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The celebrated vocalist started her singing career in the 1970s, contributing to Morocco’s musical heritage.
Renowned Moroccan singer Naima Samih died early Saturday morning at the age of 71 following a prolonged period of illness.
The deceased left behind a significant legacy in Moroccan musical culture.
Born in Casablanca in 1954, Samih earned a prestigious position and popularity in Morocco and the Arab world because of her sweet voice and delicate sensibility.
While Moroccans mourn the death of the iconic singer, fellow Moroccan artists have paid tribute to the musical icon.
Latifa Raafat wrote on her Facebook, “We share in mourning the departure of the lady of Moroccan music, the dear one who will never be forgotten, Lalla Naima Samih.
The celebrated vocalist started her singing career in the 1970s, contributing to the musical heritage of the country.
Samih’s true breakthrough came through talent discovery programs broadcast on Moroccan radio and television. Her first appearance was on “Lucky Thursday” (Khamis Al-Hazz), followed by her participation in the competition program “Talents” (Mawahib).
The artist’s journey to becoming a musical icon wasn’t without obstacles. Her father was initially reluctant to allow her to enter the world of singing, as was common for most fathers during that era.
He only consented after the intervention of influential media figures. But he insisted that his daughter should only perform modern songs and be selective in choosing quality poets and composers.
The young artist quickly rose to prominence in Morocco’s music scene, establishing herself as a leading figure alongside Abdelhadi Belkhayat and Abdelouahab Doukkali.
Through her musical and poetic choices, Samih developed a unique identity that resonated with modern song audiences in Morocco.
She collaborated with composers known for their dedication to incorporating traditional Moroccan rhythms into modern templates (including Abdelkader Rachdi, Abdelkader Wahbi, and Ahmed Alaoui), as well as with prominent zajal poets who adapted local dialects to achieve sophisticated expressiveness (such as Ahmed Tayeb Alj and Ali Haddani).
Among the late artist’s most important musical works were the songs “Jari Ya Jari” (My Neighbor, Oh My Neighbor), “Yak A Jarhi” (Oh My Wound), and “Amri Lillah” (My Life is for God).
These beloved classics helped establish her as a pillar of Moroccan musical heritage and left a stamp in the souls of her era’s Moroccans.
In the early 1970s, Samih married Moroccan cycling champion Mustafa Belkayed. The couple had one son named Shams.
Hanan Sultan, a young Omani jewellery designer based between Muscat, Dubai and London, is passionate about fine arts and fashion, but has found ‘jewellery design’ as the perfect middle ground. Skillful at combining traditional and contemporary materials in her creations, Hanan, however, is personally fond of yellow gold and rubies. “Creativity has no limits and… I have yet many miles to go…” she tells Hubert Vaz in an exclusive chat. Excerpts:
What, according to you, defines the value of a piece of jewellery?
The value of a piece of jewellery, to me, lies within its design execution. As a bench-trained jewellery designer, I’m very detail-oriented and committed to craftsmanship by blending traditional making skills with modern technology to achieve an unparalleled level of quality and luxury. I’m truly dedicated to creating timeless pieces that capture a balance of luxury, comfort, and emotional value using the finest materials – precious metals and stones.
When did you figure out that this was your cup of tea?
I realised that it was my cup of tea at an early age when I felt a strong passion for creativity. This passion led me to study (foundational) Fine Arts at Pratt in New York, followed by (foundational) Fashion Studies at the London College of Fashion. I recognised that the world of jewellery was perfect for me when I comprehended that it encapsulated both, fine arts and fashion. I eventually did my BA in Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins in London. During my summer holidays, I did internships and courses with different institutes and jewellery brands in Dubai, London and Paris. This expanded my early industry knowledge and provided me with invaluable experiences.
To deepen my expertise, I pursued an MA in Jewellery and Metal at the Royal College of Art in London, which allowed me to refine my creative process and technical skills. Through hands-on experiences and continuous learning (as an Omani jewellery designer), I’ve developed a design approach that blends innovation with traditional jewellery design.
What distinguishes your creations from the rest in the fray in UAE/Oman or elsewhere?
My designs stand out for their precision and craftsmanship, achieved through CAD and CAM technologies, which allow for intricate details and consistent finishing. While I value the cultural significance of traditional handmaking techniques, I focus on blending modern innovation with timeless aesthetics to create unique and enduring pieces.
How differently, do you think, the Western world view jewellery unlike those in Asia and the Middle East?
