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
Modon Holding P.S.C today said it has completed the acquisition of 100% of La Zagaleta S.L (“La Zagaleta”), the owner of the exclusive La Zagaleta residential estate in Costa del Sol, Spain, marking a significant milestone for Modon Holding’s entry into Europe’s luxury real estate market.
La Zagaleta, located in the hills of Benahavís and 20 minutes from the historic city of Marbella, is an ultra-luxury gated residential development in the heart of Costa del Sol, providing an exclusive, safe and private lifestyle to its residents, with easy access to the breathtaking coastline, vibrant beach towns, and warm Mediterranean waters.
Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, said: “The acquisition of La Zagaleta is an important milestone in Modon Holding’s strategy to pursue international growth, supporting our vision to develop new possibilities for scaled luxury living. La Zagaleta ranks among the world’s most prestigious and exclusive private communities and is a remarkable addition to the Modon Holding portfolio. This acquisition sets a benchmark for future expansion that is fully aligned with Modon Holding’s ambition to consistently surpass expectations, and brings new potential and capability to our international real estate strategy.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has congratulated artist Dia Al-Azzawi on winning the Great Arab Minds Award in the Literature and Arts category.
In a post on “X”, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “We congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Literature and Arts category, artist Dia Al-Azzawi from Iraq. He has drawn inspiration from the rich heritage of Mesopotamia to create numerous works displayed in the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries. His art addresses important Arab humanitarian issues and combines calligraphy, poetry, and tradition in a contemporary artistic form.”
In a video call with Al-Azzawi, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, informed him of his win in the Literature and Arts category of the Great Arab Minds Award and praised his global contributions, which have elevated the profile of contemporary Arab art internationally.
Al Gergawi emphasised that the Great Arab Minds Award is a strategic initiative that reflects Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision, providing a platform for the most creative Arab minds and celebrating their impactful contributions. It also aims to inspire emerging talents and motivate young Arabs to contribute positively to the advancement of humanity.
For over fifty years, Dia Al-Azzawi, a visual artist specialising in contemporary Arab art, has been a leading figure in the field. He has showcased Arab culture and heritage to the world through his innovative and diverse works.
He has produced hundreds of artworks and organised and participated in numerous art exhibitions worldwide, significantly bridging contemporary art with Arab culture, history, and its most pressing issues. His works embody Arab identity and heritage through a creative style that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition.
Al-Azzawi is distinguished for his use of visual art, Arabic calligraphy, and sculpture to highlight events and challenges relevant to the Arab world in a contemporary style that resonates with global audiences. His innovative approach integrates Arabic letters and poetry into modern artistic expressions, skillfully blending text and imagery in a unique and creative manner.
The Great Arab Minds Award is the largest of its kind in the Arab world, recognising pioneering contributions across six key areas: Natural Sciences (Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry), Economics, Medicine, Literature and Arts, Engineering and Technology, and Architecture and Design.
Frantz Fanon’s revolutionary ideas, shaped in North Africa’s colonial battlegrounds, take centre stage in a new biopic exploring his pivotal years as a psychiatrist in French-ruled Algeria.
Premiering at the Marrakesh International Film Festival, “Fanon” examines how his work and activism during the Algerian war of independence forged enduring theories on decolonisation and resistance.
Fanon began his Algerian journey in 1953 at Blida psychiatric hospital, where he served as chief physician.
There, he was appalled by the systemic neglect of Algerian patients, who were treated as second-class citizens under French colonial rule.
Determined to challenge this, he introduced a humane, empathy-driven approach to psychiatric care, addressing both the mental and societal wounds of his patients.
At the same time, he secretly treated and supported members of the National Liberation Front (FLN), whose armed struggle against colonial rule was escalating.
The film vividly captures the brutal realities of colonial Algeria, portraying systemic violence, repression and the deep-seated contempt for native populations.
Fanon’s growing activism put him at odds with colonial authorities, and in 1956, he was pressured to leave Algeria.
By then, the Algerian war for independence was in full swing, a conflict that lasted until 1962 and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
Director Jean-Claude Barny uses evocative imagery, voice-over narration and flashbacks to delve into the inner world of the Martinican thinker.
“We wanted to immerse viewers in his psyche, making them feel part of his journey,” Barny told AFP in an interview during the festival.
The film avoids conventional, dialogue-heavy storytelling, instead relying on visual and emotional cues to reflect Fanon’s intellectual and personal struggles.
