Category: Amazing Feats

EGYPT : SHARJAH, U.A.E : Sharjah Ruler honours Egyptian literary Mohamed Salmawy at 44th SIBF opening

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair on Wednesday, where he honoured Egyptian writer and playwright Mohamed Salmawy as the Cultural Personality of the Year.

The opening ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

In his keynote address, Sheikh Sultan welcomed guests and the delegation from Greece, this year’s Guest of Honour, noting that Sharjah is marking 100 years since the establishment of its first library, a milestone he said reflects the emirate’s enduring commitment to knowledge and culture.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan honoured Egyptian writer and playwright Mohamed Salmawy, naming him the Cultural Personality of the Year in recognition of his distinguished literary career and contributions to Arab theatre, fiction, and cultural life.

In his acceptance speech, Salmawy expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying: “Sharjah honoured me and all Arab intellectuals when it first honoured the written word over four decades ago by founding this book fair as a celebration of thought and knowledge. It honoured us again when it built museums, hosted exhibitions and conferences to celebrate our heritage and contemporary arts. Sharjah chose to embrace culture and has rightfully become one of the most important beacons of cultural enlightenment in the Arab world.”

“Our gathering here at the Sharjah International Book Fair is a renewed call to continue along the path of faith in culture and ideas—through words and books. It is a call to believe in the unity of the Arab human spirit—from Egypt to the UAE, from Yemen to Morocco, from Syria to Somalia. This meeting reminds us of the role of the Arab intellectual—not as a mere observer of his time, but as an active, influential force responsible for lighting the way amid the darkness some would impose upon us,” he added.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of the Turjuman Award to Dr Ondřej Beránek for his Czech translation of The Mission of Ibn Fadlan, published by Academia Publishing House in the Czech Republic. Organized by the SBA, the AED 1.4 million prize is the world’s most valuable award for the translation of an original Arabic work into another language.

The Ruler of Sharjah also announced the completion of the first phase of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, which aims to document Arabic and Islamic sciences, literature, and the humanities, including biographies of scholars, philosophers, writers, linguists, poets, rulers, and thinkers from the dawn of Arab history through the Islamic civilization.

He said the team, working under the supervision of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, has completed 44 volumes covering linguistic and religious sciences, with the second phase, focused on the humanities, expected to be finalized next year.

Representing Greece, Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Culture Jason Fotilas expressed deep gratitude to Sheikh Sultan, highlighting the centuries-old cultural ties between Greece and the Arab world and thanking Sharjah for choosing Greece for this year’s edition.

In a related event, the Egyptian General Book Organization (EGBO) will host a special book signing for Salmawy on 6 November at 4pm at its pavilion within the fair. Organized by Egypt’s Ministry of Culture, the event will honour one of the Arab world’s most distinguished literary figures and celebrate his lifetime achievements.

A distinguished gathering of Arab and Egyptian writers, intellectuals, and media figures will attend the ceremony, where Salmawy will sign several of his notable works published by EGBO, including The Fairy, Beyond the Moon, The Last Station, and his memoir My Journey, which chronicles his rich literary and cultural life.

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

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EGYPT / SHARJAH, U.A.E

ALGERIA declares France’s colonial rule a crime in new law – January 2026

Algeria’s new law declares French colonial rule a crime, seeking accountability and reparations for the colonial past.

Algeria’s parliament has unanimously passed legislation declaring France’s colonisation of the country a crime.

On Wednesday, lawmakers stood in the chamber draped in scarves bearing the national colours, chanting “Long live Algeria” as they approved the bill.

Parliament also formally demanded an apology and reparations from Paris in a move that seeks to redress attempts to sweep the issue aside.

The law assigns France “legal responsibility for its colonial past in Algeria and the tragedies it caused”, placing historical accountability at the centre of the state’s legal framework.

While analysts say the law carries no enforceable international weight, its political impact is significant, signalling a rupture in how Algeria engages France over colonial memory.

Parliament Speaker Ibrahim Boughali said the legislation sent “a clear message, both internally and externally, that Algeria’s national memory is neither erasable nor negotiable”, according to the APS state news agency.

