SAUDI ARABIA : Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art

Safeya Binzagr helped bridge the cultural link between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Katakura Kunio, the former Japanese ambassador to Egypt, Iraq, and the UAE, has paid tribute to Safeya Binzagr, who passed away last week, emphasizing the profound impact of her contributions to enhancing Japan’s cultural ties with Saudi Arabia.

Binzagr, known as the “mother” of Saudi Arabia’s fine art movement and a symbol of Vision 2030, helped bridge the cultural link between Japan and Saudi Arabia and was the aunt of current Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.

Katakura, chairman of Japan’s Foundation for Desert Culture, fondly recalled Safeya’s “warm and encouraging nature” toward him and his late wife, Motoko.

“Her support was instrumental in Motoko’s cultural anthropological fieldwork in Wadi Fatima,” he said. “She always welcomed the foundation’s follow-up missions with open arms, fostering a deep and personal connection with us.”

Katakura said Binzagr was not only a gifted artist whose work inspired many but also a cherished friend and mentor. Her passion for creativity and dedication to her paintings left an indelible mark, and her artistic legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Ambassador Binzagr commented: “Building a cultural bridge is the core for creating a distinguished future between two countries and I strive, as an ambassador, to support this because it creates an opportunity for common interests to rise to a common outlook and mutually supportive values.

“The mission carried out by my late aunt will continue (in) the making of a new era. She was one of the pillars that paved the way for this through her dedication to building and promoting the culture of the arts for future generations. The Kingdom considers her the mother of the cultural heritage of creative fine arts.”

The ambassador said there are ongoing efforts to further collaboration between Japan’s Foundation for Desert Culture and prominent foundations in the Kingdom to build upon the cultural ties between the two countries.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Late Safeya Binzagr and Professor Katakura. (National Museum of Ethnology, Japan & Kanakawa Foundation)

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SAUDI ARABIA

OMAN : Maria Mohammed Al Rahbi student of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Wins 02nd place in International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) 2024 competition

Maria Mohammed Al Rahbi, a student of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), won second place at the individual level in the World Photography Cup for Universities and Higher Education Institutions 2024.

Maria Al Rahbi is a computer science major at the University’s College of Science and a member of the photography group at the Deanship of Student Affairs. She took part in the contest as part of a team representing SQU after the competition was announced to all higher education institutions around the world.

Each institution is allowed to participate with a maximum of 5 students. Each student can compete with 4 photos.

The competition was organized by the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and it saw the participation of 88 universities from around the world.

The jury included prominent specialists in the world of photography, including photographers from National Geographic society, the Silk Road Photography Organisation, and officials from the International Federation of Photographic Art or “Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique” (FIAP).

It is worth noting that the award will be presented at a ceremony in China in October 2024 as part of similar events that include an international conference and a photography exhibition.

Fifteen of Maria Al Rahbi’s works of art will be displayed in FIAP wings. On the sidelines of the award ceremony, Maria will participate in a workshop to be attended by international photographers.

source/content: timesofoman.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

    IRAQ: Dr. Azhar Hussein Saleh, First Iraqi Woman to receive the ‘Arab Woman of Excellence Award’. Only Woman in Arab Region to Head a Syndicate of Engineers.

    Dr. Azhar Hussein Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning and the head of Syndicate of Iraqi Engineers, received the Arab Woman of Excellence Award in the field of public service.

    In an interview she gave to the Iraqi News Agency, Dr. Saleh said that she received this award, the first Iraqi woman to do so, as the only woman in the Arab region to head a syndicate of engineers, in addition to her other accomplishments. She added that she did not receive the award in person in light of the current circumstances. A ceremony that would allow her to officially receive it from Arab League will be held in Tunis early next year as part of Arab Women Week.

    She goes on to say: “This major award is considered among the most prestigious honoring Arab women.” She then emphasizes that she will continue to move along the same path and work to keep pace with technological development, in order to help her country grow and prosper.

    Dr. Saleh then explained that this award honors the distinguished role Iraqi women play in the development and construction of Iraq despite the difficult circumstances.

