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The 2021 King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam has been awarded to Mohamed Al-Sharikh from Kuwait, chairman of Sakhr Software Company.
He is one of five winners chosen by a selection committee led by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Prize Board.
The others are Moroccan Professor Mohamed Mechbal of Abdul-Malik Al-Saadi University in Tétouan, Morrocco (Arabic language and literature); Stephen Mark Strittmatter, an American neurologist at Yale School of Medicine, and British Professor Robin Franklin of the Wellcome Trust-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (co-winners in medicine), and Professor Stuart Parkin from the UK, an experimental physicist at Stanford University in California (science).
Mechbel was recognized for work that lays the foundations for the creation of modern Arab rhetoric within a vision inspired by the call for renewal.
Previous winners in this category of the King Faisal Prize have included rulers, heads of state, thought leaders and social scientists, as well as many distinguished institutions
International organisations have hailed the establishment of the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) in the UAE as an independent entity in line with the Paris Principles to promote and ensure the protection of human rights in accordance with international best practices.
The heads of these organisations have issued separate statements where they commended the formation of the NHRI and the appointment of its Board of Trustees from qualified Emirati cadres enjoying long experience in the field.
Advisor Issa Rashid Al Arabi, President of the Arab Federation for Human Rights (AFHR), said that the NHRI’s establishment in the UAE is a major stride, noting that it reflects the keenness of the UAE’s wise leadership to ensure that human rights are respected, and its firm belief in the importance of promoting human values.
Lawyer Ala Chalabi, the Chairman of the Arab Organisation for Human Rights, an entity with an advisory capacity at the United Nations, has commended the formation of the Institution, stressing that it will contribute to safeguarding human rights in the UAE and the entire Arabian Gulf region.
Dr Amjad Shamout, the former head of the Standing Arab Human Rights Committee at the Arab League, who is also the Chairman of Al-Jisr Al-Arabi Human Rights Centre in Jordan, said the establishment of NHRI is a qualitative addition to the efforts made in the human rights field in the Emirates that reflects the UAE leadership’s strong will to prioritise human rights and ensure all those living in the country enjoy the same rights without any discrimination.
Ayman Nasri, the Head of the Arab- European Forum for Dialogue and Human Rights, another entity with an advisory capacity at the UN, said the formation of the NHRI is a step forward toward reinforcing cooperation between local and international human rights agencies and organisations that will significantly contribute to establishing human rights organisations capable of communicating efficiently with the international community.
Khalid Al Ajami, Chairman of the Board of Kuwait Human Rights Society, noted that the establishment of NHRI is a step in the right direction toward reinforcing the human rights-related initiatives taken by the UAE in line with the determination of their leadership to promote human rights in continuation of the efforts pioneered by the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
For his part, Mohamed Fazie’, the former Chairman of the Human Rights Committee at the Arab League, congratulated the UAE on forming the NHRI, which he described as a culmination of the diligent efforts being made by the UAE for long years to protect human dignity and empower the human capital being the mainstay of sustainable development.
Dr. Abduljabbar Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Chairman of the Bahrain Jurists Society, another entity with an advisory status at the UN, said that the UAE leadership’s keenness to ensure 50 percent of the NHRI members are women in line with the Paris Principles reflects the pioneering role played by women in the UAE.
It’s worth mentioning that President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Al Nahyan has issued federal law No. 12 of 2021 pertaining to the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI).
‘Al-Ghadha Park in Unaizah (Makkah), which covers an area of more than 172 million square meters, has earned a Guinness World Record for the largest saxaul tree botanical garden.
“The saxaul trees give the area a unique beauty and magic that draws hikers from the Qassim region and beyond.”
Saleh Al-Waneen, a spokesperson for the Saxaul Association, told Arab News how the trees evolved to withstand the harsh desert climate.
“The tree grows and reproduces without any human intervention, and can go without water for many months,” he said. “In fact, this type of tree flowers, grows and thrives in the hottest temperatures in the summer without any irrigation or rain. It loves the heat and direct sun. Temperatures sometimes reach 58 C.
source/content : arabnews.com
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The people of Unaizah, a governorate in Al-Qassim Province, have cared for the indigenous trees for more than five decades, and there are strict laws against cutting them down. (Supplied) / arabnews.com
The 13-year-old Egyptian-Hungarian violinist Mariam Abuzahra won the silver award at the Nutcracker International Television Contest for Young Musicians in Moscow, Russia, on 6 December.
