MOROCCAN Lionesses Dominate CAF Awards Nominations

Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses made history at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the round of 16 at the expense of Germany.

Five Atlas Lionesses have been nominated for the CAF Women’s Ballon d’Or, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced today.

The list of the thirty nominees for the CAF Women’s Ballon d’Or features three players from Moroccan club As FAR, namely Fatima Tagnaout, Ghizlane Chebbak, and Khadija Er-Rmichi.

Alongside the AS FAR trio are two other Moroccan contenders for the CAF Awards’ most prestigious individual accolade, Anissa Lahmari of Levante Las Planas and Ibtissam Jraidi of Al Ahli.

These Atlas Lionesses made history this year with an impressive performance in their first-ever appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the Round of 16 at the expense of favorites Germany.

Additionally, players from AS FAR secured a historic domestic triumph, clinching the Championship, Cup, and Champions League treble in the 2022-2023 season.

Ghizlane Chebbak and Fatima Tagnaout, the dynamic duo from AS FAR, have also earned nominations in the “Inter-Club Player of the Year” category, alongside their teammate Aziza Rabbah.

Khadija Er-Rmichi is in contention for the “Goalkeeper of the Year” trophy. Furthermore, Nesryne El Chad (Lille) is vying for the title of “Young Player of the Year.”

In the club categories, AS FAR and Sporting de Casablanca have been nominated for the “Women’s Club of the Year” at the 2023 CAF Awards, scheduled to take place in Marrakech on December 11.

Both teams are currently in the semifinals of the third edition, which is being held in Côte d’Ivoire. AS FAR, the reigning African Champions League titleholders, faces Mamelodi Sundowns, while Sporting de Casablanca takes on Ampem Darkoa.

The Moroccan women’s national team, nominated for the prestigious “African National Team” award, will compete against formidable opponents such as Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Senegal.

These nominees in women’s football join the Moroccan nominees in men’s football, as well as Walid Regragui in the competition for the title of best coach of the season.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Moroccan nominees for the CAF Women’s Ballon d’Or

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MOROCCO

MIDDLE EAST will need 3k new aircraft by 2042: Boeing

Boeing anticipates a demand for 3,000 new aircraft in the Middle East by 2042, signifying the region’s growth in the aviation sector.

During a media briefing ahead on Nov. 12, ahead of Dubai Airshow 2023, President of Boeing Brendan Nelson restated the company’s commitment to supporting the industry in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and neighboring nations. 

Boeing holds a significant position in the operations of the Kingdom’s flagship carrier, Riyadh Air ,as in March, the airline ordered a fleet of 72 787 Dreamliners, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 2025.

The aviation firm plans to work closely with regional governments, focusing on manufacturing aircraft parts, research and development, and professional training to contribute to the sector’s growth.

According to Khaleej Times, Nelson said: “Our vision is to build an ecosystem in the region, invest in R&D (research and development), develop industrial partnerships, and enhance manufacturing capacity in both commercial and defense sectors.”

As part of its expanding regional engagements, Boeing joined forces with the UAE’s leading renewable energy firm Masdar in October to advance the global sustainable aviation fuel industry, aligning with the industry’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

According to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecast, global airlines will need 42,595 new aircraft by 2042, with Middle East-based airlines requiring 3,025 – 45 percent being widebody planes.

These objectives are driven by the rising demand for travel within the region and the emergence of new flight hubs.

Boeing predicts that the global aviation industry will require 2.2 million new personnel by 2042, with the Middle East and Africa contributing 13 percent to meet this demand.

Nelson emphasized the company’s active exploration of additional opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the broader region, where over 3,000 aircraft, 58,000 pilots, and nearly 100,000 crews will be needed in the next two decades. 

The demand for airliners is anticipated to remain robust, propelled by the Kingdom’s target of attracting 150 million tourists as part of its economic diversification efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation evolution 

Saudi Arabia launched a new aviation policy in October to boost the sector’s performance and attract investments worth $100 billion by 2030. 

According to the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the plan will see new regulations for airports, ground services, cargo and air transport services. 

