Author: ArabianRecords.org

LEBANESE Prof. Niveen Khashab Wins Great Arab Minds Award in Natural Sciences

Lebanese Professor Niveen Mohammad Ali Khashab won the Great Arab Minds Award-2023 in Natural Sciences, for her contributions in chemistry, bioengineering and biology.

Her research interests focus on applications of programmable, intelligent, engineered nanomaterials and their uses for medical, pharmaceutical, industrial and environmental purposes. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, said that scientific and cognitive curiosity has been the base of nations’ cultural development throughout history.

The winning announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Prof. Niveen Khashab is associate dean of Physical Sciences and Engineering Division and Professor of Chemistry at KAUST – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, given her pioneering contributions in the field of natural sciences and her research in Arab universities.

“Today we announce the winner of the Arab Minds Award in natural sciences, Professor Nevin Khashab, a researcher and academic who inspires a new generation of young scientists in the Arab world and transforms research into advanced innovations in medicine, advanced industries, nanotechnology and sustainable agriculture,” said the Ruler of Dubai.

“Scientific achievement is the basis of civilizational development. We want to preserve scientists, empower them, honor them, celebrate their achievements and provide them with the space they need to transform their ideas and research into reality. Resuming the region’s contribution to human civilization is a comprehensive project and a strategic commitment that focuses on the Arab citizen capable of achievement, creativity and excellence in science and knowledge,” he added.

Khashab is exploring the new opportunities that nano capsules and devices can provide in drugs, gene therapies, medical diagnosis and industries, given their sturdiness, durability and superior thermal resistance.

Khashab is currently experimenting with carbon nanotubes characterized with their exceptional rigidity and strength, as well as electronic properties. She is also testing applications of carbon tubes in smart membranes. Khashab also collaborated on designing smart materials used in biomedical systems based on molecule assemblies at the nanoscale using non-covalent interactions.

The applications of the scientific innovations and smart materials developed by Khashab are diverse, including medical in the fields of sensing and drug, therapeutic and surgical delivery; industrial as in nanocomposites and others; and environmental in sustainable agriculture solutions and platforms.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, chairman of the Committee leading Great Arab Minds, congratulated Khashab on the phone, hailing her contributions in natural sciences and its pioneering research that opened new horizons in the uses of ultra-fine nanomaterials for medical and pharmaceutical purposes and advanced technology applications.

The initiative aims to promote the reverse migration of Arab minds and keep them in the Arab world by celebrating, honoring and highlighting their achievements.

The competition received thousands of nominations in its six categories: engineering and technology, medicine, economics, literature and natural sciences, arts, architecture, and design.

The Great Arab Minds Awards’ winners announced so far are: Dr. Hani Negm from Saudi Arabia in Medicine, Professor Fadel Adib from Lebanon in Engineering and Technology, Dr. Muhammad el-Erian in economics, and Professor Niveen Khashab in natural sciences. The winners in the two remaining categories will be announced later.

source/content: english.aawsat.com / Alsharq Al-Awsat (headline edited)

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Lebanese Prof. Niveen Mohammad Ali Khashab. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

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LEBANON

SAUDI ARABIA’s PIF-backed Scopely acquires Pokemon GO maker for $3.5bn

 Scopely, a US-based firm backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has signed a deal worth $3.5 billion to acquire the video game division of Niantic Labs.

In a press statement, Scopely said that the team employed to make games such as Pokemon GO, Monster Hunter Now and Pikmin Bloom are included in the acquisition. 

This takeover aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitions to establish itself as a global gaming destination, with a national strategy aiming to ensure that the sector will contribute $13 billion to gross domestic product by 2030. 

In April 2023, Savvy Games Group, wholly owned by PIF, acquired Scopely for $4.9 billion.

“Few games in the world have delivered the scale and longevity of ‘Pokemon GO,’ which reached over 100 million players just last year. The experience also stands apart for its unique ability to foster in-person connections, with Pokemon GO live events attracting millions of attendees,” said Tim O’Brien, chief revenue officer and board member of Scopely. 

