Tag: Records of MENA

PALESTINE : 26 March 2025: 180,000 Palestinians pray at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque for Laylat al-Qadr, despite Israeli restrictions

Palestinians in their thousands prayed at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque during Laylat al-Qadr, considered the holiest night in Islam.

Some 180,000 Palestinians performed nighttime and Tarawih prayers at the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday despite Israeli restrictions, the Jerusalem Islamic Endowments Department said.

Israeli authorities reportedly prevented scores of West Bank Palestinian worshippers from reaching the holy site, after refusing them entry at the Qalandia and Bethlehem checkpoints, the Palestinian Wafa news agency said.

The Israeli authorities claimed they did not carry valid documentation – a common pretext used to justify such restrictions.

Israeli forces were also deployed in the alleys of the Old City of Jerusalem, turning it into a “military zone,” according to the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate local authority, obstructing Palestinians’ access to the mosque.

Several other Palestinians were banned from entry at the mosque’s gates, according to the Wadi Hilweh Information Center, a local human rights group, as cited by the Turkish Anadolu agency.

Last year, 200,000 Palestinians performed such prayers at Al-Aqsa, under similar heavy restrictions.

Earlier this month, as Muslims welcomed Ramadan, Israel announced it would only allow children under the age of 12, women above the age of 50 and men above the age of 55. Palestinians who fall under this category are obliged to carry special permits issue issued by authorities.

The prayers took place during Laylat al-Qadr – the holiest night in Islam, which falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan. The night, translated into English as ‘Night of the Power,’ marks when the holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.

Muslims worldwide generally increase acts of prayer, often staying in the mosque between nighttime and dawn prayers, and exercise spiritual retreat, known as I’tikaf during this period.

Muslims also believe that acts of good deeds are multiplied manifold during the period, as the night of power is said to be “better than a thousands months,” according to the Quran .

As prayers were held across the Muslim world and communities, many imams included prayers for the people of Gaza, subject to indiscriminate Israeli attacks which have killed over 62,000 people over the last 16 months.

Journalists barred from Al-Aqsa

Israeli forces have also imposed restrictions on journalists covering events at Al-Aqsa this month. Authorities have reportedly barred at least 13 journalists from entering the Al-Aqsa compound.

Among them was Basem Zidani, who told The New Arab’s sister site, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, that Israeli forces said that the Shin Bet security service had a secret file showing that his presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque, especially during Ramadan, would “disturb public order”.

Zidani said he was summoned to the Qishleh police station, where he was interrogated by a police officer who then told him that he would be banned from entering Al-Aqsa compound.

The journalist sought to contest this ban through local rights organisations, but to no avail.

“It is clear that I was targeted because of my journalistic work during the war on Gaza, but I do not regret it.”

source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)

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Prayers at Al-Aqsa took place in defiance of Israel’s restrictions on Palestinian worshippers [Getty/file photo]

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PALESTINE

LEBANESE / YEMENI-ARAB AMERICAN mayors in Michigan nominated by Trump as ambassador to Kuwait and Tunisia

Amer Ghalib and Bill Bazzi were among a number of Muslim leaders from the state who publicly endorsed Trump for the presidency last year

‘It’s a great honor to have the trust of the president,’ Ghalib tells Arab News. ‘I will utilize my skills … to strengthen the relationship between’ the US and Kuwait

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FAST FACTS

• Amer Ghalib, who became mayor of Hamtramck in November 2021, is the first Arab American and Muslim to hold the office in the city.

• Bill Bazzi, who was born in Lebanon, was appointed mayor of Dearborn Heights in January 2021 following the death of the incumbent and won the election for the office in November that year.

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Amer Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, said on Friday he was “honored” to be nominated by President Donald Trump for the post of US ambassador to Kuwait.


Meanwhile, Bill Bazzi, the mayor of Dearborn Heights, also in Michigan, was nominated by Trump this week to serve as the US envoy to Tunisia.
Arab American Muslims Ghalib and Bazzi were among the Michigan officials who publicly endorsed Trump for the presidency last year over Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.