    Dr. Saleh holds a Ph.D. in engineering and has held many high-ranking administrative positions; before being an Undersecretary, she had been the General Director of the General Government Contracts Department and Director General of Sector Planning Department at the Ministry of Planning. She also represents Iraq in the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, and has many academic and social achievements to her name.

    source/content: english.aawsat.com (headline edited)

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    Dr. Azhar Hussein Saleh

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    IRAQ

    FUJAIRIAH- U.A.E: Mohammed Al Sharqi meets Gharib Al Yamahi and congratulates him on winning first place in the “Arab Reading Challenge”

    H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, stressed the role of reading and knowledge in developing the skills of the individual and providing him with the expertise and knowledge that enhance his human and societal awareness, pointing to the support and follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, for the achievers among the sons of the Emirates and their empowerment in the process of building the present and future of the nation.

    This came during His Highness’s meeting, in his office at the Emiri Diwan, with the student Ghareeb Mohammed Al Yamahi from the Emirate of Fujairah, who won first place in the People of Determination category at the conclusion of the Arab Reading Challenge qualifiers in its seventh session at the level of the UAE.

    His Highness congratulated the student, Ghareeb Al Yamahi, praising his determination and willpower in facing challenges, overcoming them and achieving the greatest ambitions. His Highness stressed the pivotal role of the family in instilling the value of love of knowledge and learning in the souls of its children, and supporting them to continue their creativity and excellence in various fields.

    Gharib Al Yamahi expressed his happiness at meeting His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah, extending his thanks and appreciation to His Highness for his supportive and encouraging words to the people of Fujairah towards achieving more accomplishments.

    The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah. 

    source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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

     

    MOROCCAN-FRENCH: Would French-Moroccan Karim Bouamrane become the next French PM?

    Often described as the rising star in the French political scene, French-Moroccan Karim Bouamrane stands as a strong candidate for the position of Prime Minister in France.

    Born in 1973 to Moroccan immigrant parents, Karim Bouamrane, the current socialist mayor of Saint-Ouen, had an exceptional journey that is leading him to the position of Prime Minister, garnering admiration in France, Europe, and even the United States.

    Bouamrane, the youngest in a family led by a mason, initially made his mark in politics with the Communist Party before joining the Socialist Party. After working in cybersecurity in Silicon Valley, he returned to France to become the mayor of Saint-Ouen in 2020, the city where he grew up, while also launching his own business.

    He gained significant recognition during the Paris Olympics, hosting Brazilian athletes in Saint-Ouen. Known for his leftist values, he also emphasizes authority, security, and patriotism.

    With a master’s degree in economics and European law, Bouamrane held a leadership role in a cybersecurity company at the dawn of the internet, which allowed him to travel extensively, including to the U.S. In 1995, he was elected to the Saint-Ouen municipal council and later became the Socialist Party’s spokesperson.

    Dubbed the “Obama of the Seine” by the German newspaper Die Welt, Bouamrane is praised for his political acumen and impeccable style. His potential as a future Prime Minister is recognized by both allies and opponents, including a close associate of President Emmanuel Macron.

    His reputation has even reached the U.S., with The New York Times highlighting his inspiring story as the son of an illiterate Moroccan immigrant who worked on construction sites in Paris.

    Supported by influential figures like former Minister Jean-Louis Borloo and banker Matthieu Pigasse, Bouamrane is seen as a transformative leader. His name is frequently mentioned in discussions about future Prime Ministers, reflecting his growing influence and the possibility of making history as a prominent political leader in France.

    source/content: northafricapost.com (headline edited)

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    Mayor of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, Karim Bouamrane poses during a photo session in his office in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, northern surburb of Paris, on February 15, 2024. Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, suburban city of Paris will be one of the host cities for the Paris 2024 Olympics. (Photo by JOEL SAGET / AFP)

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    EGYPT: ‘Da7e7:’ The Digital Brainiac Who’s Making Learning Fun Again

    When you think of YouTube sensations who can turn any topic into a binge-worthy experience, this name is the one that pops up.

    In a world overflowing with content creators, this Egyptian YouTuber stands out as a modern-day educator, transforming dry subjects into exhilarating lessons wrapped in humor and charisma.

    With a knack for breaking down complex topics into digestible chunks, “Da7e7’s” videos are like your favorite comfort food — if comfort food could explain quantum physics or the intricacies of ancient civilizations. 

