Arabs & Arabian Records Aggregator. Chronicler. Milestones of the 25 Countries of the Arabic Speaking World (official / co-official). AGCC. MENA. Global. Ist's to Top 10's. Records. Read & Enjoy./ www.arabianrecords.org
As part of the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Sultanate of Oman signed a historic Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to establish the world’s first commercial-scale liquid hydrogen corridor linking Oman to the Netherlands and Germany. The agreement marks a critical point in the global energy transition journey and brings Oman one step closer to becoming the leading hub for green hydrogen production and export.
The corridor will enable the export of RFNBO-compliant liquid hydrogen from Oman’s Port of Duqm to the Port of Amsterdam and key logistics hubs in Germany, including the Port of Duisburg, and onward to other European countries.
At the heart of this corridor is the world’s largest hydrogen liquefaction, storage, and export terminal to be established in the Port of Duqm. Hydrom, as the orchestrator of Oman’s green hydrogen sector, will ensure upstream production is aligned with national plans and that the project integrates seamlessly into Oman’s broader hydrogen infrastructure and policy framework. OQ, Oman’s energy transition enabler, leading the liquefaction infrastructure, will develop the hydrogen plant along with related storage and export facilities, contributing directly to the corridor’s supply capabilities and Oman’s national hydrogen targets. The centralised facility will draw from Duqm’s growing renewable hydrogen developments, leveraging the port’s strategic location as a global maritime hub and Special Economic Zone.
The centralised liquefaction plant will be supported by revolutionary maritime transportation vessels developed by ECOLOG to ship liquid hydrogen with zero boil-off, ensuring greater efficiency and reduced losses. On the European side, the corridor will be anchored by re-gasification import terminals in the Port of Amsterdam from which the hydrogen will distributed to industrial offtakers in the Netherlands and Germany via gas pipeline networks, rail connections, and barge distribution through the Dutch canal network.
“Today’s landmark signing demonstrates how Oman is turning its hydrogen ambitions into concrete projects aligned with global demand and national priorities,” said H.E. Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of Hydrom. “While this corridor will enable the large-scale export of Omani hydrogen to Europe, its true value lies in how it supports our broader vision of an integrated sector that advances our national objectives. From industrial diversification and infrastructure development to job creation and capacity building, we are committed to building a future-ready sector that will position Oman at the center of green hydrogen global supply chain and deliver tangible economic value for the country.”
The New Arab sat down with Yemeni documentary photographer and storyteller Thana Faroq to discuss intentional photography, craft, and nurturing intimate narratives of displacement and resilience.
Thana Faroq is a Yemeni photographer and educator based in the Netherlands. Her photography projects, which have been supported by the Arab Documentary Fund and the Magnum Foundation among others, blend text, physicality, emotional density, and visual storytelling, to explore immigrant lives and the complexities of belonging and trauma.
The New Arab interviewed Thana Faroq on the occasion of her new book, How Shall We Greet the Sun, which follows a group of displaced young women including Faroq herself, as they negotiate their multilayered presence in the Netherlands.
“My work is mainly driven by current events and broader themes, such as intergenerational trauma and memory resilience in relation to migration and refugees”
The New Arab: You’ve completed several series and projects, including your new photo book, How Shall We Greet The Sun. How do your various projects communicate with one another?
Thana Faroq: At the core of all my work, including How Shall We Greet The Sun, lies an exploration of women’s resilience, adaptability, and the quest for belonging. These themes are the threads weaving my projects together, creating a continuous dialogue.
A consistent focus in my projects has been on the aftermath of pivotal events, particularly in migration. I’m drawn to understanding and portraying the lingering effects, the changes, and the adaptations that individuals and communities undergo in their post-disaster homes.
My projects often converse with each other, providing different facets of a broader narrative about migration, displacement, and the aftermath of these transformative events.
It is essential to explore these events not only in terms of their immediate impact but also in the ripples they create over time. How does our survival, resilience, loss, and search for identity and belonging look like? While my earlier works might have explored the immediacy of events, more recent ones, like How Shall We Greet The Sun, dive deeper into the lasting, often nuanced, emotions and memories that remain.
