Author: ArabianRecords.org

SOMALIA’s only all-women media team nominated for global freedom of expression award

Somalia’s first and only all-women media team, Bilan, has been announced today as one of three nominees for the 2023 Index on Censorship Press Freedom Award in the Journalism category. 

The nomination comes after almost two years of smashing taboos and blazing a trail for women journalists in one of the most dangerous countries to report the news, where reporters often face shootings, detention and assault. Somali women journalists also face harassment on the streets, abuse at work and exclusion from jobs and career opportunities, but since 2021, Bilan has faced these challenges head on to bring a new voice and new subjects to Somalia’s media.

“Despite the risks, we believe passionately that women deserve a place at the top of journalism,” said Bilan’s Chief Editor, Fathi Mohamed Ahmed. “We know our work is dangerous, but if we don’t speak out about the issues affecting us, who will and how will things ever change?”

Established with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bilan has provided the first opportunity for Somali women journalists to exercise complete editorial independence, deciding what they want to report and how. They have already used this freedom to break some of Somalia’s first major stories on a range of previously ignored issues, including the terrifying discrimination against albino communities, the life of HIV-positive Somalis living on the streets, the abuse of female orphans, schools for autistic children and teachers and an epidemic of opiate use among women in Mogadishu.

“Bilan’s arrival on the Somali media scene is completely unprecedented,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “As well as directly raising important issues for public debate, the quality of their work makes its own case for women playing a key role in media and journalism. This nomination is a recognition of their journalistic talent, commitment and determination.”

Inside Somalia, Bilan’s reports have reached millions via the radio, TV and social media channels of Dalsan Media Group, which hosts Bilan at offices in Mogadishu. Bilan’s reports also appear regularly in international media, including the Guardian, BBC, El País and Toronto Star, raising the profile of Somali women journalists and proving they can compete at the highest levels, even while dealing with challenges that range from discrimination and threats of violence to interviewing high-profile figures with new-born children in tow. 

Despite Bilan’s meteoric rise, all of its journalists have faced a difficult road to their current success and their individual stories show how tough it can be for Somali women to make in in journalism. Chief editor Fathi has reported from the scene of terrorist bombings and faced abuse in the streets for going to work while pregnant. Reporter Kiin regularly covers stories about refugees and IDPs but herself grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya. Youngest team member, Shukri faced down intense social disapproval when leaving her home in Baidoa for the first time to work at Bilan in Mogadishu. 

“Bilan shows just how baseless traditional stereotypes can be and provides women with a powerful voice for free expression,” said Bilan’s Deputy Chief Editor, Hinda Abdi Mohamoud. “We’ve demonstrated through our work how a group of women journalists can manage a media unit and produce stories that reveal the truth and change lives.” 

Index on Censorship’s Freedom of Expression Awards celebrate those who have had significant impact fighting censorship anywhere in the world across four categories: Arts, Campaigning, Journalism and the Trustee award. Winners are honoured at a gala celebration in London and receive financial support.

For more information and to arrange interviews, contact:

Rob Few, UNDP Somalia, Head of Communication robert.few@undp.org (mobile/Whatsapp +44 7947 710 860)

Ilyas Abukar, UNDP Somalia, Communication Analyst, ilyas.abukar@undp.org (mobile/Whatsapp + 252 619 2888 67)

source/content: undp.org/press (headline edited)

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Reporters from Bilan, Somalia’s groundbreaking all-women media team, walk on the streets while reporting in the capital, Mogadishu / Credit: @UNDP Somalia/2023/Fadhaye

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SOMALIA

SAUDI Scholars Fatimah Hassan Buali & Retaj Al-Saleh Shine at European Girls’ Math Olympiad 2024 : A Testament to Excellence

Two Saudi students distinguished themselves at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, which took place in Georgia from April 11 to 17. The Olympiad stands as a prestigious international platform tailored for high school girls with a profound enthusiasm for mathematics that extends beyond conventional academic boundaries. This year’s event witnessed the participation of 212 students hailing from 54 different nations.

