MOROCCO : January 11th, 1944. Independence Manifesto at 81: How a Single Document Changed Morocco’s History. Final Independence March 02, 1956

Sometimes history can feel like a dusty textbook. But this piece breaks down Morocco’s 1944 Independence Manifesto into bite-sized moments of midnight meetings, diplomatic chess moves, and revolution-sparking paper.

The battle for freedom began with a piece of paper that shook colonial foundations. January 11, 1944: Morocco’s Independence Manifesto landed on French authorities’ desks, marking what historians now call the turning point in North African colonial resistance.

Looking back 81 years later, this watershed document rewrote history – but the story behind it reveals an even more fascinating tale.

In 1944, Morocco was a nation carved up by colonial powers, with French controlling the center, Spain holding the north and south, and Tangier under international administration.

But beneath this fragmented surface, something revolutionary was brewing in secret midnight meetings at the Royal Palace.

“The time has come to demand independence, but it must be done under calm circumstances,” Sultan Mohammed V reportedly told national movement leaders in one of those clandestine gatherings.

These meetings, held in a special bunker built for protection against German air raids, saw the King and nationalist leaders swearing on the Quran to maintain secrecy and serve the nation.

The road to revolution

The manifesto didn’t appear out of thin air. The groundwork began with the massive uprising against the “discriminatory colonial decree” on May 16, 1930, which unified Moroccan resistance.

Then in 1934, reformists tested the waters with urgent demands for change, followed by more comprehensive reform requests in 1936.

That same year, the National Reform Party emerged in northern Morocco, followed by the National Action Bloc – both eventually banned by French authorities in March 1937.

By April 1937, the National Party formed to advance Moroccan demands, marking an escalation in organized resistance.

Here’s where it gets interesting: The independence ideal had been the secret oath of every nationalist group since the early days of colonial resistance. From traditional Zawiyas (religious brotherhoods) to modern political parties, independence remained the ultimate goal.

As one historical document notes, “Members secretly swore to work toward independence, even while publicly demanding reforms.”

External events accelerated independence demands. In 1941, the Allies published the Atlantic Charter, promising freedom to occupied nations and promoting Roosevelt’s principle of “people’s right to self-determination.”

The Moroccan National Movement seized this opportunity, sending telegrams to Allied nations demanding this principle be applied to Morocco.

Sultan Mohammed V played his diplomatic cards masterfully. After ascending to the throne on November 18, 1927, he consistently advocated for Morocco’s independence, defying colonial attempts to suppress Moroccan identity and sovereignty.

At the January 1943 Anfa Conference, while Allied leaders discussed war strategy, he reminded them of a pointed fact: Morocco had fought alongside them against Nazi Germany, so what about that independence they kept talking about? After all, wasn’t that what the war was supposedly about – freedom from foreign domination?

President Roosevelt’s response? He considered Morocco’s independence aspirations “reasonable and legitimate.”

Inside the manifesto

The document itself was revolutionary in both content and delivery. Its demands came in two parts, according to historical records.

First: “Complete independence under the leadership of His Majesty Sidi Mohammed Ben Youssef.”

Second: A sweeping vision for internal reforms, calling for “a consultative political system similar to those in Eastern Arab and Islamic countries.”

“The idea of independence shaped Morocco’s history since ancient times… In modern history, its aspiration for constitutional life took many forms. Modern parliamentary life had spread in major Western nations and America, then was adopted by some Eastern Islamic kingdoms. By the mid-nineteenth century, the call for democratic systems began taking various shapes,” writes historian Abdellah Hitout.

The nationalists strategically delivered copies not just to French authorities, but also to American and British consulates and Soviet representatives – a diplomatic masterstroke showing their global awareness.

The public response was electric. “By afternoon, the manifesto was being read aloud in public squares, markets, and mosques from Fes to Marrakech, from Tetouan to Tangier, from the Atlas Mountains to the Souss region,” historical accounts reveal.

