Category: Uncategorized

The 28th Universal Postal Congress – Dubai 2025, hosted by the UAE over the past two weeks, concluded today with member countries unanimously adopting the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) 2026–2029 Strategy, also known as the ‘Dubai Strategy’, serving as a global roadmap for the future of the postal industry and reaffirming its critical role in promoting trade and communication in light of the rapid transformation shaping the global logistics and eCommerce sectors.

The ‘Dubai Strategy’ reflects UPU member nations’ shared vision of an integrated, inclusive and sustainable global society empowered by a seamless, smart and innovative postal system that promotes social and economic development and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The strategy is the result of the most comprehensive consultation process in UPU history, which involved over 2,200 participants from all 192 member countries as well as other public and private sector organisations. The collaborative process reflects broad consensus around the strategy and strengthens its inclusivity.

The UAE has also been appointed to supervise the implementation of the new strategy through the ‘Dubai Business Plan’ in its capacity as Chair of the UPU Council of Administration (CA) over the next four years. The Council, comprising 41 member states elected during the Congress, oversees the Union’s activities and addresses organisational, administrative, and legal matters, ensuring effective governance for the future of the global postal sector.

Furthermore, the UAE has won membership in the UPU’s Postal Operations Council (POC) for the 2026–2029 cycle after achieving 144 votes from member countries, marking another significant achievement that underscores its leading status on the international stage.

The UAE was elected as one of 48 member states of the POC, selected from among the Union’s 192 member countries. The POC is the UPU’s specialised technical body, responsible for supervising the development of key operational policies and postal services, unifying standards, improving quality and enhancing coordination among global postal networks to build a more efficient and sustainable international postal system.

Badr Al-Olama, Chairman of 7X, said, “The UAE’s election to the UPU Postal Operations Council represents a clear affirmation of our nation’s leadership in shaping the future of postal and logistics services worldwide. Hosting the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai and spearheading the implementation of the 2026–2029 Strategy with the chairmanship of the Council of Administration, further demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to fostering consensus that delivers tangible improvements in connectivity, sustainability, and efficiency.

“This new mandate gives us a decisive voice at the heart of the UPU’s key decision-making processes, enabling us to guide the next phase of technologies and policies that will define the future of this critical industry. Guided by our leadership’s vision, we will continue to strengthen the UAE’s role as a platform where sustainable solutions and digital tools are developed and deployed, in collaboration with the global postal sector.”

The Congress re-elected UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki and Deputy Director General Marjan Oswald for a new four-year term, reflecting member countries’ satisfaction with their leadership and trust in the Union’s institutional development trajectory.

Masahiko Metoki, Director-General of the Universal Postal Union, said, “This Congress has been more than a gathering. It has been a moment of transformation, during which we faced challenges head-on, redefined our role in a rapidly changing world, and reaffirmed the values that unite us. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for generously hosting this important assembly of postal decision makers.”

The comprehensive ‘Dubai Strategy’ aims to enhance member countries’ dedication to quality standards, expand access to postal services, and strengthen the rules-based global postal system by establishing national regulatory frameworks.

The strategy also prioritises accelerating innovation and digital transformation by developing new customer-centric products and services, adapting to shifts in the eCommerce sector, and offering digital services at postal access points. Additionally, the vision aims to reinforce cooperation through regional capacity building, technical collaboration, and stakeholder engagement platforms that facilitate postal development.

By modernising regulations, enhancing cross-border supply chains, and ensuring greater compliance with quality standards, the ‘Dubai Strategy’ aims to leverage the single postal territory made possible through an effective, rules-based global postal system.

During the closing session, Tariq Al Wahedi, 28th Congress Chair and GCEO of 7X, stated, “The ‘Dubai Business Plan’ represents a significant transition in the way the global postal sector operates, enabling member countries to curate services in line with their national priorities while ensuring combined efforts at a global level. In the upcoming phase, we seek to create a more efficient, innovative and sustainable postal network that contributes to enabling trade, promoting digital integration and enhancing the quality of life of communities.”

