Author: ArabianRecords.org

MOROCCO : ’06th Moroccan Poets Festival’ concludes

The Moroccan Poets Festival concluded its sixth edition after three days of illustrious writing and celebrating the word.

The closing ceremony was held at the National School of Crafts and Arts in Tetouan, in the presence of Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture; Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Department; Rachid Al Mustafa, Head of the Cooperation Department in the Culture Sector at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication; Dr. Youssef Al Fahri, President of the Higher School of Teachers in Martil; Mukhlis Al Sagheer, Director of the House of Poetry in Tetouan; and a large number of writers, intellectuals, and university students.

Al Sagheer pointed out that the Moroccan Poets Festival strives to innovate with each new edition, and to grow in poetry and cultural resonance in the Arab world. He highlighted that the sixth edition enjoyed a prominent official presence, alongside a public audience with a passion for poetry and art.

He explained that the House of Poetry in Tetouan, founded in 2016, affirms its tireless efforts to organise a distinguished seventh edition next year, to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

Participants in the Moroccan Poets Festival agreed that Sharjah has become a pioneering model in supporting Arab culture and actively contributing to shaping a new generation of Arab intellectuals. They emphasised that Sharjah’s cultural, intellectual, and cultural achievements over the past decades were not a coincidence, but rather the result of the broad cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. His Highness believes that culture is the cornerstone of human and societal development.

Participants believe that Sharjah’s experience represents a model to be emulated, as it has not only supported cultural production but has also strived to create an integrated knowledge environment that attracts new generations and instils in them a love of reading, thinking, and criticism. They explained that many young Arabs who have benefited from Sharjah’s cultural experiences have now become prominent voices in the fields of literature, thought, and the arts.

The second day of the festival featured a critical symposium titled “Poetry and the Performing Arts”. The speakers emphasised that when poetry is recited on stage, or combined with movement or music, it transforms into a performance art. This is where what is known as “the poetics of performance” emerges, where poetry emerges from the page and is embodied through the body, voice, gaze, and silence. They noted that at this moment, literature intersects with the live arts, providing the recipient with a multi-sensory artistic experience.

Speakers emphasised the intersection of poetry and performance, where word meets movement, voice meets silence. This is when a magic called the poetics of the performing arts is born; where the poem becomes a vibrant body, and the scene becomes a visual poem that is read by the eye and felt by the heart.

The Moroccan Poets Festival has an exceptional section, bringing the audience together with visually impaired poets at the Taha Hussein Institute in Tetouan, in a poetic and humane moment where poetry met with a number of visually impaired creatives who drew inspiration from life’s features and, from its details, wove their vast worlds.

The festival saw the participation of more than 40 poets, poetesses, intellectuals, and artists amidst a festive atmosphere of poetry and its creators. It honoured 83 students in a poetry writing workshop organised by the House of Poetry in Tetouan, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arabic Language at the Higher Teachers’ School in Martil.

Eighteen students were also honoured in the regional competition for Arabic Language Pioneers, organised by the House of Poetry in collaboration with more than 37 secondary and middle school educational institutions.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

QATAR : By the Nation, For the Nation: Qatar unites through art and AI innovation to mark Qatar National Day—and sets new world record

In collaboration with Google Cloud, Media City Qatar’s initiative, ‘Qatar ArtBeat,’ united the nation’s voices to create a groundbreaking AI-generated artwork.

Qatar National Day marks the unification of the nation in 1878—a defining moment in its history. Celebrated annually on December 18, it is a day to honour Qatar’s rich heritage and look ahead to its boundless aspirations for the future.

At Media City Qatar, we asked ourselves: How can we celebrate this cherished tradition while embracing the innovations that shape tomorrow? How can we bridge the past and the future, merging tradition with technology, to unite our people in a shared celebration?

The answer was ‘Qatar ArtBeat’.

A groundbreaking activation in partnership with Google Cloud, this initiative brought together the collective voices of the nation to generate an AI artwork co-created by the nation. This innovative project marked a historic milestone, merging culture and technology in an unprecedented way.

‘Qatar ArtBeat’ not only captured the collective spirit of Qatar but also set a Guinness World Records™ for the “Most People Contributing to an AI-Generated Image,” with over 15,000 contributions, more than 5.4 million people reached, and in excess of 68,000 engagements from across the country. This milestone showcases the potential of technology to unify communities and amplify their voices on a scale never seen before.

