GCC Records – Arabian Records (1st post : Eid Al Fitr – 01st Shawwal 1439 (AH) / 15th June 2018 ) / (BETA testing – Research

KUWAITI Society for Human Rights awarded the 2023 Chaillot Prize for the Promotion of Human Rights

The EU Ambassador to the State of Kuwait H.E. Anne Koistinen presented the 2023 Chaillot Prize for the Promotion of Human Rights in the GCC region to the Kuwaiti Society for Human Rights.

The EU Ambassador to the State of Kuwait H.E. Anne Koistinen presented the 2023 Chaillot Prize for the Promotion of Human Rights in the GCC region to the Kuwaiti Society for Human Rights. The European Union awards the Chaillot Prize every year for actions, campaigns, projects and lifetime achievements that favour Human Rights promotion and awareness in the GCC region. The Prize is named after the Palais de Chaillot in Paris where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948.

In her speech during the ceremony held at the EU Residence in Kuwait, Ambassador Koistinen said: “I am honoured to present the Chaillot Prize for the Promotion of Human Rights in the GCC Region to the Kuwait Society for Human Rights for their unwavering dedication over the years to promoting and advancing human rights in Kuwait. I would like to highlight in particular their work in supporting and advocating for migrant workers’ rights in Kuwait and raising awareness about their labour rights. Engagement with the civil society in Kuwait is a very important part of EU Delegation’s work, therefore I am looking forward to continuing our long-standing cooperation with the Kuwait Society for Human Rights.

Mr. Khaled Al-Humaidi, President of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti Society for Human Rights, said in his speech during the ceremony that ‘To be honoured today by awarding us the Challiot Prize for Human Rights is a great moral support for the Kuwaiti Society for Human Rights. This Society has taken upon itself the responsibility of defending human rights and promoting them in the Kuwaiti society through concerted efforts at the government and community levels. We are delighted that the Chaillot Prize was granted to us for our tireless efforts in protecting the rights of migrant workers in Kuwait through the ‘Together Project’, which aims at raising awareness and protecting the rights of migrant workers in Kuwait. This project was implemented by the Kuwaiti Society for Human Rights in cooperation with the European Union Delegation in Kuwait, the Netherlands Embassy, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, in addition to the US-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).’

For the EU, promoting and protecting human rights is at the heart of EU external policy as they are among the EU’s founding values of human dignity, freedom and respect of human rights. Cooperation on human rights and engagement with the civil society are an integral part of the relations between the European Union and all countries, including Kuwait. The European Union and Kuwait held their fourth Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels on 5 December 2023, where the two sides exchanged about the latest developments on both sides and reiterated their commitment to an open and constructive dialogue to jointly address human rights challenges and share best practices.

source/content: eeas.europa.eu (headline edited)

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© Kuwait Society for Human Rights (KSHR)

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KUWAIT

OMANI Researcher Dr. Fares bin Abdullah Al-Farsi Wins Award at 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

Dr. Fares bin Abdullah Al-Farsi, with his team, won the prize for the best innovative research project in a science marathon, in which more than 27 teams from various countries participated, during the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.

Dr. Al-Farsi explained to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the winning project is concerned with using smart biochips to identify and resist bacteria that cause infections in chronic wounds, indicating that these slides contain microscopic antibodies manufactured in a laboratory, and linked to enzymes and sensors that help identify and eliminate bacteria as they approach the wound site.

He pointed out that the winning project was part of a research team consisting of young scientists from several disciplines, with the support of the “Max Planck” Foundation in the Federal Republic of Germany, adding that the participating research projects were evaluated by a scientific committee consisting of a number Nobel Prize-winning scientists, as well as global investors in the field of developing scientific research.

Dr. Al-Farsi pointed out that his participation in the 72nd Lindau Nobel laureate Meeting, which was held last June in the Federal Republic of Germany, came with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation to represent the Sultanate of Oman among the top 600 young scientists in the medical field, with the participation of more than 40 Nobel Prize-winning scientists.

source/content: timesofoman.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

KUWAIT’s Jasem Al Budaiwi Appointed GCC Secretary General

He replaces his countryman Nayef Al Hajraf, whose term is coming to an end.

Jasem Al Budaiwi, Kuwait’s ambassador to the US, has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the Gulf Co-operation Council, succeeding Nayef Al Hajraf whose term ends on Tuesday.

The GCC said Mr Al Hajraf welcomed the new secretary general and “wished him success”.

Mr Al Hajraf, who took office on February 1, 2020, was previously Kuwait’s minister of finance.

