EGYPT : NCE CEO Khaled Noby selected as impact maker for COP29 communications campaign

Khaled Noby, CEO of Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE), was selected as an impact maker for the COP29 Global Communications Campaign. This nomination recognizes NCE’s pioneering work in safeguarding biodiversity in Egypt.

NCE announced that Noby was selected on 19 November as one of the 50 impact makers in a global communications campaign launched by Nigar Arpadarai, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29.

The Impact Makers campaign seeks to amplify the voices of leaders significantly impacting how to address the climate crisis. Through his leadership, Noby has played a crucial role in shaping Egypt’s dialogue around nature conservation and renewable energy. His nomination is part of a more significant effort to ensure that global climate strategies include biodiversity conservation as a fundamental element of the transition to renewable energy.

NCE is dedicated to integrating biodiversity conservation into the renewable energy sector. It aims to balance the country’s growing energy needs with the urgent necessity of protecting its rich and diverse wildlife and biodiversity.

NCE is witnessing the ambitious expansion in renewable energy production in Egypt, driven by the growing domestic demand and the need to cut climate change emissions from fossil fuels. However, this transition to renewable energy production negatively impacts habitats and wildlife. Renewable energy infrastructure has been reported to cause significant fatalities in various wildlife forms, particularly migratory birds.

While most conservation efforts have focused on mitigating the impacts within wind farms, NCE has been paying attention to another significant threat that needs to be adequately acknowledged: bird collisions with overhead transmission lines (OHTLs).

Moreover, NCE has effectively advocated adding local biodiversity loss to national and international agendas. Nonmigratory wildlife faces equally severe threats from poorly planned renewable energy infrastructure, yet the lack of data on local species often diverts conservation efforts towards migratory wildlife. NCE has led a successful national effort to translocate the threatened native reptile, the Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia), in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and SafeSoar. Thirteen individuals of this endangered lizard species were safely translocated from the AMUNET Wind Farm site before construction, exemplifying effective conservation action.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized as an Impact Maker by the High-Level Champions team. This honour belongs equally to my dedicated colleagues at NCE, whose unwavering commitment to nature conservation in Egypt inspires me every day. This is a celebration of our collective efforts — I’m simply privileged to represent such a sincere and hardworking team,” said Noby.

“This recognition of Khaled Noby is very well deserved and reflects his commitment and dedication to advancing the conservation of nature in Egypt; it also represents the collective effort of the NCE team and their success, under the stewardship of Khaled, in becoming a leader in the conservation field in the Middle East and North Africa. Congratulations to Khaled, NCE, and Egypt for this recognition,” said Sherif Baha El Din, NCE board chairman.

Noby’s inclusion in the campaign places a spotlight on Egypt’s unique position at the intersection of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, highlighting how the country can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

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

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EGYPT

U.A.E : Abu Dhabi Boat Show unveils world’s fastest motor boat made by Emiratis

Sharjah International Marine Sports Club displayed, during the third day of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2024, the fastest motor boat in the world, reaching a speed of 220 km/h.

This boat, which was locally manufactured by Emirati hands at Sharjah Marine, is an embodiment of Emirati innovation and creativity in the field of marine industries, which enhances the country’s leadership in this sector globally.

On its third day, the exhibition witnessed a large turnout of visitors, with a remarkable presence of international brands that presented their creations for the first time in the Middle East.

Among the highlights of the third day’s shows were the luxury yacht Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63, making its regional debut, and the Finnish-designed Grandesa 37, which combines innovation and practicality

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA: GLOBAL RECORD: Amount of desalinated water produced by Saudi Arabia each day equivalent to global oil production

President of the Water Authority tells Local Content Forum 2024 in Riyadh the Kingdom aims to be a pioneer in desalination industry.

The volume of desalinated water produced by Saudi Arabia each day is equivalent to daily global oil production, the president of the Saudi Water Authority said on Thursday.

Speaking on day two of the three-day Local Content Forum 2024 in Riyadh, Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim said the Kingdom desalinates an estimated 15 million cubic meters of water daily. In 2023, global oil production amounted to nearly 15.3 million cubic meters a day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The nation’s water sector has undergone significant shifts in recent years as a result of critical issues such as climate change and growing demand for fresh water, he added, and there are “great opportunities for the Kingdom to become a pioneer” in the desalination industry.