I find that some of the western world’s overview on jewellery includes accessories, conceptual ‘wearable objects’, incorporating all sorts of contemporary non-precious materials, whilst Asians and Middle Easterns think of jewellery as ‘high/fine jewellery’ that usually incorporates precious metals and stones, most popularly, 18, 22, 24 carat gold, natural diamonds and precious gemstones.
Are the tastes of Arab women changing – is there a need for novelty and wow factor among the younger generation?
Arab women’s tastes, like women everywhere, are constantly evolving. This is due to the rise of the Internet, journalism, social media exposure and easy accessibility to global travel. There’s always a desire for novelty and ‘wow factor’, especially amongst younger generations. It’s human nature to seek fresh and exciting perspectives.
Do you like religious symbols used in jewellery or would you rather keep it creatively different?
Religion, like jewellery, is extremely personal. I appreciate how jewellery can help people of many different backgrounds connect to their faith. Some religious symbols are especially meaningful precisely because they are private and intimate.
As an Omani jewellery designer, which is your best creation so far, and was it sold to any affluent/prestigious buyer?
My favourites include pieces from my frankincense inlay collection. I’ve had buyers from the Gulf, America, Canada and the UK approach me to acquire some of these pieces.
When you customise jewellery, do you follow the client’s requirement or educate them about what’s best for them?
It is important for me to listen to my clients’ wants and needs as well as present them with different options and solutions, ultimately educating them to make the decision that would suit them best.
How popular is your business?
Working in Dubai has been great for me, professionally, because I’ve been able to share my work with a global audience. The global accessibility of Dubai has meant that I’ve been able to make in-person sales to American, British, and European clients, as well as cultivate existing relationships in the Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Muscat is much quieter, on the whole, but provides a clarifying balance from the bustle of doing business in Dubai. Oman will always be my home and it would be very fulfilling to one day be able to showcase my work in Muscat, my hometown, as an Omani jewellery designer.
Do you also shoulder management/business promotion tasks?
At the moment, I’m managing all aspects of the business, from creative direction to production to logistics, marketing and sales. This is to be expected for young designers at the beginning of their career. But I’m looking forward to being able to focus even more exclusively on the creative processes as the brand grows and I develop my team.
If not in this field which other profession is close to your heart?
If not jewellery design, I would love to explore more of fine arts, arts education, academic arts, or research – something deeply creative and thought-provoking. Fashion design and journalism also intrigue me, they share a similar focus on storytelling, aesthetics, and pushing boundaries, which all align with my passion for design and creativity.
As a young designer entrepreneur have you reached anywhere close to your ultimate goal?
I believe, that creativity has no limits and endless possibilities, so I for sure think that I have yet many, many miles to go.
Red is timeless…
Asked about her personal preference of jewellery, Hanan Sultan struck a unique note. “Yellow gold and rubies are my personal favourites. My friends even call me ‘the queen of rubies’. They hold a special place in my heart because they’re a part of my familial heirlooms, and I love the idea of carrying that legacy into the future. Rubies, to me, resemble their colour – red is timeless and powerful.
Emirati publisher, author, and women’s advocate Bodour Al Qasimi has made history by becoming the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive a prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi received the prize for her groundbreaking children’s book ‘House of Wisdom’ at a ceremony in the impressive Farnese Chapel, at Palazzo d’Accursio, in Bologna.
Reflecting on the honour, Sheikha Bodour said, “For me, this award signals a shift towards a more inclusive children’s publishing sector. Amid heightened global tensions, stories like ‘House of Wisdom’ carry a message that books can occasion unity, progress, and a deeper understanding between cultures. It’s a timely statement about literature’s power to build bridges and keep the bigger human picture in view.”
She added, “The House of Wisdom was a library that symbolised how knowledge and collaboration across cultures can build sturdy bridges. Its loss in 1258 is a tragic allegory for the fragility of intellectual freedom – a lesson of undiminished relevance today.”
Feted for its engaging approach to encouraging critical thought, scientific curiosity, and compassion, the success of ‘House of Wisdom’ marks progress in international recognition of the value of Middle Eastern children’s literature.
The book is illustrated by Majid Zakeri Younesi, whose evocative art provides a breathtaking complement to the story.
Although unable to be in Bologna to collect the award with Sheikha Bodour, he said, “Working on ‘House of Wisdom’ was a unique opportunity to visually capture the spirit of curiosity and innovation that drives humanity’s infinite quest for learning and dialogue, something Sheikha Bodour has so deftly portrayed in her narrative.”
