Hend Zaza – at 12, Syrian – Makes History , Youngest Athlete at Tokyo Olympics : – July 2021

Hend Zaza (aka) Hend Abdul Rauf Zaza – Table Tennis Star.

She qualified to play in the 2020 Summer Olympics in 2021 in Tokyo, through the West Asia Olympic qualifying tournament held in Jordan in 2020. 

At the age of 12, she was the youngest person to compete in Olympic table tennis, and the fifth-youngest person to compete in the modern Olympics. 

She was the youngest competitor at the 2020 games, and the youngest Olympic competitor since Beatrice Hustiu, a Romanian figure-skater who competed in 1968.

She plays for the Al-Muhafaza Table Tennis Club in Damascus and has won national titles at all levels: hopes, cadets, junior and senior.

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pix: https://olympics.com

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SYRIA

HISTORY RECORDS : Today : July 23rd – Morocco’s King Hassan II, 22nd Anniversary of his Passing Away

 Today’s date marks the 22nd anniversary of King Hassan II’s death.

The Moroccan monarch was in power from 1961 until his death in 1999. 

The late King was seen by many in Morocco as a celebrated diplomat, a charismatic Moroccan figure . 

King Hassan II was 32 years old when he acceded to the throne following the untimely death of his father King Mohammed V at 51 years of age. 

Hassan II made his first diplomatic steps in January 1943, during the Anfa Conference in the residential suburb of Casablanca, alongside Churchill and Franklin Roosvelt . He was thirteen at the time. 

Hassan II’s 38 year reign over the Kingdom still shapes facets of Moroccan politics and society today. He adapted Morocco to the harsh realities of the post-colonial modern world, while preserving the country’s traditions and roots.


Hassan II was driven by the dream of recovering  Moroccan territories lost during the colonial era. A quest he undertook as soon as he got to power. Morocco’s territorial integrity was strengthened during his reign, thanks to the recovery of three Moroccan territories taken away during colonization: Sidi Ifni in 1969, Saquia el Hamra in 1975 and finally Oued ed Dahab in 1979.

On November 6, 1975, King Hassan II of Morocco made a historic speech calling on the Moroccan people to undertake a long peaceful march south to liberate the Western Sahara from Spanish occupation.

The Green March was an unprecedented event in the history of the 20th century, which gathered 3.5 million volunteers from all over the country and put an end to Spanish colonial rule in the Sahara without the use of violence.

Hassan II also led Morocco through a ruthless global cold war. The Moroccan monarch took advantage of a series of regional and international crises to embolden the country’s strategic role in the region, as well as on the international scene. 

Morocco became a bulwark against communism in the Maghreb and Arab World, as most countries in Africa were leaning towards the left after gaining independence from western empires. 

King Hassan II also helped bring about the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.  He was involved in the subsequent agreements between the Palestine Liberation Organization, Jordan, and Israel. 

Morocco’s current political stability is also a part of Hassan II’s legacy. As his reign coincided with the decolonization era in southern countries, most African neighbors did not stand the test of the skillfully orchestrated power vacuum left by their former colonizers. 

King Hassan II’s funeral brought important delegations from all continents. World leaders, including former president of the US Bill Clinton, attended the funeral.

source/content : moroccoworldnews.com

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pix: moroccoworldnews.com

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MOROCCO

Rower Mohamed Sbihi to Become First Muslim to Carry British Flag at Olympics Opening Ceremony : July 2021

Mohamed Sbihi (aka) Mohamed Karim Sbihi (aka) Moe Sbihi. Rower. Dual Olympian. Twice Olympic Medal Winner.

British rower and gold medalist Mohamed Sbihi will on Friday make history when he becomes the first Muslim to carry the British flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, a role he will share with another gold medalist, sailor Hannah Mills.

Sbihi, 33, won a gold medal in the coxless four at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and claimed a bronze as part of the British crew in the men’s eight at London 2012.

Sbihi, who received an MBE in the British Queen’s 2017 New Year’s Honors list, and Mills, a campaigner for clean oceans.

Sbihi, who was born in Kingston upon Thames to a Moroccan father and British mother, gave notice of his talent as a rower at the age of 15 when he finished first in the junior men J15 category at the 2003 Great Britain Indoor Rowing Championships.

source/content: arabnews.com

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pix: www.britishrowing.org

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BRITISH / MOROCCAN

Qatar Inaugrates Arab World’s ‘Biggest’ Indoor Padel Court : July 2021

As padel sports quickly becomes a fan favourite sport in Qatar, the Gulf state inaugurated its biggest indoor padel complex located at Aspire Park. 

