Category: Amazing Feats

MOROCCAN AMERICAN Scientist Khalil Amine Elected to US Academy of Engineering

His team’s research benefits industries such as automotive, power grids, satellites, military, and healthcare.

Khalil Amine, a Moroccan materials scientist, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering of the United States for his contributions to battery and energy storage technologies.

The recognition comes for his leadership in the field of materials science, specifically in the development of batteries and energy storage devices. 

Amine, who also serves as a professor at the University of Chicago, is among 128 members and 22 international members inducted into the NAE class of 2025.

“I am very delighted to be selected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering,” said Amine. “This is a recognition not only for me, but also for all my co-workers and collaborators around the world, as well as Argonne, which has provided an unmatched, state-of-the-art capability to do excellent work.”

Amine leads the Advanced Battery Technology team at Argonne, where his research focuses on the development of advanced chemistries, materials, and battery systems. His team’s work spans several industries, including automotive, power grids, satellites, military, and medical applications. 

A key focus of Amine’s research is the creation of new cathodes, anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and additives for lithium-ion batteries, as well as exploring “beyond-lithium” batteries that use alternative chemistries for energy storage.

Amine’s significant contributions to the field of battery technology have made him a leading figure in materials science. He holds more than 200 patents or patent applications in the field, and he was for 23 years the most cited scientist in battery technology globally. 

His accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Global Energy Prize in 2019. Amine is also a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Inventors, the European Academy of Sciences, and the Electrochemical Society, among others.

Born in Morocco, Amine earned degrees in chemistry and materials science from the University of Bordeaux. After his academic training, he joined Argonne in 1998, bringing with him experience gained from research positions in Belgium and Japan. 

His innovative work has played a pivotal role in advancing energy storage technologies that have far-reaching applications in today’s technological landscape.

The National Academy of Engineering, founded in 1964, provides independent analysis and advice on engineering matters, offering leadership and insight into complex global challenges. Amine, along with other members of the NAE class of 2025, will be formally inducted at the Academy’s annual meeting in October.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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AMERICAN / MOROCCAN

SHARJAH, U.A.E : Bodour Al Qasimi becomes first woman from GCC to win BolognaRagazzi Award

Emirati publisher, author, and women’s advocate Bodour Al Qasimi has made history by becoming the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive a prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi received the prize for her groundbreaking children’s book ‘House of Wisdom’ at a ceremony in the impressive Farnese Chapel, at Palazzo d’Accursio, in Bologna.

Reflecting on the honour, Sheikha Bodour said, “For me, this award signals a shift towards a more inclusive children’s publishing sector. Amid heightened global tensions, stories like ‘House of Wisdom’ carry a message that books can occasion unity, progress, and a deeper understanding between cultures. It’s a timely statement about literature’s power to build bridges and keep the bigger human picture in view.”

She added, “The House of Wisdom was a library that symbolised how knowledge and collaboration across cultures can build sturdy bridges. Its loss in 1258 is a tragic allegory for the fragility of intellectual freedom – a lesson of undiminished relevance today.”

Feted for its engaging approach to encouraging critical thought, scientific curiosity, and compassion, the success of ‘House of Wisdom’ marks progress in international recognition of the value of Middle Eastern children’s literature.

The book is illustrated by Majid Zakeri Younesi, whose evocative art provides a breathtaking complement to the story.

Although unable to be in Bologna to collect the award with Sheikha Bodour, he said, “Working on ‘House of Wisdom’ was a unique opportunity to visually capture the spirit of curiosity and innovation that drives humanity’s infinite quest for learning and dialogue, something Sheikha Bodour has so deftly portrayed in her narrative.”

The day after the prize giving, Sheikha Bodour spoke on a thought-provoking panel with other BolognaRagazzi Award winners and joined a celebration reception at the Kalimat Group stand.

On both occasions, she shared her inspiration behind ‘House of Wisdom’, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural and intellectual legacies, the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides, and Sharjah’s commitment to promoting knowledge, including through the creation of its own House of Wisdom.

