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Category: Inventions, Innovations (wef. Feb 01sy, 2022
One doesn’t have to be a Muslim to visit the mosque or see the tallest minaret in the world.
Many people who think of a vacation to Africa make plans with Morocco in mind, South Africa at times, maybe Kenya, and definitely Egypt—to see the famous pyramids—or the 4,100-mile-long river that gave birth to that momentous civilization. Yet, as a continent, Africa has 54 countries, almost as many as the number of states in the U.S. Though it may come as a surprise, almost all of these countries are safe and have nearly the same conveniences as those found in many First World countries. Take Algeria, for instance, the biggest country in Africa and more than three times the size of Texas. This northern African country has pyramids, just like Egypt, and several fascinating ruins that would interest any history buff or anyone who’s out for some real adventure.
The Great Mosque Of Algiers And Its Record-Breaking Minaret
Also known as Djamaa el Djazaïr, the Great Mosque of Algiers is itself a monumental structure and an architectural marvel in its own right. However, what really puts it in the Guinness Book of World Records is its minaret. The reason is that the Great Mosque of Algiers is noted for having the tallest minaret in the world. For those who may be scratching their heads, a minaret is a tower—or a tower-like structure—built into mosques primarily to project the “Adhan,” the Muslim call to prayer. Of course, today, minarets serve other purposes as well. For instance, they are important landmarks of Islamic presence. Coming to the minaret of the Great Mosque of Algiers, we would not be remiss to expect a structure described as the world’s tallest to answer to that exceptional description. Well, the minaret of the Great Mosque of Algiers is 265 meters tall and hence, by all accounts, impressive.
For perspective, that’s the same height as Truist Plaza, the 60-story skyscraper in downtown Atlanta or the Panorama Tower in Miami, Florida. It’s also about half the height of the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States. Minarets, however, have never been this tall. Before the Great Mosque of Algiers secured a page in the Guinness Book of World Records for its minaret, the tallest minaret was the 670-feet tower of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. The Algiers minaret, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is now not just the tallest minaret in the world but the tallest building in Africa as well. This minaret is designed to withstand a magnitude nine earthquake, the highest earthquake magnitude. This type of earthquake can cause major damage over a region more than 1,000 km across.
Here’s A Brief History Of The Great Mosque Of Algiers And Its Minaret
The government of Algeria launched the construction of the Great Mosque and its record-breaking minaret in 2012. However, according to an adviser to the minister of housing responsible for the construction, the idea of constructing a mega-mosque had been in the cards from way back in 1962 when Algeria got its independence after 132 years of French occupation and after a 7-year brutal war that would send seismic revolutionary waves across the continent. For some reason, the efforts to put up a mega-mosque in Algiers had failed and foundered. However, with the election of Abdelaziz Bouteflika as President of Algeria in 1999, the building efforts would soon receive significant impetus.
Famous for his religious zeal and devotion to Muslim art and culture, Bouteflika would, unsurprisingly, actualize the mega-mosque dream even though his tenure as president would dramatically come to a premature end before the completion of his pet project. The mosque, however, including its record-breaking minaret, was an outstanding architectural masterpiece. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Great Mosque of Algiers sits on an expansive area of around 400,000 square meters (about 50 acres). For perspective, the building itself, plus the outside courtyard, can seat up to 120,000 worshipers.
Other Reasons Why The Great Mosque of Algiers Is Worth Visiting (& How To Visit)
The mosque looks towards the scenic Bay of Algiers, which features dazzling white buildings and panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Part of the mosque is a library that can stock more than a million volumes. In addition, the mosque has a Koranic school and a museum of Islamic art and history.
Where Is The Great Mosque of Algiers Located? This mosque is located on the Rue de la Marine in Algeria’s capital city, Algiers.
A crucial travel tip is to get in as a worshiper, probably during worship. Some visitors even carry a prayer mat or wear a scarf, especially women. Of course, one doesn’t have to be a Muslim to visit the mosque or see the tallest minaret in the world.
A consignment of blue ammonia has left Saudi Arabia for South Korea, representing a new milestone in the development of decarbonization solutions.
The development was first announced during the recent Saudi Green Initiative conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, and Vessel Seasurfer, carrying 25,000 metric tons (25 KMT) of low-carbon blue ammonia, is expected to reach its destination between Dec. 9 and 13 in the world’s first commercial shipment of its kind.
The accomplishment, which is an alternative to conventional gray ammonia, is part of a collaboration between Saudi Basic Industries Corporation Agri-Nutrients and Aramco.
Lotte Fine Chemical, which has a long-standing relationship with SABIC AN, will receive the low-carbon “cradle to gate” blue ammonia.
Abdulrahman Shamsaddin, SABIC AN CEO, said: “This shipment is another milestone in our journey toward carbon neutrality.
“We are proud to be a part of this pioneering solution, paving the way for further decarbonization efforts.
“Looking to the future, we are constantly working on breakthrough solutions to decarbonize our assets and deliver low-carbon solutions to our customers.”
Yong Suk Kim, LFC CEO, said: “We are delighted to enter this meaningful agreement with our long-term supplier, SABIC Agri-Nutrients, to receive the world’s first certified blue ammonia cargo.
“Building on our shared history, we are looking forward to moving forward together into a new era for ammonia. We believe that this shipment of blue ammonia will help lay the foundations for a global supply chain.”
Earlier this year, SABIC AN and Aramco received the world’s first independent certifications, recognizing blue ammonia and blue hydrogen production, from TUV Rheinland, a leading independent testing, inspection and certification agency, based in Germany.
The shipment of blue ammonia to South Korea will be the first to capitalize on this major certification achievement.
The new developments are aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on low-carbon fuels, products, solutions and clean energy.
Google search engine celebrated the late Hamed Gohar’s 115th birth anniversary on 15 November with a Google Doodle.
The Egyptian scientist, marine biologist and TV host, Gohar is considered the founding father of oceanography in Egypt and the Arab world.
Born on 15 November 1907, he studied medicine at Cairo University in 1925 before shifting to biology. He then received his master’s degree in oceanography from Cambridge University in 1931.
