Category: RECORDS, (WORLD / GLOBAL)

Winners of 2022 King Faisal Prize Awards Honored in Riyadh : March 2022

Awards made for services to Islam, Arabic language, literature, medicine, and science.

The winners of this year’s King Faisal Prize on Tuesday received their awards at a glittering ceremony staged in Riyadh.

The annual gongs — held under the auspices of King Salman — are the most prestigious in the Muslim world and recognize outstanding achievement in services to Islam, Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine, and science.

The service to Islam prize was jointly awarded to former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Egyptian scholar Prof. Hassan Mahmoud Al-Shafei.

The Arabic language and literature award went to Prof. Suzanne Stetkevych and Prof. Muhsin Al-Musawi from the US.

American Prof. David Liu secured the medicine prize while the science accolade was shared by Prof. Martin Hairer of the UK and Prof. Nader Masmoudi of Tunisia.

The Islamic studies prize, that this year focused on the Islamic heritage of Al-Andalus, was withheld because the nominated works did not meet the necessary criteria.

Mwinyi was honored for actively participating in Islamic advocacy and promoting religious tolerance. He established Islamic schools and translated many resources and references in hadith, jurisprudence, and the Prophet Mohammad’s biography into Swahili, the language spoken by millions of people in East Africa.

Al-Shafei, who was president of the Academy of the Arabic Language in Cairo from 2012 to 2020, held several academic positions and established a series of institutes concerned with Al-Azhar. He also contributed to the establishment of the International Islamic University in the Pakistani capital Islamabad.

The Arabic language and literature prize was jointly presented to Stetkevych, chair of the department of Arabic and Islamic studies at Georgetown University, and Al-Musawi, professor of Arabic and comparative literary studies at Columbia University.

Stetkevych’s extensive research and numerous works have analyzed Arabic literature with unmatched depth from the pre-Islamic period to the Nahda/revivalist period. Her research approach, which is characterized by its application of varied methodologies, resulted in the renewal of the critical perspective and methods of studying classical Arabic poetry.

The research and studies of literary critic and novelist Al-Musawi have had a great impact on Arabic studies students and researchers in the Arab world and the West, through his distinctive methods of presentation, analysis, critical interpretation, and openness to Arab and international creative texts in prose and poetry.

Meanwhile, the medicine prize concentrated on gene-editing technologies. Its winner Liu, director of the Merkin Institute for Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, invented the first so-called base editor to make alterations on DNA and genes by replacing letters in the DNA base.

Hairer, chair in probability and stochastic analysis at Imperial College’s mathematics department, was one of the science prize recipients. His work has been in the general area of probability theory with a focus on the analysis of stochastic partial differential equations. He recently developed the theory of regularity structures which gave a precise mathematical meaning to several equations that were previously outside the scope of mathematical analysis.

The other joint science award winner, Masmoudi, a professor of mathematics at the New York University of Abu Dhabi, unlocked the mystery surrounding many physics problems which have remained unsolved for centuries.

He found a flaw in (Leonhard) Euler’s mathematical equations, which for more than two centuries had described the motions of fluids under any circumstance. Masmoudi discovered that the equations did not apply to all circumstances, as previously thought, and his findings helped to solve a raft of conundrums related to fluid-modeling, such as weather predictions.

Each winner received a $200,000 prize, a 24-carat gold medal, and a certificate written in Arabic calligraphy signed by the Chairman of the prize board, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal.

source/content : arabnews.com (edited)

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Winners of 2022 King Faisal Prize awards honored in Riyadh. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA / EGYPT / TANZANIA / TUNISIA

Inaugural ‘Time 100 Impact Awards’ held at Dubai’s Museum of the Future

The inaugural Time 100 Gala and Impact Awards was held at Dubai’s Museum of the Future . The ceremony was the first major event to take place at the museum since its opening on February 22.

The landmark was lit with a touch of Time’s red as regional leaders and cultural figures gathered alongside members of the global Time 100 community.

Notable personalities who attended the red carpet event included civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, who was named in Time’s first Women of the Year list this month; Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Nigerian singer, actress and philanthropist; French-Tunisian contemporary artist el Saeed; US model Tyra Banks; and Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi , the first woman to hold a ministerial position in the UAE.

Sheikha Lubna was formerly the minister of state for tolerance, minister of state for international co-operation and development, and minister of economy and planning

The winners

Minister of State for Advanced Technology Sarah Al Amiri was among the award recipients. Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency and the UAE Council of Scientists, Ms Al Amiri was honoured for her role in helping to take the UAE to Mars.