Mr Al Budaiwi, who will take up his new post on Wednesday, began his diplomatic career with Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992 as diplomatic attache in the office of the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs.

He was posted to Kuwait’s US embassy in June 2001, where he was promoted to first secretary in 2004, counsellor in 2007 and deputy chief of mission in October 2011.

He was appointed ambassador to Korea in 2013 and served in the post until 2016.

He then served as Kuwait’s ambassador to Belgium and head of mission to Nato until last year, when he was appointed ambassador to the US.

In December, leaders of the GCC agreed that Kuwait should retain the position of secretary general of the council for a second consecutive term during their annual summit in Riyadh.

Mr Al Budaiwi will be the GCC’s third secretary general from Kuwait after Mr Al Hajraf and Abdullah Yaqoub Bishara, who was the first person to hold the post after the council was established. Mr Bishara’s tenure was to last 11 years, making him the longest-serving chief among the six to have held the position.

Mr Al Hajraf has been making farewell visits to GCC states in recent weeks and meeting their leaders and foreign ministers.

The GCC was established in 1981 to promote economic, security, cultural and social co-operation between its six member states, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The countries hold a summit every year.

The GCC’s Supreme Council is made up of the heads of the member states.

UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, hosted the council’s first meeting in Abu Dhabi on May 25 and 26, 1981.

source/content: thenationalnews.com (headline edited)

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KUWAIT

QATAR: Lusail Bus Depot – Guinness World Records for ‘Largest Electric Bus Depot’

The Ministry of Transport announced via a tweet on 18 October 2022 that the Lusail Bus Depot has entered the Guinness World Records for the largest electric bus depot.

The bus depot that was inaugurated on 18 October 2022 has a capacity of 478 electric buses and is a fulfilment of The Public Works Authority – Ashghal and the Ministry of Transport of Qatar.

Powered by 11,000 units of solar panels the bus depot entered the records on 16 September 2022 as per Guinness World Records.

source/content: iloveqatar.net (headline edited)

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Source: Ministry of Transport/ Guinness World Records / Cover image credit: Ministry of Transport

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QATAR

SAUDI ARABIA: Community Heroes Honored at the ’10th Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz Awards 2022′ Ceremony for ‘Creativity and Innovation in Social Work’

Fourteen Saudi individuals and two organizations were honored at the 10th Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz awards for excellence in community upliftment work in Riyadh.

This year’s event was titled “Creativity and Innovation in Social Work,” which also, for the first time, honored students and principals for their social responsibility initiatives.

Dr. Fahad Al-Maghlouth, secretary-general of the Princess Seetah organization, said the aim of the awards was to “discover talent” as part of the Saudi government’s programs to develop the nation.

Princess Nouf bint Abdullah bin Saud Al-Kabeer Al-Saud, chair of the organization’s executive committee and member of its board of trustees, said that community upliftment projects were essential for a healthy society.

In the category “Responsible Citizenship,” several students were honored.

The winner of the elementary schools’ section was student Ayed Al-Ruwaili from Turaif in the Northern Borders, followed by Rima Al-Faris from Riyadh in second, and Hisham Al-Maarafi from Madinah in third.

The middle school winners were Sally Al-Harbi from Qassim in first place, followed by Adeeb Khadawardi from Makkah and Noura Al-Wadi’i from Jazan.

The high school winners were Samira Al-Maghlouth from the Eastern Province, Hanadi Karani from Madinah and Amr Al-Baraq from Jazan.

Also for the first time, as part of its “Tanseeq” platform linking government, non-government, non-profit, and private organizations in the field, two community bodies were honored.

The Osraty Association from Madinah and the Tawad Association from Al-Jouf won for their family development and counseling programs.

The winners of the Umm Al-Joud Initiative prize, for innovation in media and education, were also announced.

First place, for creating general awareness of social responsibility needs in society, was Dr. Abdullah Al-Alawai, who had his biggest supporter — his grandmother — take to the stage and accept the award on his behalf.

In second place was Dr. Mushawah Almushawah, who was honored for creating awareness of mental health issues.

In third place was Khattaf Al-Khattaf for highlighting technological and digital communication developments.

In fourth and fifth were Sultan Al-Kulaib for human development awareness, and Majid Al-Ghamdi for social media awareness.

Established in 2012 by royal decree, the Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work encourages and supports community upliftment programs.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Fourteen Saudi individuals and two organizations are honored at the 10th Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz awards for excellence in community upliftment work. (@seetahaward)

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SAUDI ARABIA

UAE Cycling Team Win Grand Prix of Canton of Aargau, Switzerland

The UAE won the Grand Prix of the Canton of Aargau, Switzerland, yesterday June 10th.

