Author: ArabianRecords.org

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

OMAN: Unesco recognises Jibreen Castle and Omani Historian Humaid bin Mohammed bin Ruzaiq

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has recognised Oman’s rich cultural history by including two significant Omani cultural milestones in its list of anniversaries for 2024-2025. This recognition includes the 350th anniversary of the Jibreen Castle and the 150th death anniversary of renowned Omani historian and poet Humaid bin Mohammed bin Ruzaiq.


Since 1956, Unesco has been instrumental in commemorating historical events and eminent personalities of its member states, elevating their significance on a global platform. Such celebrations are pivotal in fostering international understanding, enhancing cultural exchanges and promoting peace.


An architectural gem of the 17th century, Jibreen Castle marks its 350th anniversary of construction under the reign of Imam Belarab bin Sultan al Yarubi. Completed in 1675, the castle is a testament to Oman’s architectural prowess, built by the era’s finest craftsmen and architects. Beyond its architectural magnificence, Jibreen Castle was a centre of knowledge and learning, and served as a residence for the imam and the seat of his governance.

It flourished as an educational hub, attracting scholars and educators in various fields such as jurisprudence, literature, history, astronomy, mathematics, medicine and chemistry. It produced over 40 distinguished scholars and writers under Imam Belarab bin Sultan’s patronage.


In addition to Jibreen Castle, Unesco commemorates the 150th anniversary of the passing of the 19th century Omani historian Ruzaiq. His contributions were monumental in documenting the historical phase from the rise of the Al Busaid dynasty to the end of Sayyid Said bin Sultan’s reign in 1856. His works, characterised by neutrality and meticulous research, provide invaluable insights into the European presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arab region. Ruzaiq’s writings are not only historical records but also serve as critical references for contemporary researchers in Omani history.


The inclusion of these two elements takes the total number of Omani contributions to Unesco’s celebration programme to eight. The sultanate has successfully highlighted six other Omani figures in the past, including linguist Al Khalil bin Ahmed al Farahidi in 2005, pharmacist Rashid bin Omairah al Hashimi al Rustaqi in 2013, polymath Sheikh Nour al Din Abdullah bin Humaid al Salmi and physicist Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin Muhammad al Azdi, known as Ibn al Dhahabi, in 2015, poet Nasser bin Salem al Rawahi, also known as Abu Muslim al Bahlani, in 2019, and the famed navigator Ahmed bin Majid al Saadi in 2021.

Unesco’s recognition of Omani cultural heritage underscores the sultanate’s significant contributions to the global cultural landscape, celebrating the rich tapestry of its history and the enduring legacies of its eminent personalities.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

FUJAIRAH, U.A.E: Sulaiman Al-Jassim, “the honored personality” at the 3rd session of the Al Jabal Cultural Festival

The organizing committee of the Al Jabal Cultural Festival, organized by the Fujairah Social and Cultural Association in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and Antiquities in Fujairah, announced that Dr. Sulaiman Musa Al Jassim will be the honored personality in the third session of the event scheduled to be held on April 19 and 20, under the slogan “Nature Talk.” “.

Dr. Khaled Al-Dhanhani, Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors, said: “The selection of Dr. Sulaiman Al-Jassem as the honored personality in the new session of the festival comes in recognition of his creative career and in celebration of his pioneering experience in the fields of culture, theatre, journalism and education.”

He added that honoring the pioneers is part of the association’s strategy, and in this festival we were keen to say a word of thanks to Dr. Sulaiman Al-Jassem, who believes that education is the path to progress for our Arab nation. He has held many positions and responsibilities in the educational, educational, cultural, and legal fields locally, regionally, and internationally, and presented many theatrical works and lectures. Cultural and working papers in local and international conferences, on education, workforce development, and demographics. He published two books, the first entitled “Fujairah… The Story of a City,” and the second entitled “The Workforce and Education in the United Arab Emirates.”

Al-Jassem is considered one of the prominent figures in the country. He worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then assumed the position of Director of Zayed University between 2006 and 2013. He also worked as Director of the Amiri Diwan in Fujairah from 1975 to 1986. He holds a doctorate from the University of Exeter in 1990, in addition to being Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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FUJAIRAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E.)

SAUDI ARABIA: Areej Al-Johani, member of the International Academic Advisory Board of the International Anti-Corruption Academy

Areej Al-Johani has recently been appointed a member of the International Academic Advisory Board of the International Anti-Corruption Academy in Vienna until 2030, a term of six years.