This approach supports the privatization of airports, facilitates the procedures for new investors to join the aviation market, and enables airport operators to set wages according to their plans. 

The authority will also enable airport operators to diversify their revenues flexibly by increasing revenues from non-navigational services.

In September, Randy Heisey, Boeing’s managing director of commercial marketing in Africa and the Middle East region, told Arab News that the company is working with Saudi airlines to implement advanced aircraft and engine technologies that align with global sustainability goals.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Boeing holds a significant position in the operations of the Kingdom’s flagship carrier, Riyadh Air. Shutterstock.

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MIDDLE EAST

SAUDI ARABIA: Educator Nora Al-Suroor Triumphs in Global Teacher Prize

Saudi teacher Nora Al-Suroor has etched her name in the annals of educational excellence, securing a spot amongst 50 honorees in the esteemed Global Teacher Prize. Administered by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, the award acknowledges the indispensable role of teaching and catalyzes the pursuit of excellence in education. Al-Suroor’s victory, carved from a pool of 7,000 nominees representing 130 countries, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to shaping future generations through education.

Exemplary Journey to Global Recognition

Al-Suroor’s educational voyage is studded with numerous accolades. Her repertoire includes the Middle East’s Educational Technical Design Award, dual gold awards for innovation from Russia and Japan, and a silver finish at the Award for Excellence in Educational Outreach in Seattle, USA. Further elevating her stature are recognitions from the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s Humanitarian Educational Excellence Award. Her ceaseless engagement in local, regional, and international educational and humanitarian initiatives underscores her instrumental role in these sectors.

Implications of the Recognition

The implications of Al-Suroor’s recognition extend beyond her individual accomplishments to the broader sphere of education. The Global Teacher Prize spotlights the quintessential role of teachers in sculpting societies, accentuating the urgency to bolster and elevate the teaching profession. The recent acknowledgment of Pakistani teacher Sister Zeph, the recipient of the $1 million Global Teacher Prize, underlines the global reach and diverse influence of exceptional educators. Sister Zeph’s mission to offer free education to over 200 children and her intent to channel the prize money towards the construction of a school for the underprivileged and an orphanage exemplify the transformative capabilities of educators.

Global Need for Teachers

The event underscored the need for an additional 44 million teachers globally by 2030, highlighting the pressing need to invest in education and empower educators to guarantee access to quality learning experiences for all. The acknowledgment of educators such as Nora Al-Suroor and Sister Zeph marks a societal shift towards recognizing and appreciating the contributions of teachers. Their triumphs underscore the importance of nurturing a culture that celebrates and supports educators, thereby propelling the advancement of global education.

In the educational landscape, the influence of exceptional teachers transcends their immediate classrooms. Their dedication and innovation have the potency to shape societies, drive progress, and instill a culture of lifelong learning. Hence, the recognition of exemplary educators through awards like the Global Teacher Prize acts as a springboard for inspiring and uplifting the teaching profession, contributing significantly to the global educational advancement.

source/content: bnn.network (headline edited)

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Saudi Educator Nora Al-Suroor Triumphs in Global Teacher Prize

Saudi Educator Nora Al-Suroor Triumphs in Global Teacher Prize

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SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI, U.A.E: ‘1 Billion Followers Summit’ for Content Creators returning to Dubai in January

  • Event is expected to attract more than 3,000 content creators and influencers
  • Topics that will be discussed include the role of new media in supporting economies and sustainable development

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, described as the world’s largest gathering of content creation and creators, will return to Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11, organizers announced on Wednesday. It follows the inaugural staging of the event in December 2022.

The summit is expected to attract more than 3,000 content creators, influencers and other creatives, including 100 expert speakers, who will discuss the role of new media in supporting economies and its contribution to sustainable development, the Emirates News Agency reported.

Other sessions will address ways to create meaningful and sustainable content, the skills required to ensure success across social media platforms and the tools that can positively contribute to digital platforms.

“Through the 1 Billion Followers Summit, we aim to unite content creators, change makers, and thought leaders to address pressing global issues that impact both the present and the future of our world,” said Alia Al-Hammadi, the CEO of summit organizer the New Media Academy, which describes itself as the UAE’s premier hub for digital skills and Arabic content creation.

