Category: Business & Economy

EGYPT : 13 Egyptian women on Forbes Middle East 100 Most Powerful businesswomen 2023

Thirteen Egyptian businesswomen made it to the Forbes Middle East 100 Most powerful businesswomen 2023 list this year.

The list was prepared by the famous financial magazine’s Middle East edition according to the size of the business, the individual’s impact and achievements, performance over the last year, and the scope of CSR and other initiatives led by the person.

The 100-entry list included 104 women from 27 different sectors and 27 nationalities.

The UAE and Egypt scored the most entries at 15 and 12, respectively, followed by Saudi Arabia (11) , Kuwait (eight), and six from each of Lebanon, Qatar and Oman.

Egyptian businesswomen are no strangers to the list, having topped the list in previous years in terms of the number of entries.

In 2021, Egyptian businesswomen topped the list with eight entries, and in 2022 they had seven entries. 

Below Ahram Online sheds light on the Egyptian businesswomen who made it to the list:

  • Dalia El-Baz (13th on the list)

An American University in Cairo alumna, El-Baz is the executive deputy chairman of the National Bank of Egypt (NBE).

El-Baz, who has been on the list before, posseses 28 years of experience in the banking sector.

She joined Egypt’s largest bank in terms of assets in 2008 as head of the operational risk management group, becoming Chief Operating officer (COO) in December 2015.

In 2016, she was appointed on the bank’s executive committee.

In September 2017, she became the first woman to become the executive deputy chairman of the NBE.

  • Pakinam Kafafi (21st on the list)

A Cairo University graduate, Pakinam Kafafi started her career in finance and banking at EFG-Hermes in the mid-1990s, rising to the position of vice president in 2000.

She then moved to the oil and energy sector.

In 2003, Kafafi was appoointed the strategy and investment general manager of Gas & Energy Group (GENCO).

When Citadel Group acquired GENCO and merged it with TAQA Arabia, Kafafi maintained her role.

In April 2013, Pakinam Kafafi was selected as the company’s CEO.

  • Rawya Mansour (27th on the list)

A Cairo university graduate, Rawya Mansour proved herself one of Egypt’s leading businesswomen.

Mansour is a descendant from one of Egypt’s oldest families in the field of business.

In 1999, she founded RAMSCO for Refined Architecture and Interior Design.

In 2007, she started RAMSCO for Trade and Distribution.

She also established the Organic Agriculture for Social International Solidarity (OASIS) in Monaco in 2012.

  • Reem Asaad (39th on the list)

An Egyptian American, Reem Asaad is a Harvard business school graduate who continued her career in Egypt when she served as the CEO of Raya Data Center from January 2012 till December 2016.

From January 2017 to February 2020, Asaad served as Raya Contact Center CEO befor

In 2020, she was appointed Cisco Middle East and Africa Vice President.

Cisco employs 3,000 people and contractors in 74 countries across the Middle East and Africa. 

In March 2021, she was appointed by Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology to serve on the board of directors for the country’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency.

  • Hend El-Sherbini (42nd on the list)

A graduate of Cairo University, Dr Hend El-Sherbini is a professor of clinical pathology at the University’s Faculty of Medicine.

El-Sherbini served as the CEO of Al-Mokhtabar between 2004 and 2012.

She has been seving as IDH Group’s CEO since 2012.

IDH has a network of 546 branch labs as of September 2022 in Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan and Pakistan.

The group recorded revenues of $281 million in 2021 and $143 million in the first nine months of 2022.

In August 2022, El-Sherbini increased her holdings in the group with 7.3 million additional shares through Hena Holdings.

Now, she owns 26.71 percent of the group.

  • Farida and Yasmine Khamis (43rd on the list)

The daughters of the famous Egyptian carpets tycoon, Farida and Yasmine Khamis are considered veterans of the Forbes list.

American University of Cairo alumni, Yasmine Khamis is currently the Chairwoman of Oriental Weavers Group, while her sister Farida is her vice-chair.

Both sisters made headlines last December when they transferred their combined 24.61percent stake in Oriental Weavers Carpet to London-based FYK limited, which is fully owned by them.

They are also board members of the British University in Cairo .

  • Mona Zulficar (48th on the list)

The famous renowned lawyer and human rights activist is the Forbes Middle East 100 women list veteran who has appeared constantly on the list since it started.

