Tag: Records of MENA

UAE / QATAR : Mohammed bin Rashid Honours UAE’s Amnah Al Mansoori and Qatar’s Abdullah Al Berri as the joint ‘7th Arab Reading Champions 2023’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, honoured winners of the Arab Reading Challenge 2023 at the concluding event of the 7th edition, which also saw awards granted to Community Champion, Outstanding Supervisor and Best School, as well as the People of Determination Champion.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid honoured Abdullah Mohammad Abdullah Al Berri from Qatar, and Amnah Mohammad Al Mansoori from the UAE, who tied for the first place as the Arab Reading Champions 2023.

The challenge in its 7th edition saw a record participation of 24.8 million students from 46 countries, representing over 188,000 schools under the mentorship of around 150,000 supervisors.

Speaking to an audience of over 1,500 people attending the event at the Dubai Opera, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stressed that the “Future welcomes those armed with knowledge. It resides inside of books. Those who read today will get to write chapters in the book of tomorrow.”

His Highness said, “We are thrilled to witness the competitive spirit among Arab students, and to have met a generation of young minds who believe books are the best way to build the future.

“Reading is the key to understanding ourselves and the world around us. It is the compass that has outlined the path of human civilization and will continue to be the driver to better human life. The Arab Reading Challenge continues to reveal bright Arab minds, capable of miraculous feats,” he added.

“We are proud of our Arab students and their commitment to the Arabic language. We deeply believe in their ability to preserve it and unlock endless horizons of knowledge. The UAE will always stand behind the Arab youth and help spread our Arab culture. This is a responsibility we all share.

“This year, we have 24.8 million champions, I congratulate you all, and thank all participating ministries of education and educators, as well as everyone who has contributed to this success. The Arab Reading Challenge is for everyone, because acquiring knowledge requires no permission,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed concluded.

The event was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence.

Investing in People
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, said that since its launch by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2015, the Arab Reading Challenge continues to evolve and break records, reflecting the visions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for investing in people, enabling the new generation to gain knowledge and encouraging them to read and enrich the Arab cultural scene. The initiative fosters a strong connection to the Arabic language and highlights its role as a key component of the Arab identity.

“Honouring the 7th Arab Reading Challenge Champions is an acknowledgment of excellence, perseverance and willpower of students, and of the dedication of tens of thousands of schools and educators.

“The Arab Reading Challenge will continue to grow in quality and quantity, further inspiring and impacting the lives of students who have grown more knowledgeable and more attached to their mother tongue. Just as addition of the People of Determination category this year represented a milestone, the Challenge will continue to introduce new ideas and updates that reflect its ambition and its mission,” Al Gergawi added.

Fierce Competition
The final round of qualification for 1st place winners at witnessed fierce competition among the students who already passed several qualifiers, with Abdullah Mohammad Al Berri from Qatar and Amnah Mohammad Al Mansoori from the UAE emerging as joint Champions receiving the 1st place award of AED 500,000 each.

Naema Jehad Rajoub from Syria and Mohammad Walid Abdullatif from Egypt (Ministry of Education) tied for second place and received an award of AED 100,000 each.

People of Determination
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum honoured winners of the newly added People of Determination Champion category, which saw the participation of 22,506 students. Yousuf bin Dawoud from Tunisia won 1st place and an award of AED 200,000, followed by Abdullah Ammar Mohammad Al Sayyed from Egypt (Ministry of Education) in second place, earning an award of AED 100,000, while Zaid bin Tariq Al Adi from Oman won 3rd place and an award of AED 50,000.

Community Champion
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed also honoured winners of the Community Champion category for students participating in the Arab Reading Challenge from non-Arab countries as well non-Arabs. The 1st place title was awarded to Mohammed Abdulraqib Ali Ahmed Al Kawkabani from Malaysia, who received an award of AED 100,000.

Maram Saddouqi from France came in 2nd place and received AED 70,000, while Hussain Mustafa Ihsan from Türkiye came in third and received AED 30,000.