“It’s a great honor to have the trust of the president placed in me to represent our great county and serve as the next ambassador to the State of Kuwait,” Ghalib told Arab News on Friday.

Bazzi did not respond to Arab News when asked to comment on his nomination, but in a message posted on Facebook, he wrote: “I am honored and appreciate President Donald Trump’s appointment to serve as US Ambassador to Tunisia.


“Among the distinct countries I have visited over the years, I hold a great affinity to Tunisia and its honorable parliament, elected officials, educators, and other industry leaders — along with the people I met while touring orphanages, women’s career institutions, schools, and a multitude of companies which distinguish the country’s rising presence in the region.


“With my visits overseas, the cohort’s visits to the US, and the relations we have established over the years, I am excited to return and honorably represent our Country in Tunisia as its US Ambassador. My purpose is to continue serving in capacities which make an impact, promote peace and diplomatic partnerships, which benefit our Country and enhance global relations.”


Trump wrote on social media platform X: “Bazzi is a decorated US Marine, who honorably served our Country for 21 years, collaborating with US Embassy Ambassadors, Diplomats, and Leaders throughout the world.”


Bazzi, who was born in Bint Jbeil, Lebanon, was appointed mayor of Dearborn Heights in January 2021 following the death of the incumbent and won the election for the office in November that year. He had previously served as the temporary chairperson of Dearborn Heights City Council since 2017.


Bishara Bahbah, the founder of Arab Americans for Trump, an organization that worked in several states to rally Arab and Muslim American elected officials and leaders in support of Trump’s presidential campaign, praised the appointments of Ghalib and Bazzi as “a demonstration of the president’s commitment to the Arab and Muslim community.”


He told Arab News: “Arab Americans for Peace, formerly Arab Americans for Trump, is delighted with President Trump’s nomination of two distinguished Arab American mayors from Michigan as the new ambassadors to Kuwait and Tunisia.


“Both men risked their political careers, having been elected as Democrats to their posts. Mayor Bazzi and Mayor Ghalib are outstanding individuals who wanted to see the end of the wars in both Gaza and Lebanon.”


The nominations reflect the growing influence of Arab Americans in US politics, Bahbah said, and are “a testament to the newfound power of Arab Americans in this past US presidential election and future presidential elections.


“We are confident that both mayors will be effective ambassadors representing the best interests of the United States. Their Arab backgrounds will undoubtedly help foster better US-Kuwaiti and US-Tunisian diplomatic relations.”


The nominations must now be considered and approved by a majority vote in the US Senate.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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US President Donald Trump introduces Democratic Muslim mayor of Hamtramck Amer Ghalib during his last campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 5, 2024. (AFP file photo)

Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Mayor Bill Bazzi†speaks as U.S. President Donald Trump listens during a campaign rally at Suburban Collection Showplace on October 26, 2024 in Novi, Michigan. (AFP file photo)

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AMERICAN / LEBANESE / YEMEN

PALESTINIAN-BRITISH : Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker Farah Nabulsi Highlights Palestinian Struggles in New Film

Oscar-nominated and BAFTA award-winning Palestinian-British filmmaker Farah Nabulsi is calling for global empathy towards Palestinians through her debut feature film, The Teacher.

In an interview, Nabulsi emphasized that her film aims to challenge audiences to reflect on the harsh realities Palestinians face under occupation. “I want people to ask themselves: Is this a reality they would accept for themselves? And if it isn’t, why have Palestinians been expected to?” she stated.

Nabulsi, whose film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2023, expressed that The Teacher offers a deeper human context to the ongoing situation in Palestine, especially as “Israel”’s actions in Gaza intensify.

Born and raised in the UK, Nabulsi’s first visit to Palestine a decade ago profoundly impacted her perspective, as she witnessed firsthand the injustice and discrimination faced by Palestinians. This experience spurred her to use storytelling as a way to process and respond to the issues she encountered.

Filming in the occupied West Bank proved emotionally and logistically challenging. Nabulsi shared that the realities of filming in such a context, alongside a cast and crew deeply affected by these experiences, created an emotional toll.

