Author: ArabianRecords.org

EGYPT : 13 Egyptian women on Forbes Middle East 100 Most Powerful businesswomen 2023

Thirteen Egyptian businesswomen made it to the Forbes Middle East 100 Most powerful businesswomen 2023 list this year.

The list was prepared by the famous financial magazine’s Middle East edition according to the size of the business, the individual’s impact and achievements, performance over the last year, and the scope of CSR and other initiatives led by the person.

The 100-entry list included 104 women from 27 different sectors and 27 nationalities.

The UAE and Egypt scored the most entries at 15 and 12, respectively, followed by Saudi Arabia (11) , Kuwait (eight), and six from each of Lebanon, Qatar and Oman.

Egyptian businesswomen are no strangers to the list, having topped the list in previous years in terms of the number of entries.

In 2021, Egyptian businesswomen topped the list with eight entries, and in 2022 they had seven entries. 

Below Ahram Online sheds light on the Egyptian businesswomen who made it to the list:

  • Dalia El-Baz (13th on the list)

An American University in Cairo alumna, El-Baz is the executive deputy chairman of the National Bank of Egypt (NBE).

El-Baz, who has been on the list before, posseses 28 years of experience in the banking sector.

She joined Egypt’s largest bank in terms of assets in 2008 as head of the operational risk management group, becoming Chief Operating officer (COO) in December 2015.

In 2016, she was appointed on the bank’s executive committee.

In September 2017, she became the first woman to become the executive deputy chairman of the NBE.

  • Pakinam Kafafi (21st on the list)

A Cairo University graduate, Pakinam Kafafi started her career in finance and banking at EFG-Hermes in the mid-1990s, rising to the position of vice president in 2000.

She then moved to the oil and energy sector.

In 2003, Kafafi was appoointed the strategy and investment general manager of Gas & Energy Group (GENCO).

When Citadel Group acquired GENCO and merged it with TAQA Arabia, Kafafi maintained her role.

In April 2013, Pakinam Kafafi was selected as the company’s CEO.

  • Rawya Mansour (27th on the list)

A Cairo university graduate, Rawya Mansour proved herself one of Egypt’s leading businesswomen.

Mansour is a descendant from one of Egypt’s oldest families in the field of business.

In 1999, she founded RAMSCO for Refined Architecture and Interior Design.

In 2007, she started RAMSCO for Trade and Distribution.

She also established the Organic Agriculture for Social International Solidarity (OASIS) in Monaco in 2012.

  • Reem Asaad (39th on the list)

An Egyptian American, Reem Asaad is a Harvard business school graduate who continued her career in Egypt when she served as the CEO of Raya Data Center from January 2012 till December 2016.

From January 2017 to February 2020, Asaad served as Raya Contact Center CEO befor

In 2020, she was appointed Cisco Middle East and Africa Vice President.

Cisco employs 3,000 people and contractors in 74 countries across the Middle East and Africa. 

In March 2021, she was appointed by Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology to serve on the board of directors for the country’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency.

  • Hend El-Sherbini (42nd on the list)

A graduate of Cairo University, Dr Hend El-Sherbini is a professor of clinical pathology at the University’s Faculty of Medicine.

El-Sherbini served as the CEO of Al-Mokhtabar between 2004 and 2012.

She has been seving as IDH Group’s CEO since 2012.

IDH has a network of 546 branch labs as of September 2022 in Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan and Pakistan.

The group recorded revenues of $281 million in 2021 and $143 million in the first nine months of 2022.

In August 2022, El-Sherbini increased her holdings in the group with 7.3 million additional shares through Hena Holdings.

Now, she owns 26.71 percent of the group.

  • Farida and Yasmine Khamis (43rd on the list)

The daughters of the famous Egyptian carpets tycoon, Farida and Yasmine Khamis are considered veterans of the Forbes list.

American University of Cairo alumni, Yasmine Khamis is currently the Chairwoman of Oriental Weavers Group, while her sister Farida is her vice-chair.

Both sisters made headlines last December when they transferred their combined 24.61percent stake in Oriental Weavers Carpet to London-based FYK limited, which is fully owned by them.

They are also board members of the British University in Cairo .

