Category: RECORDS IN MIDDLE EAST

UAE wins presidency of the Arab Parliament and Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi elected as President

The United Arab Emirates won the presidency of the Arab Parliament during the procedural session of the fourth legislative term held today, Saturday, at the headquarters of the Arab League in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, where His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, a member of the Federal National Council, was elected as President of the Arab Parliament.

The UAE assumed the presidency of the Arab Parliament, represented by the Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council, for two consecutive terms during the years from 2012 to 2016, in appreciation of the effective role played by the UAE’s parliamentary diplomacy and its contributions to the activities and work of the Arab Parliament since its establishment.

His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Member of the Federal National Council, in a statement following his victory, praised the great support provided by the wise leadership headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to the sons of the Emirates, and pushing them forward to decision-making positions in Arab, regional and international organizations and institutions, stressing that it is an achievement added to the continuous achievements made by the sons of the Emirates under the wise leadership.

 He expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council and the members of the Council, for supporting his candidacy for the presidency of the Arab Parliament, and to Their Excellencies the representatives of the Arab countries in the Arab Parliament for their great confidence and their election of him as President of the Arab Parliament, stressing his pledge, in this new phase, during which the Arab Parliament continues its journey in serving Arab issues, to work to strengthen joint Arab action at all levels. 

The procedural session was attended by members of the Parliamentary Division Group, including His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Head of the Group, Naema Abdullah Al Sharhan, Vice-Head of the Group, Majid Mohammed Al Mazrouei, and Mohammed Hassan Al Dhahouri, members of the Federal National Council.

The Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council achieved many accomplishments during its participation in the work and activities of the Arab Parliament, which was established by a decision of the Arab League Council at the summit level on a temporary basis in 2005 and became permanent in 2012, embodying the approach of the UAE and contributing to strengthening its principles and objectives to be an effective partner in formulating the joint Arab policy.

At the level of the activity of the parliamentary division of the Federal National Council, in 2020 it won the position of Vice President of the Arab Parliament, and the members of the UAE Parliamentary Division headed the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, and the Social, Educational, Cultural, Women and Youth Affairs Committee.

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Federal National Council, in cooperation with the Arab Parliament, organized a symposium in October 2019 to launch the Arab Document on Women’s Rights, which focused on two main axes: “Mother of the Emirates… the main enabler of Arab women” and “Arab women and the role of parliaments in shaping the future.”

The UAE Parliamentary Division played an active role through its membership in the Arab Parliament in presenting many parliamentary projects, proposals and studies, most notably amending the internal regulations of the Arab Parliament, establishing the Arab Parliamentary Medal Award for Parliamentary Excellence, in addition to proposals on topics discussed by the permanent and temporary committees in the Arab Parliament.

It is noteworthy that His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi has been a member of the Federal National Council since 2015 from the current sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth legislative terms. Through his membership in the UAE Parliamentary Division Group in the Arab Parliament, he participated in the work of the Arab Parliament and the meetings of its permanent committees. He won the position of Vice President of the Arab Parliament in the first and second sessions of the third legislative term of the Arab Parliament during the period 2020-2022 AD.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

U.A.E : Sheikh Mohammed praises Emirati influential figures on TIME magazine’s second annual TIME100 AI list

Sheikh Mohammed praises Emirati influential figures on TIME magazine’s second annual TIME100 AI list.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, underscored the pivotal role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in shaping the future of the global economy.

The Vice-President’s remarks coincided with the release of TIME magazine’s second annual TIME100 AI list, which highlights the 100 most influential individuals in the field of artificial intelligence.

On his X account, Sheikh Mohammed said: “In a rapidly evolving world, technology is the driving force behind the future global economy, with artificial intelligence at its core. Time magazine has released its annual list of the 100 most influential figures in this field, recognising those shaping the future of AI on a global scale.”

“Among these visionaries is my brother, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who leads numerous institutions, companies, partnerships, and global initiatives, contributing not only to the local landscape but also to shaping the future of this sector on a global level. His efforts play a pivotal role in defining the future of the global economy.

“Also featured on the list is Faisal Al Bannai, a member of the national team and a leader in one of the world’s leading companies in this field. Our nation takes great pride in their accomplishments, standing behind their vision, and betting on the same future they are helping to create. The future will be built with their leadership, and the generations to come will benefit from their achievements,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s efforts play a pivotal role in defining the future of the global economy.Image Credit: X / HHShkMohd

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI space pioneer Rayyanah Barnawi recognized by Guinness World Records as ‘First Female Arab Astronaut in Space’

Saudi Rayyanah Barnawi was part of the Axiom Mission 2 that launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on May 21, 2023.