Barny spent a decade bringing the project to life, citing the need for meticulous research and financial constraints that delayed production.
“I needed time to fully grasp his philosophy and refine the script,” said Barny, 59, who storyboarded every scene to ensure the film captured Fanon’s essence.
Unable to film in Algeria, the production recreated settings in Tunisia, where Fanon relocated in 1957 after his activism put him at risk.
In Tunis, he continued working with the FLN, aiding their political and military campaigns against French rule while writing prolifically on the psychology of colonisation.
Barny hopes the film resonates with modern audiences by drawing parallels between Fanon’s ideas and today’s struggles against systemic injustice.
“His work provides tools to understand and confront ongoing issues like occupation and discrimination,” Barny said.
The biopic is set to release in France in April, aiming to provoke critical reflection while reaching a wide audience.
“This film proves that visually stunning cinema can also tackle deep, thought-provoking issues,” Barny said.
Egypt on Tuesday celebrated the launch of the first batch of locally produced insulin glargine, a much-needed medication for millions of diabetes patients in the country.
The long-acting insulin, which will treat millions of diabetes patients, is the result of a 2022 partnership between Egyptian firm Eva Pharma and global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company.
“Egypt is prioritizing the localization of pharmaceutical production,” said Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, speaking at the launch event held at the Eva Pharma factory in Giza.
The initiative is a significant step towards self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing, Abdel-Ghaffar added.
Blood sugar levels
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body convert food into energy. In people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Insulin glargine works gradually over approximately 24 hours and, like other types of insulin, helps maintain near-normal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Minister Abdel-Ghaffar noted that 15.5 percent of Egyptians are diabetic, a figure that matches the global statistics of the disease prevalence, according to a statement by the health ministry.
Furthermore, Abdel-Ghaffar added that the number of diabetes patients in Africa has reached 24 million, with projections indicating a rise to 55 million by 2045.
He emphasized the urgent need for affordable medications, the statement added.
Affordable insulin
In a joint statement issued today, Eli Lilly and Eva Pharma said they aim to provide high-quality, affordable insulin to over one million people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes annually by 2030.
The partnership focuses on low- to middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, the statement added.
As part of the collaboration, Eli Lilly supplies its insulin active ingredient at a reduced price and provides pro bono technology transfer.
This will enable Eva Pharma to locally formulate and package insulin vials and cartridges for production, according to the statement.
During today’s event, the health minister emphasized that localizing drug production is national security.
He noted that 90 percent of the country’s pharmaceutical needs are currently met domestically, with only 10 percent imported.
Milestone!
Ali Al-Ghamrawy, head of the Egyptian Drug Authority, described the move as a major national achievement.
He explained that the focus on localising insulin production is crucial, as insulin is an essential medicine for millions of diabetes patients.
Highlighted its economic benefits, Al-Ghamrawy said that the move will significantly reduce Egypt’s import costs.
By the end of September, these costs for insulin alone amounted to $30 million.
He added that Eva Pharma’s production capacity, which can reach 100 million insulin vials, will contribute to the sustainability of the Egyptian pharmaceutical market.
Egypt currently has 10.9 million people with diabetes, Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar, a spokesperson for the health ministry told Al-Masry Al-Youm last week.
He added that this number is projected to rise to 13 million by 2030 and 20 million by 2045.
The General Secretariat of the Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry Criticism announced the three winners of the fourth edition, which was titled “The Convergence of Literary Genres in Contemporary Arabic Poetry.”
The award is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and is organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah Department of Culture, to care for Arabic poetry, and to stimulate the energies of critics and those interested in studies directed towards the poetic experience, in service of the Arab creative arena.
First place went to Fathi bin Belkacem Nasri from Tunisia, for his research “Autobiographies in Contemporary Arabic Poetry”; second place went to Dr. Ahmed Jarallah Yassin from Iraq, for his research “The Convergence of Literary Genres in Contemporary Arabic Poetry”; while Ibrahim Al Karawi from Morocco won third place for his research “The Poetics of the Trans-Genre Text: From the Obsession with Authenticity to the Question of Boundaries (Towards a Generalised Poetics)”.
Professor Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qasir, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department and Secretary-General of the Award, said, “Since its establishment in 2020, the Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry Criticism has enjoyed the continuous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
This patronage has re-read Arabic poetry from a comprehensive critical perspective by Arab critics, and presented a new critical vision based on the award’s topics that discuss the most prominent issues of poetry with broad horizons.”
