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The award-winning image captures nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, who lost both arms in an Israeli attack on Gaza, and is now learning to adapt to life in Qatar.
A photograph of nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, a Palestinian child injured in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City in March 2024, has been named World Press Photo of the Year by the World Press Photo Foundation. The image, taken by Palestinian photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times, offers a harrowing glimpse into the long-term impact of genocide on Palestinian children.
The photograph shows Mahmoud in a clinical setting in Doha, Qatar, where he was evacuated for medical care after losing one arm and suffering severe injuries to the other during an Israeli airstrike. The explosion struck after Mahmoud reportedly turned back to urge others to flee. Since undergoing treatment, he has begun to learn how to use his feet for basic tasks such as writing, playing games on his phone, and opening doors. He still requires support for daily activities such as eating and dressing. His aspiration, the photo caption notes, is simple: to receive prosthetic arms and live as any other child would.
The World Press Photo jury praised the image for its emotional weight and clarity, describing it as “a portrait that speaks to the long-term cost of war, the silences that perpetuate violence, and the role of journalism in exposing these realities.” The jury highlighted how the photo doesn’t flinch from documenting the physical toll of conflict while also humanising the statistics that often dominate war reporting.
The broader context of the photograph adds to its urgency. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), by the end of 2024, Gaza had more child amputees per capita than any other place in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that by March 2025, over 7,000 injured Palestinians had been evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment, while more than 11,000 critically wounded individuals remained in the Strip, awaiting transfer. Qatar, which has developed its healthcare system in recent years, played a central role in facilitating these evacuations, alongside Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey.
The winning photo forms part of the annual World Press Photo Contest, which celebrates outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography from around the globe. Two other Arab photojournalists were recognised during the World Press Photo Contest: Palestinian photojournalist Ali Jadallah was recognized for his stark documentation of the aftermath of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, while Sudanese photographer, Mosab Abushama offers a jarring juxtaposition of violence and celebration with his photo of a groom at his wedding with a rifle in the background.
The celebrated vocalist started her singing career in the 1970s, contributing to Morocco’s musical heritage.
Renowned Moroccan singer Naima Samih died early Saturday morning at the age of 71 following a prolonged period of illness.
The deceased left behind a significant legacy in Moroccan musical culture.
Born in Casablanca in 1954, Samih earned a prestigious position and popularity in Morocco and the Arab world because of her sweet voice and delicate sensibility.
While Moroccans mourn the death of the iconic singer, fellow Moroccan artists have paid tribute to the musical icon.
Latifa Raafat wrote on her Facebook, “We share in mourning the departure of the lady of Moroccan music, the dear one who will never be forgotten, Lalla Naima Samih.
The celebrated vocalist started her singing career in the 1970s, contributing to the musical heritage of the country.
Samih’s true breakthrough came through talent discovery programs broadcast on Moroccan radio and television. Her first appearance was on “Lucky Thursday” (Khamis Al-Hazz), followed by her participation in the competition program “Talents” (Mawahib).
The artist’s journey to becoming a musical icon wasn’t without obstacles. Her father was initially reluctant to allow her to enter the world of singing, as was common for most fathers during that era.
He only consented after the intervention of influential media figures. But he insisted that his daughter should only perform modern songs and be selective in choosing quality poets and composers.
The young artist quickly rose to prominence in Morocco’s music scene, establishing herself as a leading figure alongside Abdelhadi Belkhayat and Abdelouahab Doukkali.
Through her musical and poetic choices, Samih developed a unique identity that resonated with modern song audiences in Morocco.
She collaborated with composers known for their dedication to incorporating traditional Moroccan rhythms into modern templates (including Abdelkader Rachdi, Abdelkader Wahbi, and Ahmed Alaoui), as well as with prominent zajal poets who adapted local dialects to achieve sophisticated expressiveness (such as Ahmed Tayeb Alj and Ali Haddani).
Among the late artist’s most important musical works were the songs “Jari Ya Jari” (My Neighbor, Oh My Neighbor), “Yak A Jarhi” (Oh My Wound), and “Amri Lillah” (My Life is for God).
These beloved classics helped establish her as a pillar of Moroccan musical heritage and left a stamp in the souls of her era’s Moroccans.
In the early 1970s, Samih married Moroccan cycling champion Mustafa Belkayed. The couple had one son named Shams.
Egyptian actor Youssef Omar will join the cast of the British-Chinese production Shashou, set in Hong Kong.
