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Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti sets sights on glory at the Crown Prince Camel Festival Awards.
Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti has become a standout name in camel racing circles across the Kingdom — despite his tender years.
The 17-year-old has collected 30 local awards for racing, the most prestigious of which came at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival.
Al-Howaiti said: “I grew up in a family and community that loved camels, used them, and were keen to race as well. We considered it part of our heritage, customs and traditions.”
Hailing from Al-Wajh city, his love for the “ship of the desert” began in childhood years and he soon began training, raising and caring for them, while also following races. Once he had reached the legal age, he began participating in national races himself.
Al-Howaiti has competed in around 80 races, including the Al-Wajh Camel Race, and has won 30 awards so far.
Camel racing is a competitive sport in which the animals undergo training in stages, beginning with being tamed and then moving on to being prepared for races.
Racing has strict rules, the most important of which involves the characteristics of the participating camels — the necessity of descending from purebred Arabian breeds.
Purebred camels are characterized by their slim bodies, agility, and great ability to withstand tough training. There are separate races for different breeds and ages of camels to ensure equal opportunities for all racers.
Al-Howaiti has set his sights for the future. He hopes one day to claim glory at the Crown Prince Camel Festival Awards, No. 1 in prestigious ranks within Saudi society.
Al-Howaiti said: “I hope to see a place and arena for camels in every city within the Kingdom, in appreciation of its (racing’s) status and the legacy it carries that embodies the history of the Kingdom’s civilization.
“In light of the care and attention given to sports in general and camel sports in particular by the Kingdom’s sovereigns, we’re proud to name 2024 as the Year of the Camel.”
He added that the recognition contributed to the cultural and civilizational values of the animal while cementing its place at the heart of Saudi society.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Seventeen-year-old Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti has competed in around 80 races, including the Al-Wajh Camel Race. (SPA)
In a significant initiative that reinforces its leadership in safety infrastructure and innovation, Dubai Civil Defence has launched the world’s first sustainable mobile floating fire station.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s strategy to constantly enhance its fire and rescue services and raise environmental sustainability.
Engineered to provide high efficiency in safeguarding marine activities as well as enhanced coverage and swifter response times, the new mobile floating fire station is set to transform maritime emergency response mechanisms in Dubai. The first of its kind in the world to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, the floating structure is 70% more cost-effective than traditional marine fire stations.
Lieutenant General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director General of Dubai Civil Defense, said: “The deployment of the mobile floating fire station marks a significant step forward in our journey towards achieving global leadership in safety and security. The inauguration of this station not only demonstrates our dedication to generating innovative safety solutions but also aligns with our commitment to contributing to enhance Dubai’s overall infrastructure and services. A significant enhancement to our marine firefighting capabilities, this facility makes Dubai a frontrunner in reducing response times to maritime incidents, with a target response time of just four minutes.”
The launch of the floating station also increases the safety index in maritime navigation and water channels in Dubai with the use of innovative smart solutions, Al Matroushi added. The station’s strategic deployment will ensure comprehensive coverage across Dubai’s maritime and navigational zones that are crucial elements of the emirate’s geography, significantly enhancing Dubai’s responsiveness to accidents at sea, he noted.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the station embodies Dubai’s commitment to environmental conservation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency. With the capability to accommodate 16 individuals, the building stands out for its eco-friendly design. Operating as a mobile marine station, the floating structure eliminates the necessity for dedicated land space, resulting in both cost savings and a significant contribution to reducing carbon footprint and preserving green spaces. Additionally, the floating building showcases mobility with a notable speed of 11 miles per hour.
As Dubai continues to grow as a major hub for maritime trade and tourism, the floating fire station demonstrates the high priority the emirate’s leadership places on driving greater safety innovation and excellence. Through the implementation of innovative solutions and the latest technologies, Dubai Civil Defense continues to provide world-class fire and rescue services, contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in safety and security.