The day after the prize giving, Sheikha Bodour spoke on a thought-provoking panel with other BolognaRagazzi Award winners and joined a celebration reception at the Kalimat Group stand.
On both occasions, she shared her inspiration behind ‘House of Wisdom’, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural and intellectual legacies, the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides, and Sharjah’s commitment to promoting knowledge, including through the creation of its own House of Wisdom.
Before receiving the award, Sheikha Bodour signed copies of her book at the Giannino Stoppani Children’s Bookshop, which she helped restore after it was destroyed by fire in 2022. To support the renovation, Sheikha Bodour allocated significant funds from the Sharjah World Book Capital Office.
For National Arab American Heritage Month, SWE recognizes some of the Arab women engineers making their mark in the industry.
National Arab American Heritage Month was first recognized at the federal level in the U.S. in April 2021, though celebrations recognizing the Arab community and their contributions in the United States were observed in previous years.
Here at the Society of Women Engineers, we are excited to celebrate some of the amazing Arab women engineers from around the world who are paving the way for others to pursue a future in STEM and thrive in their careers.
Diana Alsindy
Diana Alsindy is a propulsion engineering manager at Blue Origin where she leads a team of engineers building the next rocket to the moon. She is also the founder of The Arabian Stargazer, a bilingual educational platform that promotes science and space in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Diana is an Iraqi refugee who fled the Iraq war in 2004 with her family and now calls Los Angeles home. She frequently hosts lectures and seminars with schools that do not have access to engineering resources and aspires to continue paving the way to space and advocate for others to look up. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a focus in mechanical and aerospace engineering from University of California San Diego. Hear her speak as a panel member on From the Classroom to the Cosmos: How Educators Can Help Girls Succeed in Space available in the Advance Learning Center.
Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb
Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb is the founder and chairperson of the Saudi Women Engineers Society (SWES) and the first Saudi engineer specializing in structural engineering. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Technology Sydney and is the first engineer to hold a Certified Mostadam Accredited Professional license, a groundbreaking sustainable framework she led development on, which focuses on green building practices aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. She is an advisor with the Saudi Association of Sustainability Professionals and founder of the Urban Heritage Association, presenting at World ESG Summit and Global Project Management Forum and promoting diversity and women in engineering. Under her leadership, SWES has forged partnerships with organizations such as Bechtel and Saudi Arabia Parsons Corporation to promote opportunities for Saudi women in engineering fields.
Dr. Habiba Alsafar
Dr. Habiba Alsafar is dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and professor of genomics at Khalifa University, one of the United Arab Emirates top universities for STEM education. She earned a BS in biochemistry at San Diego State University, an MS in biomedical engineering from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, and Ph.D. in medical and forensics science from the University of Western Australia. She is credited with establishing the Emirates Family Registry — the first study of its kind in the Middle East — which was instrumental in discovering diabetes risk factors unique to the area’s Bedouin population. She is the recipient of the UAE’s First Honor Model award and the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship for Women in Science, as well as the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Rising Talents award in recognition of her trailblazing work in genetics.
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur is the CEO and co-founder of Cambridge-headquartered CorrosionRADAR Ltd, a technology startup in the predictive corrosion monitoring and assets management space. The organization has received recognition for its groundbreaking Predictive Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring System, and Dr. Ennaceur received the 2024 Women in Excellence Achievement Award from the International Maintenance, Reliability, and Asset Management conference (MAINTCON) in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership in her field. Born in Tunisia, Dr. Ennaceur completed her schooling there, earning a civil engineering degree at Ecole National d’Ingénieurs de Gabès (National Engineering School of Gabes), where she was only one of two girls in a class of 20 students, and then a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Technology of Compiègne in France.
Marwa Al Mamari
The first aerospace engineer in the history of the United Arab Emirates, Marwa Al Mamari is pursuing a Ph.D. studying artificial intelligence in aviation at Coventry University, where she also earned a Master of Science in aviation safety and a Bachelor of Applied Science in aerospace engineering. She has previously worked with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, specializing in accident prevention and safety recommendations. This mother of two is also an adjunct lecturer in engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi. In 2024, she was honored as an Emirati Woman Achiever, an award recognizing visionary Emirati women leading entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. She has spoken at TEDx and other events globally on changing the narratives, the power of STEM, and women’s empowerment in shaping the future.
