SAUDI ARABIA : Heritage leaders honored as Arab Manuscript Day celebrated in Riyadh

Annual event at King Faisal Center spotlights heritage, intellectual legacy

The official celebration of the 13th Arab Manuscript Day was inaugurated on Sunday by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the board of directors at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.

Held under the theme “The Arab Manuscript: Life of a Nation and Pioneer of Civilization,” the event was organized in collaboration with the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Prince Turki said: “This day calls upon the memory of thought and allows the soul to listen to the echoes of centuries past.”

He added that Arab Manuscript Day went beyond celebrating paper and ink and honored the consciousness and intellectual legacy that shaped Arab and Islamic civilizations. 

He recalled that the late King Faisal bin Abdulaziz received a delegation from the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts in Riyadh more than 50 years ago, near the site of the current center. 

The meeting, he said, was a moment of “intellectual enlightenment,” during which King Faisal described heritage as a vital part of identity, comparing it to “a rich fountain of culture that never stops flowing.”

Abdulrahman Al-Khunaifer, adviser at the center, said that the day symbolized the convergence of time and place, at which “Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad, and Cordoba meet Riyadh and Diriyah” to celebrate the enduring legacy of the handwritten book.

He added that the center had produced thousands of titles and research projects that had kept the Arab manuscript “alive and beating” throughout history, and that the hosting of this year’s celebration represented the culmination of those efforts.

Three awards were presented during the ceremony: Yahya Mahmoud bin Junaid, a Saudi professor, was named the Heritage Research Personality of the Year in the Arab World.

In his acceptance speech he described heritage as a living tool for understanding modern society and the evolution of intellect, calling for the creation of a comprehensive digital index of heritage books to support researchers. 

The award for Heritage Institution of the Year in the Arab World went to the National Laboratory for the Conservation and Restoration of Parchment and Manuscripts in Kairouan, Tunisia. Its director, Manal Rimah, said the recognition was a tribute to Tunisia’s cultural institutions.

The Heritage Book of the Year went to “The Collection of the Gems of Navigation in the Compendiums of the Benefits of Agriculture,” edited by Ihsan Thannoon Al-Thamiri, a professor from Iraq.

He described the work as an encyclopedic documentation of Arab agricultural knowledge, the result of a long period of dedication.

Since its founding in 1983, the center has become one of the leading global institutions in manuscript care. Its collection includes around 30,000 manuscript titles and 150,000 digitized manuscripts, reproduced in collaboration with major libraries and museums worldwide.

The center has also cleaned and restored about 330,000 books, manuscripts, and documents, reinforcing its position as a key scientific and cultural platform for future generations.

“What King Faisal began five decades ago with the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts is now being continued by his sons and grandsons with modern awareness and cultural dedication,” Prince Turki said as he reflected on the Kingdom’s vision of knowledge and culture as pillars of progress.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Left: Prince Turki Al-Faisal gives his opening remarks on the occasion of the 13th Arab Manuscript Day at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies; Since its founding in 1983, the center has become one of the world’s leading references in the field of manuscript care. It holds around 30,000 manuscript titles and 150,000 digitized manuscripts. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

EGYPT ’s Khaled al-Anany elected 1st Arab director-general of UNESCO

Al-Anany succeeds Audrey Azoulay, marking historic milestone for Egypt and Arab world at UN cultural body.

Egyptian candidate Khaled al-Anany was elected Monday as the new director-general of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), succeeding French civil servant and politician Audrey Azoulay.

His term will run until 2029, according to the Egyptian news agency Mena.

Al-Anany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, secured a decisive victory with 55 votes out of 58 during a session of the organization’s executive board in Paris.

His sole challenger, 69-year-old Firmin Edouard Matoko of the Republic of the Congo, received two votes, while the US abstained.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated al-Anany on the “sweeping victory,” describing the election as “a historic achievement added to Egypt’s diplomatic and cultural record and to the accomplishments of Arab and African peoples.”

He added that the victory reflects Egypt’s civilizational status and expressed confidence that al-Anany will strengthen cultural dialogue and protect global heritage.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who headed the Egyptian delegation in Paris, noted that this is the first time an Egyptian and Arab have led UNESCO since its establishment in 1945.

