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Dr. Jokha Abdullah Al Shukaili, CEO of Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education, was on Wednesday elected head of the “Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education”, with effect from 1 January 2026, for a period of four years.
Dr. Jokha’s election caps up a professional career full of accomplishments in developing policies and standards of educational quality and academic accreditation, both locally and regionally.
Dr. Jokha takes credit for significantly enhancing the status of the Sultanate of Oman at international forums, thanks an aptitude to espouse the best global practices in ensuring top quality in higher education.
Dr. Jokha also played a major role in consolidating regional and international cooperation through active participation in specialized networks and authorities, in addition to promoting the exchange of experiences with leading global institutions.
Dr. Jokha’s election to the position reflects the great confidence attached to the Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education. It also affirms the prestigious status of national competencies and their ability to lead regional and international initiatives.
The accomplishment also contributes to the realization of the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on building an advanced educational system that supports innovation and scholarly research.
The election of Dr. Jokha to the position constitutes an indicator of the progress made by the Sultanate of Oman in the field of higher education. It reflects Oman’s commitment to apply the best international practices in educational quality assurance and academic accreditation, making Oman’s competitive educational system up-to-date at regional and international levels.
The performance served as a link connecting the region’s past, present, and future, highlighting its profound civilisational heritage.
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 kicked off on Monday evening at the Al Bayt Stadium with a stellar opening ceremony that placed great emphasis on the region’s rich culture with various prominent artists.
Loud chants and applause from 61,475 fans echoed across the stadium when Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani entered the venue to inaugurate the major ceremony ahead of the Qatar vs Palestine game.
The 15-minute show then started with the narration of Syrian artist Rashid Assaf and scenes of Jerusalem as well as two doves of peace, echoing Qatar’s support for the Palestinian cause especially in mega events.
The pitch dazzled with Arab patterns and vibrant lights reflecting the region’s culture as the performers came in with the traditional clothes of their home countries. The ceremony told the stories of Arab generations, where each performer from a different country shared a piece of their homeland.
The greater emphasis was still on the region’s united support for the Palestinian cause even in sports, highlighting it as one of the Arab Cup’s key themes. The performance served as a link connecting the region’s past, present, and future, highlighting its profound civilisational heritage.
The appearance of Palestinian singer Rola Azar in her traditional thobe, or embroidered dress, as she stood under the spotlight further emboldened the message of solidarity.
The joint performance of all the Arab countries’ national anthems, an iconic moment reminiscent of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar, was the part that the audience waited for. Azar alongside Lebanese artist Mohamed Chaker made the moment more memorable.
The three-dimensional light shows made the evening more magical as the stadium’s heartbeats pounded louder for the faceoff between Qatar and Palestine—both of which share a strong sense of unity.
Spectators who spoke to Doha News ahead of the match echoed their joint support for both teams, with many carrying the Palestinian and Qatari flags or wearing the keffiyeh and the Qatari football jersey at the same time.
The game later ended with Palestine’s 1-0 victory over Qatar, but celebrations were seen on both sides of the pitch.
Qatar’s Amir also took to his social media to congratulate Palestine’s national team on their win in the opening game.
“We in the State of Qatar are pleased to welcome our Arab brothers to the Arab Cup[…] Congratulations to the Palestinian national team on its victory in today’s opening match,” Sheikh Tamim said on X.
Sydney resident Ahmed Al-Ahmed seized rifle from one of the gunmen
Ahmed was shot in hand and arm his family says
PM said Ahmed showed ‘best of humanity’
Donations for a Sydney man who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach have surged past A$1.1 million ($744,000), as he recovers in hospital after surgery for bullet wounds.
Forty-three-year-old Ahmed Al-Ahmed, a Muslim father-of-two, hid behind parked cars before charging at one of the gunmen from behind, seizing his rifle and knocking him to the ground.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Ahmed’s bravery saved lives.
“What we’ve seen in the last 24 hours was the worst of humanity in a terrorist act. But we also saw an example of the best of humanity in Ahmed Al Ahmed running toward danger, putting his own life at risk,” Albanese told state broadcaster ABC News.
He was shot twice by a second perpetrator, Albanese said. Ahmed’s family said he was hit in the hand and arm.
Australian police on Monday said a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son carried out the attack at a Jewish celebration on Sunday afternoon, killing 15 people in the country’s worst mass shooting in almost 30 years.