Outstanding Supervisor
The Outstanding Supervisor Award, presented by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, went to Samaher Al Sawaei from Jordan, who outshined 149,826 reading supervisors taking part in the 7th edition of the challenge and received a AED 300,000 award. Winners of the 2nd and 3rd places for this category are Fuad bin Medyef Al Talhi from KSA (winning an award of AED 100,000) and Noorah Al Shehhi from the UAE (winning an award of AED 50,000), respectively.

Best School
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the King Abdullah II School for Excellence in Jordan with the Best School Award and an AED 1 million prize. It was followed by Saudi Arabia’s Mawaheb Al Watan School, which received an AED 500,000 award, while the Martyr Pilot Ali Mohammed Ali School from Egypt came in third place and received an award of AED 300,000.

With 100 percent student participation, the King Abdullah II School for Excellence has launched several initiatives to highlight the challenge and nurture the love of reading among its students, organised several meetings with authors, poets and intellectuals, and signed partnerships with Yarmouk University and other institutions to support its initiatives.

Tours for Knowledge
The Arab Reading Challenge delegations visiting the UAE to attend the event had an extensive and enriching program that toured the emirate. The delegations visited the Mohammed bin Rashid Library and toured its various sections, learning about the millions of research works offered by the smart library to students and academics via the UAE’s largest database.

Another visit to the Global Village, a major family entertainment destination in Dubai, introduced the students to the myriad of cultures of the world through entertainment shows, craft displays and food. The delegations also visited Motion Gate, the Hollywood-inspired theme park and part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Record Achievements
The 7th Arab Reading Challenge builds on its success story since 2015, further contributing to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for preparing a future generation who loves reading and knowledge, capable of expressing their identity in Arabic and are keen on learning and using this rich language in their day-to-day interactions.

The Arab Reading Challenge also helps build a value system that encourages youth to learn about other cultures, which instils the principles of tolerance and coexistence, and opens the door for a global open dialogue.

source/content: emirates247.com (headline edited)

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By E247

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U.A.E / QATAR

TUNISIAN Mohamed Ghassen Nouira Revives Ancient Phoenician Craft of making Tyrian Purple Dye from Sea Snail Shells

He takes on an incredible journey!

Mohamed Ghassen Nouira, a history-obsessed Tunisian, revives in his garden an antiquated craft that was once considered a sign of riches in the ancient world: making purple dye from sea snail shells.

A while back, while taking a leisurely walk along the beach in Carthage, a suburb of Tunis in northern Tunisia, Nouira stumbled upon a murex shell. This discovery evoked memories of his history classes and sparked a desire to recreate the ancient dye.

The historical importance of Tyrian purple cannot be overstated. This color, also known as Tyrian purple, was highly coveted in ancient times and reserved exclusively for the aristocracy. The Phoenicians, who originated in what is now Lebanon, had a thriving trade in Tyrian purple, which was essential to the development of their trading empire. They did this by establishing colonies all across the Mediterranean, notably Carthage, which later became an autonomous empire and ruled the western Mediterranean for centuries.

Today, Carthage exists as a suburb of Tunis, where the ancient Punic civilization’s remains may still be seen along the city’s hillsides, and the ancient Punic harbor still has its original shape after a thousand years.

Murex shells from that time, when Carthage and its trade routes changed the Mediterranean region, are scattered over its shores. The method for obtaining Tyrian purple from murex shells was lost throughout the years, but Nouira set out on a mission to revive the lost art.

Nouira dedicated 14 years of his life to unraveling the production process of Tyrian purple. At first faced with doubt and criticism for his unconventional hobby, he remained steadfast in his pursuit. His detractors eventually turned into admirers when observable results started to surface, giving him encouragement that strengthened his resolve.