The Emirati squad had strength in numbers in the final with Diego Ulissi and Matteo Trentin covering moves before Marc Hirschi infiltrated the winning break which slipped away at 7km to go.

The 23-year old hit out early from the four man group to open up the sprint at 250m to go to hold off Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Andreas Kron (Lotto-Soudal) who finished on the podium.

“It was really very difficult”, said Marc Hirsch. “The final was very eventful, because a rider from AG2R Citroën has long been in the lead. In the last climb, it went very quickly behind him, but I was able to accompany in force. Then I was able to close the gap with three guys who had escaped. It was very hard”. In the end, it was a group of 7 which formed 6 terminals from the line, and the winner of the Fleche Wallonne 2020 maneuvered well to finish in the sprint.

In raising the trophy he becomes the first home winner of the race since 2013.

This result marks Hirschi’s second win of the season after storming to victory at the Per Sempre Alfredo classic in April.

source/content: wam.ae

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

Saudi Arabia’s First All-Female Crew takes Flight making Saudi Aviation History

Flyadeal made Saudi aviation history in May 2022.

Saudi Arabia’s first flight with an all-female crew took off this weekend May 2022, completing a short domestic journey and passing a milestone for women’s empowerment, officials said.

The flight was operated by flyadeal, the budget subsidiary of flag carrier Saudia.

“For the first time in Saudi aviation history,” the airline wrote on Twitter on Friday, “#flyadeal operated the first flight with an all-female crew, the majority of which are Saudis, by the newest A320 aircraft. Flight 117, flew from #Riyadh to #Jeddah.”

Most of the seven-member crew hail from Saudi Arabia, according to spokesman Emad Iskandarani, including the first officer, Yara Jan, who is also reportedly the youngest Saudi female pilot.

The country’s civil aviation authority, which confirmed the announcement, has been working towards expanding roles for women in the sector for years.

In 2019, Yasmeen Al Maimani , then 29, became the first female first officer to fly a mainstream commercial plane in the kingdom.

The Saudi woman piloted Nesma Airlines flight ATR 72-600 from Hail to Al Qassim on June 9.

“I thought it was going to be hard, being a female pilot based in Hail but it hasn’t been,” she said at the time. “I feel so comfortable with everyone else here, and the way they treat me. It’s like they are all my brothers, it’s a good feeling.”

Last year, figures showed female participation in the kingdom’s workforce rose to 33 per cent at the end of 2020, from 19 per cent in 2016, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Arabia aims to generate 356 billion riyals ($95bn) of investment into its aviation sector by 2030.

Its National Aviation Sector Strategy is working to increase connections from Saudi Arabia to 250 destinations, reaching 330 million passengers.

The kingdom also plans to launch another airline to complement its existing national carriers, including Saudia, and to build a major international airport in Riyadh, in addition to eight more regional airports.

source/content: thenationalnews.com

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SAUDI ARABIA

Bahrain Women’s Cricket Team Create World Record, Hit Highest Total Scored In A T20I Inning

Bahrain women created a world record as they smashed the highest total in a T20I inning – 318 – against Saudi Arabia in match seven of GCC Women’s T20I Championship, played at Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman.

Saudi Arabia won the toss and opted to field first. Bahrain women smacked the SA bowlers right from the beginning, especially Tharanga Gajanayake. While Rasika Rodrigo only scored 13 off 11 balls, Tharanga continued smack the bowlers from the other end.

Deepika Rasangika joined Tharanga and the duo added 255 runs in 16.4 overs – the highest partnership for the second wicket and second-highest partnership in a women’s T20I match. Tharanga remained unbeaten at 94 off 56 with the help of 17 fours. Deepika, on the other end, scored 161 from 66 balls with the help of 31 fours – becomes first women cricketer to score 150+ in a T20I game.

Bahrain scored 318 runs in the 20 overs, but interestingly they didn’t hit any six through the innings; a record 50 boundaries were hit in the inning. Saudi Arabia conceded 50 runs in extra runs – 34 wides, 13 no-balls, 2 byes, and 1 leg bye.

Before this, the highest total scored in a T20I inning was by Uganda Women – 314 vs Mali in 2019.

Maira Khan conceded the most runs for Saudi Arabia – 68 in four overs. Emaan Ejaz took the sole wicket of the inning but conceded 63 runs in her fours overs.

There was a clear contrast between the two bowling cards. The best Saudi Arabian bowler conceded 13 runs an over and the worst bowler for Bahrain conceded 3.5 runs an over.

