Day: May 4, 2024

Baghdad, The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of the killers of the retired doctor, Faisal Al-Huwaizi, in Najaf.

The Ministry stated in a statement, ‘With a distinguished intelligence effort and through field follow-up, a joint force from the Falcons Cell and Anti-Crime Cell in the Najaf Governorate arrested the killers of the retired doctor, the late (Faisal Al-Huwaizi).’

The security forces found the body of Dr. Faisal Al-Huwaizi in his home in Najaf, after midnight on Thursday, after an armed robbery of the house..

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), a highlight in the UAE’s annual cultural calendar, has returned for its 15th edition. Spanning 12 days and boasting over 1,500 activities, this festival runs until May 12 and promises an unforgettable experience at the Expo Centre Sharjah.

Here are five reasons why SCRF this weekend is worth attending:

1. A theatrical wonderland: The SCRF transcends the typical reading festival by offering a rich tapestry of sensory delights. This weekend, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of theatre with performances that promise to mesmerise. Enjoy the melodious voice of Arab sensation Rasha Rizk as she brings anime and cartoon classics to life on May 4. Her performance will be followed by the dynamic Masaka Kids Africana, on May 5, whose electrifying dance routines and infectious energy will captivate your heart. Another theatrical treat, ‘Hum Bhi Agar Bacche Hote’ – storytelling by renowned Pakistani playwright Waseem Badami will be staged at 5pm at the SCR
F Ballroom Theatre on Sunday.

2. Workshops for every interest: The festival buzzes with a plethora of workshops that cater to every age and interest. From coding and science to arts, dance, and even cookery, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner. On Friday, for instance, you have furniture making and car making workshops. Mini Fashion shows allow children to design, sew, and display their creativity on the runway. Have a smashing good time at the Smash Room by breaking a collection of goodies such as plates to let off steam.

Dive into the daily agenda and find yourself spoiled for choice, making it tough to pick just one activity.

3. A book haven: Books are the heart and soul of this festival. With contributions from more than 186 publishers, visitors have an unparalleled opportunity to explore vast genres, snap up new releases, and enjoy cosy reading nooks perfect for losing yourself in a good story.

4. Engaging sessions for parents and caregivers: Navigating parenthood in the digital age come
s with unique challenges. The festival offers specialised workshops aimed at helping parents and caregivers manage the digital landscape effectively. Parents can head to the Cultural Forum or the Social Media cafe over the weekend to hear from experts including Dr Ahmed Bassiouni and Hamsa Younis on The Role of Family Counseling in Modifying the Behaviour of Children and Youth. There will be sessions on The Importance of Libraries in Promoting Academic Success, and How AI can be used to deliver personalised learning.

5. Culinary delights and creative spaces: Every corner of the festival bursts with creativity and colour, creating a feast for the senses. Let your curiosity lead the way as you explore vibrant halls filled with art and innovation. Don’t forget to indulge in an assortment of cookery programmes, such as, Divine Sushi Sandwich, Parfait blast, Pizza Muffins, Chinese Tea Workshop, South Asian and Middle Eastern Cuisines, and much more. You can rub shoulders or learn from the best chefs during the we
ekend. Some of the popular chefs hosting workshops over the weekend include Omari McQueen, Imad Al Arnab, Natalia Samoilova, Zaynah Din and more.

Besides, there’s also an array of delicious food options available, from food trucks to gourmet kiosks, ensuring a treat for your taste buds as well as your spirit.

The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is a haven for children, parents, and anyone with a youthful spirit or an appreciation for creativity. Whether you come for the enthralling workshops, to indulge in literature, or simply to enjoy some quality family time, you’ll depart with a smile, enriched by the joy of shared stories and new discoveries.

Don’t miss the chance to create beautiful memories this weekend at a festival that celebrates the wonder of reading and the power of imagination.

Source: Emirates News Agency

KUWAIT, The Kuwaiti oil price fell 42 cents to USD 85.21 per barrel (pb) on Friday compared to USD 88.63 pb the day before, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said on Saturday.

In international markets, futures of the Brent crude oil fell 71 cents to reach USD 82.96 pb and those of the West Texas Intermediate crude oil moved down by 84 cents to settle at USD 78.11 a barrel.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

SHARJAH: Books and libraries are here to stay despite the overarching influence of the digital world and the emotional connection with physical books cannot be replaced by hand-held devices, agreed three distinguished personalities involved with books and libraries at the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) that is taking place in Expo Centre Sharjah.

Moderated by radio presenter Louis Denham, the panel discussion ‘The Importance of Libraries in Promoting Academic Success’ had Sohini Mitra, Penguin Random House India publisher of Children and Young Adult books; Cathy Camper, Arab-American author, librarian and artist; and Flora Majdalawi, Jordan-based author and publisher, all rooting for books and their enduring relevance for children and adults alike.

They vouched that a well-equipped library is essential for scholarly pursuits, providing students and scholars with a vast array of information and cultural resources.

Camper, who has worked for years as a librarian in the US, fel
t there was a rhythm in turning the pages of a physical book, helping a child to physically interact with a story. ‘Opening a hard copy is an exciting prospect for a child,’ she noted. Though she supported both physical and digital books, she saw a huge burst of online books during Covid-19 and after.

Sohini Mitra agreed reading a vast array of books from different cultures fostered one’s understanding of a different world, widened one’s perspective about life and shaped a wholesome human being. She noted that while public libraries benefit those who cannot afford to buy books it gives each child an agency or an empowerment to choose. ‘Discoverability will happen only in a physical space like libraries and bookstores,’ she observed, while agreeing that books will coexist with technology.

‘The world of reading is not going anywhere. For conscientious parents, bonding with children can happen over books and if you want to engage meaningfully at the end of the day, books are a great medium,’ she concluded.

Ma
jdalawi agreed that books have a positive relationship with people across the world. Apart from providing academic information, they give values and morals to those who seek knowledge. She pointed out the role of libraries as a social hub, giving the example of a library in Finland situated near the country’s Parliament which provides adequate space for sports, sewing, cooking sessions and so on.

The 15th edition, which runs from May 1-12, has the theme ‘Once Upon a Hero’. The action-packed festival for young readers, artists and creatives as well as their families showcases millions of books including latest releases in children’s and YA literature from across the globe.

Source: Emirates News Agency

KUWAIT, The Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Minister of the Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, arrived in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on Saturday.

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak offered condolences on the demise of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammad Al-Nahyan, the Representative of the Ruler in Al-Ain, at Al-Mishref Palace in the UAE capital.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

RIYADH: The Saudi Royal Court today announced that Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud had passed away outside the Kingdom.

The funeral prayer will be performed tomorrow following the Aser prayer at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Source: Emirates News Agency

3150541 KUWAIT — Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya arrives in Banjul for Islamic Summit.

3150501 ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announces suspension of trade ties with the Israeli occupation entity.

3150490 PARIS – UNESCO’s world press freedom prize is awarded to the Palestinian journalists covering Israel’s genocidal acts in Gaza Strip.

3150542 NEW YORK — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expresses shock at the high number of journalists killed by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza Strip.

3150534 WASHINGTON — The White House deplores death of a top orthopedic surgeon from Gaza at an Israeli jail.

3150503 ISLAMABAD — At least 20 people are killed and 21 others injured in a tragic road accident in Pakistan.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

NEW YORK: Marking the World Press Freedom Day on Friday, 3rd May, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted an uptick in violence faced by journalists covering environmental issues, which has made the profession increasingly dangerous.

The UN chief said journalists and media professionals ‘have a key role in informing and educating’ the public about the world’s current environmental and climate emergency which stands as a threat to future generations.

It is through this work that people can have a greater understanding of environmental factors affecting the world and advocate for change, he said.

However, based on recent UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) reports, journalists, especially environmental journalists, face violent attacks and even death for simply doing their job.

‘Dozens of journalists covering illegal mining, logging, poaching and other environmental issues have been killed in recent decades,’ Guterres said. But,’in the vast majority of cases, no one has b
een held to account.’

