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Making history again! Egyptian heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub innovates valves that grow naturally in body.
This pioneering innovation envisions the development of biological heart valves that can grow and be accommodated naturally within the human body. This opens the door to a new era in heart disease treatment.
The prospect of heart valves naturally expanding within the body, a concept once confined to science fiction, is now on the brink of realization, thanks to the remarkable discovery spearheaded by renowned heart surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub.
While the initial study documenting this breakthrough was unveiled in Nature in 2023, recent media coverage has underscored its practical implications.
Esteemed publications like The Times have pinpointed this cutting-edge innovation’s profound impact on biomedical science and medical engineering. They have recognized it as a monumental leap in the realm of healthcare.
On Monday, Dr. Yacoub discussed the latest developments in this field with Egyptian talk show host Amr Adib.
He explained how his team has engineered temporary heart valve scaffolds composed of surgically implanted fibres into the body.
These scaffolds gradually disintegrate over time, leaving behind a living, fully functional valve crafted from the patient’s tissues, a testament to the marvels of modern medical ingenuity.
Sometimes history can feel like a dusty textbook. But this piece breaks down Morocco’s 1944 Independence Manifesto into bite-sized moments of midnight meetings, diplomatic chess moves, and revolution-sparking paper.
The battle for freedom began with a piece of paper that shook colonial foundations. January 11, 1944: Morocco’s Independence Manifesto landed on French authorities’ desks, marking what historians now call the turning point in North African colonial resistance.
Looking back 81 years later, this watershed document rewrote history – but the story behind it reveals an even more fascinating tale.
In 1944, Morocco was a nation carved up by colonial powers, with French controlling the center, Spain holding the north and south, and Tangier under international administration.
But beneath this fragmented surface, something revolutionary was brewing in secret midnight meetings at the Royal Palace.
“The time has come to demand independence, but it must be done under calm circumstances,” Sultan Mohammed V reportedly told national movement leaders in one of those clandestine gatherings.
These meetings, held in a special bunker built for protection against German air raids, saw the King and nationalist leaders swearing on the Quran to maintain secrecy and serve the nation.
The road to revolution
The manifesto didn’t appear out of thin air. The groundwork began with the massive uprising against the “discriminatory colonial decree” on May 16, 1930, which unified Moroccan resistance.
Then in 1934, reformists tested the waters with urgent demands for change, followed by more comprehensive reform requests in 1936.
That same year, the National Reform Party emerged in northern Morocco, followed by the National Action Bloc – both eventually banned by French authorities in March 1937.
By April 1937, the National Party formed to advance Moroccan demands, marking an escalation in organized resistance.
Here’s where it gets interesting: The independence ideal had been the secret oath of every nationalist group since the early days of colonial resistance. From traditional Zawiyas (religious brotherhoods) to modern political parties, independence remained the ultimate goal.
As one historical document notes, “Members secretly swore to work toward independence, even while publicly demanding reforms.”
External events accelerated independence demands. In 1941, the Allies published the Atlantic Charter, promising freedom to occupied nations and promoting Roosevelt’s principle of “people’s right to self-determination.”
The Moroccan National Movement seized this opportunity, sending telegrams to Allied nations demanding this principle be applied to Morocco.
Sultan Mohammed V played his diplomatic cards masterfully. After ascending to the throne on November 18, 1927, he consistently advocated for Morocco’s independence, defying colonial attempts to suppress Moroccan identity and sovereignty.
At the January 1943 Anfa Conference, while Allied leaders discussed war strategy, he reminded them of a pointed fact: Morocco had fought alongside them against Nazi Germany, so what about that independence they kept talking about? After all, wasn’t that what the war was supposedly about – freedom from foreign domination?
President Roosevelt’s response? He considered Morocco’s independence aspirations “reasonable and legitimate.”
Inside the manifesto
The document itself was revolutionary in both content and delivery. Its demands came in two parts, according to historical records.
