform for innovation, investment opportunities that empower global and local expansion.

Dedicated teams from both countries specializing in AI and investment will manage the zone, fostering innovation, business growth and regional connectivity. The collaboration aims to empower local communities, traders, and investors, driving inclusive and sustainable economic progress across the continent.

The partnership marks a major milestone in fostering international partnerships that advance technology and economic development, positioning Ghana at the forefront of Africa’s digital future.

source/content: emirates247.com (headline edited)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ARAB Excellence & New Records in Dubai Open Swimming Championship 2025

The Championship, which was held with participation of huge numbers of Olympic & world champions, took place at Hamdan Sports Complex and organized by Hamilton Aquatics and ESM Academy in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, as part of the Council’s policy to attract & develop sports talents, and in line with Dubai Government’s vision to attract & develop talents in all fields.

The Arab male & female swimmers have attained new records at the level of their national federations during this Championship. In this regard, the Tunisian swimmer Habiba Belghaith has set a new Tunisian record in the 50 M breaststroke (women’s category) with a time of 32.35 seconds, surpassing the previous Tunisian record of 32.68 seconds which was achieved by her compatriot Sara Lajnef.

Tara Aloul of Jordan finished the 200 M race (women’s individual category) within a time of 2:24.78 minutes to break her previous record of 2:25.56 minutes.

Zaid Al-Saraj from Saudi Arabia has attained a new Saudi national record in the 50 M freestyle (men’s category) with a time of 23.22 seconds, surpassing the previous record of his compatriot Yousef Bu Arish with 23.35 seconds.

The Lebanese swimmer Lynn Al-Hajj achieved a new record for the Lebanese open swimming in the 200 M breaststroke (women’s category), as she recorded 2:32.74 minutes, breaking her previous record of 2:33.22 minutes.

The British Olympic champion Ben Praud secured 1st place in the 50 M freestyle with a time of 21.99 seconds. The Switzerland’s Noé Pont, the bronze medalist in the 100 M butterfly at Tokyo Olympics 2020 and three-time world champion, has opened his 2025 season by setting a new world record of 22.83 seconds in the 50 M butterfly during the Championship.  

The Lebanese swimmer Lamar Al-Hajj from Decathlon Club was named as the Best Junior Female Swimmer, while Santiago Valbuena from Dhahran Youth Swimming Club in Saudi Arabia won the Best Junior Male Swimmer’s Award. The All-Stars Swimming Academy from the UAE claimed the Best Junior Club’s Title.

The Netherland’s Tessa Jelly from Feyenoord Albion Swimming Club won the best swimmer’s title in the women’s open category, besides the short distances’ title. The Netherlands’ Shawn Nieuwold from Feyenoord Albion Swimming Club won the best swimmer’s title in the men’s open category, and gained the short distances’ title. “My Swim Club” from Dubai won the Best Club’s title in the Open Category.

Distinctive Participation:

Dubai Open Swimming Championship was held with distinctive participation of 1,294 male & female swimmers who competed in 136 different races in juniors & professionals categories, represented 122 global clubs of 30 countries from the various continents of the world; these are: Algeria, Oman, Australia, Pristina, Azerbaijan, Qatar, Bahrain, Romania, Belarus, Russia, Egypt, Scotland, England, Serbia, Estonia, Seychelles, Faroe Islands, South Africa, India, Switzerland, Iran, Tanzania, Jordan, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Lebanon, Uganda, in addition to the UAE.

Olympic Champions:

The Championship witnessed participation of elite of Olympic champions & world record’s holders, besides group of elite of swimmers from various countries of the world, and therefore the event has become one of the top competitive swimming championships. Among the prominent participants in this Championship were the British Olympic champion Duncan Scott, winner of 8 Olympic medals & 20 global medals / the Swiss Noy Bonte, who gained Olympic bronze medal and 19 world medals / the British world champion Ben Praud, the winner of Paris Olympics 2024 silver medal besides 29 world medals / the Canadian Marie-Sophie Harvey, winner of 21 world medals /Lara Van Niekerk, winner of two world medals.

source/content: emirates247.com (headline edited)

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ARAB

ARABIAN GULF : Gulf Statistician: GCC countries’ estimated spending to reach $542.1 billion by 2025

 The estimated budget expenditures of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for the current year 2025 amounted to USD 542.1 billion, while the estimated government revenues reached USD 487.8 billion, while the estimated deficit reached USD 54.3 billion, according to data issued by the GCC-Stat.


The GCC-Stat indicated that government revenues in the GCC countries are directly affected by the movement of global oil prices, as oil revenues constitute the largest proportion of financial resources. Countries follow a conservative approach in calculating the break-even oil price to estimate their general budgets to avoid international economic fluctuations and fluctuations in global oil prices.

Government revenues are expected to remain relatively stable, with oil prices remaining at moderate to high levels.


