Author: ArabianRecords.org

SOMALIA: 21-year old engineer Mohamad Adawe creates home-made respirator to ease country’s COVID-19 crisis

Somalia receives a boost in fight against COVID-19 in the form of home-made mechanised respirators, created by 21-year-old Mogadishu-based mechanical engineer A 21-year-old mechanical engineer came up with the device in response to a national shortage.

A 21-year-old Somali mechanical engineer has invented a homemade respirator to try to help his country during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The east African nation is suffering from a severe lack of respiratory equipment, which concerned Mogadishu–based Mohamad Adawe.

Previously, medical staff in Somalia have mainly had to assist patients’ breathing by manually pumping the equipment. This has also brought them into close contact with the infected people, heightening the risk of contagion.

“We don’t have economic might or a strong government in Somalia. To respond to this bad disease, I produced this device at a time when our people are suffering from a shortage of oxygen equipment.

 Mohamed Adawe 

Mogadishu-based mechanical engineer

Adawe says there was a real need for his invention:

“This device is used for patients in emergency situations, especially those who are having difficulty breathing. It is immediately useable for saving lives.

“We don’t have economic might or a strong government in Somalia. To respond to this bad disease, I produced this device at a time when our people are suffering from a shortage of oxygen equipment.

“So, my automated device can be attached to the patient’s face and moved away from them, as a social distancing measure.”

“With my device, we can fight against COVID-19 while our country is facing a shortage of oxygen devices – and while other countries of the world hold ventilators and other devices in their warehouses.”

Dr. Hussein Abdi-Aziz Abdulkadir, Director of the Somali Syrian Hospital in Mogadishu, hailed the significance of Adawe’s invention:

“In the past, you always had to use your hands to squeeze the airbag of the device, to clear the airway of the patient.

“But now Mohamed Adawe has automated the device to help patients clear their airway and help with breathing at a time when there is an urgent need for this.”

It’s hoped Mohamad Adawe’s innovation will help save lives: not just because it aids the patient in breathing, but also because it allows doctors to keep a safer distance from them, reducing the risk of contagion.

source/content: euronew.com (headline edited)

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pix: AFP

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SOMALIA

SAUDI ARABIA : Neom ‘uses one fifth of world’s steel’

Largest construction customer

‘5% of global logistics market’

Market driver for decades

The Neom giga-project in Saudi Arabia is currently using one fifth of all the steel produced in the world, an official said on Monday. 

The futuristic city will be the world’s largest customer for construction materials for several decades, said Manar Al Moneef, Neom’s chief investment officer.

She told the Global Logistics Forum in the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh that the $500 billion project would be one of the world’s leading drivers of the global logistics sector in coming years. 

“Neom is going to be the largest customer over the next decade. If you look at our demand in logistics it’s 5 percent of the global logistics market,” she told the forum, in rare public comments. 

Neom’s demand for steel meant “we are 20 percent of the global steel market. If you look at our demand in elevators, cement and so on … put simply, Neom is going to be the largest customer over the next few decades,” Al Moneef said. 

Neom, located in the far northwest of Saudi Arabia, is the jewel in the crown of Saudi Arabia’s economic development projects, which have been valued at more than $1.25 trillion. 

However, some projects have slowed down as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) faces funding pressures caused by lower oil prices and pressure to funnel cash towards projects in Riyadh before the World Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup, both taking place in the Saudi capital. 

The Neom projects include a horizontal city called The Line which is due for final completion at 170km long in 2045. A small central section just 5km long has a target date of 2030. 

Neom also includes the Trojena winter resort, 12 luxury resorts called Magna, the Sindalah island resort, and an industrial city called Oxagon. 

Dhiraj Joshi, a partner at the management consultancy Arthur D Little Middle East, said: “Projects like Neom, Oxagon, getting all the hotels ready in various parts, is a long-term investment strategy so there is no hurry [in] the next four or five years when we get done with Expo and World Cup.”

