Category: RECORDS IN GCC

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed Builds World’s 1st 3D Printed Mosque in tribute to her late husband Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly

In a touching tribute to her late husband, Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed has built the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque that was thrown open to worshippers ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan likely to begin Monday March 11, 2024. 

In a touching tribute to her late husband, Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed has built the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque that was thrown open to worshippers ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan likely to begin Monday March 11, 2024.

The mosque is named after the late Saudi businessman Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly.

“I dedicate the reward of building the first mosque in the world using 3D printing technology to my husband, Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. I ask God to grant him benefit to the Kingdom and enable him to become a leader in line with #Saudi_Vision_2030 (sic)” Wajanat wrote on social media platform X Thursday, March 7, 2024.

“The idea materialized into constructing a mosque dedicated to the memory of my late husband, subsequently becoming the world’s first mosque built with 3D printing technology”, Wajanat said.

3D Printing Technology

The 3D Printed Mosque, built at a cost of 20 million Saudi Riyals on an area of 5,600 square meters as part of the Jeddah Governorate’s Al-Jawhara Suburb Project, is located in Saudi port city.

The 3D Printing Technology creates tangible objects from 3D Digital Models obtained through scanners and computer programs, using successive layers to form the final shape.

The construction of the mosque was completed in just six months. As many as four giant printers manufacture by the Chinese company Guanli 3D printers, the world’s leading manufacturer of 3D printers, were deployed for the purpose.

The construction of the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque in the Kingdom demonstrates future construction and architectural innovation, promoting local content and diversification, aligning with Vision 2030’s ambitious goals of non-oil production.

Wajanat pointed out that the mosque’s construction received private sector stimulus support, promoting modern construction through advanced technologies and industrial development.

“As a Saudi businesswoman, I wanted to contribute to introducing this modern technology to the Kingdom, positioning it among the first countries to utilize it”, she said in a statement.

“The construction of the mosque using 3D printing technology marks a significant milestone in technology and contemporary construction, signalling a move towards architectural innovation and global sustainable building practices”, she added.

source/content: ummid.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

OMAN: Unesco recognises Jibreen Castle and Omani Historian Humaid bin Mohammed bin Ruzaiq

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has recognised Oman’s rich cultural history by including two significant Omani cultural milestones in its list of anniversaries for 2024-2025. This recognition includes the 350th anniversary of the Jibreen Castle and the 150th death anniversary of renowned Omani historian and poet Humaid bin Mohammed bin Ruzaiq.


Since 1956, Unesco has been instrumental in commemorating historical events and eminent personalities of its member states, elevating their significance on a global platform. Such celebrations are pivotal in fostering international understanding, enhancing cultural exchanges and promoting peace.


An architectural gem of the 17th century, Jibreen Castle marks its 350th anniversary of construction under the reign of Imam Belarab bin Sultan al Yarubi. Completed in 1675, the castle is a testament to Oman’s architectural prowess, built by the era’s finest craftsmen and architects. Beyond its architectural magnificence, Jibreen Castle was a centre of knowledge and learning, and served as a residence for the imam and the seat of his governance.

It flourished as an educational hub, attracting scholars and educators in various fields such as jurisprudence, literature, history, astronomy, mathematics, medicine and chemistry. It produced over 40 distinguished scholars and writers under Imam Belarab bin Sultan’s patronage.


In addition to Jibreen Castle, Unesco commemorates the 150th anniversary of the passing of the 19th century Omani historian Ruzaiq. His contributions were monumental in documenting the historical phase from the rise of the Al Busaid dynasty to the end of Sayyid Said bin Sultan’s reign in 1856. His works, characterised by neutrality and meticulous research, provide invaluable insights into the European presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arab region. Ruzaiq’s writings are not only historical records but also serve as critical references for contemporary researchers in Omani history.