Al-Johani is a highly accomplished professional with a distinguished career in the Saudi Arabian government.

She currently serves as the director of policies, awareness and training for the integrity department at the Ministry of Defense.

Al-Johani brings a wealth of experience in leadership, policy development, and program implementation to the role.

Her dedication to public service is evident throughout her career. She previously served as the deputy health minister’s human resources counselor for business quality.

Al-Johani also worked as general supervisor of the Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Office at the Saudi Health Ministry.

She served as director general of the ministry’s workforce planning department from April 2019 to February 2021.

Al-Johani has been a certified internal assessor at the Health Ministry for the King Abdulaziz Quality Award since 2018.

She headed the quality excellence team at the ministry’s deputyship of human resources between 2018 and 2019, and was a coordinator of the leadership renewal program in 2016.

Al-Johani worked for nearly a year in 2009 as supervisor at the learning and resource center of the Jeddah-based Al-Abnaa High School.

Al-Johani has attended various local and international training courses. She is the recipient of several prestigious professional awards and has had research papers published in various journals, and attended conferences both inside and outside the country.

Al-Johani received a bachelor’s degree in education from King Saud University in 2003. After completing a master’s degree at the University of Glamorgan, she obtained a Ph.D. in technology science from the University of South Wales.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

LEBANON : Meet Prof. Fadel Adib, the Youngest Professor to Win Dh1-million of UAE’s First-ever ‘Great Arab Minds (GAM) Award

Sheikh Mohammed felicitates Lebanese professor Fadel Adib for his research and innovations in wireless communication.

Professor Fadel Adib had his studies in a tumultuous period, while assassinations and car bombings were daily news in Beirut. Undeterred, he pursued his studies. And on Monday, he became the youngest winner of the first ever Great Arab Minds (GAM) award, earning a sum of Dh1 million to continue his work.

Felicitated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at a glamorous event held at the Museum of The Future, Fadel said he was humbled by the recognition.

“I feel honoured to be chosen among giants and big names in the field and to sit next to them,” he said. “I feel doubly honoured because this happened in the Arab world.” He also expressed his commitment to giving back to the Arab world and hoped to inspire and encourage more innovation within the region.

Currently an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it was Fadel’s research and innovations in wireless communication, particularly in identifying objects and vibrations hidden behind walls and under rubble, that earned him the recognition. According to the judging committee, his discoveries have opened up new possibilities for various industries.

Alongside Fadel, other winners included Algerian novelist Prof Waciny Laredj, Egyptian economist Dr Mohamed El-Erian and Lebanese scientist Prof Niveen Khashab. Each award winner will receive Dh1 million to fund their research and development.

Honouring of Arab minds

In her winning speech, Prof Niveen recalled how she was asked by her colleagues if she was “crazy” for wanting to move back to the Arab World. “In 2008, when I was at Northwestern University in Chicago, I received a call from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and was offered to be part of the founding academic staff of the university,” she said. “All the colleagues and professors told me: ‘Are you crazy, you cannot launch a scientific career in an Arab country.’ But I accepted this challenge and began my academic career at KAUST. Now, after fifteen years, I am pleased to share with you that the Chemistry Department at my university is not ranked 40th in the world.”

The GAM — the largest scientific movement in the Arab world with a budget of Dh100 million — was designed to seek and identify great minds in the region and reward them for their achievements. The initiative seeks to halt the brain drain trend in Arab nations by incentivising talented individuals to remain in their home countries and utilise available resources. Recognising individuals in six categories — namely natural sciences, architecture and design, engineering and technology, economics, literature and arts and medicine — the award was first announced in 2022.

After a year-long rigorous process, the winners were selected and announced by Sheikh Mohammed on social media platform X in late 2023.

Other winners recognised for their exceptional contributions were:

Dr Hani Najm from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, head of the department of adult and paediatric cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in the United States. Dr Najm was acknowledged in the field of medicine for his groundbreaking work in cardiac surgery.

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, president of Queen’s College, University of Cambridge, received the award in the Economics category. His remarkable insights and contributions have reshaped the understanding of global economic trends.

Professor Niveen Khashab, whose groundbreaking research in the natural sciences earned her the Arab Geniuses Award. Her work has pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge, particularly in her field of expertise.