  • Mona Zulficar (48th on the list)

The famous renowned lawyer and human rights activist is the Forbes Middle East 100 women list veteran who has appeared constantly on the list since it started.

A Cairo University graduate, Zulficar is a veteran corporate, banking, and project finance attorney and human rights activist.

She cofounded Zulficar & Partners in 2009. Mona Zulficar chaired EFG Hermes Holding since 2008 and the Egyptian Microfinance Federation since 2015.

Mona Zulficar is currently a member of Egypt’s National Council of Human Rights.

  • Elham Mahfouz (56th on the list)

An AUC alumna, Elham Mahfouz has over 30 years of banking experience mostly in Kuwait.

Mahfouz has been the CEO of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al-Tijari) since 2014.  

Al-Tijari recorded $179 million in net profit and $14.1 billion worth of total assets in 2021. 

Mahfouz is a member of the supervisory board of the American University of Kuwait.

  • Hilda Louca (62nd on the list)

A graduate of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, Transport and Maritime Transport, Hilda Louca is a newcomer to the list.

Louca started her career in Lufthansa’s customer service before moving to become a sales marking manager at Al-Ahram Beverage Company-Heineken Egypt for three years.

In 2018, she founded MITCHA – platform to support Egyptian designers.

Today, the platform features 200 designers and brands. 

  • Omnia Kelig (84th on the list)

An AUC alumna, Omnia Kelig is a banking and cooperate financing veteran who started her career in the CIB in 1999.

Kelig is currently Deputy CEO, Chairwoman and Managing Director of NAEEM Holding, a dual-listed company on the Egyptian Stock Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market.

In the first nine months of 2022, NAEEM reported $8.2 million in total revenues and $273 million in assets.

Before joining NAEEM, Kelig was a founder and managing director of Viveris Mashrek, a subsidiary of France’s Viveris Management.

She was also a partner and director for Haykala Investment Management and a co-head of investment banking at Barclays Bank in Egypt.

  • Abir Leheta (87th on the list)

An AUC alumna, Abir Leheta is another veteran on the Forbes list.

Leheta joined the Egyptian Transport and Commercial Services Company “EgyTrans” in 1997.

She has been EgyTrans CEO since 2017.

She is also the chairman of Barwil Egytrans and ScanArabia.

  • Abeer Helmy Saleh ( 99th on the list)

An AUC alumna, Abeer Helmy Saleh previously held a number of managerial positions, including managing director and board member at Wafa Life Insurance Company and managing director of Bupa Egypt Insurance.

In March 2022, Saleh was appointed as a Board Member & Managing Director of Misr Life Insurance, Takaful, which was established as a joint venture between Misr Insurance Holding Company, the National Bank of Egypt, and Banque Misr, with a capital of over $5 million. 

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

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi women Dr. Najia Al-Zanbagi and Rafeef Ayedh Alshahrani Awarded at Indonesia Inventors Day 2024 exhibition

Rafeef Ayedh Alshahrani wins gold for innovative tech; Dr. Najia Al-Zanbagi silver for her work in medical parasitology .

Two Saudi citizens were awarded prestigious medals for their groundbreaking work at the Indonesia Inventors Day 2024 exhibition, which was held from Aug. 28 to 31 in Bali, Indonesia. 

Rafeef Ayedh Alshahrani, a researcher from King Khalid University, won a gold medal for her innovation “AirEco,” which has the ability to detect and locate living beings in hard-to-reach mountainous terrain, where search efforts are typically hindered by challenging conditions. 

By integrating advanced detection technologies with artificial intelligence, the device provides crucial support to rescue teams. It not only identifies precise locations but also executes functions to assist in rescue operations once the target is located.

It is one of the projects backed by the university’s Agency for Business and Community Partnership, through the Entrepreneurship Center. 

The project has also earned four prestigious awards from Taiwan, Romania, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Reflecting on her achievement, she described it as a truly unique and fulfilling experience. She expressed the joy of seeing the fruits of her hard work over the past days and months, stating that the greatest reward was the pride and recognition from those around her. “It’s an incredible feeling,” she said.

“This accomplishment has fueled my desire to see it implemented quickly and made widely available,” she added. “I sincerely hope that authorities and companies will adopt the project, provide support, and help manufacture it to the highest standards so it can fully achieve its purpose.”