First: “Complete independence under the leadership of His Majesty Sidi Mohammed Ben Youssef.”
Second: A sweeping vision for internal reforms, calling for “a consultative political system similar to those in Eastern Arab and Islamic countries.”
“The idea of independence shaped Morocco’s history since ancient times… In modern history, its aspiration for constitutional life took many forms. Modern parliamentary life had spread in major Western nations and America, then was adopted by some Eastern Islamic kingdoms. By the mid-nineteenth century, the call for democratic systems began taking various shapes,” writes historian Abdellah Hitout.
The nationalists strategically delivered copies not just to French authorities, but also to American and British consulates and Soviet representatives – a diplomatic masterstroke showing their global awareness.
The public response was electric. “By afternoon, the manifesto was being read aloud in public squares, markets, and mosques from Fes to Marrakech, from Tetouan to Tangier, from the Atlas Mountains to the Souss region,” historical accounts reveal.
People exchanged congratulations in Rabat, Salé, and Kenitra, while crowds gathered spontaneously across the country.
Beyond the document
What many don’t know: In the Spanish-controlled north, the National Reform Party took a bold step, forming a united front with the Moroccan Unity Party led by Mohammed al-Makki al-Nasiri.
This coalition, known as the National Front, formed on December 18, 1942. On February 11, 1943, they submitted their own independence manifesto, demanding “complete independence, territorial unity, and final abolition of the protectorate system.”
Three days later, they presented these demands to major power representatives in Tangier – technically making it the first international Moroccan independence demand.
The manifesto transformed Morocco’s resistance from reform-seeking to independence-demanding. “It reflected Moroccans’ awareness and maturity,” contemporary documents state, “proving their ability to determine their destiny and manage their affairs.”
The French response was swift and harsh – by January 28, 1944, French authorities arrested and exiled numerous nationalist leaders. This crackdown culminated in the events of January 29-31, 1944, when widespread protests erupted across Morocco.
The struggle intensified through the following years, leading to Sultan Mohammed V’s exile to Madagascar in 1953, which sparked increased resistance. The Sultan’s triumphant return in 1955 paved the way for negotiations that finally secured Morocco’s independence on March 2, 1956.
Today, 81 years later, that single document’s impact continues echoing through Morocco’s diplomatic achievements, territorial integrity efforts, and national identity. From a divided colony to an emerging regional power, Morocco’s journey began with those words penned in secret meetings, sworn to on the Quran, and delivered on a January morning that changed everything.
As Allal Al Fassi recalled after returning from exile: “Two days after my return from exile, His Majesty received me and spoke about the phase that followed the submission of the independence petition, and the tremendous efforts he had made.”
“He didn’t hide his readiness to sacrifice everything, even the throne, if it served the Moroccan cause. I left that audience completely certain that Morocco would achieve its goal as long as it had a great king like Sidi Mohammed at its helm.”
King Mohammed VI now continues the diplomatic vision his grandfather initiated. The anniversary now lands as Morocco’s racking up diplomatic wins on the Western Sahara front. The country now has 29 consulates in the southern provinces – 17 in Dakhla alone. The latest was Chad’s consulate, which opened on August 14, 2024.
The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s first and largest event dedicated to shaping the content creator economy, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, will convene over 125 prominent CEOs from major global firms, as it returns for its third edition, organised by the UAE Government Media Office and hosted in the UAE from 11 to 13 January 2025 at Dubai’s Emirates Towers, DIFC and the Museum of the Future, under the theme “Content for Good.”
These CEOs will join a prestigious lineup of content creators and influencers from around the world, sharing their expertise during panels, interactive discussions, workshops and roundtables. These sessions will explore the latest trends in business, economy, investment, and content creation, empowering aspiring talents and fostering innovation within the industry.
The list of speakers at the third edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit include Maye Musk, mother of Elon Musk, the world’s richest man. A 76-year-old millionaire and model, Musk’s career began in 1969 as a Miss South Africa finalist. She became a prominent model, representing numerous major brands, and continues to work today. Despite her busy schedule, she earned two degrees in dietetics and nutritional science and founded her own nutrition company.