The text catalogues crimes of French colonial rule, including nuclear tests, extrajudicial killings, “physical and psychological torture” and the “systematic plundering of resources”.

It also asserts that “full and fair compensation for all material and moral damages caused by French colonisation is an inalienable right of the Algerian state and people”.

‘Crime against humanity’

France brutally ruled Algeria from 1830 to 1962 through a system marked by torture, enforced disappearances, massacres, economic exploitation, mass killings and large-scale deportations and marginalisation of the country’s indigenous Muslim population.

The war of independence between 1954 and 1962 alone left deep scars. Algeria puts the death toll at 1.5 million.

President Emmanuel Macron has previously described the colonisation of Algeria as a “crime against humanity” but has consistently refused to issue a formal apology. He reiterated that position in 2023, saying: “It’s not up to me to ask forgiveness.”

Last week, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pascal Confavreux declined to comment on the parliamentary vote, saying he would not engage with “political debates taking place in foreign countries”.

Hosni Kitouni, a colonial history researcher at the University of Exeter, told the AFP news agency that the law has no binding effect on France but stressed that “its political and symbolic significance is important: it marks a rupture in the relationship with France in terms of memory”.

The vote comes amid a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Algeria and France maintain ties through immigration in particular, but today’s vote comes amid friction in the relationship.

Tensions have been high for months since Paris recognised Morocco’s autonomy plan for resolving the Western Sahara conflict in July 2024. Western Sahara has witnessed armed rebellion since it was annexed by Morocco after the colonial power, Spain, left the territory in 1975.

Algeria supports the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination in Western Sahara and backs the Polisario Front, which rejects Morocco’s autonomy proposal.

In April, the tensions escalated into a crisis after an Algerian diplomat was arrested along with two Algerian nationals in Paris. The diplomatic crisis came barely a week after Macron and Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed their commitment to revive dialogue.

source/content: aljazeera.com (headline edited)

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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/24/algeria-declares-frances-colonial-rule-a-crime-in-new-law

French Empire: Civilising Mission

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ALGERIA

JORDANIAN-AMERICAN :How Malek AlQadi – One Jordanian Architect Brought a Piece of Petra to California

Inspired by his childhood in Amman, Malek AlQadi’s latest project, ‘The Folly Mojave’, injects desert minimalism with sustainable luxury.

Born in Amman, Jordan, raised in Florida, and based in Los Angeles, Jordanian-American architect Malek AlQadi has dedicated his life to his follies. In architecture, a folly is a building that serves no purpose aside from aesthetics. But AlQadi’s follies? They are worlds unto themselves; portals to places only visited in daydreams and memories.

His first folly came about as part of his thesis project, during which he designed and executed a humble, fully self-sustaining stay in California’s Joshua Tree National Park. Though his design language has evolved over the years, his core principles remain the same: sustainability, minimalism, and a reconnection with nature, all rooted in a childhood spent marvelling at Jordan’s deserts.

In Jordan, ancient structures like Petra dominated his early experiences. In Florida, his exposure to contrasting environments shaped his understanding of space, structure and purpose. AlQadi’s obsession with follies finds its roots in his desire to push the boundaries of design. He’s not interested in the grandiosity of skyscrapers or the utility of commercial buildings. Instead, his work delves into the ethereal, focusing on creating spaces that encourage introspection, exploration and escape.

The Folly Mojave, a series of standalone suites dotted across 200 acres at the intersection of The Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, is AlQadi’s most recent and most ambitious project to date. The project is a retreat that blends into the arid environment while providing visitors with an isolated, immersive experience. “A lot of it was navigating childhood memories and connecting them with real-life scenarios and architectural elements, tying vastly different places in the world together, yet still grounded in similar principles and environments.” AlQadi tells SceneHome.

For AlQadi, the desert isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a critical component of the project, shaping the way the Folly Mojave interacts with the land. The retreat’s location in such an extreme environment is intentional; it encourages guests to detach from their everyday lives and engage more fully with their surroundings.