Most GCC countries have projected an increase in their spending in 2025 compared to their 2024 estimates. Increased spending is a determinant of growth in the GCC economies in general, directed toward completing infrastructure projects and stimulating growth in certain economic sectors, with the aim of implementing strategic development plans. Meanwhile, GCC countries plan to finance budget deficits through drawing on reserves and domestic and foreign borrowing.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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ARABIAN GULF

SYRIA : Rami Al-Ali becomes first Syrian designer to join France’s Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode

Rami Al-Ali has become the first Syrian designer to join France’s prestigious Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode as a guest member, giving him the chance to showcase his Autumn/Winter 2025 collection on the official haute couture calendar.

The invitation signifies Al-Ali’s entry into fashion’s upper echelons — to qualify, fashion houses must meet rigorous “haute couture” or “high fashion” standards and the title is legally protected under French law.

Al-Ali joins the likes of Chanel, Dior, and Schiaparelli on the official calendar next month. His latest collection will be presented on July 10, according to the provisional calendar.

It is a “historical milestone, celebrating a lifelong devotion to craftsmanship, culture, and creative expression, rooted in heritage and elevated by vision,” the fashion house posted on Instagram.

Originally from Damascus, Al-Ali honed his fashion skills in Dubai and Beirut before founding his label, Rami Al-Ali Couture, in 2001.

His creations have been worn by a variety of celebrities, including Amal Clooney, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Chastain.

Al-Ali’s work has been praised for seamlessly blending his Middle Eastern heritage with Western sensibilities. He is known for designing flowing silhouettes adorned with intricate, playful embellishments—creations that are both timeless and runway-worthy.

Al-Ali is one of just a handful of Arab designers on the official haute couture calendar. The lineup also includes Lebanese designers Georges Hobeika, Elie Saab, and Zuhair Murad, as well as Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi.  

Ashi, founder of Paris-based label Ashi Studio, became the first designer from the Gulf region to join the exclusive group in 2023 as a guest member. His designs have also been worn by global celebrities such as Beyonce, Anna Kendrick, and Jennifer Hudson.

“This appointment is the highlight of my career,” Ashi said in a statement posted on Instagram when the announcement was made in 2023. “I will honor it in the memory of the great couturiers who came before me and whom I now join in the pursuit of this grand tradition of excellence in creativity and savoir-faire. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Rami Al-Ali has become the first Syrian designer to join France’s prestigious Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode as a guest member. (Getty Images)

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SYRIA

LIBYA : Benghazi antiquities team to exhibit 5-million-year-old whale skeleton

The Benghazi Department of Antiquities is preparing to begin restoration and display work on a whale skeleton belonging to the baleen whale group, previously discovered in the Qasr Al-Sahabi area, approximately 100 kilometres south of Ajdabiya.

The department stated that it has formed a scientific team tasked with cleaning and reinforcing the skeleton to preserve its structure ahead of a scientifically sound and safe relocation to its permanent exhibition site.

Officials noted that the discovery will be a significant addition to the city’s future museum and will help raise environmental and scientific awareness among visitors and enthusiasts.

The fossilized skeleton is estimated to be around five million years old, dating back to the Miocene epoch, making it one of the rarest geological discoveries in the region.

source/content: libyaobserver.ly (headline edited)

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LIBYA

EGYPT : Hesham Nazih to Compose Score of Marvel’s New Series ‘Eyes of Wakanda’

The Egyptian composer is once again working with Marvel Studio following his score on ‘Moon Knight’.

News of a second season of ‘Moon Knight’ may be scarce, but it doesn’t mean Marvel Studios has stepped away from tapping Egyptian talent to tune up their work. Award winning composer Hesham Nazih has been selected to write the score for Marvel Studios’ newest animated series ‘Eyes of Wakanda’.

Nazih’s score for the 2022 live action series ‘Moon Knight’ received international attention for incorporating elements of Egyptian musical heritage into a modern orchestral framework, and has received multiple nominations and awards, including Best Original Score for a Television Series at the 2023 International Film Critics Award.

He also composed the music for Egypt’s Pharaohs’ Golden Parade in 2021, and has worked on a number of Egyptian blockbusters including ‘Kira & El Gin’, ‘Welad El Rizk’, ‘The Blue Elephant’, ‘The Originals’, and ‘Ibrahim Labyad’. He was the first composer to have ever received the Faten Hamama Excellence Award by the Cairo International Film Festival in 2018.

‘Eyes of Wakanda’ is part of Marvel’s animated expansion and is a spin-off from the Black Panther franchise. The series follows Wakandan warriors throughout history as they search for vibranium artefacts across the globe, and is scheduled for release on August 6th, 2025 on the Disney+ streaming platform.

source/content: cairoscence.com (headline edited)

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EGYPT