Do you feel that your work has evolved in terms of craft, technique, and vision? I saw that you have incorporated more poetry and written text recently.
Certainly. I spent my formative years in Yemen and from the age of seventeen, my educational journey took me across the globe, in Canada, the US, and the UK, which significantly broadened my perspectives.
It’s also crucial to acknowledge the life-altering events I’ve encountered: the war in Yemen, the subsequent move from my homeland, and the pursuit of asylum in the Netherlands. These profound experiences have shaped my life and continue to influence my understanding of the world.
This, in turn, has expanded my artistic vision. I’ve become more intentional about the themes I choose to explore and the stories I wish to tell.
Over the years, I’ve continually sought to refine my craft, exploring new techniques, tools, and mediums, especially sound and moving images. I love writing and it has become part of my creative journey and output.
I can’t label my written explorations as ‘poetry’ in the traditional sense, but I do have a deep affinity for playing with words, treating them as visual elements in their own right. I don’t view them merely as ‘texts’ but as visual companions to my images.
When paired with my visuals, these words offer an additional narrative layer, adding complexity and depth to the story I’m telling.
How do you approach storytelling in your work? Stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end, but using real-life subjects means that this linear, theoretical approach might prove restrictive.
I agree with you and I don’t personally stick to the classical structure of storytelling. All my stories are rooted in real-life experiences which means I will have to challenge this conventional approach of storytelling.
I ask myself very often: does a linear progression truly capture the essence of this experience, or is a non-linear narrative more authentic? And so my starting point might differ, I might start in the middle of a story with an emotional state that sets the tone for the narrative. My approach focuses on deep research and understanding. I immerse myself in the subject matter.
This helps me understand the nuances, the emotions, and the various perspectives that exist. Though all my projects exist in a final outlet (for example, a book) the creative process is never linear. I have a lot of responsibility to stay true to the essence of my subject’s experiences and sometimes this means breaking away from traditional structures or inventing new ones.
Also, storytelling isn’t just about the narrative; it extends beyond the mere sequence of events or plot points that make up a story. It’s about conveying experiences, emotions, and messages. For me, it’s about the use of texts, imagery, and symbolism to evoke feelings and provoke thought.
Though photography is my main medium, I include sensory elements, such as sounds and texts which can elevate the story and make it more immersive, especially in installation settings. This multilayer experience is powerful. I’m deeply intentional in my approach.
Before capturing or selecting an image, I reflect on its purpose: ‘What story am I conveying? How does this differentiate from the masses? What emotions or messages am I trying to evoke? This reflection ensures that my work carries depth and isn’t merely a fleeting visual in an endless scroll.
Are you looking for that person’s specific story in your photos or rather how they symbolise something bigger, larger than their own selves?
My work is mainly driven by current events and broader themes, such as intergenerationl trauma and memory resilience in relation to migration and refugees.
Every individual is a microcosm of the larger society they inhabit, and their stories, while personal, often resonate with universal themes. I work to make my images evoke shared experiences or emotions for a wider audience and, to a certain extent, the individual here becomes a symbol of something larger while ensuring that the individual’s story doesn’t get lost in symbolism.
Narratives that illustrate their character, resilience, culture, family ties, and personal history can help dismantle stereotypes and build a deeper understanding. This also means providing contextual cues within the composition. I write a lot during the process and these texts allow the viewers to draw connections between the personal and the universal.
“Photography, as I see it, is a shared endeavour from the research phase to execution. I prefer to refer to those I photograph as ‘collaborators’ involved every step of the way, valuing their insights and feedback. This often paves the way for deeper intimacy”
How do you nurture trust and intimacy with your subjects? Is there a story you chose not to tell?
My personal background plays a crucial role. As a woman refugee myself who has experienced the impacts of war and trauma first-hand, I share a common ground.
When I interact with my subjects, I approach them not just as a photographer, but as someone who has walked a mile in similar shoes. I don’t shy away from sharing my personal journey when appropriate, as I find that this openness can lead to mutual trust and safety.