 The first female Arab astronaut has had her pioneering spaceflight recognized by Guinness World Records, the organization announced on Monday.

Saudi Rayyanah Barnawi was part of the Axiom Mission 2 that launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on May 21, 2023. She was accompanied by fellow Saudi Ali Al-Qarni aboard a craft bound for the International Space Station.

In her first message she said: “This trip does not represent me alone, but rather the entire Arab world and all Saudis. We are living a dream that once seemed impossible but has become reality.”

Al-Qarni and Barnawi — the first Arab woman to orbit Earth — returned on May 31 after an eight-day stay at the ISS. During their time there they carried out 14 research projects on microgravity, three of which were kite experiments involving 12,000 school students from 47 locations across the Kingdom, conducted via satellite.

During her mission, part of the Saudi Astronaut Program, Barnawi completed several groundbreaking experiments that included studying the response of immune cells and how microgravity affects biological processes.

Barnawi has spent her career advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of cancer stem cells. She worked at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre and holds a bachelor’s degree in genetic engineering and tissue development from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. She also has a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Alfaisal University in Riyadh.

Barnawi’s personal journey reflects her strong ties to both Saudi Arabia and her Sudanese heritage.

Her world record-breaking achievement follows in the footsteps of the Kingdom’s Prince Sultan bin Salman who, in 1985, became the first Arab to go into space.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Rayyanah Barnawi, Saudi astronaut

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SAUDI ARABIA

JORDAN / KUWAIT: King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC)’s dedication to cancer care earns Kuwait’s prestigious health award 2024 for the ‘Control of Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region’

Kuwait Health Minister Ahmad Awadhi handed over the State of Kuwait Prize for the Control of Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC) Director General Asem Mansour.

The award ceremony took place during the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean, in recognition of the KHCC’s significant achievements in cancer control.

Mansour stressed that the award reflects the support of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation’s (KHCF) board of trustees, chaired by HRH Princess Ghida Talal, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

This recognition is the result of the collective efforts of the centre’s team, local and international partners, and most importantly patients, whose resilience in their fight against cancer continues to inspire.

Mansour has served as the centre’s director general since 2012, and currently chairs the executive committee of the Jordan Breast Cancer Programme. 

He is a consultant in diagnostic radiology, specialising in neuroradiology and a fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) in London. His academic qualifications include a master’s degree in healthcare management from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in public health from Liverpool John Moores University.

The prize is one of the region’s most prestigious medical awards, honouring those who have made significant contributions to cancer control through research, innovation or exceptional medical service.

The event featured the presence of Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and Hanan Kuwari, Qatar’s minister of health.

source/content: jordantimes.com (headline edited)

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This recognition is the result of the collective efforts of the centre’s team, local and international partners, and most importantly, the patients (JT File photo)

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JORDAN / KUWAIT

ALGERIA : M’Sila University Professors Among the Top Scientists Worldwide

This remarkable achievement underscores the university’s leadership in scientific research, affirming its pivotal role in Algeria’s innovation landscape and commitment to academic excellence. The recognition of these five esteemed scholars not only highlights their individual contributions but also elevates M’Sila University as a beacon of scientific advancement on the global stage.

Five distinguished professors from Mohamed Boudiaf University in M’Sila have earned recognition in the 2024 Stanford University ranking of the top 2% of scientists worldwide. This prestigious classification highlights their contributions to research and places them among a total of 68 Algerian researchers honored in this global assessment.

M’Sila University stands out as the leading Algerian institution, boasting the highest number of researchers included in this elite ranking. This achievement underscores the university’s commitment to advancing scientific research and fostering academic excellence, positioning it as a vital contributor to Algeria’s development and innovation landscape.

Professor Amar Boudellaa, the university director, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment as a reflection of the institution’s dedication to scientific inquiry. He affirmed the university’s ongoing support for researchers, inventors, and start-up founders, aligning with the vision outlined by the Minister of Higher Education.