British-Ghanian architect Sir David Adjaye,  whose designs include the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the US, as well as the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, was also honoured for his work.

Mr Adjaye was honoured, according to Time, for “reorienting the world’s attention and shining a light on cultures from every corner of the world”.

Tony Elumelu was also a winner of the Impact Awards. The Nigerian economist was honoured for his efforts, through his eponymous foundation, in empowering African entrepreneurs to create jobs on the continent.

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone was also among the winners. The actress was recognised for her advocacy work on mental health..

Makeup artist and founder of Huda Beauty, Huda Kattan, was awarded the prize for “disrupting what it means to be beautiful”.

The Iraqi-American entrepreneur launched her skincare line Wishful in 2020 with a campaign that featured Kattan and the company staff without filters or makeup.

Will.i.am was also a winner of the inaugural Impact Awards. The Black Eyed Peas founder was praised as much for his music as his philanthropy, and his work advocating forward-thinking tech and artificial intelligence strategies.

Pop star Ellie Goulding was also named a winner for being “a champion and protector of the environment”.

source/content: thenationalnews.com (edited)

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The inaugural Time 100 Gala and Impact Awards was the first major event at Dubai’s Museum of the Future since its opening ceremony on February 22. Victor Besa / The National

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Dr. Samira Daroub – UF/IFAS Scientist Shares How Love for Learning Led to Lifetime of Teaching, International Work

Dr. Samira Daroub Ph.D. Soil & Water Scientist. Director, EREC.FL, USA.

Throughout history, women have played a key role in humanity’s scientific advancements. As mentors, innovators and thought leaders, women in science have inspired and empowered countries, communities, women and young girls with their work and knowledge.

In celebration of National Women’s History Month, Samira Daroub shares how a love for learning inspired a lifetime of teaching and research that has expanded beyond United States borders. Daroub is the second woman in 100-year-old history of UF/IFAS Everglades Research & Education Center (EREC) to take the center’s helm.

Q: What was your early life like?

A: I was born in Beirut, Lebanon. My grandfather was a farmer. One of my uncles also had a farm. I always loved math and had a constant desire to learn. I also wanted to attend a university.

My career in soil and water sciences didn’t really take shape until I was an undergraduate. It is all due to the power of teachers and mentoring, and it goes back to my first semester in college when I took a soil science class. The instructor took time to teach each lesson. I learned how it had practical application, and it was through that mentorship and others that I gained a love for this applied science.

That is a life lesson that I took to heart and have paid that support forward ever since. It is my goal to  serve as a mentor for every student, rising faculty member or researcher who I encounter throughout my career.

Q: Where did you pursue your undergraduate and graduate degrees and in what fields?

A: I earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a diploma in agricultural engineering from The American University of Beirut in Lebanon. I later obtained my master’s degree in soil sciences there. For my Ph.D. in soil chemistry, I attended Michigan State University on a full scholarship awarded by the non-profit Hariri Foundation-Lebanon.

Q: Tell us about your life at UF/IFAS?

A: I arrived at UF/IFAS in 2000 as an assistant professor of soil and water sciences where I conducted research and taught classes both at EREC and at Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. I later became a professor and the distance education coordinator in the department of soil and water sciences.

I have been teaching classes in soil sciences, soil chemistry and environmental nutrient management as part of the undergraduate and graduate distance education programs. I also advise distance education students pursing non-thesis master’s degrees in the environmental science track at UF.

As a researcher, I focus on environmental issues related to soil and water quality. I specialize in the development and implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce phosphorus leaching in soils and ultimately prevent it from entering surface waters in the Everglades in south Florida. A second research focus is on the sustainability of organic soils and agriculture in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). A third focus is on international development aimed on building individual and institutional capacity in India and Middle East in soil health and water resources.

I established a nationally recognized research and Extension program for the development of best management practices to improve water quality as part of a comprehensive effort for Everglades’ restoration in Florida. I offer in-person and online best management practices workshops and have always been committed to providing Extension and outreach activities to local area growers

I later became interim center director of EREC, until February this year when I was appointed as center director.

Q: You have conducted extensive international educational and research work. Tell us about it.

A: My journey in international research and education started when I was a postdoctoral fellow at Michigan State University with Dr. Joe Ritchie. I visited national and international research centers in Colombia, Brazil, Syria, Kenya and Hungary for collaboration and data acquisition to be used in crop modelling.

My international education experiences include teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate international students. I have mentored interns, visiting scholars and Borlaug fellows from Brazil, Honduras, Costa Rica, India and Iraq. The scholars were trained for laboratory and research techniques and introduced to sustainable practices in South Florida agriculture and water management. I have conducted research in India, as well as educational projects and capacity building workshops in India, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt. 