The inclusion of these two elements takes the total number of Omani contributions to Unesco’s celebration programme to eight. The sultanate has successfully highlighted six other Omani figures in the past, including linguist Al Khalil bin Ahmed al Farahidi in 2005, pharmacist Rashid bin Omairah al Hashimi al Rustaqi in 2013, polymath Sheikh Nour al Din Abdullah bin Humaid al Salmi and physicist Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin Muhammad al Azdi, known as Ibn al Dhahabi, in 2015, poet Nasser bin Salem al Rawahi, also known as Abu Muslim al Bahlani, in 2019, and the famed navigator Ahmed bin Majid al Saadi in 2021.

Unesco’s recognition of Omani cultural heritage underscores the sultanate’s significant contributions to the global cultural landscape, celebrating the rich tapestry of its history and the enduring legacies of its eminent personalities.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA : Saudi’s Munira Khalid Al Rasheed becomes First Arab & First Saudi Woman to lead World Customs Organisation’s regional offices

Munira’s election recognises contributions of regional office in achieving WCO objectives

Saudi academic Munira Khalid Al Rasheed has made history by becoming the first Saudi and Arab woman to lead the World Customs Organisation’s regional offices for global information exchange.

The Regional Information Exchange Offices of the World Customs Organisation have elected Munira as the President of the Regional Information Exchange Network for the next two years (2025-2026).

The announcement was made during the 31st global meeting of the Regional Offices, recently held at the headquarters of the World Customs Organisation in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

The election follows Munira Khalid Al Rashid’s appointment as Vice-President in addition to her current position as the Director of the Regional Office for Information Exchange in the Middle East (RILO ME) at the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority.

Her election recognises the contributions of the Middle East Regional Office in achieving the objectives of the World Customs Organisation. It also involves representing 11 local offices affiliated with the Middle East region in all meetings, conferences, and workshops.

The Kingdom has, in recent years, enacted landmark reforms, significantly expanding women’s opportunities.

These reforms include granting women the right to drive and increasing their workforce participation.

Munira’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Management, Marketing, and International Business from the University of New Haven, USA, in 2004, and an Executive MBA from Al Yamamah University, Saudi Arabia, in 2013.

Over her 18-year career, Munira has held various positions, including heading the Admission and Registration Department at Al Yamamah University, working in the Regional Management Department at Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia, and serving as Director of Public Relations at Volkswagen Group Saudi Arabia.

She has also been the Director of the Marketing and Communication Program at the Government Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and Advisor to the Deputy Governor for Security Affairs at the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI, U.A.E & U.K: Drydocks World announces the official start of work on the Norfolk Vanguard project in the United Kingdom

Drydocks World celebrated the official launch of work on the Norfolk Vanguard East and West Wind Energy platforms in the United Kingdom, where the Drydocks World arena in Dubai witnessed the project’s inauguration ceremony.


The project, according to a statement issued today by the company, includes two eastern and western switching platforms that will be implemented over the next five years, including offshore construction and sailing installations. In the first part of the project, the western Norfolk Vanguard platform will be used to efficiently transfer electrical energy from offshore wind turbines. to the mainland, and major manufacturing operations will also take place year-round at Drydocks World.


The West and East Norfolk Vanguard platform projects are located in the southern North Sea, between 50-80 kilometers from the coast of Norfolk in eastern England. The planned capacity of each of the two platforms reaches 1.4 gigawatts, and these two projects will contribute greatly to enhancing the production of renewable energy. in the UK.


Dr. Captain Rado Antolović, CEO of Drydocks World, said: “Thanks to our cooperation with Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy on these two projects, we will be able to benefit from our combined expertise in renewable energy projects, especially Drydocks World’s expertise in DC platforms.” High voltage and high voltage alternating current, which is an important new step that confirms our commitment to supporting the transition towards renewable energy.”


Drydocks International had concluded a pre-commitment agreement with Aker Solutions in November 2023, to deliver the eastern and western Norfolk Vanguard platforms in the United Kingdom, and during the months of February and March of this year, the two final agreements for the project were signed.