The Water Authority is working tirelessly to support Saudi manufacturers and contractors and help them enter the desalination sector, Al-Abdulkarim said.

“Partnerships in the water sector start from research and innovation, and transforming them into new projects,” he added.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, the President of the Saudi Water Authority, at the Local Content Forum held in Riyadh on Nov. 21, 2024 (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

YEMEN: Sana’a University honors leading scientists Drs. Tariq AlShami, Melhem AlHabouri & Ali AlMuntasir among top global researchers

 Sana’a University celebrated on Wednesday the achievements of three of its scientists, recognizing them for their positions among the top two percent of researchers globally, as listed by Stanford University.

Dr. Tariq al-Shami, an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics, received a certificate of appreciation and a cash award of one million Y.R for being ranked first in the field of most cited researchers throughout his career, maintaining this position for the fourth consecutive year.

Dr. Melhem al-Habouri, a faculty member at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, was honored with a certificate and 750,000 Y.R for securing third place among the most cited researchers in the sub-field of Medical Biochemistry and in the broader category of Clinical Medicine.

Dr. Ali al-Muntasir, from the College of Education and Applied Sciences, also received recognition, earning a certificate and 500,000 Y.R for his third-place ranking among Sana’a University scientists and eleventh among researchers from Yemeni universities in the field of Physics and Astronomy.

During the ceremony, Dr. al-Qassim Abbas, rector of Sana’a University, commended the honorees for their exceptional contributions to scientific research. He announced that this recognition will become an annual tradition aimed at fostering scientific advancement within the university, with aspirations to elevate its standing among the world’s leading research institutions.

Dr. al-Qassim emphasized the university’s commitment to investing in scientific research and publishing, which had previously been overlooked. He noted that over the past four years, the university has provided grants to over 700 teaching assistants to enhance their research capabilities.

He also highlighted the importance of legislative measures to encourage publication and innovation among researchers, asserting that a focus on scientific inquiry is essential for national progress, especially in today’s technologically driven landscape.

In response, Dr. Ali al-Muntasir articulated that the honor signifies a pivotal moment in their scientific careers, reflecting years of dedication. He urged for the establishment of specialized research centers in various fields, including renewable energy and artificial intelligence, to further advance Yemen’s scientific endeavors and self-sufficiency.

source/content: saba.ye (headline edited)

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YEMEN

SAUDI ARABIA : Aid Agency KSrelief wins ‘Global Humanitarian Achievement Award 2024’, Washington, U.S.A

The Saudi aid agency KSrelief was honored with the Global Humanitarian Achievement Award by the National Council on US-Arab Relations, in recognition of relief efforts that have made a substantial impact in crisis regions around the world.

Delano Roosevelt, the council’s second president and CEO, presented the award to the supervisor general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, in Washington, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah said the award is an international acknowledgement of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in relief efforts.

He underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to assisting people in need, supporting those affected by crises, and assisting refugees wherever possible.

He also affirmed that Saudi Arabia has consistently been a leader in charitable and humanitarian initiatives and is at the forefront of donor countries on regional and international fronts.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Delano Roosevelt, CEO of National Council on US-Arab Relations, presents the award to the supervisor general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, in Washington. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

ARAB : Extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit opens in Riyadh to discuss Israeli wars in Gaza, Lebanon

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.

source/content: aa.com.tr / ahmedasmar (headline edited)

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ARAB / SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA : Jouf breaks 02 Guinness records for the ‘World’s Largest’ & the ‘World’s most modern, organic olive farms’

Jouf Gov. Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz has praised the country’s leaders and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for supporting the region’s record-breaking developmental and economic initiatives.

Prince Faisal made the comments during a ceremony marking the region’s achievements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Two certificates were presented by Guinness World Records representative Kenzi Al-Dafrawi to Mazen Badawood, CEO of the Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co.

The certificates honored the company for having the world’s largest and most modern organic olive farm, the SPA reported.

The event was attended by Abdulaziz Al-Rujai, director general of the ministry in the Jouf region. 

Prince Faisal said: “We take pride in the national accomplishments that the Kingdom’s Vision 2023 has realized in promoting self-sufficiency and achieving food security.”