When asked how such achievements can positively influence Saudi participation in international competitions, she said: “Accomplishments serve as a powerful driving force for young people, pushing them toward their ambitions and future goals. 

“The Kingdom’s Vision 2030, in particular, has become a major source of motivation, inspiring all Saudis to think creatively and pursue their aspirations. 

“Saudi achievements have now become a source of national pride, shifting perspectives on the significance of success and its far-reaching impact. These accomplishments are key drivers of development, progress and prosperity. 

“Beyond boosting individual self-confidence, they foster a positive mindset in society, encouraging leadership, innovation and the creation of economic opportunities. The impact of success doesn’t stop with the individual; it resonates throughout the community.”

Dr. Najia Al-Zanbagi, headmaster of Highly Innovative Unique Foundation, also earned a silver medal at the Indonesia Inventors Day 2024 for her remarkable work in medical parasitology.

“My contribution was a personal achievement: I authored a book on medical parasitology, using engaging, narrative-driven stories to simplify the complex scientific content and make it easier for learners to distinguish between various parasites. 

“I first introduced this approach while teaching at King Abdulaziz University, and it was incredibly well received by students, who found the subject much more enjoyable and accessible.” 

She aid that the book, titled “Lisan Al-Hal,” has now been published and is now available in the market.

Dr. Majid Al-Aziman, director of the Entrepreneurship Center at King Khalid University, emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting innovators, raising awareness and redefining the concept of entrepreneurship. 

The university also seeks to spotlight the success of projects incubated by the Entrepreneurship Center and actively contribute to creating new job opportunities.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Dr. Najia Al-Zanbagi (R), headmaster of Highly Innovative Unique Foundation, earned a silver medal at the Indonesia Inventors Day 2024 for her remarkable work in medical parasitology. (Supplied)

Rafeef Ayedh Alshahrani’s project has also earned four prestigious awards from Taiwan, Romania, Hong Kong and Thailand. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

U.A.E: Meet Hagar Rashid Al Naeemi, The First Emirati & Arab Woman To Serve At Interpol

Breaking boundaries.

Hagar Rashid Al Naeemi has carved a historic path as the first female police officer from Abu Dhabi to be selected for a role for the International Police. This remarkable achievement underscores her exemplary dedication, skills, and the UAE’s commitment to fostering gender equality in law enforcement.

A Distinguished Career

Hagar’s journey to Interpol is marked by a series of significant accomplishments. Serving in Abu Dhabi’s police force , she demonstrated outstanding expertise in various critical areas, earning respect and recognition from her peers and superiors. Her selection for Interpol is a testament to her hard work and the progressive vision of the UAE’s leadership.

Al Naeemi specialises in digital crime, focusing on combating cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and online fraud. Her expertise involves using advanced technological tools to track and prevent cyber-criminal activities, ensuring the security of digital infrastructures. At Interpol, she will continue to leverage her skills in cybercrime to develop and implement strategies for international cooperation in fighting digital threats, contributing to global cybersecurity initiatives. This role could involve coordinating with various countries to enhance collective cyber defences and address emerging digital crime trends.

Empowering a new generation of female leaders

Hagar’s appointment is more than a personal victory; its a milestone for all Emirati women. Her success symbolises the breaking of barriers and the new potential for women in fields traditionally dominated by men. It serves as an inspirational narrative, encouraging more women to pursue careers in law enforcement and other male-dominated fields.

Her success highlights that dedication and hard work can lead to global recognition, motivating young women to dream big and strive for excellence in their chosen paths.

A source of national pride

Hagar’s achievement brings immense pride to the UAE. It reflects the nation’s progressive policies and the successful integration of women into high-stakes roles. Her journey from Abu Dhabi to Interpol showcases the UAE’s commitment to empowering women and highlights the significant strides the country has made in gender equality.

source/content: graziamagazine.com (headline edited)

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

ABU DHABI, U.A.E: Adnoc to buy 35% stake in ExxonMobil’s new blue hydrogen plant in Texas. Set to be Worlds Largest.

About one million tonnes of ammonia produced will be shipped to either European or North-east Asian markets, Adnoc executive says.

Adnoc will acquire a 35 per cent equity stake in oil major ExxonMobil’s proposed blue hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Texas as the Abu Dhabi-based energy company boosts its presence in the US.