Egypt received on Wednesday a Guinness World Records’ certificate on Rod al-Farag Axis Bridge (Tahya Misr Bridge) passing over the Nile, for being the widest suspension bridge in the world at a width of 67.36 meters.
Guinness World Records website has not yet published news about the new Egyptian record-holder.
Regional Director for the Guinness World Records in the Middle East and North Africa region Talal Omar handed over the certificate to Mohamed Mohsen Salah, President and CEO of Arab Contractors company.
President Abdel Fatah El Sisi attended Wednesday the opening of Rod el Farag Axis Bridge, int the presence of Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli, Presidential Adviser for National and Strategic Projects Sherif Ismail, Transport Minister Kamel el Wazir and a number of high-ranking state officials.
The Arab Contractors, a leading construction company in the Middle East and Africa, officially requested that Rod El-Farag Axis sets a record in the Guinness Book of World Records, said Ahmed Makled, chief executive manager of B Premium, the official partner of Guinness Records in Egypt.
Rod El-Farag Axis (TahyaMisr Bridge) links areas in northern and eastern Cairo with west Cairo. The Egyptian government said that the bridge, which aims to ease traffic and reduce commuting time, is the widest over a waterway.
Makled said that the relevant minimum limit set by Guinness is 65.235 meters, hoping that the bridge will meet other requirements and conditions set by Guinnessto become the world’s widest bridge, replacing Canada’s Port Mann Bridge, which was considered the world’s widest.
Port Mann, which has a width of 65 meters, was opened to traffic in 2012. California’s Bay Bridge was then opened in 2013, to replace Port Mann as the world’s widest. The aforementioned San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge has a width of over 78 meters.
Makled said that the TahyaMisr Bridge will seek to enter the Guinness World Records in the coming few days after it is officially inaugurated.
The construction of the flyover bridge is 100 percentcompleted, said Salah, the CEO of the Arab Contractors, adding that the bridge has been paved.
As many as 4,000 engineers, technicians and other workers have contributed to the construction of the bridge with a cost of LE 5 billion ($292.7 million), Salah said, adding that the second phase of the project costs LE 4 billion.
source/content: egypttoday.com (headline edited)
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The Arab Contractors officially requested that the Rod El-Farag Axis sets a record in the Guinness Book of World Records – Press photo
In recognition of his distinguished work in revitalizing and sustaining Jordanian and Arab cinema, the Arab Cinema Center (ACC) is bestowing its 5th Arab Cinema Personality of the Year Award to Mohannad Al-Bakri,the Managing Director of the Jordanian Royal Film Commission (RFC) during the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, which will run from February 15th to 25th.
The award, which coincides with the ACC’scelebration of its own 10th anniversary, is designed to honor and highlight prominent industry figures whosepersistent contributions have helped elevate the Arabfilm industry in the eyes of the international filmmaking community as a whole.
Al Bakri has been instrumental in rousing the country’s film industry from its slumber sinceassuming his position in 2009 through his development of the commission’s funding and training programs, as well as building local production capacity with the opening of Jordan’s first dedicated film studio complex. Under his guidance,Jordan has become a competitive and enticing destination for filmmakers through a combination of extraordinary landscapes, universally praised production services and its cost-effectiveness as ashooting location.
After starting out at the RFC in 2007 as a capacity-building manager, Al-Bakri quickly rose to the title ofmanaging director by 2009. Before that, he kickstarted his professional career at the Hashemite Fund for Human Development where he developed dynamic programs promoting the active role of youths in society.
In addition to his work for the RFC, he was also appointed as Regional Managing Director of Luminus Media – Jordan (SAE Institute) from 2012 until 2015 before joining New York University in Abu Dhabi as director of External Relations and Partnerships from2015 until 2019.
“We take immense pride in honoring Mohannad Al-Bakri, the Managing Director of the Jordanian Royal Film Commission (RFC) with the Arab CinemaPersonality of the Year Award. Since assuming his position, he has made enormous and noteworthy efforts to advance the Jordanian film industry,” saidAlaa Karkouti and Maher Diab — Co-founders ofArab Cinema Center — in a joint statement.