People exchanged congratulations in Rabat, Salé, and Kenitra, while crowds gathered spontaneously across the country.

Beyond the document

What many don’t know: In the Spanish-controlled north, the National Reform Party took a bold step, forming a united front with the Moroccan Unity Party led by Mohammed al-Makki al-Nasiri.

This coalition, known as the National Front, formed on December 18, 1942. On February 11, 1943, they submitted their own independence manifesto, demanding “complete independence, territorial unity, and final abolition of the protectorate system.”

Three days later, they presented these demands to major power representatives in Tangier – technically making it the first international Moroccan independence demand.

The manifesto transformed Morocco’s resistance from reform-seeking to independence-demanding. “It reflected Moroccans’ awareness and maturity,” contemporary documents state, “proving their ability to determine their destiny and manage their affairs.”

The French response was swift and harsh – by January 28, 1944, French authorities arrested and exiled numerous nationalist leaders. This crackdown culminated in the events of January 29-31, 1944, when widespread protests erupted across Morocco.

The struggle intensified through the following years, leading to Sultan Mohammed V’s exile to Madagascar in 1953, which sparked increased resistance. The Sultan’s triumphant return in 1955 paved the way for negotiations that finally secured Morocco’s independence on March 2, 1956.

Today, 81 years later, that single document’s impact continues echoing through Morocco’s diplomatic achievements, territorial integrity efforts, and national identity. From a divided colony to an emerging regional power, Morocco’s journey began with those words penned in secret meetings, sworn to on the Quran, and delivered on a January morning that changed everything.

As Allal Al Fassi recalled after returning from exile: “Two days after my return from exile, His Majesty received me and spoke about the phase that followed the submission of the independence petition, and the tremendous efforts he had made.”

“He didn’t hide his readiness to sacrifice everything, even the throne, if it served the Moroccan cause. I left that audience completely certain that Morocco would achieve its goal as long as it had a great king like Sidi Mohammed at its helm.”

King Mohammed VI now continues the diplomatic vision his grandfather initiated. The anniversary now lands as Morocco’s racking up diplomatic wins on the Western Sahara front. The country now has 29 consulates in the southern provinces – 17 in Dakhla alone. The latest was Chad’s consulate, which opened on August 14, 2024.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Eighty-one years ago, Morocco submitted a document that demanded its independence.

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MOROCCO

MOROCCO : CNDH President Amina Bouayach Receives 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award in Naples, Italy

Bouayech praised Morocco’s efforts in promoting human rights including recently proposed changes to the country’s family code.

Amina Bouayach, the President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has been awarded the 2025 Mediterranean Foundation Award for her contributions to promoting human rights in Morocco and internationally.

The award, presented to her on Friday in Naples, Italy, recognizes individuals or organizations dedicated to upholding the values of human dignity and freedom.

Established by Italian sculptor Mario Molinari, the Mediterranean Prize is a symbol of peace and coexistence between countries. It recognized Bouayach’s work in advancing equality, justice, and fundamental freedoms, the foundation said in a statement.

During the ceremony, President of the foundation, Michael Capasso, along with international jury members and Professor Abdelhak Azouzi, praised Bouayach for her extensive work in human rights.

Bouayach was born in Tetouan, a small city in northern Morocco. For decades, she has been a tireless advocate for women’s and children’s rights, often speaking out against the injustices they face. She has also worked to improve the rights of marginalized groups around the world.

In recognition of her dedication and leadership, King Mohammed VI appointed her as president of CNDH in 2018.

She has also held significant positions in global human rights organizations, including Vice-President of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions and Vice-President of the International Federation for Human Rights.

In addition to her work in human rights, Bouayach has had a career in diplomacy, having served as Morocco’s Ambassador to Sweden and Latvia.

In her acceptance speech, Bouayach expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised Morocco’s efforts in promoting human rights. She particularly mentioned recent reforms like the vote in favor of a universal moratorium on the death penalty.