Neom would be prioritised again later, Joshi said.  

source/content: agbi.com / Arabian Gulf Business Insight (headline edited)

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Neom could be the world’s largest customer for construction materials for several decades, according to an official / pic: Getty Images / UnSplash

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SAUDI ARABIA

ALGERIAN-DANISH Footballer Amin Chiakha Chooses Algeria

Amin Chiakha, an 18-year-old forward from FC Copenhagen, has officially announced his change of sporting nationality and is now eligible to represent the Algerian national football team, as revealed in a post on his Instagram account.

“I was born in Denmark to a Danish mother and an Algerian father—two incredible individuals who have enriched my life with the best of both cultures and have always supported me in everything I do. I feel both Danish and Algerian and could never choose between the two,” he wrote.

He continued, “I had the honor of representing Denmark at the youth national team level, a tremendous privilege where I gave my all every time I wore the Danish jersey. However, I have felt immense support and love from the Algerian people. The Algerian Football Federation has presented a serious and ambitious project that aligns perfectly with my vision for the future of my football career. After careful consideration of all aspects, I have decided to represent the Algerian national team moving forward.”

Finally, Amin Chiakha conveyed a message to the Algerian supporters: “I want to send a humble than you to the Danish FA (DBU). My Danish team mates and national team coaches for everything. I really enjoyed every moment, thank you…At the same time, I assure the Algerian people and fans that I will always strive to defend our colors, and I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received,” he concluded.

source/content: al24news.com

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ALGERIA

SAUDI ARABIAN Reda Shaib hopes to break World’s Largest Stamp Collection record

A Saudi has sent to the Guinness World Records what is believed to be the world’s largest stamps collection.


Reda Shaib, a philatelist, started the project two years ago in Al-Ahsa.


“Shaib’s collection contains 1.1 million different Saudi stamps,” Mohsin Hassan Al-Shaikh, adviser to the Saudi Philatelic and Numismatics Society (SPNS), said. The collection includes stamps issued since the Kingdom was founded, he said.


He said that Shaib took every opportunity to ask people he met to support the project, adding that It would be a matter of great pride for the Kingdom to enter into the Guinness World Records.


Part of Shaib’s collection was shown to visitors at the King Fahd Cultural Complex, where the Ministry of Culture and Information marked the Saudi National Day by organizing an exhibition of books and pictures about Saudi Arabia.


Al-Shaikh thanked Shaib for including SPNS members in his project, making them feel an increased sense of belonging to the organization.


He said that a US collector had earlier come up with a similar project consisting of 500,000 stamps.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

MOROCCO Adds Eight 8 Elements to Islamic World Heritage List

Morocco has a total of 54 registered intangible cultural heritage elements on the ISESCO list.

The Islamic Heritage Committee, part of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), has approved the inclusion of eight intangible cultural heritage elements on behalf of Morocco.

According to a statement by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the newly added elements encompass the artistry of crafting bead jewelry, the weaving of Figuig’s hayek and burnous, traditional tanning techniques, Mata’s equestrian art, Safi pottery, Attalbi, Aouad d’Ait Baamrane songs and dances, and the traditional Ssig game.

This recognition celebrates Morocco’s rich tradition of skilled craftsmanship in the creation of bead jewelry.

The hayek and bernous are traditional Moroccan garments worn by women. They are especially worn in the country’s oriental region, notably in Figuig.

The traditional tanning process in Morocco, known as “Dbagha,” describes the centuries-old art of tanning animal hides, which has been practiced since the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century.

Meanwhile, Mata’s equestrian art showcases a blend of horsemanship and cultural expression.

Also on the list is the pottery tradition of the Moroccan coastal city of Safi, known for its intricate and colorful pottery art.

ISESCO also recognized Aouad d’Ait Baamrane’s songs and dances, which bring to life the rhythm and melodies of Amazigh culture.

Meanwhile, the traditional Ssig game, which is widely popular in Morocco’s southern regions, is a key part of Morocco’s culture that has endured through time.

With this latest inclusion that took place in the ISESCO committee’s 11th meeting in Rabat, Morocco now leads Muslim countries. The North African country boasts a total of 54 registered intangible cultural heritage elements on the ISESCO list.

