Category: RECORDS IN GCC

EGYPT: Huawei XMAGE Awards 2023 Celebrate Regional Photographers. Egypt’s Sadek Khafagy Won 1 of the 17 Best-in-Category Winners

Huawei has announced the 57 winners of the XMAGE Awards 2023. The competition, which spotlights photos taken with Huawei devices, named three grand prize winners, 17 best-in-category winners, 34 runner-up winners, and three honorable mentions.

This year’s winners were selected from more than 600,000 entries received between April 7 and Aug. 15 from participants from nearly 100 countries. After China, the five countries with the highest number of entries were Malaysia, Türkiye, Poland, the Philippines, and the UAE. The most popular phone models used were the P60 Pro, P40 Pro, and Mate 40 Pro.

Out of the 17 best-in-category winners, one hails from Egypt. Sadek Khafagy won the award in the outdoor category for his work titled “Reflection.” His image captures the striking beauty of the unique rock formations of The Wave in Arizona. After a rainy day, water pools in this area reflect the oranges and yellows of the layered rock walls and bright blue sky. Khafagy’s photograph masterfully depicts this vista in perfect symmetry.

Regional talents honored 

A number of photographers from the Middle East and Africa region have won special awards from the Huawei community. The UAE, being one of the countries with the most submissions, bagged 10 out of the 15 MEA XMAGE Awards dolled out in 2023. Their images told rich visual stories from breathtaking landscapes, glistening architecture, and the diverse culture of the UAE. Talented photographers from Saudi Arabia and South Africa also earned special awards. The special awards had gold, silver and bronze winners in several categories ranging from portraits and art and fashion to “Hello Life” and outdoor. 

Gold winners: In the art and fashion category, the image “Art-Chitecture” captures a unique architectural design with excellent composition that almost makes it look like a flower. The portrait “Drying Up” is a monochrome shot of a man drying hotel towels, full of a sense of story. And “Water Drop” in the Hello Life category was a creatively inverted macro shot of a water droplet against a surreally colorful background.

Silver winners: In Hello Life, “Golden Summertime” encapsulated the radiance of summer in a vivid splash of golden sunset colors. The portrait “Behind the Mask” shows an Emirati girl with her eyes conveying deep emotion behind her traditional face mask, a poetic image that celebrates cultural heritage. The joyful “Best Buddies” image depicts the silhouette of children at the beach against the colorful hues of the evening sky, representing the innocence and sincerity of childhood friendship. The expressive portrait “Innocent Beauty” masterfully uses chiaroscuro lighting to accentuate the doe-eyed gaze of a young girl. In the outdoor category, “Skyscrapers” features tiny window cleaners rappelling down the gleaming facade of a soaring skyscraper. This photo contrasts immense architecture with small human figures. 

Bronze winners: The serene “The Kite Runner” captures a solitary young boy silhouetted against a misty dawn sky as he tries to fly his kite. The cinematic “Life Sun” depicts the blazing sun casting dramatic rays through the immense desert landscape of AlUla. Another spectacular shot titled “Kyrgyzstan Postcard View” documents the culmination of a rewarding nine-hour mountain trek, showcasing the cascading valleys and jagged peaks revealing themselves in a breathtaking panorama.

“The Last Light” is an atmospheric landscape taken at dusk, the fading sun casting the mountainous terrain in an ethereal glow. The “Night Under the Galaxy’s Lights” places an SUV in the middle, framed by the dazzling sweep of the Milky Way and some light-painting trickery. The image titled “There is No Love Like Snail Love” playfully highlights nature’s wonder through two spiraled gastropods tenderly exploring each other’s shells. And the portrait of a farmer carrying a woven basket on his head demonstrates excellent cultural storytelling. 

Through unique perspectives, artistry, and storytelling, these 15 photographers from the Middle East and Africa have proven themselves at the forefront of their field.

The three grand prize-winning photographs that captured the judges’ hearts include: “Dragon Clouds” by Domcar Calinawan Lagto from the Philippines, “Airshow” by Piotr Cebula from Poland, and “Fearless Eagle” by Dou Chuanli from China. Each grand prize winner will receive $10,000 from the XMAGE creation fund, to support their photography and to encourage them to continue using Huawei devices in the future.

The 17 best-in-category winners and the 34 runner-up winners will each receive $1,500 and $1000, respectively.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Sadek Khafagy from Egypt won the award in the outdoor category for his work titled ‘Reflection.’ His image captures the beauty of the rock formations of The Wave in Arizona.