“This distinction, while touching me as a woman and activist, is primarily a tribute to my country, Morocco, for its unwavering commitment to the universal values of dignity, justice, and equality,” Bouayech said.

She also mentioned the proposed reforms to Morocco’s family code and they recognize women’s contributions in the household when distributing marital property. “These ambitious reforms, full of hope, aim to strengthen the rights of women and children, bringing significant advancements,” Bouayach said.

CNDH President also noted that the Mediterranean is more than just a geographic area; it is a place rich with shared history, where different cultures have come together to build a common heritage.

She acknowledged the challenges the region faces, such as conflicts and climate change, but stressed that the Mediterranean’s heritage of humanity and diversity offers hope and the potential for renewed dialogue.

In addition, she noted the important role of women in driving social and political change in the Mediterranean, especially in Morocco.

“I dedicate this award to all Mediterranean women who, every day, build bridges between cultures and generations,” she concluded.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

SAUDI ARABIA : King Faisal Prize announces winners for 2025

KSU professors, Canadian and Japanese scientists achieving breakthroughs in cellular therapy and carbon nanotubes win coveted prize

Selection committees held meetings at King Faisal Prize headquarters to select winners in Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine, and science

The King Faisal Prize 2025 laureates were announced at a ceremony in Riyadh on Wednesday night.


Two King Saud University professors, a Canadian scientist who achieved a breakthrough in cellular therapy and a Japanese scientist doing pioneering work in carbon nanotubes were winners of the most coveted prize in the Arab world.


Announcing the KFP 2025 winners, Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail, secretary-general of the King Faisal Prize said: “The selection committees of the King Faisal Prize 2025, after meticulous deliberations that were held from Monday to Wednesday, have reached decisions for the prize’s four categories: Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine, and science. As for the fifth category, the King Faisal Prize for Service to Islam, the announcement will be made at the end of this month.”


The King Faisal Prize for Islamic Studies for 2025 (Topic: Studies of Archaeology in the Arabian Peninsula), was awarded jointly to Professor Saad Abdulaziz Alrashid and Professor Said Faiz Alsaid. Both are Saudi nationals and professors at King Saud University.


Alrashid was awarded the prize for his contribution to the study of Islamic archaeological sites and inscriptions of the Arabian Peninsula, which laid the scientific and methodological groundwork for scholars in this field.
His work has enriched scientific knowledge about Islamic civilization and has become an empirical source for future generations of researchers.


Alsaid was awarded the prize for the originality of his scientific studies, which are based on rich literature and published in several languages. His adaptation of a comparative methodology in studies of inscriptions and ancient writings of the Arabian Peninsula has had a profound impact on understanding the history of the Arabian Peninsula’s civilizations before Islam.
His studies are an important scientific reference for scholars of the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the ancient Near East.


The King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language and Literature (Topic: Studies of Identity in Arabic Literature), was withheld due to the nominated works not reaching the criteria for the prize.


The King Faisal Prize for Medicine (Topic: Cellular Therapy), has been awarded to Michel Sadelain (Canada), Stephen and Barbara Friedman chair and director, Center for Cell Engineering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.


Sadelain has been awarded the prize for his pioneering work in cellular therapy, and in particular for the genetic engineering of immune cells with “chimeric antigen receptors” (CAR-T).
Dr. Sadelain led the team that designed and tested clinically effective and novel CAR-T agents for the treatment of blood cancers.
His group identified CD19 as an effective CAR target and included a CD28 domain in the CAR construct, resulting in strikingly effective clinical responses.
Dr. Sadelain continues to improve CAR-T cell efficacy by devising strategies to overcome treatment resistance. This approach also shows promise in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and solid tumors.


The King Faisal Prize for Science for this year was awarded in physics to Sumio Iijima, a professor at Meijo University, Japan.