A Cairo University graduate, Zulficar is a veteran corporate, banking, and project finance attorney and human rights activist.

She cofounded Zulficar & Partners in 2009. Mona Zulficar chaired EFG Hermes Holding since 2008 and the Egyptian Microfinance Federation since 2015.

Mona Zulficar is currently a member of Egypt’s National Council of Human Rights.

  • Elham Mahfouz (56th on the list)

An AUC alumna, Elham Mahfouz has over 30 years of banking experience mostly in Kuwait.

Mahfouz has been the CEO of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (Al-Tijari) since 2014.  

Al-Tijari recorded $179 million in net profit and $14.1 billion worth of total assets in 2021. 

Mahfouz is a member of the supervisory board of the American University of Kuwait.

  • Hilda Louca (62nd on the list)

A graduate of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, Transport and Maritime Transport, Hilda Louca is a newcomer to the list.

Louca started her career in Lufthansa’s customer service before moving to become a sales marking manager at Al-Ahram Beverage Company-Heineken Egypt for three years.

In 2018, she founded MITCHA – platform to support Egyptian designers.

Today, the platform features 200 designers and brands. 

  • Omnia Kelig (84th on the list)

An AUC alumna, Omnia Kelig is a banking and cooperate financing veteran who started her career in the CIB in 1999.

Kelig is currently Deputy CEO, Chairwoman and Managing Director of NAEEM Holding, a dual-listed company on the Egyptian Stock Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market.

In the first nine months of 2022, NAEEM reported $8.2 million in total revenues and $273 million in assets.

Before joining NAEEM, Kelig was a founder and managing director of Viveris Mashrek, a subsidiary of France’s Viveris Management.

She was also a partner and director for Haykala Investment Management and a co-head of investment banking at Barclays Bank in Egypt.

  • Abir Leheta (87th on the list)

An AUC alumna, Abir Leheta is another veteran on the Forbes list.

Leheta joined the Egyptian Transport and Commercial Services Company “EgyTrans” in 1997.

She has been EgyTrans CEO since 2017.

She is also the chairman of Barwil Egytrans and ScanArabia.

  • Abeer Helmy Saleh ( 99th on the list)

An AUC alumna, Abeer Helmy Saleh previously held a number of managerial positions, including managing director and board member at Wafa Life Insurance Company and managing director of Bupa Egypt Insurance.

In March 2022, Saleh was appointed as a Board Member & Managing Director of Misr Life Insurance, Takaful, which was established as a joint venture between Misr Insurance Holding Company, the National Bank of Egypt, and Banque Misr, with a capital of over $5 million. 

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

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi women Dr. Najia Al-Zanbagi and Rafeef Ayedh Alshahrani Awarded at Indonesia Inventors Day 2024 exhibition

Rafeef Ayedh Alshahrani wins gold for innovative tech; Dr. Najia Al-Zanbagi silver for her work in medical parasitology .

Two Saudi citizens were awarded prestigious medals for their groundbreaking work at the Indonesia Inventors Day 2024 exhibition, which was held from Aug. 28 to 31 in Bali, Indonesia. 

Rafeef Ayedh Alshahrani, a researcher from King Khalid University, won a gold medal for her innovation “AirEco,” which has the ability to detect and locate living beings in hard-to-reach mountainous terrain, where search efforts are typically hindered by challenging conditions. 

By integrating advanced detection technologies with artificial intelligence, the device provides crucial support to rescue teams. It not only identifies precise locations but also executes functions to assist in rescue operations once the target is located.

It is one of the projects backed by the university’s Agency for Business and Community Partnership, through the Entrepreneurship Center. 

The project has also earned four prestigious awards from Taiwan, Romania, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Reflecting on her achievement, she described it as a truly unique and fulfilling experience. She expressed the joy of seeing the fruits of her hard work over the past days and months, stating that the greatest reward was the pride and recognition from those around her. “It’s an incredible feeling,” she said.

“This accomplishment has fueled my desire to see it implemented quickly and made widely available,” she added. “I sincerely hope that authorities and companies will adopt the project, provide support, and help manufacture it to the highest standards so it can fully achieve its purpose.”

When asked how such achievements can positively influence Saudi participation in international competitions, she said: “Accomplishments serve as a powerful driving force for young people, pushing them toward their ambitions and future goals. 

“The Kingdom’s Vision 2030, in particular, has become a major source of motivation, inspiring all Saudis to think creatively and pursue their aspirations. 