“The event also serves as a platform for content creators, social media platforms and digital content production companies to exchange insights, fostering partnerships that align with the UAE’s strategy of becoming a global hub for creative industries and talents.

“Sharing social content is a huge responsibility that leaves a lasting impact on the individual and social levels. This is why the New Media Academy is keen on this annual event as a way to champion impactful content and positive narratives, in line with our commitment to unlocking the transformative potential of content creators, amplifying their influence.”

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The 1 Billion Followers Summit will return to Dubai on Jan. 10 and 11. (Shutterstock)

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

QATAR: ‘Largest Green Roof’ in the World- Guinness World Record for Expo Doha Main Building

The main building of Expo 2023 Doha, built on an area of 4,031 sqm by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), has won the Guinness World Records title for “The Largest Green Roof” in the world.


This is a new achievement for the Public Works Authority , which has also executed various projects for major international events in the country including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.


The new achievement is the 6th title to be added to the world records won by Ashghal which has previously got 5 Guinness World Records titles, a statement said.
Among the achievements are the world’s largest electric bus depot in Lusail, the implementation of the longest air-conditioned outdoor path in Umm Al Seneem park, the longest continuous cycling path (Olympic cycling track), the longest piece of asphalt/bituminous concrete laid continuously along Al Khor road, and the most nationalities planting trees simultaneously.


Mohammed al-Khouri, Secretary General of the International Horticultural Expo 2023, expressed his delight with the main building of Expo 2023 receiving a world title. This major achievement came just before the start of the International Horticultural Expo 2023, adding momentum to this global event.


Eng. Jaralla Mohamed al-Marri, Building Projects Department Manager said Ashghal always strives to reach the global level through its outstanding projects. He noted that the remarkable Guinness World Record for the main building of Expo 2023 is a new global recognition for ‘Ashghal’ projects.


It’s worth mentioning, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has completed the construction of the main building of the international exhibition, service buildings, and prepared the external and internal gardens of the exhibition to accommodate participants and visitors of one of the major horticultural exhibitions in the Middle East.


The building was designed to showcase the highest horticultural standards in a hot climate area, presenting a model of a green country existing in a desert climate like the State of Qatar.


This project was designed to provide the visitor with an interactive experience with nature and modern urban construction with elements of Qatari characteristics. The roof of the main building was planted with Pennisetum, Dahlia and green grass.

source/content: gulf-times.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

OMAN’s Aisha Al Saifi becomes First Arab Woman to Win ‘Prince of Poets’ title in the poetry competition in Abu Dhabi

    Omani poet Aisha Al Saifi, the first woman to win the “Prince of Poets” title in Abu Dhabi.

    Aisha wrote on her Instagram, “On International Women’s Day, I was crowned a princess of poets and draped in the cloak of poetry, as the first Arab woman to obtain the title, thanks to God, and your support for me by voting and praying.”

    Aisha Al Saifi was born in Nizwa, Oman in 1987.

    She studied Civil Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University.

    In 2005, she began publishing literary works in Omani and Arabic newspapers.

    She has participated in Arab and international literary festivals across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and was the first female poet to win the Omani Poetry Festival.

    She has published three poetry collections, “The Sea Changes its Gown,” “The Dreams of the Tenth Girl,” and “I Don’t Love My Father.”

    The Prince of Poets is a reality television poetry competition in Abu Dhabi.

    The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage launched the completion in April 2007.

    The winner is awarded Dhs1 million and a symbolic cloak and ring.

    source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)

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    OMAN

    MOROCCAN Researchers Said Yaktin and Khalil Ben Haj Amin Win the 41st Kuwait’s ‘Scientific Excellence’ Prize

    The researchers received the prize in recognition for their contributions in various fields of science.

     Two Moroccan scientists, Said Yaktin and Khalil Ben Haj Amin, were recently honored at the 41st Kuwait Prize ceremony, a celebration of global scientific brilliance.