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MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Ambassador to UK , Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al-Saud was Appointed by Unanimous Decision at its 33rd session in London, as the President ‘International Maritime Organization’ (IMO)

Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al-Saud was appointed via unanimous decision.

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Britain was elected on Monday as president of the International Maritime Organization General Assembly by its member states, the Kingdom’s embassy to the UK announced.

During a meeting of its 33rd session in London, the IMO members appointed Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al-Saud via a unanimous decision.

The IMO is the United Nations’ specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.

The meeting in the British captial was opened by secretary-general Kitack Lim, who highlighted the organization’s achievements during the current biennium, including the adoption of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, and emphasized the need to decarbonize and digitalize shipping in the years ahead.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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During a meeting of its 33rd session in London, the IMO members appointed Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al-Saud as president via a unanimous decision. (X/@SaudiEmbassyUK)

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SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI, U.A.E: Dubai Holding’s iconic 19.28-metre Hatta Sign breaks Guinness World Records title for ‘The Tallest Landmark Sign’

Dubai Holding’s iconic Hatta Sign has garnered international acclaim by breaking the Guinness World Records title for ‘The Tallest Landmark Sign’. Situated atop the Hajar Mountains, the commanding 19.28-metre-tall structure stands as a striking symbol of Hatta’s identity and its status as one of the UAE’s most scenic regions.


The Guinness World Records title will shine a global spotlight on the Hatta region. What was once a local gem is now set to attract international interest, enticing travellers from around the world to experience the enchantment of Hatta firsthand. The heightened attention will help stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster local business development, contributing to Hatta’s sustainable growth.


As Dubai Holding’s Hatta Resorts readies itself for opening its upcoming sixth season, the record-breaking Hatta Sign will be a globally recognised attraction that provides visitors a unique backdrop for capturing memorable pictures. Hikers are encouraged to make the ascent to the sign and take in the area’s breathtaking panoramic scenery from a higher altitude.


Hatta’s visitors are welcome to indulge in further adventures at the Hatta Resorts Wadi Hub, the main centre for outdoor activities in the region, including ziplining, mountain biking, rock climbing, zorbing, archery and axe-throwing, with new thrilling activities soon to be introduced in Season 6.


Visitors may also extend their journey with a stay at Hatta Resorts by Dubai Holding and enjoy an array of unique glamping experiences that seamlessly blend nature and culture with its array of outstanding trailers, lodges, domes and caravans.
Already impressing visitors with its physical presence, the Hatta Sign now acquires global cultural significance. The landmark serves as a reminder of Hatta’s rich history as well as its newly attained international recognition.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA students Mujtaba Hussein Salem and Majed Abdullah Al-Majed Win 1st place in ‘World Robot Olympiad’ Challenge

  • Mujtaba Hussein Salem and Majed Abdullah Al-Majed claimed first place in a World Robot Olympiad final
  • General director of Al-Ahsa Education Hamad bin Muhammed Al-Issa: This is certainly a win for the Kingdom and its people

Two Saudi secondary school students have claimed first place in a World Robot Olympiad final in Panama. 

Mujtaba Hussein Salem and Majed Abdullah Al-Majed, both from Al-Ahsa, triumphed against student competitors from around the world in the Virtual Robot Challenges category.

Elementary students Fatima Ali Al-Rashid and Fatima Akil Salem finished fifth in the Future Innovators category. 

Scores of students in different age groups competed in a variety of categories at the international olympiad, held from Nov. 7-9.

Hamad bin Muhammed Al-Issa, general director of Al-Ahsa Education, described the Saudi students’ performance as a “significant accomplishment.”

Many teams of Al-Ahsa students have performed well while representing the Kingdom in global competitions, he added.

“Not only are our students drawn to the world of artificial intelligence, but they also lead in this field worldwide. This is certainly a win for the Kingdom and its people,” he said.

“To every loyal teacher who has provided support, and to every school principal who has worked hard to unleash the students’ potential in all fields, I hope your efforts will be blessed and I wish you all the best, as such achievements do not happen out of nowhere or by chance, but are the results of dedicated work and innovative students who don’t know the meaning of impossible and can face any challenge.”

Student instructor Khaled Al-Massoud told Arab News that the students’ performance is an “accomplishment for the country.” 