The note under the doodle adds that “Gohar discovered that dugong, a sea mammal that was thought to be extinct in the region, still existed in the Red Sea. He continued studying underwater life for 25 years at the Hurghada marine biological station.”
He worked with the Arabic Language Academy to create scientific dictionaries in Arabic and served as an adviser to the United Nations’ Secretary General and helped organize the first International Conference on Law of the Sea in Geneva.
The general public knows Gohar for his educational show called “The Sea World” which he hosted on national television for 18 years. The programme highlighted underwater scenery and natural sea life, bringing the viewers closer to marine biology.
1. Al Alam Palace, Muscat One of the country’s most easily identifiable and iconic landmarks, Al Alam Palace is the centrepiece of old Muscat, and one of the residences of the Sultan of Oman. The palace, with its signature gold and blue façade, tapering marble columns and intricately latticed windows, in many ways signifies Omani values and culture: it is simultaneously an edifice of tradition, history, elegance and simplicity…positive qualities that have made the welcoming and hospitable nature of Oman renowned the world over.
2. Royal Opera House Muscat Built to showcase the diversity of artistic creations from the Sultanate, the region and the world and provide a great space for culture, social and economic development and its implications, ROHM is the brainchild of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour, and was opened in 2011. One of the Middle East’s first opera houses, according to the Ministry of Tourism,
1. Al Alam Palace, Muscat One of the country’s most easily identifiable and iconic landmarks, Al Alam Palace is the centrepiece of old Muscat, and one of the residences of the Sultan of Oman. The palace, with its signature gold and blue façade, tapering marble columns and intricately latticed windows, in many ways signifies Omani values and culture: it is simultaneously an edifice of tradition, history, elegance and simplicity…positive qualities that have made the welcoming and hospitable nature of Oman renowned the world over.
2. Royal Opera House Muscat Built to showcase the diversity of artistic creations from the Sultanate, the region and the world and provide a great space for culture, social and economic development and its implications, ROHM is the brainchild of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour, and was opened in 2011. One of the Middle East’s first opera houses, according to the Ministry of Tourism,ix01
3. Muttrah Souq Probably the oldest souq of its kind in the Arab world, Muttrah Souq stands as a symbol of traditional Omani trade.A wide range of curios in silver, gold, precious gems and textiles are displayed in stalls deep inside the souq.Through the centuries, frankincense, oud and other scents prized in the Middle East have been sold and traded here.Silver lamps, urns and even antique Arabic manuscripts in traditional calligraphic script await your discovery.This is also the best place to find khanjars of different designs.
4. Corniches Have a long walk along the Muttrah Corniche from the Fish Roundabout to Riyam Park. The busy walkway is crowded with tourists, expats, and locals enjoying the oceanic views and the proximity to the historic Muttrah Souq. After your walk, you can linger at one of the numerous restaurants and cafes. Al Ghubra Corniche is a lush green stretch situated at Al Izdihar Street, near Al Ghubra lake garden, which is fast becoming a popular destination for family picnics because of its safe, quite ambiance. If you stop in the garden after your stroll, be ready to pack up your stuff before 11pm to avoid getting showered by the water sprinklers. Shatti Corniche is located on Shatti Street, locally known as ‘love street,’ this walkway is in a very happening area. With its beautiful palms, BBQ areas, and plenty of restaurants and cafes, it is perfect for an afternoon chill or for a lively evening watching all the sporty cars in Muscat cruising up and down the lane. Seeb Corniche is a beautifully developed 8-kilometre corniche located between Mabela and the Seeb fish market. It’s been renovated and adorned with trees and flowers along the interlocked walkway which also features a kids’ playground. This quiet place is a must-visit in the cool evenings.
5. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque It is one of the largest mosques in the Sultanate of Oman, and is an architectural and artistic marvel that reflects the beauty of Islamic, Oriental and Omani art. According to Oman News Agency (ONA), Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is characterised by its square shape, in the centre of which is the main dome, which reaches a height of 50 metres, and is bordered by five minarets which represent the five pillars of Islam. The height of the main minaret reaches 91.5 metres, while the height of other minarets reach 45 metres.
6. Khabourah Castle Khabourah being located on the coast saw much activity through trade and commerce, requiring the need for fortifications against those who would attempt to raid and plunder the area for its wealth. In contrast, though, Khabourah Castle was not used as fortification, but a court where local disputes were brought to light. Renovations to the castle were made in 1994, using materials sourced locally from the surrounding areas.
7. Muscat Gate Museum It is located above Muscat Modern Gate, and tells the story of Oman’s long history, focusing on the history of Muscat. It describes the UNESCO world heritage listed Falaj irrigation system that Oman is famous for, as well as the nation’s distinctive architecture. According to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, “The Muscat Gate Museum takes the visitor on a journey through the various stages of development and growth of the city over time, from a commercial port to a prosperous modern capital.” Located on Al Saidiya Street, Muscat Gate was earlier an official entrance for the old city of Muscat, which used to be shut after sunset. The museum is located atop the gate, from where you can enjoy the stunning views. Opened in January 2001, the museum contains displays about Oman’s history from the Neolithic times to the present.It has a number of special exhibits on Muscat’s water springs, the ancient wells, underground channels, the souqs, houses, mosques, harbours and forts.
8. Al Minzifah, Ibra The ruins of Al Minzifah, located a short distance from Ibra, the regional capital, provide indication of what life in Oman was like for some in the early 18th century. The houses, many of which date from the period of prosperity, are of two or occasionally three stories, built from local stone, cemented and plastered with local juss. Care should be taken not to move the structures of these fragile buildings.
9.Al Ayn and Bat Tombs Another of Oman’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bat, Al Ayn and Al Khutm constitute a settlement and its accompanying necropolis that remain remarkably well-preserved given they were originally Bronze Age settlements. The tombs of Al Ayn are located some 30km north-east of the settlement of Bat, and feature 21 places of burial which seem to form up in an almost straight line. Built in a rather peculiar beehive-like structure, the tombs were constructed from limestone blocks and assembled with plaster made locally.