Celebrating innovation and tradition

‘Qatar ArtBeat’ invited citizens and residents to share their reflections on what Qatar means to them between December 9 and December 17 through Media City Qatar’s social media channels.

Additionally, public conversations on various platforms were analysed, with responses processed by Google Cloud’s advanced AI technology—such as Vertex AI platform, Gemini models, and BigQuery data platforms. This cutting-edge process transformed sentiments found in social media comments and posts into a cohesive and breathtaking artwork co-created by the nation, for the nation. 

The final masterpiece, unveiled on December 18, became a visual narrative of Qatar’s collective aspirations and creativity. The initiative perfectly symbolised the harmony between the nation’s traditions and modern innovation, showcasing how technology can preserve and celebrate cultural identity in meaningful ways.

By engaging communities across Qatar, the activation demonstrated how digital platforms can foster inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration. This activation ensured that every voice contributed to the nation’s story, transforming individual reflections into a collective celebration of shared values and unity.

Pioneering the future of digital media

As a catalyst for next-generation media and technology, Media City Qatar connects media companies, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creative talents to shape the future of the industry.

Our focus spans gaming, news, digital and social media, media technologies, content localization, animation, broadcasters, production and post-production, and publishing. We take particular pride in fostering initiatives that celebrate Arabic-language content, uniting tradition with modern innovation.

By encouraging enterprises that specialise in the Arabic language or seek to expand into Qatar and the Middle East, Media City Qatar continues to champion the region’s voice on a global stage.

‘Qatar ArtBeat’ exemplified this mission, setting a new benchmark as the first-of-its-kind initiative in Qatar—and possibly worldwide—that achieved a new world record.

The project also highlighted the transformative potential of generative AI in storytelling and community engagement. By leveraging Google Cloud’s advanced technology, reflections were seamlessly transformed into art, reinforcing the significance of human input in creating impactful digital experiences.

A legacy for Qatar and beyond

As we look to the future, we imagine the children of today—tomorrow’s dreamers and innovators—continuing to celebrate the heritage of this great nation.

‘Qatar ArtBeat’ is a promise that Qatar’s story will be told in new and imaginative ways for generations to come. At Media City Qatar, where next is made, we are proud to help shape that future, blending tradition and technology to inspire the Qatar of tomorrow.

source/content: dohanews.co

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QATAR

MOROCCO: Professor Younes Nafid PhD Receives Excellence Award from Saudi Arabia’s Naif Arab University for Security Sciences

The award is in recognition of the professor’s efforts in scientific research, teaching, and online learning.

Moroccan scholar and researcher Younes Nafid received this week the Excellence Award in Online Learning from Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Saudi Arabia.

He received the award on Thursday, recognizing his academic excellence and efforts in scientific research, teaching, and learning.

Nafid is a professor in the Department of Criminal Law at the College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences in Riyadh. He also serves as an advisor for scientific research and innovation at the same university.

The Moroccan scholar authored various books and studies, and also supervised research projects and doctoral theses.

A PhD in Criminal Law and Forensic Sciences from Mohammed First University in Oujda, Nafid previously worked in  Moroccan universities as a professor, including Cadi Ayyad University and Chouaib Doukkali University.

At the award ceremony, the Saudi university celebrated the Moroccan professor and his fellows, honoring the “outstanding efforts in the fields of scientific research, teaching, and online learning, in line with the university’s strategic vision to enhance the academic environment and support the Arab security system.”

In addition to Nafid, several Moroccan professors and teachers were honored on an international scale for their efforts, contributing to enhancing research, teaching, and learning.

In January, Messaoud Ariba, a Moroccan teacher, received an award at the Global Teacher Awards in New Delhi.

Ariba was the sole representative of both North Africa and the Arab world at large, earning recognition from thousands of applicants during the ceremony.

“For me, this is not just about personal achievement but about honoring the incredible work of all those shaping education in the country,” Ariba said.

In February, Moroccan professor Anasse Bari received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Faculty Award for 2025 at New York University. The award recognizes leadership work and commitment to justice and fairness.

In a statement to Morocco World News, Bari said he dedicates the award to his fellow Moroccans.

“Every day in my classroom, I encourage my students to use the skills they have learned at New York University to serve the world,” Bari said, noting that his students are finding “new ways” to use AI and data science to improve the world.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

BAHRAIN Wins the Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Heatwave exhibition , curated by architect Andrea Faraguna has been announced as the winner of the Golden Lion for the Best National Participation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale.