Youssef Omar is a rising Egyptian actor known for his versatile roles in film and TV series, including, most recently in Ramadan, TV series A Woman’s Youth (Shabab Emraa, 2025), where he co-starred opposite Ghada Abdel Razek.
He gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough in the 2018 drama Rahim (dir. Mohamed Salama) and has since starred in popular series like Sittat Bayt Al-Maadi (Women’s Maadi House, 2021), where he played Timo El-Badry (Timo), acting alongside Mira El-Helbawi, Tara Emad, and Enjy Kiwan.
Both series were directed by Mohamed Salama, with the latter catapulting Omar to fame.
Youssef has also successfully transitioned to the silver screen in high-grossing movies such as Awlad Hareem Kareem (2023) and El-Hareefa (2024), starring Nour Ehab, Khaled El-Zahaby, and Bayoumi Fouad.
In 2024, Omar starred in Meen Yasadaq (Who Would Believe?), a film directed by Zena Ashraf Abdel Baky. The film was screened during the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, further solidifying Omar’s status as an up-and-coming talent to watch out for.
Produced and directed by UK producer, screenwriter, and filmmaker Bizhan Tong, Shashou offers Omar his first international role.
Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, co-founders of MAD Solutions, which distributes the film in the MENA region, described the film as a thriller that is “an Arab spin on the packaging strategy that Hollywood has long deployed.”
Shashou is set in the shady world of ex-special forces, where outcasts Kelly Frost, Rachel Chan, and Inferno unite to stop a billionaire’s plot to destabilize Hong Kong.
Festival president Hussein Fahmy announced the appointment during the Berlin International Film Festival.
The Cairo International Film Festival has named Mohamed Tarek as its new artistic director, following his tenure as deputy artistic director. Festival president Hussein Fahmy announced the appointment during the Berlin International Film Festival.
Since its inception in 1976, the Cairo International Film Festival has been a cornerstone of the region’s cinematic landscape, held annually at the Cairo Opera House.
Tarek’s career spans film programming, festival consultancy, and jury roles at major international festivals. A graduate of the Locarno Industry Academy in Beirut and the Durban Talents programme, he has worked with CIFF, Dublin International Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival, and Manassat Film Festival. His expertise also extends to projects with El Nahda Association, MedFest Egypt, and the Goethe Institute Cairo.
After exploring the Iraqi keffiyeh in their first collection, Suez spotlights a forgotten art in ‘Common Thread’.
Three thousand years ago, the art of khayamiya lined the streets of Egypt. Translating to “tent-making,” this ancient hand-stitching practice was once used to fashion tents for royalty, aristocracy, and the wealthy. Today, the practice nears extinction; the only image the word “khayamiya” evokes in our minds is one of cheap printed Ramadan-themed tablecloths. Only 18 khayamiya artisans remain on Egypt’s Khayamiya Street in Bab Al Khalq. Their work is now far from central to the city’s fabric.
Returning the forgotten khayamiya to the spotlight, the London-based Egyptian-Iraqi label Suez is reviving the art in its new collection, “Common Thread.”
“Khayamiya has been something I’d been wanting to incorporate for some time now—since we last spoke,” Suez founder Serag El Meleigy tells Scene Styled. “I think it was the perfect next step for Suez; me being half Egyptian and spending a lot of time in Egypt also made it that much more special.”
As a pursuit, Suez is archival. The label seeks to immortalize crafts that were once popular but have been lost on the road to modernity. Suez, observing that our attire has become synonymous with that of the colonizer, rejects homogeneity and sifts through millennia of historical archives to return culture to our costumes.
“We utilized the khayamiya in two forms: first in its true hand-stitched form, and secondly in a printed form—both of which we purchased from the artisans on Khayamiya Street,” shares El Meleigy. “The first khayamiya blanket I bought was back in 2023, so my ideas have been brewing with the khayamiya for some time now.”
Shortly after his first purchase, El Meleigy returned to Khayamiya Street for more. This is when “Common Thread” was born. The two blankets, both created by the same khayamiya artist, Esaam Ali, were fashioned into two beautiful single-piece collared jackets in two colorways—red and blue.
In respect to the amount of work, skill, and creativity poured into their making, whether as the original khayamiya blanket by Ali or the jacket itself by El Meleigy, the khayamiya jackets are special pieces. Surely, they could be dressed down, but something about the fabric, the common thread that holds them, demands a more prestigious welcoming of the pieces.