Iijima has been awarded the prize for establishing the field of carbon nanotubes, following his pioneering discovery of carbon nanotubes using electron microscopy. This new class of one-dimensional carbon materials has had a powerful impact on fundamental solid-state physics and material science.
His work has opened new avenues for developing wide-ranging, practical applications in nanotechnology, ranging from electronics to energy storage systems and biomedicine.


The General Secretariat of the King Faisal Prize commended the 2025 laureates and offered thanks to the distinguished members of the selection committees and the experts for their valued contributions.


The selection committees for the prize’s four categories — Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine, and science — convened at the prize’s headquarters from Monday to Wednesday.


The selection committees included prominent experts, scholars and specialists from 16 countries.


The KFP was established in 1977, and was awarded for the first time in 1979 in three categories — service to Islam, Islamic studies, and Arabic language and literature. Two additional categories were introduced in 1981 — medicine and science. The first medicine prize was awarded in 1982, and in science two years later.


Since 1979, the KFP in its different categories has awarded about 300 laureates to those who have made distinguished contributions to different sciences and causes.
Each prize laureate is endowed with $200,000, a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a certificate inscribed with the laureate’s name and a summary of the work that qualified them for the prize.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA /

U.A.E : 3rd edition ‘The 1 Billion Followers Summit’ to convene over 125 prominent CEOs , Jan 11 to 13th 2025. Worlds First & Largest Event dedicated to shaping the Content Creator Economy’

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s first and largest event dedicated to shaping the content creator economy, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, will convene over 125 prominent CEOs from major global firms, as it returns for its third edition, organised by the UAE Government Media Office and hosted in the UAE from 11 to 13 January 2025 at Dubai’s Emirates Towers, DIFC and the Museum of the Future, under the theme “Content for Good.”

These CEOs will join a prestigious lineup of content creators and influencers from around the world, sharing their expertise during panels, interactive discussions, workshops and roundtables. These sessions will explore the latest trends in business, economy, investment, and content creation, empowering aspiring talents and fostering innovation within the industry.

The list of speakers at the third edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit include Maye Musk, mother of Elon Musk, the world’s richest man. A 76-year-old millionaire and model, Musk’s career began in 1969 as a Miss South Africa finalist. She became a prominent model, representing numerous major brands, and continues to work today. Despite her busy schedule, she earned two degrees in dietetics and nutritional science and founded her own nutrition company.

Musk, who enjoys an active social media presence with over 3.35 million followers, will share her parenting journey at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, discussing how she raised three children, including Elon, and the parenting style that contributed to his success.

Leading Egyptian businessman and global entrepreneur Naguib Sawiris, who has over 10.6 million social media followers, will share his insights at the Summit. He leads global companies in various sectors, including mining, real estate, financial services, telecom, investment, and media.
Naguib Sawiris is the owner of Orascom Telecom, launched the first mobile network in North Korea in 2008 and founded ONTV network. He also owns 88% of EuroNews shares, and is the founder of Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival.

Andre Le Masurier, Senior Director and Global Head of brand and Creative at Skyscanner, will share his experience of over 20 years in brand vision, marketing and product design, as he held leadership roles in leading companies and contributed award-winning work that spanned major brands.

Andrew Graham, Head of Digital Corporate Advisory & Partnerships at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), will share his experience in cultivating and monetizing digital-native talent, and his work in developing digital strategies for A-list celebrities.

Ben Relles, who leads Content Strategy at the Office of entrepreneur and LinkedIn Co-founder Reid Hoffman, will address the topic of AI and its utilization in social media content creation.

Cayman Rojas, Community Manager at LinkedIn, will discuss how he works with, and supports prominent voices on the platform. He works closely with influencers with an outsized impact on the community, from CEOs and content creators to musicians, actors, and celebrities.

Joining the speakers lineup is Chris Williams, who founded and leads Pocket Watch, a studio specializing in kids and family entertainment through digital-first content and lifestyle products. Williams will share his experience of 20 years in developing online video content.