Al Qasir added that the current edition presents 3 critical names to the Arab cultural scene, who have worked hard on an important critical topic that discusses “The Convergence of Literary Genres in Contemporary Arabic Poetry”, and they have set their sights on presenting a new critical vision that examines the topic in depth, while being keen to adhere to the award’s standards.
Al Qasir pointed out that the award records an increase in the number of participants in each edition, and in its current edition it has attracted more than 60 research papers distributed across the countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Jordan, Tunisia, Yemen, Sudan and Mauritania. Perhaps this diversity in participation confirms the importance of the award among Arab critics.
The award provides financial rewards to the winners of the first three places, with the first place winner receiving AED100,000, while the second place winner receives AED75,000, and the third place winner receives AED50,000.
The Noor Riyadh light festival has set new Guinness World Records for the fourth consecutive year, bringing the total to 16 record-breaking achievements, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
One of the two new records is for the Longest Distance Covered by a Laser Light in a Laser Show. UK artist Chris Levine’s Higher Power set the record with a 1 kW laser projected from the 267-meter Al-Faisaliah Tower.
The installation featured four beams extending across Riyadh, visible even against the city lights. The laser encoded “Salaam” (meaning “peace” in Arabic) in Morse code, reflecting Levine’s philosophy of light as a medium for spiritual connection, unity and reflection.
Levine, known for his work with light and sound, has exhibited at institutions like MoMA in New York City. His immersive installations, including Light is Love at this year’s festival, merge technology with emotional and sensory experiences, redefining light’s role in contemporary art.
The other record was for the Largest Illuminated Recyclable Material Sculpture of a Pyramid.
The Fifth Pyramid, by Saudi artist Rashed Al-Shashai, set the record with a 28-meter-high structure made from sustainable materials, including scaffolding and green petrochemical shipping pallets.
The pyramid features a striking fuchsia-lit central walkway, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a hub of creativity and innovation.
Al-Shashai’s work often reimagines everyday objects to explore cultural and societal themes. With more than two decades of experience as an artist and educator, his work has been showcased internationally, including at the Giza pyramid complex and Art Dubai, solidifying his place in contemporary Saudi art.
Architect Khalid Al-Hazani, director of the Riyadh Art program, said: “Achieving two more Guinness World Records at Noor Riyadh is a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity. We are proud to see Noor Riyadh continuing to inspire and unite people through the universal language of light.”
Festival director Nouf Al-Moneef said: “The scale and creativity of this festival are unparalleled, and these records underscore its global significance as a landmark event in the world of contemporary art. This achievement highlights Riyadh’s position as a global cultural hub and reflects the incredible talent and dedication of the artists and curators who brought this vision to life.”
Curated by Effat Abdullah Fadag and Alfredo Cramerotti, Noor Riyadh took place at three hubs this year: King Abdulaziz Historical Center, JAX District and Wadi Hanifah, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14.
The fourth edition featured more than 60 artworks by over 60 artists from 18 countries, transforming the city into a vibrant, open-air gallery that attracted millions of visitors.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Noor Riyadh Acquires Guinness World Records™ Titles for the Fourth Consecutive Year
Qasim Hasan enjoyed every moment when he won Iraq’s first World Championships gold medal in any sport.
It happened here at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Riyadh when Qasim made his third straight good lift in the men’s 96 kilograms, claiming snatch gold on 175kg and edging Karim Abokahla from Egypt into second place.
Qasim bowed, prayed, kissed the barbell and sat on the discs to savour his achievement. It was Iraq’s best weightlifting result since the 1960 Olympic Games, where Abdul-Wahid Aziz won a lightweight bronze medal to add to his 1959 World Championships bronze.
It was also his country’s first time on top of the podium in any Olympic sport at a World Championships – in only Qasim’s second competition.
“I was so, so happy,” said Qasim, 23. “The best result in the history of Iraq weightlifting – it makes me so proud.”
Abokahla pulled clear of Qasim in the clean and jerk to win on total. The effort of making his final lift left Abokahla flat on his back in the warm-up room for a few minutes but it earned him victory on 174-213-387 and gave Africa its first winner at these Championships.
Won Jongbeom from South Korea was second on 172-212-384 with Qasim third on 175-204-279.
