Category: Amazing Feats

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)

_________

_____________

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)

__________

_________

ARAB

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)

_________

______________

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)

_____________

__________________

EGYPT / YEMEN

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)

_________

_________________

SAUDI ARABIA

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)

_________

__________

OMAN

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)

_________

Professor Fadel Adib — Photo by Waad Barakat

____________

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)

_________

_____________

LEBANON

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)

_________

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

___________

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)

_________

_________

EGYPT