Bethlehem – Ma’an – On Monday morning, the occupation forces arrested the sister of the head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh.
The occupation forces stormed the house of Ismail Haniyeh’s sister in Tel Saba in the Negev and arrested her.
Source: Maan News Agency
Doha: The State of Qatar will host the 2nd edition of the Gulf Housing Week, scheduled to be held from May 13-16 at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).
In a statement, the Ministry of Social Development and Family said that this event is an important platform for government entities and agencies across the GCC region to meet and exchange visions and ideas, and chart an advanced path to achieve sustainable social development and family well-being.
The ministry indicated that the Gulf Housing Week is a significant pivotal forum for dialogue and cooperation between the main parties, decision and policymakers, housing sector experts, and innovators from the GCC countries, in addition to addressing relevant issues and researching and exploring innovative solutions aimed at promoting comprehensive growth and prosperity in the region, with full attention and focus on housing and community well-being.
In turn, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Affairs Fahd Mohammed Al Khayarin stressed the M
inistry of Social Development and Family’s commitment to promoting social development and family well-being, noting that the Gulf Housing Week will see a review of joint efforts to address the challenges facing the housing sector, as well as promoting the process of sustainable urbanization and development.
Al Khayarin said that they aspire, through meaningful and constructive dialogue, to chart a clear path towards a brighter future for the societies, characterized by flexibility, prosperity, and well-being. He added that the Gulf Housing Week will host a variety of sessions, panels, and workshops, and will provide attendees with an exceptional opportunity to participate in a meaningful dialogue to enhance cooperation and participation, which contributes directly to the process of sustainable development.
He added that the topics that would be presented during the week will discuss a number of important topics, including affordability of housing, urban planning, and community empowerment, in addition to se
veral other important topics.
Gulf Housing Week will kick off in conjunction with the 5th edition of the “Build Your Home” exhibition, which represents an exceptional opportunity for officials in government agencies to communicate directly with Qatari citizens and stakeholders in the housing sector.
The “Build Your Home” exhibition aims to attract reputable contractor companies in Qatar to make way for users, especially Qataris, to understand and learn about the latest developments in contracting and architectural design to implement their own dream homes.
Source: Qatar News Agency
Tabuk, The Saudi Press Agency spoke with elderly people in Tabuk Region about cherished memories of Ramadan from their youth.
The interviews concerned the manner in which they used to welcome the holy month, the spiritual atmosphere they experienced, and the challenges they faced during those times.
“Despite difficult times,” recalled Manzel Al-Anzi, “Ramadan was always greeted with joy and enthusiasm. It held a unique spiritual quality, setting it apart from other months. Preparations began upon hearing news of the month’s arrival, much like today. However, unlike our present blessings, people then had limited food variety. We lived in mobile dwellings (tents and huts) and fasted despite intense thirst, hunger, and harsh weather.”
“Life in the Tabuk desert was simple, with shared tents and communal meals,” said Fahad Al-Atawi.
“During Ramadan, tribes would gather for iftar, rotating hosting duties. Each person contributed what they could.”
Al-Atawi said the “Ramadan table” featured simple fare like date
s, milk, bread, and meat, ‘when available’. People also enjoyed “murayda”, a sweet drink made from soaked dates.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Doha: The College of Health Sciences at University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) received the Canadian EQual Accreditation for three of its distinguished bachelor programs, Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography, Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine and Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy.
The accreditation award certificates were presented to President of UDST Dr. Salem Al Naemi by Accreditation Canada CEO Lauralee Thompson. The accreditation is a true testament to the quality of applied and academic education provided at UDST. The recognition ensures that graduates of these programs are well-prepared with the latest knowledge and best practices, equipping them to deliver effective care upon entering their respective fields.
The success of UDST’s programs in meeting assessment requirements was highlighted during on-site surveys conducted by EQual specialists. The engagement of faculty instructors, clinical practicum supervisors, and students was particularly noted, reflecting an unden
iable commitment to excellence.
In addition to honing healthcare skills, the four-year degrees provide students with the opportunity to delve into their roles within a holistic learning experience. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical competency, fostering the right attitudes, and practicing sound judgment, strengthening the quality of healthcare these graduates can provide in their communities.
Vice President, Academic Affairs at UDST Dr. Rachid Benlamri commented on the programs remarkable achievement, stating that UDST takes pride in educating the next generation of healthcare providers in Qatar and across the globe. He added that the recognition received by EQual Accreditation is a testament to UDSTs ongoing efforts to offer exceptional programs that meet internationally recognized standards and contribute to the nations labor needs and Qatar National Vision 2030.
For his part, Director of Health Education Accreditation, Accreditation Canada Roman Savka commented on the notable achievement by the
University, stating that the Accreditation Canada congratulates UDST for receiving its first EQual accreditations.
These accreditations for Paramedicine, Medical Radiography, and Respiratory Therapy are a sign of excellence in health education and show UDSTs commitment to ensuring its graduates provide safe, high-quality care at their entry to practice in Qatars health system.
The College of Health Sciences offers 13 cutting-edge programs including two masters, nine bachelor’s and two diplomas. Students learning experience takes place in state-of-the-art facilities and is guided by a high caliber of faculty with comprehensive international experience. This exemplary array of programs and offerings supports the Universitys mission to build a strong and thriving healthcare workforce.
Source: Qatar News Agency
Riyadh: According to the National Center for Meteorology, strong winds will blow and moderate to heavy rain and hail may fall in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah.
Light to moderate rain may fall in parts of Qassim, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region.
Dust-stirring winds will blow in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Tabuk, Hail, and Madinah.