    This prestigious award, presented by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS), aims to recognize and reward Arab scientists for their excellence across a range of scientific disciplines.

    Said Yatkin, Professor of Higher Education at the Faculty of Letters and Humanities at Mohammed V University in Rabat, was awarded the prize in the Humanities, Arts, and Literature category. 

    His work on “Literature and Art in the Arab World – Specialization in Narrative Sciences” was selected from a pool of 43 applications for the prize in the literary category. 

    This recognition is the result of his extensive research on narrative, literary theory, critical literature, Arab-Islamic narrative heritage, and popular culture. 

    Yaktin’s dedication to advancing knowledge in these domains continues to serve as an inspiration to other scholars and students.

    Meanwhile, Khalil Ben Haj Amin, who heads the battery technology group at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, was honored in the Applied Sciences category, under the theme of “Clean and Sustainable Energy Technologies.” 

    Ben Haj’s groundbreaking work in battery technology and his contribution to the applied sciences of clean and sustainable energy technology stood out from the work of 30 finalists. 


    His achievements have been hailed for paving the way for significant advances in the energy sector and promoting environmentally-friendly solutions.

    Established in 1979 by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science, the Kuwait Prize embodies the Foundation’s commitment to supporting scientific research in all its facets. It also inspires Arab scholars and scientists to strive for excellence in their fields.

    source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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    Said Yaktin (left) and Khalil Ben Haj Amin (right)

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    MOROCCO

    SAUDI ARABIAN Woman Athlete Kariman Abuljadayel sets New Open-Water Rowing Record

    When a Saudi Arabian athlete rowed her boat over 6.2 miles of open water in 57 minutes and 24 seconds, she smashed the Guinness World Record.

    Kariman Abuljadayel tried to break the record in the Red Sea off the coast of Jeddah after being the first Saudi woman to compete in the 100-meter event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

    She claimed that the endeavour was hampered by the intense heat and other issues.

    Abuljadayel told Guinness World Records, “That day had a strong current that slowed the boat down. I was forced to put in more effort to just maintain the movement let alone move fast for the sake of breaking the record.” She said, “I will be honest, I wanted to quit, it was too much, but a strong voice of determination within me that drove me to continue rowing and break through the imaginary barriers.”

    According to GWR, the athlete broke the record for the quickest time to row 10 kilometers (open water) in rowing.

    “I want express my appreciation to my mother, Suraya Alshehry,” Kariman said. “Who nurtured this early passion and guided it before it faded. She is my role model and hero.”

    source/content: bolnews.com (headline edited)

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    source: Fastest time to row 10km (open water) – Guinness World Records / youtube.com

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    SAUDI ARABIA

    MOROCCAN Iyass Hajri Wins ‘International Quran Memorization Competition’ in Astana, Kazakhstan

    Over the past few years, Moroccan Quran reciters have achieved outstanding results in international Quran competitions.

    Moroccan Quran reciter Iyass Hajri won on Thursday first place in the International Quran memorization competition in Astana, Kazakhstan. 

    Hajiri, 39, stood out among 29 contestants from around the world for his remarkable skills during the first edition of the competition, which was held in the pious atmosphere of Astana’s Grand Mosque. 

    The competition was organized by Kazakhstan’s Religious Administration of Muslims in celebration of the country’s National Day on November 1-2.  

    It was a major event in Central Asia, drawing the presence of diplomatic representatives of Muslim nations based in Astana. Religious authorities and Muslim dignitaries from Kazakhstan also participated. 

    The competition was broadcast live through various media platforms, including Munara TV, a television channel affiliated with the religious administration. 

    It also received significant attention and acclaim on the official social media networks of Kazakhstan’s Religious Council, resonating positively with the Kazakh audience.

    Moroccan reciters have shown outstanding performances in international Quran competitions in recent years. 

    In June of last year, Ilias El Mehyaoui of Morocco won first place in the International Quran Recitation Competition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

    In April of the same year, three Moroccans also took the top three places in the UAE’s “Inking for the Noble Qur’an and its Sciences 2022” competition.

