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Performed on special occasions, the performance showcases the Kingdom’s heritage
It begins with the recital of a poem, followed by drummers setting the rhythm for the dancers
The Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh, with 633 participants showcasing this traditional dance.
This achievement underscores the Ardah’s deep-rooted significance as a national tradition, reflecting pride in Saudi identity and a commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Principality of Riyadh Region from Feb. 20 to 23, the Founding Day event attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from diverse backgrounds.
Performed on special occasions, the performance showcases the Kingdom’s heritage. It begins with the recital of a poem, followed by drummers setting the rhythm for the dancers.
The group leader then takes the stage, wielding a blade and demonstrating precise movements that mirror those of warriors in battle.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Founding Day celebrations set a Guinness World Record for the largest Saudi Ardah performance in Riyadh. (SPA)
With an investment of almost USD 12 billion, the UAE was Egypt’s largest backer, trailed by the US at USD 10.3 billion.
Egypt received the highest international investment in the Arab world in 2024, securing nearly USD 30 billion across 122 projects, about a third of the region’s total, according to a report by regional investment agency Daman.
The UAE was noted as the country’s top investor, contributing almost USD 12 billion, followed by the United States with USD 10.3 billion. Total foreign investment in the Arab world reached approximately USD 80 billion with Saudi Arabia ranking second after Egypt, attracting USD 17.6 billion,
while the UAE followed with USD 13.3 billion. Although the report does not specify project types, experts suggest most investments focused on oil, gas and renewable energy.
In the world of fragrances, few names evoke as much resonance and admiration as Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group. Established as the first perfume manufacturer in the UAE, this year marks a significant milestone for the renowned UAE-born perfume house as it celebrates its golden jubilee – 50 years of crafting perfumes with luxury and elegance.
The beginning was in 1974 when Swiss Arabian seamlessly blended Arabian perfumery techniques with modern innovation. Hussein Adam Ali, Founder and Chairman of SAPG, came from Yemen to the UAE in 1974 with a dream. A man driven by an insatiable passion for perfumery and a deep appreciation for the art of scent, he laid the foundation for what would become a global fragrance empire.
Over the past five decades, Swiss Arabian has gained global recognition and taken pride in representing the art of perfumery to the rest of the world. As we reflect on five decades of fragrance mastery, it’s a story worth exploring about how this fragrance empire was built. Hussein Adam Ali’s keen understanding of the nuances of fragrance, coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellence, drove the brand to new heights.
“When I first moved to the UAE, I walked in the sun to save on taxis. This country became my home and turned my dreams into reality.”
“I was 30 years old when I came to UAE to set up my business here. This country became my home and turned my dreams into reality. With an investment of half a million dirhams, 5,000 square feet perfume factory had been set up in Sharjah and became fully operational in six months. I was my own boss and drew a minimum stipend to cover my expenses. Today, SAPG has over 1000 employees and global business operations,” says Hussein Adam Ali, Founder and Chairman, SAPG.
His sons, Nabeel Adam Ali and Nader Adam Ali joined the company at a young age as well, and through their leadership, shaped Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group into a multinational award winning perfume house.
Swiss Arabian’s growth strategy is their product. Constantly innovating, creating and ensuring customer satisfaction is the core of their business. The brand’s continuous efforts at striving for perfection is evident in every aspect of its operations, from sourcing the finest raw materials to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each bottle of perfume.
Despite the evolving trends and preferences in the perfume market, the brand has stayed true to its roots while embracing modern techniques and ingredients. This dedication to both tradition and innovation has earned Swiss Arabian a loyal following and global expansion. The Group also expanded to more brands such as Sapil Perfumes, Shirley May, Shirley May Deluxe and Alta Moda.
As Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group commemorates its 50th year, it is a celebration of longevity and a testament to hard work. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to pushing boundaries and creating fragrances that resonate with the diverse tastes and preferences of its clientele.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated architectural engineer Sahel Al Hayari, winner of the Great Arab Minds Award 2024 in the field of architecture and design.
Sheikh Mohammed said on X platform, “Today, we congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award 2024, Architectural Engineer Sahel Al Hayari from Jordan.”
Sheikh Mohammed said that Architect Al Hayari presents designs which combine heritage and modernity, identity and nature and has excelled in many distinctive architectural projects and participated in teaching architecture and presenting his research and works in the most prominent universities around the world.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that Arab architecture has influenced human civilisation through its unique styles and designs throughout history, and that there are many exceptional Arab talents among architects and designers who deserve support, empowerment, and appreciation.
Al Hayari is known for integrating innovative modern design with traditional Arab stonework, and for blending contemporary architectural elements with historical context. He has promoted the presence of Arab stone architecture from Jordan in international circles, and his unique style has created an interactive dialogue between topography and architecture.