Dr. Raida Al-Alawi
As the president of the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Dr. Raida Al-Alawi is the first woman to lead the organization in its 50+ year history and the first Bahraini woman to earn a Ph.D. in engineering. Her professional experience includes serving as dean of Student Affairs at Manama’s Ahlia University, and as associate professor in the department of electrical and electronics engineering at the University of Bahrain, where she also chaired the department of computer engineering. Dr. Al-Alawi is a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World, and senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Association of Engineers. She holds a Ph.D. in Computational Intelligence from Brunel University London, an MSc in Computer Engineering from King’s College London, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Kuwait University.
Palestinians in their thousands prayed at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque during Laylat al-Qadr, considered the holiest night in Islam.
Some 180,000 Palestinians performed nighttime and Tarawih prayers at the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday despite Israeli restrictions, the Jerusalem Islamic Endowments Department said.
Israeli authorities reportedly prevented scores of West Bank Palestinian worshippers from reaching the holy site, after refusing them entry at the Qalandia and Bethlehem checkpoints, the Palestinian Wafa news agency said.
The Israeli authorities claimed they did not carry valid documentation – a common pretext used to justify such restrictions.
Israeli forces were also deployed in the alleys of the Old City of Jerusalem, turning it into a “military zone,” according to the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate local authority, obstructing Palestinians’ access to the mosque.
Several other Palestinians were banned from entry at the mosque’s gates, according to the Wadi Hilweh Information Center, a local human rights group, as cited by the Turkish Anadolu agency.
Last year, 200,000 Palestinians performed such prayers at Al-Aqsa, under similar heavy restrictions.
Earlier this month, as Muslims welcomed Ramadan, Israel announced it would only allow children under the age of 12, women above the age of 50 and men above the age of 55. Palestinians who fall under this category are obliged to carry special permits issue issued by authorities.
The prayers took place during Laylat al-Qadr – the holiest night in Islam, which falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The night, translated into English as ‘Night of the Power,’ marks when the holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.
Muslims worldwide generally increase acts of prayer, often staying in the mosque between nighttime and dawn prayers, and exercise spiritual retreat, known as I’tikaf during this period.
Muslims also believe that acts of good deeds are multiplied manifold during the period, as the night of power is said to be “better than a thousands months,” according to the Quran .
As prayers were held across the Muslim world and communities, many imams included prayers for the people of Gaza, subject to indiscriminate Israeli attacks which have killed over 62,000 people over the last 16 months.
Journalists barred from Al-Aqsa
Israeli forces have also imposed restrictions on journalists covering events at Al-Aqsa this month. Authorities have reportedly barred at least 13 journalists from entering the Al-Aqsa compound.
Among them was Basem Zidani, who told The New Arab’s sister site, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, that Israeli forces said that the Shin Bet security service had a secret file showing that his presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially during Ramadan, would “disturb public order”.
Zidani said he was summoned to the Qishleh police station, where he was interrogated by a police officer who then told him that he would be banned from entering Al-Aqsa compound.
The journalist sought to contest this ban through local rights organisations, but to no avail.
“It is clear that I was targeted because of my journalistic work during the war on Gaza, but I do not regret it.”
source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)
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Prayers at Al-Aqsa took place in defiance of Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian worshippers [Getty/file photo]
Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal was crowned world champion in the women’s bantamweight, showcasing the country’s surging talent in the combat sport.
Widad Bertal, one of Morocco’s rising boxing stars, is a world champion after winning the women’s bantamweight category at the 2025 IBA World Boxing Championships in Serbia. Meanwhile, the Palestinian squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to be held this month has been revealed through a touching video, showcasing life in the devastated Gaza Strip.
Also in Morocco, underdogs RS Berkane were crowned league champions after a near-undefeated run in the 2024/2025 soccer season.
Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal crowned world champion at Women’s World Boxing Championships
Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal has claimed the World Champion title in the 52-54 kg weight category at the Women’s World Boxing Championships, held in Nis, Serbia, from 9 to 16 March 2025, after defeating Turkish competitor Hatice Bektas.
Bertal’s victory cements her status as one of the sport’s rising stars. She previously secured gold medals at the African Championships in Yaoundé in 2023 and Kinshasa in 2024, establishing herself as a dominant force in the ring.
Her latest triumph represents a major achievement for Moroccan boxing on the global stage.
Morocco’s success in Serbia did not end there. Fellow Moroccan boxer Hasnae Larti added to the country’s medal haul by winning bronze in the 75-81 kg weight category, further highlighting Morocco’s growing strength in women’s boxing.