Before receiving the award, Sheikha Bodour signed copies of her book at the Giannino Stoppani Children’s Bookshop, which she helped restore after it was destroyed by fire in 2022. To support the renovation, Sheikha Bodour allocated significant funds from the Sharjah World Book Capital Office.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN USA : APRIL : Arab America Foundation Announces Speakers and Performers for National Arab American Heritage Month Event, April 9, 2025

Honoring the Rich Heritage, Celebrating the Next Generation

This event is a tribute to our culture, featuring music, dance, comedy, and inspiration, uniting us in pride and resilience”

— Warren David, President, Arab AmericaWASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ —

On Wednesday, April 9th, the Arab America Foundation will present its ninth annual National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration at Amazon HQ Theater, “Honoring the past, inspiring the future.”

Each year, we honor the invaluable contributions of Arab Americans and commemorate National Arab American Heritage Month with community leaders, cultural performances, and authentic Arab cuisine.

This year, we honor the legendary Umm Kalthoum, marking 50 years since her passing in 1975. Known as the Nightingale of the Arab World, her iconic voice inspires generations.

To register for the event, Click Here.

Performers include:
–Mohanad Elsheiky, a Libyan stand-up comedian based in Queens who is a digital producer on the TBS late-night comedy series Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, has appeared on Conan and Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

-Marwa Morgan, Arab American and Egyptian classic vocalist, will perform a special tribute to the legendary nightingale of the Arab World, Umm Kulthum with the New York Umm Kulthum Ensemble.

–Anas “Andy” Shallal, Iraqi-American artist, activist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Busboys and Poets.

–Shirin Rajaee, Emmy-nominated news anchor and MC of the event.

–DJ Basbousa, a DC-based Arab DJ pop culture designer.

–Faris El-Layl Folkloric Dance Troupe will perform traditional Arab dances.

“During this year’s National Arab American Heritage Month, we honor our rich heritage while celebrating the next generation. This event is a tribute to our culture, featuring music, dance, comedy, and inspiration, uniting us in pride and resilience,” said Warren David, president of Arab America.

About National Arab American Heritage Month 2025
Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, but only a handful of states recognized it. Each year, our grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts.

If you want to help us mobilize the community for NAAHM, request proclamations, or plan events, please contact Dr. Amal David or call 877-272-2944.

Proclamations
Arab America Foundation state teams are acquiring proclamations from governors, state legislators, mayors, and county executives nationwide. New proclamations for 2025 will be announced in the coming months.

Sponsorship of National Arab American Heritage Month 2025 (including Diversity Training Workshops)
The Arab America Foundation welcomes corporate participation as a sponsor to celebrate Arab American heritage and enhance the understanding of Arab identity and culture in America through the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative. Sponsorships include the Arab America Foundation’s diversity training workshop designed to help corporations educate their workforce about the Arab American community. Through this workshop, participants can gain insights into the community’s history, immigration, culture, traditions, and other significant issues.

For Information About National Sponsorship and Workshops Click Here

Or call the Arab America Foundation at 877-272-2944 or email info@arabamerica.com

Educator’s Curriculum Kit
Arab America Foundation offers The Educator’s Curriculum Kit, which highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, issues affecting our community, and our many achievements in business, politics, education, and more. The Kit is available for school educators. For more information, please get in touch with Dr. Amal David.

Resources
Arab America Foundation is committed to gathering and promoting the community’s events and stories through https://www.arabamerica.com/resources/ and social media platforms during April. Every week, Arab America will feature cultural events throughout the US on our events page and share compelling success stories of Arab Americans on our blog page. Additionally, Arab America has compiled a resource guide listing resources and content regarding the Arab and Arab American identity and culture.

About the Arab America Foundation
The Arab America Foundation (www.arabamericafoundation.org) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization that promotes the Arab heritage in the U.S., educates Americans about the Arab heritage and identity, and connects and empowers Arab Americans

Claire Boyle
Arab America Foundation
+1 877-272-2944
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
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LinkedIn
Instagram

source/content: fox40.com (headline edited)

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AMERICAN / ARAB-AMERICAN

ARAB WOMEN IN ENGINEERING : Celebrating Women in Engineering in the Arab World

For National Arab American Heritage Month, SWE recognizes some of the Arab women engineers making their mark in the industry.

