ALGERIA to head UN Security Council in January 2025

Beginning January 1, 2025, Algeria assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for one month, marking a notable step in its diplomatic engagement. With its long-standing support for just causes in the Middle East and Africa, this presidency provides the country with a strategic opportunity to highlight crucial issues.

Clear Priorities for a Central Role
As a non-permanent member of the Council for a year, Algeria is concentrating on major issues such as the situation in Palestine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and security challenges in Africa, especially the fight against terrorism.

An open ministerial discussion on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question” will bring together key international players, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Focus on Palestine: A Historic Priority
The Palestinian issue, a cornerstone of Algeria’s diplomacy, is paramount to this presidency. Fifteen months after a deadly escalation in Gaza, Algeria reaffirms the need for an “immediate” and “permanent” ceasefire.

Algerian Ambassador to the UN, Amar Benjama, has been leading efforts since March 2024 to promote peace in the region. In parallel, Algeria is renewing its call for full Palestinian membership in the UN, aiming to realize the two-state solution and restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Addressing Regional Crises
In addition to Palestine, Algeria will focus on other major conflicts:

Syria: A session will address the political and humanitarian situation in this war-torn country.
Yemen: UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg will intervene to evaluate peace prospects and respond to the humanitarian emergency.

An African Priority: Fighting Terrorism
On the African front, Algeria will convene a high-level meeting on counterterrorism, a growing threat to the stability of many states on the continent.

Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will emphasise ways to strengthen international cooperation in addressing this scourge.

A Presidency Full of Hope
Under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria aims to use this platform to promote peace, security, and justice in key regions.

With ambitious initiatives and active leadership, this presidency of the Security Council represents a unique opportunity for Algeria to defend the interests of Arab and African nations while consolidating its position on the global diplomatic stage.

source/content: news-tunisia.tunisenumerique.com/algeria (headline edited)

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ALGERIA

BAHRAIN Wins 26th Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) with 2-1 score against Oman in finals held in Kuwait, Jan 2025

Bahrain’s national football team won the 26th Gulf Cup, “Khaleeji Zain 26”, defeating Oman 2-1 in the final held at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait.

This marks Bahrain’s second Gulf Cup title, showcasing a determined and inspiring performance throughout the tournament.

The victory came in an excitement-filled atmosphere reflecting the camaraderie of Gulf nations.

It highlighted Bahrain’s dominance in the pitch, with the team controlling the game to secure a well deserved win.

This edition of the Gulf Cup, hosted by Kuwait, was commended for its exceptional organisation, setting a benchmark for regional sports events.

source/headline: bna.bh (edited)

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BAHRAIN

QATAR : Lusail’s New Year festivities set Guinness World Record

Qatari Diar received a Guinness World Records distinction for “the most fireworks launched by multirotors/drones in an aerial display.”

The distinction was awarded to Qatari Diar on the occasion of the January 1, 2025, New Year’s celebrations that took place in Lusail Boulevard.

The city of Lusail had earlier announced that the “historic” New Year’s festivities held at its boulevard had attracted 300,000 visitors, a record-breaking figure.

The distinction was awarded to Qatari Diar on the occasion of the January 1, 2025, New Year’s celebrations that took place in Lusail Boulevard.

The city of Lusail had earlier announced that the “historic” New Year’s festivities held at its boulevard had attracted 300,000 visitors, a record-breaking figure.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

QATAR : Doha’s ‘Rig 1938’ enters Guinness Book of Records as World Tallest Water Slide Tower

The ‘Rig 1938’ tower made two entries in the Guinness Book of Records, as the world tallest water slide tower with a height of 76.309 meters; and the first tower of its kind to have 12 water slides.

General Manager and Chairman of Qetaifan Projects Company, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said in a press conference that the tower provides an exceptional experience that enhances Qatar’s position as a world class global tourist destination.

He added that the tower is not just an entertainment landmark, but a symbol that expresses Qatari culture and promotes creativity.

The tower, which is 85 meters high and includes 12 water slides, is an architectural masterpiece inspired by the history of oil and gas discovery in Qatar. It was designed according to the highest safety standards to be suitable for all age groups to enhance the visitor experience.

The tower is located in the heart of Meryal City, which extends over an area of 281 thousand square meters, and is one of the largest water parks in the region, with 36 innovative water games.

Meryal is part of Qetaifan Island North, which is an integrated tourism project extending over an area of 1.3 million square meters, and includes multiple facilities as well as residential, educational and health projects, making it a destination that combines authenticity and innovation.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

OMANI Researcher Dr Huda Mubarak Al Dai’ree Wins ‘ALECSO Innovation Award for Young Researchers’

The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced that Omani researcher Dr. Huda Mubarak Al Dai’ree won the “ALECSO Innovation Award for Young Researchers” due to her active role in promoting green economy.

The research that won the award was titled “Role of government school principals and teachers in endorsing green economy in education and activating it as one of the objectives of Oman Vision 2024.”