The two winners told Arab News that support provided by the Kingdom played a key role in their victory.

Intensive training under the supervision of Al-Massoud “helped us reach the highest levels in the Olympiad,” they added.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Mujtaba Hussein Salem and Majed Abdullah Al-Majed, both from Al-Ahsa, triumphed in the Virtual Robot Challenges category. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI, U.A.E: ‘1 Billion Followers Summit’ for Content Creators returning to Dubai in January

  • Event is expected to attract more than 3,000 content creators and influencers
  • Topics that will be discussed include the role of new media in supporting economies and sustainable development

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, described as the world’s largest gathering of content creation and creators, will return to Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11, organizers announced on Wednesday. It follows the inaugural staging of the event in December 2022.

The summit is expected to attract more than 3,000 content creators, influencers and other creatives, including 100 expert speakers, who will discuss the role of new media in supporting economies and its contribution to sustainable development, the Emirates News Agency reported.

Other sessions will address ways to create meaningful and sustainable content, the skills required to ensure success across social media platforms and the tools that can positively contribute to digital platforms.

“Through the 1 Billion Followers Summit, we aim to unite content creators, change makers, and thought leaders to address pressing global issues that impact both the present and the future of our world,” said Alia Al-Hammadi, the CEO of summit organizer the New Media Academy, which describes itself as the UAE’s premier hub for digital skills and Arabic content creation.

“The event also serves as a platform for content creators, social media platforms and digital content production companies to exchange insights, fostering partnerships that align with the UAE’s strategy of becoming a global hub for creative industries and talents.

“Sharing social content is a huge responsibility that leaves a lasting impact on the individual and social levels. This is why the New Media Academy is keen on this annual event as a way to champion impactful content and positive narratives, in line with our commitment to unlocking the transformative potential of content creators, amplifying their influence.”

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The 1 Billion Followers Summit will return to Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11. (Shutterstock)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

QATAR: ‘Largest Green Roof’ in the World- Guinness World Record for Expo Doha Main Building

The main building of Expo 2023 Doha, built on an area of 4,031 sqm by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), has won the Guinness World Records title for “The Largest Green Roof” in the world.


This is a new achievement for the Public Works Authority , which has also executed various projects for major international events in the country including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.


The new achievement is the 6th title to be added to the world records won by Ashghal which has previously got 5 Guinness World Records titles, a statement said.
Among the achievements are the world’s largest electric bus depot in Lusail, the implementation of the longest air-conditioned outdoor path in Umm Al Seneem park, the longest continuous cycling path (Olympic cycling track), the longest piece of asphalt/bituminous concrete laid continuously along Al Khor road, and the most nationalities planting trees simultaneously.


Mohammed al-Khouri, Secretary General of the International Horticultural Expo 2023, expressed his delight with the main building of Expo 2023 receiving a world title. This major achievement came just before the start of the International Horticultural Expo 2023, adding momentum to this global event.


Eng. Jaralla Mohamed al-Marri, Building Projects Department Manager said Ashghal always strives to reach the global level through its outstanding projects. He noted that the remarkable Guinness World Record for the main building of Expo 2023 is a new global recognition for ‘Ashghal’ projects.


It’s worth mentioning, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has completed the construction of the main building of the international exhibition, service buildings, and prepared the external and internal gardens of the exhibition to accommodate participants and visitors of one of the major horticultural exhibitions in the Middle East.


The building was designed to showcase the highest horticultural standards in a hot climate area, presenting a model of a green country existing in a desert climate like the State of Qatar.


This project was designed to provide the visitor with an interactive experience with nature and modern urban construction with elements of Qatari characteristics. The roof of the main building was planted with Pennisetum, Dahlia and green grass.

source/content: gulf-times.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

OMAN’s Aisha Al Saifi becomes First Arab Woman to Win ‘Prince of Poets’ title in the poetry competition in Abu Dhabi

    Omani poet Aisha Al Saifi, the first woman to win the “Prince of Poets” title in Abu Dhabi.

    Aisha wrote on her Instagram, “On International Women’s Day, I was crowned a princess of poets and draped in the cloak of poetry, as the first Arab woman to obtain the title, thanks to God, and your support for me by voting and praying.”

    Aisha Al Saifi was born in Nizwa, Oman in 1987.

    She studied Civil Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University.

    In 2005, she began publishing literary works in Omani and Arabic newspapers.