10. Duqm Rock Garden Entering the Rock Garden makes you feel as if you’ve fallen off the face of the earth and landed on another planet.The rocks that lend the garden its name have been shaped by millennia of wind-based erosion, and do lend the area a distinctly other-worldly quality which is only enhanced by the quiet surroundings.
11. Sharqiyah Sands Earlier known as Wahiba Sands, extends from North and South Al Sharqiyah Governorate to Al Wusta Governorate. With diverse terrain along with different species of flora and fauna, the golden dunes of the Sharqiyah Sands desert holds a special place in the hearts of those who live in Oman or come here as tourists. It extends over an area of up to about ten thousand square kilometres. According to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, “The sand colour ranges from red to brown as far as the eye can see. It is the original homeland of the Bedouins. This area attracts many desert adventure fans, and is preferred by visitors owing to its ease of accessibility and availability of nearby services, which make it a first class tourist attraction.”
12. Kumzar, Musandam Travelling to Kumzar involves sailing through Musandam’s stunning fjords, which have earned this region the epithet ‘the Norway of Arabia’.The town overlooks the Straits of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, a fact reflected in the unique language spoken by its inhabitants, Kumzari,” says the Ministry of Tourism. “The town’s population currently stands at around five thousand, with its own school, hospital, power station and desalination plant. The inhabitants live largely by fishing for nine months of the year, netting barracuda, tuna, kingfish and hamour.
13. Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Nizwa Built to blend in yet stand out from the surrounding area, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Nizwa, the capital of the Dakhiliyah region, was built in 2009, and spans an area of 80,000 square metres.The mosque is capable of accommodating up to 10,500 worshippers, and with Nizwa being an historic centre of learning and knowledge in the Gulf, is a fitting location for the largest mosque in Oman, after the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat.
14. Ayn Jarziz, Dhofar Travel to Oman’s southern region in the summer, and experiences amazing weather seldom seen elsewhere. While the rest of the Gulf witnesses peak temperatures, the Dhofar’s Khareef season brings with it refreshing rains and cool breezes, which turn the entire landscape green and bring people from across the world.
15. Al Ayjah Bridge, Sur Also known as the Khor Al Batah bridge, and considered to be Oman’s only suspension bridge, this 240 metre long bridge was opened in 2009, and helped link Sur to the neighbouring settlement of Al Ayjah. Travelling to Kumzar involves sailing through Musandam’s stunning fjords, which have earned this region the epithet ‘the Norway of Arabia’. Many visit the country’s northern bastion to enjoy the rugged natural beauty, as well as the clear blue waters that are just begging to be dove into.
16. Mirbat, Dhofar The former capital of the Dhofar region, Mirbat was an important port when it came to trading frankincense, and is a wonderful destination featuring many historical sites, delicious seafood and a lovely, serene landscape. It has many natural tourist sites, historical monuments and buildings of ancient architecture, most notably the castle of Mirbat, which is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the wilayat. It overlooks the coast of the ancient port of Mirbat and dates back to the ninth century AD. The castle sits on a cliff and offers superb views of the crashing waves along the coast line.
17.Salut, Ad Dakhiliyah The ruins of Salut are about an hour’s drive from Nizwa, the capital of the Dakhiliyah region, and feature some of the first permanent settlements built in the country. While in the area, also visit Salut Castle, where a number of relics from the archaeological site have been painstakingly restored and installed.
18. Land of Frankincense, Dhofar Located in the south of the country, the Land of Frankincense is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Salalah that consists of four separate sites.Farmers harvested the nuggets of the frankincense resin from the trees that grew in the groves of Wadi Dawkah, where they would be loaded onto caravans that stopped over at the oasis of Shisr, also known as Wubar. From there, the bags would be transported to the twin ports of Al Baleed and Khor Rori, to be loaded onto ships which would sail onward to destinations such as Egypt, Rome and China.
19. Barr Al Hikman Located about 500 kilometres south of Muscat, Barr Al Hikman in Al Wusta Governorate is considered one of the most important bird migration stations both in Oman and the region. Many birds congregate here, especially water birds coming from as far as Siberia’s northern shores. In addition to being a sanctuary for birds and fish of all kinds, the existence of coral reefs off its shores make it a favourite destination for divers. More than 1 million shorebirds flock to Barr Al Hikman and Masirah Island every year, according to experts.
20. Bilad Sayt Bilad Sayt is a quaint village seated at the foot of towering and dramatic Hajar mountain ranges. With its picture-postcard perfection of terraced fields and sun-baked houses, it’s one of the prettiest villages in Oman. The villagers prefer visitors to park outside and walk in or simply view the village from a distance. A little haze blanketed the village that was built up on a hill with closely clustered homes made of mud and stone. The village is surrounded by date palms within it is terraced green fields making it look like a dream village. Jagged brown mountains surrounded and loomed over Bilad Sayt, dwarfing the whole village.
21. Masirah Island Masirah Island in the Governorate of South A’Sharqiyah is a popular tourist destination. Known for kite-surfing, bird-watching, the uninhabited beaches, the magnificent sea views and rugged terrains, Masirah draws visitors throughout the year. The beaches are home to sea turtles. The tourists are attracted mostly by the turtles scattered along the beaches of Masirah. 22. Bimmah Sinkhole With its emerald-green waters and serene surroundings, the Bimmah sinkhole is located some 120km from Muscat.Tourists who get to see the sinkhole and its pristine waters are more than welcome to descend to the bottom through a concrete staircase that has been erected for just this purpose.
23. Dates Oman is known for its unique hospitality and it is common for visitors to be invited for Omani coffee and dates when travelling through the country. Be it any household or an office, guests are welcomed with home-grown dates and traditionally brewed drinks called ‘Kahwa. One can find many date palm fields across many governorates in the Sultanate and farmers grow more than 250 indigenous varieties of dates. Khalas, Khunaizi, and Fargh are some of the best dates grown in Oman. While Al Khalas is believed to be of the best quality, other varieties like Nagal, Ash Patash, Bunaranja, Mmajdool, Hilali al Hassa, Barni, and Mathloob are quite in demand. 24. Ain Al Thawarah hot springs Close to the Nakhal Fort, along a winding road framed by palm trees as far as the eye can see, are the Ain Al Thawarah hot springs. This spring is used as a trusted water supply, and there is even a small pool to enjoy the therapeutic properties of the mineral water. Beyond the date plantations that surround Nakhal Fort, this hot spring emerges from the wadi walls and is directed into a falaj (irrigation channel) for the irrigation of the surrounding plantations.