The award reflects ALECSO’s keenness on inspiring and supporting innovative Arab researchers who excel in the fields of technology and scientific applications. The award is an initiative undertaken by ALECSO to spread the culture of research and innovation among Arab youth.

source/content: omannews.gov.om

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OMAN

QATAR: The Story of a Ball – World’s Largest Art Canvas unveiled – awarded by Guinness Book of Records

The Ministry of Culture unveiled the largest painting on canvas in the world by the artist Emad Al Salehi, at Qatar University yesterday.

The 9,652 sq metre artwork, equivalent to the size of a football field, is titled The Story of a Ball and was adjudged as the largest art canvas by the Guinness Book of Records officials.

The painting tells the history of the World Cup from its inception in 1930 until the World Cup 2022, which combines culture, history and sports and embodies the landmarks and icons of all the World Cup tournaments in Qatar.

The unveiling of the artwork comes at a time when the country is in the midst of the FIFA World Cup Qatar and as it readies to celebrate its National Day on December 18, 2022.

At the inaugural ceremony, a video was shown about the stages of completion of the huge artwork, after which the Guinness Book of Records certificate was handed over, marking its entry into the record book, in the presence of the Ministry of Culture officials and media.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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Artist Emad Salehi receives Guinness World Record Award from the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani during the inauguration Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed

Artist Emad Salehi receives Guinness World Record Award from the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani during the inauguration Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed

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QATAR

KUWAIT : GIG, KEMS, and Boursa Kuwait Are Among the Winners of ‘The 18th World Branding Awards 2024-2025’, London

The 18th edition of the World Branding Awards honoured the success and achievements of some of the World’s Best Brands as National, Regional, and Global Winners. The 2024-2025 World Branding Awards saw over 927 brands from 66 countries nominated as “Brand of the Year”. Of these, less than 100 were declared Winners.

The prestigious Award Ceremony was held at the Tower of London, United Kingdom. It welcomed over 80 guests worldwide and was hosted by acclaimed British television broadcaster, David Croft.

Global winners who proved excellence and impeccable branding in their industry include Yakult (Japan), Lurpak (Denmark), Sennheiser (Germany),Spotify (Sweden), BYD (China), and Heinz (United Kingdom).

Winners from Kuwait include GIG, KEMS, RIVA, Mabanee, The Avenues, and Boursa Kuwait. Other National tier winners include Absolut (Sweden), Airland (Hong Kong), Aurora (Thailand), Bank of Taiwan (Taiwan), Boots (United Kingdom), Evolene (Indonesia), Fern-D (Philippines), Frank & Co. (Indonesia), Munchy’s (Malaysia), Natural Aqua Gel Cure (Japan), Spritzer (Malaysia), and VISTRA (Thailand), to name a few.

Just 20 brands were selected to receive the Regional tier award this year, including M-150 (Thailand), Tsui Wah (Hong Kong), Nippon Rent-A-Car (Japan), and MR DIY (Malaysia). These brands were voted as consumers’ favourites in 4 or more countries across 3 or more areas in a specific geographic region.

“Winning the Brand of the Year, with 70% of the voting power in the hands of consumers, is a testament to a brand’s ability to resonate with its audience. It’s recognition that a brand has not only met but exceeded its customers’ expectations. It’s a badge of honour that signifies a brand’s commitment to providing exceptional value, building trust, and creating lasting relationships,” said Mr Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum.

More than 100,000 consumers participated in the nomination process globally this year. On average, there are only 5 winning brands in each country, proving that winning a World Branding Award is a remarkable accomplishment.

For more information and the full list of winners, visit awards.brandingforum.org.

source/content: businesswire.com (headline edited)

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KUWAIT

MOROCCO’s Aviation Sector Rockets to 5th Globally, Leads Africa 2024

After just twenty years in aviation manufacturing, Morocco has outpaced all African nations to become the continent’s primary supplier of aircraft parts.

Morocco’s aviation manufacturing sector is concluding 2024 with unprecedented growth, as exports surged 17.3% to reach MAD 21.86 billion ($2.1 billion) in the first ten months, surpassing the entire previous year’s record of MAD 21.85 billion.

The North African country has solidified its position as Africa’s primary aviation equipment and spare parts manufacturer, ranking fifth globally among the most dynamic countries in the aviation sector, according to Afaf Saïdi, Director of Aviation, Railway, Naval Industries and Renewable Energies at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

“Morocco has become the main source of equipment and spare parts at the African level after just twenty years of launching its first initiative in this sector,” Saïdi told the Moroccan News Agency. “This exceptional performance not only demonstrates the resilience of our national aviation industry but also reflects its ability to adapt to global market momentum.”

The sector currently employs 21,000 skilled workers across 142 companies, with a local integration rate exceeding 40%. Industry Minister Riyad Mzour announced in July that Morocco aims to double the sector’s employment by 2030.

This year marked several significant developments for Morocco’s aviation industry. The country hosted the Morocco Air Show 2024 in Marrakech, which facilitated new strategic partnerships with industry giants Boeing and Airbus.

A major milestone was the inauguration of Safran’s $300 million aircraft engine manufacturing facility in Casablanca, expected to create hundreds of jobs and facilitate advanced technology transfer.