HAILED A HERO FOR DISARMING THE GUNMAN
Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, told ABC News in an interview that his son was an Australian citizen and sells fruits and vegetables.
“My son is a hero. He served in the police, he has the passion to defend people.”
“When he saw people lying on the ground and the blood, quickly his conscience pushed him to attack one of the terrorists and take away his weapon,” Mohamed Fateh said.
Jozay Alkanji, Ahmed’s cousin, said he had had initial surgery and may need more.
AHMED PICTURED IN HOSPITAL
Tributes have poured in from leaders both abroad and at home.
Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, where Sydney is located, said in a social media post he visited Ahmed at St. George Hospital and conveyed the gratitude of people across the state.
Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.
It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW. pic.twitter.com/3xNBW8vxvZ
“Ahmed is a real-life hero,” his post said. “Thank you, Ahmed.” A photo showed Minns at his bedside, and Ahmed propped on pillows with his left arm in a cast.
US President Donald Trump called Ahmed “a very, very brave person” who saved many lives.
A GoFundMe campaign set up for Ahmed has raised more than A$1.1 million within one day. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman was the largest donor, contributing A$99,999 and sharing the fundraiser on his X account.
SUPPORTERS THANK AHMED FOR SAVING LIVES
Outside St. George Hospital, strangers came to show their support.
Misha and Veronica Pochuev left flowers for Ahmed with their seven-year-old daughter, Miroslava.
“My husband is Russian, my father is Jewish, my grandpa is Muslim. This is not only about Bondi, this is about every person,” Veronica said.
Yomna Touni, 43, stayed at the hospital for hours to offer assistance on behalf of a Muslim-run charity also raising funds for Ahmed.
“The intention is to raise as much money as possible for his speedy recovery,” she said. ($1 = 1.5047 Australian dollars) (Writing by Praveen Menon; Editing by Michael Perry, Saad Sayeed, Alexandra Hudson)
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited0
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New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visits Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who was identified on social media as the bystander who hid behind parked cars and seized a rifle from one of the gunmen during the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday, at a hospital in Sydney, Australia, December 15, 2025, in this picture obtained from social media. (@ChrisMinnsMP via X/via Reuters)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praises novelist’s insights into intricacies of Arab societies.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Algerian Professor Waciny Laredj on winning the Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts.
The novelist, short story writer and academic is one of the Arab world’s most prominent literary figures and well-known throughout the Arabic-French speaking countries.
“We congratulate Professor Waciny Laredj on winning the Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts, honouring his exceptional literary contributions. Professor Waciny has presented over 30 novels that delve into the intricacies of Arab societies, culture, and the environment. His impactful works have been translated into more than 20 languages and endorsed by numerous universities worldwide,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a congratulatory message posted on his official X account.
نبارك للبروفيسور واسيني الأعرج فوزه بجائزة نوابغ العرب فئة الأدب والفنون تقديراً لإسهاماته الأدبية الكبيرة .. حيث قدم البرفيسور واسيني أكثر من 30 رواية ترتبط بالمجتمعات العربية وثقافتها وبيئتها .. وتم ترجمة رواياته لأكثر من 20 لغة واعتماد دراستها في عدد من جامعات العالم .. ويشغل… pic.twitter.com/e4FPpAQJkg
“Holding the esteemed position of Chair Professor at the Central University of Algiers and the Sorbonne University in Paris, Professor Waciny’s achievement is a testament to his remarkable dedication to literature. We commend his efforts and deeply appreciate his profound contributions to Arabic literature, enriching the global readership.”
source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)
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Laredj’s works have been translated into over 20 languages and endorsed by numerous universities worldwideX/@HHShkMohd
AlUla has strengthened its reputation as a global hotspot after being named the World’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2025 at this year’s World Travel Awards.
The award, one of the most respected in the travel industry, was decided by votes from international experts, senior executives, buyers, tour operators, and agents, according to a recent Saudi Press Agency report.
Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognize achievements across tourism and hospitality, covering categories from hotels and airlines to experiences and events.
This recognition follows a series of recent accolades for AlUla. The region’s honors include the Middle East’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2025, Middle East’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2025, and Saudi Arabia’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project 2025 at the regional edition of the awards.
Known for its dramatic desert landscapes and rich history, AlUla is home to major cultural sites including Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved Nabataean tombs.
