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Abdulaziz Fahad Al-Jouf is the founder and CEO of PayTabs, a payment processing company founded in Saudi Arabia in January 2014 and now based in Bahrain.
He graduated from Riyadh’s Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Islamic business and subsequently obtained a bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and a master’s degree in e-business from the New York Institute of Technology.
PayTabs was founded in 2013 after Al-Jouf “faced problems finding a suitable payments gateway for one of his business startups … and figured there would be many others with the same issues.”
PayTabs was, according to Al-Jouf, “taken under the wing” of Saudi Aramco’s entrepreneurship scheme “Wa’ed” and made headlines in August 2017 when it raised $20 million investment from unnamed sources.
In 2018 PayTabs was recognized by Forbes Middle East as No. 1 among “the top 20 Fintech startups to watch.”
In the same year, Al-Jouf was featured on the cover of Arabian Business magazine, and PayTabs was named “Fintech Company of the Year” at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards.
Kuwait National Shooting team won a gold medal in the ISSF World Cup in Cyprus, said Kuwait Shooting Club.
The Kuwaiti team, represented by Talal Al-Terqi, Abdulrahman Al-Faihan and Nasser Al-Muqled, came first in the Trap competition after defeating both India and Poland who came second and third, raising the total number of medals to two golds and one silver, Kuwait Shooting Club’s Chairman Duaij Al- Otaibi said .
Kuwaiti shooter Talal Al-Terqi won also a bronze medal in the singles Trap competition in the same tournament, (KUNA)
source/content: arabtimesonline.com (edited)
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Kuwait National Shooting team celebrate after winning a gold medal in the ISSF World Cup in Cyprus
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the world’s first Metaverse customer happiness service center at the Arab Health 2022, the first experience of its kind in a health exhibition in the world.
The step ushers in a new era of digital reality and human-computer interaction in government health care services, by enhancing the integration of the real, virtual and digital world.
The Ministry’s stand at the Arab Health being held at the Dubai Trade Centre from 24th to 27th January, will be a unique stage to showcase this unique technology and test the performance of virtual activities that provide real experiences in one of the most innovative and future initiatives launched by the ministry.
Although the full version of the MoHAP MetaHealth platform is expected to be launched by mid-2022, visitors to Arab Health 2022 will have the opportunity to instantly teleport into the world of MetaHealth and choose to speak with a real employee from the Customer Happiness Center in a must-try experience.
he new technology also provides an opportunity for customers to join the MetaHealth space and move from their current location to the Ministry’s virtual Customer Happiness Center, without actually crossing the distance between the two areas. Customers, then, can request information, submit documents, pay fees and more, with the actual faces of users being displayed in the virtual room instead of avatars.
The new service also provides a tangible solution for the people of determination who are unable to move physically from their homes to one of the Ministry’s customer happiness centers and finish their transactions smoothly.
Al Owais added, “Today, we are experiencing the world of “Metaverse”, with the launch of the world’s first virtual customer happiness center in the three-dimensional digital space, in the first experience of its kind, in preparation for a new and promising future health sector through Arab Health, one of the largest international exhibitions.”
The UAE health minister asserted that Virtual Reality technology will play a more important role in the future of the UAE during the next fifty years, especially in light of the development of advanced digital infrastructure, which is one of the best in the world.
“The flourishing of digital transformation in the government sector pushes us forward to continue achieving the goals and aspirations of the UAE to lead the artificial intelligence and virtual reality sector, which places the country in a perfect position to attract and use advanced technologies, especially Metaverse,” said Dr. Muhammad Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Health Services.
Fashion design was part of my study at a very young age and I started my career 10 years ago,” says Egyptian designer Esraa Adel, who graduated from a vocational-technical high school’s ready-made garments department.
Adel specialises in women’s casual wear designs après midi, soiree and much more. She launched her own line of soiree dresses under the title Fashion Corner Brand.
“I took a course to learn sign language for two months to be able to communicate with the hearing-impaired, then introduced changes to the course content to fit their needs. I offer patron (sewing patternmaking) courses using sign language too,” she adds.
Adel stresses that her stern belief in social work and making a difference for people prompted her to help the hearing-impaired with opportunities to start their own businesses.
She teaches drawing mannequins for different female body types, how to choose the right dress for the right body shape, patron drawing and the basics of sewing..
The mobile app ‘Professional Course forTailoring Clothes with Patron’ was released two years-ago and is available on the Android play store in Arabic version.
“70 percent of users are hearing-impaired and people with disabilities,” Adel says.