Prof Lina Ghotmeh was recognised for her exceptional achievements in the Architecture and Design category. Her innovative designs have reimagined urban landscapes and inspired future generations of architects.

Prof Waciny Laredj was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the Literature and Arts category. His literary prowess and artistic vision have captivated audiences and enriched cultural heritage.

source/content: khaleejtimes.com (headline edited)

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Professor Fadel Adib — Photo by Waad Barakat

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LEBANON

LEBANESE Georges Chakra’s creations on the Golden Globes red carpet

Arab fashion was not absent from the recent Golden Globe Awards, held in Los Angeles, thanks to Lebanese designer Georges Chakra’s creations.

The creations of the Lebanese designer were showcased by US singer-songwriter Andra Day and model Molly Sims on the red carpet, each selecting distinct styles from Chakra’s collection. Andra Day chose a black semi-sheer gown adorned with floral ruffles, while Molly Sims opted for a gold, pleated dress with a floral epaulette on one shoulder.

A trademark of Lebanese design

Chakra’s journey into the fashion world began with an initial foray into interior design in Lebanon. However, seeking a different path, he moved to Canada to study fashion design at the Canadian Fashion Academy. In 1985, at the age of 22, Chakra returned to Lebanon and opened his first couture house. His designs quickly gained popularity in Lebanon owing to his European-influenced style that resonated well with the local taste. Chakra’s brand, ONNA Group, was launched in 1994 and has been expanding ever since.

Chakra made his international debut at Paris’s Haute Couture Fashion Week in 2001 with his collection, marking the beginning of his regular appearances at this prestigious event. He has also presented his collections at Mercedes Benz Prêt a Porter Week in New York. His work has featured in notable films such as “The Devil Wears Prada” and television series like “Gossip Girl.” Chakra’s designs have been chosen by numerous celebrities and have featured in major fashion magazines like InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Elle, and others. His clientele includes celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Hiba Tawaji, Goldie Hawn, Catherine-Zeta Jones, and many more.

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

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LEBANON

BAHRAIN : The Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity in Literature & Arts chooses Bahraini Fawzia Al-Sindi, the ‘Cultural Personality 2024’, for its 6th session

The Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity in Literature and Arts announced the selection of the Bahraini innovator and poet, Fawzia Al-Sindi, as the cultural personality for its sixth session for the year 2024.

Al Sindi will be honored on April 23 at Al Jawaher Center for Events and Conferences in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, as part of a ceremony honoring the award winners.

The award, which is organized by the Cultural Office of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, was created in special honor for the cultural figure among the creative Gulf women pioneering in cultural work.

Salha Ghabish, head of the Council’s Cultural Office, said: “This addition required many discussions with the award’s work team, including members of the jury, as we saw the importance of honoring female figures with distinguished creative, intellectual and professional contributions who are well-known in the Gulf and Arab cultural arena, and whose works have reached the international level through translation.” And communicating with cultural bodies in the world and participating in introducing Arab and Gulf culture through their productions.”

The Bahraini Fawzia Al-Sindi was chosen as one of the influential figures in Bahraini and Gulf society. She has literary and poetic works, and her works have been translated into English, French, Italian, Spanish and German. She has written many articles in Arab newspapers, including the Emirati Gulf, and has participated in many conferences, literary festivals and intellectual forums in the Arab world. And the world.

Regarding her winning the award, Fawzia Al-Sindi said: “I am pleased and honored to have been chosen as a ‘cultural personality’, which in its cultural and human depth represents a tribute and honor to my poetic and literary experience and to all Arab poetic experiences, with my gratitude to those in charge of the Cultural Office of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah for honoring poetic and literary experiences.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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BAHRAIN

TUNISIA : Jonathan Lourimi on historic Bobsleigh Medal run for Tunisia: “I never thought this was possible”- Gangwon 2024

Final event of bobsleigh competition at 2024 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) sees slider from North African nation pick up silver.

The smile on Jonathan Lourimi’s face said it all.

“It’s history, my friend,” the Tunisian said to Olympics.com after winning men’s monobob silver at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG)  on Tuesday (23 January). It is his country’s first ever medal at the winter edition of the Youth Olympics.

“I never thought this was possible when I started with this sport one year ago. And now I’m here with a silver medal. It’s crazy. And yeah, I’m just going to enjoy the moment,” he added.