The winner has been selected by an international jury comprising of Swiss curator, critic, and art historian Hans Ulrich Obrist as jury chair, South African architect, lecturer, and curator Mpho Matsipa, and Italian curator Paola Antonelli .

The awards ceremony is broadcast live from the headquarters of the Biennale at Ca’Giustinian. The pavilion stands out for addressing the pressing issue of extreme heat through a site-specific installation that showcases passive cooling strategies rooted in Bahrain’s climatic realities and cultural context.

The design of the pavilion explores passive cooling using geothermal wells and solar chimneys connected via a thermo-hygrometric axis, which links underground conditions to outdoor air. In exhibition settings where excavation isn’t possible, mechanical ventilation mimics this system. The modular structure features a floor and cantilevered ceiling supported by a central column, adaptable for various urban environments. The project highlights low-impact, climate-responsive design for outdoor workspaces in hot climates, emphasizing environmental responsibility, social fairness, and innovative architectural solutions.

The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement and the Special Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Memoriam have been previously announced to be awarded to American philosopher Donna Haraway and the late Italian architect and designer Italo Rota (1953–2024), respectively. Donna Haraway is participating via remote connection to highlight the wider implications of this edition’s biennale. “Intelligence is a word that bubbles with meaning of the power of discerning,” she declares. The Golden Lion in Memoriam is awarded in absentia to Italo Rota.

Two special mentions have been awarded to participants in the international exhibition. The first one goes to Alternative Urbanism: The Central Organized Markets of Lagos by Tosin Oshinowo, Oshinowo Studio. “This award is for the Global South,” Oshinowo declares in her acceptance speech. The second special mention for a project of a participant goes to Elephant Chapel by Boonserm Premthada.

For the national pavilions, a special mention is awarded to Opera Aperta, the Holy See’s Pavilion by Paul Tighe of the Department of Education and Culture of the Holy See. The project is a “construction site, an ongoing process, which everyone is invited to collaborate.” The pavilion is curated by Marina Otero Verzier, curator and researcher, and Giovanna Zabotti, artistic director of Fondaco Italia and former curator of the Venice Pavilion, in collaboration with the design studios Tatiana Bilbao Estudio of Mexico City and MAIO Architects of Barcelona.

The other special mention goes to the Pavilion of Great Britain: GBR: Geology of Britannic Repair, commissioned by Sevra Davis of the British Council and curated by Owen Hopkins, Kathryn Yusoff, Kabage Karanja, Stella Mutegi. The selected team of expositors comprises experts from the UK and Kenya, including Nairobi–based Cave _bureau,  aiming to open up difficult conversations about interconnected relationships between the two countries, decolonization, and the embedded relationships to the ground.

Golden Lion for Best Participant in the exhibition Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective

Golden Lion for Best Participant in the exhibition Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective is awarded to Canal Café by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Natural Systems Utilities, SODAI, Aaron Betsky, Davide Oldani. The installation is set up to use natural filtration systems to purify water from the city’s canals and make it info coffee that visitors of the Arsenale can enjoy.

source/content: archdaily.com (headline edited)

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BAHRAIN

SAUDI ARABIA’s Dr. Bashair Ibrahim’s inspiring journey of overcoming her disability

 Dr. Bashair Ibrahim is a symbol of hope, a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and a living example of perseverance.

Her story of overcoming disability is an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity.

Ibrahim spoke to Arab News about how she navigated a challenging career, fueled by unwavering determination and a profound passion for healing.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of working as a pediatrician is the opportunity to care for children, especially at such a young age when they haven’t yet formed judgments or perceptions about disability,” Ibrahim said.

“I find that my connection with them is pure and genuine; they see me for who I am, not for any physical limitations. We build trust and warmth in a very natural way.”

Ibrahim’s journey, marked by both triumphs and systemic barriers, offers a vital perspective on inclusivity, accessibility, and the importance of challenging societal norms.

Her interest in medicine was sparked early, spending time around medical equipment due to mobility challenges.

“As a result of being in a car or using a wheelchair, I started to see a lot of machines, a lot of devices, X-rays, devices they use, needles,” she explained.

This ignited curiosity, leading her to explore the intricacies of the human body and medical science. This was not a deterrent; it fueled her path to healing.

“These experiences from a young age make one stronger,” she said.

Her fascination with science continued, and she began volunteering for lab activities — excelling in biology. This early experience combined with an interest in medical dramas solidified her career aspirations. The allure of understanding the human body and alleviating suffering proved irresistible.