This year, the Gulf state, represented by the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF), joined the International Padel Federation (FIP).

This came after Qatar won the bid to host the Padel World Cup, due to be held in the Middle East for the first time November 15 to 20, 2021.

Qatar is now ready to host international padel tournaments and participate in other events under the umbrella of the FIP.

source/content: dohanews.co

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pix: dohanews.co [Nadeebqa]

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QATAR

Egypt’s Al Ahly Win Record-Extending 10th CAF Champions League Title : July 2021

Egyptian club Al Ahly seals a record-extending 10th African Champions League title by beating Kaiser Chiefs of South Africa in the final.

Al Ahly extended their record as the club with most CAF Champions League titles to a total of 10 and they are five titles ahead of Zamalek and TP Mazembe.  

Al Ahly, who entered the game as the reigning champions, achieved back-to-back titles for the third time in the club’s history after 2005/2006 and 2012/2013.  

Al Ahly’s captain Mohamed El Shenawy had a special night as he became the first captain in the club’s history to lift the trophy for two straight seasons. 

source/content: egypttoday.com

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Mohamed Sherif celebrates his goal, courtesy of Al Ahly website / pix: egypttoday.com

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EGYPT

Team Abu Dhabi Crowned World Endurance Champions again – 2nd Time : Augustow, Poland: July 2021

All-Emirati crews secure another double triumph as Cappellini’s two-boat strategy works to perfection.

Team Abu Dhabi secured their first major powerboat racing crown of the season on Sunday as Rashed Al Qemzi, Thani Al Qemzi and Mansoor Al Mansoori combined to win the UIM World Endurance Championships in Augustów, Poland.

This triumph means that Cappellini has now delivered 12 world championship titles to Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club since taking charge in February 2015.

This was also the first time in the championships that Team Abu Dhabi had been represented by a full Emirati driver line-up.

source/content: khaleejtimes.com

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Team Abu Dhabi had entered the championship with an all-Emirati two-boat line-up for the first time. — Supplied photo / khaleejtimes.com

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Almoez Ali Makes History- First to Score at 3 Football Tournaments – Asian Cup, Gold Cup, Copa America

Almoez Ali creates footballing history as the first ever player to score in three of the biggest football tournaments. 

Qatar’s number one striker scored nine goals at the Asian Cup 2019 and a goal each at Copa America in 2019 against Paraguay as well as this year’s 2021 Gold Cup against Panama

source/content: dohanews.co

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pix; QFA / dohanews.co

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QATAR / SUDAN

World’s Largest Hampton by Hilton, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE : July 2021

Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Ali Construction & Development (AACD)has marked the handing over of the $81.6m (AED300m), 39,625m2 Hampton by Hilton Hotel at the Al Marjan Island.

With the handover milestone, the project has become the largest Hampton by Hilton in the world to date.

The 515-keys beach hotel has been engineered by JT+Partners, with International Engineering Center as the supervision consultant, and developed by Mohamed Ruqait Properties (MR Properties). 

The tower level comprises 515 rooms and suites, while the wide rooftop consists three chiller zones and two fire exits. The hotel will also feature 450m of a private white sand beach, a 1,000m2 pool, other recreational facilities and an observation deck. 

source/content : constructionweekonline.com

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AACD marks handover of world’s largest Hampton by Hilton / pix: constructionweekonline.com

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RAS AL KHAIMAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Manama, Bahrain’s Capital, Labelled a “Healthy City 2021” by World Health Organization (WHO). First Middle East Capital to Earn the Distinction.

Bahrain, where Arabian Gulf oil was first discovered, where its first electrical infrastructure was installed, and where its first school for girls was established, has chalked up yet another regional first.

Manama, the island kingdom’s capital, has been labeled a “Healthy City 2021” by the World Health Organization (WHO) — the first Middle East capital to earn the distinction — in recognition of its commitment to creating an environment conducive to human well-being.

FAST FACTS

* Manama was declared a “Healthy City 2021” in June by the WHO.

* Bahrain’s per capita health spending rose to $1,067 during 2005-13.

* Health spending as a proportion of GDP rose to 4.9% in the same period.