Emma Harman, President, EMEA at Whalar Group, will share her experience of over 25 years blending entertainment, music, and social marketing, and applying this experience in brand-talent collaborations. Harman will also highlight the importance of impactful content and supporting the Creator growth Economy.

Grigory Lavrov, VP Marketing, Local Brands & Franchise Management in CEE & MENAT at Warner Bros. Discovery, is also speaking at the Summit. In addition to his publishing experience, Lavrov oversees brands like TLC, DMAX, and Fatafeat.

Kate Ward & Zach Honarvar will share their experience as Founders of Creator Now, a platform that aims to build a film school reimagined for creators to help the next generation turn their creative passions into a full-time career.

The list includes Lewis Crosbie, Co-founder and CEO of Komi, which is a software platform and “one-stop-shop” for creators, bringing features found on Shopify, Patreon, and Linktree into one place to help creators engage with their fans around the world.

Paul Bakaus, Executive Vice President of Product and Creator Tools at Spotter, will showcase the platform’s efforts in empowering content creators everywhere to accelerate their workflow and unlock their creative potential.

Also joining the lineup of prominent speakers at the Summit are Brittany Brown, Director of Digital Communications & Strategy at NASA, sharing insights into impactful visual storytelling; Aliana Miller, Director of Influencer Marketing at Roblox, discussing strategies for building authentic creator relationships and achieving record-breaking results; Elise Swopes, Sr. Adobe Express Evangelist & Community, offering her perspective on mobile creativity and the intersection of art and technology; Sherry Wong, CEO at Roster, focusing on building strong support teams for creators; Ahad Khan, CEO at Kajabi, sharing insights into scaling online businesses using creator-focused platforms; and Jonathan Chanti, President of Talent at Viral Nation & CGO of Viral Nation Group, who will share insights into leveraging data-driven strategies and emerging technologies for influencer collaborations and brand growth.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

EGYPT : Meet Professor Essam Safi El-Din: An Egyptian architect and tutor

As he submitted the final maquettes (small-scale models) of Egypt’s folk architecture to the soon-to-open Museum of Folk Arts, Ahram Online spoke to the master himself about the merits and grace of architecture.

To Professor Essam Safi El-Din, architecture is an authentic musical note that resonates with the human touch of the people who conceptualised, built and lived in the building.

Known as the Architect and Tutor who, for over 55 years taught, designed and founded the house of Egyptian Architect and The museum of Folk Arts, Essam Safi El-Din has always believed in the philosophy and grace of popular architecture.

From Shubra Tramway to El-Refaai and Sultan Hassan

“In the 1980s, I designed the pedestrian passage between Sultan Hassan and El-Refaai Mosque, which was originally the tracks of the tramway. So my sketches were inspired by my daily tram ride from Shubra where I lived as a child in 1947 to the Citadel. I copied the same pattern that the tram took from narrow streets that end up in a vast square and the pedestrian area captured the grace and serenity of the architectural gems of the two heritage mosques,” he told Ahram Online.

On revisiting the tramway voyages with open eyes, Safi El-Dien realised that his eyes captured the human wisdom and truth in the details of the buildings that ran by him as the tramway moved across various districts of Cairo.

Handmade Architecture

A child to a renowned architect, Safi El-Din has always been fascinated by designing houses. Making his own handmade maquettes was his passion since childhood. “Since I was seven-years-old I was charmed by architecture and my prize for doing my homework was that I would go to my father’s architecture office and draw with him. My eyes started to watch the buildings and ask who built it and why,” he remembered. This passion was manifested into Egypt’s oldest mockup and design architecture in Egypt and the Arab World.