At first glance, the Folly Mojave may appear simple, but its simplicity belies the thoughtfulness of its design. The structure is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy, and equipped with self-sustaining water systems. The retreat is designed for minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Inside, the space is surprisingly open, with large windows that frame the vast desert views.

“A big part of the experience is having less light pollution and being able to see the stars at night. All of that fed into the idea of disconnection,” AlQadi explains. “It’s about having the luxury of time and space to relax and take in nature, which, at its core, is the ultimate healer.”

Malek AlQadi emphasises the “site-responsive” nature of his architectural philosophy. Unlike architects who adhere to a singular aesthetic, AlQadi’s approach is shaped by the environment he works within, adapting to the unique qualities of each location. “No two projects are ever the same,” he explains, yet there’s always a recognisable touch that connects his work. Symmetry, the use of natural materials, and a minimalist design language are core to his style, while he doesn’t shy away from incorporating brutalist elements when appropriate.

For AlQadi, creating spaces that resonate beyond the present – lasting decades or even centuries – is a key part of his architectural philosophy. “Guests often describe the experience as surreal, unique and unplugged,” AlQadi reflects. “Many mention feeling a deep connection while staying there. It’s rewarding to know that people from all walks of life have been able to share in that experience.”

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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AMERICAN / JORDANIAN

PALESTINE – JORDAN : AUC press author Ibrahim Nasrallah wins prestigious Neustadt international prize

AUC Press author Ibrahim Nasrallah, a Palestinian novelist and poet, has won the prestigious Neustadt International Prize for Literature, announced The American University in Cairo (AUC) Press and its literature imprint, Hoopoe.

Nasrallah is the 29th laureate of the prize, an honour frequently dubbed the “American Nobel.”

Nasrallah’s novel, Time of White Horses (Hoopoe, 2016), published in English translation by Hoopoe, was selected as the representative text for the prize.

The AUC Press “is proud that author Ibrahim Nasrallah and his novel, published under our Hoopoe literary imprint, have received such distinguished recognition,” said AUC Press Executive Director Thomas Willshire.

Time of White Horses tells “a deeply moving story rooted in Palestinian history and identity, exactly the kind of powerful, boundary-crossing narrative that embodies Hoopoe’s mission to bring distinguished voices from the Middle East to readers around the world,” he added.

Hoopoe has published four of Nasrallah’s novels in English, including Time of White Horses (2016), Gaza Weddings (2017), and The Lanterns of the King of Galilee (2015).

As outlined in the Neustadt Prize charter, “Any living author writing in any language is eligible, provided that at least a representative portion of their work is available in English—the language used during the jury deliberations.”

Presented biennially by the University of Oklahoma and World Literature Today, the Neustadt International Prize for Literature recognizes writers of exceptional literary achievement across all genres and languages.

The 2025 winner was announced in October, and the next Neustadt Lit Fest, organized by World Literature Today, will be held in the fall of 2026 in honour of Nasrallah.

Nasrallah was nominated for the prize by Shereen Malherbe, an award-winning novelist and children’s book author.

In her nominating statement, Malherbe said “Nasrallah’s literary works span universal issues and themes woven into the Palestinian struggle that allow readers to connect deeply with Palestine outside of a colonial framework.”

“His work is now more important than ever, considering the plight of Palestinians. It is time the world sees the true Palestine, and Nasrallah’s work can offer this perspective.”

Nasrallah’s powerful storytelling, exploring exile, identity, and resistance, places him alongside past laureates such as Gabriel García Márquez, Edwidge Danticat, and Tomas Tranströmer.

Nadine El-Hadi, senior acquisitions editor at AUC Press, noted that Nasrallah is “a writer of a generation and truly deserving of this prize.”

“Never has it been more important to amplify Palestinian voices such as his,” she added.

A leading Arab literature voice

Born in 1954 to Palestinian parents in a Jordanian refugee camp, Ibrahim Nasrallah has become one of the most important voices in contemporary Arab literature.

He has written fourteen poetry collections and fourteen novels, as well as works of literary criticism.

His writing has been translated into multiple languages, earning him international acclaim for his exploration of exile, identity, resistance, and the human condition.