“Saudi achievements have now become a source of national pride, shifting perspectives on the significance of success and its far-reaching impact. These accomplishments are key drivers of development, progress and prosperity. 

“Beyond boosting individual self-confidence, they foster a positive mindset in society, encouraging leadership, innovation and the creation of economic opportunities. The impact of success doesn’t stop with the individual; it resonates throughout the community.”

Dr. Najia Al-Zanbagi, headmaster of Highly Innovative Unique Foundation, also earned a silver medal at the Indonesia Inventors Day 2024 for her remarkable work in medical parasitology.

“My contribution was a personal achievement: I authored a book on medical parasitology, using engaging, narrative-driven stories to simplify the complex scientific content and make it easier for learners to distinguish between various parasites. 

“I first introduced this approach while teaching at King Abdulaziz University, and it was incredibly well received by students, who found the subject much more enjoyable and accessible.” 

She aid that the book, titled “Lisan Al-Hal,” has now been published and is now available in the market.

Dr. Majid Al-Aziman, director of the Entrepreneurship Center at King Khalid University, emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting innovators, raising awareness and redefining the concept of entrepreneurship. 

The university also seeks to spotlight the success of projects incubated by the Entrepreneurship Center and actively contribute to creating new job opportunities.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Dr. Najia Al-Zanbagi (R), headmaster of Highly Innovative Unique Foundation, earned a silver medal at the Indonesia Inventors Day 2024 for her remarkable work in medical parasitology. (Supplied)

Rafeef Ayedh Alshahrani’s project has also earned four prestigious awards from Taiwan, Romania, Hong Kong and Thailand. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

QATAR set to become world’s largest exporter of urea with construction of new complex

Al-Kaabi also announced that QatarEnergy will more than double the local solar energy production by adding new power plants in Dukhan, to become “one of the largest” of their kind in the world. 

QatarEnergy is set to become the world’s largest exporter of urea by building a new production complex, a move that is set to ramp up production from a current six MTPA (million tonnes per annum) to 12.4 MTPA by 2030, marking a 106 percent spike.

QatarEnergy’s President and CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi announced the mega project in a press conference on Sunday at the Qatari company’s headquarters in Doha. 

In response to the press, Al-Kaabi said the new facility will more than double Qatar’s urea, or fertilizer, production while supporting global food production and security. He noted that the production from the project’s first urea train is expected before the end of this decade.

“When we look at the future market of urea with the growth of humanity[…]the urea requirement for food production will be exponentially increased,” Al-Kaabi told the press.

QatarEnergy announces world’s largest blue ammonia plant 

The expansion process will take place by building three ammonia production lines that will in turn provide feedstock to four new mega urea production trains in Mesaieed Industrial City. 

The announcement also came against the backdrop of Qatar’s growing ammonia and urea production over the past 50 years.

In 2022, QatarEnergy Renewable Solutions and the Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO), inked a major agreement over the development of the Blue Ammonia project, the largest of its kind in the world, in Mesaieed Industrial City.

Production is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

Qatar to more than double solar power production

Al-Kaabi also announced that QatarEnergy will more than double the local solar energy production by adding new power plants in Dukhan, which will become “one of the largest” of their kind in the world. 

The new plant will have a production capacity of 2,000 megawatts, doubling Qatar’s solar power production capacity from existing projects and those still under construction. Some of the projects include the Al-Kharsaah solar power plant, inaugurated in 2022 with the capacity of 800 megawatts.

QatarEnergy, KPC sign 15-year agreement for LNG supply to Kuwait

Others include two solar power plants under construction in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed with a total production capacity of 875 megawatts. According to Al-Kaabi, the production will commence before the end of this year.

“By adding the Dukhan solar power plant to these three plants, we will achieve our Sustainability Strategy objective of about 4,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power by 2030, which makes up 30 percent of Qatar’s total electric power production,” he explained.

Al-Kaabi described the latest announcement as a “continuation” of Qatar’s efforts to provide the world with energy products and meet global needs.

“QatarEnergy’s specialised technical teams will immediately begin the necessary detailed engineering studies to implement these mega projects in accordance with the highest safety, health and environmental standards,” Al-Kaabi said.

source/contents: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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QATAR

QATAR Airways acquires 25% stake in South Africa’s Airlink

In a strategic move to expand its presence in Africa, Qatar Airways Group has announced the acquisition of a 25% stake in Airlink, a prominent regional carrier based in Southern Africa. This investment, revealed on August 20, 2024, aims to enhance the existing code-sharing partnership between the two airlines and bolster Qatar Airways’ growth strategy across the African continent.