(Source: WHO)

source/content: arabnews.com

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pix: arabnews.com

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BAHRAIN

Transport & Logistics Middle East Awards : TLME Heroes of the Pandemic Awards : July 12th, 2021

With celebrity host Katie Jenson opening the evening and international boxer Amir Khan as celebrity guest, the awards ceremony on was attended by the who’s who of the industry and proved a great success in showcasing the best talents of the Middle East region’s supply chains.

The event was held at the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre (The Great Ballroom) on July 12th.

Winners were recognised for their performance in 5 key sections – Special Recognition, Technology, Air Freight, Sea Freight and Logistics.

And the winners of the TLME Heroes of the Pandemic Awards 2021 are:

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

The Hope Consortium – Global Vaccine Distribution Initiative

Department of Health Abu Dhabi – Hero of the Pandemic – Best Performer

Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi – ADNOC Logistics & Services – CEO of the Year

Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Hero of the Pandemic – Government Agency

Cyber Security Council – Hero Of The Pandemic (Security & Defence)

Dubai Police – Hero of the Pandemic (Transport & Logistics Authority)

TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Abu Dhabi Ports mUnity – Hero of the Pandemic in Technology

Cyber Security Council – Hero of the Pandemic (Digitalisation)

DHL & DP World – Joint winners of Most Innovative Company in Technology

Navis – Most Dynamic Solution in Technology

Brands for Less – Hero of the Pandemic (E-Commerce)

Cyber Security Council – Hero of the Pandemic (Cyber Security)

Unitechnik – Logistics Automation Solution of the Year

Fleetboard (By Mercedes-Benz Trucks) – Most Innovative Telematics Solution of the Year

Cyber Security Council – Best All-Round Security Solution Provider

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

The Hope Consortium – Global Vaccine Distribution Initiative

Department of Health Abu Dhabi – Hero of the Pandemic – Best Performer

Capt. Abdulkareem Al Masabi – ADNOC Logistics & Services – CEO of the Year

Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – Hero of the Pandemic – Government Agency

Cyber Security Council – Hero Of The Pandemic (Security & Defence)

Dubai Police – Hero of the Pandemic (Transport & Logistics Authority)

TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Abu Dhabi Ports mUnity – Hero of the Pandemic in Technology

Cyber Security Council – Hero of the Pandemic (Digitalisation)

DHL & DP World – Joint winners of Most Innovative Company in Technology

Navis – Most Dynamic Solution in Technology

Brands for Less – Hero of the Pandemic (E-Commerce)

Cyber Security Council – Hero of the Pandemic (Cyber Security)

Unitechnik – Logistics Automation Solution of the Year

Fleetboard (By Mercedes-Benz Trucks) – Most Innovative Telematics Solution of the Year

Cyber Security Council – Best All-Round Security Solution Provider

AIR FREIGHT

Emirates SkyCargo – Hero of the Pandemic (Air Cargo)

DHL Global Forwarding – Most Resilient Performer in Air Cargo

Etihad Cargo – Most Creative Performer (Air Cargo)

Saudia Cargo – On-Time Hero

National Air Cargo – Hero of the Pandemic (Humanitarian Relief)

SEA FREIGHT

DP World – UAE Region – Port that has been a true Hero of the Pandemic.

Abu Dhabi Ports – Ports Cluster – Most Ingenious Performer in Maritime

CS Maritime DMCC – Hero of the Pandemic (Maritime Services)

ADNOC Logistics and Services – Best Integrated Shipping & Logistics Performer

LOGISTICS

SAL Saudi Logistics Services – HERO OF THE PANDEMIC IN LOGISTICS

Danzas – Hero of the Pandemic (Healthcare Logistics)

Allied Transport Company – Hero of the Pandemic – Supply Chain Transport Solution

Emirates Post – Hero of the Pandemic (Speed & Efficiency)

Danzas – Hero of the Pandemic, Supply Chain Solution

KNAUF – Manufacturer of the Year

Hellman Worldwide Logistics – Hero of the Pandemic (Freight Forwarding)

Serco – Hero of the Pandemic (Support Services)

Al-Futtaim Logistics – Hero of the Pandemic (Fulfilment)

Mercedes-Benz Trucks – Truck OEM of the Year

LogiPoint – Logistics Hub of the Year

Razr Lab & Haifa Logistics – Best Logistics Start-Up Award

Aramex – Last-Mile Hero

source: transportandlogisticsme.com

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MIDDLE EAST