With a history stretching back 200,000 years, and 7,000 years of continuous civilization, the region’s story is brought to life through the Royal Commission for AlUla’s year-round immersive experiences.
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Known for its dramatic desert landscapes and rich heritage, AlUla is home to major cultural sites such as Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved Nabataean tombs. (SPA)
Following the official ceremony of her receiving the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from King Charles III, Sudanese born, UK national, artist Omeima Osman Khalid Mudawe has been on the spotlight, not only within her country of birth, the Sudan, but globally.
When she moved to live in the UK, Omeima had carried her first country Sudan in her heart. Her work there as a crafts and visual artist was influenced by her Sudanese heritage. She was nominated for the award thanks to her significant services with and for people with special needs, namely deaf, within the arts field.
Omeima spoke to Altaghyeer about the OBE and other topics. Following are excerpts from theinterview:
Khartoum, Altaghyeer: Abdallah Berair
1/ did you expect to win the award?
When I received the news from Buckingham Palace informing me of the award, it arrived in an envelope marked CONFIDENTIAL. I wondered what it was, opened it up, saw the Buckingham Palace logo and decided that it was my husband playing a practical joke on me. I had no idea!
2/ how did you feel when you got the news that you were awarded an MBE?
I was in shock and confused – why had I been awarded it? What did it mean? I confess that I didn’t really know what an MBE was, so I had to look it up. My nomination was for services to deaf and disabled people in the Arts but I didn’t know who had nominated me for it. Eventually I discovered that the Crafts Council had nominated me for the award, in recognition of the 25 years I have spent working to be a positive role model and develop projects that bring hearing and Deaf artists together. I had conducted some work with the Craft Council, specifically looking at Access and Equality policies, and helping to ensure that crafters and artists who are also Deaf have equitable opportunities and access to the work that they do.
I kept my award confidential but on 1 January 2022, it was announced in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. I was overwhelmed by the response I received from people getting in touch to congratulate me and from various news outlets and organisations to interview me. I even received a personal letter from my local MP. The public recognition of my life’s passion and work is what has moved me the most, and from that time on I have gradually adjusted to feeling proud to be a role model for aspiring artists and craft-makers who are also Deaf. I also want to show wider society that once Deaf people have our communication needs recognised and accommodated, we can achieve anything. The sky’s the limit! I am proud to be a Muslim woman of colour who has been recognised first for her work as an artist and then for her Deafness. This is what this honour means to me – that other young artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, but who also happen to be Deaf, can see that it is possible to achieve their dreams because their work comes first and their deafness/disability second, not the other way round.
3/ did the Qatar trip and visit affect your career in any way?
The trip to Qatar happened when my daughter was 3 – it was the first time I had been away from her for so long, so it was difficult, but it really helped to open doors to new networks that have sustained my working career. The relationship I developed with the British Council led to me making connections at the Arab British Centre, and later I had my first solo exhibition with their support. This led me to meeting many other mainstream hearing artists which helped to develop my confidence and self-belief. Ultimately, because of the networks I have developed since that time, I received a runner-up prize from the Arab British Centre in 2019 (for cultural achievements), the same year I became a Clore Fellow: another life-changing, career-defining moment.
4/ what did you take from your Sudanese culture that is present in your work?
The shapes and recurring motifs that are present in my work are directly influenced by my Sudanese heritage. Shapes are influenced by things like the cowrie shells and the beads of a prayer bracelet, and the sweeping lines of Arabic calligraphy and architecture. Colour plays an important part in my work, particularly colours that represent the heat of the Sudanese landscape that I remember so well, like reds, browns and oranges. I like to contrast these with the colours of my adopted country, the UK, to reflect the integrated nature of my identity. My memories as a child in Sudan have formed the inspiration for several of my exhibitions, for example A River Runs Through where I worked with several members of the Sudanese ex-pat community in the town where I now live, Brighton and Hove, to explore what the River Nile means to them and how it influence their journeys to the UK. I carry Sudan in my heart through everything that I do.
5/ your time in Saudi, do you remember it?
I remember it as a very lonely time as there was no access to the education there – there was very little understanding of what a deaf child needed in order to access what the teacher was saying and so it was a frustrating experience. I felt like I was the only deaf child in the world as I didn’t see any other deaf children or adults. That was when the decision to move to the UK was made. You can see more here about my brother’s experience that mentions this time: https://www.bslzone.co.uk/watch/found-uk
6/ are you going to have a art exhibit in Khartoum?