He buys murex fillets from a nearby fisherman, removes the glands, grinds the shells, then ferments and cooks them. He follows meticulous procedures and succeeds in creating a little amount of purple powder. The magnitude of the operation is enormous—54 kilograms of murex shells are needed to produce only one gram of Tyrian purple. Production of dye is economically feasible given the volume needed. But the purple powder he painstakingly creates now sells for a hefty price of around $2,500 per gram. Its allure stems from both its rarity and authenticity, which connects the present with a time of wealth and grandeur.

source/content: abouther.com / Natalie Kebbe

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TUNISIA

SAUDI ARABIA sets Guinness World Record for ‘Longest Phrase Written with Coffee Beans’ – the Phrase ‘Heritage Commission’ written with 6088 Saudi Khawlani Coffee Beans

The phrase, “Heritage Commission,” was written on a board with 6088 Saudi Khawlani coffee beans.

In a new achievement added to the achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Heritage Authority announced that it had set a Guinness Book of World Records for the longest phrase written with coffee beans.

The phrase, “Heritage Commission,” was written on a board with 6088 Saudi Khawlani coffee beans.

This comes as part of the World Heritage Day activities that the Commission recently held at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh.

The Heritage Authority received the registration certificate in the presence of a representative of the Guinness Book of Records and representatives of the Heritage Authority.

This record in Guinness World Records comes in the context of the Heritage Authority’s keenness to enhance the Authority’s presence in organizations and encyclopedias worldwide to inform the international community of the importance of the cultural heritage sector in the Kingdom and the attention and care it receives.

Saudi Khawlani coffee

It is noteworthy that the Saudi Khawlani coffee is considered one of the finest types of coffee, and its cultivation was associated with the customs of the people of the region, their poetry, their songs and their economy.

In 2022, UNESCO added Saudi Arabia’s Khawlani coffee and the skills and knowledge associated with its cultivation to its list of intangible cultural heritage.

source/content: siasat.com (headline edited)

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The painting that entered the Guinness Book of Records. Photo: SPA

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA Elected as Vice President of UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport in the meeting in Paris

Saudi Arabia was elected vice president of the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport through 2025 during a meeting at the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization headquarters in Paris on Friday.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 191 countries.

Abdulaziz Al-Massaad, undersecretary of the Saudi Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, who will fill the UNESCO post, praised the unlimited support of sports offered by the Saudi leadership, and highlighted the directives of Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal.

Al-Massaad emphasized that the Saudi leadership is keen to ensure the Kingdom’s participation in various international sporting forums and events.

Al-Massaad thanked the Kingdom’s ambassador to France, Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili; the secretary-general of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Bulahid; and the staff of the Kingdom’s permanent delegation to UNESCO for their efforts.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

U.A.E: First Emirati and First Arab Doctor – Dr. Mona Tahlak Elected the new President of the International Hospital Federation (IHF) at the World Hospital Congress, Lisbon

Emirati doctor Mona Tahlak, Executive Director of Medical Affairs at Dubai Academic Health Corporation (DHC), Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and Executive Director of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) for Medical Affairs and Executive Director of Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, was elected President of the International Hospital Federation (IHF) during the World Hospital Congress held in Lisbon, to be the first Arab woman to hold this high international position in the International Hospital Federation since its inception, in a new achievement added to the record of achievements of Emirati women thanks to The support provided by the wise leadership in all sectors.

Dr. Mona Tahlak expressed her gratitude for the support of the wise leadership and her happiness at being chosen as the President of the International Hospital Federation and extended her sincere thanks and appreciation to the wise leadership for its firm commitment to empowering Emirati women, who have excelled in high-level roles in various fields, thanks to the great confidence and opportunities given to them to enhance their progress and excellence in various sectors, especially in the medical sector.


She said that her election in this position not only highlights the progress achieved by Emirati women, but also reflects the distinguished position of the health sector in the UAE, and I am honored to represent the UAE in this great international forum, and to continue the development of the International Hospital Federation with our global expertise.”


During her tenure with the International Hospital Federation (IHF) over the past seven years, Tahlak has highlighted the excellence and success of the UAE’s hospital sector, showcasing the experience and contributions of Emirati women in this field on a global scale.


Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation, congratulated Mona Tahlak on her well-deserved selection as President of the International Hospital Federation, noting her exceptional leadership, experience and valuable contributions to the healthcare system in Dubai and beyond.

He expressed his pride in her achievements in particular, and his appreciation for the exceptional talents of Emirati women on the global stage, in general.
Sharif added that this selection is a great success for all workers within the health sector at the level of the UAE, and a new evidence of the distinguished position reached by Emirati women, and their ability to excel in all fields, especially the medical field, and their responsibility side by side with men in building the renaissance of the UAE.


The IHF’s Board of Directors elects Dr. Mona Tahlak as the new President of the Federation, ending her term as President-designate and starting her two-year term as President-elect of the Federation, succeeding Deborah J. Bowen, CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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   دبي في 27 أكتوبر/وام/ تم انتخاب الطبيبة الإماراتية منى تهلك، المدير التنفيذي للشؤون الطبية في مؤسسة دبي الصحية الأكاديمية نائب مدير جامعة محمد بن راشد للطب والعلوم الصحية للشؤون الطبية المدير التنفيذي لمستشفى لطيفة للنساء والأطفال، رئيساً للاتحاد الدولي للمستشفيات خلال المؤتمر العالمي للمستشفيات الذي عقد في لشبونة، لتكون أول إمرأة عربية تتولى هذا المنصب الدولي الرفيع في الاتحاد الدولي للمستشفيات منذ تأسيسه وذلك في إنجاز جديد يضاف إلى سجل إنجازات المرأة الإماراتية بفضل الدعم الذي توفره لها القيادة الرشيدة في القطاعات كافة.         وعبرت الدكتورة منى تهلك عن امتنانها لدعم القيادة الرشيدة وسعادتها باختيارها لرئاسة للاتحاد الدولي للمستشفيات وتقدمت بجزيل الشكر والتقدير للقيادة الرشيدة على التزامها الراسخ بتمكين المرأة الإماراتية التي تفوقت في أدوار رفيعة المستوى في مختلف المجالات وذلك بفضل الثقة الكبيرة والفرص التي منحتها إياها لتعزيز تقدمها وتفوقها ضمن مختلف القطاعات، لا سيما في القطاع الطبي”.       وقالت إن انتخابها بهذا المنصب لا يسلط الضوء على التقدم الذي حققته المرأة الإماراتية فحسب، بل يعكس أيضاً المكانة المتميزة للقطاع الصحي في دولة الإمارات،  ويشرفني أنا وزميلاتي الإماراتيات أن نمثل دولة الإمارات في هذا المحفل الدولي الكبير، والعمل على مواصلة مسيرة تطوير الاتحاد الدولي للمستشفيات بما نتمتع به من خبرات عالمية “.       وخلال فترة عملها مع الاتحاد الدولي للمستشفيات على مدى السنوات السبع الماضية سلّطت تهلك الضوء على تميز ونجاح قطاع المستشفيات في دولة الإمارات، وعرض تجربة ومساهمات المرأة الإماراتية في هذا المجال على نطاق عالمي.       وهنأ الدكتورعامر شريف، المدير التنفيذي لمؤسسة دبي الصحية الأكاديمية منى تهلك باختيارها  المستحق رئيساً للاتحاد الدولي للمستشفيات، منوهاً بقيادتها الاستثنائية وخبرتها ومساهماتها القيمة في منظومة الرعاية الصحية في دبي وخارجها.        وعبر عن فخره واعتزازه بما قدمته من إنجازات بشكل خاص، وتقديره للمواهب الاستثنائية للمرأة الإماراتية على الساحة العالمية، بشكل عام.        وأضاف شريف أن هذا الاختيار يُعد نجاحاً كبيراً لجميع العاملين ضمن القطاع الصحي على مستوى دولة الإمارات، ودليلاً جديداً على المكانة المتميزة التي وصلت إليها المرأة الإماراتية، وقدرتها على التميز في جميع المجالات، لاسيما المجال الطبي، وتحملها المسؤولية جنباً إلى جنب مع الرجل في بناء نهضة الإمارات.        وبانتخاب مجلس إدارة الاتحاد الدولي للمستشفيات للدكتورة منى تهلك رئيساً جديداً للاتحاد، تنهي بذلك فترة رئاستها كرئيسة معيّنة للاتحاد وتبدأ فترة ولايتها لمدة عامين رئيسة منتخبة للاتحاد خلفًا لديبورا ج بوين، الرئيس التنفيذي للكلية الأمريكية للمديرين التنفيذيين في الرعاية الصحية.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA: ‘World’s Largest Sustainable Farm’ in Wadi bin Hashbal, Asir Region is key to Saudi Arabia’s Agricultural Goals