“I liked the science itself,” she recalled. “I was learning more about humans, about how organs work, what diseases can come from that.”

Applying to medical school presented hurdles. Many universities lacked accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments.

She recounted a disheartening experience at one university where the main entrance was only accessible via a long staircase.

Despite finding an alternative route, the dean still denied her access citing concerns about opening hours.

This highlighted a frustrating reality: systemic biases can hinder progress, even when solutions exist.

Undeterred, Ibrahim sought admission to another private university. The director made a comment that stuck with her, asking: how would a patient treat a patient?

For Ibrahim, this dismissive remark is one example of societal biases surrounding people with disabilities in healthcare.

It underscored the need to challenge preconceived notions and recognize potential regardless of physical limitations.

“It never made sense then, it doesn’t make sense now,” she said, emphasizing the enduring impact of prejudice.

Despite these obstacles, Ibrahim remained committed. She specialized in pediatrics, driven by a deep-seated desire to positively impact children’s lives.

“What also makes this work deeply meaningful is the respect I often receive from families,” she explained.

“Many parents have told me they admire the way I’ve pursued a career in medicine despite the challenges that come with having a disability.

“Their appreciation reminds me that I’m not only helping their children medically, but also offering a visible example of resilience and determination.

“That mutual respect, and the human connection it fosters, is something I treasure deeply in my work.”

Ibrahim is acutely aware of misconceptions surrounding doctors with disabilities.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about doctors with disabilities is the stereotype that we are limited in our ability to practice medicine effectively,” she noted.

“I often notice surprise when families meet me for the first time, but I see that as a chance to challenge those assumptions through my work.”

She has adapted her approach to ensure her disability does not compromise care quality.

“I perform the full physical examination while seated, and I’ve adapted my approach to ensure that nothing is compromised in the quality of care I deliver.

“Over time, families come to see that my disability doesn’t define my capability.”

She believes that mentorship is crucial for aspiring medical professionals with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of role models who understand both the clinical demands and personal challenges they face.

Her message is clear: equal access, thoughtful accommodations and representation are essential, and her story is a testament to how people can overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Dr. Bashair Ibrahim overcame prejudice and lack of accessibility to achieve career success. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

EGYPT : Fencing star Abdel-Rahman Tolba claims Bronze at Foil World Cup, Canada, May 2025

Egyptian foil fencer Abdel-Rahman Tolba continued his impressive international trajectory by capturing the bronze medal at the Foil World Cup in Canada, held from 1-4 May.

Tolba’s journey to the podium was a standout performance, marked by a series of remarkable victories over several top-ranked opponents.

Tolba, from Al-Zohour Club, claimed the bronze after a narrow semi-final defeat to world No 9 Alexander Massialas of the US, falling by the slimmest of margins, 15-14, in a golden touch decider.

His campaign commenced in the Round of 64 with a confident 15-11 win over Brazil’s Guilherme Toledo, followed by a hard-fought 15-13 victory against Spain’s Mario Díaz in the Round of 32.

Tolba then produced one of the tournament’s most notable upsets in the Round of 16, dismantling Czech Republic’s Alexander Choupenitch, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist and world No 6, by a commanding 15-7 scoreline.

In the quarter-finals, he delivered another standout performance, overpowering American star Nick Itkin, the bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics and silver medalist at the 2023 World Championships in Milan, and currently ranked No 4 globally, with a decisive 15-9 victory.

Tolba’s semi-final clash with the experienced Massialas proved a thrilling contest, as both fencers exchanged points in a high-calibre bout. Ultimately, Massialas edged past Tolba in sudden death.

The latest medal adds to Tolba’s rapidly expanding list of accolades, including a bronze at the Grand Prix in Italy earlier this year, and a gold medal at the Junior World Championships in China last month.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 8 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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

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EGYPT

ALGERIA : NASA honors Algerian parks with Martian namesakes

NASA’s mapping of Mars now bears the names of three iconic Algerian national parks, Algerian physicist Noureddine Melikechi, a member of the US space agency’s largest Mars probe mission, has told AFP.

The Tassili n’Ajjer, Ghoufi and Djurdjura national parks have found their Martian namesakes after a proposition by Melikechi, which he sought as both a tribute to his native Algeria and a call to protect Earth.

“Our planet is fragile, and it’s a signal to the world that we really need to take care of our national parks, whether they are in Algeria or elsewhere,” the US-based scientist told AFP in a recent interview.