The five notable researchers recognized in this ranking are:

Professor Bouarissa Nadir (Natural Sciences/Physics)

Professors Berri Saadi and Maireche Abdelmadjid (Faculty of Sciences)

Professor Chouder Aissa (Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology)

Hocini Abdesselam (Electronics, Faculty of Technology)

Since its inception in 1885, Stanford University has published the Top 2% Scientist ranking annually since 2020, based on comprehensive studies conducted by its researchers. This accolade not only celebrates individual achievements but also enhances the reputation of M’Sila University as a hub for scientific advancement in Algeria.

source/content: dzair.tube.dz (headline edited)

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ALGERIA

LIBYA : Council of Arab Information Ministers names Tripoli as headquarters for ‘Arab Institue for Peace & Journalism’

The Council of Arab Information Ministers approved the internal bylaws of the Arab Institute for Peace and Journalism, for which the Libyan capital, Tripoli, was chosen as its headquarters.

This came during the activities of the 54th regular session, held in the Bahraini capital, Manama, in which the Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs, Walid Al-Lafi, participated.

In his speech, Al-Lafi welcomed the steps aimed at establishing and approving the internal system and organizational structures of the Institute, as it is the first international institution affiliated with the League of Arab States with its permanent headquarters in Tripoli, calling for the completion of the steps for the opening.

Al-Lafi stressed the responsibility that the Arab media bears through various digital, media and audio interfaces, toward the massacres taking place in Gaza. He also reiterated Libya’s support for Arab initiatives aimed at stopping the aggression, exposing the crimes of the occupation, and supporting youth initiatives in social media platforms in support of the Palestinian Cause.

Al-Lafi also called on Arab Information Ministers to participate in the activities of the Tripoli Media Days in its third edition, which will be held at the end of next December, coinciding with Libya’s celebrations of the 73rd anniversary of independence.

source/content: libyaobserver.ly (headline edited)

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LIBYA

OMAN: 03 Omani Doctors – 1st for the region: Drs Bader Al Rawahi, Ahmed Al Wahaibi & Jamila Al Ahri Win prestigious WHO awards at 77th World Health Assembly, Geneva

Eight medical professionals from around the world were feted for their unique roles and contributions to public health in their countries and the world at a special ceremony during the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Friday.

Of the eight, four recipients are from the Eastern Mediterranean Region of which three are from Oman, a first for a country in the region.

Dr Bader bin Saif al Rawahi

The Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health 2024 was presented to Dr Bader bin Saif al Rawahi, who leads a major public health programme as Director of Communicable Diseases and Control, and manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation at Ministry of Health (MoH).

Dr Rawahi has made considerable effort to leave no one behind in the immunisation programme, including migrants, displaced populations and underprivileged people.

Dr Ahmed Hamed Saif al Wahaibi, head of Elderly Care Section in Primary Health Care Department of MoH, and the Chinese Geriatrics Society, China, were jointly awarded the Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah Prize for Research in Health Care for the Elderly and in Health Promotion.

Dr Ahmed Hamed Saif al Wahaibi

Dr Wahaibi is a family doctor who has made an important contribution to integrating high-quality care for older people within primary health care in Oman. He has also played a part in the development of a national programme for people aged 60 years and older that provides screening, assessment and early intervention as part of primary health care.

Dr Jamila Taiseer Yasser al Abri, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist with extensive experience and leadership in women’s health, currently Director of Department of Woman and Child Health, was honoured with the Ihsan Doğramacı Family Health Foundation Prize.

Dr Jamila has demonstrated significant leadership in teaching and managing national health programmes, including on breast cancer, mental health and autism spectrum disorders, besides other family health issues. She has played an important role in contributing to the strategic plans for women’s and children’s health as part of Oman’s long-term vision, Health Vision 2050.

Dr Jamila Taiseer Yasser al Abri

The United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize went to National Death Registry System, Saudi Arabia.

“I feel so proud to see four experts and institutions from the Eastern Mediterranean Region receive four of the eight highly valued WHO awards,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

“This sends a strong message about how rich the region is in talented, distinguished and knowledgeable people. The awardees’ expertise and achievements, across different health fields, show that we have human assets who contribute to the improvement of regional and global health.

“Heartfelt congratulations and a big thank you to Saudi Arabia’s National Death Registry System and to Dr Rawahi, Dr Wahaibi and Dr Jamila from Oman. You have made us all very proud and filled us with hope and determination.”

