Author: ArabianRecords.org

Bahrain’s first domestically designed and developed satellite, Al-Munther, was launched successfully on Saturday.

The project, spearheaded by the National Space Science Agency, marks a milestone for Bahrain’s space ambitions. The 3U CubeSat is the first satellite in the region to integrate artificial intelligence for onboard image processing.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Aseeri, CEO of the National Space Science Agency, told Arab News: “The successful launch of Bahrain’s Al-Munther satellite into orbit marks a major milestone in the kingdom’s space journey. I take immense pride in the achievements of the National Space Science Agency team, who have successfully placed Al-Munther in orbit, paving the way for initial operations and in-orbit system testing.”

Al-Aseeri said Al-Munther was a remarkable national accomplishment, entirely designed and developed by Bahraini talent. The NSSA team played a key role in innovating, designing and building its payloads, leaving their mark on the rapidly evolving global space industry.

He added: “Designed and developed entirely by Bahrainis, Al-Munther is a significant national accomplishment. This success reflects our commitment to the royal vision of positioning Bahrain as a leader in space and supports national development, Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

The satellite features an Earth observation camera, a cybersecurity system, and a unique broadcast function that will transmit Bahrain’s national anthem and a message from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. It will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 550 km and is expected to have a two-year lifespan.

The launch took place onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex in California.

Reem Abdulla Senan, head of satellite communication operations, said: “One of the most significant achievements of the Al-Munther mission is the development of a Bahraini-operated software system to manage the satellite and its payloads. This not only advances the nationalization of space technologies but also strengthens Bahrain’s autonomy in satellite operations. The software enables the satellite to efficiently carry out its designated tasks, including data collection, processing and transmission to Earth.”

She added the ground station established in Bahrain would play a critical role in overseeing Al-Munther’s operations.

“The station allows us to manage the satellite with high precision, support future space missions and even receive data from other free satellites operating on the same frequencies,” she said. “The successful initial contact between the satellite and the ground station after launch will mark a pivotal moment — confirming the communication system is functioning as intended and initiating the structured commencement of scientific operations.”

Al-Munther, which means “herald” or “messenger,” symbolizes Bahrain’s forward-looking vision and commitment to innovation. It highlights the kingdom’s dedication to building a sustainable space infrastructure, fostering research and development and inspiring future generations to pursue advancements in science and technology.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Bahrain launched Al-Munther on Saturday, its first domestically designed and developed satellite. (BNA)

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BAHRAIN

The magazine revealed Abdirizak Warsame, the Vice Chairman of IBS Bank, as the Person of the Year 2024.

Somali Magazine, a leading voice in promoting Somali excellence and success, proudly announced its much-anticipated list of the 100 Most Influential Somali People of 2024.

The prestigious annual list celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, including business, politics, education, health, arts, and community service.

The magazine revealed Abdirizak Warsame, the Vice Chairman of IBS Bank, as the Person of the Year 2024.

Warsame has been recognized for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to advancing financial inclusion, and his pivotal role in transforming IBS Bank into one of the region’s most innovative financial institutions.

The announcement also marked a milestone achievement for Somali Magazine.

Over half a million people participated in voting via the magazine’s official website, somalimagazine.so, showcasing the immense interest and pride within the Somali community.

The latest Person of the Year publication marked the sixth consecutive year that Somali Magazine has unveiled this influential list, solidifying its role as a platform for celebrating Somali success stories.

Speaking at a press release broadcast across local TV stations, the Founder and CEO of Somali Magazine, Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud, emphasized the importance of celebrating Somali achievements and inspiring future generations.

Collective progress

He expressed gratitude to all those who have supported Somali Magazine in its mission to highlight the stories of Somali excellence.

“Today, we celebrate the spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence that defines our Somali people. The 100 Most Influential Somali People of 2024 list is not just a recognition of individual achievements but also a reflection of the collective progress we have made as a community,” he stated.

He singled out Warsame contribution to Samali’s success as commendable.

“As the Vice Chairman of IBS Bank, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a profound commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering our people through accessible financial services,” Mohamud said.

“His achievements inspire us all to aim higher and work harder for the betterment of our nation.”

He noted the need to highlight contributions by the persons listed as key to advancing national development.

“This initiative aims to shine a light on the incredible contributions of our people in Somalia and around the globe. By telling these stories, we hope to motivate young Somalis to dream big and take pride in their heritage.”

Business Person of the Year 2024

Ahmed Dahir Nur, the CEO and Founder of Starsky Aviation Ltd, emerged as Somali Magazine’s Business Person of the Year 2024.

The 100 Most Influential Somali People list is meticulously curated by Somali Magazine’s editorial team in collaboration with an independent panel of experts.

The process seeks to ensure a comprehensive representation of individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields.

In the realm of politics and leadership, the list highlights visionaries shaping Somalia’s political and social landscape, driving change, and fostering progress.

The business category celebrates entrepreneurs and innovators driving economic growth and innovation.