    With a channel boasting 1.93 million subscribers and 208 videos, this Egyptian YouTuber has become a beacon of educational entertainment

    But Da7e7’s reach doesn’t stop at his own channel. His videos have also found a home on the New Media Academy Life YouTube channel, a hub dedicated to content creation and education. 

    This platform aims to amplify the presence of Arabs in the digital space, and Da7e7’s engaging content is a perfect fit. 

    Through this collaboration, his insightful and humorous videos are reaching an even broader audience, making education not just accessible but highly entertaining.

    His channel, a treasure trove of knowledge and wit, has garnered millions of subscribers who tune in not just to learn but to be entertained. 

    Who knew that physics could be as gripping as a season finale of your favorite drama?

    Da7e7’s approach is anything but ordinary. Imagine sitting in a lecture where the professor actually understands memes, pop culture references, and can make you laugh while dropping knowledge bombs. 

    That’s Da7e7 for you. His ability to connect with a diverse audience, from teens to adults, is what makes him a standout in the digital realm. 

    It’s like he’s the cool teacher we all wish we had, minus the 8 a.m. classes.

    In a landscape where educational content often feels as exciting as watching paint dry, Da7e7’s channel is a breath of fresh air. 

    Each episode feels like a lively conversation with a brilliant friend who has a way of making even the most daunting topics approachable. 

    Plus, his knack for storytelling and his infectious enthusiasm mean that viewers aren’t just learning—they’re eagerly anticipating what will come next.

    So, the next time you’re in the mood for some brainy fun, turn on Da7e7’s channel. 

    Whether you’re a lifelong learner or just someone looking for a few laughs mixed with some knowledge, this YouTube genius has got you covered. 

    Think of it as your personal TED Talk, but with a lot more pizzazz and a lot fewer PowerPoint slides.

    source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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    SAUDI ARABIA : Family of Saudi doctors become Guinness record breakers in cancer awareness stunt

    Rawan Amir, 28, along with twin brothers Amaar and Baraa, 23, as well as Muaaz, 17, are siblings in a wider family of seven doctors.

    Four siblings who are all doctors, or training to become doctors, from Saudi Arabia have broken the Guinness World Records title for the most awareness ribbons on a car with 5,637 ribbons, it was announced this week.

    The ribbons featured 16 different colors, representing major types of cancers as the initiative is aimed at encouraging people to take up early screening.

    Rawan Amir, 28, along with twin brothers Amaar and Baraa, 23, as well as Muaaz, 17, are siblings in a wider family of seven doctors.

    The parents along with another sister are also doctors in different fields. The family lost their grandfather to colon cancer, and their grandmother to ovarian cancer.

    Speaking to Guinness World Records Amaar Amir said: “If we managed to educate at least one person, then there is a possibility that we save a life, which is the greatest deal for us as doctors and medical students.”

    He continued: “Medical students see a lot suffering in this area. Cancer affects lots of people’s lives, and different type of cancers are possible in different ages. The earlier someone know about it the better. This makes a big difference for survivals.”

    The four siblings grew up in a well-educated environment. The parents used to buy books, especially biology ones, and allow their children to read them from an early age.

    According to Amaar, the medical curriculum is very strong in Saudi Arabia, so most of the family studied in the Kingdom, with some continuing their majors in the US.

    Amaar and Baraa are senior medical students, while Rawan is a Cardiology Fellow. Their brother Muaaz is high school graduate who has applied to medical school. Their elder sister is also an Endocrinology Fellow, while their mother is Chief of Pathology, and finally their father is Consultant Nephrologist.

    Living in Dhahran in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, the team used their family car, Toyota Rav 4, for the attempt. They have also used 56,370 centimeters of ribbons, and 21,385 cm of double-sided tape, all cut individually by hand to create 10cm ribbons, and placed on the car.

    The family’s work and study schedules are usually busy, so they decided to do something special and bring benefit to the community. In ribbons and tape, they have used six times the height of The Great Pyramid of Giza, all placed on a single SUV family vehicle.