He said the visual resemblance between some of the Martian landscapes and the ones after which they were labeled was also a key reason for the naming.

“The first one that came to my mind was the Tassili n’Ajjer,” he said of the UNESCO-listed vast plateau in the Sahara Desert with prehistoric art dating back at least 12,000 years.

“Every time I see pictures of Mars, they remind me of Tassili n’Ajjer, and now every time I see Tassili n’Ajjer, it reminds me of Mars,” added Melikechi, who left Algeria in 1990 for the United States, where he now teaches at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

The ancient art found in Tassili n’Ajjer depicts figures that can seem otherworldly, he said.

Some of the paintings show single-eyed and horned giants, among others which French archaeologist Henri Lhote dubbed as “great Martian” deities in his 1958 book, “The Search for the Tassili Frescoes”.

“Those paintings are a signature… a book of how people used to live,” said Melikechi.

“You see animals, but also figures that look like they came from somewhere else.”

‘Historic’

Melikechi’s second pick was the Ghoufi canyon in eastern Algeria, whose rocky desert landscape was the site of an ancient settlement off the Aures Mountains.

Now a UNESCO-listed site and a tourist attraction, it has cliffside dwellings carved in the mountain, a testament to human resilience in a place where survival can be adverse.

“Ghoufi gives you a sense that life can be hard, but you can manage to keep at it as you go,” Melikechi said.

“You can see that through those homes.”

The third site, Djurdjura, is a snowy mountain range some 140 kilometers (about 90 miles) east of the capital Algiers.

Comapred to Tassili or Ghoufi, it bears the least resemblance to Mars.

Melikechi said its pick stemmed of Djurdjura’s “reminder of the richness of natural habitats”.

He said the naming process came after Perseverence, NASA’s Mars rover exploring the Red Planet, made it into uncharted territory.

That area was then split into small quadrants, each needing a name.

“We were asked to propose names for specific quadrants,” he said.

“I suggested these three national parks, while others proposed names from parks worldwide. A team then reviewed and selected the final names.”

The announcement, made by NASA earlier this month, sparked celebrations among Algerians.

Algerian Culture Minister Zouhir Ballalou hailed it as a “historic and global recognition” of the North African country’s landscapes.

Melikechi said he hopes that it will attract more visitors as Algeria has been striving to promote tourism, especially in the Sahara region, with authorities promising to facilitate tourist visas.

Official figures said some 2.5 million tourists visited the country last year—its highest number of visitors in two decades.

“These places are a treasure that we as humans have inherited,” Melikechi said.

“We need to make sure they are preserved.”

source/content: phys.org (headline edited)

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

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ALGERIA

PALESTINIAN : Fatima Hassouna, a photographer who made a difference. Martyred April 16th, 2025

My dearest friend Fatima Hassouna has been martyred.

Writing this feels unreal – as if I am waiting for her familiar voice to echo in my ear.

We had a playful way of saying “hello” to each other. And Fatima had the most magical of laughs.

She could disarm you instantly.

But the silence remains and the void caused by her absence is too vast to comprehend.

Fatima was a photographer and a filmmaker. More importantly – for me – she was an extremely warm human being.

She was strong and – in a good way – stubborn.

I knew Fatima from childhood. But life – as it often does – had pulled us apart for many years.

It wasn’t until Israel launched its genocidal war against Gaza that we became close again. This happened unexpectedly during a film project.

Fatima was behind the camera, and I was there with a pen in order to write articles.

Our reunion – despite the chaotic circumstances – rekindled something profound. Our shared grief and resilience made our friendship deeper.

Fatima was deeply committed to her craft. She never simply documented a moment. She became part of it.

She had a rare ability to earn trust quickly.

The subjects of her photography were not just faces or stories. They were people she befriended.

Fatima’s camera wasn’t a barrier. It was a bridge.

She always said that she wanted not just to carry a message but to show kindness to the people she filmed or photographed.

At Fatima’s core was a sense of purpose. She came from a place of love.

We lived just a street apart in Gaza City all our lives.

After the genocide began, we would walk everywhere together. There were no taxis around and prices were rising ever higher.

Each morning, Fatima would call.

“Wait for me,” she would say. “Let’s walk together.”

And so we did.

Those walks were more than just a means of getting from A to B. They were our little escapes.

We shared everything: sorrows, secrets, silly thoughts.

I never had to pretend to be anything I wasn’t when I was with Fatima.

There were no walls between us. Just warmth and honesty.