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

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JORDAN / PALESTINE

SAUDI ARABIA : King Faisal Prize winners announced for 2026

Pioneering scientist behind revolutionary weight-loss drugs, global scholars, innovators among winners.

The King Faisal Prize 2026 winners were announced at a ceremony in Riyadh on Wednesday night.

The event honored pioneering scientists, global scholars and innovators for their transformative contributions to medicine, science, Arabic language, Islamic studies and the service of Islam.

Prof. Svetlana Mojsov was named winner in the medicine section for her groundbreaking discoveries that are now reshaping how we treat obesity.

Prof. Carlos Kenig was announced as science laureate in the field of mathematics for helping to revolutionize understanding of nonlinear partial differential equations.

Mojsov, the Lulu Chow Wang and Robin Chemers Neustein research associate professor at The Rockefeller University in New York, pioneered research on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that has fundamentally transformed how obesity and diabetes are treated.

She discovered and characterized the biologically active form of GLP-1, a natural intestinal hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, and identified its receptors in the human pancreas, heart, and brain.

Through cutting-edge biochemistry and physiological studies, Mojsov demonstrated that GLP-1 powerfully stimulates insulin secretion while reducing hunger and managing glucose levels.

Her groundbreaking work enabled the development of an entirely new class of medications that mimic this natural hormone, sparking a paradigm shift in obesity treatment.

These therapies today provide life-changing benefits for hundreds of millions of people worldwide living with obesity and its complications — a global health crisis affecting 890 million adults and 160 million children and adolescents in 2022 alone, according to the World Health Organization.

Mojsov’s groundbreaking contributions have earned numerous prestigious honors, including Time magazine naming her one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2024.

Kenig was honored for his groundbreaking contributions to mathematical analysis. His work has transformed understanding of nonlinear partial differential equations — the mathematical equations describing how things change and move in the physical world — and provided researchers with a now-ubiquitous set of techniques. His insights have opened new research frontiers with applications spanning fluid mechanics, optical fibers, and medical imaging.

Kenig, the Louis Block distinguished service professor at the University of Chicago, is recognized for applying harmonic analysis techniques across different areas of partial differential equations.

His work on free boundary problems — determining unknown boundaries such as where ice meets melting water or how fluids flow through soil — has been particularly influential.

Kenig has spent three decades figuring out how complex waves behave over long periods of time, especially in tricky situations where they could either spread out peacefully or build up dangerously.

This matters for understanding everything, from ocean waves to light pulses in fiber optics and to how energy moves through different materials.

His work helps explain phenomena in quantum mechanics, optics, and ocean waves. By combining different mathematical techniques, he has solved longstanding problems that had puzzled mathematicians for decades.

In addition to medicine and science, the King Faisal Prize recognized the achievements of outstanding thinkers and scholars in the field of Arabic language and literature, Islamic studies, and exemplary leaders who have played a pivotal role in serving Islam, Muslims, and humanity at large.

Pierre Larcher, an emeritus professor of Arabic linguistics at Aix-Marseille University and emeritus researcher at the Institute for Studies and Research on the Arab and Muslim Worlds, won this year’s King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language and Literature on “Arabic literature in French.”

His novel presentation of Arabic literature to French readers has earned widespread acclaim from critics and specialists, while his rigorous scholarly approach to classical Arabic literature has made it accessible and appropriate for French culture.

His critical translation project of “Al-Mu’allaqat” and rigorous study of pre-Islamic poetry demonstrate exceptional scholarly depth.

For this year’s Islamic Studies Prize, Abdelhamid Hussein Mahmoud Hammouda, the professor of Islamic history and civilization at Fayoum University, and Mohamed Waheeb Hussein, the professor of archaeology and history of art at the Hashemite University, were announced as co-laureates.

Hammouda’s work encompasses the trade routes across the Islamic world — the Mashreq, Iraq and Persia, Arabian Peninsula, Greater Syria, Egypt, Sahara, Maghreb, and Al-Andalus. This expansive scope delivers coherent understanding of Islamic trade trajectories across history, serving as an authoritative reference for both specialized research and broader scholarship.

