Arabs & Arabian Records Aggregator. Chronicler. Milestones of the 25 Countries of the Arabic Speaking World (official / co-official). AGCC. MENA. Global. Ist's to Top 10's. Records. Read & Enjoy./ www.arabianrecords.org
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)
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
For National Arab American Heritage Month, SWE recognizes some of the Arab women engineers making their mark in the industry.
National Arab American Heritage Month was first recognized at the federal level in the U.S. in April 2021, though celebrations recognizing the Arab community and their contributions in the United States were observed in previous years.
Here at the Society of Women Engineers, we are excited to celebrate some of the amazing Arab women engineers from around the world who are paving the way for others to pursue a future in STEM and thrive in their careers.
Diana Alsindy
Diana Alsindy is a propulsion engineering manager at Blue Origin where she leads a team of engineers building the next rocket to the moon. She is also the founder of The Arabian Stargazer, a bilingual educational platform that promotes science and space in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Diana is an Iraqi refugee who fled the Iraq war in 2004 with her family and now calls Los Angeles home. She frequently hosts lectures and seminars with schools that do not have access to engineering resources and aspires to continue paving the way to space and advocate for others to look up. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a focus in mechanical and aerospace engineering from University of California San Diego. Hear her speak as a panel member on From the Classroom to the Cosmos: How Educators Can Help Girls Succeed in Space available in the Advance Learning Center.
Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb
Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb is the founder and chairperson of the Saudi Women Engineers Society (SWES) and the first Saudi engineer specializing in structural engineering. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Technology Sydney and is the first engineer to hold a Certified Mostadam Accredited Professional license, a groundbreaking sustainable framework she led development on, which focuses on green building practices aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. She is an advisor with the Saudi Association of Sustainability Professionals and founder of the Urban Heritage Association, presenting at World ESG Summit and Global Project Management Forum and promoting diversity and women in engineering. Under her leadership, SWES has forged partnerships with organizations such as Bechtel and Saudi Arabia Parsons Corporation to promote opportunities for Saudi women in engineering fields.
Dr. Habiba Alsafar
Dr. Habiba Alsafar is dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and professor of genomics at Khalifa University, one of the United Arab Emirates top universities for STEM education. She earned a BS in biochemistry at San Diego State University, an MS in biomedical engineering from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, and Ph.D. in medical and forensics science from the University of Western Australia. She is credited with establishing the Emirates Family Registry — the first study of its kind in the Middle East — which was instrumental in discovering diabetes risk factors unique to the area’s Bedouin population. She is the recipient of the UAE’s First Honor Model award and the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship for Women in Science, as well as the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Rising Talents award in recognition of her trailblazing work in genetics.
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur is the CEO and co-founder of Cambridge-headquartered CorrosionRADAR Ltd, a technology startup in the predictive corrosion monitoring and assets management space. The organization has received recognition for its groundbreaking Predictive Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring System, and Dr. Ennaceur received the 2024 Women in Excellence Achievement Award from the International Maintenance, Reliability, and Asset Management conference (MAINTCON) in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership in her field. Born in Tunisia, Dr. Ennaceur completed her schooling there, earning a civil engineering degree at Ecole National d’Ingénieurs de Gabès (National Engineering School of Gabes), where she was only one of two girls in a class of 20 students, and then a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Technology of Compiègne in France.
Marwa Al Mamari
The first aerospace engineer in the history of the United Arab Emirates, Marwa Al Mamari is pursuing a Ph.D. studying artificial intelligence in aviation at Coventry University, where she also earned a Master of Science in aviation safety and a Bachelor of Applied Science in aerospace engineering. She has previously worked with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, specializing in accident prevention and safety recommendations. This mother of two is also an adjunct lecturer in engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi. In 2024, she was honored as an Emirati Woman Achiever, an award recognizing visionary Emirati women leading entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. She has spoken at TEDx and other events globally on changing the narratives, the power of STEM, and women’s empowerment in shaping the future.