The winners were awarded by Dr Edwin Dikoloti of Botswana, President of the 77th World Health Assembly, alongside high-level representatives of the foundations providing the public health awards and prizes and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO and administrator for the prizes.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN / SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI, U.A.E: Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) wins five ‘fDi World’s Best Free Zones 2024’ awards

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has won five major category awards from the Financial Times’ fDi World’s Best Free Zones 2024, including being ranked number one in the comprehensive global list of free zones.


Jafza said that winning these awards underscores its global standing in the field of trade and logistics, noting that it was ranked number one, in addition to the titles of “Best Industrial Zone” and “Best Sustainable Zone” for this year, in the global and Middle East categories.


Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, GCC, said: “As we approach our 40th anniversary, we are proud of our achievements in the fields of global trade and industry. Jafza has evolved over these four decades to meet the changes in the global trade arena and has maintained its leadership in promoting innovation and sustainable growth.

For his part, Abdulla Al Hashimi, Chief Operating Officer, Parks and Free Zones, DP World, GCC, said that these prestigious awards confirm the effectiveness of the investment approach in infrastructure and sustainability, after Jafza was able to establish the foundations of a vital infrastructure that benefits customers, and maintained the clarity of its goal of driving innovation and sustainable growth, by keeping pace with the latest developments in the sector, and responding to customer needs, while continuing to focus on efficiency.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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

Palestinian American Chef Michael Rafidi Wins James Beard Culinary Award 2024 in Chicago

Palestinian chef Michael Rafidi has been honored with the James Beard Awards in Chicago, winning the title of Outstanding Chef 2024.

The culinary world is full of awards and accolades that honor talented chefs, and among them is the James Beard Awards. Often referred to as the “Oscars of the food world”, it is one of the highest honors in the industry. This year, Palestinian chef Michael Rafidi, the owner of Albi — a Michelin-starred restaurant in the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. was titled winner under the category of Outstanding Chef.

Previously, Rafidi’s restaurant garnered a Michelin Star in 2022, an award that is only granted to restaurants that are able to present an exceptional dining experience using top-notch ingredients consistently. Rafidi’s food encapsulates the rich flavors of his Palestinian heritage, with each dish presenting remnants of his culture.

Chef Micheal Rafidi’s caption on his Instagram post, or speech as he called it included a poignant homage to his grandfather who was a chef in Washington for decades, and a big source of inspiration to delve into his restaurateur journey. “I accepted this award on the shoulders of my Palestinian ancestors, my grandparents and my mother. Through it all, they held onto their love of food, a taste of our lineage that told stories of love, resilience and hope,” stated Rafidi. He added, “As I grew in my career, I realized my Palestinian identity would become my purpose for the restaurants we would build, the menus we would create, and the food we would serve. Ending the caption with, “In case I wasn’t clear on stage. This award is dedicated to the people of Palestine.”

Regarding the win, Ayman, the Palestinian-Egyptian news anchor at MSNBC posted, “Now after last night’s James Beard Awards, Palestinian cuisine is not only recognized as part of the tapestry of America, it is celebrated among the very best cuisines in the world thanks to generations of Palestinians who are constantly pushing their food to new heights.”

source/content: en.vogue.me (headline edited)

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Photo: Getty

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AMERICAN / PALESTINIAN

SAUDI ARABIA : Hassan bin Moejeb Al-Huwaizi appointed as first Vice -President of Union of Arab Chambers (UAC)

Appointment made during UAC’s 135th session, being held in Doha.

The Union of Arab Chambers appointed Hassan bin Moejeb Al-Huwaizi, President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, as its first Vice President, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The appointment was made during the UAC’s 135th session, which is being held in Doha.

In addition to his new role, Al-Huwaizi holds several prominent positions, including VP of the Federation of GCC Chambers, and president of the Abha Chamber, SPA added.

He thanked the Union of Arab Chambers for its confidence in his abilities, and Al-Huwaizi emphasized the need to strengthen intra-Arab trade.

Currently, intra-Arab trade constitutes just 13.8 percent of the total foreign trade of Arab countries, a figure he described as modest compared to other regional economic blocs.

Al-Huwaizi urged for intensified efforts to eliminate regulatory, customs, and procedural barriers that hinder trade among Arab nations.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The Union of Arab Chambers appointed Hassan bin Moejeb Al-Huwaizi, President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, as its first Vice President. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA