Category: RECORDS, (WORLD / GLOBAL)

SOMALI AMERICAN: ‘I wanted to be underestimated’: How Muna Abdulahi played her way through Netflix’s reality show, ‘The Mole’

Minneapolis poet Muna Abdulahi talks strategy, community and leveraging cultural stereotypes in Netflix’s season two of “The Mole,” where she competed for a $154,000 prize.

Who is the mole? 

For Somali American poet Muna Abdulahi, that question loomed large during her first day on season two of Netflix’s reality game show, “The Mole,” which was filmed in the napier grass fields of western Malaysia. Abdulahi had to figure out who to trust among the other 11 players while aware that one of them might be secretly sabotaging the game, and while navigating cultural differences and working to stay under the radar herself during the six-week filming.

The premise of “The Mole” is simple: contestants work together to build a pot of prize money that only one player will win in the end. Among them is “the mole,” a player tasked with working against the group. After each mental or physical challenge, players take a quiz to identify the mole and the contestant with the lowest score is eliminated. If the mole remains undetected until the end, they win, but if the last player uncovers their identity, that player takes the prize. 

In a game where everyone is out to deceive each other, moments of genuine connection feel like dangerous territory. Off-camera, players share meals, tell stories and laugh together — but beneath the camaraderie, the question remains: Who can you trust when everyone might be lying? 

Abdulahi, who grew up in Willmar, Minnesota, and now lives in Minneapolis, approached the game with a calculated strategy: lean into being underestimated.

“When people first meet me, they see the hijab,” Abdulahi said in a confessional in the first episode. “They see a Muslim woman, somebody who follows other people’s orders, and I’m going to use that to every single advantage.”

Did Abdulahi’s strategy pay off? Watch “The Mole” on Netflix to see how far she goes.

 In an interview with Sahan Journal, Abdulahi reflected on her life as a poet and shared her experience filming the show in July 2023. She discussed what it was like being a Muslim woman in a high-stakes competition balancing trust and suspicion.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Can you share a bit about your journey as a poet in the Twin Cities? What inspired you to start writing? 

I started writing poetry when I was 14. Somalia is known as the nation of poets, so I have family members who are poets, like my grandmother. Being born and raised in the U.S., language was still a barrier because I understood Somali when it was spoken to me but speaking it was a whole other conversation. So, when I was young, there was a part of me that really wanted to find something that connected me to my culture and poetry was it. 

The issue was, I went to predominantly white schools my whole entire life, so a lot of the authors I would read would be old white men. I’m like, “Okay, I have absolutely no ties to these people,” but then I started getting into spoken word poetry and that scene is predominantly BIPOC stories and narratives that I never got to hear growing up. It inspired me to write, and I just never stopped.

How do your experiences as a Muslim woman influence the subjects you write about?

That’s a really good question. I mean, I think everything ties back to our inner child. For me, I never really got to hear BIPOC stories. I still remember the first BIPOC story I read. It was “The Kite Runner.” 

I think when you are not represented in stories, it makes you feel unimportant and as if your experiences are not worthy of being shared. It’s also the media in general. So, my mission when I started writing was to not only give space to our stories, but to give space to the stories that were devalued or silenced or not seen as worthy. 

It feels like there’s two sides of the coin — either our stories are not being shared or, when it is, it’s these perfect stories where Black and brown girls become tokenized and don’t feel worthy unless they’re exceptional. I want to give space to the in-between.

What drew you to “The Mole”? How did you get involved with the show?

I’m a big, big fan of reality TV, specifically reality competition shows like “Big Brother” and “Survivor,” so I’ve always wanted to be a part of it, but I never saw any Muslim people. I remember writing down in my notebook the shows that I want to be a part of, and I had to check off every single one because the structure of the game itself would not meet the necessities and the needs of being a Muslim woman.

In “Survivor,” you’re stranded on this random island and — let’s say you just did a swimming challenge — you’re going to be wet all day, all night. Maybe you have an extra hijab but how would you be able to preserve your values and at the same time play this game? 