The achievements of Bertal and Larti reflect Morocco’s rising prominence in international boxing competitions . Their success has drawn praise from sports officials and fans alike, who see them as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
In recognition of her remarkable victory, King Mohammed VI sent a congratulatory message to Bertal, celebrating her world title triumph.
“We share with you, with great joy, feelings of pride in this well-deserved victory that crowned your perseverance and ambition to raise your country’s flag high on the podium and inscribe your name in the register of champions,” the King’s message read.
“We pray to God to grant you continued success and brilliance in your upcoming competitions.”
Palestinian World Cup qualifier squad revealed in touching Gaza video
The Palestinian Football Association unveiled their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers via a video highlighting Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, and Palestinians’ love for the sport.
The players are revealed bit by bit in the 3-minute, 11-second clip showcasing life in the destroyed enclave.
The clip starts with a young boy by wearing a Palestinian football shirt playing on the seashores of Gaza. He then spots a portrait of Musab al-Battat, the team’s captain, among rubble.
The child then walks into the city’s ruins clutching the portrait, as we see Gaza’s population living in makeshift tents, queuing for water and selling what they can to make a living .
The boy then meets with a friend, who also reveals a portrait of another player. The two boys are joined by a third friend, who also pulls out a picture. The trio continue to be joined by more friends, as more Palestinian players are revealed.
Some of the players are revealed in during a segment where we see a young man selling snacks, other members of the Palestinian team are shown during a makeshift classroom as children attend a lessson amid war .
The clip also shows Gaza City’s emblematic Yarmouk Stadium. The venue is one of the oldest stadiums in Palestine, and was turned into a internment camp by Israeli forces during the early months of the war in Gaza. It has since become a place of refuge for the territory’s displaced Palestinians.
The video ends by showing children playing football in the stadium.
The Palestinian side will face Jordan in an away game on Thursday as part of the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers . They will also play against Iraq on 25 March at Amman’s International Stadium.
Among the players selected are forward Oday Dabbagh, midfielder Mahmoud Abu Warda and defenders Yaser Hamed and Mohamed Saleh.
RS Berkane make Moroccan football history after being crowned league champions
Moroccan football team RS Berkane made history in the country this week, winning their first-ever league title, locally known as Botola.
Their crowning came as they drew 1-1 in a home game against Rabat side Union de Touarga on Saturday.
The team, located in northeastern Morocco, have had their strongest-ever runs in the Moroccan championship, having only lost one game so far, winning 18 and drawing six – putting them in a comfortable lead against competition favourites Wydad Casablanca and Rabat-based AS FAR.
The squad sits comfortably at the top of the Botola table, having gathered 60 points, while second-place AS FAR trail behind with 45 points.
Their coach, Tunisian Mouine Chaabani, has been instrumental to their success, having joined in February of last year following his success with Tunisian club Espérance Sportive de Tunis.
Chaabani’s coaching skills propelled the team from their sixth-position finish two seasons ago to third last year, before winning the title this season.
RS Berkane’s winning ways have also secured them a place in the CAF African Champions League for the first time ever.
Their win has made headlines across Morocco, with celebrations held in the city of Berkane among fans and locals.
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also extended their congratulations to the club.
Oscar-nominated and BAFTA award-winning Palestinian-British filmmaker Farah Nabulsi is calling for global empathy towards Palestinians through her debut feature film, The Teacher.
In an interview, Nabulsi emphasized that her film aims to challenge audiences to reflect on the harsh realities Palestinians face under occupation. “I want people to ask themselves: Is this a reality they would accept for themselves? And if it isn’t, why have Palestinians been expected to?” she stated.
Nabulsi, whose film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2023, expressed that The Teacher offers a deeper human context to the ongoing situation in Palestine, especially as “Israel”’s actions in Gaza intensify.
Born and raised in the UK, Nabulsi’s first visit to Palestine a decade ago profoundly impacted her perspective, as she witnessed firsthand the injustice and discrimination faced by Palestinians. This experience spurred her to use storytelling as a way to process and respond to the issues she encountered.
Filming in the occupied West Bank proved emotionally and logistically challenging. Nabulsi shared that the realities of filming in such a context, alongside a cast and crew deeply affected by these experiences, created an emotional toll.
The film addresses issues such as settler violence, home demolitions, and the mistreatment of children in military courts, with Nabulsi drawing inspiration from real-life conversations and her observations. Through The Teacher, Nabulsi hopes to inspire global empathy for Palestinians and garner support for their struggle for freedom.
Lebanese Professor Niveen Mohammad Ali Khashab won the Great Arab Minds Award-2023 in Natural Sciences, for her contributions in chemistry, bioengineering and biology.