Abuzahra, representing Germany and Austria, participated in the third and final round of the Nutcracker, a renowned contest organised by the state cultural TV channel ‘Russia-K’, whose most recent edition took place in Moscow at the Tchaikovsky Hall.
In the string instruments category, Abuzahra competed with two other young finalists: Franz Ludwig Serafin Kraggerud (8) from Norway and violinist Sofia Demetriades (14), representing Great Britain and Russia.
Mariam Abuzahra started playing violin at the age of three, following the example of her elder sister Amira. Both sisters have been performing extensively and winning in international contests, such as the German youth national competition, the Virtuózok Talent show in Hungary and many others.
Just recently in 2020, the sisters received the highest awards at one of the most prestigious competitions for young violinists, the International Arthur Grumiaux Competition in Belgium.
Born to a Hungarian mother, Nóra Emödy, and an Egyptian father, Ahmed Abuzahra, both pianists, the young musician is also the granddaughter of famous Egyptian actor Abdelrahman Abuzahra.
AE bagged two silver medals at the Asian Karate Championships 2021 hosted by Kazakhstan on December 18-22.
UAE female Karate player Salwa Ahmed Al Mansouri won the Kumite silver for the +59kg category, while Mohamed Ahmed Al Ameri got the same in the Men’s Kumite +76kg.
Major General Nasser Al Razooqi, Vice President of World Karate Federation, and President of UAE and Asian Karate Federations, congratulated the players for their distinctive performance at the prestigious continental championship.
Tunisian world No 10 defeated Belinda Bencic in the one-off women’s match.
Ons Jabeur said it was a dream to compete at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship after the Tunisian world No 10 became the first Arab player to win at the pre-season tournament in Abu Dhabi.
Jabeur defeated Switzerland’s Olympic champion Belinda Bencic in a third set championship tie-break 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 in an entertaining match .
“It’s amazing to be here in Abu Dhabi; to be here in an Arab country, representing Tunisia, representing the Arab world. I’m so glad I had this opportunity, so I’m really grateful for that.”
Jabeur is accustomed to creating new milestones for Arab tennis. After becoming the first Arab female player to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final at the 2020 Australian Open, Jabeur emulated her feat at Wimbledon in July – two weeks after becoming the first Arab player to win a WTA Tour title.
The world No 10, who reached a career-high No 7 last month, is the highest-ranked Arab player, female or male, in tennis history.
source/content: thenationalnews.com
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Ons Jabeur of Tunisia at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. Victor Besa/The National.- thenationalnews.com
On 18 December 1878, Sheikh Jassem bin Mohamed bin Thani succeeded his father as the ruler of Qatar.
With that, Qatar became a country with a vision… a country that would find unity, grow rapidly, and reach toward ever-higher heights.
National Day, also known as Founder’s Day, celebrates the rise of Sheikh Jassem as the father and founder of the State of Qatar.
It was founded in 2007 to give people an occasion to honour the history and identity of their country, and to commemorate those who have worked and continue to work to make Qatar a great nation.
The 18th of December is a special day – a day of unity for the people of Qatar.
source/content: qatarnationalday.qa
December 18th, 2021
H.H. the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani participated in Qatar’s Arda (traditional sword dance) held at Amiri Diwan Yard to celebrate Qatar National Day.
The Moroccan-German woman won a seat in the Cologne 1 region under the banner of the Social Democratic Party.
Abdi is the first Moroccan woman to successfully be elected to Germany’s legislative body. Born in Tetouan, Abdi moved to Germany to attend the Adolf Reichwein Comprehensive School in Ludenscheid.
During this time, Abdi also joined the SPD in 2008, at the age of 22.
source/content: moroccoworldnews.com
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Sanae Abdi was elected to represent the Cologne I constituency after Sunday’s elections. Photo Credit: Sanae Abdi / pix: moroccoworldnews.com
Bahrain declares its independence from the United Kingdom, after one hundred and ten years of British occupation – !6th December 1971.
16 December 2021:
HM King patronises Bahrain’s celebration of its National Days
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa today patronised, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the celebration held at the Al-Sakhir Palace on the occasion of the kingdom’s National Days, in commemoration of the establishment of the modern Bahraini State as an Arab and Muslim state, founded by Ahmed Al Fateh in 1783, and the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne.
HM the King bestowed the “Prince Salman bin Hamad Medal for Medical Merit” upon the honourees.
Hamad Yacoub Al Mahameed conveyed to HM King Hamad the pride of the members of Team Bahrain, who are at the front lines of the fight against the pandemic, noting that they always draw inspiration from HM the King’s strong will and determination.