It’s the same thing with “Big Brother,” where you’re being filmed 24/7, even when you shower. Even though I love the game, I can’t really do it. What I loved about “The Mole” is that the structure of the game itself is accessible to Muslim women. 

What was it like communicating with producers about what you needed?

So the first thing is prayers. We pray five times a day. The way that these games work is completely fast-paced, so I basically had to tell them, “Hey, I need 10 minutes.” We met in the middle where I was able to move to the side and do my prayers, but that also meant that I was praying in a lot of different places. 

We also didn’t have our phones, but I usually use it to pray at specific times and toward a specific direction to Mecca. I also needed water to make wudu (a cleansing ritual), so there was somebody who literally carried my prayer mat, bottled water and checked the times for me. That was really helpful. It also helped that we were in a Muslim country. There were a lot of prayer rooms already within the city. 

How did you mentally and physically prepare for the show? 

I rewatched a lot of the seasons, and not just the U.S. seasons. I’m also a big fan of the international seasons, so I was watching Netherlands, Belgium and Australia. I wanted to make sure that my game plan was set, but at the same time give myself room to adapt, because that’s the name of the game. 

We don’t really know what we’re getting into. I also prepared by memorizing things, because the objective of the game is, “Who is the mole,” right? We have to remember as much as possible about them: What are they wearing? What color are their shoes? Which car did they get in? 

Those little details would be on the quiz. 

What was your strategy going into the game? 

Originally, my strategy was to play into this stereotype that people have for Muslim women — very timid, shy, quiet, observational, not taking up too much space — so they underestimate me. It worked for that first episode but after that, I had to switch up my game. 

I can’t hide. It’s so much more difficult to hide who you are when you’re with these people all day, but it still worked to my advantage because people still underestimated me. Well, until mid-game when you see them start to question if I was the mole. 

In the first episode, you talked about how people often perceive Muslim women as obedient or timid. As you entered the game and interacted with contestants, did you feel that they had a specific perception of you?

Off the bat, yeah. It was exactly what I thought. I don’t think a lot of people on the show had close Muslim women friends, so I think a lot of the time, people perceive groups of people based on what they see on TV. 

I remember Q [Quaylyn Carter] was like, “Oh my gosh, I thought you were going to be so quiet,” so, I really could have played into that. But Andy (Mintzer) had a lot of knowledge about Muslim culture. Muslim women and men are not supposed to touch the opposite gender’s hand, so I knew that first meeting was going to be so awkward because a lot of people don’t know that, but Andy knew right away.

How did you manage building friendships with contestants while, in the back of your mind, knowing that one of them is sabotaging the game?

To be honest, I came in there like, “I’m not here for friends; I’m here to win,” but a lot of these people are just so likable and so lovely. The mole lies throughout the whole thing, but off-camera, the stress and tension is gone. We’re eating together or driving to the next location and sharing stories about who we are. 

The core of me is centered around community, and even though I wanted to shut it off, those in-between moments really got to me. Some of these friendships are so real. Hannah (Burns), for example, was somebody who I saw as competition or as an enemy, but outside of the game, we were friends, so it was this weird, funny tension where it’s like, “I adore you, but in the game, I’m lying to you up and down.”

I had such a beautiful friendship with Jenn (Jennifer Dasilva-Hassiman), too, and it sucked so bad because she left first. She has such a beautiful spirit. In the beginning, it was difficult coming into this as a minority. 

I know who I am, but I’m also shifting myself a little bit for this game, and as someone who grew up in predominantly white spaces, code switching becomes this mechanism. It was lovely to see Jenn be exactly who she is — this bold, beautiful personality and unapologetically herself. 

One of the key moments from the season was episode five, when you guys had an auction and contestant Neesh Riaz bid the entire pot of $59,500 for an exemption from the quiz.

What was it like watching all of that money you guys worked for drain from the pot?

It was so tense, and it’s funny watching it back from an outside perspective, because it’s been so long. I’m just laughing at my reaction, because it was so serious. What’s so unique about this game is that they take your phone away so you’re truly, one-hundred percent engulfed in this experience. Like, this is your life, and we’re at the halfway point. 

When he took all that money, it just hit me that somebody’s full year of work was gone just like that. 

Honestly, everybody was so mad. There’s so many moments that were not shown. We were outside and we were just like, “What are we doing here?” Even the host had to remind us that there’s still a lot of money coming in, but I think at this point, people were just so tired of losing money and you’re realizing not only are we competing against the mole, we’re competing against other players. So you’re like, “Okay, what are my actual odds here? If I was to win, am I going to be winning a dollar? Is that right?”

How did it feel to get as far as you did? 

It felt so good. A big part of that whole experience ties to the very beginning of our conversation where I didn’t want to come on the show to prove that I’m smart or exceptional. I just wanted to be myself and show all of the complexities that make up a human. 

I’m smart, but I’m also a big personality. I’m a little funny and a little quirky. I don’t have to compromise anything and I can still get to the end. Even though I didn’t win, I still proved that it had nothing to do with who I was or my capabilities and, for that, I feel like my purpose was met. Money would have been amazing but the experience was more fulfilling than I could have imagined.

What was the reaction from your friends and family after the show aired? 

It was really beautiful. My family is my biggest support system and my sisters, especially. It was like a sports game, the way they were cheering for me. 

What about the response from viewers?

Watching the show back was such a healing experience, and then to see the outpour of love in my DMs — that was something I wasn’t prepared for. And to see all these Muslim women come into my messages — it meant so much to me, and I didn’t know how much I needed it. 

It just reaffirmed exactly what I was meant to do. Coming into this next era, I want to continue paving the path so others could walk with me and hopefully, it’ll be easier for the next one, and the next one, and the next one. 

source/content: sahanjournal.com / myahgoff (headline edited)

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Poet Muna Abdulahi (center) gives a spoken word tribute during the January 9, 2024, inauguration of St. Paul’s historic all-female City Council. The new council sits behind her. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal

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AMERICAN / SOMALIA

EGYPT Becomes Europe’s Second-Largest Fresh Produce Exporter

Egypt’s fresh produce exports to Europe reach 917,000 tonnes, growing 7% in the last season, second only to the Netherlands.

Egypt has ranked as Europe’s second-largest exporter of fresh vegetables and fruits for the latest export season from September 2023 to August 2024, shipping 917,000 tonnes with a 7% year-on-year growth, according to EU data.

Citrus led the way, with 500,000 tonnes exported, an 8% increase from the previous season. Sweet potatoes followed with 117,000 tonnes, onions at 94,600 tonnes and grapes at 58,000 tonnes.

Potatoes saw a strong performance, exceeding 400,000 tonnes last season, capitalising on production issues in key European nations.

Meanwhile, Egyptian onion exports dropped to 92,000 tonnes in 2024, down from 135,000 tonnes in 2023, due to a six-month export ban from October 2023 to April 2024.

Other notable exports include carrots, lemons, garlic, beans, mangoes, peppers, strawberries and watermelons.

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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EGYPT

EGYPT : The Grand Egyptian Museum Tops The Telegraph’s ‘Travel’s 50 Biggest Winners and Losers in 2024’ List

The British magazine The Telegraph published its annual list titled “Travel’s 50 Biggest Winners and Losers in 2024.” Topping the list of winners was the Grand Egyptian Museum.

The British magazine wrote that the Grand Egyptian Museum has finally opened on a trial basis for visitors. It spans an area of 490,000 square meters and, once fully operational, will house over 100,000 artifacts, with the most notable being the complete collection of items discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb.

The list also included other places, such as the UAE and Notre Dame Cathedral following its reopening. 

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) project continues to achieve international milestones, winning the 2024 Project of the Year Award for users of FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers).

The award was presented during the 6th Annual FIDIC Contract Users Awards ceremony held in London.

GEM is the first Egyptian project that win this prestigious award.

Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, highlighted President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s unwavering support for the Grand Egyptian Museum, recognizing its importance as one of the most significant cultural and heritage projects in Egypt and globally.

President Sisi has consistently followed every stage of its implementation, ensuring the removal of obstacles to deliver a museum that reflects the grandeur and legacy of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The minister emphasized that this remarkable achievement would not have been possible without the President’s ongoing support and interest.

The President’s chairmanship of the museum’s Board of Trustees further demonstrates his commitment to developing the museum as a global hub for heritage and culture.

The Minister also praised this award, which is the second international recognition for GEM this month.

Last week, the museum won the Prix Versailles, ranking among the seven most beautiful museums in the world for 2024.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the completion of this monumental project over the years, and to the extensive efforts of all state agencies and entities that helped elevate the museum to its prestigious global status. 

source/content: egypttoday.com (headline edited)

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The Grand Egyptian Museum.

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EGYPT

MOROCCO : January 11th, 1944. Independence Manifesto at 81: How a Single Document Changed Morocco’s History. Final Independence March 02, 1956

Sometimes history can feel like a dusty textbook. But this piece breaks down Morocco’s 1944 Independence Manifesto into bite-sized moments of midnight meetings, diplomatic chess moves, and revolution-sparking paper.

The battle for freedom began with a piece of paper that shook colonial foundations. January 11, 1944: Morocco’s Independence Manifesto landed on French authorities’ desks, marking what historians now call the turning point in North African colonial resistance.

Looking back 81 years later, this watershed document rewrote history – but the story behind it reveals an even more fascinating tale.

In 1944, Morocco was a nation carved up by colonial powers, with French controlling the center, Spain holding the north and south, and Tangier under international administration.

But beneath this fragmented surface, something revolutionary was brewing in secret midnight meetings at the Royal Palace.

“The time has come to demand independence, but it must be done under calm circumstances,” Sultan Mohammed V reportedly told national movement leaders in one of those clandestine gatherings.

These meetings, held in a special bunker built for protection against German air raids, saw the King and nationalist leaders swearing on the Quran to maintain secrecy and serve the nation.

The road to revolution

The manifesto didn’t appear out of thin air. The groundwork began with the massive uprising against the “discriminatory colonial decree” on May 16, 1930, which unified Moroccan resistance.

Then in 1934, reformists tested the waters with urgent demands for change, followed by more comprehensive reform requests in 1936.

That same year, the National Reform Party emerged in northern Morocco, followed by the National Action Bloc – both eventually banned by French authorities in March 1937.

By April 1937, the National Party formed to advance Moroccan demands, marking an escalation in organized resistance.

Here’s where it gets interesting: The independence ideal had been the secret oath of every nationalist group since the early days of colonial resistance. From traditional Zawiyas (religious brotherhoods) to modern political parties, independence remained the ultimate goal.

As one historical document notes, “Members secretly swore to work toward independence, even while publicly demanding reforms.”

External events accelerated independence demands. In 1941, the Allies published the Atlantic Charter, promising freedom to occupied nations and promoting Roosevelt’s principle of “people’s right to self-determination.”

The Moroccan National Movement seized this opportunity, sending telegrams to Allied nations demanding this principle be applied to Morocco.

Sultan Mohammed V played his diplomatic cards masterfully. After ascending to the throne on November 18, 1927, he consistently advocated for Morocco’s independence, defying colonial attempts to suppress Moroccan identity and sovereignty.

At the January 1943 Anfa Conference, while Allied leaders discussed war strategy, he reminded them of a pointed fact: Morocco had fought alongside them against Nazi Germany, so what about that independence they kept talking about? After all, wasn’t that what the war was supposedly about – freedom from foreign domination?

President Roosevelt’s response? He considered Morocco’s independence aspirations “reasonable and legitimate.”

Inside the manifesto

The document itself was revolutionary in both content and delivery. Its demands came in two parts, according to historical records.

First: “Complete independence under the leadership of His Majesty Sidi Mohammed Ben Youssef.”

Second: A sweeping vision for internal reforms, calling for “a consultative political system similar to those in Eastern Arab and Islamic countries.”

“The idea of independence shaped Morocco’s history since ancient times… In modern history, its aspiration for constitutional life took many forms. Modern parliamentary life had spread in major Western nations and America, then was adopted by some Eastern Islamic kingdoms. By the mid-nineteenth century, the call for democratic systems began taking various shapes,” writes historian Abdellah Hitout.

The nationalists strategically delivered copies not just to French authorities, but also to American and British consulates and Soviet representatives – a diplomatic masterstroke showing their global awareness.

The public response was electric. “By afternoon, the manifesto was being read aloud in public squares, markets, and mosques from Fes to Marrakech, from Tetouan to Tangier, from the Atlas Mountains to the Souss region,” historical accounts reveal.

People exchanged congratulations in Rabat, Salé, and Kenitra, while crowds gathered spontaneously across the country.

Beyond the document

What many don’t know: In the Spanish-controlled north, the National Reform Party took a bold step, forming a united front with the Moroccan Unity Party led by Mohammed al-Makki al-Nasiri.

This coalition, known as the National Front, formed on December 18, 1942. On February 11, 1943, they submitted their own independence manifesto, demanding “complete independence, territorial unity, and final abolition of the protectorate system.”

Three days later, they presented these demands to major power representatives in Tangier – technically making it the first international Moroccan independence demand.

The manifesto transformed Morocco’s resistance from reform-seeking to independence-demanding. “It reflected Moroccans’ awareness and maturity,” contemporary documents state, “proving their ability to determine their destiny and manage their affairs.”

The French response was swift and harsh – by January 28, 1944, French authorities arrested and exiled numerous nationalist leaders. This crackdown culminated in the events of January 29-31, 1944, when widespread protests erupted across Morocco.

The struggle intensified through the following years, leading to Sultan Mohammed V’s exile to Madagascar in 1953, which sparked increased resistance. The Sultan’s triumphant return in 1955 paved the way for negotiations that finally secured Morocco’s independence on March 2, 1956.

Today, 81 years later, that single document’s impact continues echoing through Morocco’s diplomatic achievements, territorial integrity efforts, and national identity. From a divided colony to an emerging regional power, Morocco’s journey began with those words penned in secret meetings, sworn to on the Quran, and delivered on a January morning that changed everything.

As Allal Al Fassi recalled after returning from exile: “Two days after my return from exile, His Majesty received me and spoke about the phase that followed the submission of the independence petition, and the tremendous efforts he had made.”

“He didn’t hide his readiness to sacrifice everything, even the throne, if it served the Moroccan cause. I left that audience completely certain that Morocco would achieve its goal as long as it had a great king like Sidi Mohammed at its helm.”

King Mohammed VI now continues the diplomatic vision his grandfather initiated. The anniversary now lands as Morocco’s racking up diplomatic wins on the Western Sahara front. The country now has 29 consulates in the southern provinces – 17 in Dakhla alone. The latest was Chad’s consulate, which opened on August 14, 2024.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Eighty-one years ago, Morocco submitted a document that demanded its independence.

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MOROCCO

U.A.E : 3rd edition ‘The 1 Billion Followers Summit’ to convene over 125 prominent CEOs , Jan 11 to 13th 2025. Worlds First & Largest Event dedicated to shaping the Content Creator Economy’

The 1 Billion Followers Summit, the world’s first and largest event dedicated to shaping the content creator economy, organised by the UAE Government Media Office, will convene over 125 prominent CEOs from major global firms, as it returns for its third edition, organised by the UAE Government Media Office and hosted in the UAE from 11 to 13 January 2025 at Dubai’s Emirates Towers, DIFC and the Museum of the Future, under the theme “Content for Good.”

These CEOs will join a prestigious lineup of content creators and influencers from around the world, sharing their expertise during panels, interactive discussions, workshops and roundtables. These sessions will explore the latest trends in business, economy, investment, and content creation, empowering aspiring talents and fostering innovation within the industry.

The list of speakers at the third edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit include Maye Musk, mother of Elon Musk, the world’s richest man. A 76-year-old millionaire and model, Musk’s career began in 1969 as a Miss South Africa finalist. She became a prominent model, representing numerous major brands, and continues to work today. Despite her busy schedule, she earned two degrees in dietetics and nutritional science and founded her own nutrition company.

Musk, who enjoys an active social media presence with over 3.35 million followers, will share her parenting journey at the 1 Billion Followers Summit, discussing how she raised three children, including Elon, and the parenting style that contributed to his success.

Leading Egyptian businessman and global entrepreneur Naguib Sawiris, who has over 10.6 million social media followers, will share his insights at the Summit. He leads global companies in various sectors, including mining, real estate, financial services, telecom, investment, and media.
Naguib Sawiris is the owner of Orascom Telecom, launched the first mobile network in North Korea in 2008 and founded ONTV network. He also owns 88% of EuroNews shares, and is the founder of Egypt’s El Gouna Film Festival.

Andre Le Masurier, Senior Director and Global Head of brand and Creative at Skyscanner, will share his experience of over 20 years in brand vision, marketing and product design, as he held leadership roles in leading companies and contributed award-winning work that spanned major brands.

Andrew Graham, Head of Digital Corporate Advisory & Partnerships at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), will share his experience in cultivating and monetizing digital-native talent, and his work in developing digital strategies for A-list celebrities.

Ben Relles, who leads Content Strategy at the Office of entrepreneur and LinkedIn Co-founder Reid Hoffman, will address the topic of AI and its utilization in social media content creation.

Cayman Rojas, Community Manager at LinkedIn, will discuss how he works with, and supports prominent voices on the platform. He works closely with influencers with an outsized impact on the community, from CEOs and content creators to musicians, actors, and celebrities.

Joining the speakers lineup is Chris Williams, who founded and leads Pocket Watch, a studio specializing in kids and family entertainment through digital-first content and lifestyle products. Williams will share his experience of 20 years in developing online video content.

Emma Harman, President, EMEA at Whalar Group, will share her experience of over 25 years blending entertainment, music, and social marketing, and applying this experience in brand-talent collaborations. Harman will also highlight the importance of impactful content and supporting the Creator growth Economy.

Grigory Lavrov, VP Marketing, Local Brands & Franchise Management in CEE & MENAT at Warner Bros. Discovery, is also speaking at the Summit. In addition to his publishing experience, Lavrov oversees brands like TLC, DMAX, and Fatafeat.

Kate Ward & Zach Honarvar will share their experience as Founders of Creator Now, a platform that aims to build a film school reimagined for creators to help the next generation turn their creative passions into a full-time career.

The list includes Lewis Crosbie, Co-founder and CEO of Komi, which is a software platform and “one-stop-shop” for creators, bringing features found on Shopify, Patreon, and Linktree into one place to help creators engage with their fans around the world.

Paul Bakaus, Executive Vice President of Product and Creator Tools at Spotter, will showcase the platform’s efforts in empowering content creators everywhere to accelerate their workflow and unlock their creative potential.

Also joining the lineup of prominent speakers at the Summit are Brittany Brown, Director of Digital Communications & Strategy at NASA, sharing insights into impactful visual storytelling; Aliana Miller, Director of Influencer Marketing at Roblox, discussing strategies for building authentic creator relationships and achieving record-breaking results; Elise Swopes, Sr. Adobe Express Evangelist & Community, offering her perspective on mobile creativity and the intersection of art and technology; Sherry Wong, CEO at Roster, focusing on building strong support teams for creators; Ahad Khan, CEO at Kajabi, sharing insights into scaling online businesses using creator-focused platforms; and Jonathan Chanti, President of Talent at Viral Nation & CGO of Viral Nation Group, who will share insights into leveraging data-driven strategies and emerging technologies for influencer collaborations and brand growth.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

ALGERIA to head UN Security Council in January 2025

Beginning January 1, 2025, Algeria assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for one month, marking a notable step in its diplomatic engagement. With its long-standing support for just causes in the Middle East and Africa, this presidency provides the country with a strategic opportunity to highlight crucial issues.

Clear Priorities for a Central Role
As a non-permanent member of the Council for a year, Algeria is concentrating on major issues such as the situation in Palestine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and security challenges in Africa, especially the fight against terrorism.

An open ministerial discussion on “The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question” will bring together key international players, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Focus on Palestine: A Historic Priority
The Palestinian issue, a cornerstone of Algeria’s diplomacy, is paramount to this presidency. Fifteen months after a deadly escalation in Gaza, Algeria reaffirms the need for an “immediate” and “permanent” ceasefire.

Algerian Ambassador to the UN, Amar Benjama, has been leading efforts since March 2024 to promote peace in the region. In parallel, Algeria is renewing its call for full Palestinian membership in the UN, aiming to realize the two-state solution and restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Addressing Regional Crises
In addition to Palestine, Algeria will focus on other major conflicts:

Syria: A session will address the political and humanitarian situation in this war-torn country.
Yemen: UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg will intervene to evaluate peace prospects and respond to the humanitarian emergency.


An African Priority: Fighting Terrorism
On the African front, Algeria will convene a high-level meeting on counterterrorism, a growing threat to the stability of many states on the continent.

Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will emphasise ways to strengthen international cooperation in addressing this scourge.

A Presidency Full of Hope
Under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria aims to use this platform to promote peace, security, and justice in key regions.

With ambitious initiatives and active leadership, this presidency of the Security Council represents a unique opportunity for Algeria to defend the interests of Arab and African nations while consolidating its position on the global diplomatic stage.

source/content: news-tunisia.tunisenumerique.com/algeria (headline edited)

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ALGERIA

QATAR : Lusail’s New Year festivities set Guinness World Record

Qatari Diar received a Guinness World Records distinction for “the most fireworks launched by multirotors/drones in an aerial display.”

The distinction was awarded to Qatari Diar on the occasion of the January 1, 2025, New Year’s celebrations that took place in Lusail Boulevard.

The city of Lusail had earlier announced that the “historic” New Year’s festivities held at its boulevard had attracted 300,000 visitors, a record-breaking figure.

The distinction was awarded to Qatari Diar on the occasion of the January 1, 2025, New Year’s celebrations that took place in Lusail Boulevard.

The city of Lusail had earlier announced that the “historic” New Year’s festivities held at its boulevard had attracted 300,000 visitors, a record-breaking figure.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

QATAR : Doha’s ‘Rig 1938’ enters Guinness Book of Records as World Tallest Water Slide Tower

The ‘Rig 1938’ tower made two entries in the Guinness Book of Records, as the world tallest water slide tower with a height of 76.309 meters; and the first tower of its kind to have 12 water slides.

General Manager and Chairman of Qetaifan Projects Company, Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said in a press conference that the tower provides an exceptional experience that enhances Qatar’s position as a world class global tourist destination.

He added that the tower is not just an entertainment landmark, but a symbol that expresses Qatari culture and promotes creativity.

The tower, which is 85 meters high and includes 12 water slides, is an architectural masterpiece inspired by the history of oil and gas discovery in Qatar. It was designed according to the highest safety standards to be suitable for all age groups to enhance the visitor experience.

The tower is located in the heart of Meryal City, which extends over an area of 281 thousand square meters, and is one of the largest water parks in the region, with 36 innovative water games.

Meryal is part of Qetaifan Island North, which is an integrated tourism project extending over an area of 1.3 million square meters, and includes multiple facilities as well as residential, educational and health projects, making it a destination that combines authenticity and innovation. 

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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QATAR

QATAR: The Story of a Ball – World’s Largest Art Canvas unveiled – awarded by Guinness Book of Records

The Ministry of Culture unveiled the largest painting on canvas in the world by the artist Emad Al Salehi, at Qatar University yesterday. 