He said the result reflects the “leading position Egypt enjoys regionally and internationally” and highlighted al-Anany’s unique cultural background, representing layers of Egyptian civilization — Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, Arab-Islamic and modern.

Abdelatty stressed that member states’ overwhelming support demonstrates their trust in Egypt, the Arab world and Africa. He pledged that under al-Anany’s leadership, UNESCO will remain “a home for cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, peace, heritage protection, creativity, knowledge expansion, and youth and women’s empowerment.”

With this election, al-Anany becomes UNESCO’s 12th director-general, the first Arab and the second African after Senegal’s Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow (1974-1987) to hold the post in the organization’s 80-year history.

source/content: aa.com.tr (headline edited)

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pix : en.wikipedia.org

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EGYPT

MOROCCO : Marrakech Short Film Festival Kicks off Today, Positions City as Global Hub for Emerging Cinema

Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks welcomed artists and visionaries today, transforming its ancient walls into a stage for dialogue, discovery, and cultural exchange.

The highly anticipated Marrakech Short Film Festival (MARRAKECHsFF) officially opened last night, running through October 1, across some of the city’s most iconic sites, including El Badi Palace, Cyber Parc Moulay Abdeslam, and Centre Culturel Les Étoiles de Jamaa El Fna.

This year’s edition welcomes El Salvador as the guest country, with a diverse lineup of international and Moroccan films.

Festival founder and director Ramia Beladel opened the evening by highlighting this year’s theme, “Ka wla Maka,” a Darija expression familiar to Marrakchis that emphasizes both action and the spirit of Bahja (happiness).

Beladel described the festival as an “act of resistance and resilience,” emphasizing its role in giving visibility to emerging filmmakers and preserving cultural dialogue.

The opening night drew an international crowd of filmmakers and industry figures, including jury members such as Jane Kim, producer of industry programming at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and the president of the Alexandria Film Festival.

The program at El Badi Palace began with a red Berber carpet and presentation, followed by screenings that brought together stories from Palestine, El Salvador, Morocco, and Kenya. 

Highlights included “A Short Film About Kids” by Palestinian director Ibrahim Handal, competing for the International Nakhil Prize, “Not For Sale” by El Salvador’s Ale Pinto, presented as part of the guest country spotlight, and “Chikha” by Moroccan directors Ayoub Layoussifi and Zahoua Raji, in competition for the National Belarj Prize.

Now in its fifth edition, MARRAKECHsFF has steadily grown into a key platform for short-format cinema in the region, positioning itself as both a launchpad for emerging Moroccan talent and a bridge to wider international audiences.

Founded during the pandemic to revive open-air screening culture, the festival maintains an open call format with both national and international competitions, and includes programs such as low-budget support for local filmmakers. 

By embracing diverse narratives and forging international collaborations, the festival strengthens Marrakutation as a hub foech’s repr cultural exchange.

Rather than competing with the larger Marrakech International Film Festival, this festival complements it – while remaining distinct – by putting shorter works and emerging filmmakers at the center of the conversation. 

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

EGYPT : Tamara-Haus wins 2025 Best Practice Award for Preserving Architectural Heritage

Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Hanno announced Wednesday that Tamara-Haus has won the 2025 Best Practice Award for Preserving Architectural Heritage.

The award, launched by the National Organization for Urban Harmony (NOUH) , was announced during a ceremony held at the Small Hall of the Cairo Opera House.

The event was attended by Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, NOUH CEO Mohamed Abou Seada, and former Minister of Culture Emad Abu Ghazi.

The ceremony also featured the opening of a photo exhibition showcasing the competing projects.

Tamara-Haus, built in 1910 in downtown Cairo, is a New Renaissance-style building owned by Al Ismailia Company.

It has been fully renovated and repurposed as a creative art space, hosting design studios and cultural events.

Architect Karim Al Shafai, CEO of Al Ismailia, and architect Mohamed Hassan, head of design of the project, received the award.