Airlink, established in 1992, has a robust network covering more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries. With a fleet of over 65 jetliners, it serves various cities throughout Southern Africa, as well as destinations in Madagascar and St Helena Island.

The collaboration is expected to bring mutual benefits, including network expansion, increased capacity, and extended marketing reach. Airlink Chief Executive Rodger Foster highlighted the significance of the deal, saying, “Having Qatar Airways as an equity partner is a powerful endorsement of Airlink and echoes our faith in the markets we currently serve and plan to add to our network.”

The partnership will also align both carriers’ loyalty programs – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks – offering enhanced benefits to customers.

Qatar Airways, which currently flies to 29 destinations in Africa, has been actively pursuing its Africa growth strategy since 2019. The airline has been expanding its presence on the continent, adding new destinations such as Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt to its network, while also resuming services to Cairo and Alexandria.

This investment follows Qatar Airways’ previous strategic moves in Africa, including acquiring a 60% stake in a new multi-billion-dollar international airport being built near Kigali, Rwanda, in 2019.

As part of its broader expansion plans, Qatar Airways has also announced increased flight frequencies to popular tourism destinations. Starting October 27, the airline will add an eighth daily flight to London, bringing the total to 56 weekly flights. Additionally, it plans to increase services to Male (Maldives), Miami (US), and Tokyo (Japan) during the 2024-2025 winter season.

This latest acquisition underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to strengthening its position in the African aviation market and capitalizing on the continent’s growth potential.

source/content: gtrmag.com /globaltravelretailmagazine (headline edited)

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Senior executives from Qatar Airways and Airlink at the announcement

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QATAR

EGYPTIAN Ahmed Omar, UAE’s Walt Disney, leaves a legacy at 85

Omar created and launched Majid Magazine for children, and an array of adorable characters, in 1979.

Just as Walt Disney founded one of the world’s largest and most influential entertainment conglomerates, an Egyptian journalist is hailed as the “Walt Disney of the UAE” for his pivotal role in shaping the region’s media landscape with Majid Magazine.

For many Arab adults now in their 50s, the magazine and its beloved characters, like Majid, Kaslan Jiddan and Captain Khalfan, are cherished symbols of childhood joy. Yet, few recognize the creative genius behind these treasured memories: Ahmed Omar, who passed away on Aug. 9 at the age of 85.

His vision and storytelling prowess were crucial in shaping the magazine’s enduring legacy.

Born in Egypt in September 1939, Omar embarked on a lifelong journey with words and stories.

His passion for reading blossomed at a young age, and school and public libraries became his sanctuaries, where he delved into a world of diverse books and nurtured a profound love for literature.

Omar’s frequent visits to Cairo’s Azbakeya Book Market, where he discovered affordable secondhand books, helped him build a personal library filled with diverse titles. His extensive reading played a crucial role in shaping his vision and enriching his ideas, which later shone through in his literary works.

He read to build a deep reservoir of knowledge, with classical literature captivating him from an early age. Naguib Mahfouz’s novels, which delve into the intricacies of life in Egyptian neighborhoods, had a profound impact on him. Omar was also shaped by the works of renowned Egyptian writers like Yusuf Idris, Gamal El-Ghitani, Mohamed Hassanein Heikal and other prominent authors.

He began his professional career at the UAE’s Al-Etihad newspaper, where he was a founding member and contributed to laying its foundation. He later managed the local news section.

The most significant achievement of his career was establishing Majid Magazine for children and becoming its editor-in-chief in 1979. The idea for the magazine was born within Al-Etihad daily and eventually transformed into one of the most important children’s magazines in the Arab world.

Omar recognized the need for Arab children to have a publication that represented them, stimulated their imagination and nurtured their minds. Working alongside a talented team of journalists and illustrators, he turned the magazine into a platform for expressing the thoughts and emotions of Arab children through words and drawings.

Through his tireless efforts, Omar made the magazine a symbol of Arab childhood and a cherished part of the memories of successive generations.

He spent most of his time in the magazine’s offices, creating, planning, overseeing writers and content, and preparing issues. When a new issue was printed, he had several weeks’ worth of issues ready in advance.