Tender rebellion

When Fatima got engaged recently, her happiness was contagious. Despite the hunger, and the overwhelming darkness that Israel’s genocidal war had brought, she lit up like a child planning a birthday party.

We would go to the market almost daily, hunting for clothes that she could wear as she went out with her fiancé.

I remember how excited she was, how we laughed even as we carried heavy bags for long distances.

Her joy in those days amounted to a tender rebellion, a statement that love and life still mattered in the face of devastation.

We developed a ritual with our friends.

Every week, we would gather in one of our homes. We cooked whatever food we had, brewed bitter tea – we had no sugar – and sang.

We sang until the pain dulled and the laughter returned.

Those nights were our anesthesia. They allowed us to breathe in suffocating times.

Fatima was always our anchor.

She told stories, and her laughter filled the room. We could see sorrow in her eyes, but it was mixed with hope.

An unbreakable hope.

Fatima had an enchanting voice when she sang. Like something from heaven.

When the sound of Israel’s drones became too much for me to bear, I would listen to a recording of Fatima singing. Her voice brought me peace.

It served as a reminder that something pure still existed in this world.

Friendships formed – or in this case, revived – during genocide are unlike any other. They are shaped by shared experiences of hunger, sleepless nights and the constant nearness of death.

When Fatima was killed, it was like a limb had been severed from my body. I felt incomplete.

I still do.

Every night, I continue to wait for her call. I wait for the way she would tell me – without preamble – how she was feeling that day.

She would always wish to God that she would never be deprived of me.

But now I am deprived of Fatima. And it hurts more than words can express.

Fatima and I worked as a team. During the genocide, we would go down to al-Yarmouk – the football stadium that has became a huge shelter for displaced people – she with her camera, I with my notebook.

We inspired each other.

Fatima told me that she loved how I put people’s experiences into words.

“I love your ideas,” she said. “They make me want to shoot better.”

I wish that she was still around to tell her how much I loved her eye for a good photograph or image.

How she saw not just the suffering in a person but the soul behind it.

How she brought dignity to every frame.

Last winter, we were working in al-Yarmouk stadium, where the conditions were especially dire. Seeing the suffering around her, Fatima said that we must help.

I asked her to speak with the director of the film project she was working on about distributing blankets. She did and soon we were part of a mission to not only document hardship but to relieve it.

That day, we weren’t just storytellers. We were part of the story.

And Fatima was glowing. She had done something she had always dreamed of: She had made a difference.

Fatima was only 25.

Just 25.

Yet her heart carried the weight of centuries, and her spirit was brighter than a thousand suns. She was childlike and wise, gentle and fierce, brave and vulnerable.

She was exceptional. I carry her memory with me every moment.

I see her in the morning light, in the silence of a street where we once walked, in the stories we still need to tell.

Losing her is unbearable. But remembering her – keeping her voice, her laughter, her vision alive – is my way of holding on.

She was my sister, my confidante, my light.

May the world never forget the name Fatima Hassouna.

May the stories she told outlive the genocide that took her.

And may we all learn from her to live with courage, to work with purpose, and to love – always – with everything we have.

Asmaa Abdu is an academic writer and a project coordinator at the UCAS Technology Incubator in Gaza.

source/content: electronicintifada.net (headline edited)

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Fatima Hassouna (Photo courtesy of Asmaa Abdu) 

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PALESTINIAN

HAJJ ON HORSEBACK : Three Spanish friends rewriting history to perform Hajj on horseback

Pilgrims recreating historic 8,000 km route used by Andalusian Muslims

Three friends rode on horseback from Spain to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, reviving a pilgrimage route last used by Andalusian Muslims more than 500 years ago.

They reached Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region last week in time for Hajj after travelling through Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Turkiye, Syria and Jordan on a 8,000 km (4,970 miles) journey.

The three Spanish Muslims, Abdelkader Harkassi, Abdallah Hernandez and Tariq Rodriguez, are fulfilling a long-held ambition after embracing Islam 35 years ago.

The three riders are accompanied by Bouchaib Jadil, a construction master living in Spain, who is providing logistical support to the team by leading the way in a car.

It all started when Abdullah Hernandez reverted to Islam 35 years ago.

He told Arab News about how he felt grateful toward Allah for blessing him with guidance — Heidaya — and he promised to complete the Hajj pilgrimage the way his Andalusian ancestors did.

The team practiced for two years before setting off in October 2024 from Al-Monaster Mosque, south of Spain.