“The 1-of-1 khayamiya jackets are obviously statement pieces. We’ve seen them worn for a live recording performance, and we’ve had people say they’d save theirs for big events. I love the idea of these 1-of-1 jackets evolving into some form of suit for big occasions—but the Egyptian version.
Besides participating in the cultural evolution of our occasion wear, Suez’s “Common Thread” weaves the khayamiya practice into daily casual wear.
“The meander garments made way for the incorporation of ‘loud patterns’ in subtle ways—they are made for every occasion,” explains El Meleigy. “The elastic waist of the pieces gives them the benefit of comfort, but the straight-leg structure creates an illusion of formality that can be dressed up or down.”
“I heard one girl wore her keffiyeh meander trousers, from our previous collection, to a wedding, and someone else wore the full keffiyeh set at her dad’s MBE receival ceremony at a royal palace.”
To El Meleigy, “Common Thread” is an exciting pursuit, one he is consistently looking for ways to make even more tailored. In the future, he hopes to work more directly with khayamiya artisans, involving their work directly in garment-making, and potentially seeing them embroider on clothes, rather than refashioning their blankets. Before we know it, the art of khayamiya will be back on hoodies, tracksuits, shorts, and more.
Hanan Sultan, a young Omani jewellery designer based between Muscat, Dubai and London, is passionate about fine arts and fashion, but has found ‘jewellery design’ as the perfect middle ground. Skillful at combining traditional and contemporary materials in her creations, Hanan, however, is personally fond of yellow gold and rubies. “Creativity has no limits and… I have yet many miles to go…” she tells Hubert Vaz in an exclusive chat. Excerpts:
What, according to you, defines the value of a piece of jewellery?
The value of a piece of jewellery, to me, lies within its design execution. As a bench-trained jewellery designer, I’m very detail-oriented and committed to craftsmanship by blending traditional making skills with modern technology to achieve an unparalleled level of quality and luxury. I’m truly dedicated to creating timeless pieces that capture a balance of luxury, comfort, and emotional value using the finest materials – precious metals and stones.
When did you figure out that this was your cup of tea?
I realised that it was my cup of tea at an early age when I felt a strong passion for creativity. This passion led me to study (foundational) Fine Arts at Pratt in New York, followed by (foundational) Fashion Studies at the London College of Fashion. I recognised that the world of jewellery was perfect for me when I comprehended that it encapsulated both, fine arts and fashion. I eventually did my BA in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins in London. During my summer holidays, I did internships and courses with different institutes and jewellery brands in Dubai, London and Paris. This expanded my early industry knowledge and provided me with invaluable experiences.
To deepen my expertise, I pursued an MA in Jewellery and Metal at the Royal College of Art in London, which allowed me to refine my creative process and technical skills. Through hands-on experiences and continuous learning (as an Omani jewellery designer), I’ve developed a design approach that blends innovation with traditional jewellery design.
What distinguishes your creations from the rest in the fray in UAE/Oman or elsewhere?
My designs stand out for their precision and craftsmanship, achieved through CAD and CAM technologies, which allow for intricate details and consistent finishing. While I value the cultural significance of traditional handmaking techniques, I focus on blending modern innovation with timeless aesthetics to create unique and enduring pieces.
How differently, do you think, the Western world view jewellery unlike those in Asia and the Middle East?
I find that some of the western world’s overview on jewellery includes accessories, conceptual ‘wearable objects’, incorporating all sorts of contemporary non-precious materials, whilst Asians and Middle Easterns think of jewellery as ‘high/fine jewellery’ that usually incorporates precious metals and stones, most popularly, 18, 22, 24 carat gold, natural diamonds and precious gemstones.
Are the tastes of Arab women changing – is there a need for novelty and wow factor among the younger generation?
Arab women’s tastes, like women everywhere, are constantly evolving. This is due to the rise of the Internet, journalism, social media exposure and easy accessibility to global travel. There’s always a desire for novelty and ‘wow factor’, especially amongst younger generations. It’s human nature to seek fresh and exciting perspectives.
Do you like religious symbols used in jewellery or would you rather keep it creatively different?
Religion, like jewellery, is extremely personal. I appreciate how jewellery can help people of many different backgrounds connect to their faith. Some religious symbols are especially meaningful precisely because they are private and intimate.
As an Omani jewellery designer, which is your best creation so far, and was it sold to any affluent/prestigious buyer?