The film addresses issues such as settler violence, home demolitions, and the mistreatment of children in military courts, with Nabulsi drawing inspiration from real-life conversations and her observations. Through The Teacher, Nabulsi hopes to inspire global empathy for Palestinians and garner support for their struggle for freedom.

source/content: al24news.com (headline edited)

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BRITISH / PALESTINIAN

SAUDI ARABIA’s PIF-backed Scopely acquires Pokemon GO maker for $3.5bn

 Scopely, a US-based firm backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has signed a deal worth $3.5 billion to acquire the video game division of Niantic Labs.

In a press statement, Scopely said that the team employed to make games such as Pokemon GO, Monster Hunter Now and Pikmin Bloom are included in the acquisition. 

This takeover aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitions to establish itself as a global gaming destination, with a national strategy aiming to ensure that the sector will contribute $13 billion to gross domestic product by 2030. 

In April 2023, Savvy Games Group, wholly owned by PIF, acquired Scopely for $4.9 billion.

“Few games in the world have delivered the scale and longevity of ‘Pokemon GO,’ which reached over 100 million players just last year. The experience also stands apart for its unique ability to foster in-person connections, with Pokemon GO live events attracting millions of attendees,” said Tim O’Brien, chief revenue officer and board member of Scopely. 

Despite being launched nearly a decade ago, Pokemon GO is still one of the most popular games in the world, with over 20 million weekly active players. 

O’Brien added: “After spending time with the Niantic team, it quickly became clear that this organization shares our inclination to create industry-leading outcomes and exceptional player experiences. We look forward to a bright future ahead.” 

The games business of Niantic Labs generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2024, according to the statement. 

In a separate release, the US-based firm said it would distribute an extra $350 million to its equity holders under the deal, yielding a total value of approximately $3.85 billion for the company’s shareholders. 

Niantic added that it will also spin off its geospatial AI business into a new firm named Niantic Spatial, under the leadership of its founder and CEO, John Hanke.

The company will be funded with $250 million of capital, including $200 million from Niantic’s balance sheet and a $50 million investment from Scopely. 

“I’m confident our games will thrive with Scopely. I’ve often talked about building ‘forever games,’ and I believe they will continue to be just that,” Hanke wrote on his LinkedIn page. 

Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has been actively promoting the gaming industry, with PIF already holding stakes in major companies such as Nintendo, Electronic Arts, and Take-Two Interactive.

In 2024, the Kingdom also hosted the eSports World Cup, which carried a prize pool of over $60 million. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Pokemon GO is one of the most popular games in the world, with over 20 million weekly active players. Shutterstock

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SAUDI ARABIA

TUNISIAN-ITALIAN : The visual art of Monia Ben Hamouda on show in Tunis

By the Italian Embassy and the IIC.

From 26 February next, Monia Ben Hamouda’s exhibition entitled ‘Ya’aburnee’, curated by Anissa Touati, will be open to the public at the Selma Feriani Gallery in Tunis in partnership with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute of Tunis.


 The exhibition by the Italian-Tunisian artist, who won the prestigious MAXXI BVLGARI PRIZE 2024 last December, takes its name from the Arabic concept that translates as “you bury me”, reflecting the altruistic desire for a loved one to outlive himself.

Love and sacrifice, omnipresent in the exhibition, explore the complex ideas of language, history and understanding through an installation spanning three floors of the gallery, combining painting, sculpture and sound works, blurring our relationship with space.

Ben Hamouda aims to capture the distinctive soundscape of Arab countries, emphasising how these sounds shape cultural identity and perception.

source/content: ansabrasil.com.br

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ITALIAN / TUNISIAN

ISLAMIC WORLD : 2nd ‘Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought’ conference concludes in Makkah

Participants from more than 90 countries discuss development of comprehensive Islamic identity

1,800-page ‘Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony’ prepared by 60 scholars

The second “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought” international conference concluded in Makkah early on Saturday, with participants from more than 90 countries adopting the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony.”


Held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the two-day conference gathered senior muftis, scholars, and thinkers who also approved the strategic and executive plan for the document “Building Bridges between Islamic Sects,” a media statement said on Saturday.

The conference was organized by the Muslim World League and held under the theme “Towards an Effective Islamic Alliance.”