25. Bahla Fort Bahla Fort is situated at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar highlands in Oman and is a UNESCO-listed fort.The fort underwent massive restoration efforts and reopened in 2012. According to UNESCO, “ Bahla is an outstanding example of a fortified oasis settlement of the medieval Islamic period, exhibiting the water engineering skill of the early inhabitants for agricultural and domestic purposes. The pre-gunpowder style fort with rounded towers and castellated parapets, together with the perimeter wall of stone and mud brick technology demonstrates the status and influence of the ruling elite.”
26.Jabal Shams About 3,500 metres above sea level, in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is another tourist attraction. It has a unique temperature ranging between 0 in winter and 25°C to 35°C in summer. It is a part of the Al Hajar Mountains range. Life at the summit is something else. While being there, you can enjoy camping, and watching the sunrise and sunset. You can also visit the historical village of “Goul,” which is entirely built with rocks and mud, uniquely sitting on the edge of Jabal Shams, overlooking vast areas of farms. The village is called “Oman’s Grand Canyon” due to the fact that it overlooks a towering canyon called “Shurfat Al Nakhr.”
27.Wadi Bani Khalid Located some 200 km from Muscat, Wadi Bani Khalid is a traveller’s paradise that encapsulates the unique, sometimes unbelievable, natural beauty of Oman. Often thought to be a harsh, unforgiving desert, Oman is anything but, and areas like Wadi Bani Khalid go a long way in proving that the Sultanate has a diverse and varied natural beauty.
28.Wadi Shab Wadi Shab in Tiwi in the Wilayat of Sur is a famous tourist destination especially in summer. In the midst of awe-inspiring mountains, naturally carved into the most beautiful shapes by the water, there are shallow lakes surrounded by huge boulders, overlooked by narrow rugged trekking pathways attached to the mountains.
29.Wadi Al Hoqain About 150 km from the Governorate of Muscat, is one of the beautiful wadis in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq which runs throughout the year.
30. Wadi Daiqah Dam It is in the Wilayat of Qurayat and is also one of the key tourist attractions.
31. Wadi Al Arbiyeen It is in Rustaq and is considered one of the most spectacular wadis in Oman. The deep pools at the edge of Al Hajar mountains, the palm trees, mango orchards, and banana farms make it a must visit place for visitors. Wadi Al Hawqayn is another picturesque wadi located between Muscat Governorate and Wilayat Rustaq. It had year-round flowing springs and streams, as well as cool waterfalls and palm trees. On the road to Sur from Bidbid lies the lush green Wadi Bani Khalid.
32. Manah The wilayat of Manah is in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, 160km away from Muscat. It is known for its old ruined villages along with the modern houses, mosques, and towers. The wilayat has eight villages: Harat Al Bilad, Mu’ammad, Al Ma’arra, Izz, Al Faiqain, Al Mahiyul, Abu Nakhilah and Mitan. There are several archaeological sites and buildings of which Al Fiqain Castle is the most prominent one.
33. Jabal Akhdar Situated 2,330m above sea level, the temperature is cool here, while the rest of the Gulf experiences scorching heat. You can see beautiful green terraced gardens, and if you love trekking, it’s a paradise for you. Apart from the pomegranates you can see olives, figs, walnuts, and peaches on street stalls and in every house and farm. On the other hand in March and April you can pluck the fresh roses from gardens. You can also see a rose factory where rosewater and perfume is still made using traditional methods.
34. The Land of Frankincense Located in the coastal area of Salalah between Dhariz and Hafa, Al Baleed is one of the ancient cities of Oman and was known to be one of an important commercial port.The Land of Frankincense is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Oman and was once the centre of the ancient world’s thriving frankincense trade. Heaps of rubbles can be found scattered all around the main site where the excavation work is still under process. 35. Khareef season The Khareef season is characterised by its cloudy and rainy weather due to the density of clouds and the temperature dropping to less than 30 degrees Celsius in the city of Salalah, while it drops more in the high mountainous areas surrounded by fog associated with light rain. Salalah is transformed into a beautiful oasis due to the light drizzles that cool the air. 36. Bandar Al Khayran Tucked between captivating sandy mountains 21-kilometres up hilly Qantab Road from Muscat, Bandar Al Khayran is an idyllic retreat with crystal clear waters and a soft sand beach that will make you feel a world away. 37. Al Hoota Cave Some 250km away from Muscat is the spectacular Al Hoota Cave amidst plateaus and rugged mountain peaks. Known for its natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites, Al Hoota Cave offers a fascinating insight into the cave that is more than 2 million years old.
38. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Turtle nesting tours at Ras Al Jinz allow visitors to witness the spectacle in an intimate fashion without fear of interrupting the creatures. The turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz combines an interactive museum with research laboratories and a wide range of amenities for visitors to learn all about the wonders of these ancient creatures in a family-friendly environment. 39. Khor Rori Khawr Rawrī or Khor Rori is a bar-built estuary (or river mouth lagoon) at the mouth of Wādī Darbāt in the Dhofar Governorate, Oman, near Taqah.It is a major breeding ground for birds,and used to act as an important harbour for frankincense trade when it was an open estuary. Khor Rori is best known for the ruins of the ancient fortified port city of Sumhuram on the eastern bank. There are also archeological ruins on the two promontories at the mouth of Khor Rori. It is considered the most attractive to tourists as it contains Khawr Ruri port, famously known as Samharam.