Musk, who enjoys an active social media presence with over 3.35 million followers, will share her parenting journey at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, discussing how she raised three children, including Elon, and the parenting style that contributed to his success.
Leading Egyptian businessman and global entrepreneur Naguib Sawiris, who has over 10.6 million social media followers, will share his insights at the Summit. He leads global companies in various sectors, including mining, real estate, financial services, telecom, investment, and media. Naguib Sawiris is the owner of Orascom Telecom, launched the first mobile network in North Korea in 2008 and founded ONTV network. He also owns 88% of EuroNews shares, and is the founder of Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival.
Andre Le Masurier, Senior Director and Global Head of brand and Creative at Skyscanner, will share his experience of over 20 years in brand vision, marketing and product design, as he held leadership roles in leading companies and contributed award-winning work that spanned major brands.
Andrew Graham, Head of Digital Corporate Advisory & Partnerships at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), will share his experience in cultivating and monetizing digital-native talent, and his work in developing digital strategies for A-list celebrities.
Ben Relles, who leads Content Strategy at the Office of entrepreneur and LinkedIn Co-founder Reid Hoffman, will address the topic of AI and its utilization in social media content creation.
Cayman Rojas, Community Manager at LinkedIn, will discuss how he works with, and supports prominent voices on the platform. He works closely with influencers with an outsized impact on the community, from CEOs and content creators to musicians, actors, and celebrities.
Joining the speakers lineup is Chris Williams, who founded and leads Pocket Watch, a studio specializing in kids and family entertainment through digital-first content and lifestyle products. Williams will share his experience of 20 years in developing online video content.
Emma Harman, President, EMEA at Whalar Group, will share her experience of over 25 years blending entertainment, music, and social marketing, and applying this experience in brand-talent collaborations. Harman will also highlight the importance of impactful content and supporting the Creator growth Economy.
Grigory Lavrov, VP Marketing, Local Brands & Franchise Management in CEE & MENAT at Warner Bros. Discovery, is also speaking at the Summit. In addition to his publishing experience, Lavrov oversees brands like TLC, DMAX, and Fatafeat.
Kate Ward & Zach Honarvar will share their experience as Founders of Creator Now, a platform that aims to build a film school reimagined for creators to help the next generation turn their creative passions into a full-time career.
The list includes Lewis Crosbie, Co-founder and CEO of Komi, which is a software platform and “one-stop-shop” for creators, bringing features found on Shopify, Patreon, and Linktree into one place to help creators engage with their fans around the world.
Paul Bakaus, Executive Vice President of Product and Creator Tools at Spotter, will showcase the platform’s efforts in empowering content creators everywhere to accelerate their workflow and unlock their creative potential.
Also joining the lineup of prominent speakers at the Summit are Brittany Brown, Director of Digital Communications & Strategy at NASA, sharing insights into impactful visual storytelling; Aliana Miller, Director of Influencer Marketing at Roblox, discussing strategies for building authentic creator relationships and achieving record-breaking results; Elise Swopes, Sr. Adobe Express Evangelist & Community, offering her perspective on mobile creativity and the intersection of art and technology; Sherry Wong, CEO at Roster, focusing on building strong support teams for creators; Ahad Khan, CEO at Kajabi, sharing insights into scaling online businesses using creator-focused platforms; and Jonathan Chanti, President of Talent at Viral Nation & CGO of Viral Nation Group, who will share insights into leveraging data-driven strategies and emerging technologies for influencer collaborations and brand growth.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has congratulated Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia, Professor of Finance and Economics at Princeton University, for winning the Great Arab Minds Award in Economics for 2024.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed praised Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia for his pioneering contributions to financial econometrics, data measurement, and financial analysis. His work advanced the modelling of high-frequency financial data and continuous-time processes, enabling deeper understanding of variables.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “We congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in Economics for 2024, Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia from Algeria, Professor of Finance and Economics at Princeton University, who has made exceptional contributions by developing an advanced economic and financial metric to determine volatility levels and understand future patterns of market fluctuations. His work has enhanced financial market analysis, improved economic risk assessments, and increased the efficiency of financial and economic planning.