The project, set to be the “world’s largest” of its kind, will be capable of producing up to 1 billion cubic feet daily of blue hydrogen, with about 98 per cent of carbon dioxide removed, and more than 1 million tonnes of low-carbon ammonia per year, Adnoc said in a statement on Wednesday. The final investment decision is projected for 2025, with operations expected to begin in 2029.

“This strategic investment is a significant step for Adnoc as we grow our portfolio of lower-carbon energy sources and deliver on our international growth strategy,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Adnoc managing director and group chief executive.

Blue hydrogen is primarily produced from natural gas through a process known as steam reforming, which involves combining natural gas with steam. This process generates hydrogen as the main product, while carbon dioxide is produced as a by-product.

The plant, which will be in Baytown, will have access to “cheap” gas from the US Gulf Coast via pipelines, Michele Fiorentino, executive vice president of low carbon solutions at Adnoc, told The National on Wednesday.

Mr Fiorentino said that about half of the facility’s production will be utilised by ExxonMobil for its operations as “captive demand”. While part of the remaining half will be sold in the Gulf Coast, where there is a well-established hydrogen network, about one million tonnes of ammonia will be shipped to either European or north-east Asian markets, he added. Discussions are under way with possible buyers, he said.

“A big off-taker is going to be North-east Asia – Japan and South Korea are keen to decarbonise their energy systems, and so they’re looking at ammonia … to reduce the carbon footprint of their coal-fired [power] plants,” Mr Fiorentino said.

Ammonia co-firing involves substituting part of the coal used in power plants with ammonia and burning the low-carbon fuel with coal to produce electricity.

“There are obligations on the overall refining system in Europe to reduce their carbon footprint and other hard-to-abate sectors are looking at hydrogen as a way to decarbonise,” Mr Fiorentino said.

Adnoc’s latest agreement follows its acquisition of a 11.7 per cent stake in phase one of NextDecade’s Rio Grande liquefied natural gas export project in Texas.

“This is the second [deal] in a relatively short period of time. The US remains an interesting geography from our perspective, whether it’s on the gas side or on the low carbon solution side,” Mr Fiorentino said. “We remain very receptive to investment opportunities that really make financial sense in the region.”

Adnoc is making substantial investments in carbon capture and establishing a hydrogen supply chain, which is seen as crucial for abating emissions in industries such as shipping and steel manufacturing.

The company is building a one million tonnes-per-year low-carbon ammonia production plant at the Ta’ziz industrial ecosystem and chemicals hub in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi.

Adnoc has also shipped several demonstration cargoes of low-carbon ammonia to customers in Asia and Germany. In December, the company teamed up with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to explore potential opportunities in green hydrogen and ammonia value chains.

The companies will also study the deployment of carbon management technology, the state-run energy company said at the time.

The market for clean hydrogen is expected to top the value of the liquefied natural gas trade by 2030 and grow to $1.4 trillion per year by 2050, Deloitte said in a report last year.

Green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy such as solar and wind, is projected to help drive the bulk of the growth, the report said.

source/content: thenationalnews.com (headline edited)

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Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, at the signing of a strategic partnership by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Adnoc’s managing director and group chief executive and Darren Woods, ExxonMobil’s chairman and chief executive. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

OMAN: Zahran Alqasmi becomes first Omani to win International Prize for Arabic Fiction

Winning novel The Water Diviner is a poetic work set in rural Oman.

Novelist Zahran Alqasmi is the first Omani to win the International Prize for Arabic Fiction for his fourth novel The Water Diviner.

Announced at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi  on Sunday, Alqasmi was named winner of the $50,000 prize and will also receive funding for an English translation.

Published in 2021, The Water Diviner follows the life of an enigmatic and mystical man employed by Omani villages to track the ebb and flow of local rivers and ravines.

Haunted by the deaths of his parents, “the water diviner” faces his fear as he battles for his life while stuck in a water channel.

Moroccan author Mohammed Achaari, the 2011 IPAF winner and chairman of this year’s judging panel, hailed the work for its innovative subject matter and cohesive structure.

“It is a new subject in modern fiction: water and its impact on the natural environment and the lives of human beings in hostile regions.