National Arab American Heritage Month was first recognized at the federal level in the U.S. in April 2021, though celebrations recognizing the Arab community and their contributions in the United States were observed in previous years. 

Here at the Society of Women Engineers, we are excited to celebrate some of the amazing Arab women engineers from around the world who are paving the way for others to pursue a future in STEM and thrive in their careers. 

Diana Alsindy

Diana Alsindy is a propulsion engineering manager at Blue Origin where she leads a team of engineers building the next rocket to the moon. She is also the founder of The Arabian Stargazer, a bilingual educational platform that promotes science and space in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Diana is an Iraqi refugee who fled the Iraq war in 2004 with her family and now calls Los Angeles home. She frequently hosts lectures and seminars with schools that do not have access to engineering resources and aspires to continue paving the way to space and advocate for others to look up. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a focus in mechanical and aerospace engineering from University of California San Diego. Hear her speak as a panel member on From the Classroom to the Cosmos: How Educators Can Help Girls Succeed in Space available in the Advance Learning Center.

Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb

Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb is the founder and chairperson of the Saudi Women Engineers Society (SWES) and the first Saudi engineer specializing in structural engineering. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Technology Sydney and is the first engineer to hold a Certified Mostadam Accredited Professional license, a groundbreaking sustainable framework she led development on, which focuses on green building practices aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. She is an advisor with the Saudi Association of Sustainability Professionals and founder of the Urban Heritage Association, presenting at World ESG Summit and Global Project Management Forum and promoting diversity and women in engineering. Under her leadership, SWES has forged partnerships with organizations such as Bechtel and Saudi Arabia Parsons Corporation to promote opportunities for Saudi women in engineering fields.   

Dr. Habiba Alsafar

Dr. Habiba Alsafar is dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and professor of genomics at Khalifa University, one of the United Arab Emirates top universities for STEM education. She earned a BS in biochemistry at San Diego State University, an MS in biomedical engineering from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, and Ph.D. in medical and forensics science from the University of Western Australia. She is credited with establishing the Emirates Family Registry — the first study of its kind in the Middle East — which was instrumental in discovering diabetes risk factors unique to the area’s Bedouin population. She is the recipient of the UAE’s First Honor Model award and the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship for Women in Science, as well as the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Rising Talents award in recognition of her trailblazing work in genetics.

Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur

Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur is the CEO and co-founder of Cambridge-headquartered CorrosionRADAR Ltd, a technology startup in the predictive corrosion monitoring and assets management space. The organization has received recognition for its groundbreaking Predictive Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring System, and Dr. Ennaceur received the 2024 Women in Excellence Achievement Award from the International Maintenance, Reliability, and Asset Management conference (MAINTCON) in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership in her field. Born in Tunisia, Dr. Ennaceur completed her schooling there, earning a civil engineering degree at Ecole National d’Ingénieurs de Gabès (National Engineering School of Gabes), where she was only one of two girls in a class of 20 students, and then a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Technology of Compiègne in France.  

Marwa Al Mamari

The first aerospace engineer in the history of the United Arab Emirates, Marwa Al Mamari is pursuing a Ph.D. studying artificial intelligence in aviation at Coventry University, where she also earned a Master of Science in aviation safety and a Bachelor of Applied Science in aerospace engineering. She has previously worked with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, specializing in accident prevention and safety recommendations. This mother of two is also an adjunct lecturer in engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi. In 2024, she was honored as an Emirati Woman Achiever, an award recognizing visionary Emirati women leading entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. She has spoken at TEDx and other events globally on changing the narratives, the power of STEM, and women’s empowerment in shaping the future. 