Her research interests focus on applications of programmable, intelligent, engineered nanomaterials and their uses for medical, pharmaceutical, industrial and environmental purposes. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, said that scientific and cognitive curiosity has been the base of nations’ cultural development throughout history.
The winning announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Prof. Niveen Khashab is associate dean of Physical Sciences and Engineering Division and Professor of Chemistry at KAUST – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, given her pioneering contributions in the field of natural sciences and her research in Arab universities.
“Today we announce the winner of the Arab Minds Award in natural sciences, Professor Nevin Khashab, a researcher and academic who inspires a new generation of young scientists in the Arab world and transforms research into advanced innovations in medicine, advanced industries, nanotechnology and sustainable agriculture,” said the Ruler of Dubai.
“Scientific achievement is the basis of civilizational development. We want to preserve scientists, empower them, honor them, celebrate their achievements and provide them with the space they need to transform their ideas and research into reality. Resuming the region’s contribution to human civilization is a comprehensive project and a strategic commitment that focuses on the Arab citizen capable of achievement, creativity and excellence in science and knowledge,” he added.
Khashab is exploring the new opportunities that nano capsules and devices can provide in drugs, gene therapies, medical diagnosis and industries, given their sturdiness, durability and superior thermal resistance.
Khashab is currently experimenting with carbon nanotubes characterized with their exceptional rigidity and strength, as well as electronic properties. She is also testing applications of carbon tubes in smart membranes. Khashab also collaborated on designing smart materials used in biomedical systems based on molecule assemblies at the nanoscale using non-covalent interactions.
The applications of the scientific innovations and smart materials developed by Khashab are diverse, including medical in the fields of sensing and drug, therapeutic and surgical delivery; industrial as in nanocomposites and others; and environmental in sustainable agriculture solutions and platforms.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, chairman of the Committee leading Great Arab Minds, congratulated Khashab on the phone, hailing her contributions in natural sciences and its pioneering research that opened new horizons in the uses of ultra-fine nanomaterials for medical and pharmaceutical purposes and advanced technology applications.
The initiative aims to promote the reverse migration of Arab minds and keep them in the Arab world by celebrating, honoring and highlighting their achievements.
The competition received thousands of nominations in its six categories: engineering and technology, medicine, economics, literature and natural sciences, arts, architecture, and design.
The Great Arab Minds Awards’ winners announced so far are: Dr. Hani Negm from Saudi Arabia in Medicine, Professor Fadel Adib from Lebanon in Engineering and Technology, Dr. Muhammad el-Erian in economics, and Professor Niveen Khashab in natural sciences. The winners in the two remaining categories will be announced later.
Khadra Dahir Ige, one of the most famous and popular artists in the Somali music scene, died at age 65 in Hargeisa. Khadra died of pneumonia at Hargeisa International Hospital
According to fellow musician and artist Omar Serbiya, Khadra was born in 1957 in Hargeisa and joined Waberi band in 1974 at the age of 17.
During her nearly five decades-long career, Khadra is estimated to have recorded over 2,500 songs of love and sorrow which touched many Somalis.
However, she was very reserved in her private life and rarely was interviewed.
Several artists conveyed their condolences to Khadra, including Nimo Dareen, DJ Suber and Hassan Dhuhul Laabsalah.
Khadra Dahir most recently lived in Hargeisa. She leaves behind five children.
The Kuwaiti athlete set a new person best time at the games in the women’s single sculls final rowing competition on Friday
Regional female athletes are giving us plenty to cheer about at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Team Bahrain’s Amani Al-Obaidly set a new national and personal best record in the women’s 100m backstroke heats earlier this week, while Team Saudi proudly celebrated its first female Olympic swimmer, 17-year-old Mashael Al Ayed. Emirati sprinter Maryam Al Farsi beat out her best time, setting a new personal record during the women’s 100-metre sprint today.
Now Kuwait’s Soaad Al-Faqaan is celebrating her own great accomplishment: setting a new national record in the the women’s single sculls final rowing competition. Soaad is Kuwait’s first female Olympic rower. Today, at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, she beat out her best time by 11 seconds in the women’s single sculls final E race, finishing with a time of 8:05.18 in fifth place.
Earlier this week she came fourth in the qualifying rounds, clocking a time of 8:28.89.
While she won’t be moving forward, Soaad has done a huge service to her country and the sport of rowing — and is clearly an inspiration for aspiring athletes from the region.