Despite being launched nearly a decade ago, Pokemon GO is still one of the most popular games in the world, with over 20 million weekly active players. 

O’Brien added: “After spending time with the Niantic team, it quickly became clear that this organization shares our inclination to create industry-leading outcomes and exceptional player experiences. We look forward to a bright future ahead.” 

The games business of Niantic Labs generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2024, according to the statement. 

In a separate release, the US-based firm said it would distribute an extra $350 million to its equity holders under the deal, yielding a total value of approximately $3.85 billion for the company’s shareholders. 

Niantic added that it will also spin off its geospatial AI business into a new firm named Niantic Spatial, under the leadership of its founder and CEO, John Hanke.

The company will be funded with $250 million of capital, including $200 million from Niantic’s balance sheet and a $50 million investment from Scopely. 

“I’m confident our games will thrive with Scopely. I’ve often talked about building ‘forever games,’ and I believe they will continue to be just that,” Hanke wrote on his LinkedIn page. 

Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting the gaming industry, with PIF already holding stakes in major companies such as Nintendo, Electronic Arts, and Take-Two Interactive.

In 2024, the Kingdom also hosted the eSports World Cup, which carried a prize pool of over $60 million. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Pokemon GO is one of the most popular games in the world, with over 20 million weekly active players. Shutterstock

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SAUDI ARABIA

SOMALIA : Famous ‎Somali artist Khadra Dahir Ige passes away

Khadra Dahir Ige, one of the most famous and popular artists in the Somali music scene, died at age 65 in Hargeisa.‎ Khadra died of pneumonia at Hargeisa International Hospital

‎According to fellow musician and artist Omar Serbiya, Khadra was born in 1957 in Hargeisa and joined Waberi band in 1974 at the age of  17.

During her nearly five decades-long career, Khadra is estimated to have recorded over 2,500 songs of love and sorrow which touched many Somalis.‎

However, she was very reserved in her private life and rarely was interviewed.

Several artists conveyed their condolences to Khadra, including Nimo Dareen, DJ Suber and Hassan Dhuhul Laabsalah.

‎Khadra Dahir most recently lived in Hargeisa. She leaves behind five children.

source/content: hiiraan.com (headline edited)

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SOMALIA

TUNISIAN-ITALIAN : The visual art of Monia Ben Hamouda on show in Tunis

By the Italian Embassy and the IIC.

From 26 February next, Monia Ben Hamouda’s exhibition entitled ‘Ya’aburnee’, curated by Anissa Touati, will be open to the public at the Selma Feriani Gallery in Tunis in partnership with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute of Tunis.


 The exhibition by the Italian-Tunisian artist, who won the prestigious MAXXI BVLGARI PRIZE 2024 last December, takes its name from the Arabic concept that translates as “you bury me”, reflecting the altruistic desire for a loved one to outlive himself.

Love and sacrifice, omnipresent in the exhibition, explore the complex ideas of language, history and understanding through an installation spanning three floors of the gallery, combining painting, sculpture and sound works, blurring our relationship with space.

Ben Hamouda aims to capture the distinctive soundscape of Arab countries, emphasising how these sounds shape cultural identity and perception.

source/content: ansabrasil.com.br

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ITALIAN / TUNISIAN

SOMALIA : Somali Magazine unveils 100 Most Influential Somalis in 2024

The magazine revealed Abdirizak Warsame, the Vice Chairman of IBS Bank, as the Person of the Year 2024.

Somali Magazine, a leading voice in promoting Somali excellence and success, proudly announced its much-anticipated list of the 100 Most Influential Somali People of 2024.

The prestigious annual list celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, including business, politics, education, health, arts, and community service.

The magazine revealed Abdirizak Warsame, the Vice Chairman of IBS Bank, as the Person of the Year 2024.

Warsame has been recognized for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to advancing financial inclusion, and his pivotal role in transforming IBS Bank into one of the region’s most innovative financial institutions.

The announcement also marked a milestone achievement for Somali Magazine.

Over half a million people participated in voting via the magazine’s official website, somalimagazine.so, showcasing the immense interest and pride within the Somali community.