Photography, as I see it, is a shared endeavour from the research phase to execution. I prefer to refer to those I photograph as ‘collaborators’ involved every step of the way, valuing their insights and feedback.
This often paves the way for deeper intimacy. Open communication and transparency are also pivotal. I make it a priority to be clear about how the photographs will be utilised, whether as an exhibition, a book, or any other medium, which helps bolster trust and comfort.
I approach each shoot with sensitivity, recognising and respecting the emotions and vulnerabilities of my collaborators. This journey of empathy, trust, and intimacy is complex and requires time, honesty, and sincerity.
There have been instances where I’ve chosen not to share certain stories out of respect for the privacy of those photographed.
For instance, in my recent book How Shall We Greet the Sun, there are many emotional transitions that migrant women undergo as they settle in a new place. Discussing these transitions isn’t always easy. I only choose to reveal such narratives when my collaborators are ready and confident to share them with the world.
For the young generation of aspiring artists in Yemen and elsewhere, could you share what helped launch your career and any advice you may have for others who can’t rely on institutional support and backing?
In my journey as an artist and photographer, I’ve come to understand a few key truths that I believe have been instrumental in shaping my career, especially in places like Yemen where institutional support might be sparse.
While talent is a gift, discipline and hard work are choices. Talent might get you started, but discipline will carry you through. It’s crucial to stay true to your artistic vision.
Instead of creating what you think others might want to see, focus on what you passionately believe needs to exist in the world. Also, the art world and photography, like any other field, constantly evolve.
Stay open-minded and eager to learn from others, peers, mentors, friends, and family… every interaction can offer a fresh perspective that can enrich your work.
Farah Abdessamad is a New York City-based essayist/critic, from France and Tunisia / Follow her on Twitter:@farashstlouis
Director of the Adult Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) Dr. Mahmoud Aljurf, M.D., MACP, has been awarded the Steven E. Weinberger Award for Physician Executives/Leaders by the American College of Physicians (ACP), the largest medical specialty organization in the US.
According to a recent KFSHRC press release, Dr. Aljurf is the first recipient from outside the United States, underscoring his global impact on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and oncology. He was honored at the ACP Convocation Ceremony held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, during ACP’s Internal Medicine Meeting 2025.
At KFSHRC, Dr. Aljurf has played a key role in developing one of the world’s largest and most recognized hematopoietic stem cell transplantation programs, significantly improving treatment options for patients with hematologic malignancies. His leadership has helped expand access to novel transplant therapies and elevate global standards in hematology and oncology.
In addition to his clinical contributions, Dr. Aljurf is widely recognized for his research and editorial leadership. He served as the editor-in-chief of the Annals of Saudi Medicine.
He was the founding editor-in-chief of the Elsevier Journal of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy.
Currently, He serves as an editorial board member of several high-impact field-related scientific journals, including his role on the international advisory board of The Lancet Hematology. He has published nearly 500 scientific contributions in high-impact journals. He has also served as the editor of five books, primarily focused on building units and programs for cancer care and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
His contribution to bone marrow, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and cellular therapy was recognized by his election as the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) president in 2023. He is the founding member and scientific director of the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EMBMT) Group, affiliated with the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO/EMRO).
The release also highlighted that Dr. Aljurf was the recipient of several international awards, including the Florence A. Carter Leukemia Research Award of the American Medical Association (AMA) Education and Research Foundation, the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) Annual Distinguished Service Award, the King Hussein Cancer Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Research Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA).
The award-winning image captures nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, who lost both arms in an Israeli attack on Gaza, and is now learning to adapt to life in Qatar.
A photograph of nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, a Palestinian child injured in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City in March 2024, has been named World Press Photo of the Year by the World Press Photo Foundation. The image, taken by Palestinian photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times, offers a harrowing glimpse into the long-term impact of genocide on Palestinian children.