He underlined the frontliners’ honour to be essential partners in the national efforts, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to defeat challenges and bring about more successes to kingdom in combating COVID-19, pledging that they will make all sacrifices for the sake of the cherished homeland, under HM the King’s wise leadership.
He also extended, on behalf of all the honourees, heartfelt thanks and gratitude to HM the King for the honouring, as well as deepest congratulations on the kingdom’s glorious National Days.
The honouree list included:
– His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Prime Minister – Deputy Prime Minister, His Highness Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa A Khalifa – National Guard Commander, General His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa – HM the King’s Personal Representative, His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa – National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa – Commander of the Royal Guard’s Special Force, His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa – His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa – His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa – Royal Court Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Salman Al Khalifa – Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa – Deputy Prime Minister, Jawad Salem Al Arrayed – Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa – Cabinet Affairs Minister, Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Mutawa – President of the Supreme Council for Health, Lieutenant-General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa – Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa – Follow-up Minister at the Royal Court, Shaikh Ahmed bin Atiyatillah Al Khalifa – Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa – Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al-Zayani – Health Minister, Faeqa bint Said Al-Saleh – King Hamad University Hospital Commander, Major-General Dr. Shaikh Salman bin Atiyatullah Al Khalifa – Retired Major-General, Dr. Tariq Hameed Abdulhameed Shafee, – Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Waleed Khalifa Al Manea – CEO of the National Health Regulatory Authority, Dr Mariam Athbi Al-Jalahma. – Director-General of the Office of the Prime Minister, Hamad Faisal Al-Maliki – CEO of the Information and eGovernment Authority, Mohammed bin Ali Al Qaed – Director of Military Security at the Bahrain Defense Force, Major-General Dr. Riyadh Nasser Al-Areej – Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Cardiac Specialist Centre, Major-General Dr. Fuad Abdulqader Mohamed Saeed – Assistant Director of Officers and Personnel Affairs at the BDF, Brigadier General Hassan Ali Al-Mehanna – Brigadier-General Dr. Hassan Mohamed Noor, Head of the Royal Medical Team – Chief Physician, Chief of the Orthopedic Department at the Military Hospital, Colonel Dr. Shaikh Fahd bin Khalifa Al Khalifa – Colonel Dr. Mohammad Khalifa Al-Dossary – Colonel Hamad Mohammed Al-Khayyat – Lieutenant-Colonel Fawaz Nasser Al-Jairan, – Infectious Diseases Consultant and Microbiologist at the Military Hospital, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Manaf Mohammed Al-Qahtani – Undersecretary for Research and Projects at the Prime Minister’s Office and Head of the Operation Room to Combat COVOD-19, Hamad Yacoub Al Mahameed – CEO of Government Hospitals, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Ansari – Chief Executive Officer of Primary Health Care, Dr. Jaleela Al-Sayed Jawad – Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Maryam Ibrahim Al-Hajri – Director of the Public Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Najat Abu Al-Fateh – Member of the WHO COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidance Development Group, Dr. Jameela Mohammed Al-Salman – Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Health, Ibrahim Ali Al-Nawakhda – Chief of Medical Services at Salmaniya Medical Complex Dr. Nabeel Ahmed Al Asheeri – Member and Coordinator of the Supreme Council of Health, Dr. Mohammad Ali Al-Shaaban – Representative of King Hamad University Hospital, Dr. Omar Ibrahim Al-Shareef – Dr. Adel Salman Al-Sayyad- Health Ministry – Aysha Al-Balushi (Procurement and Efficient Use of Antibodies) – Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Amin (Cardiac Centre) – Sarra Ahmed Buhejji- Office of the Prime Minister – Mansoor Ali Mansoor – Health Ministry – Mohammed Ahmed Muqbel- Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced that Arabic calligraphy was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as a monumental cultural symbol in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
The addition was underpinned by the fact that Arabic calligraphy “represents the story of a civilization, heritage and culture, and that it is closely linked to the Arabic language,”
After a successful collaboration between 15 Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia and under the supervision of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization, Arabic Calligraphy: Knowledge, Skills and Practices has been officially added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In addition to the importance of its use in religious texts, calligraphy has played a pivotal role in the advancement of the Arabic language throughout history. For centuries, it has contributed to the transfer and spread of Arab culture, customs and religious values, in the process instilling a sense of pride and belonging among Arabs.
It is the ninth element registered by the Saudi Kingdom on this list, after registering eight elements of the intangible cultural heritage. Arabic calligraphy is a symbol of Arab identity, and has contributed to the transmission of culture and religious texts throughout history.