“Blurring the boundaries of reality and myth, the novel’s precise structure and sensitive poetic language are the conduit for compelling characters like the water diviner, who plays an essential role in people’s lives, yet simultaneously inspires their fear and revulsion,” he said.

“The Water Diviner transports us to the world, little known in the Arabic novel, of the riverbeds and the aflaj [water channels] of Oman, showing how natural forces influence the relationship between individuals, environment and culture.”

Professor Yasir Suleiman, chairman of the award’s board of trustees, praised Alqasmi’s rich prose and use of authentic Omani colloquialisms.

“The novel takes the reader into a world dominated by vulnerability and ready-made modes of thinking,” he said.

“Written in exquisite language suffused with the local cadences, the novel charms the reader with its narrative flow and poetic impulse.

The Water Diviner was one of six shortlisted novels , which included The Highest Part of the Horizon by Saudi author Fatima Abdulhamid, published by Masciliana in the UAE.

All shortlisted authors will receive a $10,000 prize.

Who is Zahran Alqasmi?

Born in the agriculture region of Dima Wattayeen in northern Oman, Alqasmi is a prolific author – having published four novels, 10 poetry books and two Biography of the Stone short story collections,released in 2009 and 2011.

In an interview on the IPAF website, he says the novel was inspired by his experience growing up in rural Oman.

“Anyone looking at life in the Sultanate of Oman will find that it largely depends upon an old system for providing water for drinking and agriculture, the system of the aflaj,” he said.

“They are a complicated social system, linked to social and class strata. Water is divided in equal shares throughout the year so that the owners of gardens can take what is due to them.

“Since I am a son of one of these villages, since my early childhood I have known a lot about the system of aflaj and heard many astonishing stories and legends connected with this system.

“This enriched me as I wrote the novel. I imagined the environment of the book as an Omani village. I visualised its paths, gardens, alleyways. It was easy at that time to write the chapters fluidly.”

Alqasmi will make his first public appearance after winning the prize at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on Monday.

Taking place at the Ayasofya Stage at 8.45pm, the discussion will include the shortlisted authors and centre on their works and the challenges facing modern Arabic fiction.

source/content: thenationalnews.com (headline edited)

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2023 International Prize for Arabic Fiction Awards winner Zahran Alqasmi, centre, with Jonathan Taylor, left and Zaki Nusseibeh, cultural adviser to the President of the UAE. Victor Besa / The National

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OMAN

TUNISIA : World Athletics U20 Championships 2024: Tunisia’s Rayen Cherni wins gold in men’s 10,000m race walk, sets Championship record

Multiple area and national records broken in men’s 10,000m event at World Athletics U20 Championships 2024.

Rayen Cherni set a championship record in the men’s 10,000m race walk to win the first ever gold medal for Tunisia at the World Athletics U20 Championships 2024, while China’s Baima Zhuoma dominated the women’s race during the final morning session of action in Lima on Friday.

In a hard-fought men’s race, the top 17 all set area or national U20 records, or achieved PBs, with Cherni winning in an African U20 record of 39:24.85, Mexico’s Emiliano Barba securing silver in a North and Central American U20 record of 39:27.10 and Italy’s Giuseppe Disabato gaining bronze in a national U20 record of 39:31.25.

Australia’s Isaac Beacroft, who won the U20 title on the roads at the World Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya in April, finished fourth on the track in Lima, setting an Oceanian U20 record of 39:36.39, while Japan’s Sohtaroh Osaka finished fifth in a PB of 39:39.36.

It was Germany’s Frederick Weigel who had taken the early lead, but Osaka, Beacroft and Kenya’s Stephen Ndangiri Kihu took control by the halfway point, passed in 20:05.03.

As the pace gradually picked up, the lead pack whittled down, and Barba, Disabato and Cherni made their break. Six athletes remained in contention with four laps to go and eventually 17-year-old Cherni left his rivals behind to win by more than two seconds.

China’s Baima Zhuoma claims gold with personal best in women’s 10,000m race walk at World Athletics U20 Championships 2024

In the women’s race, Baima looked calm and in control throughout. The field quickly spaced out and the 19-year-old, who claimed Asian U20 silver in April, was well clear as she passed the 5000m mark in 21:47.33.