Dr. Raida Al-Alawi
As the president of the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Dr. Raida Al-Alawi is the first woman to lead the organization in its 50+ year history and the first Bahraini woman to earn a Ph.D. in engineering. Her professional experience includes serving as dean of Student Affairs at Manama’s Ahlia University, and as associate professor in the department of electrical and electronics engineering at the University of Bahrain, where she also chaired the department of computer engineering. Dr. Al-Alawi is a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World, and senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Association of Engineers. She holds a Ph.D. in Computational Intelligence from Brunel University London, an MSc in Computer Engineering from King’s College London, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Kuwait University.
Ashraf Mahrous, known also as Kabonga, pulled a 279-ton train using only his teeth, while also observing the Ramadan fast.
An Egyptian wrestler has received recognition in three categories by Guinness World Records , including for breaking the world record for heaviest rail pull using only his teeth.
Ashraf Mahrous, known by his nickname Kabonga, also received certificates for the heaviest locomotive pull and fastest 100-metre road vehicle pull.
The successful world record attempts took place at Cairo’s Ramses train station on Wednesday and Thursday, where Kabonga pulled a 279-ton train using a rope held by his teeth. The wrestler pulled the train for a distance of close to 11 metres.
“On the first day, I was able to pull a two-ton cart, while fasting, for a distance of 107 meters in 37 seconds, breaking another record by pulling a one-ton cart for 100 meters and surpassing the 60-second barrier,” Kabonga told Anadolu, highlighting that he had been abstaining from eating and drinking due to the Ramadan fast, which lasts from pre-dawn to sunset.
“The next day, on Thursday afternoon, I pulled a train weighing 279 tons with my shoulders, while fasting, for a distance of 10 metres and 66 centimeters,” he added.
Kabonga, who is the president of the Egyptian Federation for Professional Wrestlers, previously pulled a 15,730-kilogram truck with his teeth in 2021. In February 2024, he cracked and ate 30 raw eggs in 30 seconds in a feat that was also recognised by Guinness World Records.
Dawlet Elnakeb, an organiser of Thursday’s event in Cairo, said Kabonga had trained for just 20 days prior to the record breaking event.
source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)
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Ashraf Mahrous, known as Kabonga, is president of the Egyptian Federation for Professional Wrestlers [Getty]
Lebanese Professor Niveen Mohammad Ali Khashab won the Great Arab Minds Award-2023 in Natural Sciences, for her contributions in chemistry, bioengineering and biology.
Her research interests focus on applications of programmable, intelligent, engineered nanomaterials and their uses for medical, pharmaceutical, industrial and environmental purposes. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, said that scientific and cognitive curiosity has been the base of nations’ cultural development throughout history.
The winning announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Prof. Niveen Khashab is associate dean of Physical Sciences and Engineering Division and Professor of Chemistry at KAUST – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, given her pioneering contributions in the field of natural sciences and her research in Arab universities.
“Today we announce the winner of the Arab Minds Award in natural sciences, Professor Nevin Khashab, a researcher and academic who inspires a new generation of young scientists in the Arab world and transforms research into advanced innovations in medicine, advanced industries, nanotechnology and sustainable agriculture,” said the Ruler of Dubai.
“Scientific achievement is the basis of civilizational development. We want to preserve scientists, empower them, honor them, celebrate their achievements and provide them with the space they need to transform their ideas and research into reality. Resuming the region’s contribution to human civilization is a comprehensive project and a strategic commitment that focuses on the Arab citizen capable of achievement, creativity and excellence in science and knowledge,” he added.
Khashab is exploring the new opportunities that nano capsules and devices can provide in drugs, gene therapies, medical diagnosis and industries, given their sturdiness, durability and superior thermal resistance.
Khashab is currently experimenting with carbon nanotubes characterized with their exceptional rigidity and strength, as well as electronic properties. She is also testing applications of carbon tubes in smart membranes. Khashab also collaborated on designing smart materials used in biomedical systems based on molecule assemblies at the nanoscale using non-covalent interactions.
The applications of the scientific innovations and smart materials developed by Khashab are diverse, including medical in the fields of sensing and drug, therapeutic and surgical delivery; industrial as in nanocomposites and others; and environmental in sustainable agriculture solutions and platforms.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, chairman of the Committee leading Great Arab Minds, congratulated Khashab on the phone, hailing her contributions in natural sciences and its pioneering research that opened new horizons in the uses of ultra-fine nanomaterials for medical and pharmaceutical purposes and advanced technology applications.
