Category: RECORDS, (WORLD / GLOBAL)

U.A.E. : EDGE signs agreements with Hungarian company 4iG to develop defense solutions for European and African markets

EDGE, the world’s leading advanced technology and defence group, and 4iG Aerospace, the leading ICT, space and defence industries group in Hungary and the Western Balkans, have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to establish significant and wide-ranging industrial cooperation between the UAE and Hungary.

During a state visit by an official UAE delegation to Hungary, EDGE and 4iG signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enabling a broad technology partnership for the joint development and marketing of advanced defense systems, including EDGE’s Skyknight air defense missile system, Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 cruise munitions, and Vega and Orion autonomous air traffic control solutions.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “Our goal, through strengthening partnerships with  partners like 4iG, is to help countries develop and adopt advanced sovereign defense technology and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape calls for renewal programs to leverage the latest autonomous technologies and counter rapidly evolving airborne threats. This collaboration enhances EDGE Group’s ability to continue delivering competitive, NATO-compliant, and export-ready solutions, in support of Hungary’s national objectives and as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.

For his part, 4iG CEO Istvan Šarhigyi said: “The agreements signed today represent a significant achievement in 4iG’s international efforts in the defense sector. By partnering with one of the world’s fastest-growing defense technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success in European and African markets on a mutually beneficial basis. EDGE Group’s trust and openness provide Hungary with the opportunity to transform into a strategic player in the global defense innovation ecosystem.

Under the first agreement, the two companies will establish a broad technology partnership to jointly develop and explore cross-market opportunities for next-generation autonomous aerial systems (AAAS), counter-AAAS solutions, and space technologies in Central and Eastern Europe and Africa.

The agreement also covers the possibility of establishing a joint venture. The second agreement focuses on the potential development and production of the Sky Knight domestically deployable air defense missile system and the Shadow high-precision cruise munition series in Hungary.


The third and final agreement aims to provide EDGE’s Vega autonomous air traffic management and Orion drone swarm management systems to the European market, with the potential for joint development of air traffic control solutions. The MoU also includes an evaluation of the possibility of establishing a joint venture as a European development and sales center for the Vega and Orion systems.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

ARAB ARTS FESTIVAL (LAAF) : The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns

The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, or LAAF, the UK’s longest-running annual celebration of Arab arts and culture, returns this month with a theme that feels both timely and timeless: “Nostalgia.”

Now two decades in, the festival has grown from grassroots beginnings into an internationally recognized celebration.

Running through to July 20, this year’s program explores how memory, heritage and longing shape artistic expression across the Arab world and its diasporas. 

The dynamic, bilingual line-up spans film, music, literature, performance, food and family activities — all underscored by deeper reflections on identity, loss and cultural continuity.

Arab News spoke with Taher Qassim, originally from Yemen, who founded LAAF in 1998 as a community-led effort to foster cultural pride and preserve Arab identity in Liverpool.

“The theme of ‘nostalgia’ is a reflection of both how far we’ve come and where we began,” Qassim said. “Twenty-three years ago, we set out on a path that was uncertain but filled with excitement and purpose. We knew we wanted to create something that represented the Yemeni and Arab presence in Liverpool, but we didn’t yet know how to express it.”

What began as a handful of cultural activations has since evolved into a platform for Arab artists. “From those humble beginnings … the festival began to blossom,” he said. “Today, we proudly offer a platform to artists from across the Arab world, Europe, the US, and beyond — something we could only have dreamed of.”

Two events stand out for him: ‘Arabs Are Not Funny’ and ‘The Book of Sanaa.’ The former, he says, “directly challenges the long-held stereotype that Arabs lack a sense of humor. It’s refreshing, bold and liberating — exactly what the festival stands for.”

The latter brings together literature, poetry, food, and a model of Yemen’s historic capital.

“The richness of this event would’ve felt like a fantasy to us two decades ago. Now, it’s a reality — something we’ve made possible through years of dedication and community.”

Qassim, who was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2008 for services to community cohesion, handed over the festival’s leadership to his daughter, Afrah, who now steers LAAF with the same vision and care.

Today, LAAF is no longer seen solely as a festival for the Arab community. “That perception has shifted dramatically,” Qassim said. “People from all backgrounds and ages attend and engage. The festival has become a space for dialogue, curiosity and connection.” As he put it, “Conversations happen naturally — before, during and after events.”

One event he hopes visitors will not miss is the now-iconic “Family Day” at the Palm House in Sefton Park. “It’s become the signature event of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival — our legacy day,” he said. “Families travel from across the UK, Europe, and even further afield to be part of it. The atmosphere is joyful, welcoming, and truly inclusive … a vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Arab culture at its best.”