I had a solo exhibition in Khartoum at the Hilton Hotel in 2002 – a long time ago! Even though it wasn’t at a proper gallery, I did manage to sell a few pieces of work but it was a challenge to organise. There was not a good understanding around the needs of an artist who was also Deaf which meant that barriers were not easily overcome. I would love to organise an event that celebrates art work made by people that happen to be disabled or deaf but without that being the main focus.
7/how do you feel when you see the revolution in Sudan on the TV?
It was shocked to see this news and obviously I was worried for my father, siblings and other family who were living in Khartoum. Later, when it became clearer what was happening, I was inspired to see women taking a lead in the demonstrations, especially the woman who stood above the crowds, whose image became famous around the world.
8/ how was the support from the family during your upbringing?
I had a lot of support at home as a child, but it reached a point where it seemed the best thing was for myself and my deaf brother Ahmed to receive our education in the UK and get other kinds of support that would help us to be independent later in life. It meant a lot of upheaval for all my family and from that time on my mother spent much of her time in the UK to be with us, separating her from Sudanese life and friends. Sadly, my MBE investiture was delayed due to covid, and my mother passed away before my ceremony was due to be held. Losing her and my father in such a short space of time meant that the day of my award investiture was emotionally charged; their absences were keenly felt. But I am grateful that, although my father passed before I received news of the award, my mother was alive for me to share the news with her. We both cried a lot that day as we recognised that this honour was only possible because of her incredible sacrifice. Because of her selflessness, I am who I am today and have achieved what I have. My mother asked me to remember my heritage as a Sudanese woman by wearing a traditional Sudanese sari on the day and I was so proud to wear the outfit that my sister had brought for me and the necklace that my mother had gifted to me when she died.
Foulath Holding, the parent company of Bahrain Steel and SULB, has announced a major sustainability collaboration with Yellow Door Energy, a leading sustainable energy developer in the Middle East and Africa. The partnership will deliver a large-scale 123-Megawatt-Peak (MWp) solar project, marking a milestone in industrial clean energy. The initiative includes the development of the world’s largest single-site rooftop solar power plant with a capacity of 50 MWp. A total of 77,000 solar panels will be installed across a newly constructed 262,000-square-meter stockyard shed. The project is being executed under a power purchase agreement (PPA).
This announcement was made during the third edition of Gateway Gulf, a major investment forum hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay. The forum brought together global industry leaders, investors, and policymakers from across various regions such as the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.
H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, expressed pride in this initiative, stating that Bahrain is at the forefront of global sustainable innovation. She emphasized that the project reinforces Bahrain’s regional leadership in clean energy and supports its long-term national vision for competitiveness and sustainability.
Mr. Meshary Al-Judaimi, Chairman of Foulath Holding, highlighted that the company has invested nearly USD 250 million in sustainability projects over recent years. He noted that this solar project reflects Foulath’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible industrial development, and community well-being.
Sherif ElKholy, Managing Director and Head of Middle East and Africa at Actis, and Chairman of Yellow Door Energy, congratulated both partners on what he described as a landmark agreement. He said the project sets a global benchmark for decarbonizing steel production through cost-competitive clean energy solutions.
This project will be among the largest industrial-scale on-site solar developments worldwide. It includes ten rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) plants and four ground-mounted PV installations. Over 189,900 high-efficiency solar panels will cover 707,000 square meters, generating 200 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity in the first year alone. The system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 90,000 metric tons annually, contributing significantly to Bahrain’s Net Zero 2060 target.
Yellow Door Energy will manage financing, design, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance through the PPA duration. Its operating solar projects have already produced more than 1 billion kWh, avoiding 400,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. With a portfolio of 400 MWp and 10 years of operations, the company continues to lead renewable deployment across the MEA region.
Foulath Holding affirmed its dedication to sustainable development aligned with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Pioneering a knowledge economy through talent and investment.
On its 54th National Day, the UAE stands as a global exemplar of strategic reinvention. In just over five decades, the nation has transformed itself from an oil-dependent federation into a dynamic, diversified knowledge economy. What began in 1971 as a resource-driven state has, by 2025, evolved into a global hub for innovation, talent, and enterprise.