Dr. Raida Al-Alawi

As the president of the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Dr. Raida Al-Alawi is the first woman to lead the organization in its 50+ year history and the first Bahraini woman to earn a Ph.D. in engineering. Her professional experience includes serving as dean of Student Affairs at Manama’s Ahlia University, and as associate professor in the department of electrical and electronics engineering at the University of Bahrain, where she also chaired the department of computer engineering. Dr. Al-Alawi is a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World, and senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Association of Engineers. She holds a Ph.D. in Computational Intelligence from Brunel University London, an MSc in Computer Engineering from King’s College London, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Kuwait University.

source/content: alltogether.swe.org (headline edited)

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ARAB

Doha ranks 3rd in Asia in Quality of Life Index by City 2025

Numbeo, the world’s largest cost of living database, has released its Quality of Life Index by City 2025. With a score of 178.7, Doha ranks 3rd overall in Asia and 77th globally.

The Quality of Life Index by City is calculated based on purchasing power index, safety index, healthcare index, cost of living index, property price to income ratio, traffic commute time index, pollution index, and climate index.

Top 10 in Quality of Life Index by City 2025: Asia

  1. Abu Dhabi, UAE – 197.1
  2. Muscat, Oman – 192.9
  3. Doha, Qatar – 178.7
  4. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 178.5
  5. Dubai, UAE – 176.0
  6. Tokyo, Japan – 171.5
  7. Manama, Bahrain – 170.8
  8. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 167.4
  9. Bursa, Turkiye – 166.8
  10. Pune, India – 164.3

To view the full list, click here.

source/content: iloveqatar.net (headline edited)

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QATAR

PALESTINE : 26 March 2025: 180,000 Palestinians pray at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque for Laylat al-Qadr, despite Israeli restrictions

Palestinians in their thousands prayed at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque during Laylat al-Qadr, considered the holiest night in Islam.

Some 180,000 Palestinians performed nighttime and Tarawih prayers at the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday despite Israeli restrictions, the Jerusalem Islamic Endowments Department said.

Israeli authorities reportedly prevented scores of West Bank Palestinian worshippers from reaching the holy site, after refusing them entry at the Qalandia and Bethlehem checkpoints, the Palestinian Wafa news agency said.

The Israeli authorities claimed they did not carry valid documentation – a common pretext used to justify such restrictions.

Israeli forces were also deployed in the alleys of the Old City of Jerusalem, turning it into a “military zone,” according to the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate local authority, obstructing Palestinians’ access to the mosque.

Several other Palestinians were banned from entry at the mosque’s gates, according to the Wadi Hilweh Information Center, a local human rights group, as cited by the Turkish Anadolu agency.

Last year, 200,000 Palestinians performed such prayers at Al-Aqsa, under similar heavy restrictions.

Earlier this month, as Muslims welcomed Ramadan, Israel announced it would only allow children under the age of 12, women above the age of 50 and men above the age of 55. Palestinians who fall under this category are obliged to carry special permits issue issued by authorities.

The prayers took place during Laylat al-Qadr – the holiest night in Islam, which falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The night, translated into English as ‘Night of the Power,’ marks when the holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.

Muslims worldwide generally increase acts of prayer, often staying in the mosque between nighttime and dawn prayers, and exercise spiritual retreat, known as I’tikaf during this period.

Muslims also believe that acts of good deeds are multiplied manifold during the period, as the night of power is said to be “better than a thousands months,” according to the Quran .

As prayers were held across the Muslim world and communities, many imams included prayers for the people of Gaza, subject to indiscriminate Israeli attacks which have killed over 62,000 people over the last 16 months.

Journalists barred from Al-Aqsa

Israeli forces have also imposed restrictions on journalists covering events at Al-Aqsa this month. Authorities have reportedly barred at least 13 journalists from entering the Al-Aqsa compound.

Among them was Basem Zidani, who told The New Arab’s sister site, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, that Israeli forces said that the Shin Bet security service had a secret file showing that his presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially during Ramadan, would “disturb public order”.

Zidani said he was summoned to the Qishleh police station, where he was interrogated by a police officer who then told him that he would be banned from entering Al-Aqsa compound.

The journalist sought to contest this ban through local rights organisations, but to no avail.