    “We wanted to apply to break a Guinness World Records title because it is the gold standard in providing a platform for talented people and unique achievements. We know that our Nobel cause will reach thousands and potentially millions around the world by obtaining this prestigious certificate,” Amaar added.

    source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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    The ribbons featured 16 different colors, representing major types of cancers as the initiative is aimed at encouraging people to take up early screening. (GWR)

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    SAUDI ARABIA: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) performs World’s First fully Robotic Heart Transplant

    Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center has performed the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, Saudi Press Agency reported.

    The two-and-a-half-hour operation was carried out on a 16-year-old patient suffering from end-stage heart failure.

    A medical team led by Dr. Feras Khaliel, head of Cardiac Surgery and director of the Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program at KFSHRC, performed the operation after weeks of preparation.

    The pioneering achievement, overcoming significant medical challenges associated with such procedures, reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in healthcare, and highlights KFSHRC’s ability to innovate medical practices, SPA said.

    The process began with detailed theoretical planning to ensure precision and minimize potential risks.

    The team devised a surgical approach to access the heart and perform the transplant without opening the chest of the patient.

    To ensure the effectiveness of this approach, the team practiced the procedure virtually seven times over three days before carrying out the operation.

    The successful operation has been hailed as a significant development in heart transplant surgery, moving away from traditional chest-opening procedures that require long recovery periods, often lasting months.

    Robotic technology allows for minimally invasive surgery, reducing pain, shortening recovery time, and minimizing the risk of complications. This significantly improves patients’ quality of life and accelerates recovery.

    KFSHRC CEO Dr. Majid Al-Fayyad said that the successful operation marked another major advance in heart transplant surgery, first performed in the 1960s.

    “The success of the world’s first robotic heart transplant marks a transformative leap, not only for our institution but also for Saudi Arabia’s journey toward global leadership in specialized medicine, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which places innovation at the core of its efforts to improve quality of life,” he said.

    “This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Saudi leadership, who have prioritized the development of the healthcare sector, paving the way for a transformative leap in health care services, unlocking new possibilities to elevate the quality of life for patients both locally and globally,” he added.

    The breakthrough aligns with KFSHRC’s commitment to medical innovation. As a leading training center in robotic organ transplant surgery, KFSHRC contributes to advancing the global understanding of minimally invasive organ transplants by collaborating with medical institutions worldwide to train their medical teams and achieve better outcomes, further elevating global medical practices.

    source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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    Saudi hospital conducts world’s first fully robotic heart transplant. (SPA)

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    SAUDI ARABIA

    PALESTINIAN AFP Photographer Mahmud Hams Wins Visa d’Or News Award

    Palestinian AFP photojournalist Mahmud Hams was awarded the Visa d’Or News prize on Saturday for his coverage of the conflict in Gaza. The prize, one of the most prestigious in the field of photojournalism, is supported by the Visa pour l’Image Association – Perpignan.

    Amidst the bombings, with death ever-present and the constant fear of being targeted, Mahmud Hams, who has worked for AFP for over two decades in the Palestinian territories, has relentlessly continued to document the war ignited by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. 

    “I spent my childhood in Gaza, and in 23 years of photojournalism, I have witnessed every war, every conflict there. But this war is unlike any other, without precedent from the very first day,” says Hams. “My colleagues and I have had to face incredibly difficult conditions, with no red lines and no protections for anyone. There were even attacks targeting journalists’ offices, which are supposed to be off-limits in times of war.” 

    “Many journalists have been killed; others wounded. I’ve also lost friends and loved ones. We struggled to keep our families safe,” he explains. “Yet, despite the ever-present danger, I continued to cover the conflict because it is my duty, the one I chose when I embraced the profession of journalism.”

    “I stayed calm, for my family, and to carry out my mission until the very last moment,” says Hams, who left Gaza with his family in February. “I hope the photos we take show the world that this war, and the suffering, must end,” he adds.

    “Mahmud and his colleagues, photographers and journalists from AFP in the Gaza Strip, have carried out extraordinary work in every respect, considering the conditions in which they lived with their families and loved ones,” remarks Éric Baradat, AFP’s Deputy News Director for Photo, Graphics, Data and Archives. “It is staggering and often unimaginable. Their testimony will be recorded in history.”