The event also honoured several local conservation projects, presenting certificates of recognition to initiatives such as the conservation of the Civil Protection building in Alexandria Governorate, the Dokki Police Station building in Cairo, and a residential building at 78 Beiram El-Tonsy Street in the Saida Zeinab district.

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

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Tamara Haus wins prize for Best Practice for preserving buildings of urban and architectural heritage. Photo: NOUH

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EGYPT

PALESTINE : Rare 20th century photographs tell story of Gaza before there was Israel

As 7 October marks two years of Palestinian resistance and resilience, Ahram Online revisits Gaza’s past with rare photographs taken before the creation of Israel.

Photos from gaza by Kegham Djeghalian

In 1948, 75 percent of the primary population of Gaza was refugees. Deir El-Balah and Khan Younis were originally refugee camps, established in 1948, for the displaced people of Palestine.

The first Israeli soldier to come into Gaza, 1956.

Gaza Mon Amour
 

In 2024, two exhibitions in Cairo honoured Gaza’s first photographer, Kegham Djeghalian (1910s–1981), an Armenian genocide survivor who settled in Palestine.

In 1944, Djeghalian opened Gaza’s first photography studio, Photo Kegham.

The exhibitions were curated by his grandson, art director, visual artist, and fashion stylist Kegham Djeghalian, who sought to map out Kegham’s professional practice and socio-political engagement, reconnect with the intangible cultural heritage of Gaza, and rewrite a collective visual and oral historiography that safeguards the oral and visual narratives of the city for generations to come.

Kegham was very popular in Gaza and was affectionately known to Gazans as “Abu Bishara,” which means “good news” in Arabic.

They took him into their homes, making him “The Mohktar,” the wise man or the sage of the town whom you ask to settle disputes.

He photographed weddings, joy, sadness, summertime, iconic figures, trivial times, and everything as if he were safeguarding Gaza’s memories of all kinds and forms.

Tomb of the Virgin Mary.

The Tomb of Prophet Zakaria.​

Temple, dome, church
 

Among the highlights is a rare photo collection by renowned photographers Lehnert and Landrock, who began their work in 1924.

Around 1925, they captured Jerusalem’s most iconic landmarks: the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and Church of the Nativity.

The Temple Mount, in the Old City of Jerusalem, is sacred in both Judaism and Islam. It is believed to be the place where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son.

For Muslims, it is the third-holiest site after Mecca and Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven.

For Christians, Palestine holds profound significance as it is home to the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. It also has the site of his crucifixion and the tomb of the Virgin Mary.

In 691 AD, Caliph Abd Al-Malik built the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount. It remains the oldest surviving Islamic monument.

It was constructed at the very site where Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

Through the lens of young Dutchman
  

A rare photo collection of British Mandate-era Palestine, dating back to 1921, was on display at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo.

Dubbed The Young Dutchman and His Camera by both Falestin and Haaretz newspapers, the collection of photos by Frank Schotlen (1881-1942) highlights a significant phase of Palestinian history.

It shows the impact of modernity on Palestinian society in the wake of World War I.

Among the most significant changes were the flourishing of cafes that served as cultural hubs, the modernization of school systems, and the growing importance of local newspapers, such as Falastine.

The photos also depict annual celebrations held by Palestinians to honour prophets, including Moses, Rubin, Samuel, and Al-Khedr.

77 faces from Palestinian history
 

In 2017, Palestinian Artist Ahmed Dari curated a photo exhibition at the premises of the United Nations’ headquarters in Geneva to mark the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine.

The photos included portraits taken by well-known 19th-century photographers such as Felix Bonfils, who arrived in Palestine in 1880 and focused on Nazareth and Bethlehem, and French photographer Dumas.

The collection also featured works from Jerome and Jean Tharaud, as well as researcher Sarah Graham-Brown.

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

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Photos from gaza by Kegham Djeghalian

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PALESTINE

PALESTINE : ‘Palestine 36’ shines light on Arab revolt against British rule

In “Palestine 36,” director Annemarie Jacir recounts a year of Arab revolt against British colonial rule that she says is crucial to understanding current events in the Middle East.