‘Adopting a proactive approach’

Other major manufacturers including Bombardier, Stelia, and Aerospace have expanded their investments in the country through new facilities and expansions of existing sites. These initiatives aim to meet growing demand from major aviation companies for high-quality components while contributing to local economic growth.

The government has developed specialized industrial zones for aviation manufacturing, including the Midparc zone, which offers modern infrastructure, ready-to-use land, and tax incentives. The Tanger Med Port plays a pivotal role in supporting the sector’s growth through export operations.

“We are adopting a proactive approach to ensure our aviation industry aligns with rapid global developments,” Saïdi explained. “Innovation is at the core of our priorities, with special focus on environmentally friendly technologies and reducing carbon footprint, strengthening the kingdom’s position as a competitive and sustainable industrial platform.”

The sector’s growth in 2024 represents a significant improvement from 2023’s modest 2.4% increase in exports. This expansion is attributed to strong global demand and product diversification, encompassing spare parts and complete equipment for major aviation manufacturers.

Looking ahead, Morocco’s aviation sector is positioning itself for further expansion through new ecosystem development, implementation of more complex projects, and addressing challenges in digital transformation, decarbonization, and technological innovation, while leveraging the talents of young Moroccan professionals.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Morocco’s aviation exports hit $2.1 billion in record-breaking 2024.

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MOROCCO

EGYPT : BBC recognizes Nour Emam of Egypt’s MotherBeing for empowering women

This recognition sheds light on a journey of empowering mothers and reshaping the narrative around motherhood in Egypt.

Onset of an idea

MotherBeing is an organization founded by Nour Emam to provide support, resources, and a sense of community for mothers across Egypt.

In a previous interview with Ahram Online , Emam recounted that during the birth of her daughter, she underwent a medically unnecessary C-section and was separated from her daughter for a while.

It was a challenging experience that left her feeling helpless. Following the birth, Emam suffered from postpartum depression and mild PTSD, which went undiagnosed for eight months.

In an attempt to help herself overcome that painful experience, she created MotherBeing, an educational platform focused on providing women with information on their bodies, sexual health, and the many misconceptions surrounding it.

However, before creating her platform in January 2020, Emam joined a five-month online doula training program from Canada, one of the hardest and longest in the field, followed by another training program in managing postpartum depression.

Emam decided to make it her mission to educate women about their cycles and reproductive health. Emam’s most crucial part was making this knowledge accessible in Arabic to every Arabic-speaking woman.

She is now a certified maternal support practitioner (doula) and certified relationship and sex educator.

Over the years, in addition to easily accessible online content, MotherBeing provided courses of female-only open discussions about women’s reproductive and sexual health issues.

Based on requests, course participants choose a topic related to womanhood each month. The courses provide scientific discussions of the issues.

Through MotherBeing, Nour has created a safe space where mothers can share their stories, seek advice, and form connections with one another.

Brave initiative

One of Nour Emam’s standout initiatives is donating hundreds of thousands of sanitary pads to women in Gaza in November 2023.

This initiative highlighted the medical challenges women face there.

Emam also provided free online consultations to all Palestinian women in need of medical advice regarding their reproductive health.

She remains committed to expanding the reach of MotherBeing and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for mothers in Egypt.

Her vision for the future includes launching new initiatives, collaborating with like-minded organizations, and advocating for policies prioritizing maternal well-being.

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

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EGYPT

ALGERIA / DUBAI, UAE : ARAB : Mohammed bin Rashid congratulates Algerian Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia Winner of ‘Great Arab Minds Award in Economics 2024’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has congratulated Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia, Professor of Finance and Economics at Princeton University, for winning the Great Arab Minds Award in Economics for 2024.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed praised Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia for his pioneering contributions to financial econometrics, data measurement, and financial analysis. His work advanced the modelling of high-frequency financial data and continuous-time processes, enabling deeper understanding of variables.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “We congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in Economics for 2024, Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia from Algeria, Professor of Finance and Economics at Princeton University, who has made exceptional contributions by developing an advanced economic and financial metric to determine volatility levels and understand future patterns of market fluctuations. His work has enhanced financial market analysis, improved economic risk assessments, and increased the efficiency of financial and economic planning.

“We celebrate his achievement and take pride in all Arab minds who have inspired us with their creativity. We look forward to meeting them soon at the Great Arab Minds ceremony.”

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, informed Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia of his win via video call. Al Gergawi highlighted that the award reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to celebrate and support exceptional Arab talent, highlight their achievements, and expand their effective cognitive and developmental impact in their specialisations to foster innovation and excellence across the Arab world.

“Your theories on econometrics and financial analysis have become a reference for numerous institutions, markets, economies, and governments. Your studies inspire a new generation of skilled economists, both in the Arab world and globally, and you are a source of pride for everyone in the Arab world,” Al Gergawi added.

Professor Aït-Sahalia developed high-frequency econometric methods to analyse financial data, estimate volatility, forecast market trends, and evaluate risk. His techniques for addressing microstructure noise and capturing market dynamics have provided essential tools for asset pricing and financial decision-making.

With over 80 academic studies and two books, Professor Aït-Sahalia’s research introduced innovative methods for analysing financial data, and enhancing economic planning.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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