    Notably, the triumph of the Moroccan contestants in the UAE came after they had achieved leading positions in the Bahrain International Competition for Reciting the Holy Qur’an via the Internet (Global Reciter).

    source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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    Moroccan Quran reciter Iyass Hajri. Source: SNRTNews

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    MOROCCO

    EGYPT: ‘(357148) El Maarry Asteroid’ Named in Honour of Inspirational Khalifa University Professor Dr Mohamed Ramy El Maarry

    Dr Mohamed Ramy El Maarry hopes his example will lead next generation of Arab scientists into planetary studies.

    A professor at Khalifa University of Science and Technology has had an asteroid named after him in recognition of his achievements in astronomy.

    Dr Mohamed Ramy El Maarry, an Egyptian associate professor of planetary science and director of the Space and Planetary Science Centre at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, received the accolade from the International Astronomical Union.

    Asteroid 2002 CZ will now be known as (357148) El Maarry, in recognition of his contribution to the study of comets and planetary science.

    “I feel humbled and privileged to get such an honour. In a sense, I look at it as a lifetime achievement award, something that’s going to remain as a legacy,” he said.

    “I look at it as a form of extra motivation to do more work to impart the love of science and exploration to the next generation.

    “I hope this award can be an inspiration to the next generation of Arab scientists.”

    Dr El Maarry’s work in the field of cometary geology is what led to his nomination.

    “These sorts of nominations and awards highlight the fact that there are Arabs and people outside of the US and Europe who do significant work in planetary science and they are acknowledged by the international community overall,” said Dr El Maarry.

    “I hope it will give them [his students] that extra motivation to remove the stigma that this is the sort of science that is only done by Nasa and people in the West.

    “We already know that the UAE is making leaps and bounds in their long-term plans, particularly with regards to space and exploration.”

    Belting up for next mission

    Dr El Maarry will also be representing Khalifa University as part of the UAE’s recently announced mission to explore the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

    He said the mission was aiming to uncover more details about icy asteroids, which could lead to important clues about the formation of the solar system.

    The mission would look to explore seven bodies in the asteroid belt, some of them unexplored, to try to better understand more about icy asteroids which could give important clues on how the solar system formed, he added.

    “Our Earth Sciences department offers the only bachelor’s degree in Earth and planetary science in the region,” said Dr El Maarry.

    “Our ambition is to prepare the next generation of Emiratis to take part in the upcoming UAE space missions, especially the UAE mission to the asteroid belt, which is due to launch in 2028.”

    The mission will involve a five-billion-kilometre journey to perform fly-bys of six asteroids and then send a lander that will touch down on the seventh.

    “The naming of the asteroid by the International Astronomical Union after our faculty marks a significant milestone for Khalifa University and the UAE,” said Dr Arif Al Hammadi, executive vice president of the university.

    “The recognition also emphasises the globally relevant research that our world-class faculty takes up at Space and Planetary Science Centre in scientific exploration.”

    Dr El Maarry’s research covers planetary surfaces and the physical processes that affect them, by using data analysis of remote sensing data, modelling, lab work and comparative planetology mainly through fieldwork.

    He has played key roles in numerous international space missions over the past 16 years. His body of work includes Nasa’s New Horizons mission exploring Kuiper Belt Objects at the edge of our solar system, the emirates’ lunar missions , the upcoming ESA ExoMars Rover, Comet Interceptor, the planetary defence mission Hera, and the UAE’s mission to the asteroid belt.

    His asteroid can be viewed in the Nasa Small Bodies Database. It is located in the inner asteroid belt, more than 300 million kilometres from the Sun. It orbits the Sun approximately once every three-and-a-half years, and should get closest to the Sun on August 11, 2024.

    What is now the (357148) El Maarry asteroid was discovered in February 2002, through the efforts of a joint venture between the Department of Astronomy and Astronomical Observatory of Padova University and the German Aerospace Centre, Berlin.

    source/content: thenationalnews.com (headline edited)

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    Dr Mohamed Ramy El Maarry was celebrated for work in the field of cometary geology. Photo: Khalifa University of Science and Technology

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    EGYPT