Saudi Arabia imports about 80 percent of its fruit. But a sustainable farm in Wadi bin Hashbal, in the southwest Asir region, is setting out to reduce that figure by producing up to 60 tons of fruit, field crops and fodder each year.

The sustainable farm, recently recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world, uses treated water to irrigate crops planted across a 3.2 million square meter area.

Irrigation operations are overseen by specialists and carried out in several stages, minimizing the impact on freshwater resources, and promoting responsible water management practices.

This approach aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to address water scarcity and ensure the long-term viability of agricultural activities.

The model farm has more than 14,000 trees and houses five air-conditioned greenhouses along with several other structures. It also includes 50 fields designated for growing fruit trees, in addition to plans to reclaim and cultivate 20 additional fields in the future.

A wide range of crops and fruit trees, including lemons, oranges, tangerines, pomegranates, grapes and figs, highlight the Kingdom’s agricultural diversity.

Speaking to Arab News, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Mujthal, director-general of the Ministry of Environment and Water’s Asir branch, described the research farm as “a new achievement in the name of the nation.”

“It marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia toward sustainable farming. This remarkable achievement also showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to agriculture and environmental conservation,” he said.

The farm also shows that “with the right combination of innovation and commitment, a sustainable future is within our reach.”

Al-Mujthal added: “When you’re talking about something this large, the economics work out well. So, it turns out to be a very profitable farm.”

Model farms display modern irrigation systems, as well as the latest cultivation and animal-rearing techniques, acquainting farmers in the region with the best agricultural practices, he said.

The approach is important to provide food for local communities and reduce reliance on imported products.

“Food security is a matter of national security,” he said.

Al-Mujthal said that the sustainable farm expects to produce 10,700 kg of lemons, 3,500 kg of tangerines, 4,200 kg of oranges and 16,000 kg of pomegranate, among other crops.

According to World Wide Fund for Nature, agriculture is the world’s largest industry, employing more than 1 billion people and generating over $1.3 trillion of food annually. Pasture and cropland occupy about half of the planet’s habitable land, and provide habitat and food for a host of species.

Food security is a priority in Saudi Arabia and sustainable agriculture is gaining widespread attention.

Agricultural operations that are sustainably managed can preserve and restore critical habitats, help protect watersheds, and improve soil health and water quality, while unsustainable practices can have serious impacts on people and the environment.

Sustainable development that aims to capitalize on renewable natural resources is one of Saudi Arabia’s main objectives. The Kingdom also seeks to maintain a stable balance of natural resources through safe and effective management methods.

Resource management is becoming more important as the Saudi population grows, driving up demand for agricultural commodities.

As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has formulated plans to increase the use of technology, promote organic farming and increase the use of water-saving methods.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The sustainable farm was recently recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA re-elected to lead UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Body in 2024

Saudi Arabia will also host UNWTO General Assembly in 2025.

The Executive Council of the UN World Tourism Organization has endorsed the re-election of Saudi Arabia as its president for 2024.

The decision was taken during the council’s meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this week.

Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Executive Council Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: “During the period of the first presidency of the Kingdom in 2023, plenty of initiatives that comprised partnership, innovation, and progress were launched, and the achievements during that period were based on a common vision, cooperation and firm commitment among all members of the organization.

“We have all paved the way to build a vision for a resilient tourism sector, and we look forward to continuing our leadership role in 2024.

“We recall the aspirations and hopes of all member states, and we will strive to implement the goals in a way that ensures the tourism sector continues to achieve economic exchange and cultural and humanitarian rapprochement between countries,” Al-Khateeb added.

He noted the unlimited support of the tourism sector from the Kingdom’s leadership, including the provision of “important international initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development,” such as the establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Global Center announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the Saudi Green Initiative in October 2021.

Al-Khateeb explained that the center had recently announced the launch of an international research center, intended to be a high-level reference body to help accelerate the tourism sector’s transition to climate neutrality.

The minister said that, in alignment with the Kingdom’s vision and commitment to shaping the future of global travel, it had, during its presidency of the Executive Council in 2023, taken a “pioneering role in the tourism sector,” based on a carefully implemented plan. This vision gave priority to global cooperation and formed the basis for “pioneering initiatives that aim to reimagine the tourism sector.” He cited the outline of “a clear and comprehensive roadmap aimed at supporting global cooperation and pioneering initiatives” as an example.

The UNWTO also announced that Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 26th session of its General Assembly in 2025. It will be the first UN General Assembly to be held in the Kingdom.

That announcement came during Al-Khateeb’s participation in the 25th session in Samarkand, which ran from Oct. 16 to 20.

Saudi Arabia is “determined to reshape the global tourism scene,” Al-Khateeb said. The General Assembly’s session in Saudi Arabia will feature a variety of activities aimed at raising awareness of the role of tourism in promoting sustainable development and peace in the world, he added, and will also provide an opportunity for the Kingdom to showcase its tourism and cultural developments and “enhance international cooperation in this important sector.”

On his official X account, Al-Khateeb wrote: “It’s my upmost honor to announce that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 26th General Assembly of the UNWTO in 2025. We will continue to ascend and positively impact the tourism sector in order to achieve the global needs and aspirations.”

In another post, the minister said: “The election of Saudi Arabia to chair the Executive Council of the UN World Tourism Organization for a second term is an affirmation of our commitment to the world to empower the tourism sector globally, and support the ambitious development plans to create promising opportunities.”

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister for tourism, also posted on X, saying: “As we continue to move forward with vision and purpose, the Kingdom proudly steps into the global spotlight once again. Happy to share that Riyadh will host the 26th session of the UN World Tourism Organization General Assembly in 2025.”

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The Executive Council of the UN World Tourism Organization has endorsed the re-election of Saudi Arabia as its president for 2024. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

EGYPT’s Business Heroes: Ayman Bazaraa, Mohamed Ali, Mohamed Alaa, Omar Hagrass & Mustafa Hashisha are Top 5 making it to the 20 Finalists of the 5th edition of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH)

Africa’s Business Heroes Competition saw strong participation by Egyptian entrepreneurs this year, reports Doaa A. Moneim from Rwanda.

Five Egyptian entrepreneurs made it to the top 20 finalists in the fifth edition of the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition held over two days in the Rwandan capital of Kigali this week.

One Egyptian entrepreneur, Ayman Bazaraa, CEO and co-founder of Egypt-based education and training services provider Sprints, has been selected in the top 10. He will compete in the grand finale to be held in Kigali next November. 

The top 10 list also includes businesses from different African countries covering a wide range of sectors including healthcare, industry, retail, education and training, fintech, e-commerce, and sustainable energy. 

The finalists are selected after demonstrating that they are visionary entrepreneurs who embody innovation, resilience, growth potential, and impact on Africa. ABH aims at honouring entrepreneurs who are not only building successful businesses, but are also running mission-driven organisations that generate growth for local communities. 

Egyptian entrepreneurs have managed to keep their position among the top 10 winners since the launch of the first edition of the competition in 2019.