At UF/IFAS, I have always been interested in international research and educational projects to share and gain native knowledge into soil and water management and online learning. I have collaborated with Sandra Russo at the UF International Center on various educational projects in the Middle East. Effective mentoring is a big part of what I do for local and international scholars. I have always taken an approach to advising and mentoring that allows students and postdocs opportunities to strengthen their interpersonal skills and technical competence, while also developing leadership skills and confidence.

Q: What words of inspiration would you give to other women and girls as a mentor and leader in your field?

A: Education is key. Never stop learning. Lean on family, peers, educators and supporters to succeed. A support system is vital. 

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

source/content : bocaratontribune.com

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Samira Daroub

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AMERICAN / LEBANON

Bashir Abdi: From Somalian Refugee to Belgian Olympic Bronze Medallist

Bashir Abdi’s bronze medal in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Tokyo is a victory that will go down in the history books. He came to Belgium as a refugee from Somalia as a 13-year-old boy. Speaking after taking bronze in Tokyo, Bashir Adil told VRT Sport that “I always wanted to thank my new country by winning a medal”. 

The scenes of Bashir Abdi being encouraged on by his best friend and training buddy, the Dutch athlete Abdi Nageeye, as they both reached the finishing line will be one of the enduring memories of this summer’s Tokyo Olympics. Bashir Abdi’s bronze medal was the first medal for Belgium in the Olympic marathon event since Karel Lismont’s medal 45 years ago. 

A great sporting achievement for a man that is delighted to be able to give something back to a country that he came to as a teenage refugee and that he is proud to call home. “I always want to thank my new country by giving it a medal. At the European Championships I was successful and won silver and now I am on the podium at the Olympic Games. Hopefully more will follow in the future”.

But what about the past? Who is Bashir Abdi and how did he get to where he is? A couple of months ago Bashir Abdi was a guest in our nightly topical discussion programme ‘De Afspraak’. Then he said “I was 13 years old in 2002 when I arrived in Ghent (East Flanders) with my father, sister and brother. People know me from sport, my achievements as a runner, but few people know about my journey from Somalia to Belgium”. In an effort to change this Bashir’s Dutch teacher a book about his life.

“It was all new I didn’t speak the language; it was a completely different culture, and the weather was cold. First, I was in a football club because in Somalia the only sport on TV or in the paper is football. I didn’t even know that other sports existed. Then I come into contact with athletic and that was something that greatly appealed to me. Running on my own and forgetting about everything that I had gone through gave me so much fulfilment. Society has helped me”.

A key figure in Abdi story is his mother “It is thanks to her that I came to Belgium. She has recognition as a political refugee, and she initiated a family reunification procedure. It took years before I was reunited with her”.

Bashir Abdi’s mother died of cancer in 2011. In the interview he told of what her last words to him were “She call us together on the final day of her life and said, ‘this country has meant so much to all of you, be good people’. She was the one that always supported me being an athlete while the rest of the family felt that it was a waste of time”.

When he was asked by our colleague Phara de Aguirre if he would be running for his Mum on 8 August, Bashir Abdi said “Absolutley, I hope that she will be looking down watch my performance from up there”.  

source/content : vrt.be / flandersnews.be

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BELGIAN / SOMALI

UAE’s MoHAP launches World’s First Metaverse Customer Happiness Service Centre

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the world’s first Metaverse customer happiness service center at the Arab Health 2022, the first experience of its kind in a health exhibition in the world.

The step ushers in a new era of digital reality and human-computer interaction in government health care services, by enhancing the integration of the real, virtual and digital world.

The Ministry’s stand at the Arab Health being held at the Dubai Trade Centre from 24th to 27th January, will be a unique stage to showcase this unique technology and test the performance of virtual activities that provide real experiences in one of the most innovative and future initiatives launched by the ministry.

Although the full version of the MoHAP MetaHealth platform is expected to be launched by mid-2022, visitors to Arab Health 2022 will have the opportunity to instantly teleport into the world of MetaHealth and choose to speak with a real employee from the Customer Happiness Center in a must-try experience.

he new technology also provides an opportunity for customers to join the MetaHealth space and move from their current location to the Ministry’s virtual Customer Happiness Center, without actually crossing the distance between the two areas. Customers, then, can request information, submit documents, pay fees and more, with the actual faces of users being displayed in the virtual room instead of avatars.

The new service also provides a tangible solution for the people of determination who are unable to move physically from their homes to one of the Ministry’s customer happiness centers and finish their transactions smoothly.

Al Owais added, “Today, we are experiencing the world of “Metaverse”, with the launch of the world’s first virtual customer happiness center in the three-dimensional digital space, in the first experience of its kind, in preparation for a new and promising future health sector through Arab Health, one of the largest international exhibitions.”

The UAE health minister asserted that Virtual Reality technology will play a more important role in the future of the UAE during the next fifty years, especially in light of the development of advanced digital infrastructure, which is one of the best in the world.

“The flourishing of digital transformation in the government sector pushes us forward to continue achieving the goals and aspirations of the UAE to lead the artificial intelligence and virtual reality sector, which places the country in a perfect position to attract and use advanced technologies, especially Metaverse,” said Dr. Muhammad Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Health Services.

source/content: wam.ae

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Tunisian-French Film Producer Tarak Ben Ammar buys Studios De Paris from EuropaCorp

Tunisian-French film producer Tarak Ben Ammar has finalized a $37 million deal to purchase Studios de Paris, the production facility outside the French capital.

The studios are known for being home to Netflix shows such as “Emily in Paris” and “Murder Mystery 2” and blockbusters such as “Jackie,” “Lucy” and “Taken 2”.

The facility, which has nine sound stages, was placed under court protection a year ago for its debt which are being paid by the acquisition, reported Variety

The studios were co-founded by Ben Ammar, who co-owned them through his company Bleufontaine along with EuropaCorp, a French film and TV production and distribution company created by Luc Besson in 1999, Front Line, Europacorp’s holding company, and Euromedia, a live transmissions company.

Now, Ben Ammar has acquired the shares owned by all three other partners in a deal completed via Eagle Pictures France, a subsidiary of the producer’s Italy operation.

The studios will continue to “represent a center of excellence for the French film industry and be an attractive factor for the entire sector,” according to a statement released by EuropaCorp to investors.

source/content: arabnews.com

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The studios are known for being home to Netflix shows such as “Emily in Paris” and “Murder Mystery 2.” (Studio de Paris)

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FRANCE / TUNISIA

Saudi Cup 2022 ‘Most Expensive Equestrian Race in the World’ certified by Guinness World Records, March 2022

The CEO of the Horse Races Club and Secretary-General of the Equestrian Authority, Eng. Marwan Bin Abdulrahman Al-Olayan, received at the club’s headquarters in Riyadh, a Guinness World Records certificate for the most expensive equestrian race in the world.

Guinness World Records official Adjudicator, Ahmed Bucheeri, presented the certificate and award during a ceremony on the platform of the King Abdulaziz Racecourse for Horse Racing.

The 2022 Saudi Cup was able to break records as the most expensive horse race in the world, with a financial prize of $20 million, while the total value of the Saudi Cup race prizes is $35.1 million, representing the most expensive horse racing prize in the world.

He added that the largest financial prize for the individual race, worth $20 million, was in the Saudi Cup, which was organized at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, in Riyadh on Feb. 26, 2022, pointing out that Guinness World Record is now officially registered under the name of the Saudi Cup 2022 after it used to be under the name of the Dubai World Cup, where the prize amounted to $10 million.

source/content: saudigazette.com.sa

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The CEO of the Horse Races Club and Secretary-General of the Equestrian Authority, Eng. Marwan Bin Abdulrahman Al-Olayan, received at the club’s headquarters in Riyadh, a Guinness World Records certificate for the most expensive equestrian race in the world.

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SAUDI ARABIA

UAE is First in MENA region, 10th Globally in Overall Influence: GSPI

The United Arab Emirates has been ranked first regionally and 10th globally for Influence in the Global Soft Power Index (GSPI) 2022.

The UAE advanced to 15th place globally in the overall GSPI ranking, up from last year’s 17th in the GSPI 2021. The country sits at the top in the region and remains at the forefront of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa, achieving progress in all indicators and sub-indicators.

His Highness added, “More than 100,000 respondents worldwide chose the UAE as the first regionally and 15th globally in the Global Soft Power Index 2022. Our country also ranked 10th globally in its influence, enhancing our status and positive impact.”

Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the country’s progress in all indicators and sub-indicators results from the unique model it provides.

H.H. noted, “The UAE’s soft power lies in its development model, which brings together the best ideas and minds across the world and gathers people of all races to build the best development experience in the world.”

The UAE continued its progress in the GSPI 2022, developed by “Brand Finance” British company. The index interviewed more than 100,000 people from 101 countries worldwide to assess the various axes of soft power and its positive influence. The UAE’s overall Soft Power score improved more than 11 percent, progressing to 15th place globally, up from 17th place in 2021.

The UAE’s performance in the 2022 Index that included 120 countries had many core strengths, including its distinguished position as a leading destination for Business and Trade, the ease to do business within a stable economic environment.

Also, the country has a positive impact as the most influential in the region and its reputation as one of the most generous and helpful countries internationally. The UAE has improved its reputation among developed nations during the past year.

The UAE also recorded an outstanding performance in the main indicators during 2022 compared to 2021. The UAE ranked 10th globally in the “Overall Influence” index compared to 12th in the previous year. The UAE ranked 20th globally in the “Reputation” index.

The UAE achieved an overall stable performance in all pillars, especially in the “Culture and Heritage” pillar, where it ranked the 24th, by advancing seven positions from 2021, where it ranked the 31st.

The UAE’s performance on the “International Relations” pillar has shown genuine improvement, as it ranked 11th up from last year’s 16th ranking, showing a strong reputation for being “Influential in diplomatic circles” and “Helpful to other countries in need”. The country’s improving perceptions regarding environmental protection could move UAE into the top 10 in the future.

Also, the UAE ranked first regionally and 10th globally in the “Influence” pillar, the 10th globally in the “Influential in diplomatic circles”, and the 11th globally in the “International relations” pillar. The UAE’s reputation score has marginally improved, and it has moved up to 20th globally, by far the highest among all Arab nations.

The UAE achieved the 8th position globally in the “Strong and Stable Economy” pillar, the 9th globally in “Supporting Economic Recovery” after Covid-19, and the 10th globally in “Business and Trade”. The “Future Growth Potential” of the UAE has improved, ranking 11th globally in the 2022 index.

The UAE is perceived to have managed the pandemic of COVID-19 effectively, which made it a distinguished model regionally and globally. The country succeeded in facing challenges in a balanced way through its proactive policies and procedures.

In this context, the UAE ranked 12th in the overall COVID-19 score. The country ranked 12th in the “Helping other countries manage and recover from COVID” pillar, and 13th in the “Health and wellbeing of its people, including vaccination”.

The UAE ranked 10th globally in the overall influence, while the nine countries that preceded the UAE are among the countries with a large population density. Many countries in the region have advanced in the “Influence” pillar, while the UAE remains at the forefront regionally. The progress achieved by countries in this pillar came in the developing markets of the Middle East and Asia.

Due to its developed strong educational system over the past years, the UAE achieved score improvements across the “Education & Science” pillar, ranking 17th in 2022.

source/content: wam.ae

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Morocco’s UM6P Awarded “Climate Hero” at UN Youth Conference

Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) has been recognized as a “Climate Hero” by the Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (YOUNGO).

The recognition was announced at the UN Youth Conference on Climate Change (COY16).

UM6P is one of two institutions in the world that have obtained the recognition of Climate Hero, the Sustainable Development Department of UM6P said in a statement, noting that it “dedicates this appointment to all Moroccans and foreign residents in Morocco.”

“UM6P Youth Statement” was the only statement letter representing the vision of young people in the Kingdom of Morocco during COY16 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

The declaration, which was elaborated by youth representatives from the UM6P and the local region of Rehamna, featured six themes: climate change, clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, ecomobility, social inclusion, and gender equality.

source/content : moroccoworldnews.com

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Morocco’s UM6P Awarded “Climate Hero” at UN Youth Conference

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MOROCCO

Dr. Farida Al Hosani becomes First Emirati Female to join World Health Organisation’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework Advisory Group

Dr Farida Al Hosani.

AbuDhabi Public Health Centre, the region’s first dedicated centre protecting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of Abu Dhabi’s population by raising public and preventative healthcare awareness, is pleased to announce that H.E. Dr Farida Al Hosani, Infectious Disease Expert and Executive Director of Infectious Diseases and Official Spokesperson for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Health Sector, has joined the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework (PIP Framework) Advisory Group as a Member for the period 2022-2024.

Members of the Advisory Group are appointed by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation and serve, in their personal, expert capacity, for a period of three years. The key goal of the framework is to improve and strengthen the sharing of information about influenza viruses with human pandemic potential, and to increase the access to vaccines and other pandemic related supplies for developing countries.

The PIP Framework is focused on the sharing of information around influenza viruses and promoting the access to vaccines and other benefits. It was adopted in May 2011 by the 64th World Health Assembly which comprises 18 members drawn from three Member States in each WHO Region.

source/content: mediaoffice.abudhabi

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)