The 9,652 sq metre artwork, equivalent to the size of a football field, is titled The Story of a Ball and was adjudged as the largest art canvas by the Guinness Book of Records officials. 

The 9,652 sq metre artwork, equivalent to the size of a football field, is titled The Story of a Ball and was adjudged as the largest art canvas by the Guinness Book of Records officials. 

The painting tells the history of the World Cup from its inception in 1930 until the World Cup 2022, which combines culture, history and sports and embodies the landmarks and icons of all the World Cup tournaments in Qatar.

The unveiling of the artwork comes at a time when the country is in the midst of the FIFA World Cup Qatar and as it readies to celebrate its National Day on December 18, 2022. 

At the inaugural ceremony, a video was shown about the stages of completion of the huge artwork, after which the Guinness Book of Records certificate was handed over, marking its entry into the record book, in the presence of the Ministry of Culture officials and media.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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Artist Emad Salehi receives Guinness World Record Award from the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani during the inauguration Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed

Artist Emad Salehi receives Guinness World Record Award from the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani during the inauguration Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed

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QATAR

MOROCCO’s Aviation Sector Rockets to 5th Globally, Leads Africa 2024

After just twenty years in aviation manufacturing, Morocco has outpaced all African nations to become the continent’s primary supplier of aircraft parts.

Morocco’s aviation manufacturing sector is concluding 2024 with unprecedented growth, as exports surged 17.3% to reach MAD 21.86 billion ($2.1 billion) in the first ten months, surpassing the entire previous year’s record of MAD 21.85 billion.

The North African country has solidified its position as Africa’s primary aviation equipment and spare parts manufacturer, ranking fifth globally among the most dynamic countries in the aviation sector, according to Afaf Saïdi, Director of Aviation, Railway, Naval Industries and Renewable Energies at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

“Morocco has become the main source of equipment and spare parts at the African level after just twenty years of launching its first initiative in this sector,” Saïdi told the Moroccan News Agency. “This exceptional performance not only demonstrates the resilience of our national aviation industry but also reflects its ability to adapt to global market momentum.”

The sector currently employs 21,000 skilled workers across 142 companies, with a local integration rate exceeding 40%. Industry Minister Riyad Mzour announced in July that Morocco aims to double the sector’s employment by 2030.

This year marked several significant developments for Morocco’s aviation industry. The country hosted the Morocco Air Show 2024 in Marrakech, which facilitated new strategic partnerships with industry giants Boeing and Airbus.

A major milestone was the inauguration of Safran’s $300 million aircraft engine manufacturing facility in Casablanca, expected to create hundreds of jobs and facilitate advanced technology transfer.

‘Adopting a proactive approach’

Other major manufacturers including Bombardier, Stelia, and Aerospace have expanded their investments in the country through new facilities and expansions of existing sites. These initiatives aim to meet growing demand from major aviation companies for high-quality components while contributing to local economic growth.

The government has developed specialized industrial zones for aviation manufacturing, including the Midparc zone, which offers modern infrastructure, ready-to-use land, and tax incentives. The Tanger Med Port plays a pivotal role in supporting the sector’s growth through export operations.

“We are adopting a proactive approach to ensure our aviation industry aligns with rapid global developments,” Saïdi explained. “Innovation is at the core of our priorities, with special focus on environmentally friendly technologies and reducing carbon footprint, strengthening the kingdom’s position as a competitive and sustainable industrial platform.”

The sector’s growth in 2024 represents a significant improvement from 2023’s modest 2.4% increase in exports. This expansion is attributed to strong global demand and product diversification, encompassing spare parts and complete equipment for major aviation manufacturers.

Looking ahead, Morocco’s aviation sector is positioning itself for further expansion through new ecosystem development, implementation of more complex projects, and addressing challenges in digital transformation, decarbonization, and technological innovation, while leveraging the talents of young Moroccan professionals.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Morocco’s aviation exports hit $2.1 billion in record-breaking 2024.

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MOROCCO