Al Hayari holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
He also conducted postgraduate studies at the School of Architecture at the University of Venice and has lectured at prestigious colleges and universities in the fields of architecture and design around the world, including Columbia University and Harvard University in the United States, the University of Venice in Italy, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, the American University of Beirut, and the University of Science and Technology in Jordan. His works cover a wide range of design-related disciplines, including urban design, architectural structures, interior design, and exhibition design.
Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the “Great Arab Minds” Initiative, informed Sahel Al Hayari of his win of the award.
In a video call with him, he praised the unique artistic formula he created by combining architecture, fine arts, and urban design.
It is worth mentioning that the ‘Great Arab Minds’ award is the largest award of its kind in the Arab world, and it celebrates, for the second consecutive year, the achievements of Arab innovators for humanity in these fields.
source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)
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Sahel Al Hayari is known for integrating innovative modern design with traditional Arab stonework
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, crowned Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco as the top Arab Hope Maker.
Zainoun received a prize of AED1 million.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also directed that the two other finalists, Samar Nadeem from Egypt and Khadija Al-Qorti from Morocco, also be honoured with equivalent cash prizes of AED1 million, thus raising the total value of prizes presented with the Hope Makers awards to AED3 million.
Zainoun earned the top honours after receiving the highest number of votes during the closing ceremony of the 5th edition of the Hope Makers initiative, the largest of its kind in the Arab region dedicated to honouring people who make a difference to the lives of others.
Zainoun was recognised for his initiative to treat children with the disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum. Young patients suffering from the condition are also referred to as ‘Children of the Moon.’ The closing ceremony of the initiative was held at the Coca Cola Arena today and its broadcasts watched by tens of millions across the Arab world.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Hope Makers embody the true meaning of selfless giving, working tirelessly behind the scenes. They are inspiring role models, transforming lives without seeking recognition, leaving an enduring legacy of humanitarianism. The Arab world is rich in such examples of kindness and service. Recognising these initiatives is an acknowledgment of the values of generosity and compassion.”
Congratulating the winners and all participants, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed added, “Thousands of inspiring individuals across the Arab world joined this fifth edition of Arab Hope Makers. These philanthropists embody generosity and a commitment to positive change, serving as beacons of hope for a brighter future. The UAE remains dedicated to supporting hope and inspiring initiatives, serving as a champion of optimism in the Arab world.”
The closing ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).
The fifth edition of the Hope Makers initiative received over 26,000 nominations within a span of just one month. Each nomination was carefully reviewed according to the initiative’s criteria. Over the past five editions, the initiative has engaged more than 320,000 participants.
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), stated that the Hope Makers initiative reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of fostering a culture of giving and encouraging humanitarians and volunteers to develop impactful projects that drive positive change and counter negativity across Arab communities.
Al Gergawi added, “Since its inception in 2017, Hope Makers has become a landmark initiative in the Arab world’s humanitarian landscape. It inspires positive competition, motivating individuals to serve their communities and develop innovative projects that address the needs of thousands, empowering them to rebuild their lives with hope and confidence in the future.”
Al Gergawi noted that receiving over 26,000 nominations in a single month for the fifth edition, with the vast majority of participants presenting innovative charitable projects, demonstrates the Arab world’s rich humanitarian spirit and its people’s capacity to create a brighter future.
Hosted by Neshan Der Haroutiounian and Asmahan Al Naqbi, the fifth edition’s closing ceremony featured several performances, including a musical operetta by Hammoud Al-Khader, Walid Al-Shami, Balqees, and Omar Al-Abdallat, which preceded the announcement of the Arab world’s top Hope Maker. Internationally renowned singer and music producer RedOne also performed at the ceremony.
At Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, attendees watched videos showcasing the journeys of the three finalists, highlighting their humanitarian work and the impact they made in the lives of those in need, including orphans, the sick, the elderly, and the homeless. The audience also heard inspiring stories from two Hope Makers from Tunisia and Mauritania.
Samar Nadeem, founder of the ‘Zahrat Masr’ shelter, dedicated her life to helping others. Raised with a strong sense of compassion, she began her journey in 2016 by assisting an elderly woman living in her building, helping facilitate for her basic necessities that she lacked.
After sharing the woman’s plight on Facebook and receiving an outpouring of support, Samar began receiving numerous requests for help from the public. She responded by aiding the homeless and placing them in shelters. In 2017, Samar founded ‘Zahrat Masr’ to provide safe housing for elderly homeless individuals, and today, the shelter houses dozens of people from across Egypt.
Ahmed Zainoun leads the ‘Moon Voice’ association, which supports children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP). Also known as ‘Children of the Moon,’ young people with this rare genetic disorder are extremely sensitive to ultraviolet light, raising their risk of skin cancer.