Badawood thanked Prince Faisal for his dedication to serving the people of the region. 

He said Jouf’s agricultural, environmental and water purification projects provide a model for others to follow.

The awarding of the two certificates coincided with Organic Food Day, celebrated on Nov. 11, which the Kingdom marked with a series of events across the country. 

Organic Food Day is aimed at encouraging people to make healthy dietary choices and embodies efforts to achieve sustainable food security, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. 

The ministry aims to encourage farmers to adopt organic farming practices, educate consumers, as well as promote resource sustainability and local production.

As a part of the celebrations, Riyadh is hosting the Saudi International Exhibition for Organic Products from Nov. 11 to 13 to support the local community, and position the nation as a leading hub in this growing sector.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Two certificates were presented by Guinness World Records representative Kenzi Al-Dafrawi to Mazen Badawood, CEO of the Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co.

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SAUDI ARABIA

PALESTINIAN & SOMALI -AMERICANS’ : Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar win re-election amid Gaza conflict and US foreign policy debate – November 2024

Democrats Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar have won re-election and continue their position in American politics after being the first two Muslim women to serve in the United States Congress.

Their victories come amid the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians with diplomatic and military support from Tel Aviv’s key ally, the United States.

Tlaib, who is also the only Palestinian-American woman in US Congress, defeated her Republican opponent on Tuesday for a fourth term as a representative for Michigan with support from the large Arab-American community in Dearborn.

The Associated Press called the race with just 18 percent of the votes counted. Tlaib secured 77 percent of the vote with her opponent receiving 19 percent.

In the days leading up to the election, Tlaib declined to endorse Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for US President. She, however, urged Americans to go to the polls and vote.

Omar, a former refugee and Somali American, won for a third term in Minnesota. She faced Republican challenger Dalia al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-American journalist who describes herself as a “secular Muslim” and called Omar, who is a proponent of Palestinian rights, pro-Hamas.

The congresswoman won 76.4 percent of the vote compared to al-Aqidi’s 23.6 percent, according to the Associated Press, which called the race with 87 percent of the vote counted.

Both Tlaib and Omar have repeatedly spoken against Israel’s war on Gaza followed by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, the ensuing humanitarian crisis and the Biden administration’s stance on the conflict. The two have faced a slew of attacks from pro-Israel groups as well as fellow lawmakers for their remarks.

Tlaib has been a leading voice against America’s military aid to Israel and for the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank. She was censured by the House last year over rhetoric she used following the Hamas attack

Meanwhile, Omar is a part of an informal group of lawmakers known as the “Squad,” which is made up of progressive members of Congress including Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, among others.

source/content: english/alarabiya.net (headline edited)

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U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) hold a news conference on August 19, 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (AFP)

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AMERICAN / PALESTINIAN/ SOMALI

QATAR : Historic AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 wins several awards

The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Local Organising Committee (LOC) has received several awards for a historic edition of the continental championship.

Both Qatar Tourism and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recognised the achievements made by Qatar in hosting the tournament earlier this year.

The LOC received two Qatar Tourism Awards for Premier Sports Events of the Year and Accessibility Initiative of the Year.

The awards were presented to the LOC by Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar Chairman Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona, and Regional Director (Middle East) Basma al-Mayman.


At the AFC Annual Awards, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) received the AFC Asian Cup Host Appreciation Award for the tremendous role they played in delivering a memorable tournament.

The Award was presented by Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifah, AFC President, to Jassim Rashid al-Buenain, QFA President.


The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 was hosted by Qatar in the beginning of 2024, having previously organised the competition twice before, in 1988 and 2011. The tournament, which saw Qatar defend its title on home soil, broke records for overall attendance, digital engagement and press coverage.

A total of 86,492 spectators made their way to the iconic Lusail Stadium for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 final.

With that, a record-breaking attendance of 1,509,496 fans was registered for the tournament, surpassing the previous attendance record of 1.04mn set during the 2004 edition hosted by China.

source/content: gulf-times.com (headline edited)

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The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Local Organising Committee received two Qatar Tourism Awards for Premier Sports Events of the Year and Accessibility Initiative of the Year. The awards were presented to the LOC by Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar Chairman Saad bin Ali al-Kharji.