She was followed by India’s Aarti and her Chinese teammate Chen Meiling, last year’s Asian U20 champion, with Romania’s 17-year-old Alessia Cristina Pop, the European U18 silver medallist, looking determined behind them.

While Baima was never under threat, Aarti seemed to be moving away from Chen, but with two red cards Aarti had to be cautious and Chen made her move, passing her rival with three and a half laps to go.

Baima maintained her lead to cruise to victory in a world U20 lead and big PB of 43:26.60, as Chen held on for silver to complete a 1-2 for China in a PB of 44:30.67. Aarti claimed bronze in an Indian U20 record of 44:39.39, while Pop also set a national U20 record of 44:54.32 in fourth. Similar to the men’s race, the top 16 all set national records or PBs.

source/content: khelnow.com (headline edited)

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(Courtesy : @WorldAthletics/Twitter)

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TUNISIA

QATAR set to become world’s largest exporter of urea with construction of new complex

Al-Kaabi also announced that QatarEnergy will more than double the local solar energy production by adding new power plants in Dukhan, to become “one of the largest” of their kind in the world. 

QatarEnergy is set to become the world’s largest exporter of urea by building a new production complex, a move that is set to ramp up production from a current six MTPA (million tonnes per annum) to 12.4 MTPA by 2030, marking a 106 percent spike.

QatarEnergy’s President and CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi announced the mega project in a press conference on Sunday at the Qatari company’s headquarters in Doha. 

In response to the press, Al-Kaabi said the new facility will more than double Qatar’s urea, or fertilizer, production while supporting global food production and security. He noted that the production from the project’s first urea train is expected before the end of this decade.

“When we look at the future market of urea with the growth of humanity[…]the urea requirement for food production will be exponentially increased,” Al-Kaabi told the press.

QatarEnergy announces world’s largest blue ammonia plant 

The expansion process will take place by building three ammonia production lines that will in turn provide feedstock to four new mega urea production trains in Mesaieed Industrial City. 

The announcement also came against the backdrop of Qatar’s growing ammonia and urea production over the past 50 years.

In 2022, QatarEnergy Renewable Solutions and the Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO), inked a major agreement over the development of the Blue Ammonia project, the largest of its kind in the world, in Mesaieed Industrial City.

Production is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

Qatar to more than double solar power production

Al-Kaabi also announced that QatarEnergy will more than double the local solar energy production by adding new power plants in Dukhan, which will become “one of the largest” of their kind in the world. 

The new plant will have a production capacity of 2,000 megawatts, doubling Qatar’s solar power production capacity from existing projects and those still under construction. Some of the projects include the Al-Kharsaah solar power plant, inaugurated in 2022 with the capacity of 800 megawatts.

QatarEnergy, KPC sign 15-year agreement for LNG supply to Kuwait

Others include two solar power plants under construction in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed with a total production capacity of 875 megawatts. According to Al-Kaabi, the production will commence before the end of this year.

“By adding the Dukhan solar power plant to these three plants, we will achieve our Sustainability Strategy objective of about 4,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power by 2030, which makes up 30 percent of Qatar’s total electric power production,” he explained.

Al-Kaabi described the latest announcement as a “continuation” of Qatar’s efforts to provide the world with energy products and meet global needs.

“QatarEnergy’s specialised technical teams will immediately begin the necessary detailed engineering studies to implement these mega projects in accordance with the highest safety, health and environmental standards,” Al-Kaabi said.

source/contents: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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QATAR

SUDAN : For Sudanese Photographer Hashim Nasr, Art is a Sanctuary in Exile

Upon first glance at the works of Hashim Nasr, a Sudanese multidisciplinary artist and photographer now displaced in Alexandria, Egypt, one immediately notices several things; a personal act of deliberate introspection portrayed through his subjects, and an invitation to delve into your own contemplative analysis of said displayed works. Upon further examination, one may note that there is no face to be seen in any of Nasr’s portraits, with the subjects’ faces more often-than-not tactfully – and intentionally – covered with quite the jarring element, a triangular royal blue cone.

But why? While one may guess – and would indeed by partially correct in their guess – that by covering the subjects’ faces, Nasr is able to effectively convey a deeper meaning, one unclouded by superficial perceptions, the real answer is perhaps rooted in serendipity. Nasr’s signature approach to portraiture was not perhaps initially intentional, yet grew to become so. Nasr would begin asking family members to model for his shoots, and for the sake of their own comfort, he would offer them a blue cone to mask their features.