Since there is no cure, protection through special creams and UV-protective clothing is crucial. Zainoun cares for 144 children with XP, raising funds to provide them with necessary medications and protective gear. Despite his efforts, some children have succumbed to the disease, motivating him to seek further support for Moon Voice to enable these children to live fulfilling lives and continue their education. Zainoun remains dedicated to his mission, hoping for greater community support to instill hope in young patients and to help them adapt to their condition and lead enriching lives.
Khadija al-Qorti has become a symbol of hope for cancer patients in Morocco, particularly women. Known affectionately as the ‘Mother of Morocco’s Patients,’ her journey began after losing both her husband and sister to cancer.
Turning personal tragedy into a mission for compassionate action, she opened the doors to her home in Rabat, providing free shelter, food, medicine, and emotional support to women battling the disease. With the help of donors, she later expanded her efforts by establishing the Jannat Association, a larger facility to continue her charitable work. Despite limited resources, Khadija has welcomed over 10,000 women from across Morocco since 2009, offering them a place to stay and daily meals for up to three weeks while they seek treatment.
Tunisian Hope Maker Karim Arfa builds and repairs bridges in his area using recycled materials. Inspired by the tragic drowning of a schoolgirl in 2019, he has proudly constructed over ten bridges around the town of El Mourouj to ensure safe passage over rivers and streams for locals. He also runs a small public works company and recycles old furniture to donate to those in need.
Mauritanian rapper Racine Dia, abandoned as a baby and raised by a loving family, now dedicates his life to rescuing orphaned and abandoned children. Inspired by his personal experience, he provides care, shelter, and a sense of belonging to dozens of children. To further his work, he founded the ‘Association for the Fight Against Child Abandonment,’ which, with the help of volunteers, provides a supportive environment for these children to thrive and integrate into society.
The Hope Makers initiative, operating under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, aims to highlight these unsung heroes – the men and women dedicating their time, effort, and resources to serving others, aiding those in need, and improving lives. It seeks to amplify their stories and projects through traditional and digital media, increasing their recognition within their communities and across the Arab world.
By showcasing these positive role models, particularly among youth, the initiative aims to inspire others towards constructive change and community development, celebrating them as true stars deserving of praise and recognition.
Well-known Sudanese singer and percussionist Asia Madani, who lived in Cairo, passed away on Sunday, the Sudanese Artists Union in Egypt reported.
Madani was born in Wad Madani, the capital of the Gezira State in central Sudan.
She started her career in her early years, moving to Egypt in the early 2000s, and quickly found her place in the country’s music scene.
Her initial breakthrough was on the Cairo Opera House stage.
Later, she became best known for presenting Sudanese folk music mixed with modern musical rhythms.
Madani performed with her troupe and joined many ensembles that focused on traditional and folkloric music of the south, earning herself the title of Messenger of Sudanese Folklore.
The star often spoke about her deep love for Sudanese rhythms, explaining that her journey in music began at a young age.
She highlighted how she learned diverse musical and vocal rhythms from different regions of Sudan — from the south to the north and the central areas — which greatly influenced her artistic style.
The singer was deeply influenced by the works of iconic Egyptian singers like Mohamed Abdel-Wahab and Abdel-Halim Hafez and even reinterpreted some of Sayed Darwish’s songs in her unique voice.
Moreover, Madani participated in the Nile Project, which she co-founded and which brought together African musicians from the Nile basin countries.
She was also featured in the documentary Far From the Nile presenting the project. The film was screened in the main competition of the Cairo International Film Festival (2022), winning awards.
Among her best-known songs were Jibal Al-Nuba (Mountains of Nubia), Al-Qamar Badawi (The Moon Shines), and Al-Zul (The Man).
Additionally, Madani participated in many international festivals and founded a children’s choir for Sudanese children in Egypt.
Numerous artists have expressed their sorrow after Madani’s sudden death.
“May God have mercy on you, forgive you, and grant you eternal rest. You were a true artist who loved her country and lived in her second country, Egypt. You were a strong person, never afraid to speak the truth, kind, pure-hearted, and a true artist who sang for the people everything she felt in a genuine way. Goodbye,” singer and songwriter Hani Adel wrote on Facebook.
Sudanese director Amjad Abu Al-Alaa wrote on his Facebook account: “A great loss, Asia.”
“To be an artist with a beautiful voice and a following is a normal thing, but what is extraordinary is to have a message in what you present, to have your own artistic project based on Sudanese identity, the unity of the Sudanese people, its uniqueness, enriching and renewing its heritage, presenting it in an attractive way, and touring the world proudly and persistently,” Sudanese media personality Dalia Al-Tahir wrote on her X account.
“This is what the true artist, the revolutionary soul from the heart of the country, Asia Madani, excelled in,” she expressed.
Moroccan professor Anasse Bari has received the Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Faculty Award for 2025 at New York University (NYU).
The award recognizes faculty members whose work demonstrates leadership and commitment to justice and fairness, all values that the American civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. promoted.