“This is evidenced by the outstanding successJordanian films have achieved so far both locally andinternationally, including INSHALLAH A BOY,which world premiered at Cannes’ 62nd Critics Week,winning two unprecedented awards in the history of Jordanian cinema,” they added.
Last year, the Arab Cinema Center gave its ArabCinema Personality of the Year Award to Mouhamad Keblawi the Founder and Head of Malmö Arab Film Festival in Sweden. Other recipients of the Award include Chiraz Latiri, former general director of theCentre National du Cinema et de l’Image, andrenowned producer and screenwriter Mohamed Hefzy— the Founder of Film Clinic. The inaugural award went to both Abdulhamid Juma and Masoud Amralla Al Ali, chairman and artistic director, respectively, ofthe now-shuttered Dubai International Film Festival.
Established by MAD Solutions, the ACC is a nonprofit organization registered in Berlin. The ACC provides networking opportunities with representatives ofcompanies and institutions involved in co-production,international sales and distribution, film festival,commercial exhibition and industry events.
The organization’s activities include hosting filmmarket stands, networking sessions, one-on-onemeetings, welcome parties, panel discussions andmeetings with international organizations and festivals. It also publishes the Arab Cinema Magazine, which itdistributes at leading international film festivals andmarkets.
A newsletter subscription is now available on theACC’s website, allowing users to obtain digital copies of the Arab Cinema Magazine, as well as news on theACC’s activities, notifications of application dates forgrants, festivals and offers from educational andtraining institutions, updates on Arab films participating at festivals, exclusive news on the Arab Cinema LAB, and highlights from the ACC’s partnersand their future projects.
Additionally, the ACC launched the Arab Cinema Directory in English on its website, the first time that users from both within and outside the Arab-speaking world have easy access to information on Arab cinemaall in one place.
This January, Sara Chraibi, founder of Maison Sara Chraibi presented for the first time at Paris Haute Couture Week. The Moroccan designer greatly impressed critics with her collection which combines traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with modern elements and materials for a unique style that celebrates her heritage but also appeals to the contemporary woman.
After living in Paris and working as an architect for several years, Chraibi returned to her home country to establish her fashion brand. It was a major shift in cultures but she wanted to be in her homeland in order to find ways to embrace the traditional craftsmanship techniques and find new ways to express this as a form of contemporary luxury. Her designs are deeply rooted in traditions but also appeal to the wider world. This season Chraibi presented her Spring/Summer 2023 collection at Paris Fashion Week after being invited by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode to showcase her designs to the world. Here we find out more about the experience and what we can expect to see from her brand moving forward.
Tell us a little about how your brand came to life.
I grew up in an environment of art and culture. As a child, I was introduced to sewing and embroidery by my mother. After my architectural studies in Rabat, I moved to Paris where I wrote a diploma (DEA) in “Philosophy and Theory of Architecture”. In Paris, my passion for fashion and couture is nourished by the vitality and creativity of the city. Alongside my job as an architect, I then began to draw, sew and embroider a multitude of couture pieces.
In 2012, I presented my first collection “Anatomic Architecture” during the final of a Competition organized by “Ateliers de Paris”. In the same year, I participated in Festimode Casablanca Fashion Week where the models paraded in front of the Casablanca cathedral. Greeted unanimously by the public and the press, these first appearances were the beginning of my professional retraining.
Congratulations on the Spring/Summer 2023 collection – tell us about this collection and how it came to life.
When I started working on this collection, I wanted to share several elements of my personal story, my influences and my sensitivity to the world. I had this idea of weaving a collection where each thread would represent part of the story: beginning with the architecture, the relationship to the structure of the garment, then there is the know-how, coming from a Moroccan textile tradition and the memory of the elegance of Moroccan women, there is this double culture that makes the originality of my point of view on fashion. I wanted to weave all this together and make it into a framework to tell a new reality.