A bronze medal and certificates of appreciation, respectively, were awarded to Fatimah Hassan Buali from Al-Ahsa and Retaj Al-Saleh from the Eastern Province, who represented Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and the Ministry of Education. This marks the Kingdom’s 12th engagement in the Mathematical Olympiad, showcasing a consistent presence on this global stage. Over the years, Saudi students have amassed a commendable collection of accolades, including two gold, six silver, and 13 bronze medals, alongside seven certificates of appreciation.

Amal bint Abdullah Al-Hazzaa, the Secretary-General of Mawhiba, underscored the significance of the students’ triumphs, emphasizing the cooperation between Saudi institutions and their dedication to nurturing young talents through education and training, aligning with international benchmarks. She commended Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education’s collaboration, noting that both institutions have as their common objective the development of Saudi human resources in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program.

Mawhiba, in close partnership with the Ministry of Education, administers the Mawhiba Program for International Olympiads, meticulously preparing Saudi teams for such competitive arenas. This comprehensive initiative encompasses advanced training modules and curriculum updates that are carefully timed to coincide with Saudi scientific teams’ yearly participation in international contests. The Saudi female participants in the Mathematical Olympiad underwent rigorous training regimes designed to sharpen their scientific acumen, their selection for participation being predicated on their performance in the training sessions convened by Mawhiba.

source/content: abouther.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SOMALIA’s Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq propelled Qatar to Asian Cup success

Somali-origin players Afif and Abdirisaq play pivotal roles in leading Qatar to victory in the AFC Asian Cup.

On Saturday, February 11, 2024, the football world turned its eyes towards a historic clash that would etch the names of Akram Hassan Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq into the records of the AFC Asian Cup lore.

In a match that was anything but ordinary, Qatar’s national team, buoyed by the exceptional talent of its Somali-origin stars clinched their second successive victory in the tournament by overcoming Jordan with a decisive 3-1 win.

Qatar’s triumph was heralded by the remarkable performances of Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq, whose origins trace back to Somalia, showcasing the diverse and rich talent pool contributing to Qatar’s footballing success.

Akram Hassan Afif emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, remarkably netting three penalty goals in the final match. 

His prowess on the field and his unique celebration, holding up a letter ‘S’ in honor of his Kuwaiti wife watching from the stands, captured the hearts of fans and ignited discussions across social media platforms. 

Afif’s journey from the streets of Doha to becoming a footballing icon is a narrative of determination, skill, and the love for the game.

Yusuf Abdirisaq, on the other hand, fortified Qatar’s defense with his agility and keen sense of play. 

Born in Hargeisa, Yusuf’s path to footballing stardom is a tale of resilience and adaptation. Representing Qatar on the international stage, Yusuf’s performance in the Asian Cup final was a clear demonstration of his defensive prowess and his significant role in the team’s success.

The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions as three penalties were awarded, leading Qatar to victory. 

Despite the debates, the focus remained on the skillful play and strategic acumen displayed by the Qatari team, particularly its Somali stars.

The Arab media and international press were lavish in their praise for Qatar’s achievement, with special emphasis on Afif’s scoring feat and Abdirisaq’s defensive mastery. 

Their stories of personal and professional triumph resonated well beyond the football pitch, inspiring many young athletes around the world.

Off the field, both players have faced their share of challenges and controversies, such as Abdirisaq’s alleged racial abuse incident, which he and the Qatar Football Association strongly refuted. 

Akram Afif, the son of a former Somali national team player, has football in his blood. His journey from Qatar’s youth leagues to becoming a key player for Al Sadd, and on loan from Villarreal, is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring footballers in the Arab world and beyond.

Yusuf Abdirisaq’s story is equally compelling, showcasing the potential for football to change lives and transcend borders. From his early days at Al Sadd SC to his loan at Al-Arabi SC and back, Yusuf’s career trajectory highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by players of diverse backgrounds in the world of professional football.

As Qatar celebrates its second consecutive AFC Asian Cup victory, the contributions of Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdirisaq will be remembered as pivotal to this historic achievement. 

Their talent, perseverance, and dedication have not only led their team to glory but have also served as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of sport.

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

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SOMALIA

ARAB FESTIVAL: 03rd Hollywood Arab Film Festival: Showcasing Arab cinema in Los Angeles, April 2024

The third annual Hollywood Arab Film Festival began this week, bringing the best of 2024’s Arab cinema to Los Angeles and giving fans a chance to see the films in theaters as well as introducing a new audience to the Arab world’s top talent.