Al Wahedi added, “By chairing the Council of Administration and overseeing the plan implementation, we seek to achieve strategic outcomes such as improved, market-relevant, multilateral systems that guarantee the provision of quality, accessible, affordable, viable postal services. We will make conscious efforts to strengthen customer-focused postal products, encourage innovation in products and services, and fortify cross-border postal supply chains. By expanding partnerships, strengthening regional integration and modernising the postal infrastructure through collaboration and technical assistance, we will also work to solidify the sector’s role in advancing national economic and social objectives and actively contributing towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.”

The 2026–2029 Strategy includes KPIs, such as increasing the percentage of member countries with comprehensive postal regulatory frameworks aligned with UPU standards and guidelines; boosting the annual growth rate of postal access points to ensure seamless access for all; raising annual nominal growth in operating revenue (SDR); increasing the percentage of international postal items delivered end-to-end in accordance with applicable UPU quality of service standards; and raising the proportion of member countries that integrate the postal sector into their national development plans.

As a result of the significant international momentum that accompanied the adoption of this strategy, the Congress witnessed the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding between member countries, alongside bilateral and multilateral meetings, and the introduction of qualitative policy documents on governance, innovation and sustainability. By strengthening its global footprint and emulating the Congress’ theme, ‘Leading the Change, Creating the Future,’ the UAE further solidifies its position as an active partner in driving the future of the global postal industry, and a major contributor to achieving the Union’s vision in the coming years.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Tomatoes make up over 30% of Morocco’s fruit and vegetable export earnings, ranking the country third in global tomato exports behind Mexico and the Netherlands.

 Despite Morocco’s challenging circumstances of drought and worker shortages, the North African country succeeded in exporting 745,000 tons of tomatoes in 2024/25, setting a new record.

Morocco earned nearly $1.2 billion from tomato sales during the period from July 2024 to June 2025, according to EastFruit data from Morocco’s Foreign Exchange Office.

While dealing with long-term drought and insufficient farm workers, Morocco’s exports jumped 8.3% from the previous year and beat the 2022/23 record by four percent. 

Tomatoes top Morocco’s farm exports

Tomatoes make up over 30% of Morocco’s fruit and vegetable export earnings, ranking the country third in global tomato exports behind Mexico and the Netherlands.

Morocco ships tomatoes year-round, but exports the majority between November and March. In November 2024, with a monthly shipment of 105,000 tons.

In May 2025, the country’s tomato exports to Norway alone reached a milestone, Morocco sent 5,000 metric tons of the Moroccan produce from July 2024 to March this year.

Where Morocco sells its tomatoes

France buys nearly half of Morocco’s tomato exports, and the UK comes in second place with over 15% of the total

The Netherlands and Spain buy more Moroccan tomatoes each year to fill gaps in their own export seasons. Germany and Portugal also increased Morocco’s tomatoes their purchases.

Sales to West African countries like Mauritania and Senegal continue to grow.

New markets expand fast

Belgium nearly quadrupled its tomato imports from Morocco in just two years, while Denmark and Norway have bought record amounts for three straight years.

Over the last three years, Sweden, Ireland, and Finland’s tomato exports  have increased significantly.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Tomatoes make up over 30% of Morocco’s fruit and vegetable export earnings, ranking the country third in global tomato exports behind Mexico and the Netherlands.

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MOROCCO

Several Arab countries and filmmakers of Arab origin have submitted entries to the 98th Academy Awards, which will be held on March 15 next year.

 01- ‘All That’s Left of You’

This multigenerational drama by Palestinian filmmaker Cherien Dabis follows the struggles and memories of a Palestinian family from 1948 to the present day.

02 –  ‘Happy Birthday’

Directed by Egyptian filmmaker Sarah Goher, the film follows an 8-year-old child maid striving to make her wealthy friend’s birthday a success in Cairo.

03 – ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’

This reconstruction of the tragic events of January 2024, when 6-year-old Hind Rajab was killed by the Israeli military while fleeing Gaza City by car, is by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania.