40. Khawr Sham Khawr Sham is located in Khasab and the lagoon covers 20 kilometres. Many villages overlook Khawr Sham, which can be reached only by sea in traditional vessels. Khawr Sham is considered a tourist destination for hiking, camping and watching dolphins. According to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, “In the middle of Khawr Sham is a small island called Al Telegraph Island, as in 1860 it was used as a base to connect to the telegraph cable.” 41. Daymaniyat Islands Rich in many types of coral reefs, including rare corals, The Daymaniyat Islands Reserve, lies 18 km off the shores of Barka and is 70km west of Muscat. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, describing the reserve, said in a statement, “The reserve is a group of nine islands with a total area of 100 hectares. It is distinguished by its beautiful beaches, white sands and clear blue waters. It also includes rare groups of coral reefs and large numbers of sea turtles which take shelter in the islands to lay eggs and nest. There are countless migratory and settlement birds too which can be seen here.” 42. Horse Racing Horse breeding has been a long-treasured passion for Omanis and has always been an interest among Arab nobility. Horse racing is a sport enjoyed by all in Oman. “Interest in horses in Oman is one of the most cherished pastimes for the Omanis,” said the Ministry of Tourism. “Horses symbolise integrity and pride. Because of the horse’s high status and appreciation by Muslims, Oman has been famous since ancient times for raising, breeding, acquiring and caring for horses. Horse racing is a favourite pastime for Omanis. Horse races are held annually, and include the Royal Horse Race, organised by the Royal Stables, and horse racing in the Omani governorates.”
43. Camels Oman has a deep-rooted connection with camels, it is one of the countries in the Gulf region that has accorded a special status for camels. Known as the ‘Ship of the Desert’, camels have an extraordinary ability to withstand thirst and endure long journeys to remote places.
44. Khanjar Of all the symbols and artefacts traditionally associated with Oman’s history, heritage, and culture, few have been so dear to locals and expatriates alike as the khanjar. A classic example of Omani tradition and reputation as one of the jewels of Arabia, the khanjar is a dagger worn for the most exalted and ceremonial of occasions, and residents in the country have not hesitated to express their praise for it.
45. Nizwa Fort Nizwa Fort was recently ranked first in terms of the number of visitors among the castles of the Sultanate. One of the main attractions of the city, Nizwa Fort, an impressive construct under whose shadow the major part of old Nizwa lies. In the olden days, it served as a bastion for noblemen and peasants alike to take shelter from raiders and bandits who attempted to plunder the countryside.
46. Shuwa Shuwa is a traditional Omani meat dish cooked in an underground oven during Eid.
47. Handicraft Oman’s handicrafts that are mostly home-based and done by using simple tools have a huge demand among tourists who buy these artefacts as souvenirs. Showcasing the Sultanate’s rich culture and heritage, these handcrafted products include pottery items, products made of palm fronds, silverware and more. According to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, “Omani arts and crafts are revered treasures that need to be preserved and popularised. Arts and crafts also serve as the main source of vocation of the citizens in the interior regions of the country. Handicraft industry, if developed properly, can provide huge employment opportunities to artisans that include women and people belonging to interior regions of the country.
48. Wadi Darbat Wadi Darbat is one of the most beautiful wadis in the Governorate of Dhofar due to its stunning views due to greenery, lush orchards, constant flow of water, and seasonal waterfalls. Wadi Darbat is located in the east of the wilayat of Taqah at a distance of 7 kilometers, where Sidr trees and many large shady trees are spread on its sides. Derbat is known to represent a natural park due to its combined elements such as mountains, waterfalls, caves, and flat plains on both the sides, which allows wildlife such as the nests of endemic and migratory birds and various wild animals to exist.
49.Qalhat Once the capital of ancient Oman, the city of Qalhat was recently placed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites for its historical significance and its role in Oman’s evolution between the 11th and 15th centuries. “The Ancient City of Qalhat presents a unique testimony to the Kingdom of Hormuz, as it prospered from the 11th to 16th century CE,” UNESCO informed in a statement. “Ancient Qalhat presents exceptional evidence of a major trade hub, which came under the rule of the Princes of Hormuz and profited from its geo-political position in the region.”
50.Rub Al Khali Home to towering dunes there are many stories of famous explorers having travelled to Rub Al Khali. One of the largest sand deserts in the world, the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) is teeming with wildlife, ranging from reptiles to various birds of prey and smaller mammals. 51. Dolphin Watching Several places in Oman are known for their dolphin habitats. The capital, Muscat, is of course known for dolphin watching, but other areas like the Dimaniyat and Masirah Islands are also popular, as both are great places from which you can spot dolphins, as is Musannah, which is roughly halfway between Muscat and Sohar.
52. Al Hamra Al Hamra is a well-preserved old town in Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman. Walking through its warren of alleys and stone steps is like going back in time. It is home to a number of villages including the mountainside village of Misfat Al Abryeen, with the village of Ghul to the northwest of the town, and Bimah to the north-northeast.The town and province lie on the southern slopes of the Akhdar Mountains.
Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking achievements, announced on Friday that its 2023 edition, available now in stores and online in the Middle East, features 50 records from the Arab world.
Read on for some of the latest achievements from the region.
01. Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom is flexing its muscles with a set of achievements including the largest LED structure and brightest suspended ornament by Noor Riyadh Festival and the largest Lego brick Formula One car by the Saudi Arabia Motor Federation.
02. UAE
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From the UAE, the new book covers a number of humanitarian record-breaking initiatives such as the largest donation for a patient’s medical treatment by the charity organization Emirates Red Crescent and the most awareness ribbons made in one hour by the Emirates Oncology Society, an organization dedicated to promoting multidimensional care for cancer patients.
03. Iraq
There are three achievements from Iraq: the largest pin-and-thread art by artist Saeed Howidi, the most eggs balanced on the back of a hand (18 eggs) and the tallest stack of M&M’s by Ibrahim Sadeq.
04. Egypt
Mohamed Shehata achieved the widest arm span on a living person (male) and the widest hand span on a living person (male), while Mahmoud Ayoub was featured for achieving the most finger-tip push-ups (one arm) in one minute.
05. Kuwait
Yousef Al-Refaie became the youngest person to climb the Seven Volcanic Summits (male). Kuwait was also featured for the longest indoor slide achieved by LOOPZ.