The inaugural issue of the magazine was published on Feb. 28, 1979, with 5,000 free copies that quickly vanished from the shelves. Majid, a character representing human values rather than superpowers, struck a chord with children. Majid Magazine maintained a weekly publication schedule every Wednesday without fail, gaining significant popularity throughout the region.

Omar oversaw and managed the magazine with ultimate care and interest for almost 30 years. He provided guiding articles for children and wrote scripts for comic stories, enriching each issue with beloved characters such as Zaki the Clever and Captain Khalfan, among others.

His editorials in Majid Magazine served as weekly lessons for both children and adults, filled with educational messages and moral guidance. His contributions established him as an educational pioneer, as he dedicated his knowledge to serving the younger generation and imparting valuable lessons.

Through his deep understanding of the nuances and secrets of childhood, Omar succeeded in capturing the attention of children from across the Arab world. The magazine’s readership grew to hundreds of thousands of young readers.

The late journalist believed that nurturing a love of reading in children is a collective duty of families, schools and magazines alike. He famously remarked: “Instilling a reading habit early in life is crucial, as it is difficult to cultivate later on. Introducing a child to a magazine is not just about providing entertainment — it’s a crucial step toward nurturing a lifelong passion for reading.”

Since the inception of the magazine, Omar was dedicated to imbuing it with a distinctly Gulf Arab flavor, reflected in its content, stories and characters. He attracted leading children’s writers and cartoonists, ensuring the magazine resonated deeply with young readers across the Arab world by preserving the unique identity of Gulf children.

Notable characters such as Kaslan Jiddan, Fadooli, Abu Al-Dhurfaa, Zakiyah Al-Zakiyah, Shamsa and Dana, and Captain Khalfan and his assistant Fahman became beloved figures among the magazine’s young audience.

Omar emphasized that his magazine was designed to appeal to children growing up in a traditional environment, instilling religious values, cultural awareness and pride in their Arab heritage.

As a testimony to his magazine’s success, mail subscriptions to Majid flourished throughout the Arab World as fans eagerly awaited each issue every Wednesday. For decades, it managed to compete with translated comics magazines such as Mickey (licensed from Disney and translated in Egypt) and Little Lulu (licensed and translated in Lebanon).

Consequently, the magazine evolved alongside the UAE’s social progress and embraced digital advancements with a YouTube channel and a website, although critics would argue that it is nowhere as influential today — despite the additional reach provided by modern technology — as it once was in the 1990s and 1980s.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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EGYPT

DUBAI, U.A.E. / SAUDI ARABIA : DEWA and ACWA Power sign landmark agreement for world’s largest solar-powered desalination plant

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), signed a 30-year water purchaser agreement with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power for phase 1 of the Hassyan sea water desalination project using solar power. The project is part of DEWA’s efforts to increase its water desalination capacity to 730 MIGD by 2030, from 490 MIGD at present.  The project aligns with Dubai’s unparalleled economic growth and the Emirate’s thriving construction sector. This complements the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, addresses the substantial population growth, and meets the steadily increasing demand for water in domestic, commercial, and other consumer sectors.

The agreement was signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA; and Mr. Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman and Founder of ACWA Power. Officials from both entities were present.

Last August, DEWA announced ACWA Power as the ‘Preferred Bidder’ for the construction and operation of the 180 Million Imperial Gallon per Day (MIGD) Sea Water Reverse Osmosis Hassyan Phase 1 Independent Water Producer (IWP) project, with an investment of AED 3.357 billion (USD 914 million). The allocated land area for the project is 252,300 square metres. DEWA achieved a world record by receiving the lowest bid of 0.36536 USD/m³ of desalinated water. This project is the largest of its kind in the world for water production based on Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology using solar energy. It is DEWA’s first Independent Water Producer (IWP) model project. The water desalination capacity in Dubai is currently 490 MIGD. This capacity will increase to 670 MIGD in 2026 with the completion of this project.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed a 30-year water purchaser agreement with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power for phase 1 of the Hassyan sea water desalination project using solar power

“We are pleased to sign the agreement with ACWA Power. This project supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance water supplies in Dubai from sustainable sources and achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. We are building water production plants based on Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology which require less energy than Multi-Stage Flash distillation (MSF) plants, making it a more sustainable choice for water desalination. By 2030, DEWA aims to produce 100% of desalinated water by a mix of clean energy and waste heat,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said: “We ensure the continuation of the 100% availability of DEWA’s services according to the world’s highest levels of availability, reliability, and efficiency thanks to our state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technologies. This is based on innovation and sound scientific planning so that we contribute to making the UAE the world’s leading nation by its centennial in 2071.”