In the 2023 edition, five Egyptian entrepreneurs were praised for the innovative solutions they provide not just to the Egyptian market but also to the African and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets as well. 

Speaking to Al-Ahram Weekly, Bazaraa said that a significant share of Africa’s population is made up of young people, representing around 50 per cent of the population, and this represents great potential that Egyptian entrepreneurs must take into consideration for growth and for the benefit of the whole continent.

Sprints is an end-to-end platform dedicated to bridging the tech talent gap, starting from assessing talent, delivering a customised learning journey, and pairing talent with top-paying jobs, with the aim of supporting its alumnis’ career growth. 

The African market can act as a key stimulator for global growth if its capabilities are seized, Bazaraa said. “Mastering tech-related skills is a must, and the huge African population of young people should get access to them to be able to find jobs at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is threatening traditional jobs,” he added.

Sprints has focused on the Egyptian market with operations enabling it to conduct pilot studies for expansion plans in other African markets including Nigeria and Kenya. Its programmes are available online, which allows young people in other markets to access them.

Another Egyptian contestant, Mohamed Ali, CEO and founder of I Lock, works mainly in electrical safety with a range of products including electrical accessories, multi sockets and cables. 

I Lock, known previously as Power Lock, protects individuals and machines from electrical hazards and creates innovative solutions. Through licensing its patented electrical safety technology, the company is also expanding its global presence and seeking to revolutionise electrical safety.

“The impacts of Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine are the harshest entrepreneurs have had to face over recent years. Yet, we have managed to control the Covid-19 pandemic by adopting a working-from-home model,” Ali told the Weekly.

Ali said that soaring inflation, the weakness of the local currency against the US dollar, and the shortage of dollars in the Egyptian market had been hard for his business.

However, he expects the shortage of dollar liquidity to reflect positively on the Egyptian market as it could push Egyptian entrepreneurs to tap into local products that would contribute to mitigating the pressure.

“It could take a long time until the know-how mechanisms are comprehended and learned, but it will be a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs in various sectors to establish partnerships with big manufacturers to provide them with the components or products they need,” Ali said.

Mohamed Alaa, CEO and co-founder of healthcare services provider Shezlong, also inspired the ABH jury by his innovative business skills. 

Shezlong is an online mental-wellness platform providing comprehensive and affordable healthcare services. The company’s systems and secure data encryption safeguard the quality and reliability of its services. 

“We believe that through innovation mental wellness can be a daily routine for everyone in the region. It means changing people’s lives and saving their lives,” Alaa told the Weekly.

He added that the Shezlong team is working hard on geographical expansion as well as on leveraging advanced technologies, chiefly AI and machine learning, to provide a self-help app for clients.

Another contestant was Omar Hagrass, CEO and co-founder of Trella, a platform that connects shippers to carriers via a digital interface. 

Trella matches specific carriers’ capabilities with shippers’ requirements to provide market-leading reliability and availability at a fraction of the market price. It also allows shippers to track shipments in real time and report key insights on transportation trends and performance. 

“Our business is focusing mainly on transferring commodities 10 per cent more cheaply, and we plan to raise this percentage going forward,” Hagrass said.

 He said there were significant challenges facing the entrepreneurship landscape, mainly the lack of financing, the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, and high interest rates. 

“The soaring inflation, the higher interest rates, and the weakness of the local currency, and the highly active hard currency parallel market, represent serious challenges to entrepreneurs that could erode their businesses growth and expansion plans,” Hagrass said. 

A fifth contestant, Mustafa Hashisha, CEO and co-founder of education and training solutions provider iSpark, said that the Egyptian market was full of potential that entrepreneurs could tap into to start their businesses. 

iSpark provides mainly young people and women with career guidance and developmental opportunities with a focus on career coaching, employment skills, and entrepreneurship education. 

“With reports revealing that an increased number of young people are either unable to make a career decision or want to change career paths, iSpark aims to solve this problem through its human-centred approach to design innovative learning solutions,” Hashisha explained.