UNESCO’s report analysed the violence environmental journalists face.

The report found that journalists and news outlets reporting on environmental issues dealt with about 750 attacks in the past 15 years, the Secretary-General said.

In an interview with UN News, Guilherme Canela, UNESCO’s chief of freedom of expression and safety of journalists, said the report found that 70 percent of journalists doing environmental reporting dealt with at least one form of violence, and a quarter of the surveyed reporters dealt with legal attacks.

Additionally, Canela said that over the past 50 years, 44 journalists covering environmental stories were killed.

He said it is important to remember that journalists are important observers of conflict zones and that they provide lifesaving information for civilian populations affected by these conflicts.

‘UNESCO is sounding the alarm that we need to take care of the protection of those journalists covering environmental issues,” he said, “because rai
sing that awareness about what’s going on in the environment and holding powerful actors accountable is absolutely essential to face the current environmental challenges that the planet is having.’

30 years after the historic Santiago Declaration, which advanced media independence and pluralism, UNESCO reaffirms its worldwide commitment to defending press freedom of expression.

World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Jerusalem – Together – The occupation police obstructed the entry of Christians and Holy Saturday celebrants into the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

Local sources reported that the occupation police tightened their procedures at the gates of the Old City, and obstructed the crossing of Jerusalemite Christians to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, to revive religious rituals.

Source: Maan News Agency

SHARJAH: The Health, Labour and Social Affairs Committee of Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) received an in-depth review of the operations of the Sharjah Health Authority and its crucial role in healthcare within the Emirate of Sharjah.

The committee’s visit signifies the commencement of its endeavours for the first regular session of the eleventh legislative term. It holds high hopes for coordinating its plan with the vision of the Consultative Council and the dedicated efforts of its members in serving the community and tackling significant issues.

A delegation from the Health Affairs Committee of the Council led by Mohammed Saleh Al Ali, the committee’s chairman, along with other committee members, recently attended a meeting.

The delegation was welcomed by officials in Sharjah, including Dr. Abdulaziz bin Butti Al Muhairi, Executive Council member of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority. Al Ali applauded their dedicated efforts in bolstering the healthcare system in the Emirate of Sha
rjah. He emphasised that from the inception of the Consultative Council’s operations, the committee has made it a priority to visit the authority, gain insights into its responsibilities, and strengthen ties to prioritise the well-being of the people in Sharjah, in line with the emirate’s policies.

Dr. Al Muhairi stressed that the establishment of the authority reflects His Highness’s keen interest in improving the quality of life and ensuring prosperity for citizens. This is particularly evident in the efforts to enhance healthcare services.

The Authority was established and given the necessary powers and budgets to achieve its goals and contribute to the development of the Emirate of Sharjah in the healthcare field. It aims to provide a wide range of services, including preventive, therapeutic, and supportive care for individuals and the community.

The meeting then covered a variety of important topics concerning the health sector. These included examining reports on medical services, discussing future p
lans for healthcare infrastructure development, and finding ways to enhance the quality of healthcare for the community.

Members of the committee stressed the significance of enhancing collaboration between the Council and the Authority to guarantee the delivery of top-notch and cutting-edge healthcare services that cater to the requirements and desires of residents.

Dr. Al Muhairi and Amal Ahmed Sultan Al Qatari Al Suwaidi, the Director of the Sharjah Health Authority, recently discussed the health insurance policy in the Emirate of Sharjah and the services offered by the University Hospital for the elderly. They emphasised the Authority’s commitment to attracting specialised investments in the healthcare sector, ensuring the highest international standards in a favourable investment environment. One notable project in this regard is the Sharjah Healthcare City.

Upon concluding their visit, the members took a tour of the clinics and health centres located within the premises of the Sharjah Health Authorit
y. They familiarised themselves with the various therapeutic services offered and praised the accomplishments of the Sharjah Health Authority in recent times.

The members expressed their unwavering support for future endeavours aimed at improving healthcare in the emirate, with the ultimate goal of creating a thriving and healthy society.

Source: Emirates News Agency