The latest Person of the Year publication marked the sixth consecutive year that Somali Magazine has unveiled this influential list, solidifying its role as a platform for celebrating Somali success stories.

Speaking at a press release broadcast across local TV stations, the Founder and CEO of Somali Magazine, Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud, emphasized the importance of celebrating Somali achievements and inspiring future generations.

Collective progress

He expressed gratitude to all those who have supported Somali Magazine in its mission to highlight the stories of Somali excellence.

“Today, we celebrate the spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence that defines our Somali people. The 100 Most Influential Somali People of 2024 list is not just a recognition of individual achievements but also a reflection of the collective progress we have made as a community,” he stated.

He singled out Warsame contribution to Samali’s success as commendable.

“As the Vice Chairman of IBS Bank, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a profound commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering our people through accessible financial services,” Mohamud said.

“His achievements inspire us all to aim higher and work harder for the betterment of our nation.”

He noted the need to highlight contributions by the persons listed as key to advancing national development.

“This initiative aims to shine a light on the incredible contributions of our people in Somalia and around the globe. By telling these stories, we hope to motivate young Somalis to dream big and take pride in their heritage.”

Business Person of the Year 2024

Ahmed Dahir Nur, the CEO and Founder of Starsky Aviation Ltd, emerged as Somali Magazine’s Business Person of the Year 2024.

The 100 Most Influential Somali People list is meticulously curated by Somali Magazine’s editorial team in collaboration with an independent panel of experts.

The process seeks to ensure a comprehensive representation of individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields.

In the realm of politics and leadership, the list highlights visionaries shaping Somalia’s political and social landscape, driving change, and fostering progress.

The business category celebrates entrepreneurs and innovators driving economic growth and innovation.

Notable business figures include Ahmed Dahir Nur, CEO and Founder of Starsky Aviation Ltd, recognized for his remarkable achievements in the aviation sector; Shueib Warsame, CEO and Founder of Maandeeq Air; and Hussein Abdirahman, Amazon AWS CMH Regional Data Center Manager and entrepreneur, celebrated for their roles in fostering business growth.

Activists also feature prominently, recognized for their dedication to social justice and community empowerment. These individuals advocate for meaningful change and uplift underserved communities.

Prominent Islamic scholars, such as Sheikh Mustafa and Osman Hidig, are acknowledged for their spiritual leadership and contributions to promoting knowledge and guidance.

In sports, athletes bringing pride to Somalia through exceptional performances on the global stage are celebrated for their dedication and talent.

Lastly, the list honors entertainment and social media influencers who are redefining Somali identity and culture in the digital age, using creative platforms to inspire and connect communities worldwide.

source/content: capitalfm.co.ke (headline edited)

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Abdirizak Warsame, Vice Chairman of IBS Bank.

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SOMALIA

ISLAMIC WORLD : 2nd ‘Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought’ conference concludes in Makkah

Participants from more than 90 countries discuss development of comprehensive Islamic identity

1,800-page ‘Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony’ prepared by 60 scholars

The second “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” international conference concluded in Makkah early on Saturday, with participants from more than 90 countries adopting the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony.”


Held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the two-day conference gathered senior muftis, scholars, and thinkers who also approved the strategic and executive plan for the document “Building Bridges between Islamic Sects,” a media statement said on Saturday.

The conference was organized by the Muslim World League and held under the theme “Towards an Effective Islamic Alliance.”

The high-level session dedicated to the recitation of the conference’s final statement, which was issued at dawn on Saturday, was attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa; Member of the Council of Experts for Leadership in Iran, Sheikh Ahmed Mobalghi; Adviser at the Royal Court in Saudi Arabia, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hamid; Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais; Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Mustafa Qutb Sano; Member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Youssef bin Mohamed bin Saeed; and the Mufti of Sidon in Lebanon, Sheikh Mohamed Osseiran.

The attendees witnessed the launch of the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony,” which was supervised by the Intellectual Protection Center at the Saudi Ministry of Defense, and was prepared by 60 scholars over about 1,800 pages.

The encyclopedia was refereed by the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Fiqh Academy, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League to be a roadmap for relations between Muslim sects.