Notable business figures include Ahmed Dahir Nur, CEO and Founder of Starsky Aviation Ltd, recognized for his remarkable achievements in the aviation sector; Shueib Warsame, CEO and Founder of Maandeeq Air; and Hussein Abdirahman, Amazon AWS CMH Regional Data Center Manager and entrepreneur, celebrated for their roles in fostering business growth.

Activists also feature prominently, recognized for their dedication to social justice and community empowerment. These individuals advocate for meaningful change and uplift underserved communities.

Prominent Islamic scholars, such as Sheikh Mustafa and Osman Hidig, are acknowledged for their spiritual leadership and contributions to promoting knowledge and guidance.

In sports, athletes bringing pride to Somalia through exceptional performances on the global stage are celebrated for their dedication and talent.

Lastly, the list honors entertainment and social media influencers who are redefining Somali identity and culture in the digital age, using creative platforms to inspire and connect communities worldwide.

source/content: capitalfm.co.ke (headline edited)

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Abdirizak Warsame, Vice Chairman of IBS Bank.

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SOMALIA

The historic diplomatic gesture by the Moroccan monarch in 1979 made the prince the first male member of his family’s direct line to return to Egypt since the 1952 revolution.

Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk, grandson of Egypt’s last king, has returned to live in Cairo, expressing gratitude for the late King Hassan II’s crucial intervention that enabled his birth in Egypt during his family’s exile.

“Thanks to King Hassan II’s support, who intervened with President Sadat, my mother Fadila was authorized to give birth in Cairo,” the 46-year-old prince told AFP in French during a recent interview.

This diplomatic gesture in 1979 made him the first male member of the royal family’s direct line to return to Egypt since the 1952 revolution.

The prince, who now holds an Egyptian passport granted in 2020, is establishing himself in Cairo after years of living abroad, primarily in France. His return marks a symbolic reconciliation between Egypt’s royalist and republican eras, he notes.

“For my father, Egypt was a lost homeland. For me, it’s a rediscovered one,” says Mohamed Ali, who runs a technical real estate consulting firm in Paris.

His father, Fouad II, became king at just seven months old following King Farouk’s abdication in 1952, ruling briefly with a regency council until the monarchy’s abolition in 1953.

The prince’s return to Cairo was encouraged by his wife, Princess Noal Zaher of Afghanistan’s royal family.

“It was Noal who supported me throughout my reflection. She wanted to live in the Orient and wanted our children to grow up closer to their roots,” he reveals.

From dinner table tension to military threats: The Hassan II-Nasser years

The prince’s gratitude toward King Hassan II stems from a layered history of antagonism between Morocco and Egypt’s leadership.

Their relationship was marked by confrontations that began at a diplomatic dinner and escalated to military threats, according to French diplomatic archives.

The first spark ignited in the late 1950s when Hassan II, then Crown Prince, observed President Nasser struggling with cutlery at a state dinner in Morocco.

“I don’t think eating turkey with a fork is harder than overthrowing King Farouk,” the future monarch remarked, referencing Nasser’s revolution – a comment that set the tone for years of strained relations.

The tension reached its peak during the 1963 Sand War between Morocco and Algeria, when Nasser deployed approximately 2,000 Egyptian troops to support Algeria against Morocco.

Among them was future Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, then a military officer, who was captured by Moroccan forces after his aircraft went down within Moroccan territory.

An attempted reconciliation in March 1965, during Hassan II’s visit to Cairo, dramatically backfired. According to French diplomatic documents, what began as a cordial meeting deteriorated into open hostility when Nasser demanded that Morocco sever ties with West Germany over its support for Israel.

Hassan II’s refusal prompted an explicit threat from Nasser, who warned that Arab leaders opposing Egypt’s stance would “be condemned to disappear” and reminded the Moroccan king that Egyptian forces were “at Morocco’s doorstep” through their presence in Algeria.

The meeting so alarmed Hassan II that he immediately ordered his Minister of Defense to implement military precautionary measures upon his return, and put the Royal Armed Forces on high alert against potential “terrorist elements” from Algeria, the diplomatic cables reveal.

Relations improved only after Anwar Sadat and later Hosni Mubarak assumed Egypt’s presidency. However, echoes of past tensions briefly have resurfaced in the early years of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi .

Three incidents particularly stirred concern: Sisi’s early diplomatic visit to Algeria, the appearance of Egyptian media delegations in Tindouf camps, and a controversial photograph of Sisi with Polisario leadership at an African Union summit in Equatorial Guinea.

Egyptian military officials justified these moves as necessary security coordination with Algeria to combat weapons trafficking and address threats in Libya. Egypt has since affirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Today, Prince Mohamed Ali focuses on rehabilitating his family’s image while disclaiming any political ambitions.

“I simply want to work on rehabilitating the image of my royal family and contribute to preserving and transmitting its historical, cultural, and artistic heritage,” he asserts, noting that “150 years of history deserve to be honored.”

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)\

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EGYPT