My favourites include pieces from my frankincense inlay collection. I’ve had buyers from the Gulf, America, Canada and the UK approach me to acquire some of these pieces.
When you customise jewellery, do you follow the client’s requirement or educate them about what’s best for them?
It is important for me to listen to my clients’ wants and needs as well as present them with different options and solutions, ultimately educating them to make the decision that would suit them best.
How popular is your business?
Working in Dubai has been great for me, professionally, because I’ve been able to share my work with a global audience. The global accessibility of Dubai has meant that I’ve been able to make in-person sales to American, British, and European clients, as well as cultivate existing relationships in the Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Muscat is much quieter, on the whole, but provides a clarifying balance from the bustle of doing business in Dubai. Oman will always be my home and it would be very fulfilling to one day be able to showcase my work in Muscat, my hometown, as an Omani jewellery designer.
Do you also shoulder management/business promotion tasks?
At the moment, I’m managing all aspects of the business, from creative direction to production to logistics, marketing and sales. This is to be expected for young designers at the beginning of their career. But I’m looking forward to being able to focus even more exclusively on the creative processes as the brand grows and I develop my team.
If not in this field which other profession is close to your heart?
If not jewellery design, I would love to explore more of fine arts, arts education, academic arts, or research – something deeply creative and thought-provoking. Fashion design and journalism also intrigue me, they share a similar focus on storytelling, aesthetics, and pushing boundaries, which all align with my passion for design and creativity.
As a young designer entrepreneur have you reached anywhere close to your ultimate goal?
I believe, that creativity has no limits and endless possibilities, so I for sure think that I have yet many, many miles to go.
Red is timeless…
Asked about her personal preference of jewellery, Hanan Sultan struck a unique note. “Yellow gold and rubies are my personal favourites. My friends even call me ‘the queen of rubies’. They hold a special place in my heart because they’re a part of my familial heirlooms, and I love the idea of carrying that legacy into the future. Rubies, to me, resemble their colour – red is timeless and powerful.
The Emirates Libraries and Information Association (ELIA) celebrates Arabic Manuscript Day each year on April 4th to honour the rich history of Arab and Islamic knowledge. This day recognises the importance of Arabic manuscripts, which serve as valuable sources of information and cultural records showcasing the contributions of Arab and Muslim scholars in many areas of study.
To mark this occasion, the association is hosting a symposium called “Manuscripts: Their History and Present,” in collaboration with the Sharjah Heritage Institute. The event will feature well-known researcher Prof. Dr. Bashar Awad, who will discuss how Arabic manuscripts have developed over time, their significance in preserving our shared history, and the challenges they face due to modern technology.
Fahad Al Maamari, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Library and Information Association, highlighted that this celebration shows the association’s dedication to protecting our written heritage and increasing understanding of its importance. He pointed out that manuscripts are not just old documents; they represent the creativity of Arab thinkers and serve as a link between the past, present, and future.
Through events like this, the association aims to promote efforts to preserve, restore, and digitize these manuscripts, ensuring they are accessible for future generations and can be used in various research and academic endeavors.
It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.
The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is hosting the Arabic Language Month program in Spain throughout April, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, promoting the language, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.
The progeam is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions, the SPA reported.
It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.
As part of the academy’s global Arabic teaching program, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its international reach and fostering global partnerships.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The program is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions. (SPA)
Emirati publisher, author, and women’s advocate Bodour Al Qasimi has made history by becoming the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive a prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi received the prize for her groundbreaking children’s book ‘House of Wisdom’ at a ceremony in the impressive Farnese Chapel, at Palazzo d’Accursio, in Bologna.
Reflecting on the honour, Sheikha Bodour said, “For me, this award signals a shift towards a more inclusive children’s publishing sector. Amid heightened global tensions, stories like ‘House of Wisdom’ carry a message that books can occasion unity, progress, and a deeper understanding between cultures. It’s a timely statement about literature’s power to build bridges and keep the bigger human picture in view.”
She added, “The House of Wisdom was a library that symbolised how knowledge and collaboration across cultures can build sturdy bridges. Its loss in 1258 is a tragic allegory for the fragility of intellectual freedom – a lesson of undiminished relevance today.”
Feted for its engaging approach to encouraging critical thought, scientific curiosity, and compassion, the success of ‘House of Wisdom’ marks progress in international recognition of the value of Middle Eastern children’s literature.