“It is clear that I was targeted because of my journalistic work during the war on Gaza, but I do not regret it.”

source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)

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Prayers at Al-Aqsa took place in defiance of Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian worshippers [Getty/file photo]

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PALESTINE

OMANI athlete Mubeen Al Kindi secures gold at Arab meet, sets national and championship records

Omani athlete Mubeen al Kindi secured gold in the hammer throw at the U-23 Arabian Athletics Championship creating not only a new Omani record but also the championship record by achieving a distance of 67.46m.

Speaking from Egypt to Muscat Daily, Kindi expressed his pride, stating, “I am delighted to have won gold in the hammer throwing competition and set both a new Omani record and a new championship record.”

This achievement is a testament to the tremendous efforts of the technical staff led by coach Saeed Al Harithy, who meticulously managed both technical and psychological preparations for each tournament, he added.  

“I am grateful for the unwavering support provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth throughout my journey. This participation marks the fourth Omani record achieved this year in the meet, fulfilling our ambitious goals.”

Reflecting on the tournament, he recounted, “I achieved this result after six throwing attempts: 67.46m in the first attempt, 66.71m in the second, 65.48m in the third, 65.63m in the fourth, 65.63m in the fifth, and finally 66.70m in the sixth and last attempt.”

Discussing his preparation for the championship, he said, “The preparation phase was extensive, focused on gradual improvement towards achieving a 67-meter mark. I had promising results during training camps, including in Egypt and the Egyptian Club Championship, where I reached 66.24m. Looking ahead, my goal is to hit cross the 68m mark next year as part of our planned progression. As I transition from junior to senior level in hammer throw with a 7.26kg weight, I am determined to achieve new milestones in my upcoming endeavors.”

Kindi expressed gratitude, saying, “I deeply appreciate the steadfast support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Omani Athletics Federation, and the Omani Olympic Committee.”

From the Omani delegation, Ali al Balushi won gold in 100m and 200m races, while Hussein al Farsi got bronze in 800m.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

EGYPTIAN Ashraf Mahrous (Kabonga) sets 03 World Records while fasting, including pulling train with teeth

Ashraf Mahrous, known also as Kabonga, pulled a 279-ton train using only his teeth, while also observing the Ramadan fast.

An Egyptian wrestler has received recognition in three categories by Guinness World Records , including for breaking the world record for heaviest rail pull using only his teeth.

Ashraf Mahrous, known by his nickname Kabonga, also received certificates for the heaviest locomotive pull and fastest 100-metre road vehicle pull.

The successful world record attempts took place at Cairo’s Ramses train station on Wednesday and Thursday, where Kabonga pulled a 279-ton train using a rope held by his teeth. The wrestler pulled the train for a distance of close to 11 metres.

“On the first day, I was able to pull a two-ton cart, while fasting, for a distance of 107 meters in 37 seconds, breaking another record by pulling a one-ton cart for 100 meters and surpassing the 60-second barrier,” Kabonga told Anadolu, highlighting that he had been abstaining from eating and drinking due to the Ramadan fast, which lasts from pre-dawn to sunset.

“The next day, on Thursday afternoon, I pulled a train weighing 279 tons with my shoulders, while fasting, for a distance of 10 metres and 66 centimeters,” he added.

Kabonga, who is the president of the Egyptian Federation for Professional Wrestlers, previously pulled a 15,730-kilogram truck with his teeth in 2021. In February 2024, he cracked and ate 30 raw eggs in 30 seconds in a feat that was also recognised by Guinness World Records.

Dawlet Elnakeb, an organiser of Thursday’s event in Cairo, said Kabonga had trained for just 20 days prior to the record breaking event.

source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)

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Ashraf Mahrous, known as Kabonga, is president of the Egyptian Federation for Professional Wrestlers [Getty]

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EGYPT

MOROCCO’s Widad Bertal Crowned Women’s World Boxing Champion

Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal was crowned world champion in the women’s bantamweight, showcasing the country’s surging talent in the combat sport.

Widad Bertal, one of Morocco’s rising boxing stars, is a world champion after winning the women’s bantamweight category at the 2025 IBA World Boxing Championships in Serbia. Meanwhile, the Palestinian squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to be held this month has been revealed through a touching video, showcasing life in the devastated Gaza Strip.