To complete a good session for Egypt, Mahmoud Hosny successfully made a jump of 8kg with his final attempt to win clean and jerk bronze.
Abokahla, 26, won African titles in his past two outings, posting totals of 340kg at 96kg last October and 375kg at 89kg in Tunis in May. Here he improved again to post the best total of his career in only his second competition at this weight.
Two men who finished fourth in the Olympic Games lifted in the B Group. Sarat Sumpradit, fourth at Rio 2016 in the old 94kg category, made his first snatch at 170kg then declined his remaining lifts because he is focusing on the Asian Games in China, where he will compete in the first week of October.
It was a different story for Boady Santavy from Canada, who left the platform shouting: “Come on! Boady’s back!”
Santavy, 1kg behind the bronze medallist in Tokyo at this weight, had not lifted in international competition since December 2021 because of a serious elbow injury that required “having my UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) completely reattached”.
He had been talking himself up on social media and was challenged to live up to the talk by Pyrros Dimas, with whom he is friendly.
“Where’s Pyrros?” Santavy wanted to know after his five-from-six 166-196-362. The triple Olympic champion, who is performance director for the United States, appeared in the warm-up room to congratulate Santavy.
“It was pretty depressing being away so long, but I’ve trained really well since the doctor cleared me around March,” said Santavy. “There are some big numbers coming in Qatar.”
That will be in December at the IWF Grand Prix II, the next Olympic qualifier. Santavy, who weighed in below 93kg, will lift at 89kg there.
Yeison Lopez Lopez from Colombia was lightest of the 12 in the B Group at 90.62kg but made the best total by 9kg, posting 171-200-371. He will also go down to 89kg, starting at the Pan American Games in October.
Prominent Palestinian journalist Wael al-Dahdouh won the Courage Prize at the 32nd Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Awards.
Each year, the RSF Press Freedom Awards honour the work of journalists and media outlets that have made significant contributions to the defence and promotion of press freedom worldwide.
This year, 18 journalists and journalist teams, two media outlets, and five photojournalists from 22 countries were in the running.
The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Awards said they celebrate “the courageous journalists who have made sharing reliable information to their life struggle.”
The statement announcing Al Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chiefas winner reads, “The awards went to Palestinian journalist Wael al-Dahdouh, who has never stopped reporting despite injuries and the death of his family members in Gaza (Courage Prize)”
Wael Al-Dahdouh is described as “journalist who embodies resilience and the fight for reliable information.”
In a video message posted on the RSF X handle, Dahdouh thanked the RSF team, adding ,”I consider it a way to honor all my fellow journalists in Gaza, who have covered and continued to cover the events of this terrifying war conducted by the Israeli army occupying Gaza.”
Further, he added, “We made a huge sacrifice and paid an expensive price: exhaustion, sleepless nights, blood, sweat, fear, terror, loss, displacement, to make sure that all the news, the images and the information coming from Gaza during this war, could arrive to the rest of the world.”
Dahdouh has become an epitome of courage during Israel’s continuing siege on Gaza, despite the loss of his wife, grandson, and three of his children — one of whom was also a journalist for Al Jazeera — he continued to report the devastations in Gaza.
Al-Dahdouh, who was injured by an Israeli drone strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in December, left for Qatar to receive medical treatment, and is currently undergoing treatment in Germany.
The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, in collaboration with the permanent mission of Saudi Arabia to the UN in New York, will stage events from Dec. 9 to 11 at UN headquarters to celebrate World Arabic Language Day.
This year’s theme is “Arabic Language and AI — Advancing Innovation While Preserving Cultural Heritage,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Held under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the event will welcome high-ranking international and diplomatic figures.
This marks the fourth consecutive year of the celebration, which displays the academy’s efforts to promote Arabic in global organizations and highlights Saudi Arabia’s dedication to preserving the language’s cultural and scientific heritage.
The event will include a panel discussion titled “Arabic Translation at the UN,” featuring international experts, and a virtual training course on “Arabic Translation Skills for Diplomatic Purposes” for UN staff.
An Arabic Language Exhibition will feature artistic works and digital displays focused on the language’s beauty, history, and impact on other civilizations. It will reflect Saudi culture’s authenticity while introducing the academy’s activities and publications.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language will stage events from Dec. 9 to 11 at UN headquarters to celebrate World Arabic Language Day. (AFP file photo)