Winds over the Red Sea will be northerly to northwesterly, reaching 20-50 km/h in the northern and central parts, southeasterly to northeasterly, reaching 15-35 km/h and shifting at night to northerly to northwesterly in the southern parts, and southeasterly to southerly, reaching 15-50 km/h towards the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Waves may range from half a meter to more than two meters; the sea will be calm to choppy.
In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be easterly to southeasterly, at speeds of 15-45 km/h in the northern parts. Waves may reach from half a meter to one and a half meters; the sea will be relatively calm.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Nablus – Ma’an – Police spokesman Colonel Louay Irziqat reported this evening that a 70-year-old citizen was killed in the town of Aqraba, south of Nablus.
He added that the police and security services began search and investigation procedures to determine the circumstances of the incident, while a force headed to the town to impose security and public order.
Source: Maan News Agency
Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed via a phone call on Monday with his Russian counterpart bilateral relations between Turkiye and Russia.
They also discussed regional topics of mutual interest and the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.
Source: Qatar News Agency
Doha: The Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South at Northwestern University in Qatar (#IAS_NUQ) launched the #IAS_NUQ Press, a new academic publishing house dedicated to capturing and amplifying diverse voices and narratives on the Global South.
As a multimodal and multilingual press, #IAS_NUQ Press will publish a variety of scholarly and creative media works, including academic papers, multimedia projects, and research briefs, in languages relevant to the work and made available in a unified, open-access repository. Media outputs will include scholarship and publications by #IAS_NUQ’s fellows developed from its programs. They include Arab Information and Media Studies (AIMS) workshops, the Southern Digitalities conference, and special projects from collaborations with partners and affiliates.
“The #IAS_NUQ Press is a significant milestone for Northwestern Qatar and #IAS_NUQ. Media scholarship and now publications will expand our impact and reach,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northweste
rn Qatar and founder of #IAS_NUQ.
“By embracing open access, multimodality, and multilingualism, #IAS_NUQ will provide access for our diverse voices from the Global South and scholars from other geographies and domains. This initiative will allow us to be globally resonant and locally relevant.” The Press’ inaugural publication, “Developing Critical Security Studies from Doha – A Roundtable,” which examines security and insecurity, interests, and cultures from the perspective of the Global South, materialized in partnership with the Arab Council for Social Science (ACSS) and is available in English and Arabic. It features a series of essays by faculty and researchers from Northwestern Qatar and the Critical Security Studies Hub at #IAS_NUQ, offering an inclusive and nuanced understanding of security and covering approaches within border, migration, legal, youth, and feminist studies.
“The publication’s bilingual format and open-access nature exemplify our commitment to stimulate critical conversations aroun
d enduring questions and emerging challenges that confront the Global South. It is the first of many to come and an example of our collaborative spirit encouraging convergence of domains to expand reach,” reflects Kraidy.
Since its founding in 2022, #IAS_NUQ, a research initiative dedicated to amplifying Northwestern Qatar scholarship and mediamaking, has supported faculty and student scholarship on the histories, cultures, societies, and media of the Global South through its flagship Global Undergraduate Fellowship, postdoctoral scholarship, Global Fellowship, and other research programs. With the launch of #IAS_NUQ Press, Northwestern Qatar can now expand to produce and publish evidence-based storytelling and creative media.
Source: Qatar News Agency
Damascus, An Israeli act of aggression targeted on Monday afternoon the Iranian consulate building in Mezzeh neighborhood in Damascus.
SANA reporter said that the aggression caused massive destruction to the building and damage to neighboring buildings.
The army air defenses repelled some of the Israeli agression’s missiles.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency
Makkah: The Grand Mosque boasts over 120,000 lighting units throughout its courtyards, roof, minarets, and expansions. The extensive display reflects the care and attention given by the wise leadership to the Two Holy Mosques.
The mosque features approximately 6,900 large chandeliers and over 500 differently shaped chandeliers, lanterns, and lamps. The fixtures are decorated with Islamic-inspired designs, some of which are engraved with verses from the Holy Quran in beautiful artistic and decorative lines.
The Grand Mosque also has over 1,000 LED lighting units distributed throughout its premises. These units are connected to a special control station that uses the latest lighting, control, and density technologies. The units are installed on the surrounding pillars and external walls. They consist of chandeliers, lanterns, and lamps that operate on an LED energy-efficient lighting system, improving lighting efficiency and saving energy.
The Grand Mosque’s chandeliers, lanterns, and lamps have a unique des
ign that is consistent with its architectural style. They are made of stainless steel coated with 2-micron gold. Each chandelier weighs 280 kilograms and has a protective layer of lacquer that resists scratches and shocks. The suspension system dedicated to them is of the “duplex” type, which is dynamic and flexible, resistant to air currents and climate changes. The system has been engineered according to the best technical specifications and practices in the field and complies with the Saudi Building Code.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is responsible for regularly maintaining the lighting units at the Two Holy Mosques, including polishing and ensuring the proper functioning of the spotlights and their connections.
Maintenance teams also take care of the lanterns of Ismail’s Stone by replacing the spotlight entirely in case of failure. The lanterns are disassembled, and their parts are stripped of old paint, treated, and then polished by a te
am specialized in metalwork using materials and equipment dedicated to rehabilitating and maintaining metals. Afterward, the lantern is coated with gold water that has a thickness of 4 microns.
The authority’s General Administration of Operation and Maintenance also conducts monthly maintenance of the three Ismail’s Stone chandeliers. These chandeliers are designed as lanterns that stand on a broad base. The lanterns are decorated with arches and have a glass background that allows light to pass through. The lanterns end with a pointed head shaped like a crescent. The lanterns have a 40-watt LED spotlight that emits a green glow.
Source: Saudi Press Agency