The high-level session dedicated to the recitation of the conference’s final statement, which was issued at dawn on Saturday, was attended by the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Sheikh Dr. Mohamed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa; Member of the Council of Experts for Leadership in Iran, Sheikh Ahmed Mobalghi; Adviser at the Royal Court in Saudi Arabia, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Hamid; Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais; Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Mustafa Qutb Sano; Member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Youssef bin Mohamed bin Saeed; and the Mufti of Sidon in Lebanon, Sheikh Mohamed Osseiran.

The attendees witnessed the launch of the “Encyclopedia of Islamic Intellectual Harmony,” which was supervised by the Intellectual Protection Center at the Saudi Ministry of Defense, and was prepared by 60 scholars over about 1,800 pages.

The encyclopedia was refereed by the General Secretariat of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Fiqh Academy, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League to be a roadmap for relations between Muslim sects.

Participants also decided in the final statement to consider the “Document on Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought” with its 28 articles as the basis and starting point for the path of joint Islamic action “scientifically” and “intellectually,” with a view to strengthening brotherhood and solidarity among the peoples of Muslim nations.

The attendees further extended their sincere thanks to the leadership of the Kingdom for the great services they are providing to Islam and Muslims.

They also affirmed their pride in the comprehensive Islamic identity, and their supportive stance toward the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land, and their rejection of displacement and destruction projects.

The conference witnessed several sessions addressing developments in Palestine, Sudan, and Syria, as well as issues concerning Muslim minorities around the world.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA / ISLAMIC WORLD



SAUDI ARABIA : Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah

Hira project provides immersive experience of Islamic history, Qur’anic heritage

Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the Holy Qur’an Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District.

Developed under the supervision of and with support from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, the museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors.

It is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the Qur’an and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the journey of Qur’anic transcription and its preservation through history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District is a focal point for those keen to experience the spirit and history of Makkah. Centered on Mount Hira, where the first revelation descended, it includes various facilities designed to enhance the religious and educational experience.

Among them is the Revelation Exhibition, which offers an interactive portrayal of the descent of revelation, and another that allows visitors to ascend to Hira Cave which was the scene of the revelation.

Among the artifacts on display are a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and several ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses.

The project also incorporates the Saudi Coffee Museum, the Cultural Library and Hira Park.

The Holy Qur’an Museum will remain open throughout Ramadan.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

KUWAIT : Team Kuwait’s First Female Olympic Rower Soaad Al-Faqaan Sets New National Record

The Kuwaiti athlete set a new person best time at the games in the women’s single sculls final rowing competition on Friday

Regional female athletes are giving us plenty to cheer about at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Team Bahrain’s Amani Al-Obaidly set a new national and personal best record in the women’s 100m backstroke heats earlier this week, while Team Saudi proudly celebrated its first female Olympic swimmer, 17-year-old Mashael Al Ayed. Emirati sprinter Maryam Al Farsi beat out her best time, setting a new personal record during the women’s 100-metre sprint today.

Now Kuwait’s Soaad Al-Faqaan is celebrating her own great accomplishment: setting a new national record in the the women’s single sculls final rowing competition. Soaad is Kuwait’s first female Olympic rower. Today, at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, she beat out her best time by 11 seconds in the women’s single sculls final E race, finishing with a time of 8:05.18 in fifth place.

Earlier this week she came fourth in the qualifying rounds, clocking a time of 8:28.89.

While she won’t be moving forward, Soaad has done a huge service to her country and the sport of rowing — and is clearly an inspiration for aspiring athletes from the region.

Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@kuwaitolympic

source/content: harpersbazaararabia.com (headline edited)

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KUWAIT

YEMENI – UAE : How the fragrance empire, Swiss Arabian Perfumes was built

Celebrating 50 years of growth and success.

In the world of fragrances, few names evoke as much resonance and admiration as Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group. Established as the first perfume manufacturer in the UAE, this year marks a significant milestone for the renowned UAE-born perfume house as it celebrates its golden jubilee – 50 years of crafting perfumes with luxury and elegance.