The book is illustrated by Majid Zakeri Younesi, whose evocative art provides a breathtaking complement to the story.
Although unable to be in Bologna to collect the award with Sheikha Bodour, he said, “Working on ‘House of Wisdom’ was a unique opportunity to visually capture the spirit of curiosity and innovation that drives humanity’s infinite quest for learning and dialogue, something Sheikha Bodour has so deftly portrayed in her narrative.”
The day after the prize giving, Sheikha Bodour spoke on a thought-provoking panel with other BolognaRagazzi Award winners and joined a celebration reception at the Kalimat Group stand.
On both occasions, she shared her inspiration behind ‘House of Wisdom’, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural and intellectual legacies, the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides, and Sharjah’s commitment to promoting knowledge, including through the creation of its own House of Wisdom.
Before receiving the award, Sheikha Bodour signed copies of her book at the Giannino Stoppani Children’s Bookshop, which she helped restore after it was destroyed by fire in 2022. To support the renovation, Sheikha Bodour allocated significant funds from the Sharjah World Book Capital Office.
Honoring the Rich Heritage, Celebrating the Next Generation
This event is a tribute to our culture, featuring music, dance, comedy, and inspiration, uniting us in pride and resilience”
— Warren David, President, Arab AmericaWASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ —
On Wednesday, April 9th, the Arab America Foundation will present its ninth annual National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration at Amazon HQ Theater, “Honoring the past, inspiring the future.”
Each year, we honor the invaluable contributions of Arab Americans and commemorate National Arab American Heritage Month with community leaders, cultural performances, and authentic Arab cuisine.
This year, we honor the legendary Umm Kalthoum, marking 50 years since her passing in 1975. Known as the Nightingale of the Arab World, her iconic voice inspires generations.
Performers include: –Mohanad Elsheiky, a Libyan stand-up comedian based in Queens who is a digital producer on the TBS late-night comedy series Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, has appeared on Conan and Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
-Marwa Morgan, Arab American and Egyptian classic vocalist, will perform a special tribute to the legendary nightingale of the Arab World, Umm Kulthum with the New York Umm Kulthum Ensemble.
–Anas “Andy” Shallal, Iraqi-American artist, activist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Busboys and Poets.
–Shirin Rajaee, Emmy-nominated news anchor and MC of the event.
–DJ Basbousa, a DC-based Arab DJ pop culture designer.
–Faris El-Layl Folkloric Dance Troupe will perform traditional Arab dances.
“During this year’s National Arab American Heritage Month, we honor our rich heritage while celebrating the next generation. This event is a tribute to our culture, featuring music, dance, comedy, and inspiration, uniting us in pride and resilience,” said Warren David, president of Arab America.
About National Arab American Heritage Month 2025 Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, but only a handful of states recognized it. Each year, our grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts.
If you want to help us mobilize the community for NAAHM, request proclamations, or plan events, please contact Dr. Amal David or call 877-272-2944.
Proclamations Arab America Foundation state teams are acquiring proclamations from governors, state legislators, mayors, and county executives nationwide. New proclamations for 2025 will be announced in the coming months.
Sponsorship of National Arab American Heritage Month 2025 (including Diversity Training Workshops) The Arab America Foundation welcomes corporate participation as a sponsor to celebrate Arab American heritage and enhance the understanding of Arab identity and culture in America through the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative. Sponsorships include the Arab America Foundation’s diversity training workshop designed to help corporations educate their workforce about the Arab American community. Through this workshop, participants can gain insights into the community’s history, immigration, culture, traditions, and other significant issues.
Or call the Arab America Foundation at 877-272-2944 or email info@arabamerica.com
Educator’s Curriculum Kit Arab America Foundation offers The Educator’s Curriculum Kit, which highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, issues affecting our community, and our many achievements in business, politics, education, and more. The Kit is available for school educators. For more information, please get in touch with Dr. Amal David.
Resources Arab America Foundation is committed to gathering and promoting the community’s events and stories through https://www.arabamerica.com/resources/ and social media platforms during April. Every week, Arab America will feature cultural events throughout the US on our events page and share compelling success stories of Arab Americans on our blog page. Additionally, Arab America has compiled a resource guide listing resources and content regarding the Arab and Arab American identity and culture.
About the Arab America Foundation The Arab America Foundation (www.arabamericafoundation.org) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization that promotes the Arab heritage in the U.S., educates Americans about the Arab heritage and identity, and connects and empowers Arab Americans