    She has participated in Arab and international literary festivals across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and was the first female poet to win the Omani Poetry Festival.

    She has published three poetry collections, “The Sea Changes its Gown,” “The Dreams of the Tenth Girl,” and “I Don’t Love My Father.”

    The Prince of Poets is a reality television poetry competition in Abu Dhabi.

    The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage launched the completion in April 2007.

    The winner is awarded Dhs1 million and a symbolic cloak and ring.

    source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)

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    OMAN

    SAUDI ARABIAN Woman Athlete Kariman Abuljadayel sets New Open-Water Rowing Record

    When a Saudi Arabian athlete rowed her boat over 6.2 miles of open water in 57 minutes and 24 seconds, she smashed the Guinness World Record.

    Kariman Abuljadayel tried to break the record in the Red Sea off the coast of Jeddah after being the first Saudi woman to compete in the 100-meter event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

    She claimed that the endeavour was hampered by the intense heat and other issues.

    Abuljadayel told Guinness World Records, “That day had a strong current that slowed the boat down. I was forced to put in more effort to just maintain the movement let alone move fast for the sake of breaking the record.” She said, “I will be honest, I wanted to quit, it was too much, but a strong voice of determination within me that drove me to continue rowing and break through the imaginary barriers.”

    According to GWR, the athlete broke the record for the quickest time to row 10 kilometers (open water) in rowing.

    “I want express my appreciation to my mother, Suraya Alshehry,” Kariman said. “Who nurtured this early passion and guided it before it faded. She is my role model and hero.”

    source/content: bolnews.com (headline edited)

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    source: Fastest time to row 10km (open water) – Guinness World Records / youtube.com

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    SAUDI ARABIA

    SAUDI ARABIA: ‘Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet’ Exhibition inaugurated as it arrives at Saudi National Museum

    The National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh is now hosting the “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” exhibition.

    Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of culture inaugurated on Sunday a global Hijrah exhibition on the second stop of its tour at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.

    “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” is an exhibition that sheds light on Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Madinah in order to escape persecution. It is being held in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).

    Deputy culture minister Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez said the exhibition, with its rich knowledge content, draws attention to the unique value of the Kingdom’s geography and history, and confirms the great importance of museums in the lives of people.

    He also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Culture in supporting the cultural system and forging qualitative partnerships that will advance culture and arts in the region, and concerted efforts from all sides to provide a platform for local initiatives and projects.

    Ithra’s director Abdullah Al-Rashid said the exhibition deals with the migration of Prophet Muhammad in proportion to its importance in the history of the world.

    He said it is a result of years of preparation and deep study and is considered one of the largest studies on the history of the migration. The exhibition also includes a book and a documentary film.

    The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is now hosting the exhibition after it was displayed at Ithra in Dhahran, where more than 100,000 people visited the display.

    source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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    The National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh is now hosting the “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” exhibition. (SPA)

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    SAUDI ARABIA

    SAUDI ARABIA sets Guinness World Record for ‘Longest Phrase Written with Coffee Beans’ – the Phrase ‘Heritage Commission’ written with 6088 Saudi Khawlani Coffee Beans

    The phrase, “Heritage Commission,” was written on a board with 6088 Saudi Khawlani coffee beans.

    In a new achievement added to the achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Heritage Authority announced that it had set a Guinness Book of World Records for the longest phrase written with coffee beans.

    The phrase, “Heritage Commission,” was written on a board with 6088 Saudi Khawlani coffee beans.

    This comes as part of the World Heritage Day activities that the Commission recently held at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh.

    The Heritage Authority received the registration certificate in the presence of a representative of the Guinness Book of Records and representatives of the Heritage Authority.

    This record in Guinness World Records comes in the context of the Heritage Authority’s keenness to enhance the Authority’s presence in organizations and encyclopedias worldwide to inform the international community of the importance of the cultural heritage sector in the Kingdom and the attention and care it receives.

    Saudi Khawlani coffee

    It is noteworthy that the Saudi Khawlani coffee is considered one of the finest types of coffee, and its cultivation was associated with the customs of the people of the region, their poetry, their songs and their economy.

    In 2022, UNESCO added Saudi Arabia’s Khawlani coffee and the skills and knowledge associated with its cultivation to its list of intangible cultural heritage.

    source/content: siasat.com (headline edited)

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    The painting that entered the Guinness Book of Records. Photo: SPA

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    SAUDI ARABIA