The scope of this strategic cooperation focused on engineering, procurement, construction and installation works for a marine substation for high-voltage direct current electricity. This cooperation also aims to raise the standards of solutions provided in the field of sustainable energy.


It is noteworthy that Drydocks World has successfully delivered two high-voltage direct current platforms and two high-voltage alternating current platforms in the North Sea, including the famous “Dolwyn 2”, “Burwen 3” and “Holland Kast Zuid Alpha and Beta” platform projects.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA : Hiba Al-Qwaidi makes History as Saudi Women’s Premier League’s First Female Referee

Al-Qwaidi was accredited by FIFA last year, and took charge of Friday’s clash between Al-Qadsiah and Al-Riyadh.

Hiba Al-Owaidi has become the first Saudi female referee to take charge of a Women’s Premier League match, after she officiated Al-Qadsiah’s 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Friday.

In a historical first for Saudi women’s football, Al-Qwaidi took charge of the match as field referee after she was internationally accredited by the games’s governing body FIFA.

The clash the Al-Qadsiah’s stadium in Al-Khobar saw Abdullah Al-Madad and Khaled Al-Anezi take part as assistant referees.

Al-Qwaidi’s first appearance after receiving her accreditation was as the fourth referee in the Riyadh Season Cup tournament, specifically the match that that’s aw Saudi’s Al-Hilal beat Inter Miami of the US 4-3 at Kingdom Arena.

Al-Qwaidi, a graduate of College of Sports Sciences at the University of Jeddah, is now among 22 Saudi referees accredited by FIFA, as announced by the Saudi  Arabian Football Federation last December.

The referees include Mohammad Al-Hoaish, Faisal Al-Balawi, Sami Al-Garisi, Majed Al-Shamrani, Khaled Al-Taris, Abdullah Al-Shehri, and Shukri Al-Hanfosh.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Hiba Al-Qwaidi on the extreme left, Referee

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Pavilion at Doha Horticultural Expo 2023 Wins 5 Awards, sets World Records

Kingdom dazzles with record-breaking LED display and inspiring sustainability schemes.

The Saudi pavilion at the Doha Horticultural Expo 2023 won five awards, set world records and drew 1.8 million visitors to its expansive site spanning 5,000 sq. meters.

The pavilion’s lush green design drew inspiration from Mount Tuwaiq, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Saleh Bindakhil, the head director of the Saudi campaign, said that the pavilion provided a “groundbreaking digital experience” centered on agriculture and environmental sustainability.

It showcased more than 80 successful Saudi projects and initiatives in line with the exhibition’s objectives, he added.

The pavilion, which aimed to inspire the global community to combat desertification, secured five awards and set world records, Bindakhil said.

It broke the Guinness World Record for the largest display of exterior LED screens, with an impressive array of 435 external LED columns.

Additionally, the pavilion received a Gold Muse Award in the conceptual design and events category, and a Gold French Design Award in the interior design and architecture category.

It clinched the LIV Award in architectural and landscape design, along with a silver award from the Bureau International des Expositions in the self-built pavilions category.

The pavilion welcomed visitors from around the world, offering communications in seven languages: Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Persian.

Its numerous sections showcased the diversity and richness of the Kingdom.

The pavilion also highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture and major sustainable projects in Saudi Arabia.

The Doha expo, which began in October last year and ended on March 28, aimed to promote environmental solutions to a global audience.

The event included four key pillars: Modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The pavilion’s lush green design drew inspiration from Mount Tuwaiq, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

FUJAIRAH, U.A.E: Fujairah Scientific Center Wins 02 golds and 02 silvers at the ‘International Science and Technology Festival’, Tunisia

The Fujairah Science Club won two gold medals for the drone project and the helicopter project, and two silver medals for the desert watering hole project and the iron waste sorter project, at the conclusion of the International Science and Technology Festival in Tunisia.