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QATAR

UAE is the first Arab country to win membership in the Board of Directors of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

 The UAE has won membership in the Board of Directors of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for the period 2025-2027, after receiving the unanimous votes of member states during the General Assembly meeting held last week in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in a new achievement added to the country’s record of distinguished international achievements.

Her Excellency Dr. Farah Al Zarouni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Legislation Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, was announced as a member of the Board of Directors.

The UAE’s winning of membership in the Board of Directors of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as the first Arab country to win this membership, with the unanimous votes of all countries, reflects the continuous efforts made by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in the quality infrastructure system, and its various initiatives to develop standard specifications, conformity systems and programs. The UAE plays a vital role in supporting the work of the committee, which includes more than 170 countries under its umbrella, and provides a global and neutral standardization platform for more than 30,000 experts worldwide, in addition to spreading the best Emirati and Gulf practices in the field of standardization, and enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati products and the sustainability of supply chains at the regional and international levels.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, stressed that winning membership in the Board of Directors of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a distinguished achievement for the UAE as the first Arab country to win membership in the Board of Directors by unanimous vote of the participants, noting that all progress achieved by the UAE comes thanks to the vision of the leadership and its keenness to support building expertise, raising efficiency and improving performance in all sectors.

His Excellency explained that obtaining the unanimous vote comes as a result of the strategic partnership and cooperation approach between the UAE and various countries, pointing out that the new achievement confirms the country’s growing position in the quality infrastructure system, and the depth of global confidence in the efficiency and capacity of this system in the country, especially since it comes after the UAE won membership in the Board of Directors of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) last September.

 He said: The quality infrastructure system represents one of the pillars and enablers of industrial growth in the UAE, supporting the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology (300 Billion Project) and the “Make in the Emirates” initiative, stressing that the country’s membership in the “IEC Board of Directors” enhances its role as a major partner in shaping the future of quality infrastructure at the international level and developing specifications, innovations and modern technology, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and renewable energy.

Her Excellency Dr. Farah Al Zarouni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards and Legislation Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, headed the UAE delegation participating in the meetings of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the United Kingdom, which included representatives from the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Space42, Emirates Global Aluminium, and ABB.

Al Zarouni said that the ministry is working within integrated efforts with partners in local government agencies and the private sector to enhance the efficiency of production sectors with specifications and systems that are in line with the best international practices, and facilitate the access of Emirati products to new markets, noting that the UAE has more than 27,000 standard specifications and technical regulations that support the outputs of industrial sectors, innovation, sustainable manufacturing, energy efficiency programs, and others; She stressed that the UAE membership will enhance the efforts of Emirati and international integration to unify and harmonize new developments in the standardization system and reach leading positions that support Emirati competitiveness.

As part of the UAE’s participation in the annual meetings of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the country was keen to enhance its participation in the IEC Young Professionals Program to build national youth capacities and empower them in the field of standardization and conformity programs, as the country participates annually by nominating two young Emiratis in this program.

The programme was attended by Eng. Majid Bin Zobaa from ABB and Eng. Maha Al Shehhi from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. The country’s candidate, Eng. Majid Bin Zobaa, was able to win the seat of Young Professional Leader for 2024 for the Asia and Middle East group.

Winning the seat of the organization’s Young Professional Leader is a distinguished achievement, as it is the country’s fourth consecutive win since 2021, and the fifth since participating in the program. It enhances the effective role played by the UAE at the international level, and reflects the efficiency and capabilities of young citizens to represent the country during participation in the activities of regional and international organizations in a way that serves the country’s interests and achieves its strategic goals.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is one of the largest international organizations leading in setting and developing standards for the electrical, electronics and related technologies sectors. It aims to facilitate international trade in products and services by setting international standards that ensure quality and safety, and conformity assessment programs, and allows manufacturers to produce products of advanced quality and performance. The specifications issued by it are considered one of the most important and reliable international standards in the electrical sector.

IEC specifications are widely used in the production of equipment used in power transmission and distribution devices for home appliances and office equipment, semiconductors, optical fibers, batteries, solar energy, nanotechnology, marine energy, electronics, electromagnetic compatibility, medical technology, safety and environment, and other fields.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)