Hussein’s groundbreaking work uses archaeological surveys, GPS documentation, and analytical mapping to systematically correlate Qur’anic texts with geographical data. His research offers definitive scholarly interpretation, significantly advancing documentation of early Arabian Peninsula trade routes.

Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Fozan and Dr. Mohammad Abou Moussa were announced as co-laureates in the Service to Islam Prize.

Laureates’ names were announced by Prince Turki Al-Faisal and the King Faisal Prize’s Secretary-General Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail.

Selection committees included experts, specialists, and scholars who met in Riyadh and examined the nominated works. They selected the laureates in an objective and transparent manner, in accordance with the rules and regulations.

The KFP was established in 1977, and was awarded for the first time in 1979 in three categories: service to Islam, Islamic studies, and Arabic language and literature. Two additional categories were introduced in 1981: medicine and science. The first medicine prize was awarded in 1982, and in science two years later.

Since 1979 the KFP has given awards to more than 300 laureates who have made distinguished contributions to different sciences and causes.

Each prize laureate is endowed with $200,000, a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a certificate inscribed with the laureate’s name and a summary of the work that qualified them for the prize.

source/content: arabnews.com (headlines edited) 

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King Faisal Prize laureates’ names for 2026 were announced in Riyadh on Wednesday night by Prince Turki Alfaisal and the Prize’s Secretary General Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail. (Supplied)

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EGYPT / JORDAN / PALESTINE / SAUDI ARABIA (*Arab)

   

PALESTINE : Sheikh Mohammed congratulates Dr Suad Amiry Winner of Great Arab Minds Award in Architecture and Design

Dr Suad Amiry recognised for decades of heritage conservation work.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday congratulated the winner of the 2025 Great Arab Minds Award in the Architecture and Design category.

Sharing his congratulations on social media, Sheikh Mohammed said: “We congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Architecture and Design category for 2025, Dr Suad Amiry from Palestine, founder of the Riwaq Centre for Architectural Conservation.”

He praised Dr Amiry for her pioneering efforts to preserve Palestinian architectural heritage, highlighting her work in restoring and reusing historic buildings in ways that strengthen urban identity.

Dr Amiry, who leads the Riwaq Centre, was recognised for her role in one of the largest architectural documentation projects in Palestine. The initiative produced a registry of more than 50,000 historic buildings and contributed to the revival of 50 historic centres.

Her projects have also created job opportunities and training for craftsmen working with traditional building materials, while actively involving local communities in restoring their villages.

Sheikh Mohammed extended his “heartfelt congratulations to Dr Suad Amiry for her well-deserved recognition and decades of dedication”. He also prayed for the protection of Palestine, saying: “May God protect Palestine and breathe new life into its historic villages and buildings, ensuring its heritage endures as long as the Arab memory lives on.”

Dr Amiry’s research has been widely recognised for its detailed documentation of traditional Palestinian homes, including stonework, flooring, decorative features and architectural layouts that reflect the richness of the region’s built heritage.

The Great Arab Minds Awards honour influential figures whose work has made a lasting impact on Arab culture, scholarship and society.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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Dr Suad Amiry / @HHShkMohd/X

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PALESTINE

EGYPT : Dr. Yasmine Fouad Receives 2025 Nobel Sustainability Medal

Her tenure as Minister of Environment included a modern waste management system, the issuance of the region’s first sovereign green bond, work across protected areas, and nearly 20,000 green jobs.