Also in Morocco, underdogs RS Berkane were crowned league champions after a near-undefeated run in the 2024/2025  soccer season.

Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal crowned world champion at Women’s World Boxing Championships

Moroccan boxer Widad Bertal has claimed the World Champion title in the 52-54 kg weight category at the Women’s World Boxing Championships, held in Nis, Serbia, from 9 to 16 March 2025, after defeating Turkish competitor Hatice Bektas.

Bertal’s victory cements her status as one of the sport’s rising stars. She previously secured gold medals at the African Championships in Yaoundé in 2023 and Kinshasa in 2024, establishing herself as a dominant force in the ring.

Her latest triumph represents a major achievement for Moroccan boxing on the global stage.

Morocco’s success in Serbia did not end there. Fellow Moroccan boxer Hasnae Larti added to the country’s medal haul by winning bronze in the 75-81 kg weight category, further highlighting Morocco’s growing strength in women’s boxing.

The achievements of Bertal and Larti reflect Morocco’s rising prominence in international boxing competitions . Their success has drawn praise from sports officials and fans alike, who see them as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.

In recognition of her remarkable victory, King Mohammed VI sent a congratulatory message to Bertal, celebrating her world title triumph.

“We share with you, with great joy, feelings of pride in this well-deserved victory that crowned your perseverance and ambition to raise your country’s flag high on the podium and inscribe your name in the register of champions,” the King’s message read.

“We pray to God to grant you continued success and brilliance in your upcoming competitions.”

Palestinian World Cup qualifier squad revealed in touching Gaza video

The Palestinian Football Association unveiled their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers via a video highlighting Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, and Palestinians’ love for the sport.

The players are revealed bit by bit in the 3-minute, 11-second clip showcasing life in the destroyed enclave.

The clip starts with a young boy by wearing a Palestinian football shirt playing on the seashores of Gaza. He then spots a portrait of Musab al-Battat, the team’s captain, among rubble.

The child then walks into the city’s ruins clutching the portrait, as we see Gaza’s population living in makeshift tents, queuing for water and selling what they can to make a living .

The boy then meets with a friend, who also reveals a portrait of another player. The two boys are joined by a third friend, who also pulls out a picture. The trio continue to be joined by more friends, as more Palestinian players are revealed.

Some of the players are revealed in during a segment where we see a young man selling snacks, other members of the Palestinian team are shown during a makeshift classroom as children attend a lessson amid war .

The clip also shows Gaza City’s emblematic Yarmouk Stadium. The venue is one of the oldest stadiums in Palestine, and was turned into a internment camp by Israeli forces during the early months of the war in Gaza. It has since become a place of refuge for the territory’s displaced Palestinians.

The video ends by showing children playing football in the stadium.

The Palestinian side will face Jordan in an away game on Thursday as part of the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers . They will also play against Iraq on 25 March at Amman’s International Stadium.

Among the players selected are forward Oday Dabbagh, midfielder Mahmoud Abu Warda and defenders Yaser Hamed and Mohamed Saleh.

RS Berkane make Moroccan football history after being crowned league champions

Moroccan football team RS Berkane made history in the country this week, winning their first-ever league title, locally known as Botola.

Their crowning came as they  drew 1-1 in a home game against Rabat side Union de Touarga on Saturday.

The team, located in northeastern Morocco, have had their strongest-ever runs in the Moroccan championship, having only lost one game so far, winning 18 and drawing six – putting them in a comfortable lead against competition favourites Wydad Casablanca and Rabat-based AS FAR.

The squad sits comfortably at the top of the Botola table, having gathered 60 points, while second-place AS FAR trail behind with 45 points.

Their coach, Tunisian Mouine Chaabani, has been instrumental to their success, having joined in February of last year following his success with Tunisian club Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

Chaabani’s coaching skills propelled the team from their sixth-position finish two seasons ago to third last year, before winning the title this season.

RS Berkane’s winning ways have also secured them a place in the CAF African Champions League for the first time ever.

Their win has made headlines across Morocco, with celebrations held in the city of Berkane among fans and locals.