    After October 7, AFP relied on its Gaza bureau, staffed by nine journalists, to cover the war from within the besieged Palestinian territory. On November 2, the office building, which had been evacuated a few days earlier, was badly damaged by a strike, probably caused by Israeli tank fire, according to an investigation conducted by AFP and several international media outlets.

    Having remained in Gaza for several months with no way to leave, all AFP staff and their families have since been evacuated. The Agency continues to report on the war through other Palestinian journalists, working closely with its Jerusalem office, which has been leading the coverage since the beginning of the conflict.

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    Photojournalist Mahmud Hams, aged 44, holds a degree in Journalism and Information from the Islamic University of Gaza. He joined AFP in 2003 and has since covered daily news in the Gaza Strip. He has also reported from Libya and Egypt. Mahmud Hams left Rafah in February 2024 with his family and has since been working for AFP in Qatar. 

    AFP’s Gaza-based Palestinian photographer Mahmud Hams. © AFP

    Previous Awards:

    • First Prize in the “News Story” category for his coverage of Gaza at the 10th edition of the Istanbul Photo Awards (organised by Anadolu Agency) in April 2024;
    • First Prize in Photography at the 25th Bayeux Calvados-Normandy War Correspondents Award for his photograph of Palestinian protester Saber al-Ashkar, aged 29, throwing stones during clashes with Israeli forces (“Great March of Return”) along the Gaza Strip’s border east of Gaza City on 11th May 2018.This photo also received the Varenne International Photo Award in December 2018.

    source/content: afp.com (headline edited)

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    Rescuers pull a child out of the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 24, 2023. © Mahmud Hams / AFP

    Palestinians fleeing the north of Gaza City, walking past Israeli army tanks on November 24, 2023. © Mahmud Hams / AFP

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    OMAN : Salalah Port ranks as second most efficient container port in the world

    The Port of Salalah retained its position as the second most efficient container port in the world, according to the 2023 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI). Additionally, Salalah Port claimed the top spot in the West Central and South Asia region.

    The CPPI, developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, is based on an extensive dataset from 405 ports worldwide, the largest to date. This dataset comprises over 182,000 vessel calls, 238.2mn moves, and approximately 381mn twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the full calendar year of 2023.

    Port performance is measured by the efficiency of vessel turnaround time, known as ‘Total Port Hours’ – the total duration from when a ship reaches the port limits, pilot station, or anchorage zone until it departs the berth after completing its cargo exchange.

    According to the report, the Port of Salalah, with 1,146 vessel calls, achieved 164.72 index points, ranking second only to Yangshan in China, which had 3,509 vessel calls and an index score of 177.9.

    Amidst the changes in global rankings caused by regional disruptions, China’s Yangshan Port retained its first-place position, while the Port of Salalah secured its second-place ranking. The Port of Cartagena in Colombia moved up to third place, Tanger-Mediterranean in Morocco held fourth, and Malaysia’s Tanjung Pelepas Port rounded out the top five.

    Salalah Port’s strategic location, expanding connectivity, and world-class operations provide its customers with a significant competitive edge in the region. As a vital transshipment hub, Salalah also plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy in Dhofar by offering exceptional connectivity for importers and exporters to trade globally.

    The port’s high efficiency enhances local business confidence and attracts investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI).

    The Port of Salalah is currently carrying out a $300mn container terminal upgrade and expansion project. Next week, the port will receive the final four out of ten new ZPMC ship-to-shore cranes. The first cranes, with a 75-meter/26-container outreach, arrived at the start of 2024 and are currently being commissioned and tested to start operations.

    Once the project is completed in the first quarter of 2025, annual capacity at the terminal will increase from 5mn to 6mn TEUs. The extra capacity will allow it to efficiently serve as a key hub for the Gemini Cooperation – a long-term operational collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, which will start in February 2025, with additional capacity available for other shipping lines.

    “Retaining this title for the third consecutive year reaffirms our strong commitment to continuous performance improvement, even during challenging times,” said Keld Christensen, CEO of the Port of Salalah.

    Scott Selman, Chief Operating Officer of Salalah Port, said, “I am pleased to see the Port of Salalah retaining our position despite the challenges to global container trade that have negatively impacted vessel schedules. The year 2023 has been particularly challenging operationally due to the ongoing Container Terminal upgrade construction.”

    source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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