The idea for the app won the top prize at the Tamkeen Competition in 2020, which aims to develop software and mobile phone applications for people with disabilities and is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
El-Khalifa Computer Group is an Egyptian Software Company that turned the idea for the app into reality.
“The company is the owner and it plans out the entire process. It generates the idea, app design, software, and financial part,” Adel says.
The company received a grant from the ministry to give the hearing-impaired sewing courses in Cairo.
“I was the only one to give this kind of course in Egypt,” Adel adds. “I am responsible for shooting the videos and creating accessible material and scientific subjects for the application.”
“The app content helps users master tailoring. It takes two months to study before the user can launch their own project,” she adds.
The app consists of 30 tutorial videos for woman’s wear. It includes how to take accurate body measurements and using sewing machines, needles, scissors and fabrics. It shows applicants the full steps of the tailoring process and how to get the best finish for the final product.
The “fabrics dictionary” is a newly added option that is not available in other sewing apps. It has a full list of fabric types and a video on how to identify them by touch. The fabric glossary is for sewing terms, expressions, and terminology.
The app has three features: sign language, audio, and text for the hearing-impaired.
The CEO of the Horse Races Club and Secretary-General of the Equestrian Authority, Eng. Marwan Bin Abdulrahman Al-Olayan, received at the club’s headquarters in Riyadh, a Guinness World Records certificate for the most expensive equestrian race in the world.
Guinness World Records official Adjudicator, Ahmed Bucheeri, presented the certificate and award during a ceremony on the platform of the King Abdulaziz Racecourse for Horse Racing.
The 2022 Saudi Cup was able to break records as the most expensive horse race in the world, with a financial prize of $20 million, while the total value of the Saudi Cup race prizes is $35.1 million, representing the most expensive horse racing prize in the world.
He added that the largest financial prize for the individual race, worth $20 million, was in the Saudi Cup, which was organized at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, in Riyadh on Feb. 26, 2022, pointing out that Guinness World Record is now officially registered under the name of the Saudi Cup 2022 after it used to be under the name of the Dubai World Cup, where the prize amounted to $10 million.
source/content: saudigazette.com.sa
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The CEO of the Horse Races Club and Secretary-General of the Equestrian Authority, Eng. Marwan Bin Abdulrahman Al-Olayan, received at the club’s headquarters in Riyadh, a Guinness World Records certificate for the most expensive equestrian race in the world.
The United Arab Emirates has been ranked first regionally and 10th globally for Influence in the Global Soft Power Index (GSPI) 2022.
The UAE advanced to 15th place globally in the overall GSPI ranking, up from last year’s 17th in the GSPI 2021. The country sits at the top in the region and remains at the forefront of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa, achieving progress in all indicators and sub-indicators.
His Highness added, “More than 100,000 respondents worldwide chose the UAE as the first regionally and 15th globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2022. Our country also ranked 10th globally in its influence, enhancing our status and positive impact.”
Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the country’s progress in all indicators and sub-indicators results from the unique model it provides.
H.H. noted, “The UAE’s soft power lies in its development model, which brings together the best ideas and minds across the world and gathers people of all races to build the best development experience in the world.”
The UAE continued its progress in the GSPI 2022, developed by “Brand Finance” British company. The index interviewed more than 100,000 people from 101 countries worldwide to assess the various axes of soft power and its positive influence. The UAE’s overall Soft Power score improved more than 11 percent, progressing to 15th place globally, up from 17th place in 2021.
The UAE’s performance in the 2022 Index that included 120 countries had many core strengths, including its distinguished position as a leading destination for Business and Trade, the ease to do business within a stable economic environment.
Also, the country has a positive impact as the most influential in the region and its reputation as one of the most generous and helpful countries internationally. The UAE has improved its reputation among developed nations during the past year.
The UAE also recorded an outstanding performance in the main indicators during 2022 compared to 2021. The UAE ranked 10th globally in the “Overall Influence” index compared to 12th in the previous year. The UAE ranked 20th globally in the “Reputation” index.
The UAE achieved an overall stable performance in all pillars, especially in the “Culture and Heritage” pillar, where it ranked the 24th, by advancing seven positions from 2021, where it ranked the 31st.
The UAE’s performance on the “International Relations” pillar has shown genuine improvement, as it ranked 11th up from last year’s 16th ranking, showing a strong reputation for being “Influential in diplomatic circles” and “Helpful to other countries in need”. The country’s improving perceptions regarding environmental protection could move UAE into the top 10 in the future.