“We celebrate his achievement and take pride in all Arab minds who have inspired us with their creativity. We look forward to meeting them soon at the Great Arab Minds ceremony.”
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, informed Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia of his win via video call. Al Gergawi highlighted that the award reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to celebrate and support exceptional Arab talent, highlight their achievements, and expand their effective cognitive and developmental impact in their specialisations to foster innovation and excellence across the Arab world.
“Your theories on econometrics and financial analysis have become a reference for numerous institutions, markets, economies, and governments. Your studies inspire a new generation of skilled economists, both in the Arab world and globally, and you are a source of pride for everyone in the Arab world,” Al Gergawi added.
Professor Aït-Sahalia developed high-frequency econometric methods to analyse financial data, estimate volatility, forecast market trends, and evaluate risk. His techniques for addressing microstructure noise and capturing market dynamics have provided essential tools for asset pricing and financial decision-making.
With over 80 academic studies and two books, Professor Aït-Sahalia’s research introduced innovative methods for analysing financial data, and enhancing economic planning.
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to be US surgeon general
He also nominated Dr. Marty Makary as head of the US Food and Drug Administration
President-elect Donald Trump has named two Arab Americans to serve in his Cabinet once he is sworn into office in January.
Trump nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to be US surgeon general and Dr. Marty Makary as head of the US Food and Drug Administration.
The appointments were applauded by Dr. Bishara Bahbah, chairman of Arab Americans for Trump, who helped the former president to win nearly half of the Arab American vote in the Nov. 5 election against US Vice President Kamala Harris.
“We are delighted with President Trump’s nomination of the first two Arab Americans to be part of his administration,” Bahbah said in a message to Arab News on Saturday.
“This is a testament to the hard work of Arab Americans for Trump and recognition of President Donald J. Trump of the role Arab Americans played in his election as the 47th president of the United States. AAFT looks forward to additional Arab American appointments in President Trump’s administration, particularly in the political field.”
Dr. Makary is a British American surgeon of Lebanese background. He is a public policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University serving as a professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a professor, by courtesy, at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
His current research focuses on the underlying causes of disease, public policy, health care costs, and relationship-based medicine. Dr. Makary previously served in leadership at the World Health Organization patient safety program and has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine.
Clinically, Dr. Makary is the chief of Islet Transplant Surgery at Johns Hopkins. He is the recipient of the Nobility in Science Award from the National Pancreas Foundation and has been a visiting professor at more than 25 medical schools. He has published more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has served on several editorial boards. He is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, “Unaccountable” and “The Price We Pay.”
Dr. Makary is also an anti-vaxxer who refused vaccination for COVID-19, a view shared by many of President-elect Trump’s conservative and Republican supporters.
Dr. Nesheiwat is a double board-certified medical doctor described on her website as “bringing a refreshingly no-nonsense attitude to the latest medical news, breaking down everything you need to know to keep you — and your family — healthy at all times.” She is also the author of “Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine.”
A graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, UAMS, Dr. Nesheiwat has been “shaped by her faith and her upbringing.”
Born in Carmel, New York, she is the daughter of Christian Jordanian immigrants and one of five children raised by her widowed mother, Hayat Nesheiwat. Her siblings are Julia Nesheiwat, Jaclyn Stapp, Dina Nesheiwat and Daniel Nesheiwat.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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President-elect Donald Trump nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to be US surgeon general . (AP)
Saudi crown prince calls for Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
An extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit kicked off in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday to discuss Israel’s ongoing wars in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
“We reiterate our rejection of the genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in an opening speech at the summit.