The event, which runs until April 21, was attended by a number of celebrity guests including Egyptian producer and screenwriter Mohamed Hefzy, Tunisian actor Dhaffer L’Abidine, renowned Egyptian star Elham Shahin and Egyptian producer Tarek El-Ganainy.

At the event, Hefty said: “Arab cinema really needs a platform to tell our stories and to show who we are, our identity, our hopes and dreams, our pains, and all the different social topics that are tackled in some of the films that are being presented are maybe more relevant today than ever. So I think it’s a great opportunity to have this dialogue.”

Hefzy’s film “Hajjan” was showing at the event. It is a Saudi Arabia-based film directed by Egyptian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky.

“Hajjan is a film about a young boy who got a very special connection to his camel, who has a brother who was a camel jockey and races,” Hefzy said. “And, one day when something really unexpected happens to his brother, and shatters his world, it forces him to step into his brother’s shoes and become a camel jockey, and so starts racing himself.”

The movie is a co-production between the Kingdom’s King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, and Hefzy’s Film Clinic.

“It was a film made in Saudi Arabia with Saudi talents and actors with an Egyptian director, but with the Saudi co-writer and Saudi actors and shot mostly in Saudi Arabia,” Hefzy said. “So I think it’s, it was a great experience, and learned a lot about Saudi Arabia, learned a lot about the culture.”

The festival featured cinema from various Arab countries, presenting films from 16 different nations. Marlin Soliman, strategic planning director of HAFF, highlighted the inclusion of six feature films, ten short films and six student films.

Spanning five days, HAFF offered its audience a vibrant experience, including a red-carpet affair, panel discussions on filmmaking and diversity in Hollywood, and, of course, screenings of high-profile films.

The festival also saw several filmmakers singing the praises of Saudi Arabia’s expanding film industry.

L’Abidine, the writer and director of “To My Son,” said: “I’m thrilled to be back again with my second feature film ‘To My Son,’ a Saudi film… I think there is a great evolution of Saudi cinema that’s been happening in the last few years.”

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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ARAB

OMAN : Winners of 10th Sultan Qaboos Award for  Culture, Arts and Literature announced

Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council handed over the 9th version of Sultan Qaboos Awards for Culture, Arts and Literature to the winners at Al Wahat Club.

This edition is allocated for Omanis in areas of Omani heritage (culture category), theatre teams (arts category), and article (literature category).

The Award’s handing over ceremony included a speech for the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science delivered by Habib bin Mohammed al Riyami, chairman of the centre during which he reviewed the march of the awards since its inception. He also congratulated the winners.

Harith bin Mohammed al Batashi won the first place in the culture category for his investigation conducted on the book of Sheikh Said bin Khalfan Al Khalili. Al Dann Theatre Team won the first place in the theatre teams category whereas the writer Dr Muna Hibras al Sulaimi won the the first place in the literature category.

During the event, fields of the 10th edition of the awards which will be dedicated for Omanis, as well as Arabs were unveiled. They include media and communication (culture category), cinema production (arts category), and novel (literature category).

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

ARABIAN ART : Al Sadu: An enduring age-old Arabian Art and Cultural Importance listed in UNESCO

Far from being a forgotten tradition, Al Sadu is a centuries-old practice that is perpetuated and reinvented in Arabia.

Historically, Al Sadu met the needs of nomadic life. Women used available resources – sheep’s wool, goat’s and camel’s hair – to create robust textiles, essential for survival in arid environments. Their method, based on rudimentary floor looms, produced tight, durable fabrics characterized by geometric patterns that reflected the environment and culture of their creators.

Al Sadu production begins with shearing the wool and collecting the hair, followed by thorough cleaning to remove impurities. The yarns are then dyed with bright colors derived from local plants and spices, such as henna, turmeric, saffron, aloe and indigo. Weaving is done on traditional looms made from palm or jujube wood.

It also has significant cultural importance, recognised by UNESCO.  Kuwaiti Sadu was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia.  

Keeping the art alive

Once the preserve of nomadic tribes, this time-honored art is now being revitalized by young designers. In Kuwait , for example, with the aim of perpetuating this heritage, designers are collaborating with Bayt Al-Sadu and specialist researchers. The aim of this collaboration is to develop unique art exhibitions that showcase this nationally recognised culture.