Mohammad A. Abunayyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ACWA Power, said: “This agreement between ACWA Power and DEWA is another example of the strong collaboration between ourselves and our valued partners in the United Arab Emirates. The Hassyan IWP will be the largest plant of its kind in the world, and we have set a new record for the lowest levelised water tariff. The plant will be highly efficient, desalinating water through reverse osmosis powered by solar energy. With our years of experience in the industry, ACWA Power has ambitious aims and we are proud of continually breaking records through innovation and using new technologies to enhance water security. With this project, we are reaffirming our commitment with our partners towards achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.”

source/content: smartwatermagazine.com (headline edited)

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The Hassyan IWP in Dubai will have a production capacity of 180 million gallons per day of desalinated wate

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / SAUDI ARABIA

LEBANON / ARAB: Arab News columnist Baria Alamuddin receives lifetime achievement honor at May Chidiac Foundation Media Awards

  • The MCF Awards ceremony was held on in Dubai, UAE, for the second year

  • Mamdouh Al-Muhaini, general manager of Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, received the Excellence in the Media Industry Award

Acclaimed international journalist and broadcaster Baria Alamuddin was celebrated at the May Chidiac Foundation Media Awards for her valuable contributions to the Arab world’s media industry.

Alamuddin, an Arab News columnist, editor of the Media Services Syndicate and former foreign editor of Al-Hayat newspaper, accepted the Antoine Choueiri Special Tribute for Lifetime Achievement during Tuesday’s ceremony.

Presenting the accolade were Pierre Choueiri, CEO and chairman of the leading media representation group in the Middle East, Choueiri Group, and Lebanon’s ambassador to the UAE, Fouad Chehab Dandan.

The annual MCF Awards, hosted by Dubai for the second year in a row, recognized the contributions of several other prominent figures in the Arab media industry.

Awards were presented by MCF President May Chidiac and other notable media personalities, including Lebanese journalist and writer Samir Atallah, CEO of International Media Investments and former CNN Commercial Worldwide president Rani Raad, and Beirut Institute founder and executive chairman Raghida Dergham.

Mamdouh Al-Muhaini, general manager of Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, accepted the Excellence in the Media Industry Award.

The Excellence in Media Award went to Nadim Koteich, general manager of Sky News Arabia, International Media Investments, to recognize his commitment to excellence and his impact on the media landscape over the past two decades.

Palestinian journalist Heba Akila, best known for her coverage of the Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, was recognized for her Courage in Journalism.

Anas Bukhash, entrepreneur and podcast presenter of ABTalks, accepted the Content Development Award from award-winning international journalist Hadley Gamble and Bahraini business pioneer Akram Miknas, who heads Promoseven Holdings.

Award-winning investigative journalist and television host at France 2, Elise Lucet, received the Engaged Journalist Award, presented by Nobel laureate Ouidad Bouchamaoui and Lebanese Member of Parliament Ghassan Hasbani.

The Outstanding Media Performance Award was presented to American journalist and war reporter Ben Wedeman, CNN’s Beirut-based senior international correspondent.

Founded by journalist and former Lebanese Minister for Administrative Development May Chidiac, the foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to research and development in the fields of media, international affairs, women’s rights, democracy and social welfare, among others, with the aim of establishing Lebanon as a proactive player in the Middle East and global economy.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Alamuddin received the Antoine Choueiri Special Tribute for Lifetime Achievement at the MCF Awards ceremony in Dubai. (MCF/Instagram)

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LEBANON

UAE re-elected to membership of the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization

The United Arab Emirates, represented by the General Civil Aviation Authority, won re-election to the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization for a period of two years, by unanimous vote.

This came during the elections held during the organization’s General Assembly, which was held in Rabat, Morocco, on July 3 and 4.

His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Civil Aviation Authority, said : “Thanks to the directives of the wise leadership, the UAE is witnessing a new achievement added to the UAE civil aviation sector through its re-election to membership in the Executive Council of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization.”

He explained that this achievement is a confirmation of the strong and distinguished partnership that links the UAE with its brothers in the Arab countries, and an indicator of confidence in the strength and position of the civil aviation sector as a global aviation center.