He stressed the need to continue efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state on the lands of 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The crown prince also condemned Israeli attempts to prevent the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from delivering aid to Gaza.
Bin Salman said that his country rejects any threat to the security and sovereignty of Lebanon.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, for his part, called on the Arab and Islamic countries to show the highest levels of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
He also demanded the implementation of a UN resolution to halt Israeli assaults on Gaza and to secure the delivery of humanitarian aid into the enclave.
More than 50 leaders of Arab and Islamic countries are taking part in the summit, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The United Arab Emirates won the presidency of the Arab Parliament during the procedural session of the fourth legislative term held today, Saturday, at the headquarters of the Arab League in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, where His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, a member of the Federal National Council, was elected as President of the Arab Parliament.
The UAE assumed the presidency of the Arab Parliament, represented by the Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council, for two consecutive terms during the years from 2012 to 2016, in appreciation of the effective role played by the UAE’s parliamentary diplomacy and its contributions to the activities and work of the Arab Parliament since its establishment.
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Member of the Federal National Council, in a statement following his victory, praised the great support provided by the wise leadership headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to the sons of the Emirates, and pushing them forward to decision-making positions in Arab, regional and international organizations and institutions, stressing that it is an achievement added to the continuous achievements made by the sons of the Emirates under the wise leadership.
He expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council and the members of the Council, for supporting his candidacy for the presidency of the Arab Parliament, and to Their Excellencies the representatives of the Arab countries in the Arab Parliament for their great confidence and their election of him as President of the Arab Parliament, stressing his pledge, in this new phase, during which the Arab Parliament continues its journey in serving Arab issues, to work to strengthen joint Arab action at all levels.
The procedural session was attended by members of the Parliamentary Division Group, including His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Head of the Group, Naema Abdullah Al Sharhan, Vice-Head of the Group, Majid Mohammed Al Mazrouei, and Mohammed Hassan Al Dhahouri, members of the Federal National Council.
The Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council achieved many accomplishments during its participation in the work and activities of the Arab Parliament, which was established by a decision of the Arab League Council at the summit level on a temporary basis in 2005 and became permanent in 2012, embodying the approach of the UAE and contributing to strengthening its principles and objectives to be an effective partner in formulating the joint Arab policy.
At the level of the activity of the parliamentary division of the Federal National Council, in 2020 it won the position of Vice President of the Arab Parliament, and the members of the UAE Parliamentary Division headed the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, and the Social, Educational, Cultural, Women and Youth Affairs Committee.
Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Federal National Council, in cooperation with the Arab Parliament, organized a symposium in October 2019 to launch the Arab Document on Women’s Rights, which focused on two main axes: “Mother of the Emirates… the main enabler of Arab women” and “Arab women and the role of parliaments in shaping the future.”
The UAE Parliamentary Division played an active role through its membership in the Arab Parliament in presenting many parliamentary projects, proposals and studies, most notably amending the internal regulations of the Arab Parliament, establishing the Arab Parliamentary Medal Award for Parliamentary Excellence, in addition to proposals on topics discussed by the permanent and temporary committees in the Arab Parliament.
It is noteworthy that His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi has been a member of the Federal National Council since 2015 from the current sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth legislative terms. Through his membership in the UAE Parliamentary Division Group in the Arab Parliament, he participated in the work of the Arab Parliament and the meetings of its permanent committees. He won the position of Vice President of the Arab Parliament in the first and second sessions of the third legislative term of the Arab Parliament during the period 2020-2022 AD.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, announced the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, consisting of 127 volumes, in a unique achievement for the Arab and Islamic nation, which is added to the series of achievements of Sharjah, under His Highness’s leadership, in various fields of culture, literature and the Arabic language.