 04 – ‘Calle Malaga’

Directed by Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani, the story follows Maria Angeles, a woman determined to keep her childhood home in Morocco after her daughter decides to sell it.

 05 – ‘The President’s Cake’

From Iraqi director Hasan Hadi comes the story of 9-year-old Lamia, who must bake a birthday cake for the president or face punishment.

06 –  ‘Eagles of the Republic’

Created by Swedish Egyptian director Tarik Saleh, the movie centers on a fictional Egyptian actor whose reputation collapses in the public eye.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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ARAB

Team Qatar’s Ammar Ismail delivered a standout performance at the Voor Mon Meeting in Belgium, clocking 44.90 seconds in the men’s 400m. 

The result marked not only his season’s best but also the fastest Asian time of the year, underscoring his rise as one of the region’s premier sprinters.

Ammar finished second behind USA’s Bryce Deadmon (44.86 secs) on Saturday. 

The achievement highlights Ismail’s strong preparation ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo, where he is expected to compete as a serious contender. 

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

Cairo has secured a place among the world’s top 100 innovation clusters for the first time, rising 12 spots to 83rd in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, published by the United Nations’ (UN) World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The Egyptian capital is the only cluster in both the Arab world and Africa to feature in the rankings, which measure patent activity, scientific publishing, and venture capital deals.

According to the report, Cairo recorded seven international patent applications (PCT) over the past five years, published 1,115 scientific articles, and secured 21 venture capital (VC) deals per million inhabitants.

Collectively, the top 100 clusters account for approximately 70 percent of global PCT filings and VC activity, as well as half of all scientific publishing.

Cairo University (24%), Ain Shams University (14%), and the National Research Centre (13%) were cited as the main contributors to academic output.

Syware Systems, the American University in Cairo, and the state-owned Engineering for Petroleum and Process Industries (Enppi) led patent activity.

Nearly a quarter of Cairo’s patents were co-filed with inventors in global tech hubs such as San Francisco and London, while almost 40 percent of its research papers were co-authored with partners in Riyadh, Islamabad, and Beijing.

Egypt’s higher education ministry hailed the achievement as evidence of growing international collaboration and pointed to its “National Policy for Sustainable Innovation 2030”, issued earlier this year, as part of efforts to link universities more closely with industry.

The Global Innovation Index ranks clusters based on their concentration of inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

The top hubs remain dominated by North America, Europe, and East Asia, led by Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Guangzhou, Tokyo–Yokohama, and Silicon Valley.

Cairo’s move up the rankings, from 95th last year, highlights its emerging role as a regional centre for science and technology.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

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EGYPT

In a landmark achievement for national research and innovation, a team from the Dasman Diabetes Institute — established by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health — has been granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a groundbreaking diagnostic test for sleep apnea.

The patented test, a qualitative blood-based method, enables early detection of sleep apnea, a widespread condition linked to serious complications such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases including angina and heart attacks. This milestone marks the first of three patents currently under development by the institute.

The invention is the product of extensive collaboration led by Dr. Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Al-Turki, Consultant Otorhinolaryngologist and Head and Neck Surgeon at the Ministry of Health, who worked closely with the Dasman Diabetes Institute’s research team under the supervision of Professor Fahad Al-Mulla, Chief Scientific Officer. Their efforts were further supported by Dr. Faisal Hamed Al-Refaei, Acting Director General of the Institute.

This success highlights the strength of institutional cooperation, particularly between the Dasman Diabetes Institute and the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, both operating under the umbrella of KFAS.

Together, they are advancing an integrated strategy to support Kuwaiti researchers, empower young talent, and launch pioneering programs that raise the quality of scientific research. These efforts not only enhance public health but also reinforce Kuwait’s position in regional and global scientific communities.

source/content: timeskuwait.com (headline edited)

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KUWAIT

Counsellor Talal Ibrahim Al Absi, Diplomat with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Kingdom, has been elected President of the Young Diplomats in London (YDL).