In reply, Saudi Arabia women could only score 49 runs and lost eight wickets. They lost the match by 269 runs – the second-highest win in terms of runs in a women’s T20I game.

Brief Scorecard :

Bahrain Women – 318/1 (Deepika Rasangika – 161*; Tharanga Gajanayake – 94*)

Saudi Arabia Women – 49/8 (Maira Khan – 9; Deepika Rasangika – 3/9)

source/content: cricketnmore.com (edited)

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BAHRAIN

Kuwait’s Bader Al Mutawa Makes History – Most Capped Player of All Time : June 2021

Bader Al-Mutawa (aka) Bader Ahmed al-Mutawa. Professional Footballer. Athlete.

• Bader Al Mutawa has become the most-capped player of all time

• Striker passed the mark of former Egyptian defender Ahmed Hassan

• Kuwaiti has now played 185 times for his country

Kuwait’s FIFA Arab Cup™ qualifier against Bahrain is a hugely significant fixture, and not just because the winners will go to the tournament in Qatar. It was also the game that finally allowed Kuwaiti forward Bader Al Mutawa to become the most-capped player in the history of men’s football.

Earlier this month, during Kuwait’s unsuccessful attempt to reach the third round of AFC qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Al Mutawa won his 184th cap to tie the record of Egyptian legend Ahmed Hassan, set on 22 May 2012 against Togo.

FIFA.com looks back at the impressive career of Al Mutawa, who has finally surpassed his Egyptian rival and set a new appearances’ record for international men’s football.

Singapore start

On 4 September 2003, newly-appointed coach Paulo Cesar Carpegiani handed Al Mutawa his debut in a 2004 Asian Cup qualifier away to Singapore. It was certainly a bold move, partly because it was the Brazilian’s first game in charge, and partly because the player being entrusted with attacking duties was only 18-years-old.

But Al Mutawa, who began his football career as a goalkeeper with Al-Qadsia before moving up front, quickly repaid Carpegiani’s trust, scoring on his debut in a 3-1 win.

Five World Cup qualifying campaigns

Al Mutawa then helped Al-Azraq (The Blue) to the final phase of the 2004 Asian Cup. He would go on to feature at that tournament in China PR, as well as the 2011 and 2015 editions, but could not prevent Kuwait exiting at the group stage on each occasion.

Six months after his international debut, the 1.75 m forward played his first FIFA World Cup™ qualifier, against Malaysia in the Germany 2006 preliminaries. Once again he rose to the occasion, opening the scoring and helping his side to victory.

Al Mutawa was a fixture in his side for the South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers. He also featured in Kuwait’s unsuccessful bid to reach Qatar 2022.

Breaking new ground

When the AFC qualifiers for Qatar 2022 resumed earlier this month, Al Mutawa was still three games away from Ahmed Hassan’s record. He came off the bench for the Australia and Jordan games before starting their final fixture against Chinese Taipei, where he equalled the mark set nine years previously by Hassan.

That achievement was overshadowed by Kuwait’s Qatar 2022 elimination, which saw the veteran break down in tears in the knowledge that he would not be able to end his long career with an appearance on the world stage.

However, there was some consolation for Al Mutawa, with the president of the Kuwaiti Football Federation, Sheikh Ahmed Al Yousef, paying tribute to him before the team travelled to Qatar to face Bahrain. The 36-year-old then duly made history by taking sole possession of the record for most international appearances in men’s football.

source/content: fifa.com

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KUWAIT

Saudi Rally World Champ, Yazeed Al-Rajhi Honored at FIA World Cup Prize Ceremony in France : December 2021

Yazeed Al-Rajhi (aka) Yazeed Mohamed Al-Rajhi. Rally Driver. Saudi Businessman.

Saudi rally champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi has been honored for winning the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas title for the first time in his career.

The 40-year-old racer received his award during a prize-giving ceremony at the Carrousel du Louvre, in Paris, after becoming the first driver from the Kingdom to achieve the title in the highest rallying class, along with co-driver Michael Orr of Ireland.

The ceremony in France was attended by 800 driving champions, rising stars, and guests from around the world who saw Jean Todt, ex-president of the International Automobile Federation, hand Al-Rajhi the trophy.

Having claimed the title with Toyota Hilux, Al-Rajhi also thanked official sponsor Abdul Latif Jameel Motors for its unlimited support throughout the season.

His achievement was not only a personal one but also a landmark for Saudi motorsport, as he became the first driver from the country to be honored at the level by the FIA.

source/content: arabnews.com

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Yazeed Al-Rajhi is the winner of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas title for the first time. (Frédéric Le Floch/DPPI) / arabnews.com

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SAUDI ARABIA