Also, the UAE ranked first regionally and 10th globally in the “Influence” pillar, the 10th globally in the “Influential in diplomatic circles”, and the 11th globally in the “International relations” pillar. The UAE’s reputation score has marginally improved, and it has moved up to 20th globally, by far the highest among all Arab nations.
The UAE achieved the 8th position globally in the “Strong and Stable Economy” pillar, the 9th globally in “Supporting Economic Recovery” after Covid-19, and the 10th globally in “Business and Trade”. The “Future Growth Potential” of the UAE has improved, ranking 11th globally in the 2022 index.
The UAE is perceived to have managed the pandemic of COVID-19 effectively, which made it a distinguished model regionally and globally. The country succeeded in facing challenges in a balanced way through its proactive policies and procedures.
In this context, the UAE ranked 12th in the overall COVID-19 score. The country ranked 12th in the “Helping other countries manage and recover from COVID” pillar, and 13th in the “Health and wellbeing of its people, including vaccination”.
The UAE ranked 10th globally in the overall influence, while the nine countries that preceded the UAE are among the countries with a large population density. Many countries in the region have advanced in the “Influence” pillar, while the UAE remains at the forefront regionally. The progress achieved by countries in this pillar came in the developing markets of the Middle East and Asia.
Due to its developed strong educational system over the past years, the UAE achieved score improvements across the “Education & Science” pillar, ranking 17th in 2022.
The three-day race event will start in Hail before finishing in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia is readying to host its first women’s-only motoring event.
Called Rally Jameel, the event consists of 34 teams from 15 countries and takes place from March 17 to 19. It will feature both beginners and seasoned veterans in competition.
The 900-kilometre race, which is being held over three days, will start in the north-central city of Hail, taking in the sites of Al-Qassim city and then heading to the capital, Riyadh , via hidden checkpoints and challenges.
Motorsport racer Dania Akeel, who was the first Saudi woman to participate in the Dakar Rally in 2022, says she hopes the event will help women to feel more at ease while driving.
Elsewhere in the region, the UAE is represented by Atefa Saleh, while Oman will have Sanaa Al Shekaili and Halima Al Balushi behind the wheel.
Al Shekaili was the first Omani racer to participate in the 2020 Middle East Rally Championship, finishing in third place.
Al Shekaili also established the first women’s car club in Oman.
There are three teams taking part from the US while Europe will be represented with a team from Sweden and a team from Spain. There will also be one team from Egypt.
“Taking part in Rally Jameel, for me, is an incredible way to support women who are new to the scene of off-roading and motorsports,” says Sedona Blinson, who has previously participated in Rally Jameel’s inspiration, the Rebelle Rally.
The rally, which is not designed as a speed test, was first announced back in December. It is open to any entrant aged 18 or above and holding a driving license accepted in Saudi Arabia. No special equipment is needed, as the cars are required to be totally unmodified, although they must be a 4×4 or AWD.
source/content : thenationalnews.com
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From left, Oman’s Sanaa Al Shekaili, Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel and Sedona Blinson from the US are competing in Saudi Arabia’s first women’s only motoring event. Photo: Rally Jameel
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, topped Forbes Middle East’s Top 50 Travel & Tourism Leaders list.
The list spotlights 50 leaders who drive growth in the Middle East’s travel and tourism industry, building on their desire to reconnect with the world.
Emirates Airline and Group’s revenue reached US$6.7 billion in the first half of the 2021/2022 fiscal year.
Moreover, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths ranked third on the list.
The UAE dominated this month’s list with 24 of the leaders featured based in the UAE, followed by 11 in Saudi Arabia, and four in Egypt.
The hotels and hospitality sector is the most dominant on the list with 26 entries, followed by aviation with 17, and tourism with seven entries.
In the highly anticipated final, host nation Bahrain took on Ireland. With $100,000 on the line, all was to play for on the last day of competition.
Sabrina De Sousa (Bah) won the first bout of the day against Kerry Ann Vernon (Ire). She showed once again why she’s the #1 ranked female athlete in the world, finishing Vernon with a rear-naked choke in the first round.
Jordan Bradshaw (Ire) then took on Haj Mohammad Ali (Bah). Bradshaw landed a beautiful headkick, almost finishing the bout. However, Ali survived, then finished Bradshaw via a head-and-arm-triangle. This took the score to 4-0 in favour of Bahrain.