06. Algeria
From Algeria, the trade center Algiers International Fair created the largest bowl of couscous, and Djamaa el Djazaïr, also known as the Great Mosque of Algiers, broke the record for the tallest minaret, the tower used to project the Muslim call to prayer.
After a decade in the business, Lebanese couturier Jean-Louis Sabaji has dressed some of the biggest celebrities, including Beyoncé and Rita Ora.
His headline-grabbing creations regularly grace red carpet events across the world. Who can forget Cardi B’s purple floor-length gown bursting with feathers at the shoulders she wore to the 2021 American Music Awards? Or Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s iridescent foiled leather dress at Cannes in 2019.
Sabaji’s fascination with fashion was inherited from his late father Jean, also a designer. He grew up surrounded by beautiful dresses in his father’s atelier, from which he still works today.
“I was named Jean-Louis after the great Jean-Louis Scherrer, a very famous French designer — it was as if I was destined to be a designer from birth,” he says. “As a kid, I used to make miniature dresses for Barbie dolls. My dad encouraged me to keep doing this, unlike others who bullied me for dressing dolls.
Sabaji completed his undergraduate degree in graphic design at the Lebanese American University and later attended the Domus Academy Milano for his master’s degree in fashion design. After completing his master’s with distinction, he came back to Lebanon and worked on his first collection in 2012.
Given that he already had access to an atelier with experienced seamstresses — as well as the fact that fashion had been such a large part of his upbringing — launching his own brand wasn’t too tough. But getting anyone to notice was a different matter.
“Lebanon has a lot of designers, so to stand out in a country with that much talent was hard. Additionally, I’m not very commercial. I target a niche clientele with my conceptual designs, so that made it more challenging,” he says.
He started by diving straight into the haute couture category. He didn’t get into ready-to-wear collections until much later. “I’d been taught that, in fashion, you work from top to bottom,” he explains.
Once his name was well established, both regionally and globally, he branched out into ready-to-wear, producing his first collection in 2021.
“During the pandemic, we understood the market better. We needed to have more clients, so that’s when we launched the ready-to-wear.”
Sabaji loves to push the boundaries when it comes to daring designs. In 2013, he created a gown that looked like it was engulfed in a cloud of smoke — an idea inspired by wildfires in Lebanon that wrecked some of the country’s rural areas. “I used silk organza and airbrushed it to mimic smoke and the effect that ink has when it’s mixed in water,” he says.
Complex garment construction and meticulous hand embroidery are the backbones of his creations. “It’s very important to me that a dress holds the woman’s body properly for her to feel confident. That’s when it comes down to pattern making, the construction and the corsets inside the dresses,” he explains.
Another of Sabaji’s signatures is the use of feathers, which appear in almost all of his collections, whether used sparingly on the sleeves or as an explosion covering the entire dress.
“Feathers are so feminine. The way they move on the body is very romantic,” he says. “Growing up, we had a house in the mountains with a huge garden with a lot of animals and birds. I was always inspired by these beautiful creatures.”
Sabaji is very particular about animal welfare, so the feathers he uses are all natural falls and are ethically sourced from specific farms, he stresses.
Gradually, his contemporary interpretation of classic couture fused with edgy elements and glamour sparked the interest of international stylists. In 2018, Mary J Blige chose a dramatic black-and-white Sabaji gown to wear to the SAG awards — his first major celebrity endorsement. Just months later, Beyoncé wore his ‘Sphinx Abaya’ mini-dress with train for a major gala in Los Angeles. At Cannes the following year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s edgy fluorescent gown was all over the news. Crafted from 18 meters of stiff foiled leather that mimicked snakeskin, the dress took 200 hours to create and came with its own set of challenges.
“Initially, we had some issues with the fit because it was a stiff dress made out of leather, so it wasn’t easy to alter. Up to the last minute, we weren’t sure if she was going to walk the red carpet in the dress, but Aishwarya has a very good team, so, ultimately, they managed to sort it out,” Sabaji says.
2022 has been a remarkable year for the designer. Not only did he celebrate the tenth anniversary of his label’s creation and sign up for a major partnership (details of which are still under wraps — all he will say is that it’s “big”), but he was also the first Middle Eastern designer to collaborate with Mattel for a special Barbie collection which he presented at Arab Fashion Week in Dubai last month — a full-circle moment for the kid who was bullied for dressing up dolls.
“Everyone had a smile on their face watching the show. And for me, it was full of emotions. I had tears in my eyes the entire time backstage,” Sabaji says. “Barbie is a childhood memory, and seeing all this on the runway was so nostalgic.”
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Sabaji completed his undergraduate degree in graphic design at the Lebanese American University. (Supplied)
The Iraqi researcher Mootaz Salman has won the “Young Scientist Lectureship Award” for research that involved putting human brain tissue on a microchip and using innovative technology to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Salman started his academic career at the University of Mosul, where he earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours, and is now is a senior researcher and lecturer in the department of physiology, anatomy and genetics at the University of Oxford.
He spoke to Al-Fanar Media about his work, which has taken nearly ten years of research, and the experiences that led him to his current post.
The first researcher in Britain to win the award, Salman said the support he received from universities where he had worked in the United States and the United Kingdom had been a key factor.
“I deeply believe that the more a person works, the more fortunate he is,” Salman said.
“From the very beginning, I was aware of the challenges ahead, the double effort I had to make, as an academic from a conflict country, and the responsibility I had to convey a different image of my country and to help humanity provide solutions to brain diseases and stroke, which have risen dramatically.”
Human Brain Tissue on a Microchip
The International Society for Neurochemistry and the and Asian-Pacific Society for Neurochemistry will present Salman with the award in September in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Salman led a research team that used a human brain “microvessel on a chip” to study what happens when drugs cross from the bloodstream into the brain.
The research was part of his ongoing work to understand the cellular physiology of the blood-brain barrier and exploit its mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of therapeutic treatments of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
The device the researchers designed for the study allowed them to track the movement of tiny molecular sizes across the blood-brain barrier. Their device is ideal for studies involving biotherapies, as well as being able to employ it in high-resolution imaging methods, such as transmission electron microscopy, Salman said.
Academic Journey
Before moving to the University of Oxford two years ago as an assistant professor and lecturer at Wolfson College, Salman was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital in the United States.