The photograph shows Mahmoud in a clinical setting in Doha, Qatar, where he was evacuated for medical care after losing one arm and suffering severe injuries to the other during an Israeli airstrike. The explosion struck after Mahmoud reportedly turned back to urge others to flee. Since undergoing treatment, he has begun to learn how to use his feet for basic tasks such as writing, playing games on his phone, and opening doors. He still requires support for daily activities such as eating and dressing. His aspiration, the photo caption notes, is simple: to receive prosthetic arms and live as any other child would.
The World Press Photo jury praised the image for its emotional weight and clarity, describing it as “a portrait that speaks to the long-term cost of war, the silences that perpetuate violence, and the role of journalism in exposing these realities.” The jury highlighted how the photo doesn’t flinch from documenting the physical toll of conflict while also humanising the statistics that often dominate war reporting.
The broader context of the photograph adds to its urgency. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), by the end of 2024, Gaza had more child amputees per capita than any other place in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that by March 2025, over 7,000 injured Palestinians had been evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment, while more than 11,000 critically wounded individuals remained in the Strip, awaiting transfer. Qatar, which has developed its healthcare system in recent years, played a central role in facilitating these evacuations, alongside Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey.
The winning photo forms part of the annual World Press Photo Contest, which celebrates outstanding photojournalism and documentary photography from around the globe. Two other Arab photojournalists were recognised during the World Press Photo Contest: Palestinian photojournalist Ali Jadallah was recognized for his stark documentation of the aftermath of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, while Sudanese photographer, Mosab Abushama offers a jarring juxtaposition of violence and celebration with his photo of a groom at his wedding with a rifle in the background.
If you were going to have a creature named after you then a scorpion may not be your first choice, but Ahmed Ibrahim Awale believes the Pandinurus awalei will serve as an inspiration to budding Somali scientists.
The 66-year-old scientist from Somaliland has been honoured by the three researchers who discovered the new scorpion species in the region in recognition of his decades of work in conservation and environmental protection.
“Most of the species identified in Somalia and Somaliland are named after a place, a characteristic that a plant or animal may have or somebody from Europe or America,” he told the BBC in his lively voice on the line from his office in Hargeisa.
“But for many young people here, it will encourage them to know that this species is named after Awale – after all Awale is a Somali.” His pride in having this honour clearly shines through.
‘Large but not that lethal’
Since the 19th Century, researchers, mostly from Europe, have been exploring the rich ecology of the Somali region, but Mr Awale wants to add to the growing number of Somalis taking up zoology and botany.
The 15cm large-clawed scorpion that now carries his name was found in an arid landscape near Agabara village about 50km (30 miles) north of Hargeisa, the capital of the self-declared republic of Somaliland.
It is not as venomous as some of its smaller cousins as there is often an inverse relationship between the size of a scorpion’s claws and the power of its sting, Mr Awale explains.
But Pandinurus awalei is just one of 50 scorpion species that live in Somaliland, some of which are only found in the Somali region.
This fact gives a hint at its rich biodiversity. As well as a host of animal species, there are at least 3,000 species of plants that have been identified and more than 700 of them are endemic to the region – and that number is growing.
“Every year new discoveries are coming,” says Mr Awale, who himself found a new species of aloe in 2014.
“This articulates the message that all that is coming from Somaliland and the region is not that bleak. We always hear negative news and this marks a shift in the narrative that is different from the mainstream perception of piracy, extremism, famine and instability.”
True to his name – Awale means “the lucky one” in Somali – he made his own discovery by chance.
He was driving off-road “in the middle of nowhere” on one of his many field trips when he spotted huge clumps of more than 1,000 aloe plants.
“It was something I had never seen in my life,” he says and he went to investigate.
The plant was also a different colour to other aloes and though the local people knew it as dacar-cas (red aloe), they did not know how unusual it was.
After taking a sample and going through a lengthy research and verification process – which included searching the archive at London’s Royal Botanic Gardens and the East African Herbarium in Nairobi – it was proved last year that this was a new species. Mr Awale and his team of researchers named it Aloe sanguinalis (red aloe).
The discovery was the culmination of a lifetime’s passion that he partly puts down to where he grew up.
Born in 1954 in Adadlay, a village 95km east of Hargeisa, he lived near the Gaan Libah mountain, “which is one of the most beautiful places in Somaliland in terms of biodiversity”.