This transformation did not happen by chance. It is the result of deliberate, long-term policy decisions anchored in visionary national frameworks such as Vision 2031, which placed human capital and innovation at the center of economic strategy. The UAE made a conscious choice to invest in people rather than depend on natural resources and the results speak for themselves.
Today, the non-oil sectors account for 77.3 per cent of GDP in first quarter of 2025, up from under 50 per cent two decades ago, and overall GDP reached Dh455 billion. This diversification has cushioned against oil volatility, fostering resilience that benefits not just the nation but the wider Mena region through shared prosperity models.
Economic diversification milestones
The UAE’s non-oil GDP grew 5.3 per cent in first quarter of 2025, outpacing total GDP expansion of 3.9 per cent, signalling a structural pivot toward high-value industries. Projections for full-year 2025 estimate 4.9 per cent overall growth, with non-oil sectors at 4.5 per cent, fuelled by tech, finance, and healthcare.
In finance, the UAE’s fintech ecosystem has attracted $1.3 billion in investments by mid-2025, while healthcare spending, at under five per cent of GDP, is set to rise to 5.1 per cent by 2029 amid an 8.6 per cent CAGR in the sector. These figures underscore a deliberate strategy: non-oil trade ballooned 28-fold from 1981 to 2012, and today it sustains a 4.7 per cent average real GDP growth forecast through 2030.
The UAE’s magnetic appeal to top-tier institutions underscores its global stature, drawing entities like NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and recently Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Healthcare FDI reached a staggering $45 billion in 2024, up about 50 per cent, fuelled by streamlined visas, tax incentives, and AI-driven ecosystems. Healthcare has become a talent magnet, with the sector’s staffing market projected to reach over $170 million in 2025, growing to $350 million by 2033 at a 12.4 per cent CAGR in analytics. Expatriates dominate, filling over 70 per cent of medical roles, drawn by per capita spending of over $2,000 and over 150 hospitals, positioning the UAE as a hub for global professionals in preventive and AI-driven care. This influx reflects the UAE’s exceptional culture of inclusivity, forward-thinking leadership under Vision 2031, and government’s prowess in facilitating seamless operations, ensuring mutual success and innovation for all stakeholders.
Accordignly, the UAE is experiencing significant benefits from the global billionaire migration, thanks to its high quality of life, respect for law, incredible safety and tremendous respect for women. The UAE also ranks first in the Gulf region and 18th globally for gender equality.
With a low crime rate and a stable political environment, the UAE provides a secure haven for residents. Policies like long-term residency have retained skilled migrants, enhancing diversity and inclusivity.
Surging investments and innovation
According to a 2025 ranking by one global FDI monitor, the UAE is the second most-preferred destination globally for FDI, just behind the US.
The National Investment Strategy 2031 aims to double inflows from 2023’s $30.5 billion, targeting tech and healthcare amid R&D spending at 1.5 per cent of GDP — the GCC’s highest. In healthcare, AI-integrated ecosystems align with UN goals for non-communicable diseases.
On the greenfield front, the UAE ranked #1 globally in the 2025 Greenfield FDI Performance Index. This turnaround from oil exporter to innovation exporter embodies a moral imperative: building equitable, sustainable growth that inspires global economies to prioritise knowledge over extraction.
As the UAE celebrates its 54th National Day, this knowledge-driven trajectory offers a blueprint for sustainable global development. By attracting top talent and investments, it ensures equitable growth, from AI-enhanced healthcare to fintech innovations. This moral high ground — prioritizing people over profits positions the UAE as a milestone for emerging economies, fostering a legacy of inclusive prosperity for generations ahead.
UAE rider Saeed Ahmed Jaber Al Harbi was crowned champion of the FEI Endurance Asian Championship 2025, hosted in Pattaya, Thailand, with the participation of an elite field of riders from across the continent — adding a new continental achievement that reinforces the UAE’s leadership in equestrian sports.
Al Harbi, riding the nine-year-old mare Ras Flor Del Pago, topped the 120-kilometre (two-star) race, which featured 19 male and female riders, completing the course in 5:31:59 hours to secure the title with distinction.
Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, expressed his pride in this victory, dedicating the achievement to the UAE’s leadership and people on the occasion of the 54th UAE Eid Al Etihad.