“You can’t understand where we are today without understanding 1936,” Jacir told AFP a day after the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Palestinian filmmaker, who lives in the Israeli city of Haifa, was motivated to make the film, in part, to redress a lack of awareness about the consequences of British policies during the so-called mandate period, before Israel’s creation in 1948.

“I wanted to really point the finger at the British,” she said.

The film features a mostly Arabic-speaking cast, including Hiam Abbass from HBO’s “Succession,” and Jeremy Irons as a British high commissioner unsettled by rising violence and protests against the colonial administration.

With Jewish immigration from Europe increasing and Palestinian villagers concerned about further loss of land, Arab support for armed revolt against the British surges.

The film details the brutal crackdown launched to contain the violence.

Villagers are beaten, people are arrested en masse while soldiers torch homes after searching them for weapons.

They are tactics Jacir said Israel’s army learned from the British and have used since against Palestinians living under occupation.

But Jacir — who was born in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank — told AFP a key goal of the film was to shine a spotlight on the British colonial practice of divide and rule, which was used across the empire.

The narrative in “Palestine 36” builds toward the publication of the Peel Commission’s report, a British inquiry into the causes of Arab and Jewish unrest in Palestine.

The commission recommended Palestine be partitioned — with separate areas for Jews and Arabs — a finding that influenced the United Nations-backed partition plan that coincided with Israel’s creation.

“It was a British policy: first, we’ll bring (Arabs and Jews) together,” Jacir said.

Then “we separate… It was a tactic of control,” she added.

Jacir said the reception for the film at Friday’s world premiere was overwhelming.

“Yesterday was crazy,” she told AFP, an outpouring of support likely tied to widespread outrage over the conflict in Gaza.

She voiced hope that the film could foster broader awareness about the lasting impacts of the British mandate period in Palestine.

“I’m shocked how many people have told me when I tell them about the film, they were like, ‘the British were in Palestine?'”

British rule, she said, was “decisive.”

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

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Annemarie Jacir, director of “Palestine 36” at The Toronto International Film Festival (Photo: AFP)

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PALESTINE

SAUDI ARABIA : Jomana Alrashid becomes first Saudi named to Time’s annual TIME100 Next list

Alrashid’s inclusion highlights her pioneering leadership and marks a milestone moment for Saudi women on the global stage

Under her leadership, SRMG has redefined how Arab media engages with audiences, while nurturing new generations of talent

Jomana R. Alrashid, CEO of Saudi Research and Media Group and chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, has made history as the first Saudi to be recognized on Time magazine’s TIME100 Next list.

An expansion of the iconic TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world, TIME100 Next highlights 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science, activism and more.

Alrashid’s inclusion highlights her pioneering leadership in business and media and marks a milestone moment for Saudi women on the global stage. Alongside Alrashid, the list includes names such as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, international football phenom Lamine Yamal, Irfaan Ali, the president of Guyana, and many more influential and emerging leaders in their respective fields.

Time magazine described Alrashid as “an architect of the Middle East’s shifting media landscape.” Since her appointment in 2020 as the first female CEO of SRMG, she has spearheaded the company’s comprehensive digital-first transformation, launched innovative media verticals and forged landmark global partnerships. These efforts have been reflected in the rapid growth of SRMG’s stock, signifying extensive trust by investors in her business development and management strategies across the media entertainment and technology sectors. Under her leadership, SRMG has redefined how Arab media engages with audiences, while nurturing new generations of talent.

As chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, she has championed the growth of the film industry across the Arab world, Africa and Asia, driving initiatives to empower filmmakers and foster international collaboration. This commitment has culminated in an unprecedented achievement, with over 80 supported films premiering and garnering awards and international recognition at the world’s most prestigious festivals, including Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Toronto and Sundance.

These are filmmakers and their stories that once struggled to find a place in the international film industry, now making their mark on the global stage. Today, the Red Sea International Film Festival stands as a premier global destination for cinema, culture and creativity.