He came from a family of pastoralists, but his father, who ran a small shop in the village, paid for his education and in the end he studied agriculture and environmental science at the Somali National University in Mogadishu.
‘Extinction threat’
Mr Awale’s upbeat message about the biodiversity of Somaliland is tempered by a concern for its future.
Like everywhere else, species are under threat and some are dying out.
A combination of changes of land use for urban development, the clearing of forests for charcoal, the proliferation of invasive species and climate change are “pushing a number of species into extinction”.
For Mr Awale, this is not about prioritising the needs of the natural world over human need.
“Biodiversity is the web of life,” he says.
“We draw on that natural resource for our sustenance, for our medicine, our shelter. The richer the biodiversity, the richer our quality of life will be too.
“A declining biodiversity means that we are becoming poorer and that makes our survival problematic.
To push this message in Somaliland, in 1995 he helped set up Candlelight, an organisation aimed at creating a society that is aware of environmental concerns.
He has also written books and articles, and appears on the radio and TV to increase awareness about the issue.
Mr Awale says he has noticed some changes in government policy, but most importantly he has a growing number of young people engaged in the work.
Despite being recognised by having a scorpion named after him, the environmentalist knows that this is not his struggle alone.
“The Somalis have a proverb: ‘A single finger cannot wash a face.’
“In other words: It’s no use myself being prominent and well known, if I don’t have people supporting me.”
As for the lesson that the discovery of Pandinurus awalei teaches, he is convinced “that there are more species to be discovered… if the time and space allows there will be a lot of discoveries”
It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.
The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is hosting the Arabic Language Month program in Spain throughout April, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, promoting the language, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.
The progeam is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions, the SPA reported.
It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.
As part of the academy’s global Arabic teaching program, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its international reach and fostering global partnerships.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The program is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions. (SPA)
His team’s research benefits industries such as automotive, power grids, satellites, military, and healthcare.
Khalil Amine, a Moroccan materials scientist, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering of the United States for his contributions to battery and energy storage technologies.
The recognition comes for his leadership in the field of materials science, specifically in the development of batteries and energy storage devices.
Amine, who also serves as a professor at the University of Chicago, is among 128 members and 22 international members inducted into the NAE class of 2025.
“I am very delighted to be selected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering,” said Amine. “This is a recognition not only for me, but also for all my co-workers and collaborators around the world, as well as Argonne, which has provided an unmatched, state-of-the-art capability to do excellent work.”
Amine leads the Advanced Battery Technology team at Argonne, where his research focuses on the development of advanced chemistries, materials, and battery systems. His team’s work spans several industries, including automotive, power grids, satellites, military, and medical applications.
A key focus of Amine’s research is the creation of new cathodes, anodes, solid-state electrolytes, and additives for lithium-ion batteries, as well as exploring “beyond-lithium” batteries that use alternative chemistries for energy storage.
Amine’s significant contributions to the field of battery technology have made him a leading figure in materials science. He holds more than 200 patents or patent applications in the field, and he was for 23 years the most cited scientist in battery technology globally.
His accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Global Energy Prize in 2019. Amine is also a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the National Academy of Inventors, the European Academy of Sciences, and the Electrochemical Society, among others.
Born in Morocco, Amine earned degrees in chemistry and materials science from the University of Bordeaux. After his academic training, he joined Argonne in 1998, bringing with him experience gained from research positions in Belgium and Japan.
His innovative work has played a pivotal role in advancing energy storage technologies that have far-reaching applications in today’s technological landscape.
The National Academy of Engineering, founded in 1964, provides independent analysis and advice on engineering matters, offering leadership and insight into complex global challenges. Amine, along with other members of the NAE class of 2025, will be formally inducted at the Academy’s annual meeting in October.
Honoring the Rich Heritage, Celebrating the Next Generation
This event is a tribute to our culture, featuring music, dance, comedy, and inspiration, uniting us in pride and resilience”
— Warren David, President, Arab AmericaWASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ —
On Wednesday, April 9th, the Arab America Foundation will present its ninth annual National Arab American Heritage Month Commemoration at Amazon HQ Theater, “Honoring the past, inspiring the future.”