The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also extended their congratulations to the club.

source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)

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MOROCCO

LEBANESE / YEMENI-ARAB AMERICAN mayors in Michigan nominated by Trump as ambassador to Kuwait and Tunisia

Amer Ghalib and Bill Bazzi were among a number of Muslim leaders from the state who publicly endorsed Trump for the presidency last year

‘It’s a great honor to have the trust of the president,’ Ghalib tells Arab News. ‘I will utilize my skills … to strengthen the relationship between’ the US and Kuwait

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FAST FACTS

• Amer Ghalib, who became mayor of Hamtramck in November 2021, is the first Arab American and Muslim to hold the office in the city.

• Bill Bazzi, who was born in Lebanon, was appointed mayor of Dearborn Heights in January 2021 following the death of the incumbent and won the election for the office in November that year.

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Amer Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, said on Friday he was “honored” to be nominated by President Donald Trump for the post of US ambassador to Kuwait.


Meanwhile, Bill Bazzi, the mayor of Dearborn Heights, also in Michigan, was nominated by Trump this week to serve as the US envoy to Tunisia.
Arab American Muslims Ghalib and Bazzi were among the Michigan officials who publicly endorsed Trump for the presidency last year over Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.


“It’s a great honor to have the trust of the president placed in me to represent our great county and serve as the next ambassador to the State of Kuwait,” Ghalib told Arab News on Friday.

Bazzi did not respond to Arab News when asked to comment on his nomination, but in a message posted on Facebook, he wrote: “I am honored and appreciate President Donald Trump’s appointment to serve as US Ambassador to Tunisia.


“Among the distinct countries I have visited over the years, I hold a great affinity to Tunisia and its honorable parliament, elected officials, educators, and other industry leaders — along with the people I met while touring orphanages, women’s career institutions, schools, and a multitude of companies which distinguish the country’s rising presence in the region.


“With my visits overseas, the cohort’s visits to the US, and the relations we have established over the years, I am excited to return and honorably represent our Country in Tunisia as its US Ambassador. My purpose is to continue serving in capacities which make an impact, promote peace and diplomatic partnerships, which benefit our Country and enhance global relations.”


Trump wrote on social media platform X: “Bazzi is a decorated US Marine, who honorably served our Country for 21 years, collaborating with US Embassy Ambassadors, Diplomats, and Leaders throughout the world.”


Bazzi, who was born in Bint Jbeil, Lebanon, was appointed mayor of Dearborn Heights in January 2021 following the death of the incumbent and won the election for the office in November that year. He had previously served as the temporary chairperson of Dearborn Heights City Council since 2017.


Bishara Bahbah, the founder of Arab Americans for Trump, an organization that worked in several states to rally Arab and Muslim American elected officials and leaders in support of Trump’s presidential campaign, praised the appointments of Ghalib and Bazzi as “a demonstration of the president’s commitment to the Arab and Muslim community.”


He told Arab News: “Arab Americans for Peace, formerly Arab Americans for Trump, is delighted with President Trump’s nomination of two distinguished Arab American mayors from Michigan as the new ambassadors to Kuwait and Tunisia.


“Both men risked their political careers, having been elected as Democrats to their posts. Mayor Bazzi and Mayor Ghalib are outstanding individuals who wanted to see the end of the wars in both Gaza and Lebanon.”


The nominations reflect the growing influence of Arab Americans in US politics, Bahbah said, and are “a testament to the newfound power of Arab Americans in this past US presidential election and future presidential elections.


“We are confident that both mayors will be effective ambassadors representing the best interests of the United States. Their Arab backgrounds will undoubtedly help foster better US-Kuwaiti and US-Tunisian diplomatic relations.”


The nominations must now be considered and approved by a majority vote in the US Senate.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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US President Donald Trump introduces Democratic Muslim mayor of Hamtramck Amer Ghalib during his last campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 5, 2024. (AFP file photo)

Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Mayor Bill Bazzi†speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump listens during a campaign rally at Suburban Collection Showplace on October 26, 2024 in Novi, Michigan. (AFP file photo)

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AMERICAN / LEBANESE / YEMEN