This was your first time showing at such a level tell us about your experience being a guest member of the FMHC.
For me, Haute couture is a dream, a celebration of uniqueness and being part of it as a guest member is a milestone for my brand.
Can you tell us about some of the traditional techniques that you used in your designs and how you have evolved the techniques and craftsmanship to give them a modern twist?
With my work, I take patterns, shapes and ancient techniques from Morocco but I add a certain twist or reinvent them in a new way. For example, I used the “sfifa” weaving technique to create a fabric rather than using it as an ornament, as is done traditionally. I mixed raw materials from Morocco, and I used golden thread and silk fringe to build garments as a link between two cultures and realities. I see traditional craftsmanship both as an inspiration and a call to innovation.
How do your heritage and upbringing influence your work today?
My brand is built around the Moroccan art of living, my architectural background and my interest in couture know-how inspire it. My brand aesthetic evolves around the idea of subdued femininity. With a timeless approach to eveningwear, I merge the East and West through one-of-a-kind couture garments.
Tell us about your first memory of fashion.
I remember times before my mother had an important party, we would stroll from stall to stall in the markets in search of fabric and she would make dresses from scratch. I would sit next to her and watch her assemble the pieces of fabric one by one and sculpt the garment. At that time I started to collect fabric scraps to in turn sew something for my barbie doll. There was something magical about those moments. As I grew up, I remember my impatience to get dressed for these events; to put on a beautiful dress, to finally be part of the adult world, with all those sophisticated ladies, perfumed, richly adorned in silk and lace, with an appearance that made everyone’s heads turn. The women of Morocco are beautiful and sensual and wearing a caftan is an ancestral tradition, a ritual that is passed down from mother to daughter.
How do you think your background in architecture has influenced your designs and the way you put looks together?
I quickly realised that fashion and architecture could share the same vision. As an architect, I liked the modern period. In my clothing designs, I am influenced by modern architecture. All my attention goes to the purity of the lines, to the elegance and the lightness of the structure, it is a sort of quest for the essential.
What is the vision for your brand moving forward?
For me, succeeding in the world of fashion comprises several essential elements: commercial success, of course, but also and above all, success together as a team to share values and wealth, to ensure that each person in the company grows through their work. There is also a cultural success, where in addition to offering products, a brand manages to permanently establish its universe in the collective imagination. That’s all I want to achieve for my brand.
Who are some of the designers or brands that you admire?
Madeleine Vionnet, Jeanne Lanvin, and Elsa Schiaparelli, all made contemporary fashion history with a feminine point of view. I also admired Lee McQueen’s vision and Azzedine Alaia’s sharpness.
There are few brands from the Arab region that have managed to reach success on a global level – what is your opinion on this and what advice would you give to aspiring designers in the Middle East?
I wish that there are more and more brands with an Arab or oriental DNA on the international scene. Fashion is a great tool of soft power. Each new designer who launches in the region is responsible for spreading our culture to the rest of the world.
In this issue we are celebrating the month of Ramadan, what does this time mean to you and how will you be spending it this year?
Ramadan is one of my favourite times of the year. It’s time to reconnect with our faith. I like to spend it with my family and friends, to celebrate with pride and joy and I also like to share iftar with my non-Muslim friends.
What is next for you this year and for the rest of the year?
I’m working on the Maison Sara Chraibi Fall/Winter 2023 couture collection. I will also launch an e-commerce site later in the year.
What can you tell us about your brand in the Middle East and can we expect to see you here soon?
I plan to do some trunk shows in the Middle East over the coming months. The Middle East is an important market for my brand and It’s very important to establish long-term commercial partnerships there.
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in collaboration with the professional services organisation EY, French climate education NGO Climate Fresk, and over 1100 students from Aldar Education set two Guinness World Records.