The initiative aims to promote the reverse migration of Arab minds and keep them in the Arab world by celebrating, honoring and highlighting their achievements.
The competition received thousands of nominations in its six categories: engineering and technology, medicine, economics, literature and natural sciences, arts, architecture, and design.
The Great Arab Minds Awards’ winners announced so far are: Dr. Hani Negm from Saudi Arabia in Medicine, Professor Fadel Adib from Lebanon in Engineering and Technology, Dr. Muhammad el-Erian in economics, and Professor Niveen Khashab in natural sciences. The winners in the two remaining categories will be announced later.
Participants from more than 90 countries discuss development of comprehensive Islamic identity
1,800-page ‘Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony’ prepared by 60 scholars
The second “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” international conference concluded in Makkah early on Saturday, with participants from more than 90 countries adopting the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony.”
Held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the two-day conference gathered senior muftis, scholars, and thinkers who also approved the strategic and executive plan for the document “Building Bridges between Islamic Sects,” a media statement said on Saturday.
The conference was organized by the Muslim World League and held under the theme “Towards an Effective Islamic Alliance.”
The high-level session dedicated to the recitation of the conference’s final statement, which was issued at dawn on Saturday, was attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa; Member of the Council of Experts for Leadership in Iran, Sheikh Ahmed Mobalghi; Adviser at the Royal Court in Saudi Arabia, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hamid; Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais; Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Mustafa Qutb Sano; Member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Youssef bin Mohamed bin Saeed; and the Mufti of Sidon in Lebanon, Sheikh Mohamed Osseiran.
The attendees witnessed the launch of the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony,” which was supervised by the Intellectual Protection Center at the Saudi Ministry of Defense, and was prepared by 60 scholars over about 1,800 pages.
The encyclopedia was refereed by the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Fiqh Academy, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League to be a roadmap for relations between Muslim sects.
Participants also decided in the final statement to consider the “Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought” with its 28 articles as the basis and starting point for the path of joint Islamic action “scientifically” and “intellectually,” with a view to strengthening brotherhood and solidarity among the peoples of Muslim nations.
The attendees further extended their sincere thanks to the leadership of the Kingdom for the great services they are providing to Islam and Muslims.
They also affirmed their pride in the comprehensive Islamic identity, and their supportive stance toward the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land, and their rejection of displacement and destruction projects.
The conference witnessed several sessions addressing developments in Palestine, Sudan, and Syria, as well as issues concerning Muslim minorities around the world.
Hira project provides immersive experience of Islamic history, Qur’anic heritage
Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the Holy Qur’an Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District.
Developed under the supervision of and with support from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, the museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors.
It is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the Qur’an and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the journey of Qur’anic transcription and its preservation through history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District is a focal point for those keen to experience the spirit and history of Makkah. Centered on Mount Hira, where the first revelation descended, it includes various facilities designed to enhance the religious and educational experience.
Among them is the Revelation Exhibition, which offers an interactive portrayal of the descent of revelation, and another that allows visitors to ascend to Hira Cave which was the scene of the revelation.
Among the artifacts on display are a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and several ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses.
The project also incorporates the Saudi Coffee Museum, the Cultural Library and Hira Park.
The Holy Qur’an Museum will remain open throughout Ramadan.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors. (SPA)
Performed on special occasions, the performance showcases the Kingdom’s heritage
It begins with the recital of a poem, followed by drummers setting the rhythm for the dancers
The Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh, with 633 participants showcasing this traditional dance.
This achievement underscores the Ardah’s deep-rooted significance as a national tradition, reflecting pride in Saudi identity and a commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Principality of Riyadh Region from Feb. 20 to 23, the Founding Day event attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from diverse backgrounds.
Performed on special occasions, the performance showcases the Kingdom’s heritage. It begins with the recital of a poem, followed by drummers setting the rhythm for the dancers.