The Nobel Sustainability Trust has selected Dr. Yasmine Fouad to receive the 2025 Nobel Sustainability Medal, an announcement that comes as she concludes her role as Egypt’s Minister of Environment and takes up the position of Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Over 26 years, Fouad’s work has moved across environmental policy, climate diplomacy, and sustainable development, from early research on ecological resilience to convening communities, scientists, and policymakers. That human-centred lens has taken her to countries facing climate impacts, meeting pastoralist communities navigating drought, women rebuilding livelihoods after environmental shocks, and youth calling for climate justice. In Egypt, her tenure as minister included a modern waste management system, the issuance of the region’s first sovereign green bond, work across protected areas, and nearly 20,000 green jobs. During COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, she put adaptation and resilience at the centre of negotiations, bringing the needs of vulnerable communities into the room. The medal reflects values present in her work — resilience, collaboration, and belief in people’s role in shaping their future — and places attention on the Arab region and Africa within the sustainability conversation. As climate pressures intensify — from water scarcity to land degradation and drought — Fouad often frames sustainability as a human agenda focused on dignity, safety, and livelihoods, with an eye on what future generations will inherit. In her acceptance message, she dedicated the medal “to the women who rebuild their communities, the young people who refuse to inherit despair, the workers who turn scarcity into innovation, and the families who choose hope every day.

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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EGYPT

ALGERIAN Professor Waciny Laredj wins UAE-based Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praises novelist’s insights into intricacies of Arab societies.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Algerian Professor Waciny Laredj on winning the Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts.

The novelist, short story writer and academic is one of the Arab world’s most prominent literary figures and well-known throughout the Arabic-French speaking countries.

“We congratulate Professor Waciny Laredj on winning the Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts, honouring his exceptional literary contributions. Professor Waciny has presented over 30 novels that delve into the intricacies of Arab societies, culture, and the environment. His impactful works have been translated into more than 20 languages and endorsed by numerous universities worldwide,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a congratulatory message posted on his official X account.

“Holding the esteemed position of Chair Professor at the Central University of Algiers and the Sorbonne University in Paris, Professor Waciny’s achievement is a testament to his remarkable dedication to literature. We commend his efforts and deeply appreciate his profound contributions to Arabic literature, enriching the global readership.”

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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Laredj’s works have been translated into over 20 languages and endorsed by numerous universities worldwideX/@HHShkMohd

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ALGERIA

SAUDI ARABIA : Dalal Al-Matrudi: Young Saudi innovator using science to ease pain and inspire change

This combination of compassion and technology earned Al-Matrudi’s team multiple global awards this year.

For Dalal Al-Matrudi, innovation began not in a lab but at home, watching a loved one battle multiple sclerosis. What started as empathy soon turned into invention, leading her and her team to develop a smart medical device that is now winning awards on international stages.

“Our innovation is a smart medical device designed to assist patients with multiple sclerosis by providing localized muscle massage controlled through a mobile application,” said Al-Matrudi. “It helps relieve pain, reduce muscle stiffness and improve patients’ comfort and daily mobility.”

The device also connects patients directly with their doctors for real-time monitoring. “In emergency situations, it can instantly alert healthcare providers to ensure the patient receives immediate assistance,” she said.

This combination of compassion and technology earned Al-Matrudi’s team multiple global awards this year, including the Gold Medal with Jury’s Honor, the GCC Patent Office Award, and the Grand Prize at the International Invention Fair of the Middle East, or IIFME, hosted by the Kuwait Science Club. The invention was also recognized at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, one of the most prestigious global platforms for innovation.

For Al-Matrudi, 21, who hails from Riyadh, the project was deeply personal. “Our inspiration came from personal experience — one of my family members suffers from multiple sclerosis, and seeing their daily struggle with pain and mobility challenges deeply affected me,” she said.

Together with her teammates, she transformed that emotional drive into a purpose-driven invention. “We wanted to create something practical and compassionate that could truly improve patients’ lives,” she said.

Under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Kholoud Al-Muqrin, a distinguished professor of nuclear physics known for empowering young Saudi innovators, the team refined their prototype into an award-winning solution. “Her continuous guidance and scientific insight played a vital role in shaping our project and transforming our idea into a tangible, award-winning innovation,” Al-Matrudi said.

She believes the foundation of every great innovation is care. “We believed that technology should serve humanity, and that small ideas born from care can evolve into meaningful advancements that bring relief and hope to many,” she added.

Months of research, design and testing culminated in an unforgettable moment at IIFME 2025.

“The most emotional moment was standing on stage when our team’s name, Team May, was announced as the Grand Prize Winner,” she said. “I remember holding my teammates’ hands tightly, feeling both disbelief and overwhelming pride.”