During the ceremony, which was attended by His Excellency Bashir Attia, Secretary-General of the Mahdia Province in Tunisia, and Hatem Suleiman, President of the Tunisian Society for Science and Technology, His Excellency Dr. Saif Al-Maili, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fujairah Science Club, delivered a speech to the participants, congratulating them on their victory and urging them to continue scientific research and develop their capabilities and capabilities.

Al-Maili said that the club’s participation in such scientific demonstrations places the club, its members and pioneers in the ranks of centers, universities and associations concerned with science and technology, indicating that the benefit of these participations is in creating partnerships, opening new horizons and working to transfer experience and knowledge among the participating parties.

It is noteworthy that the number of countries participating in the festival is 40 countries from all over the world, and the number of participants reached approximately 1,200 participants

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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FUJAIRAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

QATAR: Bader Mubarak Al Marri, the Qatari Sportsman reviving the ancient tradition of Horseback Archery

SCENES shines a spotlight on youth around the world who are breaking down barriers and creating change. The character-driven short films will inspire and amaze, as these young change-makers tell their remarkable stories.

Horseback archery stands out among the many equestrian disciplines that combine modern riding techniques and ancient tradition. The sport combines the skill of riding with the precision of archery, and it holds a special place in Arabian heritage.

Archery is difficult enough when stationary, but try doing it while riding a horse travelling more than 30 miles per hour. Qatari horseback archery gold medalist, Bader Mubarak Al Marri, is well accustomed to this.

A life-altering call

Bader took six lessons of horseback riding before giving it up. “What kept me from horseback riding in 2018 was a lack of time, an unfavourable atmosphere and the scarcity of people in the field,” Bader explains.

Bader’s surprising journey to becoming a champion began when he received a surprise call from Fuad Almudahka, the founder of the Equestrian Sport Centre in Qatar.

The life-changing phone call happened in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bader found himself at home with a lot of spare time on his hands at this time, so he decided to take up Fuad’s offer.

“Coach Fuad contacted me saying, ‘Bader, I have workshops in horseback archery. If you’d like to take part, we welcome you at the Horseback Archery Equestrian Centre,'” Bader recalls.

Not good enough

After completing Fuad’s workshop, Bader wanted to enter Qatar’s ‘Al Nashab’ crossbow event. Coach Fuad was against it and advised him to develop his riding skills first.

Undeterred, Bader converted Fuad’s feedback into inspiration and vowed to do his best to improve his skills. “Let me train these two months,” he said to Fuad. “I’ll enter the contest if I improve my horseback riding skills. If I can’t, I won’t,” Bader promised Fuad.

Man on a mission

Bader was a man on a mission. He spent the next two months at AlSamriya Riding School , training in archery once a week and horseback riding for the rest of the week.

With so much training Bader found he had the speed, and precision needed for target archery, also known as Qabak archery. According to the World Horseback Archery Federation , Qabak is a category where the competitor rides the horse at speed and fires an arrow at a circular target at the top of a poll.

Despite being prepared for the tournament, Bader was surprised to have won first place after three rounds. “No way, that’s impossible,” Bader said to himself. “There are more experienced and skilled players in the sport than myself,” he said.

Local to international gold

Bader travelled to Turkey for his first international competition. He didn’t win that time around, but his confidence grew. He aimed to get acquainted with other international archers and gain skills.

“Bader returned to Qatar motivated, and he worked hard for the World Cup qualifiers in South Africa,” recalls Azeez Al Qahtani, a fellow rider and mentor.

Undeterred, Bader used that experience in Turkey to his advantage at the horse archery World Championship qualifiers. “On January 20, 2023, I got first place in the Qabak track held in South Africa,” Bader tells SCENES about his most significant accomplishment to date.