Next up, Lewis Byrne (Ire) attempted to turn the tide against Kurban Idrisov (Bah). In one of the closest matches of the day, Idrisov managed to edge out the unanimous decision, taking the score to 5-0. This clinched the MMA Supercup for Bahrain, along with the $100,000 prize.
Jordan Furey (Ire) was impressive in this competition, finishing both of his previous matches. However, Magomed Isaev (Bah) fought the perfect fight, taking Furey down and finishing him with a rear-naked choke early in the first round.
Then the pound-for-pound #1 ranked Ramazan Gitnov (Bah) faced off against Cameron Clements. Gitnov extended his win streak to 22, and Bahrain’s lead to 7-0, with a TKO win in the second round.
Gadzhi Gadziev (Bah) then finished Dennis Perry (Ire) via TKO in the first round.
And in the final match of the day, Sultan Gapizov (Bah) defeated Gustavo Lopez (Ire) via a unanimous decision, taking the final score to 9-0.
Bahrain finished as dominant winners of the inaugural MMA Supercup. The host nation claimed the $100,000 prize in style, remaining undefeated. Ireland will be disappointed to have lost all of their matches, however, they still take home the massive second place prize of $75,000.
The inaugural MMA Supercup concluded in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Eight teams battled it out for the biggest prizes ever awarded in amateur MMA.
Kazakhstan finished 3rd, winning $50,000, Ireland 2nd, winning $75,000, and Bahrain claimed the first place prize of $100,000.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today honoured the winners of the 6th edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Government Excellence Award at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The award ceremony was organised by the UAE government. The award, which included 17 institutional categories, aims at encouraging federal government institutions to better serve the UAE society at all levels and motivate the principles of excellence.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Government Excellence Award was launched in 2009 under the umbrella of Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme (SKGEP), which was the first integrated federal platform to gauge and celebrate excellence in performance and innovative initiatives in the UAE federal government.
The award seeks to promote the role of the federal government institutions serving the UAE society at all levels, as well as increasing awareness about the principles of excellence and its role in modern governments. The award also aims at developing the competencies required to boost excellence in the federal government.
List of winners:
-Leading Federal Entity (ministry with more than 500 employees): Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
-Leading Federal Entity (ministry with less than 500 employees): Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy.
-Leading Federal Entity (departments with more than 500 employees): Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship and Port Security.
-Leading Federal Entity (departments with less than 500 employees): Federal Authority for Government Human Resources; and Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.
-Best Entity for Performance Improvement: Central Bank of UAE; and Ministry of Community Development.
-Best Entity in Vision Realization: Ministry of Interior.
-Best Achievement of the National Agenda: Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.
-Best Entity in Enhancing Wellbeing: Ministry of Community Development.
-Best Entity for Institutional Flexibility: Ministry of Interior.
-Best Entity in Wellbeing at the Workplace: Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs.
-Best Achievement of the Leading Position and Competitiveness: General Civil Aviation Authority; and Ministry of Interior.
-Best Entity in Future Readiness: Ministry of Finance.
-Best Entity for Remote Work Applications: Ministry of Health and Prevention.
-Best Entity for Artificial Intelligence Adoption: Ministry of Interior.
-Best Entity in Data and Knowledge Management: Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.
-Best Entity in Partnership and Integration: Ministry of Interior.
-Best Entity in Government Communication: Ministry of Community Development.
-Best Entity in proactive services for customers: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
-Best Entity in the field of Innovation: Ministry of Health and Prevention.
-Best Entity in the field of Service Channels Classification: Ministry of Interior; and Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
-Best Entity for Youth Empowerment: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
-Leading Federal Entity in Excellence Sustainability: Ministry of Interior.
Pride of the UAE medals: –
–Dr. Mansoor Mohammed Al Awar.
–Ali Abbas Al Belooshi, orthopedic conducting bone surgery through AI and robots.
–Fatima Al Mulla, UAE researcher and academic in future fields.
-The Prime Minister’s Medal for Distinguished Ambassador:
Abdullah Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE ambassador to South Korea; and Lana Zaki Nussaiba
-The Prime Minister’s Medal for Distinguished Undersecretary:
Mozza Ibrahim Al Akraf, Ministry of Community Development.
-The Prime Minister’s Medal for Distinguished.
-Director-General: Dr Yousef Mohammed Al Serkal, Emirates Health Services and Lt. Suhail Saeed Al Khayali, Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
List of winners of Mohammed bin Rashid Scarfs: –
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
–Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation.
–Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President.
–Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.
–Khaldoun Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority.
-Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology.
Best projects:
–National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority.