For Al-Matrudi, the victory symbolized much more than recognition. “It wasn’t just about the prize — it was about realizing that months of dedication, late nights and countless trials were finally worth it,” she said.

She recalls how their mentor’s tears turned the win into a collective triumph. “I could see tears in everyone’s eyes, especially our supervisor’s, which made it even more special,” she said. “That moment reminded me that passion and persistence can turn ideas into achievements that reach beyond borders.”

Although the invention is not directly tied to her academic major, medical physics, Al-Matrudi says her background gave her the edge she needed to design effectively.

“Studying medical physics enhanced my scientific thinking and deepened my knowledge of how the human body interacts with medical devices,” she said. “This understanding helped me design a solution that is both safe and effective.”

She believes the key to meaningful innovation lies in combining technical knowledge with emotional intelligence. “Gaining international recognition encouraged me to continue combining my medical knowledge with creative thinking to develop innovations that make healthcare more compassionate, practical and accessible for all,” she said.

Al-Matrudi’s story reflects a growing wave of young Saudi women who are redefining the global image of innovation.

“I hope my journey shows Saudi women that ambition and creativity have no limits,” she said. “Science and innovation are not exclusive fields — they welcome curiosity, persistence and passion.”

Her experience also underscores how inclusion fuels progress. “When women step into these spaces, they bring empathy and fresh perspectives that drive real progress,” she said.

Her message is simple but powerful: “I want every Saudi girl with a dream to believe that she can represent her country globally, no matter her field. Our achievements are proof that with teamwork, guidance and confidence, Saudi women can lead the way in shaping the future of science and technology.”

Today, Al-Matrudi stands as one of the brightest examples of how Saudi youth are translating Vision 2030’s goals into real-world impact. Through her invention, she’s proving that innovation is not just about devices, it’s about dignity, hope and humanity.

As she proudly waved the Saudi flag on stage in Kuwait, surrounded by fellow inventors and mentors, Al-Matrudi’s message was clear: Saudi women are not just participating in the global innovation movement, they’re leading it.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Saudi innovator Dalal Almatrudi proudly holds the Saudi flag after winning the Grand Prize at the International Invention Fair of the Middle East 2025 in Kuwait. (SUPPLIED)

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SAUDI ARABIA

EGYPTIAN Islamic scholar and geologist Zaghloul El-Naggar dies aged 92

Egyptian Islamic scholar and geologist Zaghloul El-Naggar, a leading figure in the field of scientific interpretation of the Qur’an, has died at the age of 92.

El-Naggar passed away in Amman, Jordan, after a battle with illness, according to statements released on his official social media accounts on Sunday.

His funeral prayer will be held on Monday at Abu Aisha Mosque in Amman, followed by burial at Umm Al-Qutain Cemetery.

Born on 17 November 1933 in the village of Mashal in Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate, El-Naggar showed an early passion for science.

He graduated with honours in geology from Cairo University in 1955, earning the Mustafa Baraka Award in Earth Sciences. He obtained a PhD from the University of Wales in 1963 and became a full professor in 1972.

El-Naggar’s career spanned decades of teaching and research at universities in Egypt, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Yemen, Jordan, and the United States.

He chaired the geology department at Qatar University, taught at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and served as a visiting professor at UCLA.

He also directed Al-Ahqaf University in Yemen and later taught at the World Islamic Sciences and Education University in Jordan.

He became one of the Arab world’s most recognised voices on the relationship between science and faith, authoring numerous books and delivering hundreds of lectures on what came to be known as the “scientific miracles of the Qur’an and Sunnah”.

His popular TV programme Ayat Bayyinat (“Clear Verses”) aired across Arab channels, exploring Quranic descriptions of natural phenomena.

El-Naggar was a member of the International Commission on Scientific Signs in the Qur’an and Sunnah and was honoured several times for his contributions to promoting scientific understanding within an Islamic framework.

source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)

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El-Naggar passed away in Amman, Jordan, after a battle with illness [Al-Araby Al-Jadeed]

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EGYPT