Alrashid commented on the recognition: “I am deeply honored to be included in the TIME100 Next list. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the extraordinary teams I have the privilege to work with at SRMG and the Red Sea Film Foundation. It is also a testament to the vision and leadership that have driven the remarkable transformation taking place across Saudi Arabia and the wider region — a future built on innovation, creativity and storytelling that resonates globally.”

Alrashid’s selection underscores not only her growing global influence but also the pivotal role of Saudi Arabia’s creative and media industries in shaping conversations worldwide. As the Kingdom continues its ambitious cultural and economic transformation, her leadership represents both the spirit of progress and the power of storytelling to inspire and unite communities across the globe.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Jomana R. Alrashid, CEO of Saudi Research and Media Group and chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

ARAB REGION secures $351bn in foreign renewable energy projects: report

The Arab world attracted 360 foreign renewable energy projects between January 2003 and December 2024, with investments surpassing $351 billion and generating more than 83,000 jobs, according to a new report from the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corp., known as Dhaman.

Five countries — Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, Mauritania and Jordan — accounted for 248 projects, or 69 percent of the total, with a combined investment value of $291 billion. These projects alone created nearly 68,000 jobs, representing 82 percent of employment in the sector.

The UAE led regional renewable energy investment over the past two decades, attracting 57 projects worth $88.5 billion, equivalent to a quarter of total investment and generating over 16,000 jobs.

At the corporate level, Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power topped the list by project volume with 20 initiatives, while UAE-based Infinity Power led in value, with projects totaling $34 billion.

Dhaman’s report also highlighted cross-border cooperation, noting that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt invested in 90 interconnected projects worth $113 billion, accounting for a quarter of all foreign-backed activity and creating 22,000 jobs.

Looking ahead, electricity generation across 15 Arab countries is projected to expand by 4.2 percent, exceeding 1,500 terawatt-hours in 2025 and rising to 1,754 terawatt-hours by 2030. Production will remain concentrated in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iraq and Algeria, which together represent nearly three-quarters of output.

Consumption is expected to climb 3.5 percent to 1,296 terawatt-hours in 2025, led by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Algeria and Kuwait.

Trade in electricity and power generation equipment also surged, with foreign trade in the sector up 8 percent to $39.2 billion in 2024. Exports increased 9 percent to $7.6 billion, while imports rose 7.8 percent to $31.5 billion. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco, Iraq and Qatar accounted for 81 percent of this trade.

Turkiye emerged as the region’s top electricity exporter at $446 million, while the US dominated power equipment supply at $6.6 billion. On the import side, Libya was the largest regional buyer of electricity at $59 million, while France topped power equipment imports at $593 million.

Headquartered in Kuwait, Dhaman was established in 1974 as a joint Arab entity owned by member states and four regional financial institutions. Its latest report is the second 2025 sectoral study focused on electricity and renewable energy in Arab economies.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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At the corporate level, Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power topped the list by project volume with 20 initiatives, while UAE-based Infinity Power led in value, with projects totaling $34 billion. File

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ARAB REGION

QATAR , international partners launch Global Autism Alliance at UN General Assembly

The initiative aims to ensure that individuals with autism can access meaningful opportunities and social integration worldwide.

Qatar, in collaboration with international partners, has launched the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition (GAAC), calling on the global community to join forces in supporting people with autism and their families.

The initiative, announced during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, aims to move beyond awareness and promote concrete collective action for a more inclusive future worldwide.

The GAAC, led by Qatar Foundation (QF) alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Autism Speaks, was unveiled during the UN’s High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being.

Current estimates suggest that around 80 million people globally, approximately one percent of the world’s population, are on the autism spectrum, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international support.

The coalition seeks to advance autism on the global agenda, encouraging governments, NGOs, charities, and private sector partners to allocate resources, develop inclusive policies, and share knowledge across research, education, technology, and community engagement.

Minister of Public Health, Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, described the coalition as “a beacon of what can be achieved when nations unite for good. By working together, we can improve the lives of millions of individuals with autism, helping them reach their full potential and showing the world that collective action delivers hope, dignity, and opportunity,” according to the Ministry of Social Development and Family’s press release.

Buthaina bint Ali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family, highlighted Qatar’s pioneering role in autism support.