Little did Nasr know that the blue cone would transcend its initial purpose, becoming a symbol that compels viewers to look beyond the surface, mirroring his own childhood desire to be understood in a way that transcends mere visibility – to be deeply seen, even when unseen.

Born in 1990 in Khartoum, Sudan, Nasr’s journey is as multifaceted as his art. Trained initially as a dentist, he balanced the rigorous demands of his profession with an insatiable drive to explore his creative instincts. Nasr’s early forays into the art world were deeply rooted in his connection to his homeland. “I started taking pictures of what I held dearest – my family and the city I call home, Khartoum. My love for photography comes from my love for Khartoum,” he shares. This intrinsic link to his roots has been a cornerstone of his work ever since.

Nasr’s photographs present a world that seems suspended in time between dreams and reality, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect. “These photos are not just pixels; they are my catharsis. The only form I have,” Nasr asserts. In each image, there is a quiet dialogue between the seen and the unseen, the conscious and the subconscious.

In Khartoum, he had the freedom to explore vast, open spaces, and the liberty to use diverse and often unconventional settings for his shoots. However, since his move to Egypt, and more specifically to Alexandria, the dynamics of his work have shifted. Nasr, alongside his family, came to Alexandria in March 2023 on a three week-long vacation, one that turned out to be an unexpected exile as the war in Sudan had intensified, and Nasr could not return home.

Since his displacement to Alexandria, Hashim Nasr has faced significant constraints that have impacted his creative process. “You wake up one day and you realize your country is at war. It changes everything,” Nasr reflects. The once vibrant streets and open spaces of his hometown, which served as the canvas for his explorations, have been replaced by the marginally restrictive environment of Alexandria. “Reality has never sunk in. There are days I’d wake up and find myself back in Khartoum, only to realize I am not.” This dislocation has not only been a physical one but also a profound emotional and artistic shift.

In Alexandria, Nasr has encountered a city that, while rich in history and culture, imposes tighter limitations on his artistic freedom, whether deliberately or not. “It is not easy to walk around the streets of Alexandria with my camera and take photos. I felt trapped. What was my catharsis was now no longer attainable, not in the way that I had accustomed myself to.” Despite the city’s picturesque spirit, Nasr has only managed to conduct two outdoor shoots since his arrival, finding the public spaces less accessible and open to his creative expressions. “The fishermen just kept asking me, ‘what the hell are you doing?’ and I had to make up some story about a university project. I’m 34.”

Faced with these challenges, Nasr has turned inward, creating art within the confines of his own private spaces. “I began making art in my room, playing with light and shadow. It’s my safe haven; no one can tell me ‘you can’t shoot here’.” In the intimacy of his room, he manipulates light and shadow to craft evocative scenes using his own hands, resonating with the themes of solitude and introspection that permeate his work. This transition to working indoors has become a new frontier for Nasr, a place where he can still explore his artistic vision without external interference.

However, this adaptation has not been without its struggles. “All these dreams I had slowly started transforming into realities were now once more fading away. It’s been difficult, and it’s not as easy as it was back in Khartoum.” The limitations in Alexandria have challenged Nasr to rethink his approach and find new ways to express his creativity, even as he navigates the emotional and practical difficulties of his displacement. Through this process, he continues to explore the depths of his inner world, finding solace and expression in the play of light and shadow within his own sanctuary.

While his earlier works were deeply personal, exploring themes of loneliness and masculinity, his recent creations have been profoundly influenced by his experiences of exile. Now, his art navigates the painful realities of displacement and the concept of home, both physically and mentally. The recurring motifs of the blue cone and other geometric shapes have evolved to symbolize not just personal introspection but also the broader and more poignant themes of exile and identity.

In Alexandria, Nasr finds himself in a state of limbo. “For me now, Alexandria has become a second home, my family is here. It’s unimaginable to leave them behind. Yet I want to explore, I want to grow, I want to seek opportunities abroad to expand on my artistic abilities, but I cannot leave them behind.” This duality reflects the complex reality of exile – a simultaneous pull towards new horizons and an unbreakable bond with the past. His longing for exploration and artistic growth is tempered by the deep-rooted ties to his family and the shared experience of displacement.