Before that, he earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Sheffield Hallam University, in the United Kingdom.
During his doctoral studies, he discovered a new pharmacological framework for developing drugs to treat patients with brain tumours resulting from accidents and strokes.
This research focused on water receptors in the brain. Salman described it as a turning point that helped him recognise the molecular mechanics of brain diseases and think of ways to provide therapeutic solutions rather than surgery, which has major risks and complications.
He said the research led him to discover how cells develop brain tumours and the mechanics that cause these tumours and strokes at the molecular level.
A World Health Organization report says that about 75 million people in the world suffer from strokes annually. About five million of them die and another five million suffer permanent disability.
Salman says the incidence of brain disease in the Arab world is rising because of the dietary and living patterns of the majority of the population, the intake of fats and sugars at “unreasonable” rates, the lack of physical activity, and the pressures of daily life.
Difficulty of Research in Arab Countries
After graduating from the University of Mosul, Salman worked as a teaching assistant in the university’s Faculty of Pharmacy for about two years and experienced firsthand the difficulties of research in the Arab world. He said there was no financial support for conducting research, research laboratories were limited, and the teaching and administrative burdens on professors usually led them to abandon research.
Salman said scientific research should be considered “an investment,” not a “random academic luxury.” Such work only flourishes in a suitable environment where there is stability and financial support, he said.
He believes the political unrest Iraq has experienced in recent years has affected teaching in universities and Iraqi researchers’ chances for professional development. He described government support for Iraqi universities as “very limited” and said most research initiatives were “individual and random” and did not amount to regular institutional work.
A Call for Greater Investment in Research
Salman said Arab countries needed to increase investment in scientific research at the national level and benefit from the experience of wealthy Gulf countries that have attracted foreign and Arab professors from major European and American universities to establish research centres where young researchers can train.
He said he had tried to open communication channels between the University of Oxford and Iraqi universities to reach agreements for cooperation and scientific research, which could provide research fellowships for Iraqi researchers at British universities.
This year, the University of Mosul signed a cooperation agreement with Oxford on a project that uses remote sensing and photographic information systems to study antiquities. The work would preserve the cultural heritage of Nineveh Governorate and other Iraqi provinces, and attract Ph.D. students to training courses at British universities.
Salman said: “These efforts give me a high sense of pride and a greater incentive for hard work and research that benefits all humanity. I feel a sense of responsibility and love towards my country, my city and my mother university, which helped me and paved the way for me at the beginning of my academic journey.”
Mootaz Salman, an Iraqi scientist at the University of Oxford, has won the “Young Scientist Lectureship Award” for his use of innovative technology to treat neurological diseases. (Photo: Mootaz Salman).
Interior design has a much deeper meaning for Nawaf Al-Nassar than for many others out there. For the Saudi designer, looking to the outdoors is what allows him to create the indoors.
Growing up in Jeddah, Al-Nassar travelled to London for his studies, where he was mentored by design icons including Zaha Hadid, Philippe Starck and Gianfranco Ferré. “It was amazing,” he tells Arab News.
After graduating in 1990, Al-Nassar returned to his hometown to work as an interior designer, starting his studio, 3N Jeddah (the three Ns being his name, his father’s name — Nahar — and their family name). It quickly gained popularity, acquiring residential and commercial projects in Jeddah, Riyadh, Cairo, Beirut, London, Paris and the south of France.
In 2017, Al-Nassar established Tasmeem Fair — a Saudi-based art platform for young designers to showcase their creativity. The fair became an instant hit, attracting 9,000 guests in its first week alone. He describes it as “my favorite — and the best — project of my life so far.”
His family’s origins — from a small village north of Riyadh in the center of the Kingdom — played a major role in Al-Nassar’s inspiration. He remembers his grandfather taking him out into the deserted Saudi countryside as a child.
“These were our family gatherings,” he says. “When I used to look at old houses in the beautiful desert, it attracted and relaxed me. When I’d go inside old palaces or any interior space, I always felt more relaxed.
“Since I was young, I’ve always felt more like I’m talking to myself when I’m inside an interior,” he continues. “Then, when I went to high school, I always felt comfortable sitting inside a space that was complete. All of us live in an interior space, but sometimes when we look around, we don’t feel comfortable. When I’d feel that in my youth, I’d find out it was because it was not made by a designer, but by a person who has expertise with walls and ceilings. not with proportion.”
Soon after, he attended a couple of summer schools in the United Kingdom to dive deeper into the world of interior design. And his calling towards the industry only grew. “When I sit with people, I love to know their interior, the outside doesn’t mean anything to me,” he explains. “The interior is the core to know the person more. So I started wanting to know more about the interior of things, which helped me a lot with product design. I really do believe that if the interior of where a person works or lives is not reflecting their character, they can never be themselves.”
For Al-Nassar, an artist should reflect his surroundings and his feelings towards them. As such, he began infusing local Saudi motifs into his designs to pass on to generations to come. “I love the space of my studio,” he says. “It really talks to me. As an interior designer, I use soft materials for the interior, such as fabric furniture, and I deal a lot with European companies.”
Although he owns many fabrics with European motifs, he had been longing to find a Saudi designer with his own design on a fabric. He collaborated with manufacturers to print the first Saudi design on a French fabric company’s products.
“It’s very important when you go inside a space and you see details around you that reflect the surrounding of the city where you are,” Al-Nassar says. “Paris, Cairo and others have that, but in Saudi Arabia, I didn’t see any Saudi motifs, so I started to create this line of fabric design and we started manufacturing pieces.” In May, he designed some furniture for the Kingdom’s Misk Institute. His brief was to use inspiration from a historical building in the country, so he turned to the historic Salwa Palace — the original home of the Al-Saud royal family, located northwest of Riyadh.
“I started to enjoy its smooth elements and I looked at it as an architectural designer,” he says. “It’s as if I was in an orchestra, it was like silent music and it was so beautiful to see.”
From that visit, he created “Takkei” (meaning ‘Let’s sit’), inspired by the stones that form the base of the palace. He used new material to achieve a more industrial look that he believed would be more attractive to younger generations. “It’s about speaking their language,” he explains.