Some events require tickets, but “Family Day” — an afternoon of music, crafts, performances and community — is the grand finale and free to all.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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pix: arabartsfestival.com

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ARAB ARTS FESTIVAL – UK

SAUDI ARABIA : Riyadh financial hub earns Guinness Record for 15.46 km pedestrian skyway

Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily.

The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh was awarded a Guinness World Record on Sunday for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skyway network.

The network spans 15.46 km, linking 95 buildings through 42 climate-controlled skywalks, allowing year-round pedestrian access.

Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily through the district while avoiding traffic and weather.

Built with 30,000 sq. meters of glass and more than 3,000 tonnes of steel, the project required more than 5 million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel.

The skywalks connect offices, homes, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it easier to walk between work, home, and leisure.

“This recognition by Guinness World Records affirms KAFD as a platform for urban development,” said Faddy AlAql, chief asset delivery officer at KAFD Development and Management Co.

“The skywalk network reflects a mobility strategy that connects assets, enhances walkability, and supports our goal of delivering a smart city experience.”

Mbali Nkosi, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, said: “First set in Minneapolis in 2016, this record has now been redefined by KAFD. In an era where sustainability drives innovation, KAFD’s skyway network sets a new benchmark for walkable urban design.”

The district hosts more than 90 international and local companies and 19 regional headquarters, including Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, and PepsiCo.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Mbali Nkosi, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, presents the award to Faddy AlAql, chief asset delivery officer at KAFD Development and Management Co. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SYRIA unveils new national emblem as part of sweeping identity overhaul

Unveiled during a ceremony in Damascus on Thursday

New emblem reimagines iconic Syrian golden eagle with symbolic elements representing country’s history, geography and post-conflict aspirations

The Syrian Arab Republic has launched a new national visual identity featuring a redesigned golden eagle emblem, in what officials described as a break from the legacy of authoritarianism and a step toward a state defined by service, unity and popular legitimacy.

Unveiled during a ceremony in Damascus on Thursday, the new emblem reimagines the iconic Syrian golden eagle with symbolic elements representing the country’s history, geography and post-conflict aspirations, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

The redesign forms the centerpiece of a wider national branding effort aimed at redefining Syria’s image at home and abroad.

The eagle has long held significance in Syrian history, appearing in early Islamic military symbolism, notably in the 7th-century Battle of Thaniyat Al-Uqab, and later as part of the 1945 emblem of Syria.

The new design retains this historic continuity but shifts its meaning, and the combative shield clutched by previous iterations of the eagle has been removed.

Instead, the emblem now features the eagle topped by three stars representing the people symbolically placed above the state.

The redesigned wings are outstretched, balanced rather than aggressive, with seven feathers each to represent Syria’s 14 governorates.

The tail carries five feathers symbolizing the country’s major geographical regions: north, south, east, west, and central Syria — a nod to national unity and inclusivity, SANA reported.

Officials described the design as a “visual political covenant,” aimed at linking the unity of land with the unity of national decision-making.

“The people, whose ambitions embrace the stars of the sky, are now guarded by a state that protects and enables them,” said a statement accompanying the launch. “In return, their survival and participation ensure the renaissance of the state.”

The emblem is designed to signal historical continuity with the original post-independence design of 1945, while also representing the vision of a modern Syrian state born from the will of its people, SANA said.

Officials said the elevation of the stars above the eagle was intended to reflect the empowerment and liberation of the people, and the transition from a combative state to a more civic-minded one.

The symbolism also reinforces Syria’s territorial integrity, with all regions and governorates represented equally. The design, they said, reflects a new national pact, one that defines the relationship between the state and its citizens based on mutual responsibility and shared aspirations.

The new emblem is also intended as a symbolic end to Syria’s past as a security-driven state, replacing a legacy of repression with one of reconstruction and citizen empowerment.

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who has positioned his administration as one of reform and renewal, described the change as emblematic of “a government emanating from the people and serving them.”

The visual identity was developed entirely by Syrian artists and designers, including visual artist Khaled Al-Asali, in a deliberate effort to ground the new identity in local heritage and creativity.

Officials said that the process was intended not only as a rebranding exercise but as a reflection of Syria’s cultural and civilizational legacy — and its future potential.

Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, speaking at the event, framed the launch as part of a broader transformation in Syrian governance and diplomacy.

“In every encounter, we carried a new face of Syria,” he said. “Our efforts brought Syria back to the international stage — not as a delayed hope, but as a present reality.”

He said the country was now rejecting the “deteriorated reality” inherited from decades of authoritarian rule, and described the new emblem as a symbol of Syria’s emergence as a state that “guards” and empowers its people, rather than controlling them.

Al-Shaibani concluded his remarks by calling the moment “a cultural death” for the former regime’s narrative.