After crossing the border of Jordan on May 2, the three Spanish friends arrived in Qurayyat city in Al-Jawf Province, in northern Saudi Arabia on Friday after a remarkable seven-month horseback journey.

During their stop in Qurayyat, the pilgrims were hosted by the head of Al-Haditha Center, Mamdouh Al-Mutairi, who welcomed them to the Kingdom and wished them a pleasant stay and an acceptable and easy Hajj, meeting with students and supporters.

The pilgrims were received with a warm welcome from the residents of Qurayyat, who posed for memorable photos with them.

Hernandez told Arab News: “The team is very excited as we are getting closer to Makkah and Madinah. These holy cities are very special to us, and we have been dreaming of reaching them for a long time. Our hearts feel full of love and hope, and we are looking forward to this moment with deep respect and happiness.

“Through this journey we want to recover a historical Andalusian route from Spain to the Harram of Makkah. It is also a trip of challenges where every step is felt by us and the horses, but also is a journey for the soul,” he added.

One of the Hajj pilgrims, Harkassi, said they were happy to revive a lost tradition. He added that the team saved money and trained for several years for the journey.

He said: “We embarked on this journey with pure intentions to realize the Hajj.”

He added: “We are almost there, and hopefully, the rest of the journey will be easier.”

Their journey, spanning diverse landscapes and extreme weather conditions, is being shared with followers on social media.

“Crossing borders has been the biggest challenge. Some countries were more difficult to cross than others as horses are not considered a mode of transport anymore, but instead they need to be ‘imported’ into each country as livestock, but Alhamdulillah, we have managed to complete all the paperwork so far,” said Hernandez.

Their expedition, known as “Hajj on Horseback,” was warmly welcomed by Muslims and non-Muslims. Hernandez added: “We’ve been received with open arms everywhere we’ve gone — each country has somehow managed to be even more welcoming than the one before, MashAllah.

“Whether in Muslim or non-Muslim countries, people have shown incredible hospitality: Inviting us into their homes, sharing meals with us, listening to our stories and engaging in meaningful conversations about Islam.

“The warmth we’ve experienced in Muslim countries has been especially profound, reflecting the deep sense of unity within our Ummah. This beautiful spirit is clearly visible in our recent videos from Turkiye and Syria.”

The team set off with limited funds, but received support from local Muslims along the way to finance the costs of the unique journey.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Abdelkader Harkassi, Abdallah Hernandez and Tariq Rodriguez are fulfilling a long-held ambition by completing a historic Hajj pilgrimage on horseback. (Supplied)

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HAJJ ON HORSEBACK

ABU DHABI (U.A.E) / EGYPT : AD Ports Group, Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone sign agreement to develop KEZAD East Port Said Zone

AD Ports Group, and the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), the integrated investment destination for linking industry and global trade, today signed a 50-year renewable usufruct agreement, to develop and operate a 20 km2 industrial and logistics park near the Egyptian coastal city of Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea.

The East Port Said Industrial Zone provides an opportunity to turn a unique location on the Mediterranean Sea into a key hub for international trade and investments serving the East-West trade routes, right at the entrance of the Suez Canal.

The agreement to develop KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Zone was signed in Cairo, and witnessed by Egyptian Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, in the presence of Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel Al Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Affairs Egyptian Minister of Industry and Transport, Mariam Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the UAE to Egypt, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group and Mr. Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of SCZONE.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, and Admiral Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of SCZONE for the Northern area.

AD Ports Group will develop, construct, finance, operate, and manage the industrial and logistics zone in phases, with a focus on phase 1 to start with, an area covering a total of 2.8 km2. An estimated total investment of $120 million will be allocated to market and technical studies as well as to phase 1 development over the next three years. Construction on the initial 2.8 km2 Phase 1 is expected to start by the end of this year.

The development of Phase 1 will be anchored by key potential clients and partners, including one of the region’s foremost construction and development groups, Hassan Allam Holding.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “KEZAD East Port Said is a milestone that highlights the strong economic relations between the UAE and Egypt. In line with the vision of our wise leadership, this strategic cooperation is another sign of our Group’s growing focus on Egypt, where we continue to enhance and develop our integrated trade, transport, and industrial ecosystem, offering clients unparalleled end-to-end solutions and services. This infrastructure investment will provide a long-term source of economic growth for Egypt, while enhancing the Suez Canal role in promoting and supporting the East-West trade corridor.”