During the meeting, the Committee also elected a new executive board for a four-year term, with Saudi Arabia assuming the presidency, Jordan as vice president, and Senegal as the rapporteur.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Sahraoui women playing Ssig game

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MOROCCO

QATARI mountaineer Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al-Thani becomes ‘First Arab woman & Qatari to complete Explorer’s Grand Slam’

Qatari Mountaineer Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al-Thani made history as she posed atop the Castensz Pyramid in Central Papua, two days back on October 11, 2024, becoming the first Arab woman and Qatari to complete the prestigious Explorer’s Grand Slam.    

“The Explorers Grand Slam is one of the world’s most prestigious adventure challenges, involving climbing the highest peak on each continent and skiing to the North and South Poles. Fewer than 75 people in history have completed this incredible feat,” she wrote on her social media account, adding that she was honoured to be the first Arab woman and Qatari national to achieve this milestone.

Sheikha Asma began her Explorer’s Grand Slam journey with Kilimanjaro in 2014, after which she reached the North Pole in 2018, she then conquered the Aconcagua in 2019. In 2021, Sheikha Asma summitted Elbrus and then began the following year with Mount Vinson in January, from where she skied to the South Pole Last Degree. Then in May 2022, she was at the top of her dream destination – the mighty Everest. In June 2022, she conquered Mt Denali, then leaving her one summit away from the Grand Slam. 

Writing about her journey so far, Sheikha Asma stated, “A journey that began in 2014 with a dream and a determination to break boundaries. Along the way, I’ve learned that persistence, no matter how challenging the road, always pays off. Each summit represents a step closer to realizing my potential, but more importantly, it’s a testament to staying true to your dreams, even when the path ahead seems impossible.”

Sheikha Asma has also successfully summited Mount Lhotse, Kangchenjunga, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Manaslu, and Labuche Peak. 

Sheikha Asma dedicated her most recent victory to every young girl with big dreams, as she encouraged them to keep dreaming big, “there are no limits to what we can achieve if we remain persistent and believe in ourselves. Keep climbing, keep dreaming, and know that the summit is always within reach.”

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

SAUDI ARABIA / FRANCE: ‘Arabic Language Month – October 07th, Paris, France. Experts highlight historical role of Arabic language as bridge between cultures.

Arabic and French experts this week underlined the importance of learning languages to enhance intellectual and cultural communication.

At an event in France to mark Arabic Language Month, they noted how, without the Arabic language, the world would not have been able to access a significant portion of the intellectual heritage of Greek philosophers, as well as mathematics and sciences from ancient times.

Hamdi Al-Adawi, professor of linguistics at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, described the role of language in expressing a person’s inner thoughts and feelings, and described the historical interplay between Arabic and French.

“The Arabic language has played a vital role towards affirming the role of Islam in enhancing communication between different civilizations, blending civilizations, and fostering the exchange of cultures,” he told Arab News.

Al-Adawi noted that the convergence of certain words, concepts and meanings between languages is key to accepting other cultures and coexisting peacefully with them.

He also said that there are many shared terms among languages, which encourages leveraging these similarities to understand the commonalities between these languages and their cultural connotation.

Al-Adawi concluded that the cultural exchange between the Arabic and French languages is tangible and well documented.

Some examples include the Belgian orientalist Henri Lammens, who identified more than 700 Arabic words in his French-language writings in the early 20th century, and the French writer Pierre Giraud who acknowledged the influence of Arabic on the French language, providing a list of 280 Arabic words that were used in French during different periods.

Jack Lang, the secretary-general of the Arab World Institute, said that “the Arabic language is music, and it is a global language.” He noted that it ranks fifth among the most spoken languages in the world.

“We cannot ignore the fact that the Arabic language has served as a bridge for communication between peoples. Without the Arabic language, we would not have been able to access a significant portion of Greek philosophers, nor mathematics and sciences from ancient times,” he said.

Lang, who is a former French minister of education, highlighted the efforts being made by Saudi Arabia to preserve the Arabic language, saying that the Kingdom was “moving towards exerting a considerable cultural effort.”

He added that he currently observes “large cultural events happening throughout Saudi Arabia.”

He also praised Saudi Arabia’s role in assisting other countries in their commitment to the Arabic language through the Arab World Institute, which is based in Paris.