Passion for Old Buildings

Describing his favorite work spot in his home, Safi El-Din revealed to Ahram Online his relationship with the radio. “Wherever I work, I have two radios to choose from, one set to a music programme and the other to the Quran channel,” he noted

“I was always enchanted by the old architecture because of its beautiful art effects, motifs and language. There is a human and visual dialogue between me and the building because I feel the presence of the head of builders, the builders, and the inhabitants of such building. Old architecture is close to me for it fits the human scale with all its space, physiological and emotional needs,” he explained, describing how buildings can promote serenity and induce better mood for humans.

“You see, architecture is still music, and an architect has to be an artist who has a taste in music,” he explained.

Inspiring Architects

“The architects that have inspired me at an early age are Said Karim whose sketches were the first drawings I have seen in my Dad’s office. I was very fond of Hassan Fathy and Ramsis Wissa Wassef because they have this great sense of belonging to the local building techniques as a mission and a cause,” he added. His passion to safeguard the valuable knowledge in architecture and the grace of local architecture was passed on to all the students he taught and mentored in college throughout the course of over 55 years of academic world. However his keenness to pass on such knowledge to the public made him go the extra mile.

The House of Egyptian Architecture and The National Folk Museum

In the early 1980s, he wanted to document all types of Egyptian architecture under one roof. The Ministry of Culture granted him the current House of Egyptian Architecture. The charming Ottoman-style house that belonged to Hassan Fathy – the father of modern architecture in Egypt – was once the studio of Orientalist artists and has since become a cultural hub, and a museum of local architecture.

Safi El-Din’s maquettes portraying the unique identity of Egyptian architecture were the foundation of The National Folk Art Museum that held its soft opening a few months ago.

Located at the High Institute for Folk Arts in the Haram district, Giza, the official opening date for the museum has not yet been announced. 

“The National Folk Art Museum is different from any museum of history because it is not focused just on the historic facts, it is more focused on the cultural value of such items in that era. The value of architecture and its types and how it is comforting. Folk arts as well as folk architecture, reveal the indigenous roots of culture, conduct, the skills of craftsmanship and handicrafts, ” he added.

Essam Safi El-Din’s name resonates with success and authenticity. There is a library dedicated to his works at the British University in Cairo, and he is currently working on a book on his eternal dialogue between architecture and art.

Gems of Wisdom  

The most important thing that I have learned is that the value of history is not about knowing the facts, it’s about contextualizing such facts. He stated that his motto in life is a verse from the Quran stating that God will reward all your efforts.

“A person needs to know what his/her mission in life is; why is he here? We need to teach architectural criticism as a subject not a mere cross cutting theme. We need to know the impact of architects on social life and the environment.”  

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg

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EGYPT

ALGERIA to head UN Security Council in January 2025

Beginning January 1, 2025, Algeria assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for one month, marking a notable step in its diplomatic engagement. With its long-standing support for just causes in the Middle East and Africa, this presidency provides the country with a strategic opportunity to highlight crucial issues.

Clear Priorities for a Central Role
As a non-permanent member of the Council for a year, Algeria is concentrating on major issues such as the situation in Palestine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and security challenges in Africa, especially the fight against terrorism.

An open ministerial discussion on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question” will bring together key international players, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Focus on Palestine: A Historic Priority
The Palestinian issue, a cornerstone of Algeria’s diplomacy, is paramount to this presidency. Fifteen months after a deadly escalation in Gaza, Algeria reaffirms the need for an “immediate” and “permanent” ceasefire.

Algerian Ambassador to the UN, Amar Benjama, has been leading efforts since March 2024 to promote peace in the region. In parallel, Algeria is renewing its call for full Palestinian membership in the UN, aiming to realize the two-state solution and restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Addressing Regional Crises
In addition to Palestine, Algeria will focus on other major conflicts:

Syria: A session will address the political and humanitarian situation in this war-torn country.
Yemen: UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg will intervene to evaluate peace prospects and respond to the humanitarian emergency.


An African Priority: Fighting Terrorism
On the African front, Algeria will convene a high-level meeting on counterterrorism, a growing threat to the stability of many states on the continent.

Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will emphasise ways to strengthen international cooperation in addressing this scourge.

A Presidency Full of Hope
Under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria aims to use this platform to promote peace, security, and justice in key regions.

With ambitious initiatives and active leadership, this presidency of the Security Council represents a unique opportunity for Algeria to defend the interests of Arab and African nations while consolidating its position on the global diplomatic stage.

source/content: news-tunisia.tunisenumerique.com/algeria (headline edited)

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ALGERIA

BAHRAIN Wins 26th Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) with 2-1 score against Oman in finals held in Kuwait, Jan 2025

Bahrain’s national football team won the 26th Gulf Cup, “Khaleeji Zain 26”, defeating Oman 2-1 in the final held at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait.

This marks Bahrain’s second Gulf Cup title, showcasing a determined and inspiring performance throughout the tournament.

The victory came in an excitement-filled atmosphere reflecting the camaraderie of Gulf nations.

It highlighted Bahrain’s dominance in the pitch, with the team controlling the game to secure a well deserved win.

This edition of the Gulf Cup, hosted by Kuwait, was commended for its exceptional organisation, setting a benchmark for regional sports events.

source/headline: bna.bh (edited)

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BAHRAIN

QATAR : Lusail’s New Year festivities set Guinness World Record

Qatari Diar received a Guinness World Records distinction for “the most fireworks launched by multirotors/drones in an aerial display.”

The distinction was awarded to Qatari Diar on the occasion of the January 1, 2025, New Year’s celebrations that took place in Lusail Boulevard.

The city of Lusail had earlier announced that the “historic” New Year’s festivities held at its boulevard had attracted 300,000 visitors, a record-breaking figure.

The distinction was awarded to Qatari Diar on the occasion of the January 1, 2025, New Year’s celebrations that took place in Lusail Boulevard.

The city of Lusail had earlier announced that the “historic” New Year’s festivities held at its boulevard had attracted 300,000 visitors, a record-breaking figure.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

QATAR : Doha’s ‘Rig 1938’ enters Guinness Book of Records as World Tallest Water Slide Tower

The ‘Rig 1938’ tower made two entries in the Guinness Book of Records, as the world tallest water slide tower with a height of 76.309 meters; and the first tower of its kind to have 12 water slides.

General Manager and Chairman of Qetaifan Projects Company, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said in a press conference that the tower provides an exceptional experience that enhances Qatar’s position as a world class global tourist destination.

He added that the tower is not just an entertainment landmark, but a symbol that expresses Qatari culture and promotes creativity.

The tower, which is 85 meters high and includes 12 water slides, is an architectural masterpiece inspired by the history of oil and gas discovery in Qatar. It was designed according to the highest safety standards to be suitable for all age groups to enhance the visitor experience.

The tower is located in the heart of Meryal City, which extends over an area of 281 thousand square meters, and is one of the largest water parks in the region, with 36 innovative water games.

Meryal is part of Qetaifan Island North, which is an integrated tourism project extending over an area of 1.3 million square meters, and includes multiple facilities as well as residential, educational and health projects, making it a destination that combines authenticity and innovation. 

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

OMANI Researcher Dr Huda Mubarak Al Dai’ree Wins ‘ALECSO Innovation Award for Young Researchers’

The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced that Omani researcher Dr. Huda Mubarak Al Dai’ree won the “ALECSO Innovation Award for Young Researchers” due to her active role in promoting green economy.

The research that won the award was titled “Role of government school principals and teachers in endorsing green economy in education and activating it as one of the objectives of Oman Vision 2024.”

The award reflects ALECSO’s keenness on inspiring and supporting innovative Arab researchers who excel in the fields of technology and scientific applications. The award is an initiative undertaken by ALECSO to spread the culture of research and innovation among Arab youth.

source/content: omannews.gov.om

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OMAN