“The idea of having a new home, it’s not something easy to adapt to. There’s something missing. It is a feeling so intense and unescapable,” Nasr confides. This poignant sentiment echoes throughout his work, as he navigates the emotional landscape of exile. The sense of something irrevocably lost, yet clashing the necessity of building a new life, is a recurring undercurrent in his photography. His images encapsulate the struggle to find a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar place while holding onto the memories and identity tied to a homeland left behind. “Such is the reality of exile,” he adds.

Through his lens, Nasr offers a profound exploration of what it means to be caught between worlds, crafting a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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SUDAN

ARAB: 12 Arab Films to Steal Spotlight at 2024 Venice Film Festival

The films tell stories of hopes, dreams, and challenges from the Arab world.

Arab cinema is about to make waves as the 81st Venice Film Festival rolls out the red carpet. 

Running from August 28 to September 7, this year’s Venice International Film Festival will feature 12 Arab films backed by the Doha Film Institute.

These movies will light up key sections of the festival, including Orrizonti and Orrizonti Shorts, and make waves at Critics Week, Giornate degli Autori, Final Cut, and the Venice Gap-Financing Market.

These selections showcase the rich diversity of the region, bringing unique stories from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, and Yemen into the spotlight.

Highlights include “My Father’s Scent” by Mohamed Siam, featuring Egyptian star Ahmed Malek, “Aïcha” by Mehdi Barsaoui, and “Sudan, Remember Us” by Hind Meddeb, which offers a powerful portrayal of a generation’s fight for freedom through words, poems, and chants.

“We are proud to continue a successful festival season with a strong showcase of films by Arab talent at Venice,” stated Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, chief executive officer of the Doha Film Institute.

“Our mission is to support independent creators in cinema, and the compelling selection at Venice is a testament to our commitment to shed light on stories that transcend borders and present unique perspectives. We hope these films receive the acclaim and attention they deserve,” she added.

The 2024 Venice International Film Festival is set to showcase a diverse array of Arab cinema. 

In the Orizzonti category, the festival will present “Aïcha” directed by Mehdi Barsaoui and “Happy Holidays” by Scandar Copti. The Orizzonti Shorts category will meanwhile include “Shadows” by Rand Beiruty.

“Sudan, Remember Us,” directed by Hind Meddeb, will be showcased in the Giornate degli Autori section. Critics’ Week will highlight “Perfumed with Mint” by Muhammed Hamdy.

The Final Cut section will present several notable films, including “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” by Morad Mostafa, “In This Darkness I See You” by Nadim Tabet, “My Father’s Scent” by Mohamed Siam, and “Those Who Watch Over” by Karima Saidi.

Finally, the Venice Gap-Financing Market will feature “Marie & Jolie” by Erige Sehiri, “The Station” by Sara Ishaq, and “Theft Of Fire” by Amer Shomali.

With a lineup that promises to dazzle and surprise, these films are set to turn heads and set new standards.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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12 Arab Films to Steal Spotlight at 2024 @ Venice Film Festival

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EGYPT, JORDAN, LEBANON, MOROCCO, PALESTINE, TUNISIA & YEMEN

U.A.E: League of Arab States recognizes the achievements of Emirati women as Arab role models

The League of Arab States has hailed the achievements and contributions of Emirati women at the national level, calling them a role model in the Arab world.

Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Social Affairs sector at League of Arab state, congratulated the UAE leadership, government and people on Emirati Women’s Day, which is a source of pride for Arabs due to the prominent position achieved by the UAE women at the Arab, regional and international levels.

In her statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Abu Ghazaleh praised the efforts of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (The Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), to enhance the status of Emirati women in all fields for more than 5 decades and commended the great achievements of the General Women’s Union under her leadership, making Emirati women an honorable model for Arab women.

She added that the assumption of important and influential positions by Emirati women reflects their pioneering role in society and makes them a bright sign in the Arab world, noting that the achievements of Emirati women represent a strong push towards further progress and excellence at all levels.

Dr. Abu Ghazaleh wished Emirati women further success and prosperity and expressed her aspiration for women in the UAE and the Arab world to witness more progress and active participation in building societies.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)