These records were established for hosting the largest climate change awareness lesson and for having the highest number of nationalities attending a climate awareness lesson.
In association with Aldar Education, a leading education group in the UAE, and with the support of ADNEC, and the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, the record-creating attempt aligns with the focus of youth participation in climate negotiations at COP28, which will have the first Youth Climate Champion with a Ministerial role.
The enormous cohort of Aldar Education climate conscious students gathered at Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Exhibition and Conference Centre to break the record, while discovering more about climate change, and what part they can play in mitigating its effects.
The group included students from 57 different nationalities, setting the record for most nationalities attending a climate change awareness lesson.
The attempt was launched by Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change & Environment, who said: “COP28 is set to be the most inclusive COP to date, and today we have made record-breaking history, while ensuring so many of our youth have a better understanding of the challenges, we all face.”
“Our aspiration is to transform the UAE into one of the most climate conscious nations on earth. To do that we need to ensure our youth not only understand the challenges and issues we collectively face, but how they can become more involved in our journey to climate neutrality.”
“After all, these students are not only affected by climate change, but they hold the power to shape the way our future society evolves to mitigate its impact and adapt to its effects.”
Sahar Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Education, said: “We take immense pride in our students’ active participation in establishing a new world record in climate change awareness. We believe that education plays a pivotal role in nurturing environmentally conscious citizens and empowering them to drive positive change. Today’s youth are not just the leaders of the future; they are the changemakers of today. Their proactive engagement in addressing climate change underscores the critical role they play in accelerating global sustainability efforts. This milestone inspires us to push the boundaries of sustainability further and reinforces our mission to empower the next generation with the knowledge, passion, and responsibility to make a lasting impact on our planet.”
Anthony O’Sullivan, UAE Managing Partner, EY, added: “EY is incredibly proud to be a part of building climate change awareness focused on the very real challenges of climate change. In empowering this diverse group of youth with knowledge, they will play a crucial role in being environmental stewards for a sustainable world future.”
“The advocacy of youth inclusion at COP28 UAE will set the stage for today’s youth to be heard and take action to effect climate change policies as the global leaders of tomorrow.”
Climate Fresk founder, Cédric Ringenbach, said: “Climate change is a complex problem that affects us all, but it is still very badly understood by the general population.
“We don’t have much time, but by understanding the challenge we can take our response to the next level.
“Our ambition is to create a growing network of people who can pass on this quality climate education to reach a social tipping point that will help guide us to a low carbon world.”
Climate Fresk prompts participants to take constructive action to help tackle climate change.
The event concluded with the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi providing all participants in the record-breaking attempt with an ‘Energy Kit’, which includes tips, advice and behaviour-nudging interventions to enable the students to take more sustainable actions.
As many as25,000 fragments of artifacts dating back the Islamic caliphates during the first two centuries of the Hijri Calendar, corresponding to the 7th to 8th centuries AD, have been discovered from the Jeddah Historic Area.
The announcement in this regard was made by the Jeddah Historic District Program (JHDP), in collaboration with the Saudi Heritage Commission. The archaeological discoveries were announced as part of the Historic Jeddah Revival Project, initiated by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman..
According to a press release from the JHDP, the project of excavation started in January 2020 with exploratory studies and a geophysical survey. The goal was to unveil the historical significance of four key locations: Othman bin Affan Mosque, Al-Shona, a segment of the Northern Wall, and Al-Kidwah. This archaeological endeavor falls within the purview of the Jeddah Historic District Program. The project aims to preserve national antiquities and archaeological sites, uncover the rich history of the Kingdom, and promote Historic Jeddah as a cultural and tourist destination, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.
According to the release, in November 2020, the archaeological survey and excavations yielded significant findings, including 11,405 pottery shards weighing 293 kg, 11,360 animal bones weighing 107 kg, 1,730 shells weighing 32 kg, 685 building materials weighing 87 kg, 187 glass artifacts weighing 5 kg, and 71 metal artifacts weighing 7 kg. The combined weight of these archaeological findings is 531 kg; and they constitute a valuable contribution to Saudi Arabia’s archaeological discoveries.