“What we need today is a national spirit that reclaims the scattered pieces of our Syrian identity, that is the starting point for building the future.”

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The Syrian Arab Republic has launched a new national visual identity featuring a redesigned golden eagle emblem, in what officials described as a break from the legacy of authoritarianism and a step toward a state defined by service, unity and popular legitimacy. (SANA)

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SYRIA

U.A.E : Visa: UAE leads the world in mobile shopping

The UAE leads the global market in mobile shopping, according to the results of the Global Digital Shopping Index 2025, a joint study by PYMNTS Intelligence and commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions.


The study, which surveyed 1,679 consumers and 329 merchants in the country, showed that 67% of UAE consumers used their smartphones for their most recent purchase, a 23% increase compared to 2022.


The UAE also recorded the highest rate of mobile shopping at 37%, ahead of Singapore, the UK, and Brazil.


The country also recorded an advanced global rate of biometric authentication use (32%) when making online purchases, surpassing the global average of 17%. Fifty-three percent of consumers expressed a desire to shop across multiple channels, while 75% preferred rewards programs, 73% preferred free shipping, and 70% preferred price matching.


The report also indicated that 38% of shoppers in the UAE made their recent purchases using a mobile phone or computer, with the option of home delivery.

 The results confirmed that consumers in the UAE are increasingly adopting a “mobile first” lifestyle, particularly among millennials, with a usage rate of 73%.

Commenting on the study results, Salima Joteva, Vice President and General Manager, Visa UAE, said, “The UAE’s approach reflects the great potential that can be achieved by uniting efforts to build the future of commerce. At Visa, we are working in partnership with the government and private sectors to offer innovative solutions such as Click to Pay to provide secure and seamless digital payment experiences.

These indicators reflect the country’s advanced regulatory environment and its continued support for the digital business ecosystem, enabling retailers to enhance customer experiences and achieve sales growth by offering flexible and secure payment options.

The Global Digital Shopping Index is based on a survey of 18,468 consumers and 3,464 merchants across eight countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil, during the period from October to December 2024.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)


GAZA, PALESTINE : ‘The Man Who Feeds Gaza’s Children’ Wins News & Documentary Emmy Award

A powerful portrait of compassion under fire, ‘The Man Who Feeds Gaza’s Children’ takes home one of journalism’s highest honors.

‘The Man Who Feeds Gaza’s Children,’ a short documentary following Gazan food blogger and humanitarian Hamada Shaqoura, has won a News & Documentary Emmy Award in New York, honoring its remarkable storytelling and emotional depth.

The film captures Shaqoura’s decision to set aside his food blog and cook for thousands of children and displaced families during the war in Gaza. He turned his kitchen into a frontline of resistance—preparing familiar comfort foods like chicken wings, tacos, croissants, and popsicles, often while bombs fell nearby.

“I cooked under bombs not for recognition, but because hunger doesn’t wait,” Shaqoura said following the win. “Gaza deserves to be seen.”

Led by Reem Makhoul, Senior Managing Producer at Business Insider, the film is part of a growing body of work that centers the human experience in conflict zones. By focusing on daily acts of care, the documentary invites viewers to see Gaza not only through the lens of tragedy, but also through the enduring power of resilience.

“This award is for every child who stood in line for a plate of food, to every family who shared it with love, and to every voice that refused to be silenced,” Shaqoura shared. “To the people of Gaza—you are the story. And now, finally, the world is listening.”

Also a James Beard Award nominee, the documentary’s recognition by the Television Academy underscores the strength of its message, a simple yet radical truth: feeding people is a form of dignity, and storytelling can be an act of survival.

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCAN Biologist Jinane Zouaki Joins Ibero-American Academy of Pharmacy

Zouaki made history in 2023 as the first Moroccan to join the Royal Academy of Pharmacy in Catalonia.

Moroccan biologist Jinane Zouaki has been appointed as an academic corresponding member of the Ibero-American Academy of Pharmacy.

Her appointment marks a big milestone, as she is the first Moroccan, Arab, and African woman to receive this honor. The official ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Granada, Spain. The event gathered many scientists from Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and Morocco.

In her speech to the academy, Zouaki spoke about her history of pharmacy in Morocco. She outlined the country’s recent efforts to strengthen its health sovereignty under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

She explained that this national strategy has helped Morocco become a leading industrial hub and a strong, competitive player in both regional and international healthcare sectors.

Speaking to Morocco’s state news agency MAP, Zouaki shared her pride and gratitude for joining such a prestigious institution. She said the recognition is not only a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for Moroccan women and for the country as a whole.

This recognition contributes to Morocco’s scientific presence on the international stage, she added.