Bayt Al Sadu, or the House of Sadu, is a museum dedicated to the traditional textiles of Kuwait. It is dedicated to the preservation, documentation and promotion of Bedouin textile heritage, ranging from nomadic weaving to urban weaving styles.

A study conducted by Manal Alkhazi at the University of Southampton among 120 young Kuwaiti women aged between 15 and 21 from the six districts of Kuwait revealed that 48.3% of young Kuwaitis interviewed in an electronic survey had Sadu garments at home. In addition, 69.2% of those questioned said they knew the basic Sadu colors.

source/content: kawa-news.com (headline edited)

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ARABIAN ART

YEMEN / EGYPT: Amir El Masry to Star in Biopic of British Yemeni Boxer Prince Naseem aka Naz aka Naseem Hamed

The ‘Limbo’ star will be acting alongside Pierce Brosnan as they follow the story of famed boxer Prince Naseem.

Egyptian actor Amir El Masry is set to star in a biopic of legendary British Yemeni boxer Naseem Hamed, titled ‘Giant’. The movie will tell the story of Hamed’s humble beginnings in the English city of Sheffield, and his meteoric rise to becoming a world champion. Throughout his career, he is coached by former steel worker Brendan Ingle, who is played by Irish actor and ‘James Bond’ star Pierce Brosnan.

Also known as Prince Naseem or ‘Naz’, Hamed also became an icon of showmanship, with his inimitable southpaw boxing style and quick feet, his high rate of knock-out victories, and his elaborate ring entries, arriving on a ‘flying carpet’ suspended from the ceiling and often somersaulting over the ropes.

The casting of El Masry to play Hamed marks his first starring role in a major film production, though he has already landed several major parts in acclaimed series such as ‘The Night Manager’, BAFTA-nominated ‘The State’, and the fifth season of ‘The Crown’, in which he played a young Mohamed Al Fayed. He is also known for his award-winning role in ‘Limbo’, as well as his appearances in ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ and Egyptian series ‘El-Brinseesa Beesa’.

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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EGYPT / YEMEN

SHARJAH, U.A.E: ARABIC LANGUAGE – 09 Countries participated in the’ 7th International Festival of Arabic Language and Culture’ in Milan, Italy. The session anticipates the future of language in light of artificial intelligence

The activities of the seventh session of the International Festival of Arabic Language and Culture were concluded in the Italian city of Milan, which was held under the auspices of the Sharjah Book Authority and organized by the College of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures and the Arabic Language Research Center at the Catholic University, under the title “Language and Artificial Intelligence: A Limit to the Past or a Horizon for the Future.”

“In a step that reflects the spirit of the global cultural mission of the Emirate of Sharjah and confirms the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in highlighting the role of the Arabic language as a bridge for civilizational and cultural communication between peoples.

The events were attended by His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, Mario Cristina Gatti, Director of the Arabic Language Research Center at the University, His Excellency Muhammad Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Radio and Television Authority, and Dr. Amhamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, while participating in The festival sessions included 35 researchers from 18 countries, including 9 Arab countries: the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Algeria, Yemen and Palestine, in addition to Turkey’s presence for the first time. The festival also hosted 12 academics and university professors from the Catholic University in Italy.

The seventh session of the festival sought to explore the intersections of artificial intelligence with Arabic language and culture, highlighting key topics that include “ethics and legislation of artificial intelligence” and its role as a translator who crosses linguistic borders, as a poet who organizes poems, and as a novelist who weaves stories.

The festival also focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on language teaching and its applications in the language of social communication. It discussed “the role of artificial intelligence in the scientific research and philosophy sector” and its potential in “restructuring the Arab heritage” with a focus on “its impact on language and the arts” in a way that enhances the status of Arabic as a living language. Interact with modern technologies.

His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri had stressed in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the festival that pride in one’s own language is pride in all languages, as the diversity of languages ​​is a necessity for the diversity of cultures, and it is not possible to imagine the world in one language because this means that cultures lose much of the beauty and incentives for learning and discovery, highlighting Shedding light on the major project led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, which is the historical dictionary of the Arabic language, of which 67 volumes have been published to date covering 15 of the 28 letters of the Arabic language.