The group leader then takes the stage, wielding a blade and demonstrating precise movements that mirror those of warriors in battle.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh. (SPA)
In the world of fragrances, few names evoke as much resonance and admiration as Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group. Established as the first perfume manufacturer in the UAE, this year marks a significant milestone for the renowned UAE-born perfume house as it celebrates its golden jubilee – 50 years of crafting perfumes with luxury and elegance.
The beginning was in 1974 when Swiss Arabian seamlessly blended Arabian perfumery techniques with modern innovation. Hussein Adam Ali, Founder and Chairman of SAPG, came from Yemen to the UAE in 1974 with a dream. A man driven by an insatiable passion for perfumery and a deep appreciation for the art of scent, he laid the foundation for what would become a global fragrance empire.
Over the past five decades, Swiss Arabian has gained global recognition and taken pride in representing the art of perfumery to the rest of the world. As we reflect on five decades of fragrance mastery, it’s a story worth exploring about how this fragrance empire was built. Hussein Adam Ali’s keen understanding of the nuances of fragrance, coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellence, drove the brand to new heights.
“When I first moved to the UAE, I walked in the sun to save on taxis. This country became my home and turned my dreams into reality.”
“I was 30 years old when I came to UAE to set up my business here. This country became my home and turned my dreams into reality. With an investment of half a million dirhams, 5,000 square feet perfume factory had been set up in Sharjah and became fully operational in six months. I was my own boss and drew a minimum stipend to cover my expenses. Today, SAPG has over 1000 employees and global business operations,” says Hussein Adam Ali, Founder and Chairman, SAPG.
His sons, Nabeel Adam Ali and Nader Adam Ali joined the company at a young age as well, and through their leadership, shaped Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group into a multinational award winning perfume house.
Swiss Arabian’s growth strategy is their product. Constantly innovating, creating and ensuring customer satisfaction is the core of their business. The brand’s continuous efforts at striving for perfection is evident in every aspect of its operations, from sourcing the finest raw materials to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each bottle of perfume.
Despite the evolving trends and preferences in the perfume market, the brand has stayed true to its roots while embracing modern techniques and ingredients. This dedication to both tradition and innovation has earned Swiss Arabian a loyal following and global expansion. The Group also expanded to more brands such as Sapil Perfumes, Shirley May, Shirley May Deluxe and Alta Moda.
As Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group commemorates its 50th year, it is a celebration of longevity and a testament to hard work. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to pushing boundaries and creating fragrances that resonate with the diverse tastes and preferences of its clientele.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated architectural engineer Sahel Al Hayari, winner of the Great Arab Minds Award 2024 in the field of architecture and design.
Sheikh Mohammed said on X platform, “Today, we congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award 2024, Architectural Engineer Sahel Al Hayari from Jordan.”
Sheikh Mohammed said that Architect Al Hayari presents designs which combine heritage and modernity, identity and nature and has excelled in many distinctive architectural projects and participated in teaching architecture and presenting his research and works in the most prominent universities around the world.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that Arab architecture has influenced human civilisation through its unique styles and designs throughout history, and that there are many exceptional Arab talents among architects and designers who deserve support, empowerment, and appreciation.
Al Hayari is known for integrating innovative modern design with traditional Arab stonework, and for blending contemporary architectural elements with historical context. He has promoted the presence of Arab stone architecture from Jordan in international circles, and his unique style has created an interactive dialogue between topography and architecture.
Al Hayari holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
He also conducted postgraduate studies at the School of Architecture at the University of Venice and has lectured at prestigious colleges and universities in the fields of architecture and design around the world, including Columbia University and Harvard University in the United States, the University of Venice in Italy, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, the American University of Beirut, and the University of Science and Technology in Jordan. His works cover a wide range of design-related disciplines, including urban design, architectural structures, interior design, and exhibition design.
Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the “Great Arab Minds” Initiative, informed Sahel Al Hayari of his win of the award.
In a video call with him, he praised the unique artistic formula he created by combining architecture, fine arts, and urban design.
It is worth mentioning that the ‘Great Arab Minds’ award is the largest award of its kind in the Arab world, and it celebrates, for the second consecutive year, the achievements of Arab innovators for humanity in these fields.
source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)
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Sahel Al Hayari is known for integrating innovative modern design with traditional Arab stonework