Al-Nassar’s creative process happens in the outdoors. Whenever he is struggling for inspiration, he jumps in his car and drives to the mountains, two-and-a-half hours away from Jeddah. He is revitalized by the surrounding landscape and old houses, some of which date back 200 years.
“I can almost read the culture and the type of life they used to live there,” he says. “I’m definitely inspired by Saudi Arabia — but also by everywhere. You have to go to the location and smell old places to be inspired.”
He mentions the picturesque village of Qaryat Al-Dehin, which is made up of 49 houses built from white mountain marble and quartz. After much research, he visited with a friend who came from Qaryat Al-Dehin. Four hours of driving later, he was immersed in its beauty. He compares it to a moment when he was 16 and he and his father watched the great opera singer Luciano Pavarotti sing in Milan. “Honestly, the same feeling came to me when I looked at these 49 beautiful houses on top of this beautiful mountain,” Al-Nassar says. “It was the same energy — the same music; it was amazing.”
His passion for the outdoors has also extended to his teaching as a guest lecturer in universities. He will often take the students on field trips — something he deems vital for today’s youth. “They have to go there themselves and see the reality on the ground,” he explains. “I have done field trips everywhere in Saudi Arabia for students, and lately it has become for others as well.”
Al-Nassar sees great potential and talent in young Saudi architects and interior designers. He admires their creativity, but suggest they need the right curator.
Ultimately, he hopes such people can build a bridge between the Kingdom and the rest of the world. “Design and art are a message of peace,” he concludes. “I’m already building that bridge, and hopefully it will be finished soon.”
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Growing up in Jeddah, Al-Nassar travelled to London for his studies, where he was mentored by design icons including Zaha Hadid, Philippe Stark and Gianfranco Ferré. (Supplied)
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property has awarded King Faisal University a patent for an alternative solution for sterilization of dates to increase their shelf life from one month to 100 days.
Dr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Asmari, assistant professor in microbiology and food safety at the university’s department of food and nutrition sciences, said: “This achievement is eco-friendly since it only relies on natural materials that do not harm humans or the environment.
“A photosensitization technique is used in this process, where dates are sprayed with photosensitizers, to be later exposed to light with a specified wavelength within the visible range.
“During the process, light waves (photons) react with photosensitizers, causing a reaction between the photons and the nanoparticles of the latter. The products of such reaction are high energy and oxidizing materials, which are used to kill microbes.”
The Kingdom ranks among the top date-producing countries in the world, and Al-Asmari described the fruit as a “strategic product” for the country.
The production and storage of dates encounter several challenges including environmental factors and microbes.
Al-Asmari pointed out that a few years ago his team noticed fungi nucleus growing on dates with higher sugar content, which were lost shortly after storage. This led the team to investigate alternative eco-friendly and efficient ways to preserve dates.
But initial experiments proved unproductive. “We noticed change in the color and texture of the preserved dates, rendering them non-consumable,” Al-Asmari added.
However, after many other attempts a breakthrough was found.
“We found a new method that relies on adopting a unique approach using natural materials. This method is eco-friendly and not harmful. In addition, it is a great alternative to the use of sterilizing chemicals in some date factories.
“This alternative method processes dates by photosensitization, where dates are sprayed with natural photosensitizers. Dates become sensitive to light rays, and they are exposed to intense light known as the visible spectrum,” he added.
As a result, the shelf life of dates can be extended by as much as three times.
He said: “This invention will prolong the dates validity period, improve their quality, and raise the competence of their marketing outside the Kingdom.”
The university has now been awarded 12 patents this year.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The production and storage of dates encounter several challenges including environmental factors and microbes. (Shutterstock)
-With more than 900 renowned local and global brands taking part at the 50th (golden jubilee) edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show (WJMES), which continues until October 9 at Expo Centre Sharjah, 20 Emirati female designers managed to attract the visitors’ attention to the Emirati Jewellers platform, launched by Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the aim to support young Emirati talents in jewellery designing and spotlight their artistic works at the important event.
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that supporting Emirati entrepreneurs and talents is one of the main objectives that Sharjah Chamber is working to achieve, and the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show has always been supporting Emirati designers through such initiatives as the Emirati Jewellers platform.
He added that over more than eight editions, the platform has been able to provide an exemplary opportunity for the Emirati designers who wish to enter the world of gold-smithing and jewellery whether in Sharjah or the entire UAE, and it succeeded in attracting talents to the jewellery design and trade sector to develop their crafting and marketing skills.
He pointed out that the platform attracted more than 46 Emirati female designers and sponsored the Qelada project, launched by the Ministry of Community Development, to support female designers of determination.
Al-Owais underlined the participation of the youngest Emirati female jeweller along with many other female designers who presented impressive gold and jewellery designs.
Saif Mohamed Al-Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, underscored the importance of the Emirati Jewellers platform being an annual stimulus that attracts more and more Emirati creators to the world of jewellery design and benefits from the event’s large global participation, which contributes to providing these talents with more experiences to develop their businesses. One of those talents who caught the attention of visitors was Dr. Abeer Awad.
She said, “My passion for beauty and drawing has driven me to discover this talent, and so have the many talent-fostering government initiatives, the most important of which is the Emirati Jewellers platform, which has been the strongest motivator for me to enhance my talent and start my own project”.
Designer Zahira Ahmed Al Marar pointed out that her participation is the second in this event, and she expressed her pride in taking part in this platform together with a group of Emirati talents who work as one team to brightly represent the UAE in such a global event, stressing that Sharjah Chamber is her first and biggest supporter to be a key participant at the event and show her designs to the whole world.
She expressed her gratitude to the Chamber for the great support and diligent follow-up to ensure the continuity and success of the projects.
Sheikha Al Serkal, in turn, underlined her keenness to participate in the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show being a key platform to showcase her talent, which is admired by the visitors every year.
Azza Al Jarwan, on the other hand, praised Sharjah Chamber’s fostering of young Emirati jewellery talents and bringing to the fore their artistic works in the most outstanding event of jewellery exhibitions.