Each year, we honor the invaluable contributions of Arab Americans and commemorate National Arab American Heritage Month with community leaders, cultural performances, and authentic Arab cuisine.
This year, we honor the legendary Umm Kalthoum, marking 50 years since her passing in 1975. Known as the Nightingale of the Arab World, her iconic voice inspires generations.
Performers include: –Mohanad Elsheiky, a Libyan stand-up comedian based in Queens who is a digital producer on the TBS late-night comedy series Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, has appeared on Conan and Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
-Marwa Morgan, Arab American and Egyptian classic vocalist, will perform a special tribute to the legendary nightingale of the Arab World, Umm Kulthum with the New York Umm Kulthum Ensemble.
–Anas “Andy” Shallal, Iraqi-American artist, activist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Busboys and Poets.
–Shirin Rajaee, Emmy-nominated news anchor and MC of the event.
–DJ Basbousa, a DC-based Arab DJ pop culture designer.
–Faris El-Layl Folkloric Dance Troupe will perform traditional Arab dances.
“During this year’s National Arab American Heritage Month, we honor our rich heritage while celebrating the next generation. This event is a tribute to our culture, featuring music, dance, comedy, and inspiration, uniting us in pride and resilience,” said Warren David, president of Arab America.
About National Arab American Heritage Month 2025 Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, but only a handful of states recognized it. Each year, our grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts.
If you want to help us mobilize the community for NAAHM, request proclamations, or plan events, please contact Dr. Amal David or call 877-272-2944.
Proclamations Arab America Foundation state teams are acquiring proclamations from governors, state legislators, mayors, and county executives nationwide. New proclamations for 2025 will be announced in the coming months.
Sponsorship of National Arab American Heritage Month 2025 (including Diversity Training Workshops) The Arab America Foundation welcomes corporate participation as a sponsor to celebrate Arab American heritage and enhance the understanding of Arab identity and culture in America through the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative. Sponsorships include the Arab America Foundation’s diversity training workshop designed to help corporations educate their workforce about the Arab American community. Through this workshop, participants can gain insights into the community’s history, immigration, culture, traditions, and other significant issues.
Or call the Arab America Foundation at 877-272-2944 or email info@arabamerica.com
Educator’s Curriculum Kit Arab America Foundation offers The Educator’s Curriculum Kit, which highlights the history of Arab migration to America, geographic understanding of the Arab world, Arab American diversity in faith and language, interesting customs and traditions, issues affecting our community, and our many achievements in business, politics, education, and more. The Kit is available for school educators. For more information, please get in touch with Dr. Amal David.
Resources Arab America Foundation is committed to gathering and promoting the community’s events and stories through https://www.arabamerica.com/resources/ and social media platforms during April. Every week, Arab America will feature cultural events throughout the US on our events page and share compelling success stories of Arab Americans on our blog page. Additionally, Arab America has compiled a resource guide listing resources and content regarding the Arab and Arab American identity and culture.
About the Arab America Foundation The Arab America Foundation (www.arabamericafoundation.org) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization that promotes the Arab heritage in the U.S., educates Americans about the Arab heritage and identity, and connects and empowers Arab Americans
For National Arab American Heritage Month, SWE recognizes some of the Arab women engineers making their mark in the industry.
National Arab American Heritage Month was first recognized at the federal level in the U.S. in April 2021, though celebrations recognizing the Arab community and their contributions in the United States were observed in previous years.
Here at the Society of Women Engineers, we are excited to celebrate some of the amazing Arab women engineers from around the world who are paving the way for others to pursue a future in STEM and thrive in their careers.
Diana Alsindy
Diana Alsindy is a propulsion engineering manager at Blue Origin where she leads a team of engineers building the next rocket to the moon. She is also the founder of The Arabian Stargazer, a bilingual educational platform that promotes science and space in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Diana is an Iraqi refugee who fled the Iraq war in 2004 with her family and now calls Los Angeles home. She frequently hosts lectures and seminars with schools that do not have access to engineering resources and aspires to continue paving the way to space and advocate for others to look up. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with a focus in mechanical and aerospace engineering from University of California San Diego. Hear her speak as a panel member on From the Classroom to the Cosmos: How Educators Can Help Girls Succeed in Space available in the Advance Learning Center.
Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb
Alshaima Abduallah Alshayeb is the founder and chairperson of the Saudi Women Engineers Society (SWES) and the first Saudi engineer specializing in structural engineering. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Technology Sydney and is the first engineer to hold a Certified Mostadam Accredited Professional license, a groundbreaking sustainable framework she led development on, which focuses on green building practices aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. She is an advisor with the Saudi Association of Sustainability Professionals and founder of the Urban Heritage Association, presenting at World ESG Summit and Global Project Management Forum and promoting diversity and women in engineering. Under her leadership, SWES has forged partnerships with organizations such as Bechtel and Saudi Arabia Parsons Corporation to promote opportunities for Saudi women in engineering fields.
Dr. Habiba Alsafar
Dr. Habiba Alsafar is dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and professor of genomics at Khalifa University, one of the United Arab Emirates top universities for STEM education. She earned a BS in biochemistry at San Diego State University, an MS in biomedical engineering from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, and Ph.D. in medical and forensics science from the University of Western Australia. She is credited with establishing the Emirates Family Registry — the first study of its kind in the Middle East — which was instrumental in discovering diabetes risk factors unique to the area’s Bedouin population. She is the recipient of the UAE’s First Honor Model award and the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Fellowship for Women in Science, as well as the International L’Oréal-UNESCO Rising Talents award in recognition of her trailblazing work in genetics.
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur
Dr. Chiraz Ennaceur is the CEO and co-founder of Cambridge-headquartered CorrosionRADAR Ltd, a technology startup in the predictive corrosion monitoring and assets management space. The organization has received recognition for its groundbreaking Predictive Corrosion Under Insulation Monitoring System, and Dr. Ennaceur received the 2024 Women in Excellence Achievement Award from the International Maintenance, Reliability, and Asset Management conference (MAINTCON) in recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership in her field. Born in Tunisia, Dr. Ennaceur completed her schooling there, earning a civil engineering degree at Ecole National d’Ingénieurs de Gabès (National Engineering School of Gabes), where she was only one of two girls in a class of 20 students, and then a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Technology of Compiègne in France.
Marwa Al Mamari
The first aerospace engineer in the history of the United Arab Emirates, Marwa Al Mamari is pursuing a Ph.D. studying artificial intelligence in aviation at Coventry University, where she also earned a Master of Science in aviation safety and a Bachelor of Applied Science in aerospace engineering. She has previously worked with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, specializing in accident prevention and safety recommendations. This mother of two is also an adjunct lecturer in engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi. In 2024, she was honored as an Emirati Woman Achiever, an award recognizing visionary Emirati women leading entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE. She has spoken at TEDx and other events globally on changing the narratives, the power of STEM, and women’s empowerment in shaping the future.
Dr. Raida Al-Alawi
As the president of the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Dr. Raida Al-Alawi is the first woman to lead the organization in its 50+ year history and the first Bahraini woman to earn a Ph.D. in engineering. Her professional experience includes serving as dean of Student Affairs at Manama’s Ahlia University, and as associate professor in the department of electrical and electronics engineering at the University of Bahrain, where she also chaired the department of computer engineering. Dr. Al-Alawi is a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World, and senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Association of Engineers. She holds a Ph.D. in Computational Intelligence from Brunel University London, an MSc in Computer Engineering from King’s College London, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Kuwait University.
Numbeo, the world’s largest cost of living database, has released its Quality of Life Index by City 2025. With a score of 178.7, Doha ranks 3rd overall in Asia and 77th globally.
The Quality of Life Index by City is calculated based on purchasing power index, safety index, healthcare index, cost of living index, property price to income ratio, traffic commute time index, pollution index, and climate index.
Top 10 in Quality of Life Index by City 2025: Asia