Lang noted the intention to establish a House of the Arabic Language in France, in collaboration with King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language.

KSGAAL launched Arabic Language Month in France on Oct. 7, in collaboration with the Arab World Institute.

Events included a seminar, a panel discussion and a scientific competition focused on the art of diction, with participation from several contestants.

Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of KSGAAL, said that the academy is active in various fields to promote the Arabic language, locally and globally.

The academy launched the Arabic Language Month program in France, which aimed to display KSGAAL activities related to teaching Arabic to non-native speakers and to highlight the Kingdom’s efforts in serving the Arabic language and its sciences worldwide.

Additionally, the academy is working to offer training programs to enhance teachers’ competencies and improve Arabic language learning outcomes for students, in line with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, one of the initiatives under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by interested individuals and intellectuals, led by the Kingdom’s ambassador to France, Fahad Al-Ruwaili.

KSGAAL will continue the activities of Arabic Language Month in France on Nov. 1, featuring tours in several French cities in collaboration with French and international educational institutions.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The Arabic Language Month in France featured several linguistic competitions. The awards were presented by Fahad Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Ambassador to France, Jack Lang, Secretary-General of the Arab Institute in France, and Abdullah Al-Washmi, Secretary-General of King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (from the right: the first, the third and fourth respectively)

A group photo of the participants in the Arabic Language Month in France, which commenced on Monday, shows the Saudi ambassador in the second row from the left, sixth from the group

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SAUDI ARABIA

UAE wins presidency of the Arab Parliament and Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi elected as President

The United Arab Emirates won the presidency of the Arab Parliament during the procedural session of the fourth legislative term held today, Saturday, at the headquarters of the Arab League in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, where His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, a member of the Federal National Council, was elected as President of the Arab Parliament.

The UAE assumed the presidency of the Arab Parliament, represented by the Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council, for two consecutive terms during the years from 2012 to 2016, in appreciation of the effective role played by the UAE’s parliamentary diplomacy and its contributions to the activities and work of the Arab Parliament since its establishment.

His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Member of the Federal National Council, in a statement following his victory, praised the great support provided by the wise leadership headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to the sons of the Emirates, and pushing them forward to decision-making positions in Arab, regional and international organizations and institutions, stressing that it is an achievement added to the continuous achievements made by the sons of the Emirates under the wise leadership.

 He expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council and the members of the Council, for supporting his candidacy for the presidency of the Arab Parliament, and to Their Excellencies the representatives of the Arab countries in the Arab Parliament for their great confidence and their election of him as President of the Arab Parliament, stressing his pledge, in this new phase, during which the Arab Parliament continues its journey in serving Arab issues, to work to strengthen joint Arab action at all levels. 

The procedural session was attended by members of the Parliamentary Division Group, including His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Head of the Group, Naema Abdullah Al Sharhan, Vice-Head of the Group, Majid Mohammed Al Mazrouei, and Mohammed Hassan Al Dhahouri, members of the Federal National Council.

The Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council achieved many accomplishments during its participation in the work and activities of the Arab Parliament, which was established by a decision of the Arab League Council at the summit level on a temporary basis in 2005 and became permanent in 2012, embodying the approach of the UAE and contributing to strengthening its principles and objectives to be an effective partner in formulating the joint Arab policy.

At the level of the activity of the parliamentary division of the Federal National Council, in 2020 it won the position of Vice President of the Arab Parliament, and the members of the UAE Parliamentary Division headed the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, and the Social, Educational, Cultural, Women and Youth Affairs Committee.

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Federal National Council, in cooperation with the Arab Parliament, organized a symposium in October 2019 to launch the Arab Document on Women’s Rights, which focused on two main axes: “Mother of the Emirates… the main enabler of Arab women” and “Arab women and the role of parliaments in shaping the future.”

The UAE Parliamentary Division played an active role through its membership in the Arab Parliament in presenting many parliamentary projects, proposals and studies, most notably amending the internal regulations of the Arab Parliament, establishing the Arab Parliamentary Medal Award for Parliamentary Excellence, in addition to proposals on topics discussed by the permanent and temporary committees in the Arab Parliament.