Archaeological investigation at Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed artifacts dating back the first two centuries AH and spanning different historical periods, notably, ebony pillars found near the Mihrab, analyzed and traced back to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) Island in the Indian Ocean, which highlight the extensive trade connections of historic Jeddah.
According to the release, excavations at the same site also unveiled a collection of ceramic vessels and fragments, including high-quality porcelain. Some of the pieces are made in the Chinese province of Jiangxi and date back to the 16th-19th centuries AD, while older pottery fragments are from the Abbasid era.
The archaeological site at Al-Shona, dating back at least to the 19th century AD, has yielded numerous pottery shards, including porcelain and ceramic from Europe, Japan, and China, dating from the 19th to 20th centuries. Excavations at Al-Kidwah (Bab Makkah – Makkah gate) revealed parts of the Eastern Moat, which most likely date back to the late 18th century.
Tombstones made of Mangabi stone, marble, and granite were found at different locations within historic Jeddah. These tombstones contain inscriptions of names, epitaphs, and Qur’anic verses, dating back possibly to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AH. Specialists are currently studying them carefully.
The archaeological studies at the four historical sites involved excavations, radiocarbon analysis, soil analyses, geophysical surveys and scientific examination of artifacts. Samples of wood from 52 buildings were sent to international laboratories for identification and dating. Moreover, extensive international archival research led to the collection of over 984 historical documents, including maps and drawings of historic Jeddah. They are currently undergoing detailed study.
The Jeddah Historic District Program and the Heritage Commission collaborated to oversee the documentation, registration and preservation of archaeological artifacts found in Historic Jeddah. These discoveries were listed in the National Archaeological Register, and scientific databases were created to preserve the information related to the discovered artifacts.
The archaeological discoveries were announced as a part of the Historic Jeddah Revival Project, initiated by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, expressed his appreciation for the patronage and the support the Award continues to receive from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. He also praised Sheikh Mansour’s contribution to the development of the date palm cultivation and production sector at the national, regional and international levels.
This is in addition to strengthening the UAE’s leading position through cooperation with date-producing countries and concerned regional and international organisations, where Sheikh Nahyan expressed his confidence in the efforts of the Award’s General Secretariat, which played an important role in building global partnerships to develop this sector.
Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, announced the winners of the Award in its 16th session during his speech at the press conference held on Monday at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Dr. Helal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi, Member of the Award’s Board of Trustees, and Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Council for Quality and Conformity.
International Award Winners:
The award in the Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology category was won by Dr. Khaled Masmoudi – College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (UAEU) for “Enzyme stabilization and thermotolerance function of the intrinsically disordered LEA2 proteins from date palm” and Dr. Ezzeldin Gadallah Hussein Ahmed – Agricultural Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (Egypt), for “Phoenix dactylifera in vitro culture and transformation of Thio-60 antifungal gene via chitosan nanoparticle”.
The award in the Pioneering Development and Productive Projects category was won by Dr. Lim Swee Hua Erin – HCT (Abu Dhabi), for “Sustainable Seeds: A Tale of Two Innovations” and AFRICA ORGANICS (Morocco), for the world’s largest organic date palm plantation (1200 ha) of farmland.
The award in the Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector category was won by Dr. Yarub Kahtan Abdul Rahman Al Doruri – University of Sharjah for “Production of powder-activated carbon from natural resources” and VALORIZEN LLC, Research and Innovation Centre (Egypt) for “Scalable, Market Driven and Climate Positive Solutions of Date Palm Waste”.
The award in the Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation category was won by Dr. Ramzy Abdelrahim Dessoky Aboaiana (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and Prof. Ibraheem Jaddoa Olelwi Al Juboori, PhD (Iraq) for “A qualitative leap and big steps”.