Participants also decided in the final statement to consider the “Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought” with its 28 articles as the basis and starting point for the path of joint Islamic action “scientifically” and “intellectually,” with a view to strengthening brotherhood and solidarity among the peoples of Muslim nations.

The attendees further extended their sincere thanks to the leadership of the Kingdom for the great services they are providing to Islam and Muslims.

They also affirmed their pride in the comprehensive Islamic identity, and their supportive stance toward the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land, and their rejection of displacement and destruction projects.

The conference witnessed several sessions addressing developments in Palestine, Sudan, and Syria, as well as issues concerning Muslim minorities around the world.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA / ISLAMIC WORLD



EGYPT : King Farouk’s Grandson Honors King Hassan II in Historic Return to Egypt

The historic diplomatic gesture by the Moroccan monarch in 1979 made the prince the first male member of his family’s direct line to return to Egypt since the 1952 revolution.

Prince Mohamed Ali Farouk, grandson of Egypt’s last king, has returned to live in Cairo, expressing gratitude for the late King Hassan II’s crucial intervention that enabled his birth in Egypt during his family’s exile.

“Thanks to King Hassan II’s support, who intervened with President Sadat, my mother Fadila was authorized to give birth in Cairo,” the 46-year-old prince told AFP in French during a recent interview.

This diplomatic gesture in 1979 made him the first male member of the royal family’s direct line to return to Egypt since the 1952 revolution.

The prince, who now holds an Egyptian passport granted in 2020, is establishing himself in Cairo after years of living abroad, primarily in France. His return marks a symbolic reconciliation between Egypt’s royalist and republican eras, he notes.

“For my father, Egypt was a lost homeland. For me, it’s a rediscovered one,” says Mohamed Ali, who runs a technical real estate consulting firm in Paris.

His father, Fouad II, became king at just seven months old following King Farouk’s abdication in 1952, ruling briefly with a regency council until the monarchy’s abolition in 1953.

The prince’s return to Cairo was encouraged by his wife, Princess Noal Zaher of Afghanistan’s royal family.

“It was Noal who supported me throughout my reflection. She wanted to live in the Orient and wanted our children to grow up closer to their roots,” he reveals.

From dinner table tension to military threats: The Hassan II-Nasser years

The prince’s gratitude toward King Hassan II stems from a layered history of antagonism between Morocco and Egypt’s leadership.

Their relationship was marked by confrontations that began at a diplomatic dinner and escalated to military threats, according to French diplomatic archives.

The first spark ignited in the late 1950s when Hassan II, then Crown Prince, observed President Nasser struggling with cutlery at a state dinner in Morocco.

“I don’t think eating turkey with a fork is harder than overthrowing King Farouk,” the future monarch remarked, referencing Nasser’s revolution – a comment that set the tone for years of strained relations.

The tension reached its peak during the 1963 Sand War between Morocco and Algeria, when Nasser deployed approximately 2,000 Egyptian troops to support Algeria against Morocco.

Among them was future Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, then a military officer, who was captured by Moroccan forces after his aircraft went down within Moroccan territory.

An attempted reconciliation in March 1965, during Hassan II’s visit to Cairo, dramatically backfired. According to French diplomatic documents, what began as a cordial meeting deteriorated into open hostility when Nasser demanded that Morocco sever ties with West Germany over its support for Israel.

Hassan II’s refusal prompted an explicit threat from Nasser, who warned that Arab leaders opposing Egypt’s stance would “be condemned to disappear” and reminded the Moroccan king that Egyptian forces were “at Morocco’s doorstep” through their presence in Algeria.

The meeting so alarmed Hassan II that he immediately ordered his Minister of Defense to implement military precautionary measures upon his return, and put the Royal Armed Forces on high alert against potential “terrorist elements” from Algeria, the diplomatic cables reveal.

Relations improved only after Anwar Sadat and later Hosni Mubarak assumed Egypt’s presidency. However, echoes of past tensions briefly have resurfaced in the early years of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi .

Three incidents particularly stirred concern: Sisi’s early diplomatic visit to Algeria, the appearance of Egyptian media delegations in Tindouf camps, and a controversial photograph of Sisi with Polisario leadership at an African Union summit in Equatorial Guinea.

Egyptian military officials justified these moves as necessary security coordination with Algeria to combat weapons trafficking and address threats in Libya. Egypt has since affirmed its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Today, Prince Mohamed Ali focuses on rehabilitating his family’s image while disclaiming any political ambitions.

“I simply want to work on rehabilitating the image of my royal family and contribute to preserving and transmitting its historical, cultural, and artistic heritage,” he asserts, noting that “150 years of history deserve to be honored.”

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)\

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EGYPT

ARAB G.C.C. : Labour force in GCC countries reaches 31.8 million: GCC-Stat

 Data issued by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) revealed that the total labour force in GCC countries reached 31.8 million, representing 54.2 percent of the total population.

Male workers accounted for 78.7 percent, while females made up 17.6 percent.

The number of working citizens in the GCC stood at 5.6 million, constituting 23.4 percent of the total labour force, with 60 percent males and 40 percent females.

GCC-Stat’s data also showed a 600,000 increase in the number of working women in the region since 2011.

The data indicated that the government sector is still the largest employer of Gulf workers, with a wide scope for localisation in the private sector. The percentage of employed citizens working in the public sector reached 83.5 percent compared to 14.2 percent in the private sector.

Statistics also revealed that GCC countries’ citizens work mainly in the services sector, particularly in public administration activities.

GCC countries have introduced policies to localise the workforce, such as the GCC Common Market and the Comprehensive Development Strategy, which aim to address imbalances in population structure, workforce distribution, and industrial development. These policies aim to increase the national workforce’s contribution to the industrial sector.

Additionally, the population strategy seeks to enhance the role of women in development, balance population and workforce structures, and improve national workforce training programmes.

All GCC countries give priority to young workers, promote economic diversification efforts and move towards creating green and environmentally friendly jobs.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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ARAB G.C.C.

SAUDI ARABIA : Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah

Hira project provides immersive experience of Islamic history, Qur’anic heritage

Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the Holy Qur’an Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District.

Developed under the supervision of and with support from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, the museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors.

It is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the Qur’an and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the journey of Qur’anic transcription and its preservation through history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District is a focal point for those keen to experience the spirit and history of Makkah. Centered on Mount Hira, where the first revelation descended, it includes various facilities designed to enhance the religious and educational experience.

Among them is the Revelation Exhibition, which offers an interactive portrayal of the descent of revelation, and another that allows visitors to ascend to Hira Cave which was the scene of the revelation.

Among the artifacts on display are a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and several ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses.

The project also incorporates the Saudi Coffee Museum, the Cultural Library and Hira Park.

The Holy Qur’an Museum will remain open throughout Ramadan.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

KUWAIT : Team Kuwait’s First Female Olympic Rower Soaad Al-Faqaan Sets New National Record

The Kuwaiti athlete set a new person best time at the games in the women’s single sculls final rowing competition on Friday

Regional female athletes are giving us plenty to cheer about at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Team Bahrain’s Amani Al-Obaidly set a new national and personal best record in the women’s 100m backstroke heats earlier this week, while Team Saudi proudly celebrated its first female Olympic swimmer, 17-year-old Mashael Al Ayed. Emirati sprinter Maryam Al Farsi beat out her best time, setting a new personal record during the women’s 100-metre sprint today.

Now Kuwait’s Soaad Al-Faqaan is celebrating her own great accomplishment: setting a new national record in the the women’s single sculls final rowing competition. Soaad is Kuwait’s first female Olympic rower. Today, at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, she beat out her best time by 11 seconds in the women’s single sculls final E race, finishing with a time of 8:05.18 in fifth place.

Earlier this week she came fourth in the qualifying rounds, clocking a time of 8:28.89.

While she won’t be moving forward, Soaad has done a huge service to her country and the sport of rowing — and is clearly an inspiration for aspiring athletes from the region.

Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@kuwaitolympic

source/content: harpersbazaararabia.com (headline edited)

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KUWAIT