It is noteworthy that His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi has been a member of the Federal National Council since 2015 from the current sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth legislative terms. Through his membership in the UAE Parliamentary Division Group in the Arab Parliament, he participated in the work of the Arab Parliament and the meetings of its permanent committees. He won the position of Vice President of the Arab Parliament in the first and second sessions of the third legislative term of the Arab Parliament during the period 2020-2022 AD.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

EGYPTIAN architectural historian May El-Ibrashy wins Prince Claus Fund’s Impact Award

Egyptian architectural historian May El-Ibrashy is among the winners of the 2022 Prince Claus Impacts awards for her contribution and innovation in her community.

The Prince Claus Fund has announced on Tuesday the six recipients of the first 2022 Prince Claus Impact Awards. 

The new award honours individuals whose work in art and culture engages their communities in innovative, positive ways while addressing issues of urgent contemporary relevance.

El-Ibrashy is an architect whose work centres on community engagement through heritage conservation, rehabilitation, preservation, and re-signification. She is the founder of the Megawra Built Environment Collective, a twinship between an architectural firm and an NGO.

Through her work she has managed to create a real difference for the often-marginalised communities living in Cairo’s historic centre and has created an important counter narrative to the current government’s focus on urban expansion and renewal, creating a new sense of hope and pride for the communities she works with. 

Focusing on Al-Khalifa District in Sayeda Zeinab, Al-Hattaba district by the citadel, and Al-Imam Al-Shafii district, El-Ibrashy’s participatory conservation initiative is an inspiring successful community dialogue that has been going on for 10 years. The impact of the dialogue still resonates in the communities of Al Khalifa District, Al-Hattaba and Al-Imam Al-Shafii.

The other five recipients are: 

Ailton Alves Lacerda Krenak (Brazil), an indigenous leader, environmentalist, and philosopher.

Alain Gomis (Senegal), a Senegalese-French film director and screenwriter.

Hassan Darsi (Morocco), a visual artist whose work promotes critical thinking about public spaces and citizenship.

Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara (Cuba), an artist and human rights defender.

María Medrano (Argentina) is a writer, poet and editor.

The Awards Ceremony shall take place in the Royal Palace Amsterdam on the 7th of December.

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

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EGYPT

PALESTINIAN documentary ‘Vibrations from Gaza’ wins Best Short at 68th BFI London Film Festival

Palestinian documentary Vibrations from Gaza won the Best Short Film award at the 68th BFI London Film Festival (9 to 20 October 2024).

The 76-minute-long Vibrations from Gaza was among 10 films competing in London’s festival.

While announcing the winning film, the festival’s Short Film Competition jury praised the film saying: “We were astonished by the calibre of films in this competition and struggled to only award one film. Our winner is a film that uses sound to send reverberations through our bodies and souls,” reads the press release.

Vibrations from Gaza offers a glimpse into the lives of deaf children in the besieged and occupied Gaza Strip. Through the voices of children who have grown up under the relentless blockade and repeated Israeli aggression, it vividly conveys how they experience the bombings, destruction, and drone buzz overhead.

The short documentary — which is one of the last documentaries to come out of Gaza before the Israeli war’s eruption last year — features children Amani Iz Eldin, Musa and Mustafa Samour, and Isra Abuasr.

The film previously held its world premiere at the Palestine Cinema Days Film Festival in its home country before screening at numerous festivals and winning several awards, including Best Short at the Iran International Film Festival and the Azur Phoenix Award for Short Films at the Middle East and South Africa Film Festival.

Rehab Nazzal is a one-woman show in this film, serving as its director, producer, and writer.

Nazzal is a Palestinian-born multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Montreal, Canada and Bethlehem, Palestine.

Her work deals with the effects of settler and colonial violence on people, on land, and other non-human life in Palestine.

Nazzal’s photography, videos, sound, and installations have been exhibited and screened in Palestine, Canada, and internationally.

She has created multiple short videos, blurring the boundaries between documentary and video art, including Dima, A Night at Home, Canada Park, Bodies in Motion, Mourning, and Bil’in.

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

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PALESTINE