According to the Bahrain News Agency, Counsellor Al Absi’s election marks the first time a GCC diplomat has held the presidency of the association since it was founded 17 years ago.

The association was established in 2008 to enhance ties between young members of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to the UK by organising cultural and social events, promoting understanding between peoples, and helping new diplomats integrate into the UK political, social and cultural scene.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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BAHRAIN

Algerian national team has won the title of the 24th Arab Athletics championships, wrapped up Sunday evening at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Stadium in Oran (432-km west of Algiers), after collecting a total of 53 medals (18 gold, 17 silver and 18 bronze).

On the first day of the competition, the Algerian athletes won the majority of events, outclassing their opponents all along the championship.

On Sunday, Algerian athletes clinched 16 medals (7 gold, 4 silver 5 bronze), namely Ouanis Chaima (400m hurdles), Chentif Haithem (800m), Hocine Tarek (long jump), Ramdani Ouarchi (5000m) and the men’s and women’s 4 x 400m relay.

The silver medals went to Karkas Wissal (triple jump), Reffas Abid (women’s 1500m), Lamraoui Louai (men’s long jump), Boudjeltia Zakaria (5000m).

The bronze medals were won by Benkaci Manel (women’s 200m), Houma Sarah (women’s 400m hurdles), Ouaba Leiticia (women’s triple jump), Benyache Adem (men’s 200m) and Boukhamouche Saber (men’s 400m hurdles).

source/content: al24news.dz (headline edited)

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ALGERIA

UNESCO has officially added 26 new cultural and natural sites in Yemen to its World Heritage Tentative List, marking a historic expansion that underscores the country’s enduring legacy as a cradle of ancient civilizations.

The newly listed sites span a wide geographic and historical spectrum—from the ancient cities of Ma’in and Tarim to the incense trade routes and biodiversity reserves in Hadhramaut. This brings Yemen’s total tentative entries to 35, reflecting its rich tapestry of archaeological landmarks, architectural marvels, and ecological treasures.

The nomination process was led by Yemen’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in collaboration with regional heritage organizations and a team of Yemeni experts. Despite the country’s ongoing humanitarian and political challenges, the effort signals a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting Yemen’s cultural identity on the global stage.

Mohammed Jumaih, Yemen’s representative to UNESCO, hailed the achievement as “a significant gain for Yemen’s heritage protection,” emphasizing that the recognition affirms the country’s historical depth and its contributions to human civilization.

From the towering mudbrick structures of Shibam Kawkaban to the ancient water systems of the Himyarite Kingdom, each site tells a story of innovation, resilience, and cultural exchange. The inclusion of these landmarks not only enhances global awareness of Yemen’s heritage but also opens doors for future conservation and tourism initiatives.

This milestone serves as a powerful reminder that, even amid adversity, Yemen’s legacy as a beacon of history and culture continues to shine.

source/content: yemenonline.info (headline edited)

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YEMEN

As one of the Gulf countries, Iraq provided the setting for the final chapter of the five-part series Tribes of Arabia.

Produced by Kia Middle East and Africa, the series traced a journey across the Gulf, beginning in the United Arab Emirates, continuing through Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and concluding in Basra and the Al-Ahwar wetlands.

The final episode features Eisa Alhabib of Kuwait and Abdulaziz Alfudhili of Saudi Arabia, who drove the beige Kia Tasman through Basra’s historic markets and along its waterways before entering the marshes.

The content influencers were introduced to the Marsh Arabs, also known as the Ma’dan people, whose way of life has been shaped for centuries by the wetlands.

Alhabib and Alfudhili stepped inside a traditional Mudhif, an arched structure built from reeds and rushes harvested from the marshes, and enjoyed Iraq’s popular Masqoof fish, prepared in the traditional riverside style.

By closing in Iraq, the series reinforced the country’s role within the Gulf region while celebrating the heritage of the Marsh Arabs and the ecological significance of the southern wetlands.

source/content: iraqi.com (headline edited)

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IRAQ