“This moment reflects the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whose leadership has long advanced dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with autism. In 2017, Qatar launched its first national autism strategy, creating a foundation for inclusive policies and services. Since then, Qatar has championed the rights of the autistic community through early diagnosis, education, and community services, ensuring inclusion at every stage of life,” she said.

She added, “Looking ahead, innovation must remain central to continued progress. For us, innovation is not only about technology, but also about re-imagining how social systems, family support, and community engagement work together so every individual can contribute meaningfully to society.”

Associate Professor Dena Al Thani, Co-Founder of the Autism Sensing Center of Excellence at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, emphasised priority areas for international cooperation, including early diagnosis, investment, and technological innovation in autism assessment and intervention.

Hilal Lashuel, Research, Development, and Innovation Advisor at QF, said: “Having a global voice for autism and launching supportive platforms for individuals with autism has become a global necessity, not a choice. Autism is a worldwide challenge that requires a global response and resources beyond the capacity of any single country or institution. One of the coalition’s main objectives is to strengthen integrated international collective action across all fields, translating decades of hope, investment, and progress into tangible solutions that positively impact individuals with autism and their families.”

Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, has long championed global autism awareness. She said in a post on X: ““I welcome the launch of the Global Autism Advocacy Coalition, marking a milestone that shifts our efforts beyond awareness to collective action. This platform urges the international community to embrace its shared responsibility in addressing autism. As the first coalition of its kind, it will ensure autism becomes an international priority.”

She added, “The State of Qatar’s commitment to the causes of autism extends beyond its national border and is rooted in our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling life. On this occasion, I urge governments, stakeholders, and development partners to move beyond awareness and commit to concrete collective action, including the meaningful allocation of necessary resources.”

Sheikha Moza’s leadership has been instrumental in raising international attention to autism, with her 2007 proposal leading to the UN General Assembly’s adoption of World Autism Awareness Day, held annually on 2 April.

Through Qatar Foundation programmes, including the Renad Academy, and the newly launched Autism Strategy 2025-2035, Qatar continues to expand inclusivity, research, and support services for individuals with autism, setting a global example for collaboration and meaningful action.

source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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QATAR

SAUDI ARABIA : World Bank establishes regional hub in Riyadh 

The World Bank has opened a new regional hub in Riyadh to serve the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, as the Washington-based lender continues to boost its presence in the region. 

According to a press statement, the new Riyadh hub will be co-located with the World Bank Group’s Gulf Cooperation Council regional office, bringing its leadership closer to country teams, clients, and regional partners.

The opening of the new regional hub signals the deepening ties between the World Bank and Saudi Arabia, as in December, the lender signed a strategic agreement to launch a new global knowledge hub in Riyadh to facilitate regional and global knowledge exchange, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing global development impact.

Commenting on the opening of the new regional hub, Ousmane Dione, vice president of the World Bank for the MENAAP region, said: “Riyadh is not only a gateway to the region’s transformation, but also a powerful platform for global knowledge exchange and policy innovation.” 

He added: “It is especially meaningful to mark this relocation on Saudi National Day, a moment that celebrates the Kingdom’s transformation and its growing role as a global convener of development knowledge.” 

In the press statement, the lender added that the opening of the new regional hub aligns with the 50th anniversary of technical cooperation between the World Bank and Saudi Arabia. 

In recent months, the institution has awarded a $650 million disaster management loan for Turkiye, a $146 million grant to Syria to help restore reliable, affordable electricity, and $930 million in financing to help improve Iraq’s railway performance, boost domestic trade, and diversify the country’s economy away from oil. 

The regional hub development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s government-backed regional headquarters program, launched in 2021, which offers incentives such as a 30-year corporate income tax exemption and withholding tax relief, alongside regulatory support for multinationals operating in the Kingdom.

A Saudi Press Agency report in March said that over 600 international companies, including Northern Trust, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Deloitte, have already established their regional bases in Saudi Arabia.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The new Riyadh hub will be co-located with the World Bank Group’s Gulf Cooperation Council regional office, bringing its leadership closer to country teams, clients, and regional partners. Shutterstock

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SAUDI ARABIA