This came during His Highness’s attendance today at the launch of the activities of the Second Sharjah International Conference on Arabic Language Studies in Europe, which is organized by the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, at the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi House.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah welcomed the conference guests from various European countries, including scholars and students, pointing out the overwhelming joy of completing all the volumes of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, saying, “Your presence on this day, which coincides with the completion of the dictionary, is a joy and delight and the reaping of fruits. It is a happy occasion. This dictionary took seven years and was scientifically researched by 500 researchers and approximately 200 proofreaders, reviewers, printers, administrators and technicians.”
His Highness added that the scientific and research team of the Historical Dictionary will continue to work diligently with the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah to complete research and reference work for the benefit of the Arabic language, as work will begin on the Arabic Encyclopedia, which will cover all literary and scientific branches, and will become the first reference for all people.
At the end of his speech, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah pointed out the continuation of efforts to establish more cultural centres that play an important role in spreading support for Arabic culture and language and their valuable projects.
The conference was opened with the recitation of clear verses from the Holy Quran, after which Dr. Mohamed Safi Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the presence and honor of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah at the conference in its second edition, pointing to His Highness’s great support and personal interest in the Arabic language in terms of learning, teaching, publishing, literature and culture. He also welcomed the participating guests of the conference from various European countries and their great contributions to supporting the Arabic language in their countries.
Al-Mostaghanemi discussed the importance of joint cooperation between all scholars, researchers and orientalists to research and care for the Arabic language, pointing out the importance of the Arab Studies Conference in Europe in achieving many goals for the development of the dissemination and learning of the Arabic language in many European countries and in achieving research goals therein and discussing challenges and finding solutions.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and the attendees watched a visual presentation about the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, its vision, mission and objectives in the fields of publishing, developing and supporting the Arabic language, its research and studies, in addition to the publications and educational courses it supervises and its efforts in honoring scholars and outstanding individuals in various branches of the Arabic language.
Dr. Laura Gago delivered a speech on behalf of the conference guests, in which she praised the efforts of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and what he provides to the Arabic language in general and in Europe in particular, and the support and interest that the Emirate of Sharjah represents for the Arabic language, which has made it a destination for lovers and students of the Arabic language and its capital.
She noted the importance of the conference and its success at the international level, and the competition of scholars from different countries to participate in it, saying, “We came from every corner of Europe, from East to West, to talk about Arabic in the capital of Arabic in the modern era, because we know that Arabic is not a race, but rather Arabic, as the Prophet of Islam said, is the language, so whoever speaks Arabic is an Arab. The Arabic language sits on the throne of human languages, and if its people love it by nature, then the love of the Arabic language for us, who speak other languages, is a decision and a choice.”
She concluded her speech with thanks and appreciation to the Sharjah Academy of Arabic Language for organizing the conference and ensuring its success.
Dr. Dragana Djordjevic delivered a word of thanks and gratitude on behalf of the forum attendees to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his support for the issues of the Arabic language and its teaching, especially in European countries, and for providing the opportunity for scholars and researchers to attend to study and come up with what contributes to supporting and spreading Arabic. She said, “In Sharjah, we feel that we are in our homes and among our people.”
At the end of the conference opening activities, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honored the participating scientists and researchers.
The conference will be attended by a number of scholars and academics from Romania, Kazakhstan, Spain, Norway, Poland, Russia, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, Denmark, Turkey, France, Greece, and Italy. They will present various research papers that address the conference themes and the experiences and challenges of learning and teaching the Arabic language in their countries.
The conference seeks to research and discuss a number of topics, namely: Arab tales in the West: One Thousand and One Nights, Kalila and Dimna, Juha, and others, the Arabic language and contemporary technology, translation and cultural communication, the translation of the meanings of the Holy Qur’an into European languages: reality and prospects, the image of the Arab in travel literature and the books of European geographers, in addition to the topic of Arab manuscripts in Europe.