Tunisia had never sent athletes to a Winter Youth Olympics previously, and their small band of fans and officials in the Republic of Korea certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves when his second place finish was confirmed at the Alpensia Sliding Centre,

“It never happened before, so they are very happy. I’m very happy and yeah, just unbelievable.”

Lourimi finished 1.33 seconds behind winner So Kaehwan from the host nation, with Chi Xiangyu (People’s Republic of China) taking bronze.

“Today, just the race, I just didn’t focus on any medals or any times. I just wanted to enjoy the time, as I have been doing in training. Enjoy the runs,” Lourimi told us. “I’ve really had fun. Of course, I’ve been focusing a lot on this race, but meeting a lot of new people from different countries and [got the chance to] enjoy with them.”

The historic first medal for Tunisia came a day after Thailand also made history in the women’s race, with Agnese Campeol taking silver for the Asian nation.

For Tunisia’s Lourimi, the next step in his career is clear: “My goal is to be in the real Olympics, so I’m going to work hard for that, now just enjoy the moment, some weeks, and then keep on the hard work and yeah, hopefully I’m there in the real Olympics.”

source/content: olympics.com (headline edited)

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(Handout image supplied by OIS/IOC. Olympic Information Services OIS.)

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TUNISIA

EGYPT: ‘Oldest complete Coptic Psalter’ re-exhibited at the Coptic Museum after restoration

After undergoing a meticulous five-year restoration, the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo has re-exhibited its most treasured artefact – the oldest complete Coptic Psalter ever discovered.

“This is the first time we possess a complete book of Psalms dating to late fourth century AD, making it the oldest complete Psalms book unearthed to date. We’ve never encountered such an early book in Egypt, and I’ve found no evidence of an earlier genuine book anywhere else,” said the late director of the Coptic Museum and Coptic studies expert Gawdat Gabra when he first saw the book days after its discovery in 1984.

The Book of Psalms (Psalter) by David is one of the most valuable artefacts in the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo, having been discovered in a tomb going back to the early Christian period. 

It is the oldest Coptic Psalter ever translated from the Septuagint text. After almost four years of restoration, the museum has re-exhibited the Psalter in a special hall in the museum.

The book comprises 498 parchment sheets, encased within wooden bindings laced with leather. Rendered in a dialect of Coptic — a defunct language utilizing Old Greek characters augmented by seven hieroglyphs from ancient Egypt’s twilight era — the Psalms are meticulously inscribed by hand.

According to Gihan Atef, director of the museum, the manuscript harbours numerous Greek terms alongside some Coptic lexemes hitherto unrecorded. It is penned predominantly in brown ink derived from iron, though sporadic patches exhibit black carbon ink, ostensibly applied in efforts to rectify damage. Evident signs of wear manifest where fingers once turned the delicate parchment leaves.


Upon its discovery, the book’s pages were fused together, save for the final quintet, two of which remain blank. Affixed to the book via leather cords dangles a diminutive ankh — a symbol from ancient Egypt, seamlessly integrated into Christian iconography — crafted from bone.
Hamdi Abdel-Moneim, head of the restoration section at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) said that a team of restorers from both the MIA and the Coptic Museum embarked on a long journey to restore the Psalter.

He pointed out that the manuscript suffered from various forms of damage, including the detachment of its pages due to sewing deterioration. Most of its pages were plead and dried, chemical decomposition was found, along with the loss of parts from the edges and traces of liquids. There was also degradation, deterioration, and erosion of the inks, as well as dryness of the leather cover and cords.

The restoration works included the complete dismantling of the manuscript and addressing all aspects of damage. UV and infrared digital imaging were conducted, along with photographic documentation. Throughout the restoration process, Abdel-Moneim continued, all pages were numbered before disassembly, and specialists in codicology and Coptic texts were consulted.

The Coptic Museum is comprised of two wings joined by a narrow hallway. Inside, approximately 16,000 collectibles are showcased, arranged by type across 12 distinct departments.

The departments encompass a wide range of subjects such as Stones and Plasterboard, Development of Coptic Writing and Manuscripts, Textiles, Ivory and Iconography, Wood, Metals, Pottery, and Glass. Visitors can also marvel at mesmerizing Coptic art and manuscripts of the Holy Bible, some dating back thousands of years.

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

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EGYPT