For his part, Dr. Wael Farouk, director of the festival, said: “The participants in this year’s session presented ideas on the topic of ‘Language and artificial intelligence: a limitation of the past or a horizon for the future.’

The opening session presented by Mario Cristina Gatti, director of the Arabic Language Research Center at the university, also witnessed the launch of The first Italian translation of the poetry of Al-Mu’allaqat, which is considered one of the most famous classical texts in the history of Arabic poetry. It is a translation presented by Jolanda Guardi, and it presents a poetic reading by the Iraqi poet and translator Kazem Jihad on the occasion of the publication of his collection of poems in the Italian language.

The festival devoted sessions on the digitization of the Arabic language, artificial intelligence, imagination, artificial intelligence, and translation, with the participation of Dr. Emhamed Safi Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, who reviewed the emirate’s experience in collecting and publishing the largest historical dictionary of the Arabic language as a successful example of digitization.

The translators, Muhammad Haqqi Sushin, Samir Greiss, and Naglaa Wali, raised questions about the capabilities of artificial intelligence as a translator of literary texts, the role of literary translators in the era of artificial intelligence, and the ways in which literary translation can benefit from artificial intelligence.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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ARABIC LANGUAGE / 09 COUNTRIES / SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed Builds World’s 1st 3D Printed Mosque in tribute to her late husband Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly

In a touching tribute to her late husband, Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed has built the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque that was thrown open to worshippers ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan likely to begin Monday March 11, 2024. 

In a touching tribute to her late husband, Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed has built the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque that was thrown open to worshippers ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan likely to begin Monday March 11, 2024.

The mosque is named after the late Saudi businessman Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly.

“I dedicate the reward of building the first mosque in the world using 3D printing technology to my husband, Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. I ask God to grant him benefit to the Kingdom and enable him to become a leader in line with #Saudi_Vision_2030 (sic)” Wajanat wrote on social media platform X Thursday, March 7, 2024.

“The idea materialized into constructing a mosque dedicated to the memory of my late husband, subsequently becoming the world’s first mosque built with 3D printing technology”, Wajanat said.

3D Printing Technology

The 3D Printed Mosque, built at a cost of 20 million Saudi Riyals on an area of 5,600 square meters as part of the Jeddah Governorate’s Al-Jawhara Suburb Project, is located in Saudi port city.

The 3D Printing Technology creates tangible objects from 3D Digital Models obtained through scanners and computer programs, using successive layers to form the final shape.

The construction of the mosque was completed in just six months. As many as four giant printers manufacture by the Chinese company Guanli 3D printers, the world’s leading manufacturer of 3D printers, were deployed for the purpose.

The construction of the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque in the Kingdom demonstrates future construction and architectural innovation, promoting local content and diversification, aligning with Vision 2030’s ambitious goals of non-oil production.

Wajanat pointed out that the mosque’s construction received private sector stimulus support, promoting modern construction through advanced technologies and industrial development.

“As a Saudi businesswoman, I wanted to contribute to introducing this modern technology to the Kingdom, positioning it among the first countries to utilize it”, she said in a statement.

“The construction of the mosque using 3D printing technology marks a significant milestone in technology and contemporary construction, signalling a move towards architectural innovation and global sustainable building practices”, she added.

source/content: ummid.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

TUNISIAN Amine Bouhafa member of Competition Jury at 7th CANNESSERIES

Winner of the Best Music Award (for the Under the Figs film) in the 2023 “Critic Awards” section (on the fringes of the 76th Cannes Film Feestival) , French-Tunisian film music composer Amine Bouhafa was chosen as a member of the “Competition Jury” for season 7 of the Cannes International Festival of Series (CANNESERIES), held on April 5-10.

The Competition Jury is also made up of Sophie Grabol, Olivier Abbou, Alice Braga, Macarena Gracia and Alix Poisson.

CANNESERIES has been celebrating series from all over the world for 7 years and brings together those who make and love them in the mythical setting of the city of Cannes and its magical Palais des Festivals. Carried by a team of enthusiasts, the festival acts as a platform, and is completely free and open to all.

source/content: tap.info.tn (headline edited)

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FRENCH / TUNISIA