He added that his business engages with more than 50 schools, over 30 universities, and over 10 development organisations.

The ABH Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative launched in 2019 by the Jack Ma Foundation and the Alibaba Foundation. 

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

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The semi-finals ofAfrica s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition

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EGYPT

MOROCCO’s Walid Regragui Named ‘Best Arab, International Coach’

Regragui received the award in recognition of the Moroccan national team’s historic achievements under his leadership.

Morocco’s Head Coach Walid Regragui was named the “Best Arab and International Manager” during an award ceremony organized by Sky News Arabia on Sunday.

Regragui received the trophy at the “Legends Night 2023,” the Ramadan evening during which the Abu Dhabi-based news channel hosts and honors renowned sports legends.

Speaking at the ceremony, Wydad AC’s former coach Regragui extended his thanks to Muslims, Arab, and African people for their unconditional and consistent support for Morocco throughout the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

He stressed that his mission was to prove to the world that an African or Middle Eastern team can win the World Cup. “With your trust and support, we will achieve this,” he stressed.

“Next time inshallah we do it,” Regragui said, reiterating that the Atlas Lions are capable of becoming the first African and Arab team to win the global tournament.

In addition, he extended his thanks to King Mohammed VI for supporting the national team throughout their journey in Qatar.

Under the leadership of Regragui, the Moroccan squad managed to defy all odds and achieve the unexpected, becoming the first Arab and African team to reach the World Cup’s semi-finals in 2022.

After not having qualified for the round of 16 since 1986, Morocco not only broke the 36-year-long curse, but also managed to beat and send home some of the world’s top football giants, including Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.

Morocco eventually finished fourth after losing to Croatia in the third place play-off. However, the Moroccan national team’s heroics were widely celebrated among football fans from across the world, with many attributing their success to Regragui’s great leadership and tactics.

The widely-celebrated coach has become a national icon and the pride of millions of Moroccans across the world, having led the team to unprecedented success after only a few months in the position.

Besides Regragui, the award ceremony also honored the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF), naming it the Best Arab Federation in recognition of its achievements at both team and club levels.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Morocco’s Head Coach Walid Regragui after receiving the “Best Arab and International Manager” award

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MOROCCO

LEBANESE AMERICAN Filmmaker Ruby Malek shines spotlight on Saudi Talent 

Arab American filmmaker Ruby Malek is shining a spotlight on Saudi talent in the 10-episode docuseries “Herstory” which follows the journeys of Saudi’s modern-day female music stars.  

“We were just fascinated by the amount of talent because a lot of these artists are self-taught. And, you know, there were no music schools that they went to. There wasn’t like a piano teacher that would teach these women,” said Malek to Arab News.  

“A lot of these artists actually didn’t show their identity, didn’t show their faces, and weren’t really out there… We’re still talking about 2020 now, so it wasn’t like now in 2023.”  

Chronicling these artists’ struggles, triumphs and their place in the cultural history of the Kingdom, the series blends the passion for music-infused storytelling Ruby honed making music videos and her skills as a documentarian.  

“I’m the generation that grew up watching MTV, VH1, so I was very into the various reality shows, and that’s what I kind of fell into. I fell into creating reality shows and formats, and so went from music videos to reality shows, documentaries. And then one thing led to another,” said Malek.  

Motivated by the positive changes of Saudi Vision 2030, Malek sought to showcase a side of Saudi Arabia that she had not seen in the West. With the series having opened doors for the creator, she’s excited to continue working in the Kingdom.  

“I actually have been back to Saudi. I shot a show for Vice, and yes, I would definitely (work there again). I mean, as a producer, there’s so much potential and there’s so many stories to be told that I think I will be going there more often and very soon,” she said.  

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Arab American filmmaker Ruby Malek is shining a spotlight on Saudi talent in the 10-episode docuseries “Herstory” which follows the journeys of Saudi’s modern-day female music stars.  

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AMERICAN / LEBANESE