Originally from the northern city of Tetouan, Zouaki holds a doctorate in pharmacy. In 2022, she became the first Moroccan and African to receive the Medal of Privilege from the University of Granada, a high honor that celebrates her long journey in education and biomedical research.

Zouaki also made history as the first Moroccan to join the Royal Academy of Pharmacy of Catalonia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered to help medical teams. At her molecular biology lab in Saniat Rmel Hospital in Tetouan, she worked on COVID-19 testing and helped train healthcare workers.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

SAUDI ARABIA : Haifaa Al-Mansour appointed to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors

Pioneering Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour has been appointed to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors, the Red Sea Film Foundation announced on Instagram.

“As one of three newly named governors-at-large, Al-Mansour will represent the Directors Branch and bring her singular voice, vision, and global perspective to the Academy’s leadership for the 2025–2026 term and beyond,” they captioned the post.

“An incredible milestone for one of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated filmmakers. We’re proud to see her continue shaping the future of cinema on a global stage.”
In 2012, Al-Mansour made history as she released her first feature film “Wadjda.” It was the first feature film shot entirely in the Kingdom and the first feature-length film made by a female Saudi director.

Over the years, Al-Mansour has also become one of the most in-demand television directors in Hollywood, helming episodes of hit series including “Archive 81,” “City of Fire,” “Tales of the Walking Dead,” and “Bosch: Legacy.”

In 2019, Al-Mansour’s feature film “The Perfect Candidate” was submitted as Saudi Arabia’s official entry for the International Feature Film Award at the 92nd Academy Awards, but it was not nominated.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA : Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing”

The corridors and courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque feature “unique sites and exhibitions that enrich the visitor experience, offering historical and cultural insights that reflect Islamic heritage and Madinah’s hospitality,” according to an article published by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

A key attraction is the Architectural Evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque exhibition, located on the southern courtyard opposite exits 308 and 309, which uses interactive displays to highlight the mosque’s architectural development. It is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Opposite exits 306 and 307 is the International Exhibition of the Prophet’s Biography. Open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, it offers “a contemporary presentation of Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings.”

The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing.”

The mosque’s library, at gate 10 on the western side, is open 24 hours a day and includes sections on manuscripts, rare books, audio archives, and art collections.

Near Uthman Gate, the Manuscripts and Rare Books Department serves researchers and enthusiasts. It houses more than 4,000 original manuscripts, nearly 60,000 digital copies, 4,600 photocopies, and 450 different editions of the Qur’an. It operates in two shifts: 8 a.m.–noon and 4–8 p.m.

“Together, these exhibitions and centers enhance the cultural and educational value of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, offering pilgrims a more enriching experience,” the SPA stated.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The exhibitions enrich the visitor experience with historical and cultural insights reflecting Islamic heritage. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SYRIA : Rami Al-Ali becomes first Syrian designer to join France’s Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode

Rami Al-Ali has become the first Syrian designer to join France’s prestigious Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode as a guest member, giving him the chance to showcase his Autumn/Winter 2025 collection on the official haute couture calendar.

The invitation signifies Al-Ali’s entry into fashion’s upper echelons — to qualify, fashion houses must meet rigorous “haute couture” or “high fashion” standards and the title is legally protected under French law.

Al-Ali joins the likes of Chanel, Dior, and Schiaparelli on the official calendar next month. His latest collection will be presented on July 10, according to the provisional calendar.

It is a “historical milestone, celebrating a lifelong devotion to craftsmanship, culture, and creative expression, rooted in heritage and elevated by vision,” the fashion house posted on Instagram.

Originally from Damascus, Al-Ali honed his fashion skills in Dubai and Beirut before founding his label, Rami Al-Ali Couture, in 2001.

His creations have been worn by a variety of celebrities, including Amal Clooney, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Chastain.

Al-Ali’s work has been praised for seamlessly blending his Middle Eastern heritage with Western sensibilities. He is known for designing flowing silhouettes adorned with intricate, playful embellishments—creations that are both timeless and runway-worthy.

Al-Ali is one of just a handful of Arab designers on the official haute couture calendar. The lineup also includes Lebanese designers Georges Hobeika, Elie Saab, and Zuhair Murad, as well as Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi.  

Ashi, founder of Paris-based label Ashi Studio, became the first designer from the Gulf region to join the exclusive group in 2023 as a guest member. His designs have also been worn by global celebrities such as Beyonce, Anna Kendrick, and Jennifer Hudson.

“This appointment is the highlight of my career,” Ashi said in a statement posted on Instagram when the announcement was made in 2023. “I will honor it in the memory of the great couturiers who came before me and whom I now join in the pursuit of this grand tradition of excellence in creativity and savoir-faire. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Rami Al-Ali has become the first Syrian designer to join France’s prestigious Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode as a guest member. (Getty Images)

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SYRIA