His Excellency added: “There is no doubt that civil aviation is one of the strong files on the Arab cooperation agenda, which has achieved progress in a number of key files. The UAE is keen to support all efforts that would enhance and develop joint Arab action and advance it to more advanced levels that serve the future development visions of Arab countries and enhance the path of economic growth at the regional level.”

For his part, His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, expressed his pride and honor in achieving this accomplishment, which came as a result of the wise vision of the wise leadership and an affirmation of the country’s position as a major and distinguished driver in this sector at the Arab and international levels.

His Excellency explained that the UAE is committed to supporting all efforts aimed at enhancing joint Arab action, especially in the civil aviation sector. The country will continue to support the initiatives and efforts of the Arab Organization, and work with the elected Chairman of the Executive Council to support the strategic and administrative plans of the organization, in a way that achieves benefit and ensures a safe and sustainable future for the Arab aviation sector, enhances the weight and strength of the Arab Group in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and contributes to raising the Arab civil aviation sector to a more advanced and prosperous position.

It is noteworthy that the Executive Council of the organization consists of nine members elected by the General Assembly from among the candidates of the member states of the organization for a period of two years, and is responsible for the decisions and recommendations of the organization.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA: World’s First-Ever 3D Printed Mosque Opens in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now home to the world’s first 3-D-printed mosque, spanning an area of 5,600 sqm. Located within the Al-Jawhara suburb of Jeddah, the mosque stands as a tribute to the late equestrian Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. The project by Forsan Real Estate utilizes cutting-edge 3D printing technology from Guanli.

The mosque’s construction was completed within six months and spearheaded by Wajnat Abdulwahed, the spouse of the late Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. Aimed at fostering serenity amongst worshipers while integrating natural light, the mosque also features distinctive minarets, creating a landmark within the neighborhood.

The inauguration of the mosque positions Saudi Arabia as a technological hub, surpassing the United Arab Emirates’ projected timeline for a similar endeavor. Dubai announced an initiative to construct the world’s first 3D-printed mosque last May. As a new and complex technique, the successful completion of the world’s 3D-printed religious infrastructure holds potential for the future of architecture and design.

The project has garnered global attention, showcasing the limitless possibilities of 3D printing technology in construction. In an interview with Arab News, Abdulwahed stressed the importance of “not losing the essence that mosques must embody, while also adhering to general conditions such as emphasizing the values of the King Salman Urban charter, the architectural details in the cultural heritage of Hejazi architecture and presenting them in a contemporary format.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a tremendous transition, redefining its identity on a global level. As part of its 2030 Vision, the kingdom is moving towards innovation throughout the built environment, aiming to revive the culture and diversify its economy. In January, Populous unveiled the designs for the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a new multi-use venue to contribute to the offerings of Qiddiya City near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Last year, construction on the Jeddah Tower resumed after a five-year hiatus, set to become the world’s tallest skyscraper and beat the UAE’s Burj Khalifa. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the tower is set to reach a height of 1,000 meters.

In other recent news related to 3D printing, ICON has just released various technologies and products to modernize construction processes further, including a robotic printer facilitating multi-story construction. In December, ArchDaily curated an exploration of 3D Printing at large and its vast potential through manufacturing all kinds of forms and geometries. From 3D Printed insulated walls to 3D-printed Tiles, the technology and its impact on the future of building construction holds vast potential.

source/content: archdaily.com / Nour Fakharany (headline edited)

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ARAB AMERICANS: The Innovative Flair Arab Inventors Bring to America

    Our research shows the impact Arab and Middle Eastern inventors have had on innovation in the U.S.

    Although Donald Trump’s administration believes that “making America great again” involves limiting certain visitors and immigrants from entering the country, data shows that immigrants from the Middle East have consistently made innovative contributions to the United States. Examples range from GE inventor Hassan Kamel Al-Sabah, a Lebanese-born innovator in the 1920s and 30s to Farouk Al-Baz, the NASA and MIT scientist, originally from Egypt, who helped plan the Apollo landing, to Algerian-born Elias A. Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health. 

    Immigrants from Muslim-majority countries have contributed to American ideals and icons. A Saudi and two Moroccans were part of the core team of scientists that recently discovered the seven planets around the star Trappist-1; Shahid Khan, a Pakistani-born entrepreneur, was on the cover of Forbes representing The American Dream in 2012; a Syrian immigrant is often credited with the invention of the ice cream cone, and famously, the child of another Syrian immigrant created the iPhone.