“The gold medal he got was well deserved,” AbdelAzeez says. “Bader winning that medal really makes people wonder, ‘What is this sport?’ Practice makes everything perfect, and Bader is a demonstration of that,” he adds.

‘Arabs were particularly skilled at it’

Various cultures around the world have practised horseback archery for centuries. In Arab history, its roots run deep, and many wish to preserve a connection to an exciting bygone era.

“Previously, it wasn’t a sport. It was for hunting and battle. Arabs were particularly skilled at it,” explains Abdel Aziz. “Today, all the international players who made the sport alive again go back to a specific old Arabic book called ‘Arab Archery’,” he adds.

Even though it has a long history, horseback archery is now considered a modern sport. And Bader hopes his recent success will lead to more riders emerging from Qatar.

source/content: euronews.com / euronews.culture (headline edited)

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QATAR

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Scientists’ new Bacteria Discovery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center could help global fight against antibiotic resistance

Saudi scientists’ use of a special DNA sequencing process to identify a new bacterial species could help in global efforts to combat resistance to antibiotics.

The discovery by experts at Riyadh’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center was expected to throw new light on bacterial-drug interactions, fostering innovative therapeutic approaches.

A technique known as whole-genome sequencing was used to spot the new species, stenotrophomonas riyadhensis.

According to the center, the findings will contribute significantly to global antibiotic resistance efforts, while throwing a spotlight on the center’s growing reputation for scientific research and patient care.

In a statement, the center said WGS underscored the “potential of genomic tests in diagnosing and treating bacterial infections, particularly in critical environments like intensive care units and among immunocompromised patients.”

It added that the discovery represented “substantial progress” in the fight to combat antibiotic resistance, the development of pharmaceuticals, and the prevention of disease spread.

The new species, discovered during a 2019 investigation into an outbreak at the center’s intensive care unit, was initially presumed to be a variant of pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for its antibiotic resistance.

However, further WGS analysis revealed that riyadhensis deviated from the pseudomonas genus, belonging instead to the stenotrophomonas family. It exhibited distinct genetic and morphological traits, setting it apart from any other scientifically recognized members.

Head of the center’s infectious disease and immunity department, Dr. Ahmad Al-Qahtani, said: “Traditional bacterial identification methods may lead to misidentification; in contrast, WGS analysis offers a precise and targeted approach that ensures accurate identification and provides detailed insights into resistance mechanisms, proving its significance in disease outbreak investigations and patient care improvements.”

Dr. Reem Almaghrabi, head of transplant infectious diseases at the center’s Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, highlighted the importance of the discovery in the use of advanced technologies, such as WGS, to develop faster and more accurate diagnostic methods.

She said the approach had established the groundwork for scientific collaboration at all levels, enhancing global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.

Almaghrabi noted that understanding the nuances of new bacterial species, particularly their antibiotic resistance, was crucial in modern healthcare and was the primary means of combating bacterial infections.

“As these bacteria continuously evolve their resistance, they pose a significant and ongoing threat to human health,” she added.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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A technique known as whole-genome sequencing was used to spot the new species, stenotrophomonas riyadhensis. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

DUBAI, U.A.E / BAHRAIN / LIBYA: Sheikh Mansoor honours Winners of 27th Dubai International Quran Award 2024

Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum named Islamic Personality of the Year.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, has honoured Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the Islamic Personality of The Year award.

The award was coferred at the closing ceremony of the 27th edition of The Dubai International Quran Award in recognition of her efforts and contributions in supporting Islamic, humanitarian, charitable and social causes.

The award was received on behalf of her by Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a the ceremony held at The Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed also honoured members of the award jury alongside 10 awardees.

Mohammed Al Ammri from Bahrain took top honours during the awards ceremony, followed by Naji bin Sliman from Libya, while Sheikh Tijan Ambi from Gambia took third place.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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The grand ceremony of the 27th edition of The Dubai International Quran Award in Dubai.Image Credit: DMO/X

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / BAHRAIN / LIBYA