Speaking to Morocco World News, Bari expressed his pride in receiving the award. “I dedicate this award to my fellow Moroccans,” he said.
According to NYU’s website, the award is given to professors whose research and work contribute to positive social change.
“The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award recognizes outstanding faculty who exemplify the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s scholarship, life, and justice work and who promote the principles and ethos of Dr. King’s extensive global contributions in their research, teaching, leadership, and/or community-building efforts,” the university said.
It added that the process of selecting the faculty awardees involves significant student involvement. This includes students taking part in various stages such as award development, nomination, selection, and recognition.
This means that students play a role in identifying and honoring faculty members who have made a meaningful impact within the classroom, on student research, co-curricular activities, and broader community engagement.
Professor Bari, who leads NYU’s Predictive Analytics and AI Research Lab, has been involved in developing AI tools for healthcare, climate change, misinformation, and pandemic preparedness.
Professor Anasse Bari and his AI researcher at NYU, Sana Sajjad (right) and Dr. Hua-Yu Sebastian Cherng, NTU’s Vice Dean of Research and Equity (left)
During an award ceremony on Wednesday, Bari said this recognition highlights the importance of working to serve communities while holding onto values of fairness and justice.
The Moroccan professor teaches over 700 students annually, with focus on ethical AI and mentoring research projects that apply AI to solve social issues.
“Every day in my classroom, I encourage my students to use the skills they have learned at New York University to serve the world,” Bari said, noting that his students are finding “new ways” to use AI and data science to improve the world.
He explained that his students are using AI to combat misinformation, create automated tutoring tools, assist doctors in pandemic prevention, develop cleaner energy sources, and build “ethical, fair, and privacy-preserving” AI solutions.
“The remarkable work of our NYU students embodies the spirit of service and justice that Dr. King envisioned. This award gives me the opportunity to express my gratitude to my students—not only for their incredible contributions but also for the lessons they have taught me,” Professor Bari concluded.
Becomes first Arab and Middle Eastern delegate to hold the position.
The General Council of the World Trade Organization unanimously appointed Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the WTO Saqer bin Abdullah Al-Moqbel as its president for the 2025–2026 term on Wednesday.
His appointment marks a milestone for the region, as he becomes the first Arab and Middle Eastern delegate to hold the position, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The WTO General Council plays a role in overseeing the organization’s operations between its biennial ministerial conferences.
Under Al-Moqbel’s presidency, the council is expected to address a range of critical global trade issues, with preparations for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, set to take place in Cameroon in March 2026, high on the agenda.
Other priorities will include advancing essential WTO reforms, particularly concerning its dispute settlement mechanism, and progressing negotiations on the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidy Agreement.
Additionally, discussions will focus on key areas such as agriculture, food security and development concerns, while efforts will also be made to integrate multilateral agreements, including the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and the E-Commerce Agreement, into the WTO framework, SPA added.
Commenting on his appointment, Al-Moqbel hailed the significance of Saudi Arabia’s leadership within the WTO, stating that it reflected the Kingdom’s growing role in the international economic landscape.
He emphasized that the Kingdom would leverage its global economic influence to strengthen multilateral trade cooperation and drive meaningful reforms within the WTO.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The General Council of the World Trade Organization unanimously appointed Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the WTO Saqer bin Abdullah Al-Moqbel as its president for the 2025–2026 term on Wednesday. (SPA)
The activities of the International Eazees International Women’s Theatre Festival have kicked off in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, with Arab and international participation. ‘The festival organizers announced the honoring of the esteemed Iraqi artist Awatef Naeem, within its second edition, which is being held from May 16 to 22 in Cairo, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency-INA. “Actress Awatif Naim is one of the most prominent stars in the Arab world,” festival chairwoman Abeer Lotfi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), noting that “Naim’s talent did not limit her to a specific role, but unleashed her to fly in the sky of art through acting, writing, directing and scientific research, which reflects the ability of women and their ability to prove themselves in difficult fields that require great effort.” She pointed out that “the artist is scheduled to be honored for the play “I am my face”, which was written and directed by her, and co-starring artists and artists (Shatha Salem, Samar Mohammed, Shaima Jaafar and Ali Al-Sudani),” explaining that “the events of the play revolve around three women who embody the suffering that women endure in family, social and political life, to reach their essence and their true face.” It’s to be mentioned, Awatif Naim, an Iraqi actress, director and academic researcher, was born in 1949. She obtained a doctorate in theater directing, and began her artistic career by writing and directing many programs and series for Iraqi radio and television, in parallel with her work in the field of criticism and academic research in theater, and she is a founding member of the Theater Critics Association in Iraq.
She was awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters in 2022 by the French Ministry of Culture. She founded the Children’s Theater Department at the Department of Cinema and Theater in 1996 and held its first festival in 2002.