    Despite these positive stories, there is little research on the extent of Arab inventors’ contributions to American innovation. So we set out to document it.

    What’s in a name?

    We started by matching Arabic first names with international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) from people residing in the U.S. and around the world. This approach has been used before in the study of ethnic innovation in the U.S. as well as in the study of female inventors.

    First names like Mohammad, Ali or Omar are not unique to Arabs and some Arabs may have non-Arabic names such as George or Anthony. We tried to mitigate this issue by excluding non-Arab variations of Arabic names that are common for non-Arab Muslims. Another shortcoming is that we are not able through names only to know whether someone is U.S.-born or foreign-born. This overlap between Muslim and Arab identity is not relevant because both are targeted in Trump’s immigration policy. For this piece, we’ll refer to both groups as Arab inventors.

    We found that 8,786 U.S. PCT patent applications from 2009-2013 had at least one Arab or Muslim inventor. 3.4 percent of patent applications had at least one Arab or Muslim inventor from a population that represents only 0.3 percent of the total population of the U.S. As patents usually have multiple inventors and Arab inventors often co-patent with non-Arabs, 2961 patents or 1.2 percent can be contributed to only Arab inventors.

    Where Arab inventors are found

    In fact, the U.S. is the main home for Arab inventors globally, distantly followed by France (513 patent applications), Canada (361), Germany (342), Saudi Arabia (307), Japan (279) and the United Kingdom (273).

    Not only is the U.S. the centre of Arab inventors, but since 2000, their share of patent applications has increased 137 percent.  With 1134 in California alone, Arab or Muslim innovation is more than doubly represented in a single state than in France.

    Arab inventors show some specialisation in the fields of information and communication technologies, as well as medical and veterinary sciences. They are statistically over-represented in electrical and communication technology, computing, calculating and counting.

    America’s tech scenes in Silicon Valley, Boston and elsewhere show Arab inventors contributing significantly to America’s global innovation prowess. Tech entrepreneurs, such Amr Awadallah, co-founder of Cloudera, Rana El Kalioubi of Affectiva, and Mo Gawdat of Google, are a few examples of Arab inventors making major contributions.

    Who comes to America

    Looking at visa patterns, the bulk of Arab inventors settle in the U.S. through immigration channels such as family reunion and as refugees. This has an implication for the current immigration debate. In 2013, there were approximately 1.02 million immigrants from Arab countries residing in the U.S., representing 2.5 percent of the nation’s 41.3 million immigrants. About 43 percent of Arab immigrants (ages 25 and over) had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 28 percent of all immigrants and 30 percent of native-born adults. Skilled Arab immigrants thus are arriving to the U.S. on non-skilled visas as people from MENA generally do not benefit from the H1-B visa, receiving collectively less than 10 percent of total visas granted to foreign-born skilled workers. While there were around 108,000 students from MENA in the U.S. in 2016, not many were PhD candidates at U.S. universities.

    The recent visa ban of citizens from six countries from the Middle East and Africa has negative implications for the American innovation system. Not only do immigrants from these countries tend to be in possession of higher education levels than average population or other immigrant groups, research also points to positive impact on trade between sending and receiving countries. In fact, research suggests that highly skilled individuals in business development roles generate over ten times the value of trade than average migrants. Highly educated immigrants in general are also most conducive to trade flows. President Trump should examine the evidence about how “great” innovation in the U.S. can be, thanks to inventors from all over the world, before banning visitors from the Middle East and North Africa.

    Sami Mahroum is a Senior Lecturer, and Academic and Executive Director of INSEAD’s Innovation and Policy Initiative, based at the school’s Abu Dhabi campus. He is author of Black Swan Start-ups: Understanding the Rise of Successful Technology Business in Unlikely Places and, with Yasser Al-Saleh, Economic Diversification Policies in Natural Resource Rich Economies.

    Georg Zahradnik is a scientist at the Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Innovation Systems and Policy.

    Bernhard Dachs is a senior scientist at the Austrian Institute of Technology, Center for Innovation Systems and Policy.

    A version of this article was published in the Harvard Business Review.

    source/content: knowledge.insead.edu / (Sami Mahroum) (headline edited)

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    AMERICAN / ARAB