Waleid Gamal El Dien, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, said: “The launch of this project in the East Port Said Industrial Zone represents an important strategic step that reaffirms the depth of the strong fraternal relations and the growing strategic partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the prominent position held by SCZONE as a pivotal global trade hub for industrial and logistics activities. This project enhances SCZONE’s ongoing efforts to support global supply chains by providing a competitive and integrated investment environment, underpinned by advanced infrastructure, and a unique geographic location, connecting three continents via one of the world’s most vital maritime routes.”

Gamal El Dien added: “Over the past few years, the SCZONE has become a cornerstone for the investment expansion plans of many leading regional and international companies, thanks to its integrated model of combining industrial zones and affiliated seaports. Among these is the KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Zone, which seamlessly connects with East Port Said Port, a key strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea. The port features deep berths for large vessels, efficient operations, and excellent connectivity to advanced road and transportation networks. The expertise of a global organisation such as AD Ports Group will help SCZONE achieve its goals.”

Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “KEZAD East Port Said is being built to attract investments, promote industrial and logistics growth, create jobs, increase exports, develop skills, and facilitate technological transfer. It will complement AD Ports Group’s growing business ecosystem in Egypt, and capitalise the natural assets of the Suez Canal area for Egypt, while supporting the country’s manufacturing sector, and increasing the ease of doing business in Egypt as a preferred gateway to global markets.”

Admiral Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of SCZONE for the Northern area, said: “We are working on developing an integrated model that combines industry, maritime transport, and logistics services within a flexible and investment-friendly regulatory environment. East Port Said Industrial Zone stands at the heart of this model due to its strategic location at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal and its direct connection to the modern East Port Said Port, a key hub in global trade, consistently ranked among the top international ports thanks to its operational readiness and advanced capabilities. Furthermore, the integration with West Port Said Port enhances its readiness to offer comprehensive and attractive logistical solutions for investors. Therefore, this project represents a qualitative leap in the development of the northern part of SCZONE, not only in terms of the scale of anticipated investments but also in the advanced industrial and logistical activities to be implemented.”

In addition, AD Ports Group and Hassan Allam Holding, which is one of the Group’s development partners in Egypt, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and invest in the industrial zone and explore other projects.

AD Ports Group in December 2024 appointed Hassan Allam Construction, the construction arm of Hassan Allam Holding and one of the premier engineering and construction companies in the region, to build AD Ports Group’s new multipurpose cargo terminal in Safaga, on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

The Group in 2023 obtained a concession from Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) to build and operate the USD 200 million Safaga multipurpose terminal project, which will be the first internationally operated multipurpose cargo terminal in Upper Egypt.

Since 2022, AD Ports Group has invested significantly in Egypt, acquiring Transmar, a regional shipping company, TCI, a port operator and stevedoring company, and in 2024, Safina B.V., a provider of maritime agency and cargo services. AD Ports Group has also secured long-term concessions to develop and operate three cruise terminals at the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. In addition, AD Ports Group has initialled agreements for the right to develop and operate a cruise terminal and a Ro-Ro terminal in Ain Sokhna.

The East Port Said project aligns with long-standing ties between the UAE and Egypt, and the objectives of leadership in both countries to support the commercial and industrial sectors and attract high-quality investments. This project also supports the global trend of establishing regional manufacturing centres, thus shortening and sustaining global supply chains, and enhancing connectivity with major global markets.

AD Ports Group is an integrated trade, transport, logistics, and economic zones group with a presence in more than 50 countries. Based in Abu Dhabi, the Group has a maritime fleet of 247 vessels, 34 terminals, in addition to an economic and industrial land bank of over 550 km2, the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial business grouping of its kind in the Middle East. Furthermore, SCZONE offers unique investment potential, making it one of the most prominent destinations on the global investment map. It is supported by a strategic geographical location, advanced infrastructure, and modern ports connected to fully integrated industrial zones. These include four industrial zones, East Port Said Industrial Zone, East Ismailia Industrial Zone, Qantara West Industrial Zone, and Sokhna Industrial Zone, which are seamlessly integrated with six seaports: East Port Said, West Port Said, Al-Arish, Sokhna, Adabiya, and Al-Tor, covering a total area of 455 square kilometers. Over the past 33 months, SCZONE has successfully attracted 274 investment projects from around the world, either through direct agreements with it or via industrial developers, with a total investment value of $8.3 billion. These projects span a wide range of sectors, reflecting strong global investor confidence in SCZONE’s viability as a strategic platform for industry, exports, and logistics services.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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ABU DHABI (U.A.E) / EGYPT