The conference aims to define the curricula and rules related to teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, reveal the linguistic, social and human heritage of nations, advance to acquire terms and values that keep pace with contemporary scientific developments, focus on translation curricula and methods of communication between civilizations, care for interpretive readings of the meanings of the Holy Quran from the perspective of European languages, codify travel literature and the records of European geographers with Arabic and European edits, highlight the characteristics of Arabic manuscripts and their caches, in addition to employing global expertise and innovative methods in serving the Arabic language and spreading it in the countries of the European continent, and investing human energies, research skills, concepts and scientific theories to benefit from the linguistic heritage and the Arab knowledge treasure.
The second edition of the conference, which will continue for two days, September 21 and 22, will address several areas related to the Arabic language, namely: serious Arabic and human studies that embody the reality of the Arabic language in Europe, innovative research in learning and teaching the Arabic language, and practical experiences and live practices in the fields of the Arabic language and human studies.
The conference was attended by the Ruler of Sharjah, Dr. Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah, Jamal Salem Al Turaifi, President of Al Qasimia University, Abdullah Khalifa Al Sabousi, Chairman of the Department of Islamic Affairs, Ali Al Marri, Chairman of the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Foundation, Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, heads and representatives of Arabic language unions and academies, and a number of officials and specialists.
Often described as the rising star in the French political scene, French-Moroccan Karim Bouamrane stands as a strong candidate for the position of Prime Minister in France.
Born in 1973 to Moroccan immigrant parents, Karim Bouamrane, the current socialist mayor of Saint-Ouen, had an exceptional journey that is leading him to the position of Prime Minister, garnering admiration in France, Europe, and even the United States.
Bouamrane, the youngest in a family led by a mason, initially made his mark in politics with the Communist Party before joining the Socialist Party. After working in cybersecurity in Silicon Valley, he returned to France to become the mayor of Saint-Ouen in 2020, the city where he grew up, while also launching his own business.
He gained significant recognition during the Paris Olympics, hosting Brazilian athletes in Saint-Ouen. Known for his leftist values, he also emphasizes authority, security, and patriotism.
With a master’s degree in economics and European law, Bouamrane held a leadership role in a cybersecurity company at the dawn of the internet, which allowed him to travel extensively, including to the U.S. In 1995, he was elected to the Saint-Ouen municipal council and later became the Socialist Party’s spokesperson.
Dubbed the “Obama of the Seine” by the German newspaper Die Welt, Bouamrane is praised for his political acumen and impeccable style. His potential as a future Prime Minister is recognized by both allies and opponents, including a close associate of President Emmanuel Macron.
His reputation has even reached the U.S., with The New York Times highlighting his inspiring story as the son of an illiterate Moroccan immigrant who worked on construction sites in Paris.
Supported by influential figures like former Minister Jean-Louis Borloo and banker Matthieu Pigasse, Bouamrane is seen as a transformative leader. His name is frequently mentioned in discussions about future Prime Ministers, reflecting his growing influence and the possibility of making history as a prominent political leader in France.
Mayor of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, Karim Bouamrane poses during a photo session in his office in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, northern surburb of Paris, on February 15, 2024. Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, suburban city of Paris will be one of the host cities for the Paris 2024 Olympics. (Photo by JOEL SAGET / AFP)
The League of Arab States has hailed the achievements and contributions of Emirati women at the national level, calling them a role model in the Arab world.
Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of Social Affairs sector at League of Arab state, congratulated the UAE leadership, government and people on Emirati Women’s Day, which is a source of pride for Arabs due to the prominent position achieved by the UAE women at the Arab, regional and international levels.
In her statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Abu Ghazaleh praised the efforts of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (The Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), to enhance the status of Emirati women in all fields for more than 5 decades and commended the great achievements of the General Women’s Union under her leadership, making Emirati women an honorable model for Arab women.
She added that the assumption of important and influential positions by Emirati women reflects their pioneering role in society and makes them a bright sign in the Arab world, noting that the achievements of Emirati women represent a strong push towards further progress and excellence at all levels.
Dr. Abu Ghazaleh wished Emirati women further success and prosperity and expressed her aspiration for women in the UAE and the Arab world to witness more progress and active participation in building societies.