The beginning was in 1974 when Swiss Arabian seamlessly blended Arabian perfumery techniques with modern innovation. Hussein Adam Ali, Founder and Chairman of SAPG, came from Yemen to the UAE in 1974 with a dream. A man driven by an insatiable passion for perfumery and a deep appreciation for the art of scent, he laid the foundation for what would become a global fragrance empire.

Over the past five decades, Swiss Arabian has gained global recognition and taken pride in representing the art of perfumery to the rest of the world. As we reflect on five decades of fragrance mastery, it’s a story worth exploring about how this fragrance empire was built. Hussein Adam Ali’s keen understanding of the nuances of fragrance, coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellence, drove the brand to new heights.

“When I first moved to the UAE, I walked in the sun to save on taxis. This country became my home and turned my dreams into reality.” 

“I was 30 years old when I came to UAE to set up my business here. This country became my home and turned my dreams into reality. With an investment of half a million dirhams, 5,000 square feet perfume factory had been set up in Sharjah and became fully operational in six months. I was my own boss and drew a minimum stipend to cover my expenses. Today, SAPG has over 1000 employees and global business operations,” says Hussein Adam Ali, Founder and Chairman, SAPG.

His sons, Nabeel Adam Ali and Nader Adam Ali joined the company at a young age as well, and through their leadership, shaped Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group into a multinational award winning perfume house.

Swiss Arabian’s growth strategy is their product. Constantly innovating, creating and ensuring customer satisfaction is the core of their business. The brand’s continuous efforts at striving for perfection is evident in every aspect of its operations, from sourcing the finest raw materials to the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each bottle of perfume.

Despite the evolving trends and preferences in the perfume market, the brand has stayed true to its roots while embracing modern techniques and ingredients. This dedication to both tradition and innovation has earned Swiss Arabian a loyal following and global expansion. The Group also expanded to more brands such as Sapil Perfumes, Shirley May, Shirley May Deluxe and Alta Moda.

As Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group commemorates its 50th year, it is a celebration of longevity and a testament to hard work. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to pushing boundaries and creating fragrances that resonate with the diverse tastes and preferences of its clientele.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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YEMEN / SHARJAH, U.A.E

JORDAN : Mohammed Bin Rashid congratulates Jordanian Engineer Sahel Al Hayari for winning ‘Great Arab Minds award 2024’

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated architectural engineer Sahel Al Hayari, winner of the Great Arab Minds Award 2024 in the field of architecture and design.

Sheikh Mohammed said on X platform, “Today, we congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award 2024, Architectural Engineer Sahel Al Hayari from Jordan.”

Sheikh Mohammed said that Architect Al Hayari presents designs which combine heritage and modernity, identity and nature and has excelled in many distinctive architectural projects and participated in teaching architecture and presenting his research and works in the most prominent universities around the world.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that Arab architecture has influenced human civilisation through its unique styles and designs throughout history, and that there are many exceptional Arab talents among architects and designers who deserve support, empowerment, and appreciation.

Al Hayari is known for integrating innovative modern design with traditional Arab stonework, and for blending contemporary architectural elements with historical context. He has promoted the presence of Arab stone architecture from Jordan in international circles, and his unique style has created an interactive dialogue between topography and architecture.

Al Hayari holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

He also conducted postgraduate studies at the School of Architecture at the University of Venice and has lectured at prestigious colleges and universities in the fields of architecture and design around the world, including Columbia University and Harvard University in the United States, the University of Venice in Italy, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, the American University of Beirut, and the University of Science and Technology in Jordan. His works cover a wide range of design-related disciplines, including urban design, architectural structures, interior design, and exhibition design.

Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the “Great Arab Minds” Initiative, informed Sahel Al Hayari of his win of the award.

In a video call with him, he praised the unique artistic formula he created by combining architecture, fine arts, and urban design.

It is worth mentioning that the ‘Great Arab Minds’ award is the largest award of its kind in the Arab world, and it celebrates, for the second consecutive year, the achievements of Arab innovators for humanity in these fields.

source/content: gulftoday.ae (headline edited)

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Sahel Al Hayari is known for integrating innovative modern design with traditional Arab stonework

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JORDAN